The Protectors® Podcast

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Frank Larkin, a prominent advocate for veterans and their families, joins us to unravel the pressing issues of brain trauma and veteran suicide. Through his personal journey, we explore the complex realities facing those who have served in conflict zones over the last two decades, highlighting the unseen wounds of post-traumatic stress disorder and moral injury. Frank candidly discusses his own heartbreaking loss, sharing the story of his son Ryan, a Navy SEAL, to underscore the stakes involved and the vital need for increased public awareness and comprehensive care.

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Jeremy opens up about the role of faith in his life, offering a personal reflection on how belief systems can fortify resilience in the harshest of conditions. From early familial influences to deeply personal convictions, Jeremy's spiritual journey underscores the importance of faith not only for survival in combat but as a foundation for leadership and care. The discussion broadens into how organizations like the Mighty Oaks Foundation provide veterans and first responders with hope and purpose, especially when grappling with trauma and identity loss.

Feeling disconnected or cynical isn't uncommon for veterans, but Jeremy highlights the transformative power of peer-to-peer support networks. By sharing authentic experiences and fostering genuine relationships, veterans can combat isolation and rebuild their sense of identity and confidence. Jeremy introduces the empowering philosophy of "March or Die," encouraging individuals to move forward despite life's adversities. Through compelling stories and actionable insights, this episode offers a roadmap for overcoming challenges and finding peace through faith and community.

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Unlock the secrets of transitioning from military service to thriving entrepreneurship with our guest, Conor Donahue, as he shares his  journey from Navy SEAL to the founder of Ace Virtual Shooting. Alongside his old friend A.M Adair (and Protectors co-host!), Conor recounts stories from their military days, filled with camaraderie and humor, like the quirky training exercises that saw them role-playing as a married couple. Discover how Conor's military experience has been a guiding force in his approach to building a startup, where leadership, teamwork, and adaptability are paramount.

Explore the cutting-edge world of virtual shooting simulators and how they are revolutionizing training for law enforcement and military personnel. We delve into the pivotal moments and challenges that Conor and his team faced while creating a product that spans 60 countries. 

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In this powerful rewind episode (original air date July 17, 2022), we sat down with Aaron Williamson, the elite fitness coach whose journey from Marine Corps veteran to Hollywood's go-to trainer has inspired thousands. Aaron's remarkable ability to transform lives through his innovative training approaches has earned him a client roster including Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Josh Brolin, and Jamie Foxx.

The episode kicks off with Aaron sharing his deeply personal story of transformation. "Enlisting in the Marine Corps out of high school saved my life," he reflects. "I was a broken kid with no direction. It taught me strength, courage, and mental fortitude." This military foundation would later become the bedrock of his training philosophy and the acclaimed Intense 90 program.

Aaron helped me personally with a detailed training and meal plan that helped me shed almost 50 pounds!! 

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Peek behind the curtain of national security with Adam Darrah, a former CIA analyst and cybersecurity expert with deep insights into Russian affairs.  Adam shares how analysts provide nuanced information to policymakers, contrasting the rigorous intelligence work with the dramatized portrayals in shows like Jack Ryan.

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The Gun Experiment podcast hosts, Mike and Keith, join the show. From Mike's initial spark of interest in podcasting during the pandemic to Keith's hesitant yet rewarding leap into co-hosting. 

Gun ownership carries both passion and responsibility, and this episode brings that duality to the forefront. With candid discussions on the intricacies of gun laws and the societal perceptions that shape them, we tackle controversial topics head-on. This episode underscores the critical importance of training, safety, and education in navigating today's complex firearm landscape.

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In this episode of The Protectors® Podcast, David Blalock shares his experience with boots-on-the-ground experience discussing Hurricane Helene:

1.     Importance of basic survival skills, especially land navigation without technology

2.     Lessons from Western North Carolina and the value of educators like Kevin Estela

3.     Community collaboration, featuring contributions from Tulsi Gabbard and her sister Vrindavan

4.     Support for local law enforcement and hurricane relief in areas like Scotland County 

5.     Challenges faced by smaller law enforcement agencies

6.     Potential for mobilizing federal employees in disaster relief

7.     The impact of grassroots efforts and community-driven responses in crises

8.     Celebrating protectors like the TOA Group who serve communities nationwide

The episode emphasizes the power of preparedness, community action, and the need for more efficient disaster response systems.

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Daryl Hornbeck, a retired U.S. Army EOD 1SG, reveals the profound impact motorsport can have on veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. Daryl, a fellow veteran and leader of the After Action Racing Team, shares his evolving philosophy on training drivers. The nonprofit transformation of After Action Racing into a 501c19 organization has paved the way for bigger support networks, emphasizing teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. It's more than just racing; it's about building a support system that lifts veterans, fostering a nurturing environment where they can thrive.

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Trevor Thrasher, a combat veteran and former U.S. Army Green Beret, recently joined the show to discuss the 88 Tactical training program and facility. With over 20 years of experience in special operations, military, law enforcement, and high-risk government assignments, Trevor brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. His background includes combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, where he trained and led national commando units. As a close-quarters combat expert, Trevor has trained foreign special operations units and served in various roles including SWAT team member and academy instructor. Currently a part-time certified police officer, he also has extensive experience in protective services and counter-terror operations for the U.S. government. Trevor's unique blend of experiences gives him an unparalleled perspective on human performance and behavior in combat situations, making him an ideal guest to discuss tactical training. 

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HOSTS:  Gene O'Neill (filling in as a special host of The Protectors® Podcast) and Eric Bishop host of A Tale Of Two Scribes.

On this episode of A Tale Of Two Scribes, we welcome Jack Carr to the program. In 2018 Jack Carr burst onto the writing scene with his debut novel, The Terminal List. Optioned by Christ Pratt and turned into a successful series on Amazon Prime, Jack has released 7 novels featuring his protagonist, James Reece. And now, he has delved into the world of non-fiction with his latest, Targeted Beirut. To learn more about Jack, please visit: https://www.officialjackcarr.com

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