The Protectors® with Jason Piccolo

Embarking on the podcasting voyage might seem like uncharted waters, but with the right compass, anyone's voice can find its harbor. 

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When you pick up the phone and dial a number from a thriller novel, you don't expect an answer. Yet, bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz defies expectations with his Orphan X series, where the protagonist's number is very much active, bridging the gap between our world and Evan Smoak's high-stakes adventures. In a riveting discussion with Gregg, we uncover the intricate details that make his stories pulse with authenticity, from the research on technology to the homage paid to real-life inspirations. Our conversation also touches upon the symbiosis of character development and narrative, where action sequences serve not as the core but as the thrilling backdrop to Evan Smoak's personal evolution and the deep-seated complexities that make him relatable.

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Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo

Teen Gooding joined the show to talk about Trauma Informed Policing and Female Officer Survival School. 

We explore Teena's journey from the front lines of law enforcement to her unyielding advocacy for trauma-informed policing, a critical area of training that's often overlooked. 

The harsh reality is that our officers aren't always equipped with the necessary tools to effectively handle victims of traumatic incidents. This compelling conversation dives into the concept of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and how trauma can affect both victims and officers alike. We also delve into the emotional toll that policing takes on our officers, the challenges they face daily, and the importance of empathy in fostering community relationships. 

We're not limiting our discussion to empathy, though. We'll cover the unique challenges faced by female officers in the field, the importance of physical fitness in law enforcement, and even how shooting sport competitions can enhance skill sets. Additionally, Teena sheds light on her ground-breaking work with the Female Officer Survival School, a program developed to empower and equip our female officers to handle dangerous situations independently.

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Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo

From the battlefield to the speaking stage, Travis Mills is here to share his inspiring story of resilience and recovery.  of resilience with Travis Mills.  Co-host BC Sanders. 

About: BOUNCE BACK
12 Warrior Principles to Reclaim and Recalibrate Your Life
By Travis Mills
 
New York Times bestselling author and retired US Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills, who has nearly a decade of experience coaching others to overcome adversity, shares strategies for healing and moving forward—which don’t just apply to those returning from war, but resonate with anyone who has experienced severe trauma. Featuring his trademark humor and relatable stories, Bounce Back helps anyone confront trauma, understand their emotions, and take back control of their lives.
 
Thousands have been wounded in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, five have survived quadruple amputee injuries, and retired United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills is one of them. Since an IED in Afghanistan exploded back in April 2012 and changed the course of his life, Mills became an advocate for veterans and amputees, helping them through his foundation, The Travis Mills Foundation. His foundation helps veterans and their families coping with physical injuries, and offers a program called Warrior PATHH for combat veterans and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress.

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Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo

Ryan Steck and Byrdie Bell joined the show to talk about the Alex Hawke series.  Listen in as they pull back the curtain and reveal the creative process behind the upcoming book, Monarch. Their collaboration is a remarkable testament to the power of trust.

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Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo

Eric Kramer of Kramer Custom Knives joined the show to talk all things knives, serving in the Coast Guard, and his upcoming line of knives.  

Eric takes us through his journey to becoming a professional knife maker. He shares his  approach to each unique piece, emphasizing that knife making is a blend of craftsmanship and functionality. We tackle how he balances work and passion, and manage his workload efficiently. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in exploring the intersection of military service and craftsmanship.

https://www.kramercustomknives.com/

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Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo

What happens when a combat-wounded veteran meets a seasoned investigative reporter? A 16-year journey of resilience, transformation, and an inspiring book is born. Welcome to our gripping conversation with Greg Gadson and Terese Crutcher-Marin, authors of 'Waypoints'. There's a tale to tell here, a tale of Greg's heroic journey to overcome a debilitating injury. Their story, which began at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, revolves around the theme of perseverance and the power of a positive mindset.

FINDING WAYPOINTS
A Warrior’s Journey Towards Peace and Purpose

by Terese Schlachter and Colonel Gregory D. Gadson, (Ret.)

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Have you ever pondered the mysteries of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs), or what some would call UFOs? Well, strap in for a gripping conversation with our guest, ex-fighter pilot and author, Jack Stewart. Our discussion takes flight as we traverse the enigmatic world of UAPs, fueled by Jack's firsthand encounter during a training mission that led to a classified Pentagon briefing. As we navigate the increasing reports of these phenomena, we also place our radar on the vital topic of mental health in the military and law enforcement.

The journey doesn't end there as we chart Jack's unique writing process and the influence of his military tenure on his book series. Discover how he harnesses the power of storytelling to shed light on misunderstood subjects, and brace yourself for the tantalizing prospect of UFO inclusion in his future narratives. Further along, we're joined by fellow authors Jack Carr, Brad Taylor, Don Bentley, Mark Greaney, and Taylor Moore. They share insights into their latest books, collaborative endeavors, and the importance of effectively portraying the valor of our nation’s warriors through compelling narratives.

Finally, we set our sights on the horizon and the exhilarating collaboration of an uncharted writer. We speculate on their potential work and eagerly anticipate a possible face-to-face interview. Through the blend of reality, fiction, and the unknown, we hope to spark your curiosity and intrigue. Buckle up for this fascinating episode – it's a ride you won't want to miss!

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Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo

Kevin joined the show to talk about Fieldcraft Survival and all the great courses they have in North Carolina. 

About: Kevin Estela is the Director of Survival for Fieldcraft Survival. A lifelong outdoorsman with over 2 decades of teaching in the great outdoors, Kevin is well versed in bushcraft and survival skills. Kevin is the former Lead Survival Instructor of the Wilderness Learning Center under the late Marty Simon. Kevin is the author of 101 Skills You Need to Survive in the Woods and over 150 published magazine titles.

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Join us on a riveting journey from theater stages to real-life crime scenes with  Amber, a seasoned actress and a former deputy coroner, now CSI. Amber takes us through her intriguing life story, starting from her early theater days at age five to her unconventional career shift into law enforcement.  Amber walks us through her daily routine in the coroner's office, breaking down the roles of medical examiners and pathologists, and her own role in crime scene investigations. She even gives us a sneak peek into the cutting-edge technology used in forensic investigation.

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Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo