Taylor Cavanaugh is the only known person to be a Navy SEAL, and also join the French Foreign Legion. His story is unique, but the man himself has always been a Main Character, and we're excited to bring you this conversation.

Growing up in San Diego, Taylor Cavanough has been walking the line between 2 worlds and living a life of extremities even as a youth. In this episode we dive into some of his backstory, growing up around strip clubs, and doing steroids on trips to Mexico before football practice, all before he was even able to drive.

Stepping away from that life and choosing a new path for himself, Taylor turned towards the military, but was denied at every branch except the Navy due to tattoos and having too many misdemeanors stacked up.

Taylor has an amazing story and has been on a lot of podcasts sharing his perspective, but this is a fun episode where we get to hear some stories that he's never told in public before, as well as a few from the rest of the Liberty Risk crew.

Here are a few highlights that we get into:

• The pros & cons of steroid use, when it's helpful and when it's not - note: Taylor was never on any PED's during selection courses for either SEALs or French Foreign Legion.

• Hydro recons around the world and why they suck.

• When to evade trouble, and when to face the music.

• Sometimes it helps to have a spare 🍆.

• How perspective changes as you get older, and the weight of leadership responsibility.

• The power and freedom of understanding your weaknesses.

• A couple bar fight stories, some wins, some losses, and how Kevin lost his tooth.

• The crew discusses tattoo culture: what's lame, what's cool, and why you can't "tattoo yourself tough".

• Riding the edge, and having a fall back plan. Playig it smart.

• A French Foreign Legion party story in a strange small town - A la village! "To the village!" ❄️

• A discussion on how life looks as an older man, seeing life differently through each decade, 30's, 40's, and 50's.

• The importance of having a mission and purpose in life, especially guys coming from a military background, and how you can feel lost without it.

Thank you for listening, we hope you enjoy this episode!

Get in touch with Taylor here:

✖️ Taylor Cavanaugh Website - https://www.taylorcavanaugh.com/

✖️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tcavofficial/

✖️ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@tcavofficial

Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by:

✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com/pages/manufacturing-new

✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com/

✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com/

✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc/

Billy Helmers has been a steady hand helping to guide NSW for 20+ years, in this episode we dive into a lifetime of overcoming challenges, and navigating storms, both literal and figurative.

From the oil fields of West Texas to the shores of Coronado, Billy grew up riding bulls, but he never expected to become a SEAL, he just wanted a way out of the small town life he left behind.

Traveling the country and jumping into stadiums filled with thousands of people as part of the iconic Leap Frogs (Navy parachute team), Billy learned to party with the best of them, but also learned temperance and balance. Traits which served him well as he's become a sounding board for a lot of other strong willed Frogmen as they navigate their own journeys, both in and out of the Teams.

Here are some highlights of the many stories we track through on this episode.

• When the XO pulls a gun on Billy during mast for a DUI while still in BUD/S.

• Accidentally setting the record for highest jump from a GOPlat (Gas & Oil Platform).

• Funny bar fight stories in domestic & foreign lands.

• The art of dealing with what life throws at you.

• Experiences being on the Navy parachute team (The Leap Frogs).

• The importance of continuing to evolve as a person, and as a man of character.

• Developing grit & resilience to overcoming both physical, mental, and emotional hardships.

• How being there for others helps you show up for yourself as well.

• The power of relationships.

Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by:

✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com/pages/manufacturing-new

✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com/

✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com/

✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc/

With a 25 year career in NSW spanning everything from SDV's to platoons on both East & West coasts and multiple tours as an Instructor, Ivan Krusic has seen a lot of history unfold in the SpecWar community, and he's been an active part of it as well.

In this episode we dive into some of the legendary stories in our community, and uncover what really happened by hearing it first hand from guys who were there.

With his father fighting in WW2 for Yugoslavia, Ivan's family has a long history of military service. We touch on Ivan's upbringing in northern California, and the teenage adventures that eventually brought him to the Navy, and what drew him to the SEAL Teams in particular.

There are so many stories and wild characters to go through this episode feels like a Quintin Tarantino film, here are a couple highlights:

• The origins of the different hand to hand fighting systems SpecWar has used over the years, which ones worked for bar fights and which ones didn't.

