Tales from the Corps

Send us Fan Mail

Traveler and filmmaker Anthony Perez joins Tales From The Corps to explore Peleliu—one of the Pacific War's most brutal and often overlooked battlefields—and what remains there today.

Anthony's Peleliu: Then and Now project caught our attention through its exploration of the island's World War II history. He shares what it was like to visit Peleliu, walk the ground where Marines and soldiers fought in 1944, and document a battlefield where the scars of war remain part of the landscape.

The conversation explores the Battle of Peleliu, battlefield preservation, Pacific Island history, and the power of seeing historic locations as they exist today. Anthony also discusses his travels throughout the Pacific and his approach to documenting the people, cultures, and history he encounters along the way.

Beyond Peleliu, we discuss Anthony's experiences across the Pacific—including his time in American Samoa and travels to places such as Niihau—and how travel can create a deeper connection to history than photographs and maps alone can provide.

Featuring:
🎥 Anthony Perez — Traveler, Filmmaker & Creator of A Perez Voyages

Explore Anthony's work:

📸IG: @aperezvoyages
🎥YouTube: A Perez Voyages
▶️Peleliu: Then and Now

TALES FROM THE CORPS
Real stories. Unfiltered conversations. Veterans, families, historians, and the people preserving their legacy.

🎥 YouTube: Tales From The Corps Podcast
🎵 TikTok: @tales.from.the.corps
📸 Instagram: @talesfromthecorps
🪖 Virtual Barracks: VirtualBarracks.com
💬 Discord: Join the Virtual Barracks
📧 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Actor James Badge Dale joins Tales From The Corps to discuss portraying Marine and author Robert Leckie in HBO's The Pacific and the responsibility of bringing the experiences of World War II Marines to the screen.

James takes us behind the role of Robert Leckie, whose wartime memoir Helmet for My Pillow became one of the primary sources behind The Pacific. He reflects on the preparation, physical transformation, and emotional weight involved in portraying a real Marine whose experiences in the Pacific War were anything but fictional.

The conversation explores the relationship between Hollywood and military history, the importance of authenticity when portraying veterans, and the connection actors can develop with the real people and stories behind their characters.

James also shares memories from the production, the humor and unexpected moments that happened along the way, and what the experience taught him about the Marines whose stories The Pacific sought to preserve.

At its core, this conversation is about something central to Tales From The Corps: when you're entrusted with someone's story, getting it right matters.

Featuring:
🎬 James Badge Dale — Actor, Robert Leckie in HBO's The Pacific

TALES FROM THE CORPS
Real stories. Unfiltered conversations. Veterans, families, historians, and the people preserving their legacy.

🎥 YouTube: Tales From The Corps Podcast
🎵 TikTok: @tales.from.the.corps
📸 Instagram: @talesfromthecorps
🪖 Virtual Barracks: VirtualBarracks.com
💬 Discord: Join the Virtual Barracks
📧 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Navy Corpsman Zac “Doc” Frantz joins Tales From The Corps to talk about serving alongside Marines, the bond between Corpsmen and the infantry, and what it means to earn the trust of the Marines who simply know you as “Doc.”

Zac takes us inside the path of becoming a Navy Corpsman and the different assignments that can shape a Corpsman's career, including the distinction between serving “green side” with the Marine Corps and “blue side” with the Navy.

The conversation explores the unique relationship between Navy Corpsmen and Marines, adapting to life with an infantry unit, and the responsibility that comes with being the person Marines depend on when someone is injured or a medical emergency unfolds.

We also trade stories about Lima Company 3/6, reunions, barracks life, and the difference between the chaos everyone remembers from active duty and getting the same group back together years later. Zac shares the serious moments alongside the humor, camaraderie, and memories that made his time with the Marines unforgettable.

This episode was recorded around the Navy Hospital Corps birthday, honoring the Corpsmen who have served alongside Marines across generations.

Featuring:
⚕️ Zac “Doc” Frantz — U.S. Navy Corpsman Veteran

Support service members, veterans, and military families through Semper Fi & America's Fund:
Semper Fi & America's Fund

TALES FROM THE CORPS
Real stories. Unfiltered conversations. Veterans, families, historians, and the people preserving their legacy.

🎥 YouTube: Tales From The Corps Podcast
🎵 TikTok: @tales.from.the.corps
📸 Instagram: @talesfromthecorps
🪖 Virtual Barracks: VirtualBarracks.com
💬 Discord: Join the Virtual Barracks
📧 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

For Memorial Day, Marines from Lima Company 3/6 come together on Tales From The Corps to remember the friends and fellow Marines who never made it home—and to share the stories that keep their memories alive.

Mike Francis and Jon Stough are joined by Jake “The Snake” Lybrook for a conversation about their years in the Marine Corps, from boot camp and the ridiculous moments of young Marines finding their way to the experiences overseas that would stay with them long after they came home.

The stories move between humor and remembrance because, for Marines who served together, the two are often inseparable. They talk about brotherhood, loss, deployment memories, the transition to civilian life, and the Marines whose absence is still felt years later.

