Dave Acosta is back! In Episode 8 I interviewed him about his extensive tactical experience.  He goes into depth on how to unleash the excellence in your DNA!  This episode focuses on his skillset as an Authority on Active shooters and Personal Protection. In this capacity Dave has been recognized nationally and has been featured on various media outlets.

Dave and his team also created a program and trained over 6000 teachers to date in effective “Fight Back” techniques, arming teachers with the skillset to respond if an active shooter comes to their school. 

This Episode’s Warrior Challenge

Is a direct quote from Dave in the episode. He said:  “We will learn to feel better about ourselves when we overtly commit an action everyday that benefits someone else, especially if it’s a perfect stranger. “ Your challenge is to start finding ways and taking actions to benefit someone else, particularly if they are a stranger. To unleash your inner warrior you must take action!  Dave Challenges you to at least 3 times do something that benefits a stranger that you wouldn’t normally have done. Stay accountable by letting me know what you did on the TAMF website or social media sites.

In this episode Dave covers:

Then tendency to shut down

A teacher’s responsibility

Its in your DNA to fight back

The reason active shooters are successful

Cover vs. concealment

How to plan an attack/ambush

Moments of weakness

Empowering action

Psychological transitions

Active shooter in different settings

Mental Preparation to fight back

Challenging yourself

Valuing others over ourselves

Active shooter profile

Creating a Family Plan

 

“When people act without hesitation on behalf of others, we win”

“We will learn to feel better about ourselves when we overtly commit an action everyday that benefits someone else, especially if it’s a perfect stranger. “

 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fight-back-nation-podcast/id1459578563

 

Check out his AWESOME SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

YouTactical Nation

http://www.youtactical.com/

IG @YouTactical_Nation

FB YouTactical

 

Fight Back Nation

www.Fightbacknation.org

IG @fightbacknation

FB FightBackNation

***War Stories Episode***

Today’s guest started training to be a pro wrestler starting at 16. Later putting his dream on hold to join the Army.  He deployed as a machine gunner, and was nominated for the Bronze Star and Combat action badge for actions against the enemy. In this episode he talks about his struggles reintegrating into society, and  his work using Pro Wrestling as an outlet to navigate PTSD and to help other veteran’s.  His documentary Valhalla Club is now on Amazon, It’s awesome.  If you want more of his stories and to learn about his work, Please watch it. I really enjoyed it and I definitely recommend it.  

For this episode’s skillset challenge, Jan challenges everyone to 5 seconds of craziness.  Take a big action that only takes 5 seconds. Talk to someone you normally wouldn’t, sign up for an event you have been wanting to, do something you have been holding back on, just let yourself have 5 seconds of craziness that will give you a new experience.

Jan talks about:

Getting good advice from his recruiter

Not liking his job

Deploying to Iraq in 2004

Producing a Documentary

Finding creative outlets for stress

Difficulties of deployment

Living with PTSD

Pro Wrestling while dealing with PTSD

Developing a Pro Wrestler persona

Talking with people with PTSD

Guarding the tomb of the Unknown Soldier

 

For more information on Jan or his work, visit www.tamfpodcast.com/wrestle or

Valhalla Club FB: https://www.facebook.com/valhallaclubmovie/

Scars & Stripes FB: https://www.facebook.com/scarsandstripesllc/

Scars & Stripes IG: https://www.instagram.com/scarsandstripesllc/

Episode Quotes:

“Going through what we went though,…it just permanently changes you”

“You just gotta to push yourself to go through this stuff, no matter how hard it gets”

“There’s good times and bad, just roll with it, and keep an open mind, and get the most of it”

“5 seconds of craziness can change your life”

Today’s guest went to the AF academy because he didn’t want to pay for college, He had no idea what he was getting himself into, but he learned to dig deep and found out what it took to complete the academy, graduating in 2016. His first assignment was to Kadena Japan, where he decided to start his own YouTube channel.  He has loads of information packed videos on officer and military life. Just search his name Alex Tsang or visit https://www.youtube.com/user/MrUnpwnage

For today’s skillset challenge,  one of the things Alex talks about is getting comfortable with uncomfortable conversations. If you are not ready to starting an uncomfortable conversation start researching how to navigate difficult conversations, maybe using crucial conversations or non-violent communication. And if you do have some skills that way already, start working on your skillset by seeking out some difficult conversations.

