Mandatory Fun

The thin line between brilliant and crazy cliché couldn't be truer than for the generals and admirals in this entertaining episode of the We Are The Mighty podcast. While they accomplished incredible feats and heroics on the battlefield, they have another side the history books leave out. Hosted by: Logan Nye: Army veteran and associate editor Blake Stilwell: Air Force veteran and managing editor Tracy Woodward: Benevolent smartass and Social Media coordinator Orvelin Valle (AKA O.V.): Navy veteran and Social Media editor

The Gurkha warriors of Nepal are fearless soldiers who famously serve in the British and Indian militaries. Their reputation for bravery, fighting ability, and heroism dates back to the Middle Ages. Staff Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw of the Indian Army, once said, "If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha." A fitting statement for a force who's motto is, "better to die than to be a coward."

New York Times bestselling author Sebastian Junger dropped by We Are The Mighty to discuss his latest book "Tribe." Here's what the publisher says about the book: Through combining history, psychology, and anthropology, "Tribe" explores what we can learn from tribal societies about loyalty, belonging, and the eternal human quest for meaning. It explains the irony that—for many veterans as well as civilians—war feels better than peace, adversity can turn out to be a blessing, and disasters are sometimes remembered more fondly than weddings or tropical vacations. "Tribe" explains why we are stronger when we come together, and how that can be achieved even in today's divided world.

Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Hathcock is a Marine Corps legend and one of the most lethal snipers in history. His incredible true-life war stories are the stuff Hollywood movies are made of. In this episode of the We Are The Mighty podcast we talk about his sniper duels, that time he crawled two miles to kill a Vietnamese general, and more. Don't miss this episode of a real American badass. Hosted by: Logan Nye: Army veteran and associate editor Blake Stilwell: Air Force veteran and managing editor Tracy Woodward: Benevolent smartass and Social Media coordinator Orvelin Valle (AKA O.V.): Navy veteran and Social Media editor

In 1831, King Louis Philippe of France expanded his country's fire power by establishing a military branch made up of mostly foreigners: the French Foreign Legion. Immediately after its creation, the Foreign Legion recruited fighters from Switzerland, Germany, and other countries to protect and expand the French colonial empire. Despite the Foreign Legion's involvement in most of France's wars since being created, the French don't get too bummed about their losses. Let's just say, their relationship is complicated. In this episode of the WATM podcast, the editorial team discusses France's bizarre relationship with its force of foreign fighters.

Whether they inspired you to join the military or remind you of your time in service, one thing is for sure: there's probably a movie character that resembles you or a buddy. Just like in real life, some are lovable, some are righteous, and some are just plain evil. In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, we talk about our favorite characters from iconic military movies. Whether you agree or not, tell us about it in the Mandatory Fun Facebook group.

Imagine being a prisoner of war (POW) at the height of a major conflict. You're hundreds of miles away from the closest allied territory and thousands of miles from home. Are you prepared for months or years of hardship and torture? Will you give into being a propaganda prop in exchange for food and better treatment? Will you plan an escape? In this episode of the WATM podcast, the boys of the editorial team discuss how a handful of badass war prisoners handled their captors and made the best out of their terrible predicaments.

The creator of the military counter-culture comic strip "Terminal Lance"—Max Uriarte—is the guest for this week's podcast. Max leads a busy life these days. He just published his much anticipated graphic novel "The White Donkey," he's working on building an animation studio, and he continues to publish his wildly popular comic strip. This episode delves into the origins of the Terminal Lance universe, Max's film aspirations, and his reasons for getting serious in the "White Donkey." As usual, the show is hosted by: Logan Nye: Army veteran and WATM Associate Editor Blake Stilwell: Air Force veteran and WATM Managing Editor Orvelin Valle (AKA O.V.): Navy veteran and WATM Social Media Editor

Noah Galloway is a veteran who sustained injuries in an IED attack on his second deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. He lost two of his limbs and sustained severe injuries to his right leg and his jaw.

Like many disabled veterans, Galloway became withdrawn, out of shape and depressed. The former fitness fanatic and athlete was drinking, smoking, and sleeping his days away. But late one night, Galloway realized that there was more to him than the injuries. He walked out of his room realizing that he was setting the example for his boys of what a man is. And for his little girl, the example of how a man should act and it terrified him.

He needed to make a change, and he needed to do it fast. He joined a 24-hour gym and started eating right. He participated in obstacle races and adventure races around the country, such as Tough Mudder, Spartan events, Crossfit competitions plus numerous 5K and 10K races. Now a personal trainer and motivational speaker, Galloway doesn't take excuses from his clients, fans, or followers – and finds ways to get things done.

Galloway was a season 20 participant of Dancing With The Stars, in which he took third place following his appearance on the cover of Men's Health Magazine and numerous other publications. Most recently Noah joined WWE Superstar John Cena and three other veterans on American Grit, a military-inspired show on the Fox Network that splits 16 of the toughest men and women into four teams as they work together to face survival challenges.

It's Galloway's job to push his team of civilians to work together and to go beyond their limits. The show airs Thursday, April 14th at 9/8 central on Fox.

Bryan Anderson is an Iraq War veteran turned model, actor, motivational speaker, book author, and more. He achieved all of these noteworthy accomplishments while being a triple amputee. Bryan enlisted in the Army in early 2001 and shipped out to his duty station on September 11, 2001. He served two tours in Iraq as an MP (Military Police) Sergeant before being injured by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) that resulted in the loss of both legs and his left hand. He was awarded a Purple Heart and spent over a year rehabilitating at Walter Reed Hospital. Bryan's story has received extensive media coverage including features in Esquire Magazine and articles in major publications, such as LA Times, New York Times, and Chicago Sun. He appeared in the HBO documentary, Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq with the late James Gandolfini, CSI: NY, The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke, and American Sniper with Bradley Cooper. Bryan is an upbeat and enthusiastic veteran who enjoys life and all its challenges. His energy is contagious, and his outlook on life is inspiring. You will not walk away listening Hosted by: Logan Nye: Army veteran and WATM Associate Editor Blake Stilwell: Air Force veteran and WATM Managing Editor Tracy Woodward: Benevolent smartass and Social Media coordinator Orvelin Valle (AKA O.V.): Navy veteran and WATM Social Media Editor