SOFREP Radio

We've teamed up with our friends at Harley Davidson this episode in compiling some of our best moments from the show.  If you love hearing some thrilling combat stories, you're in for some action with this one.  We even kick it off with some never before heard audio from Robert O'Neill, best known as the UBL shooter from SEAL Team 6.  You'll hear why Harley Davidson is such a highly regarded brand in the special operations community.  When guys come home from deployment, often times getting on that motorcycle is the true taste of freedom for them. Along with Rob this episode are several of our favorite segments from our biggest guests.  These include Nick Irving talking about Army Sniper School and Ranger Battalion, Mike Vining on serving as an EOD tech during Vietnam, and "Tanto" Kris Paronto on the Benghazi terror attack he survived and testifying before Congress.  We wrap with the remarkable story of Green Beret Ivan Castro losing his eye and eyesight in combat, and continuing to serve, as well as run marathons.  Ivan was even there during the attack on the Boston Marathon believe it or not.  These are inspiring stories that you don't want to miss, so check it out.  Be sure to also check out our Instagram because I've been putting up some of our show highlights on there.  As always leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it's quick and easy, and keep your questions for the show coming to [email protected] .

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Hugh Slatter has a story that you may not have heard before, but we feel you need to.  That's why he's our feature guest here on Episode 338.  Serving in Zimbabwe's Air Force and earning the rank of Air Vice Marshal, Slatter saw the tyrannical governments in Africa in a light that few ever have, and none would ever wish to.  He details his story of imprisonment and torture with us, and eventually his move to the U.S.  Slatter's book discusses all of this at length, and all proceeds for the memoir go toward veteran causes.  It's called "Pilot, Prisoner, Patriot: One Man's Triumph over Torture & Tragedy" available exclusively on HughSlatter.com, and you can get it signed there as well. Jack Murphy also recaps going to the NYC March for Our Lives, and interviewing attendees for a future short documentary airing on The Spec Ops Channel.  ...I admit that I realized after we recorded, that we also should have gotten into the appointment of John Bolton to National Security Advisor!  I will make note that we need to hit that next time.  We also read your emails sent to [email protected].  Don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, it's quick, and it helps us continue to pump out kick ass content for you twice each week.

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*Note: This episode was previously released in May to our members.* For several years now, we’ve heard the outcry from SOFREP members to add a second show a week, and we have finally delivered!  This one does not disappoint.  SOFREP writer The Odyssean, who served doing intelligence for the Army, and went on to do data collection and analysis in the private sector working in countries like Japan, breaks down some of the conflict in the region right now.  He joins Drew Dwyerand me to give a great in-depth perspective from a guy who’s there been on the ground. We dig into his article “Japanese government issues citizens DEFCON warning because of North Korea,” and also have some fun talking about the documentary, “Dennis Rodman’s Big Bang in Pyongyang.”  While we’re taping, a very special guest makes an unscheduled appearance in the studio that you will not want to miss.

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Never in the history of SOFREP Radio has there been a more requested guest in my experience than Pat McNamara.  We were glad to deliver.  On this episode, the former Delta Force operator and tactical shooting Youtube sensation gets down and dirty.  We get some stories out of him including a HALO jump right before his retirement where a woman crossed his line and Pat was not happy about it; as well as training in some boxing with fellow Delta Force operator George Hand.  Pat also talks shooting and training tactics, and why he is not a particular fan of knife fighting.  Pat's also a metalhead, and just a few nights ago he got to catch Judas Priest on tour at Nassau Coliseum in NY.  Pat gives a pretty epic recap of it that you won't want to miss. Pat's company is TMACS Inc. and if you want to learn some truly effective firearms skills, he's the man to take a course from.  You can see a schedule of where he's teaching on his website (TMacsInc.com) store, and you can also grab a signed copy of his book "Sentinel."  You can also follow Pat on Instagram @TMacsInc which he is very active on.  The man's even got his own line of Invader Coffee through Rogue American Apparel.  A real treat hearing some intense words from a legend in the SOF community, we know you'll enjoy it.

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Benni and Jack make for an interesting couple I have to say.  I mean, how many couples do you know where both parties voluntarily go into the most dangerous of war zones in the world to document and report on what's going on?  One piece of news many of you will be excited to hear here, Argentieri's directorial debut, "Our War" is now available on Amazon, and it's even free to view for Amazon Prime members.  The film documents three Westerners who volunteered to fight alongside the Kurds in Northern Syria.  After you watch, be sure to leave a review there, and also let Benni know your feedback.  She's on Twitter @benargentieri. Argentieri's next film "I am the Revolution" from PossibileFilm is in post-production, and this one focuses on the female fighters on the ground fighting terrorism.  We hope to see it come out real soon.  We discuss the Middle East at large on this show, and what the future holds.  We also get into who poses a bigger threat to the U.S. between Russia and China, a subject Jack and Benni are not in agreement on.  You'll also get their take on President Trump planning to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un. Visit Benedetta Argentieri online at benedetta-argentieri.com, and check out PossibileFilm at PossibileFilm.com.