Alex talks about:

Going to the Air Force Academy

Integrity first- Core values

Not saying what they want to hear

Academy standards

Struggles of the academy

Different motivations for joining

Average day in the Academy

Coping with Stress

Being on Academic Probation

Time management

Prioritization

Being in charge of punishment

Uncomfortable conversations

Embracing the suck

Finding a new opportunity

Starting a YouTube channel

Love of Fitness

I hope you enjoyed this episode and found a new mindset to help you excel.  If you want more information on Alex or please visit TAMFpodcast.com/alex

 

“Its pointless to go through the experience and not share it with anybody”

“I know that if I work hard on it I’ll get decent at it. “

“I’ve noticed I had to be a grinder in order to be successful. “

“There is always opportunity out there, but you don’t know the opportunity until you reach the opportunity”

“There’s a reward worth working for, that’s what made me keep going”

**“Friends of the Military” Episode**

 We have Lyn Christian back again!  If you didn’t listen to episode 29 it was a great introduction to Lyn Christian and the work she does as a coach.  I am thrilled to have her back again for a second interview!  As a refresher, She is a Master Certified Coach from the International Coach Federation, Her dad was a Marine, and she has done some work with the military too.

For this week’s Skillset challenge, once again, pick any number of the tools and tactics Lyn describes, or as a special gift Lyn is offering her online program to TAMF listeners at a 50% discount!  This is a fantastic way to continue the training with Lyn and to improve your capacity for focus.  Just use TAMF as a coupon code.  Use this link HERE to get to the program!

During this interview Lyn talks about:

Self Reinvention

The difference between should and must

Experimentation

Authentic self-discussion

Learning to adapt

I part vision 1 part flexibility

10% closer to a goal when you see someone else accomplish it

How do you define success?

Building your own system- self efficacy

Choosing to repel others

The tendency to appease

Recipe for Success

Need for a team

Facing fear

Strategies for getting out of panic

Gut health

Developing Focus

Creating your own planning rituals

 

Lyn’s recipe for success:

Be true to yourself

Find your core values

Leverage your strengths

Manage your focus

Lyn’s Definition of Success:

How soft your heart remains and how open your mind stays

Quotes from Lyn:

“We find our way by experimenting. Knowing the right answer is so much less interesting, inspiring, and effective than being willing to discover many right answers. “

“Life itself is a proposition of infinite numbers of rules of proper engagement”

“Appeasement helps with survival but can’t help with thriving”

To learn more about Lyn Christian please visit her website: https://soulsalt.com or www.TAMFpodcast.com/soulsalt

***Friends of the Military Episode***

Today’s episode is a little different.  First, I need to announce I will be moving to an every other week episode schedule.  I love doing the interviews and producing the podcast, when I started I really didn’t understand everything that it took to produce a podcast, and now, after 7 months, this will make it easier for me to maintain and continue giving you valuable content. Look for the next episode in 2 weeks.

Also, this is the first “FRIENDS OF THE MILITARY” episode. This episode comes from a supporter of the military, who has developed powerful skillsets that can really empower you in your career.

Today’s guest in Lyn Christian.  She is an Master Certified Coach from the International Coach Federation, she is certified in Conversational Intelligence®, former Director of Innovation at Franklin Covey Coaching and former ambassador for the World Association for Business Coaches

I had a fantastic time with the interview.  It is full of incredible advice and practical skills you can apply to develop yourself.  For today’s skillset challenge, pick any of the activities that Lyn Recommends. 

