Mandatory Fun

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Blake, Tim, and O.V. speak with Army veteran and fitness expert Jennifer Campbell on what veterans can do during their busy day to stay in shape when going to morning PT isn't an option.

"Veterans have a 70 percent higher chance of developing obesity than the general public," Jennifer Campbell says.

The reason for this statistic is due to the change is a service member daily habit. The majority of the veteran community have been known to cease fire on their work out plans which creates a negativity jolt the body's system.

In this episode, we talk on a wide-range of topics including:

• [2:00] The daily regiment of a fitness instructor to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but still staying "loose."
• [2:40] Information about the growing fitness trend between troops and professional athletes called "Merging Vets & Players."
• [4:50] Some positive traits of working out versus taking certain medications.
• [6:20] What "Overtraining Syndrome" consists of and how to avoid it.
• [10:00] How structured dieting and workouts are necessary for those looking to get into the fitness industry.
• [11:40] How to properly test your genetic makeup.
• [13:25] If you want to cheat on your diet — a.k.a. cheat days — here's how to do it the right way.
• [18:20] What you can learn about yourself from your genetic markers.
• [19:20] Important tips how to stay in shape while working in an office space setting.
• [23:20] Some dietary buzz words that freak everyone out.
• [30:25] How we can stay looking young using our new health and fitness tools.
• [34:45] What type of alcohol we should be drinking if you're trying to stay in shape.

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Blake speaks with Marine veteran and "Terminal Lance" creator Max Uriarte about his newest projects and other current events.

Related: 'Terminal Lance' creator talks about the Marine Corps and the future of his comic

"When I first started 'Terminal Lance' I was convinced I was going to get my sh*t pushed in," Max humorously explains. "I knew I was going to get in trouble. I was waiting for that phone call."

Soon, Max was releasing hundreds of "Terminal Lance" comics covering a wide range of topics, including military customs, the most popular (and the most disgusting) MREs, long-distance relationships, and other aspects of life in the Corps.

His latest book "Terminal Lance Ultimate Omnibus" delivers the complete collection of Abe's shenanigans. It features over 500 serialized comics published on terminallance.com, with additional comics previously published only on the Marine Corps Times newspaper, and new, never before published comics. The Omnibus will also include Uriarte's signature blog entries and previously unpublished bonus material.

The "Terminal Lance Ultimate Omnibus" hardcover book will be available April 24, 2018.

We also discussed Uriarte's new podcast "After Action," a show about national security, military life, and other random bull—t, according to Uriarte. It's co-hosted with Paul Szoldra, the founder and editor-in-chief of the popular military satire site Duffel Blog. You can listen to After Action on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn.

Uriarte joined the Marine Corps in 2006 as a 0351 Marine Assaultman and was stationed at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Uriarte deployed to Iraq twice with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom between 2007 and 2009.

During Uriarte's four years of enlistment in the Corps, he served as SMAW Gunner, Team Leader, Squad Leader, .50Cal Gunner, Combat Photographer, and a Combat Artist.

In 2010, Uriarte started the hit comic strip "Terminal Lance," which soon became the single most popular comic strip in the military.

In 2016, Uriarte released the world's first graphic novel about Iraq, written and illustrated by an Iraq veteran, called "The White Donkey: Terminal Lance."

The "White Donkey" was independently published in February 2016 and was a massive success. Within 72 hours of its release, it was picked up by publisher Little, Brown & Company for smash publication on April 19th, 2016.

Hosted By:

• Blake Stilwell: Air Force veteran and Managing Editor
• Tim Kirkpatrick: Navy veteran and Editorial Coordinator
• Orvelin Valle (AKA O.V.): Navy veteran and Podcast Producer

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Blake speaks with Army veteran Jennifer Campbell who is currently the Second Vice Commander of the American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood, Ca.

Recently, Jennifer and the commander of Post 43, Fernando Rivero were featured in a Wall Street Journal article about how they engineered a plan to bring some fresh energy to the post.

The young veterans of the post managed to fuse and honor old military traditions with the new generation of combat veterans.

In this episode, we talk on a wide-range of topics including:

[1:05] Jennifer states why she decided to join the Army after growing up in a Navy family.

[4:00] We talk about the path on how to join the leadership of an American Legion.

[9:50] Insightful advice for other post-military organizations that are struggling to stay afloat.

[11:23] Jennifer briefly explains "Operation the First Reformational Congress" is all about.

[15:30] We get an update on the modern and exciting renovations legendary Post 43 is getting.

[17:00] The new post modifications features a new state of the art one of these...

[18:30] Jennifer makes a list of all the film productions and celebrities associated with the post.

[20:20] Jennifer tells us the spooky inside history that happened in the historic legion.

Hosted By:

• Blake Stilwell: Air Force veteran and Managing Editor
• Tim Kirkpatrick: Navy veteran and Editorial Coordinator
• Orvelin Valle (AKA O.V.): Navy veteran and Podcast Producer

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Blake, Tim, and O.V. talk with stand-up comedian and Marine veteran Mitch Burrow about what their favorite military movies are broken down by branch.