This isn't only a conversation about how Marines died. It's about who they were, the friendships they left behind, and why telling their stories matters.

The episode also looks beyond their own generation of Marines to the importance of preserving the stories of World War II veterans, including an effort to honor some of the last surviving members of that generation through a commemorative trip.

Featuring:
🪖 Jake “The Snake” Lybrook — Lima Company 3/6 Marine Combat Veteran
🪖 Jon Stough — Lima Company 3/6 Marine Combat Veteran

TALES FROM THE CORPS
Real stories. Unfiltered conversations. Veterans, families, historians, and the people preserving their legacy.

🎥 YouTube: Tales From The Corps Podcast
🎵 TikTok: @tales.from.the.corps
📸 Instagram: @talesfromthecorps
🪖 Virtual Barracks: VirtualBarracks.com
💬 Discord: Join the Virtual Barracks
📧 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Nathan Pinto, founder and curator of the 1944 War Museum, joins Tales From The Corps to talk about preserving World War II history and creating opportunities for veterans to connect with the cast and crew of Band of Brothers and The Pacific.

Nathan takes Mike Francis and Neal Fauver inside his work preserving the stories and artifacts of the WWII generation, including veteran gatherings, historical exhibits, and the relationships that have formed through a shared commitment to keeping this history alive.

The conversation explores World War II remembrance, Sterling Ward's WWII memorabilia collection, and the story of a historic quilt, along with the people and personal connections behind the artifacts. Nathan discusses why preservation goes beyond simply collecting objects—the stories attached to them are what give those pieces their meaning.

Nathan also shares another side of his life as a law enforcement officer, discussing the realities of police work, the transition between high-stress situations and everyday life, and the emotional toll that service-oriented professions can carry.

Mike, Neal, and Nathan discuss mental health, vulnerability, camaraderie, and the relationships that form between people whose lives have been shaped by service, whether in the military, law enforcement, or the work of preserving the stories of those who came before them.

Featuring:
🎙️ Nathan Pinto — Founder & Curator, 1944 War Museum | Law Enforcement Officer

TALES FROM THE CORPS
Real stories. Unfiltered conversations. Veterans, families, historians, and the people preserving their legacy.

🎥 YouTube: Tales From The Corps Podcast
🎵 TikTok: @tales.from.the.corps
📸 Instagram: @talesfromthecorps
🪖 Virtual Barracks: VirtualBarracks.com
💬 Discord: Join the Virtual Barracks
📧 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Marine Corps veterans Freddie Joe Farnsworth and Robert Garcia join Tales From The Corps to talk about making the jump from the military to Hollywood—and how real Marine Corps experience translates onto a film set.

Freddie and Robert share their paths from serving in the Marines to working in the entertainment industry, where the discipline, experiences, and relationships forged in the Corps followed them into an entirely different world.

The conversation explores acting, stunt work, military technical advising, and the challenge of portraying military service authentically on screen. They discuss how veterans can help filmmakers get the details right, from the way Marines move and communicate to the culture and small details that can separate an authentic portrayal from something that immediately feels wrong to anyone who has served.

Mike Francis and Neal Fauver also dig into the camaraderie that develops on a film set, the similarities between working with a production crew and operating as part of a military team, and some of the ridiculous moments that happen when Marines find themselves working in Hollywood.

It's Semper Hollywood—two Marines, a completely different battlefield, and plenty of stories about what happens when the Corps meets the silver screen.

Featuring:
🎬 Freddie Joe Farnsworth — Marine Corps Veteran, Actor & Hollywood Professional
🎬 Robert Garcia — Marine Corps Veteran, Actor & Hollywood Professional

TALES FROM THE CORPS
Real stories. Unfiltered conversations. Veterans, families, historians, and the people preserving their legacy.

🎥 YouTube: Tales From The Corps Podcast
🎵 TikTok: @tales.from.the.corps
📸 Instagram: @talesfromthecorps
🪖 Virtual Barracks: VirtualBarracks.com
💬 Discord: Join the Virtual Barracks
📧 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Mike Francis and Neal Fauver sit down for a personal conversation about Marine Corps brotherhood, PTSD, navigating the VA, and the relationships that continue to matter long after the uniform comes off.

After building Tales From The Corps together from a distance, Mike and Neal finally meet in person and discover that familiar Marine Corps phenomenon—the ability to meet another Marine and feel like you've known each other for years.

They reflect on meeting fellow veterans Jay and Nik, the friendships that formed during the trip, and the role veteran camaraderie continues to play years after leaving active duty. Mike also shares his time with Nik Sampson and HKA USA, including conversations and experiences that reinforced how quickly genuine connections can develop within the veteran community.

The conversation takes a more serious turn as Mike discusses his experience navigating PTSD benefits through the VA and the lasting effects of war after coming home. Mike and Neal talk about the challenges veterans don't always discuss openly, the importance of having people who understand where you've been, and why asking for or accepting support can matter.

They also reflect on Daniel Morrissey, whose encouragement helped spark the idea that eventually became Tales From The Corps, and how taking that first step ultimately led to the conversations, friendships, and community surrounding the show.