In the interview Lyn Christian talks about:

Focus

How to support those around you

Neural Networks

Journal- tally sheet

Fresh beginnings

Becoming a teacher

Becoming a coach

Power of the military structure

Having a Marine as a father

Leaning into the challenge

Reinventing yourself

Why you would resist change

Conversational intelligence

Being Formidable

To learn more about Lyn Christian please visit her website: https://soulsalt.com or www.TAMFpodcast.com/soulsalt

**This is a war stories episode**

Today’s guest was a TACP in the Air Force for 8 years.  He was medically discharged because of injuries sustained in battle. His actions earned him the bronze star with valor. We have already heard from his wife, Riley Burns in episode 18. 

Adam Burns now works with the Air Force’s new recruits going into one of the Special Warfare career fields. He helps them prepare ahead of time to minimize failure and burnout in the intense training of these demanding careers.  Whether or not you are interested in one of these elite military career fields, you can step up your game by following his 6 character traits of elite performance. 

For this week’s skillset challenge, take one of the character traits explained by Adam Burns and find a way to purposely develop it in your life.  Possibly using his exact tactics of developing durability using water training, or you might choose a task that is special to your desires. After you pick what you are going to do, tell me on the TAMF social media, or tell a friend.  Accountability increases your likelihood of success.

Adam talks about:

Becoming TACP

Durability

Develop self-awareness

Trainability

Taking it serious

Suitability

Dealing with loss of a sense

Working with your stress response

Team before self

Having THAT conversation

Attention to Detail

Self control

Using water/swimming for training

Deployment

Your reputation

To find a special warfare recruiter in your area, or more information on the AF special warfare careers visit https://www.afspecwar.com, or for more information and pictures visit TAMFpodcast.com/burns

“Combat doesn’t have a limit on hours”

“Did you stop because you were done or did you stop because you didn’t want to do it?”

“You will have to deal with discomfort, and those that are able to tolerate that more will do well in all walks of life.”

“You need to be motivated to do the shit that sucks.”

“You have to understand why you want something and it has to be deep seated, it has to hold some serious value for you, because when things get tough and you want to quit because you feel like you are drowning, literally and physically sometimes, What is it that is going to cause you to drive on?”

Today’s guest is Air Force Special Warfare Recruiter, Jeremy May.  He finds the best candidates to fill the most physically and tactically demanding careers in the Air Force. 

For today’s skillset challenge, One of the things I noticed during the interview, is that Jeremy May has one of the most naturally optimistic attitudes.  Everything he says has an underlying current of appreciation or optimism.  We all know that positivity when forced, feels fake and inauthentic. 

So my challenge to you, is to find things you actually believe that you can be positive about. Not things you think you should be positive about, but things you actually believe.  And then spend some time focusing on it, and appreciating it. If someone in your life that has impacted your for good, then tell them.  If you are loving the spring, go on a hike or to the park and make a mental list of all the things you appreciate about it.  Optimism is a skill that can help pull you through when life is difficult, as long as the optimism is real and true to you. 

If you are really honest, What is something you genuinely love about your job, life, or military career? Share with me on the TAMF social media sites or website. 

Hating the military

Deciding to re-enlist

Meeting his wife as a result

His deployment experience

Supporting his wife while deployed

Becoming a recruiter

Working in Special Warfare

Differences between the careers

Leadership skills as a recruiter

Learning the skill of optimism

I hope you enjoyed this episode and found a new mindset to help you excel.  To find a special warfare recruiter in your area visit https://www.afspecwar.com, or for more information and pictures visit TAMFpodcast.com/May

**This is a leadership Episode**

Hello and welcome to TAMF, Today’s guest is the decorated commander of the 419 fighter wing, of the AIR Reserves., and has flown multiple aircraft including the f15, f16 and f35 in both combat and non combat missions. She is a highly accomplished and intelligent leader.

For todays skillset challenge,

Col Sabric talks about being open to options that may take you in a different direction than planned. Wherever you are, make it the best.  This is a mindset challenge.  We are often our own worst enemies, we may look at a turn in the road as taking us off our intended goal, but our attitude and ability to make the most of a situation, is what will propel you forward to something greater than you could have planned. 