• The backstory behind what later became a legendary, decades long rivalry between SEAL Platoons and top level pro MMA fighters in a specific NorCal town.

• Can body parts be racist?

• The "crab pot mentality" and knowing where to draw the line with "friends".

• A very deep side conversation with Billy Helmers about love, acceptance, marriage, and managing loss.

• How a SEAL platoon made the front page of the papers for burning down a California town (on accident).

• What holds SpecOps guys, pro athletes, doctors, pilots and other high level performers back from achieving success in other fields.

• How the SpecWar leadership felt about an Instructor pulling up in a Lambo.

• The crew shares their unfiltered thoughts on Chris Beck and other Teamguys in drag.

• Calling Post Malone.

Guest charity highlight:

✖️ Rockin' With The SEALs (Website) - https://rockinwiththeseals.org/

✖️ Rockin' With The SEALs (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/rockinwiththeseals/

Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by:

✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com/pages/manufacturing-new

✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com/

✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com/

✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc/

In this episode of the Liberty Risk Podcast, Ryan and Nick sit down with Mitch Aguiar - former Navy SEAL, professional MMA fighter, and founder of the Smashin' Frog brand. From mowing lawns in 5th grade for ice cream truck money to fighting in the cage, going viral, chartering private jets, and leading successful businesses, Mitch shares unfiltered stories packed with grit, humor, and hard-earned lessons.

We talk about the real perception of SEALs, the highlight-reel illusion of Instagram, and the unique challenges of transitioning from elite military missions to leading civilian teams. Mitch opens up about leadership missteps, building company culture, and why staying authentic (and occasionally ridiculous) is key to long-term success.

In this episode you'll hear:

• The most accurate Navy SEAL movie ever made (spoiler: Navy SEALs with Charlie Sheen)
• Social media, authenticity, and why "that which is most personal is the most universal"
• Behind the scenes of Mitch's fight with Sean Strickland - and the viral moment that got overshadowed by a presidential assassination attempt
• The mindset shift from amateur cage matches to professional MMA competition
• Lessons in leadership from the Teams vs. civilian workplaces
• Adjusting your approach when your employees are literally afraid of you
• Building business culture - and why sometimes it involves wearing Dumb & Dumber suits on a private jet

From combat to the cage to the boardroom, Mitch proves that success comes from adaptability, authenticity, and never taking yourself too seriously.

Please check out more of Mitch's endeavors here:

✖️ MASF Supplements - https://masfsupplements.com/

✖️ Violent Hippie - https://violenthippie.com/

✖️ Adopt A Cop BJJ - https://adoptacopbjj.org/

Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by:

✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com/pages/manufacturing-new

✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com/

✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com/

✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc/

✖️ MASF Supplements - https://masfsupplements.com/

Liberty Risk Episode 7 with Dave "Gut" Gutierez

If you're a West Coast Teamguy, no doubt you've heard of Dave "Gut" Gutierez, he's been famous in our community for a variety of reasons, but mostly because of his huge…. PERSONALITY. You'll see what we mean when you listen to this episode.

As a brother, as a friend, mentor, Teammate, Instructor, or family man, Dave has been many things to many people over the years, and we're fortunate to be able to share some of these stories with you.

From joining the Navy in 1989 to completing 13 deployments and retiring in 2017 as a Command Master Chief, then his continuing journey through sobriety, this 4 hour episode goes through a lot of history, both personally, and within the SpecWar community.

There are some bar stories, and some fight stories, some love stories, and some monkey stories, which are all incredibly hilarious, but by far the most impactful is his story of sobriety.

A lot of guys are afraid they'll miss out on the fun stuff, or be considered "uncool" if they stop drinking, after seeing this episode, I think you'll agree that Dave is still one of the coolest Frogmen to ever swim ashore. Dave walks us through the steps of his sobriety journey, where he stumbled, and how he recovered.

If you're on a similar path, you'll certainly get a lot out of this episode.

Here are a few of the MANY stories we get into:

• A guy using a cargo strap to try and win a bet if he can svck his own 🍆😳

• First time women were allowed at a Team, and the problem with dudes wearing "short" shorts.