Everyone loves to watch movies from all genres. Veterans and service members have a unique connection to military films for various reasons other than great characters and storylines.

In this episode, we talk on a wide-range of topics including:

• [0:55] Mitch humorously plugs monster energy drink for sponsorship and advises how to avoid drinking sip cans on accident.
• [4:10] Who was more badass? Maverick or Iceman from "Top Gun."
• [4:37] What scene in "Top Gun" made Mitch go straight to Mach-3 and our favorite Navy movies.
• [6:30] Our take on the only thing the film "Hurt Locker" got right.
• [11:30] What Army movies our considered our all-time favs. But not Army movies in Vietnam like Blake tried to get us to talk about.
• [15:11] We create the perfect list of Marine Corps movies that are freaking epic
• [21:00] How awesome "Generation Kill" is and if you haven't watched it you're wrong.
• [23:24] How difficult it was to watch and finish "Jarhead 2." Long story short, it was tough.
• [25:15] What we loved the most from "Heartbreak Ridge."
• [28:00] The best Air Force movies ever made.
• [30:30] Then lastly, we funnel in our short list of favorite Coast Guard films.

Mitch is a Marine Corps veteran that served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. He then started a career in manufacturing before realizing that it sucked. Now, Mitch has found his true calling in acting silly on a stage in front of strangers on a nightly basis.

To follow Mitch or check out one of his shows visit his website: Mitchburrow.com.

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Blake, Tim, and O.V. talk with stand-up comedian and Marine veteran Mitch Burrow about a communist Army cadet, a cannibal dictator and make a smooth segway into Ken Burns' Vietnam documentary.

General Idi Amin dethroned the government of Milton Obote and declared himself President of Uganda. During his 8-years of ruthless leadership, its estimated he massacred approximately 300,000 civilians.

Then its rumored, the Ugandan president was a closet cannibal and like munch on human remains.

In this episode, we talk on a wide-range of topics including:

[1:10] The WATM crew discuss the Army cadet who is reported to be of the communist party.

[3:35] Mitch and Blake attempt to create a list of historical dictators that weren't considered dicks

[5:45] Blake talks about the dictator of Uganda who decided one-day to start eating people. Yew.

[6:35] Mitch puts in his two cents on why capitalism is better than communism.

[8:11] Blake attempts a smooth segway into discussing Ken Burns' Vietnam documentary on PBS.

[11:55] We break down who was fighting for who during the Vietnam War.

[14:00] Mitch makes a humorous statement clearing the air about his Marine Corps aspirations.

[19:15] Tim plugs his new WATM article franchise about what movies characters are doing after the credits roll.

Mitch is a Marine Corps veteran that served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. He then started a career in manufacturing before realizing that it sucked. Now, Mitch has found his true calling in acting silly on a stage in front of strangers on a nightly basis.

To follow Mitch or check out one of his shows visit his website: Mitchburrow.com.

Hosted By:

• Blake Stilwell: Air Force veteran and Managing Editor
• Tim Kirkpatrick: Navy veteran and Editorial Coordinator
• Orvelin Valle (AKA O.V.): Navy veteran and Podcast Producer

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Blake, Tim, and O.V. once again speak with stand-up comedian and Marine veteran Mitch Burrow about what fantasy benefits vets would love to receive.

We asked Mitch what fantasy benefits or one law he would love to get exempted from, his response wasn't surprising for a Marine Corps veteran.

"Murder. I would kill so many people," Mitch humorously states. "Do you know how clear the [highway] 405 would be? I wouldn't have been late today."

When service members exit the military, they will receive an essential document nearly as important as their birth certificate — the DD-214. Veterans won't be able to file for any monthly compensation or post-service healthcare until they have the paperwork in hand and are registered at the V.A.

Contact your local Veteran Service Officer for more details.

In this episode, we talk on a wide-range of topics including:

• [03:07] Mitch Burrow's new podcast with Mike Cummings on iTunes called "What if."
• [04:50] Mitch's second podcast is a comedic show about politics called "We're with them."
• [07:25] Voice acting on the popular military comedy series "Action Figure Therapy."
• [12:20] Tim's tip on how to get your medical records current years after getting out of the military.
• [15:45] Some quick thoughts on veteran health care.
• [18:00] What law would we all love to be exempt from?

Mitch is a Marine Corps veteran that served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. He then started a career in manufacturing before realizing that it sucked. Now, Mitch has found his true calling in acting silly on a stage in front of strangers on a nightly basis.

To follow Mitch or check out one of his shows visit his website: Mitchburrow.com.

Hosted By:

• Blake Stilwell: Air Force veteran and Managing Editor
• Tim Kirkpatrick: Navy veteran and Editorial Coordinator
• Orvelin Valle (AKA O.V.): Navy veteran and Podcast Producer

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Tim, O.V., and Blake speak with The Marine Rapper a.k.a. TMR about all the A-level training our service members receive but don't capitalize on it when they get out.

