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In this powerful episode of Not Special, Herb and Corrie Thompson sit down with Shawn Dawley — former Air Force pilot, Harvard National Security Fellow, and professional keynote speaker — to talk about leadership, fear, failure, and finding purpose.

Shawn shares his raw and inspiring journey: from enlisting in the Air Force at 17 and failing speech class… to flying C-130s, leading through 9/11, and ultimately becoming a sought-after leadership and neuroscience-based speaker.

He opens up about what it really means to lead with empathy, how to overcome self-doubt, and why emotional awareness is essential for every leader. Shawn’s message: you are enough — capable, ready, and worthy.

Whether you’re a veteran transitioning to business, an aspiring speaker, or someone striving to grow as a leader, this conversation delivers hard-earned wisdom you’ll want to revisit.

00:00 – What Makes Shawn Dawley “Not Special”
Finding purpose, faith, and self-worth in an ordinary life.
01:30 – From Enlisting at 17 to Air Force Pilot
How failure and mentorship turned a struggling student into a leader in the sky.
05:30 – Leadership Lessons from the Cockpit
Military discipline, pressure, and the universal truths of leadership.
08:30 – From Fear of Speaking to Keynote Stages
How Shawn failed speech class — and learned to inspire thousands.
13:00 – Neuroscience of Leadership & Emotional Intelligence
Understanding how the brain and emotions shape every decision.
17:30 – Ambition, Growth & Enjoying the Moment
Why true leadership means being present where you are.
21:00 – “You Are Enough” — A Leader’s Most Powerful Lesson
Overcoming self-doubt and comparison in a world of constant competition.
24:00 – Love, Family & What Really Matters
Why success means nothing without connection, gratitude, and humility.
27:00 – Final Reflections: Leading with Heart and Purpose
Shawn’s timeless message on leadership, life, and legacy.

Connect with Liberty Speaks:
🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com
🔗 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ownyourjourney_

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#Leadership #KeynoteSpeaking #VeteranStories

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What happens when a Hollywood stuntwoman—used to face real danger—turns it into a platform to help others overcome fear and speak with confidence?

In this powerful episode of Not Special, hosts Herb & Corrie Thompson sit down with Hannah Betts for a full-throttle conversation about:
Her wildest stunt moments in Hollywood
Why fear is a tool, not the enemy
Turning nerves into stage presence for keynote speaking
The mindset & performance habits that build unshakable confidence
How to apply stunt-industry lessons to everyday leadership, public speaking and life transitions

Whether you’re stepping onto a stage for the first time, chasing a big career change, or simply fighting self-doubt, this episode delivers real stories + practical tools to help you turn fear into fuel.

✅ Call to Action
👉 If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow & turn on notifications so you don’t miss future conversations about leadership, mindset, service & success.
💬 Drop a comment below: What fear are you ready to face? What’s your next stage?
📲 Share this video with someone who needs to hear: “Yes—you can speak up, step out, and own your story.”

Connect with Liberty Speaks:
🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com
🔗 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ownyourjourney_

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#OvercomingFear #KeynoteSpeaker #MotivationalSpeaker #FearIntoFuel

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What happens when the U.S. Army meets innovation, technology, and influencer culture? In this episode of Not Special, hosts Herb and Corrie Thompson sit down with Colonel Kris Saling, a leader in Army talent management and innovation, to explore how the military is embracing change in a digital world.

From AI-driven talent management to the Army’s influencer and creative reserve programs, COL Saling reveals how innovation, adaptability, and authenticity are reshaping recruiting, retention, and leadership. She shares insights on building “micro-insurgencies” for transformation inside bureaucracies, surviving innovation pushback, and the importance of curiosity in leadership.

Whether you’re in the military, tech, or corporate innovation, this episode delivers lessons on leadership, culture change, and digital storytelling—from one of the Army’s most forward-thinking minds.

Connect with Liberty Speaks:
🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com
🔗 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ownyourjourney_

Support those that support us: Fire Department Coffee https://alnk.to/74xixOf 

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share if you found this conversation valuable. Your support helps us bring more stories of resilience, leadership, and freedom to light.

#MilitaryInnovation #LeadershipPodcast #ArmyInfluencers #WomenInLeadership

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Commander Kirk Lippold, captain of the USS Cole, shares his powerful story of leadership, sacrifice, and resilience after the 2000 terrorist attack. Hosted by Herb & Corrie Thompson, this episode of Not Special: A Liberty Speaks Show reveals lessons in courage, duty, and the true cost of freedom. 🇺🇸

Connect with Liberty Speaks:
🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com
🔗 Follow on Instagram:   / _ownyourjourney_ 

Support those that support us: Fire Department Coffee https://alnk.to/74xixOf

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share if you found this conversation valuable. Your support helps us bring more stories of resilience, leadership, and freedom to light.

#USSCole #Leadership #Veterans #MilitaryStories

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In this episode of Not Special, we sit down with Jim and Jodi Lynch to explore their inspiring journey from military service to building a medical practice dedicated to helping others. They share candid insights on the challenges of transition, the values that guide their work, and their recent humanitarian mission in Ukraine.

Jim and Jodi also discuss groundbreaking approaches to mental health, including the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) as an alternative treatment for PTSD and anxiety—a therapy that is giving hope to those with anxiety and trauma survivors worldwide.