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Former Delta Force operator George E. Hand IV has become a favorite of SOFREP readers.  Truly a wealth of knowledge, hearing George share his current work in helping law enforcement to fight human trafficking is not only interesting, but informative in a way that you the listener may find yourself helpful in joining the fight.  He lays out some of the signs he sees from the tattoos these women have, to small details he'll notice in photos posted as ads by these traffickers for erotic services.   The overbearing theme George stresses comes down to what he labels as unnatural behavior.  These operations are happening all over, and likely near your own town.  It is by no means a victim-less crime, and you'll learn why on this episode.  Jack and I also cover some news, and one particular comment that we felt needed to be heard by the father of a Green Beret killed in action.  You can follow George on Twitter @GeorgeEHandIV.  He's also written some stellar articles over the years that we hope you're inspired to dig through if you haven't done so already.

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The first time Jack and I met Alex in person was earlier this year at SHOT Show, and we haven't had him on in a while, so an update from the Marine staff writer was in order.  SHOT Show 2018 was Alex's first rodeo if you will, so we hear his account of the trade show.  We get into the interesting subject of the Department of Defense allocating money into the studying of UFOs.  We also talk China's space program forging ahead, and if this is a possible threat to the future of Russia and the U.S. in such endeavors.  This then brings us to some Star Trek talk, and Alex and Jack nerd out pretty hard. Alex has also gained quite a following with his weekly "Old Man Fitness" column.  He gives some great tips to those getting back in the game, and trying to get in shape.  Hollings also tells what his goal is when writing about fitness, and some of the nonsense on social media he aims to debunk that inspires his writings in this field.  As always, we appreciate the support, follow us @SOFREPRadio if you've yet to, and keep the 5 star reviews on Apple Podcasts coming.  We love to read what you have to say.

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We start off the podcast with editor-in-chief Jack Murphy discussing both some of the criticism and praise we've received over SOFREP.com posting footage of the killing of Green Berets in Niger by ISIS. This controversy is by no means something that we take lightly, and Jack wanted to be frank with the audience of why this decision was made. More can be read on this in Jack's post "Why we published the Niger video." Our special guest this show is none other than All That Remains frontman Phil Labonte. ATR is celebrating their 20th year as a band, and many of you loved their video for the song "Madness" featuring Kris Paronto which raised awareness for post-traumatic stress related issues in combat veterans as well as soldier suicide. Phil shares some great stories of coming up touring with bands like Five Finger Death Punch (who he's filled in for on vocals) and Motograter (a name you may remember if you were into the nu-metal scene about 15 years back.) Not only is Phil an accomplished musician though, he's also a former Marine and a gun store owner. He was even at SHOT Show which we discuss, and he recently got some attention for the video on his Youtube channel talking the issue of gun control after the Florida school shooting. After wrapping with Phil we pay our respects to WWII fighter pilot Jerry Yellin, who flew the last combat mission over Japan. We just recently found out of his passing at 93. Brandon Webb however did have the fortune of interviewing Jerry just recently on The Power of Thought (Episode 13) which is very worth checking out. Then, we give out a Throat Punch of the Week for the first time in a while. We appreciate all the well thought out feedback in these past few days, and those that are having a respectful discussion about some very serious issues, we encourage that.

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Ten shows back on Episode 321, our friend Steve Balestrieri who's the head writer and editor at SpecialOperations.com told us about his work interviewing combat veterans from some of the older wars.  I wanted to bring him on for an update on that.  I've always loved getting older vets on tell their stories whether it's Jerry Yellin who joined Brandon on The Power of Thought podcast, or Jim Downing who recently left us.  They're all unfortunately leaving us as the years go by, so getting them to open up with their heroic stories on film is something that Steve and the rest of us at Hurricane Group greatly appreciate. SpecialOperations.com for those that don't know is Hurricane Group's site covering the history of our operators.  Steve has been writing some excellent pieces over there that we hope you check out.  These include "Operation Halyard, one of the great rescue stories of WWII," "On this day in 2016, Navy SEAL Edward Byers Awarded Medal of Honor," and "Operation Anaconda, began on this date, March 2-10, 2002 in Afghanistan."  So, head over to that site, and learn your roots! I'd also urge you to head over to The Power of Thought podcast hosted by Brandon Webb to get your audio fix.  We just posted a killer interview with none other than Robert O'Neill, the UBL shooter from DEVGRU/SEAL Team 6.

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Joining us for Episode 330 is the author of "Foxtrot in Kandahar," Duane Evans.  This book is great because not much has been written from a perspective like this on the Southern region of Afghanistan.  Not to mention, Duane has a damn impressive resume serving as a Special Forces Officer, and going on to serve in the CIA with tours of duty in four continents.  One of those of course being the Middle East region of Asia, specifically, Afghanistan, during the inception of the war.  He's got a unique first hand view and shares some in-depth info with us. Jack Murphy also talks about his latest investigative piece "TigerSwan: Former Delta Operator sought to incite violence at the Dakota Access Pipeline."  It's getting plenty of attention, and a lot of scrutiny put onto the private security contractor about dubious happenings during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.  We also respond to an e-mail reacting to our previous episode talking gun control with Kurt Troter.  Anything you want us to hear, shoot it over to [email protected]

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