Every veteran's journey after the military is different.

While some of us pursue the career along the lines in which the military trained us for, others take a different path and sometimes fall short of their full potential.

"They [veterans] have a set of skills, they have leadership abilities, and there is so much more we can do," Blake passionately states. "Granted, I'm a writer, and I have five degrees, and none of them have to do with writing."

A veteran finding his or her purpose is essential to life outside of the military.

So when did TMR decide to become a rapper after serving the Corps?

"When I started getting better at it," TMR jokingly admits. "In the Corps, I wasn't at the level I am now.

If you've ever surfed the internet looking for military rap songs, chances are you've come across the unique sound of "The Marine Rapper."

Known for sporting a red mohawk and wearing an American flag bandana, TMR served 10 years in the Marine Corps as a Combat Correspondent where he earned a Combat Action Ribbon and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals during his service.

After successful tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, TMR left the Marine Corps in February 2014. After entering back into civilian life, TMR began focusing on music as a profession and for cathartic expression.

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Blake speaks with The Marine Rapper a.k.a. TMR about how he went from wrapping tacos to rapping music lyrics.

"I joined the military because I was working at Taco Bell and ironically as a [taco] wrapper," TMR recalls. "I wanted more, so I became the manager. I'm going to do the same route as the [Taco Bell] founder did and become a Marine."

If you've ever surfed the internet looking for military rap songs, chances are you've come across the unique sound of "The Marine Rapper."

Known for sporting a red mohawk and wearing an American flag bandana, TMR served 10 years in the Marine Corps as a Combat Correspondent where he earned a Combat Action Ribbon and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals during his service.

After successful tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, TMR left the Marine Corps in February 2014. After entering back into civilian life, TMR began focusing on music as a profession and for cathartic expression.

The Marine Rapper 's Action Figure is a bouncy, hyper, fast-paced journey that chronicles the making of his identity. Each song is accompanied by a music video that will be released weekly on YouTube starting Sept. 29.

TMR's Action Figure will be available for purchase on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Tidal and everywhere where digital music is sold Sept. 29. In addition, a limited run of signed physical copies and merchandise will be exclusively available on TMR's website: themarinerapper.com

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Blake speaks with Kelvin Garvanne about his life as an Arabic/Iraqi role player who took training U.S. ground troops to a whole new level — even conducting mock kidnapping scenarios.

During these training drills, Marines are "killed" (taken out of play for a period of time) or held hostage by the role players if they're caught off on their own.

"We kidnapped Marines," Mr. Garvanne explains. "One of the things we wanted to do in real time was capture a Marine."

Before U.S. forces deploy to a foreign region like Afghanistan, pre-deployment training is conducted in environments similar to the terrain in which they'll be exposed.

Since the landscape and elevation of 29 Palms almost mirrors that of Afghanistan, Marines are sent there to partake in Mohave Viper — an intense, five-week long training course. The Marines live there for the scenarios and receive cultural training from experts — immersing themselves in war games against native speaking role players for an all-out showdown.

These highly supervised training scenarios are considered the best exercises troops can receive as they live in enormous MOUT (military operation urban terrain) areas built to reflect life in Afghanistan.

Kelvin Garvanne attended the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. He is an Emmy award-winning creative artist who is fascinated by the world and enjoys investigating the context of national and world events.

Garvanne is a native New Yorker who has lived in Washington, D.C., Bogota, Colombia, Madrid, Spain, and Los Angeles, California. He has traveled through several countries including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, The Netherlands, Panama, Mexico, and Haiti.

For the last nine years, he provided Islamic culture and Iraqi and Pashto language training to military and civilian personnel deploying overseas.

Garvanne continues to develop opportunities to advise and train military and civilians positioned in careers involving global service. He also develops creative projects to expose the human condition.

Role players are an essential element for troops preparing to travel overseas and face-off with the enemy. They provide a cultural boost immersing troops in a violent world in which they're about to deploy.

Role players submerge themselves into training scenarios commonly setting up mock firefights, ambushes, and suicide bombings — all for the troop's benefit.

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Blake discusses with Kelvin Garvanne about his life as an Arabic/Iraqi role player for U.S. ground troops heading into combat.

For the last nine years, Garvanne has provided Islamic culture and language training to military and civilian personnel deploying overseas.

"A role player is basically there to interact with the battalion's training," Garvanne explains. "There are different levels on how you can interact. We were all characterized as 'meat puppets' which were basically folks who were just there to do whatever was told of us to do. "

These mock up firefights consist of loud gunfire (blanks), firework explosions and a Hollywood makeup team to create realistic blood and guts.

Garvanne attended the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. He is an Emmy award creative artist who is fascinated by the world and enjoys investigating the context of national and world events.

Garvanne continues to develop opportunities to advise and train military and civilians positioned in careers involving global service. He also develops creative projects to expose the human condition.