• Dividing marital assets with a chainsaw, or a samurai sword (for flare). 🥷

• An unbelievable origin story of another Teamguy legend, Steve Hines. 🦍

• How a monkey learned to smoke, then became an arsonist. 🐒🔥

• Hazing adventures, "happy hats", and how to diffuse a poop booby trap. 💩💣

• The origins of their Motorcycle Club - Frogmen MC - and their not so warm welcome to the biker world.

• A discussion of the different fighting styles the Teams have used over the years, from SAFTA, to SCARS, to Dieter, to MMA.

• Ryan fighting a naked and soapy 6'6" black dude in Africa.

• A student having to get life flighted off San Clemente Island for a ball injury. 🚁 🍒

• The importance of a good support network, and the difference a good woman can make in a man's life.

Our abs hurt the next day from laughing so hard! We're excited to share this episode with you, and to give you a glimpse into the life and legacy of a Teamguy Legend. 🔱🏴‍☠️

Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by:

✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com/pages/manufacturing-new

✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com/

✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com/

✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc/

On this episode of the Liberty Risk Podcast, Ryan and Nick sit down with fellow former Navy SEAL Tim Speer for a no-filter conversation on resilience, training, and the wild path to the Teams.

Tim and Nick go way back to high school, where Tim's early years as a troublemaker included run-ins with the law, couch surfing, and using athletics to keep himself on track. Nearly barred from joining the military due to legal trouble and old medical records, Tim found creative ways around the roadblocks - proving that determination and resourcefulness can open doors to even the most elite units.

In this episode you'll hear:

• Tim's journey from high school troublemaker to Navy SEAL, and the creative workaround that got him past enlistment barriers

• Simple, effective training methods: pull-ups through doorways, lunch break runs, and staying consistent anywhere

• The benefits, risks, and personal stories of steroid use - in the military and beyond

• Navigating "illegal" activities in the military without risking your teammates or chain of command

• The check-in process for SEAL Team 1 in the '90s and the infamous 20 pull-up challenge

• Old man strength and how other countries supply steroids to their Special Ops units

• The origin of "Thicc Nick"

• Testosterone replacement, HGH, and the supplements that stack with them

• How to identify and manage "roid rage"

• The 3, 4, 5 plate lifting standard and why setting your own standards matters

• Nature vs. nurture: guiding your kids while keeping it real

From lifting heavy to living smart, this conversation blends gritty SEAL stories, practical training advice, and lessons in pushing past limits - on the job, in the gym, and in life.

Tim is a 10 year veteran of the SEAL Teams, single dad to 3 great kids, COO at Trident Table Foundation, and co-founder/COO of Red Watch, check out the links to see more:

✖️ Tim Speer Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tim.g.speer/

✖️ Trident Table Foundation - https://tridenttablefoundation.org/

✖️ Red Watch - https://www.instagram.com/red_watch/

Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by:

✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com/pages/manufacturing-new

✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com/

✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com/

✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc/

In Part 2 of our sit-down with Sean Stokes, the stories get wilder, the lessons hit harder, and the laughs don't stop.

We dig into the highly effective (and often hilarious) tactics military recruiters use to get young men to sign up for dangerous jobs - hint: it involves attractive women. From there, we roll into dating cultire and why San Diego is often referred to "Man Diego", moonshine mishaps, and home bars stacked with 70+ bottles, stripper shoes, and a TV looping Motley Crüe videos.

You'll also hear about:

• Naked parties with Australian SAS operators

• Smelling salts gone wrong

• The Experimental Diving Unit's unique training method (involving an exercise bike and a thermometer in an uncomfortable place)

• Nearly being sucked into the props of a cargo ship during a night dive

• Puking through a regulator in Fiji—and a parrotfish with bad intentions

• A Russian nightclub adventure in Germany that escalates to hand grenades, improvised weapons, and an emergency taxi escape

• Creative uses for glass tables, fiber-fueled timing, and stealing a taxi driver's coin purse at 4 a.m.

We wrap with a look at life as older men—how the wild stories of our past shape us, what we've learned, and how we apply those lessons to be better husbands, fathers, and (semi) responsible humans.