At its heart, this episode is about something Marines understand well: you may leave the Corps, but you don't have to leave the brotherhood behind.

Featuring:
🎙️ Mike Francis — Marine Corps Combat Veteran & Co-Host
🎙️ Neal Fauver — Marine Corps Veteran & Co-Host

TALES FROM THE CORPS
Real stories. Unfiltered conversations. Veterans, families, historians, and the people preserving their legacy.

🎥 YouTube: Tales From The Corps Podcast
🎵 TikTok: @tales.from.the.corps
📸 Instagram: @talesfromthecorps
🪖 Virtual Barracks: VirtualBarracks.com
💬 Discord: Join the Virtual Barracks
📧 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Royal Air Force veteran Leighton Hughes joins the Marines of Lima Company 3/6 for a conversation about British and American military life, military history, and the shared culture that crosses national and service boundaries.

Leighton shares stories from his time in the Royal Air Force and compares his experiences with Mike Francis and Neal Fauver's years in the U.S. Marine Corps. The conversation gets into some of the everyday differences between serving in the British and American militaries—including food, deployments, and the RAF's “pay as you dine” system compared with the American military chow hall.

The conversation also turns to their shared passion for military history and the books, films, and television series that helped shape that interest, including With the Old Breed, Band of Brothers, and The Pacific.

Leighton, Mike, and Neal discuss preserving military memorabilia, the importance of keeping veterans' stories and artifacts from disappearing, and efforts involving the Library of Congress to help preserve military history for future generations.

Despite serving under different flags, the stories reveal plenty of familiar ground: military humor, shared experiences, history, camaraderie, and the strange little pieces of service life that veterans never forget.

Featuring:
🎙️Leighton Hughes — Royal Air Force Veteran

TALES FROM THE CORPS
Real stories. Unfiltered conversations. Veterans, families, historians, and the people preserving their legacy.

🎥 YouTube: Tales From The Corps Podcast
🎵 TikTok: @tales.from.the.corps
📸 Instagram: @talesfromthecorps
🪖 Virtual Barracks: VirtualBarracks.com
💬 Discord: Join the Virtual Barracks
📧 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Marine Corps combat veteran Andrew “A Train” Alexander joins Mike Francis and Neal Fauver to reunite, trade stories, and reflect on their experiences serving together with Lima Company 3/6 during their 2007 deployment to Iraq.

The three Marines look back on the friendships, humor, chaos, and shared experiences that built their bond during deployment—and what it feels like to reconnect years after everyone went their separate ways.

The conversation also gets into coming home from combat and adjusting to civilian life, including the parts of military culture and deployment that can be difficult to explain to people who weren't there. Andrew, Mike, and Neal discuss reintegration, mental health, and the ways experiences from war can continue affecting veterans long after a deployment ends.

But this isn't only a conversation about the difficult parts. They also trade the ridiculous stories and memories that survive alongside everything else—the kind of moments that can immediately transport a group of Marines back to being young men serving together on the other side of the world.

At its core, this episode is about combat, coming home, and the friendships that survive both.

Featuring:
🪖 Andrew “A Train” Alexander — Marine Corps Combat Veteran, Lima Company 3/6

TALES FROM THE CORPS
Real stories. Unfiltered conversations. Veterans, families, historians, and the people preserving their legacy.

🎥 YouTube: Tales From The Corps Podcast
🎵 TikTok: @tales.from.the.corps
📸 Instagram: @talesfromthecorps
🪖 Virtual Barracks: VirtualBarracks.com
💬 Discord: Join the Virtual Barracks
📧 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Marine infantry veteran Michael Sylvester returns to Tales From The Corps to talk about the path that led him into the Marine Corps, the realities of Marine training, and what happens when the structure and brotherhood of military life suddenly disappear.

Michael shares how his family history and experiences before the military influenced his decision to join the Marines and ultimately pursue the infantry. He reflects on the unexpected circumstances that can shape someone's path into military service and the people who influence those decisions along the way.

The conversation gets into Marine Corps boot camp, infantry training, leadership, and the mental preparation required for combat. Michael discusses the pressure placed on young Marines, the lessons that stayed with him, and how those experiences shaped the person he became.

Mike Francis, Neal Fauver, and Michael also talk about the other side of military service: leaving it. Michael describes the complicated experience of walking away from the camaraderie, structure, and sense of purpose that had defined everyday life and having to figure out where those pieces fit in the civilian world.

Along the way, there are plenty of Marine Corps stories—including everything from swim qualification to Grass Week—and the kind of humor that inevitably surfaces whenever Marines start comparing experiences.

Featuring:
🪖 Michael Sylvester — Marine Corps Combat Veteran

TALES FROM THE CORPS
Real stories. Unfiltered conversations. Veterans, families, historians, and the people preserving their legacy.

🎥 YouTube: Tales From The Corps Podcast
🎵 TikTok: @tales.from.the.corps
📸 Instagram: @talesfromthecorps
🪖 Virtual Barracks: VirtualBarracks.com
💬 Discord: Join the Virtual Barracks
📧 Business Inquiries: [email protected]