Where in your life are you feeling frustrated?  How can you turn that situation into a benefit?  Don’t just try and force yourself into positive thinking when it isn’t authentic.  We all know that doesn’t work.  Take the time to figure out a way to purpose an unintended situation into something that will help you to grow.  Take the challenge, and tell me about it on the TAMF website or social media sites. 

Staying top of her class

Benefit of a detour

Becoming a fighter pilot

Preparing for Deployment

When things don’t go as planned

Thoughts on failure

Running missions to support 9/11

Developing leadership skills

Growing up with confidence

Mentoring new Airman

Try new things 

 Make the job you’re in the best job you’re ever going to have…If something else comes up next, then do that with the next job.

I will tell you the things I have been pulled to do that I never planned to do, or was outside my comfort zone, has been some of the most rewarding things I’ve done.

I hope you enjoyed this episode and found a new mindset to help you exel.  For more information on Col. Sabric, or to share what you learned, visit www.tamfpodcast.com/sabric

Today’s guest wanted to help veterans long before she had any military experience.  She used music to support her dad when he was healing from his injuries was hit by a suicide bomber, while he was deployed. She became a music therapist to continue to support veterans and later decided to join the army to better understand and connect with the people she served.

For today’s skillset challenge, Celsie talks about the impact music has on our mood, and how it is helpful to have different playlists available to help you navigate those moods. I personally have 9 different playlists with different styles of music for different moods. 

Make at least one playlists, for something like a playlist that makes you smile, a playlist that inspires you to work, or one that is calming. Take the challenge, share one of your favorite songs and what emotion it inspires you on the TAMF website or social media sites.  www.tamfpodcast.com

Celsie talks about:

Supporting her Dad

Finding her passion in music theory

Joining the Army

Being in a postal unit

Her deployment experience

Learning teamwork

Finding ways to make it fun

Forced social interaction

Choosing to be enlisted

Creating music education courses

Your brain on music

Creating a resiliency day

Learning resilience from her family

I hope you enjoyed this episode and found a new mindset to help you excel.  For more information on Celsie or to share what you learned in this episode please visit WWW.TAMFpodcast.com/music

I met Today’s guest when I was at a coffee shop and asked him about his Semper Fidelis tattoo. He was an active Marine for over 20 years.  He is from Oklahoma where he was raised on a farm learning to embrace the suck as a way of life.  As a Marine, He pursued excellence in every job, and had additional duties like small arms instructor and Black belt instructor trainer.

For today’s skillset challenge, Gary Jobe talks about using the basic instruction given as only a jumping off point. And he even shows me how I have no grounds to complain about not getting more training; it is up to me to learn what I am interested in. What do you wish you were trained with better?  Maybe you think you should have gotten better weapons training, or maybe you wish someone would give you a lesson on how to build your credit. There’s no better time to educate your self than now.  Take time to research something you are interested in.  I consider myself a natural self-learner, and to be highly curious, but even so, I still felt upset I didn’t know more about the human body.  I always thought it was something that should have been included in my basic schooling.  So for this challenge I did some research and purchased a book on anatomy and physiology, and I have plans to learn a little bit every day, even if I just open the book and read a little bit.  What do you want to learn more about?  Take the challenge?  Tell me what you are studying on one of the TAMF social media sites.  

Gary talks about:

Being cared for by a Vet

Studying military history

Being bred to embrace the suck

Being surprised by vulgarity

Why he wasn’t able to deploy

Being assigned as a recruiter

Being a small arms trainer

Becoming a martial arts instructor trainer

Inspired by Bust Hell Wide Open

Difference between a career marine and a single enlistment

The importance of every job

Confidence of a Marine

 

“we always strive for the best”

“As long as you are applying the principles, and you just keep practicing, you’re only going to get better.”

“We are one team all working together to accomplish a mission”

“Marines don’t struggle with confidence. …If you are familiar with Marines, confidence is not something that they lack, especially if you put them in a group, you’re going to remember them. “