🎙️ From a childhood of poverty and violence in Los Angeles to the ranks of the 75th Ranger Regiment, Angel Cortes’ story is one of grit, growth, and relentless purpose. In this raw and moving conversation, Angel shares how he escaped gang life, found a new mission in the Army, and eventually became a leader in the Ranger Regiment — even after setbacks, doubters, and near-fatal exits.

Today, Angel’s mission is still about service. Through his business OG Pumpkin, he’s built a community that gives back to veterans and low-income neighborhoods. He co-leads Defense Strategies Group, bringing tactical skills and life lessons to a new audience. And when a friend’s wife faced kidney failure, Angel didn’t hesitate — he gave her a kidney, proving once again that leadership and selflessness don’t end with the uniform.

This is a story about refusing to let your past define you, fighting for your future, and inspiring others to do the same.

Keep going. Listen now.

#SOFcast #QuietProfessionals #RangerRegiment #OGPumpkin #Resilience #Leadership #VeteranVoices

🎙️ In this extraordinary SOFcast episode, we step away from the studio and onto the stage of SOF Week 2025, a premier joint conference co-hosted by U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the Global SOF Foundation.

Recorded live in Tampa, this powerful panel titled “Moments That Matter” features three living SOF recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor:

• Sergeant Major Pat Payne, U.S. Army Ranger
• Master Sergeant Earl Plumlee, U.S. Army Green Beret
• Command Sergeant Major Matt Williams, U.S. Army Green Beret

Moderated by SOFcast host Matt Parrish, the conversation goes far beyond battlefield heroics. The panelists reflect on the defining moments that shaped their leadership, the burden and responsibility of the Medal, the foundation of trust within elite teams, and the enduring importance of character, resilience, and mentorship. They didn’t seek recognition. They simply answered the call when it mattered most.

This is a rare opportunity to witness living history — and to hear from warriors who continue to lead and inspire, long after the fight.

Lean in. Learn. Share this with someone who needs it.

#SOFcast #MedalOfHonor #QuietProfessionals #SOFWeek2025 #USSOCOM #GlobalSOF #MomentsThatMatter #SpecialOperations #ARSOF #USASOC #specialforces #ranger #greenberet #VeteranVoices

🎙️ From calling in airstrikes with Green Berets and Rangers to leading Airmen across the globe, Rob Zackery’s career as an Air Force TACP is one of purpose, adaptability, and impact. In this episode, Rob shares what it takes to step into any team room and earn trust — not by rank or reputation, but by performance.

He reflects on his early combat deployments, including Afghanistan in 2001, the push-pull of old-school and new-school warfighting, and how humanity often shows up in the unlikeliest places. As he climbed the ranks, Rob talks about shifting from trigger-puller to team builder, what real leadership requires, and why creating the right environment matters more than any title.

Now a leadership consultant and advocate for underserved youth, veterans, and incarcerated populations, Rob continues to serve — by investing in people, one conversation at a time.

Earn trust. Share lessons. Lead with purpose. Listen now.

#SOFcast #QuietProfessionals #TACP #Leadership #SpecialOperations #VeteranVoices #HumanMoreThanHardware

SOFcast | Season 6, Episode 4: Jariko Denman — Standards, Legacy, and Life Beyond the Regiment

🎙️ From being “the demon cadre” at RIP to advising Hollywood directors and embedded reporting in Kabul, Ranger veteran Jariko Denman brings unapologetic honesty and hard-won wisdom to SOFcast. In this wide-ranging episode, Jariko shares what made him choose the Ranger Regiment, how strong leadership shaped his path, and why the right first team can make or break a career.

He opens up about the pressure of sustaining elite standards, the toll of years at war, and the challenge of transitioning to civilian life. Whether discussing hazing, mental health, or finding freedom through creative work, Jariko reminds us that service is hard for a reason — and life after it can still be forged with purpose.

This is a story about legacy, growth, and continuing to earn it, even when the uniform comes off. Earn your place. Then pass it on. Listen now.