This powerful conversation blends stories of service, spirituality, and resilience with actionable takeaways for anyone seeking healing, purpose, and new ways to approach mental health.

For more info about Jim and Jodi’s work visit their website: www.drjameslynch.com

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• How Jim and Jodi transitioned from military life to opening a medical practice
• Their humanitarian experiences and impact in Ukraine
• The role of spirituality and personal values in resilience
• The promise of Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) as an alternative treatment for PTSD and anxiety
• Why service and helping others remain at the core of their mission

Connect with Liberty Speaks:
🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com
🔗 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ownyourjourney_

Support those that support us: Fire Department Coffee https://alnk.to/74xixOf 

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share if you found this conversation valuable. Your support helps us bring more stories of resilience, leadership, and freedom to light.

#AnxietyTreatment #StellateGanglionBlock #MentalHealthPodcast

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This conversation explores the remarkable journey of a Special Operations veteran with 2 Purple Hearts who immigrated from Moldova to America, joined the military, and faced the challenges of combat and mental health. Pasha Palanker highlights the importance of resilience, support from loved ones, and taking responsibility for one's life in the healing process. Through personal anecdotes, the guest shares insights on finding purpose after service and the significance of embracing challenges in life. In this conversation, he shares insights on the importance of challenges in life, the awe of parachuting, and the meaning found in sharing personal experiences. 

Pasha discusses his journey of public speaking, the significance of dark moments in personal growth, and the ongoing effort required to maintain mental health. This riveting conversation emphasizes the role of loved ones in mental health, the impact of sharing stories, and the importance of corporate conversations on well-being. Ultimately, Pasha reflects on the value of struggles in shaping his identity and the power of connection in helping others.

While watching the show, grab some coffee from our friends at Fire Department Coffee. It’s our go-to coffee! https://alnk.to/74xixOf

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In this engaging conversation, Frances Frei shares her unique journey as a thought leader in business, discussing her experiences with rejection, the importance of trust, and evolving leadership. She emphasizes the need for equal access to meritocracy and the role of bias in decision-making. Who has vanilla or chocolate ice cream on their grocery list? 

The discussion also touches on the significance of collaboration in relationships, the fixable mindset in business, and the necessity of being customer-centric in today's rapidly changing environment.  

Note: Both Herb and Frances get frustrated at grocery store self-checkouts. The machines are to slow!

Takeaways
*Trust is foundational in both business and personal relationships.
*Frances Frei's upbringing as the youngest of six shaped her perspective on expectations.
*Rejection can be a stepping stone to success; embrace the 'no' as a 'not now'.
*Bias often leads to unearned preferences; we must check our biases.
*Leadership must evolve to ensure equal access to meritocracy.
*Collaboration enhances both personal and professional relationships.
*Everything is fixable if the desire for help exists.
*Identifying what to say no to is crucial for business success.
*Customer-centric strategies lead to better business outcomes.
*Navigating change requires flexibility and a willingness to adapt.

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In this moving episode, Herb and Corrie reflect on the enduring legacy of Task Force Dagger with John Mulholland and the pivotal role of U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan. They share firsthand insights into the realities of joint military operations, the sacrifices made by service members and their families, and the importance of honoring those who served in the War on Terror.

The conversation also explores the symbolism of the iconic Horse Soldier statue, a powerful monument to the courage and sacrifice of the Green Berets who rode into battle on horseback after 9/11. From the value of military support personnel to the resilience of the Afghan people, this episode provides a meaningful look at the personal and strategic lessons from two decades of conflict.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Task Force Dagger exemplified joint operations and inter-agency collaboration

Special Forces are a formidable tool in modern warfare

Sacrifice in service is noble and must be remembered

Evaluating risks vs. benefits is essential in military decisions

Veterans should hold pride in their service regardless of political outcomes

The Horse Soldier statue stands as a lasting symbol of honor

Lessons from Afghanistan call for coherent, long-term strategy

Recognition is due to the resilience of the Afghan people

Military support personnel are vital to mission success

Remembering and honoring service is a national responsibility

📌 A must-watch for those interested in Special Operations, military history, and the human stories behind the battlefield.

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In this powerful episode, retired Lt. General John Mulholland shares his incredible journey from childhood dreams to becoming a three-star general and legendary leader of the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets). He offers rare insights into the Green Berets' mission to "liberate the oppressed", their pivotal role in Afghanistan after 9/11, and the formation of Task Force Dagger.

John reflects on the Special Forces' response to 9/11, the importance of leadership, humility, and teamwork, and how building trust with local Afghan partners shaped the mission's success. With a deep dive into the lessons learned from combat operations, this conversation highlights the resilience of U.S. military forces and the enduring legacy of those who serve.

🔑 Topics Covered:
* Life and career of General John Mulholland
* Mission and mindset of the Green Berets
* Behind the scenes of Task Force Dagger
* U.S. Special Forces in post-9/11 Afghanistan
* Leadership and trust in high-stakes environments
* Building alliances with local forces
* Teamwork and collaboration across military branches
* Legacy of Special Operations in the War on Terror

📌 Whether you're interested in 9/11, Special Forces operations, or the personal stories of elite leaders, this episode delivers powerful insights and inspiration.