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Fred and I lay down additional views on masculinity, continuing from Part 1, Ep 20.

 Fred and I lay down our views on masculinity. As we spoke, we decided that this should be a series. In this episode we discuss having a worldview that frames the way that you see the world, absent fathers in homes, being a leader and we list some traits that we deem are more masculine than not.  

Fred and I discuss some but not all the below points, touching upon nutrition:

1. Foundational Nutrition Concepts Macronutrients – roles of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates; why “balance” looks different for different people. Micronutrients – vitamins, minerals, and how deficiencies manifest subtly over time. Hydration beyond water – electrolytes, mineral balance, and hydration myths. Caloric needs – energy balance, basal metabolic rate, and activity multipliers. Quality vs. quantity – why nutrient density matters more than just calorie count.

2. Cutting Through Myths & Misinformation Popular diet myths debunked (e.g., carbs are “bad,” fat makes you fat, eating late causes weight gain). Social media nutrition trends – what’s grounded in science and what’s pure marketing. The supplement industry – when supplementation is helpful vs. wasteful. The “superfood” label – marketing term vs. actual nutrient value.

3. Practical Eating Strategies Building a balanced plate without measuring every bite. Meal timing – intermittent fasting, grazing, and time-restricted eating. Grocery store strategies – navigating labels, hidden sugars, and ultra-processed foods. Eating on a budget – nutrient-rich meals that don’t break the bank. Meal prepping vs. spontaneous cooking – pros, cons, and personality fit.

4. Nutrition & Lifestyle Performance Fueling for workouts – pre-, intra-, and post-training nutrition. Nutrition for mental clarity – blood sugar regulation and brain health. Sleep and nutrition – how meal timing and composition affect rest quality. Travel eating – staying healthy on the road without being obsessive. Alcohol – impact on recovery, hormones, and nutrient absorption.

5. Long-Term Health & Longevity Anti-inflammatory eating patterns.

In his own words, “I’m retired military and spent 20 years in the US Navy. I was a member of SEAL Teams Three and Five as well as the Naval Special Warfare Center (NSWC) where I did a tour as a SEAL instructor. I taught firearms, tactic’s and explosives on basic and advanced levels to other SEAL team members. During this time I also became certified as a Master Training Specialist. After completing my tour at NSWC I returned to SEAL Team Three and deployed to Iraq. In summary, I completed 6 over sea’s deployments to South East Asia and the Middle East. After leaving military service I began contracting for the CIA performing a position depicted in the movie 13 Hours In Benghazi. I did this work for 7 years, completing approximately 1000 clandestine operations; In the process, I became relied upon as a tactical operations expert for the country of Afghanistan. In 2014, I was awarded the Agency Seal Medal for my role during a hostile attack on CIA personnel. In 2015, I started a company known as Red Frog. Initially, I provided Active Shooter response solutions for schools and law enforcement officers. In 2016, my focus transitioned to soley providing tactical training for law enforcement tactical teams conducting seminars, force-on-force and live fire training. In 2017, I also began training military and civilians in basic and advanced use of firearms. During this time I also periodically performed private security work. In 2020, I started a new company known as High Value Target LLC. A new training paradigm was created based upon principals consistent with modern neuroscience and what science has uncovered about how we learn and react under extreme stress. The 3D targets are advanced training aides which significantly enhance the quality of training.”

0:00 Intro and Fern's career
33:18 CIA base attack
1:02:42 High Value Targets
1:12:36 Post GWOT career

https://www.instagram.com/frogman_monk/

https://highvaluetarget.com/

Fred and I discuss some but not all of these aspects of fitness

1. Functional Necessity in the Military
Combat readiness: Military service often demands physical strength for tasks like carrying heavy gear, enduring long marches, and surviving combat situations.
Resilience under stress: Strength isn’t just physical. Psychological toughness—mental discipline, courage under fire, emotional control—is critical in high-stakes military environments.
Leadership under pressure: The ability to protect and lead others often falls under the banner of “strength,” reinforcing traditional masculine expectations.
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2. Traditional Masculinity and Protection
Protector role: Across cultures and history, men have been cast in the role of protectors—of family, tribe, or nation. Strength is a symbolic and practical tool for fulfilling that role.
Initiation into manhood: Many societies historically associated male coming-of-age rituals with demonstrations of strength, courage, and endurance—traits honed in military contexts.
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3. Brotherhood and Discipline
Strength builds respect: In masculine military culture, strength is often a marker of competence and earns respect among peers.
Shared hardship: Going through intense physical and mental trials bonds men. Strength, in this sense, becomes both a personal virtue and a social glue.
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4. Psychological Archetypes
The warrior archetype: In many psychological and mythological traditions (like Jungian psychology), the “warrior” is a central masculine archetype. It represents discipline, courage, and strength used in service of a higher purpose.
Masculinity as responsibility: Strength is not just about dominance—it’s about shouldering responsibility, enduring hardship, and protecting others.

https://www.vincentroccovargas.com/

https://www.instagram.com/vincent.rocco.vargas/

Vincent “Rocco” Vargas was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. After several years of college baseball, Vincent enlisted in the US Army and went on to serve 3 combat deployments with 2nd Battalion of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. After 4 years of active duty service to his country, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and continues his service until retirement. In 2009 he became a Federal Agent with the Department of Homeland Security, and was a Medic with the Special Operations Group.

Vincent is currently an entrepreneur, actor, writer, author and producer. Previous film credits include: Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace (2020-Actor and Co-Executive Producer), Not a War Story (2017-Self and Executive Producer), and Dads in Parks (2016-Self and Writer).

Most recently, Vincent was a writer on season 5 and played ‘Gilly’ on the #1 cable television series “Mayans MC” for FX.

When time allows, he also is a motivational speaker that focuses on Veteran advocacy, Leadership, Military transition and motivating youth audiences. Vincent is married with 8 kids

Children of Fallen Heroes (CFH) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the children of fallen military personnel, first responders, foster children, caregivers, and Title One schools.

https://www.childrenoffallenheroes.org/

https://www.instagram.com/childrenoffallenheroes/

Donavon Riley is a Lutheran pastor, conference speaker, author, and contributing writer for 1517. He is also a co-host of Banned Books and Warrior Priest podcasts. He is the author of the book, “Crucifying Religion” and “The Withertongue Emails.” He is also a contributing author to “The Sinner/Saint Devotional: 60 Days in the Psalms” and “Theology of the Cross”.

In this episode we are joined by Fred's son, Freddy junior. We have an open discussion with a loose agenda, and discuss Fred's role as a father and soldier, and how those played into how he parented his children, particularly his son Freddy Jr. We also discuss some aspects of masculinity and men's roles in the family, and community.