#SOFcast #RangerRegiment #QuietProfessionals #VeteranVoices #PostMilitaryLife #Leadership #SpecialOperations

🎙️ SOFcast is BACK.

The official podcast of U.S. Special Operations Command returns with all-new episodes!

Hosted by veteran Green Beret SGM Matt Parrish, SOFcast delivers raw, real conversations with the warriors, leaders, and legends of the SOF community. From the cockpit to the team room—this is where America’s quiet professionals let you into our world!
🔥 New guests.
🔥 Fresh insights.
🔥 The same unfiltered SOF truth.

📅 First three episodes live now!

📲 Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or YouTube so you don’t miss a beat.
#SOFcast #USSOCOM #QuietProfessionals #SpecialOperations #Leadership #PodcastLaunch

SOFcast | Season 6, Episode 3: Nick Lavery — Choosing to Fight Forward

🎙️ Few stories embody the spirit of SOF like Nick Lavery’s.
The first Green Beret to return to combat as an above-the-knee amputee, Nick shares his incredible journey of resilience, mindset, and service — and how his fight didn’t end with recovery. Now an author, speaker, and mentor to warriors and leaders across the country, Nick talks about legacy, leadership, and why choosing to get better every single day is the real victory.

From the team room to the sidelines of pro sports teams, Nick’s mission is clear: empower others to build their own path to excellence.

Pain is inevitable. Progress is a choice. Listen now.

#SOFcast #USSOCOM #QuietProfessionals #Resilience #Leadership #ObjectiveSecure

SOFcast | Season 6, Episode 2: Melissa Johnson — Accelerating Innovation for SOF

🎙️ How do you rapidly deliver cutting-edge gear and tech to the world’s most agile warriors?
USSOCOM Acquisition Executive Melissa Johnson joins SOFcast to pull back the curtain on how her team connects the team room to the tech world — fielding solutions faster, smarter, and closer to the fight.
From counter-UAS breakthroughs to partnering with small businesses and startups, Melissa explains why investing in relationships and removing bureaucracy is key to giving SOF operators the decisive edge.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the SOF enterprise, the defense industry, or anyone who believes speed and innovation save lives.

Accelerate the mission. Field the future. Listen now.

#SOFcast #USSOCOM #SpecialOperations #Acquisition #Innovation #QuietProfessionals

SOFcast | Season 6 Premiere: GEN Bryan Fenton & CSM Shane Shorter

🎙️ SOF is purpose-built for exactly what our Nation demands: unmatched agility, readiness, and lethality — fueled by our people. In this powerful season opener, GEN Bryan Fenton and CSM Shane Shorter reflect on leading U.S. Special Operations Command, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the enduring truth that humans are more important than hardware. They share how investing in our people ensures SOF remains ready today, stronger tomorrow, and prepared to contribute to America's future beyond the battlefield. This is more than readiness. This is national advantage — powered by quiet professionals.

Tune in as the next chapter of SOFcast begins.
#SOFcast #USSOCOM #SpecialOperations #QuietProfessionals #Leadership #ReadyTodayStrongerTomorrow

On this episode of SOFcast, we talk to retired Marine Raider Master Sgt. Jarad Stout. In previous episodes we've interviewed the recipients of many different valor awards, but today’s guest earned the Silver Star in an unexpected and little known location, Bamako, Mali. Jarad describes the details from that harrowing day, but that is only part of his story. He was also the Marine of the Year for 2019 and worked as a Congressional Fellow, all before he had to make an earlier than expected transition out of the military. Listen to how he successfully navigated his way into the tech industry and found a new and unexpected passion in the world of cyber-security. Listen now to this packed episode of SOFcast!

On this episode of SOFcast two senior leaders get personal, about their relationship and their careers. Command Sgt. Major JoAnn Naumann, U.S. Army Special Operations Command CSM, and her husband Command Sgt. Major Thomas “T.J.” Baird, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Senior Enlisted Leader, who have more than 50 years in combined military service, share their insights on what it takes to be successful in your personal and professional life.

They also talk about what keeps them coming back and how they have remained motivated to serve and endure through the toughest assignments and missions.

All that and more on a new SOFcast!