Get to know Sean Stokes more through his Instagram link below

✖️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/seans150/

Liberty Risk Podcast sponsored by:

✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com/pages/manufacturing-new

✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com/

✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com/

✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc/

From submarines to SEAL Teams, 13,000+ skydives to a degree from Columbia University, Sean Stokes has packed more life into his years than most could dream of. In this episode of Liberty Risk, Sean takes us from the East Coast to the West Coast, through underwater missions and high-altitude free falls, with stories that are equal parts insane, inspiring, and completely unfiltered.

A recurring theme in Sean's life? Spot a weakness, attack it until it becomes a strength. Whether it was bouncing back from a traumatic skydiving injury to become a world-class jumper, or turning a struggle with creative writing into a top-tier Ivy League degree, Sean proves resilience isn't just a skill - it's a lifestyle.

In this episode you'll hear:

• How a Navy recruiter's BS'ing launched Sean's journey from submarines to the SEAL Teams

• Skydiving mishaps, static line vs free fall, and why landing can be scarier than jumping

• The culture that keeps elite military units sharp - and why it matters for society at large

• Submarine stories with rattling pipes, spinning depth gauges, and emergency surfacing like a "flying fish"

• Wild liberty in Guam, revenge peeing, and waking up in a doghouse wearing ripped tighty whities

• The pros and cons of dating strippers, school teachers, and nurses

• "No strings attached" relationships, handyman bartering, and questionable payment plans

• Drinking strategy: when it's a net positive vs a net negative

• And yes… shitting your pants in the control room

From near-death experiences to laugh-out-loud chaos, Sean's stories prove that adventure isn't just about where you go - it's about how you handle what comes next.

Join us on the journey that is Episode 4 with Sean Stokes, and the best part? There's more - Part 2 releases next Friday: April 25th, 2025.

Get to know Sean Stokes more through his Instagram link below

✖️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/seans150/

Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by:

✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com/pages/manufacturing-new

✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com/

✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com/

✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc/

Episode 3:

All 3 first episodes were filmed back to back, so the boys are starting to get a little sloppy by this point, now we're getting to the real stuff! 🥃

Kevin & Nick talk about what it's like behind the scenes of hollywood and dealing with big personalities.

The technical accuracy of different tactical films, which ones are legit, and the details of what makes them legit.

An examle of mutual support between different branches overseas to allow a team to get retribution for a fallen comrade.

Collecting war trophies, some people collect ear necklaces, some collect hundreds of panties in a duffel bag. Some people then have to explain to Army CID (Criminal Investigative Division) why they have said collection.

Dealing with heavy war fighting, coming home and falling into addiction to deal with the trauma, then going back into the fray just a couple weeks later.

The surprising ineffectiveness of grenades.

Seeing the realities and stark differences between the 2 main cultures in the war, watching a dad pour gasoline on his daughter and burn her alive for perceived flirting with Americans.

Where does it stop being "culture differences" and start becoming as plain as good and evil?

Coming home from chaotic deployments and feeling like you're living between two worlds.

Finding balance in your expectations of performance at work and at home, managing which elements of your life you're willing to sacrifice and prioritize, at different times.

Discussing the value of psychedelics and therapeutics.

Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by:

✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com/pages/manufacturing-new

✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com/

✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com/

✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc/

Episode 2: The meaning of Liberty Risk.

Why the term "He'd make a great neighbor" is one of the worst things you can call a Teamguy.

Motley Crue & Charlie Sheen's perspective on hookers.

Nick's story of Calvary Scouts in Germany who brought absinthe but not food to camping trip so they killed & roasted some local wildlife to the horror of passer's by the next morning. Police came and everyone got in trouble, except one guy who escaped capture because he was asleep on a blow up mattress in the middle of the lake.

A "black list" of drinking establishments that are "off limits" on deployment is more like an itinerary of places to check out.

The REAL hardest part about BUD/S, and the importance of durability over performance.

Opinions of females in SpecOps positions and the evolution of the fitness standards in the SEAL Teams.

Other military roles that women are highly valued in, and phenomenally well suited for.

The origin of the timeless philosophical quote "you fuck with the dick you got, not the dick you wish you had", and other legends of TFC.

Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by:

✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com/pages/manufacturing-new

✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com/

✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com/

✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc/