In this episode of Shoot Me Straight, Eddie (@eddie_gallagher) and Dave (@davidfields22) sit down with Sam Brasfield(@droppedbomb), a retired Navy EOD officer with over 36 years of service, to talk about combat, leadership, transition, and finding purpose after the uniform comes off.Sam shares his journey from enlisted sailor to EOD officer, multiple combat deployments in Iraq, defusing hundreds of IEDs, and leading teams in some of the most dangerous environments in the world. But this conversation goes far beyond war stories.After retiring from the Navy, Sam hiked the Appalachian Trail as a way to decompress, reflect, and reset — a transition that reshaped how he views service, identity, and life after the military. That journey ultimately led him to his current mission: helping build Veterans Lodge, a first-of-its-kind campus focused on healing veterans and their families — mentally, physically, and spiritually.This is an honest, grounded conversation about leadership, purpose, faith, burnout, transition struggles, and why so many veterans feel lost after service — and what can actually help.⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of combat, war, suicide, and veteran transition challenges.Watch. Listen. Decide for yourself.

Links: https://www.veteranslodge.com/https://www.facebook.com/share/1CpsCysymn/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://irp.cdn-website.com/f44b5a0d/files/uploaded/Veterans+Lodge+Brochure+Download.pdfhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-brasfield?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app📌 TOPICS COVERED• Navy EOD & combat deployments• Defusing IEDs and car bombs in Iraq• Leadership and responsibility under pressure• Transitioning out of the military• Hiking the Appalachian Trail after retirement• Loss of identity, purpose, and direction• Veteran suicide & mental health• Faith, reflection, and personal growth• Veterans Lodge & helping veterans heal with their families📲 Follow Shoot Me StraightInstagram: @shootmestraightAvailable on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts

In this episode of Shoot Me Straight, Eddie and Dave sit down with Sam Brasfield, a retired Navy EOD officer with over 36 years of service, to talk about combat, leadership, transition, and finding purpose after the uniform comes off.

Sam shares his journey from enlisted sailor to EOD officer, multiple combat deployments in Iraq, defusing hundreds of IEDs, and leading teams in some of the most dangerous environments in the world. But this conversation goes far beyond war stories.

After retiring from the Navy, Sam hiked the Appalachian Trail as a way to decompress, reflect, and reset — a transition that reshaped how he views service, identity, and life after the military. That journey ultimately led him to his current mission: helping build Veterans Lodge, a first-of-its-kind campus focused on healing veterans and their families — mentally, physically, and spiritually.

This is an honest, grounded conversation about leadership, purpose, faith, burnout, transition struggles, and why so many veterans feel lost after service — and what can actually help.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of combat, war, suicide, and veteran transition challenges.

Watch. Listen. Decide for yourself.

📌 TOPICS COVERED

• Navy EOD & combat deployments
• Defusing IEDs and car bombs in Iraq
• Leadership and responsibility under pressure
• Transitioning out of the military
• Hiking the Appalachian Trail after retirement
• Loss of identity, purpose, and direction
• Veteran suicide & mental health
• Faith, reflection, and personal growth
• Veterans Lodge & helping veterans heal with their families

📲 Follow Shoot Me Straight

Instagram: @shootmestraight
Available on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts

In this episode of Shoot Me Straight, Eddie (@eddie_gallagher) and Dave (@davidfields22) sit down with Kimberli (@kimberlih20s) Howard for one of the most emotional and powerful conversations we’ve ever had.Kimberly shares her life story — growing up in the LDS church, navigating guilt and shame, surviving sexual trauma, multiple marriages, and years of depression — before recounting the moment that changed everything: the sudden death of her five-year-old son, Keaton, in a tragic boating accident at Lake Powell.She opens up about the phone call no parent should ever receive, the guilt that follows unimaginable loss, and the long road through grief, trauma, and mental health struggles. This conversation also explores therapy, faith, plant medicine, identity, and what it means to rebuild your life after everything falls apart.This is a raw, honest discussion about loss, resilience, and learning how to live again after trauma.⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of child loss, trauma, and suicide.Watch. Listen. Decide for yourself.📌 TOPICS COVERED• Losing a child in a boating accident• Grief, guilt, and trauma• Growing up LDS & religious shame• Depression, mental health & healing• Therapy, plant medicine & recovery• Finding purpose after loss📲 Follow Shoot Me StraightInstagram: @shootmestraightAvailable on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts

In this episode of Shoot Me Straight, Eddie (@eddie_gallagher) and Dave (@davidfields22) sit down with Russell Brand (@russellbrand) and Jake (@thejakesmith) for an unfiltered conversation about politics, faith, media, and the growing collapse of trust in modern institutions.Russell breaks down the cultural chaos shaping today’s world, the dangers of centralized power, media manipulation, and why so many people feel disconnected from government and authority. The discussion also covers political violence, censorship, decentralization, and Russell’s personal journey through addiction, faith, and spiritual transformation.This is a raw, no-nonsense conversation about where society is headed — and where individuals can turn when systems fail.Watch. Listen. Decide for yourself.Topics Covered:• Media trust & political narratives• Centralized vs decentralized power• Government overreach• Faith, addiction & transformation• Cultural collapse & sovereigntyFollow Shoot Me Straight:📲 Instagram: @shootmestraightpod🎧 YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts

In this episode of Shoot Me Straight, we sit down with Steve Toth, Texas State Representative and current candidate for U.S. Congress, for a wide-ranging, no-nonsense conversation about leadership, character, and the real cost of politics in America.Steve opens up about what pulled him into public service, the realities of navigating the political “swamp,” and why integrity matters more than titles, résumés, or military credentials. We dive deep into border security, government spending, Big Pharma’s influence, veterans’ mental health, faith, family, and the growing disconnect between elected officials and the people they represent.This episode also tackles tough topics head-on — accountability in Congress, the dangers of unchecked power, cultural battles playing out in public schools, and why Steve believes Texas (and America) need leaders willing to stand firm even when it costs them politically.If you’re tired of polished talking points and want a raw, honest discussion about where our country is headed — this is one you don’t want to miss.Watch. Listen. Decide for yourself.👇 Learn more about Steve Toth and his campaignhttps://stevetothforcongress.comChapters / Topics Covered:Why Steve Toth is running for CongressBorder security & Texas prioritiesBig Pharma, lobbying, and corruptionVeterans’ mental health & accountabilityFaith, family, and leadershipStanding firm in a broken political systemFollow Shoot Me Straight:📲 Instagram: @shootmestraightpod🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts

Join host Eddie Gallagher (@eddie_gallagher) as he sits down with Isaiah Sandoval (@isaiahsandov) for an unfiltered Q&A episode built entirely around your questions. From marriage and faith to politics, military culture, and life after service, nothing is off-limits as Isaiah and Eddie dig into the topics most people are afraid to talk about publicly.This episode goes straight into the real-world pressures faced by today’s veterans, the cultural battles shaping America, and the personal experiences that have defined Eddie’s journey on and off the battlefield. Isaiah brings the heat with honest questions, raw perspectives, and open-ended conversations that push past the headlines and into the truth.In this episode, we get into:🪖 Military Life & Identity — how service changes you, and what happens after.❤️ Marriage & Family Pressure — the struggles, sacrifices, and lessons that shape real relationships.🏛️ Politics & Culture Today — candid takes on the issues dividing the country.💬 Viewer Questions Answered — tough, funny, and controversial topics straight from the audience.🔥 Mindset & Resilience — staying grounded when life hits hard.This isn’t a scripted interview — it’s a real conversation between two men committed to truth, accountability, and living with conviction in a complicated world.Tune in for a bold, honest, and meaningful episode that challenges the narrative and speaks directly to the people who aren’t afraid to ask real questions.🎙️ Subscribe to the Shoot Me Straight Podcast for more unfiltered conversations on faith, resilience, mindset, and the human spirit.Special thanks to our partners:🔥 Firecracker Farm – Everything is Better With Hot Salt🧊 Aqua Vitae IV – Wellness & Recovery in Destin, FL🔇 Elevated Silence – Premium Suppressors for Life’s Best Days#ShootMeStraightPodcast #VeteranStories #MilitaryLife #Unfiltered #Mindset #Resilience #RealTalk #Faith #QandA #EddieGallagher #IsaiahSandoval

Join hosts Eddie Gallagher (@eddie_gallagher) and David Fields (@davidfields22) for an unfiltered, wide-open conversation with Terry Wilson (@terry.m.wilson.jr) — a deep dive into life as a Green Beret, the hard-earned perspectives that come with service, and the real-world challenges faced long after the uniform comes off.Terry pulls no punches as he opens up about the realities of Special Forces life, the political and cultural pressures surrounding today’s military, and the personal experiences that shaped who he is on and off the battlefield. From combat stories to controversial conversations, this episode goes beyond the highlight reel and into the raw truth of a life defined by grit, conviction, and constant evolution.In this episode, we dig into:🪖 Life as a Green Beret — brotherhood, sacrifice, and what it really means to serve at the elite level.⚔️ Real Military Stories — memorable moments, tough lessons, and the realities most never hear about.🏛️ Political & Cultural Perspectives — candid takes on today’s issues from someone who’s lived the life.📘 A Life Shaped by Challenge — the experiences that forged Terry’s mindset before, during, and after service.💬 Controversial Conversations — honest discussions you won’t hear anywhere else.🔥 Mindset, Identity & Resilience — insights on navigating adversity and staying grounded when life hits hardest.This isn’t just a military conversation — it’s a powerful look at courage, conviction, and the pursuit of authenticity in a complicated world.Tune in for a bold, impactful story that challenges, inspires, and refuses to hold back.🎙️ Subscribe to the Shoot Me Straight Podcast for more real conversations on faith, resilience, and the human spirit.Special thanks to our partners:🔥 Firecracker Farm – Everything is Better With Hot Salt🧊 Aqua Vitae IV – Wellness & Recovery in Destin, FL🔇 Elevated Silence – Premium Suppressors for Life’s Best Days#ShootMeStraightPodcast #GreenBeret #VeteranStories #Resilience #SpecialForces #ControversialConversations #Mindset #Transformation #Unfiltered #MilitaryLife

Join hosts Eddie Gallagher (@eddie_gallagher) and David Fields (@davidfields22) for an unfiltered and deeply personal conversation with Preston Breece (@prestonbreece) — a journey through grit, purpose, and the relentless pursuit of growth beyond the uniform.Preston opens up about his life as a Green Beret, sharing the formative experiences that shaped him, the battles fought both overseas and within, and the powerful lessons learned along the way. From the highs of elite service to the struggles of transitioning back into civilian life, Preston’s story is one of identity, resilience, and rebuilding from the ground up.In this episode, we dive into:🪖 Life as a Green Beret — the brotherhood, sacrifice, and defining moments of Preston’s military journey.📘 A Hard-Fought Life Story — the experiences that molded his character long before and long after special operations.⚔️ Transitioning Out of the Military — the mental, emotional, and practical challenges of reintegration after service.💼 Business & Entrepreneurship — how Preston turned adversity and discipline into new purpose and opportunity.💬 Mindset & Resilience — raw insight for anyone navigating change, challenge, or reinvention.This isn’t just a conversation about military life — it’s about courage, identity, and the drive to evolve no matter where you’re starting from.Tune in for a powerful story of transformation, perseverance, and purpose.🎙️ Subscribe to the Shoot Me Straight Podcast for more real conversations on faith, resilience, and the human spirit.Be sure to check out Preston's program!https://www.miramarbeachstrengthandconditioning.com/Special thanks to our partners:🔥 Firecracker Farm – Everything is Better With Hot Salt🧊 Aqua Vitae IV – Wellness & Recovery in Destin, FL🔇 Elevated Silence – Premium Suppressors for Life’s Best Days#ShootMeStraightPodcast #GreenBeret #VeteranStories #Resilience #Transition #Entrepreneurship #Mindset #Transformation #Unfiltered #SpecialForces

Join hosts Eddie Gallagher (@eddie_gallagher) and David Fields (@davidfields22) for a powerful and unfiltered conversation with Paul Slough (@paul_slough23) and Christin Slough (@christinslough) — a story of faith, resilience, and redemption in the face of impossible odds.Once wrongfully imprisoned, Paul opens up about his time in the military, the injustice that stole years of his life, and the fight to reclaim his freedom. Together with his wife Christin, they share how faith, perseverance, and community became the foundation for healing and rebuilding their lives after incarceration.In this episode, we dive into:⚖️ Wrongful Imprisonment & Resilience — Paul’s firsthand account of surviving injustice and finding hope behind bars.🇺🇸 Military Service & Brotherhood — lessons from his time in uniform and the sacrifices that shaped his character.🙏 Faith & Redemption — how Christ restored purpose and strength through life’s darkest chapters.🌅 Life After Release — the struggle of re-entering society and rediscovering identity after years without freedom.💬 Overcoming Adversity — wisdom, faith, and grit for anyone rebuilding from rock bottom.This isn’t just a story about injustice — it’s about forgiveness, faith, and freedom.Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded that no matter where you’ve been, you can always rise again.🎙️ Subscribe to the Shoot Me Straight Podcast for more raw conversations on faith, resilience, and transformation.Special thanks to our partners:🔥 Firecracker Farm – Everything is Better With Hot Salt🧊 Aqua Vitae IV – Wellness & Recovery in Destin, FL🔇 Elevated Silence – Premium Suppressors for Life’s Best Days#ShootMeStraightPodcast #Faith #Redemption #Resilience #Freedom #Transformation #Recovery #Mindset #VeteranStories #Unfiltered

Join hosts Eddie Gallagher (@eddie_gallagher) and David Fields (@davidfields22) for an unfiltered and deeply moving conversation with Nathaniel Blackburn (@nathanielwblackburn) — a man whose story embodies redemption, resilience, and faith.Once trapped in a cycle of addiction and hopelessness, Nathaniel opens up about his battle with drugs, the darkness he faced, and the powerful journey that led him to recovery. Through discipline, faith in Christ, and an unwavering commitment to growth, he rebuilt his life from the ground up — transforming pain into purpose.In this episode, we explore:💪 Overcoming Addiction — Nathaniel’s raw story of hitting rock bottom and finding the strength to rise again.🔥 Faith & Redemption — how his walk with Christ became the foundation for lasting change.🏋️‍♂️ Rebuilding Through Discipline — the role of fitness, mindset, and accountability in his recovery.🧠 Life Lessons — perseverance, self-belief, and proof that no matter where you start, you can always rewrite your story.This isn’t just a story about recovery — it’s about transformation, purpose, and the unshakable power of faith.🎙️ Tune in and be inspired to take ownership of your life and become the strongest version of yourself — inside and out.Special thanks to our partners:🔥 Firecracker Farm – Everything is Better With Hot Salt🧊 Aqua Vitae IV – Wellness & Recovery in Destin, FL🔇 Elevated Silence – Premium Suppressors for Life’s Best Days#ShootMeStraightPodcast #Faith #Redemption #Transformation #Resilience #Recovery #Mindset #Unfiltered