A ridgeline in Okinawa turns into a “Christmas tree” of chem lights. A young Navy corpsman—adopted by Marines, hardened by the desert, and allergic to excuses—learns how fast jokes turn off when core temperatures spike and a friend’s life hangs on a bag of ice and an IV drip. From Third LAR in 29 Palms to the first firefight of the Iraq invasion in an LAV, he paints the chaos with unflinching detail: a gunny with a cigar and a 240, green streaks of artillery across the sky, and a bullet that somehow slipped skin while punching through a flak and blouse. The losses that hurt most weren’t always in combat; sometimes they were self-inflicted or silent, and those are the ones that linger.

Then the story veers into Kabul, where contractor life felt like a satire—training in a ghost-town range, piss-test acrobatics, Gurkhas who needed nine people to open a gate, dysentery from bad chow, and MRAP joyrides to flea markets. Out of the absurd came “Aegis Underground,” a meme insurgency that roasted incompetent leadership and accidentally built camaraderie. When a beltway boss tried to bark orders, the phone clicked and a new chapter began: college, guiding on the coast, a nonprofit that used trips as a pretext for the real medicine—men talking without posturing.

What follows is the blueprint he wishes more vets heard sooner. Identity doesn’t end with a DD‑214. Purpose can be rebuilt in small, disciplined moves: fasting, breath work, running, labs, and a circle of friends who answer late-night calls. He’s honest about the grind of entrepreneurship and the fear that comes with walking from guaranteed pay. He’s also proof that you can trade adrenaline for ownership. His newest leap is Dillo, a high-output, wireless, Bluetooth‑dimmable adventure light built for nights on rafts, golf carts, and UTVs—a simple idea executed well by someone who learned to trust his hands and his gut.

If you want war stories with humor, contractor chaos with receipts, and a clear-eyed map from service to a self-directed life, this one hits. Tap play, share it with a friend who needs to hear it, and leave a review so more people find the show.

To check out Doc's crazy adventures, follow his journey at @Ilive2fish on Instagram

Send us a text

Support the show

Follow Wild Chaos on Social Media:

Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-chaos-podcast/id1732761860
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KFGZ6uABb1sQlfkE2TIoc?si=8ff748aa4fc64331

⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildchaospodcast
Bam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambam0069
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wildchaospod
TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wildchaosshow
Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheWildChaosPodcast

When Nick Jeffries joined the Marine Corps at 18, he couldn't have imagined how profoundly his life would transform. From clearing houses during the brutal Fallujah offensive to crafting exquisite antler chandeliers that hang in celebrities' homes, his journey reveals the remarkable resilience of the human spirit.

Nick takes us deep into the chaos of urban combat in Iraq, where as a SAW gunner with Lima Company, 3/5 Marines (Dark Horse), he faced death daily during two deployments. His raw accounts of firefights, IED attacks, and the psychological toll of constant combat provide a rare glimpse into one of the most intense battles of the Iraq War. "Every day, the amount of times you almost died was significant," he explains, describing a combat mindset where emotions were necessarily shut down.

The real battle began after leaving the service. Struggling with undiagnosed PTSD and traumatic brain injury, Nick faced overwhelming anxiety and depression while trying to build a civilian life. His turning point came unexpectedly when he discovered working with antlers provided therapeutic relief—eventually growing into Custom Antler Designs, his thriving business creating museum-quality chandeliers shipped worldwide.

What makes Nick's story so powerful is how it demonstrates alternative paths to healing. Beyond traditional therapy and medication, he found purpose through craftsmanship, sobriety, and outdoor activities. Now balancing his antler business with work as a wildland resource planner, Nick emphasizes how staying busy with meaningful pursuits has been crucial to his recovery.

For veterans struggling with their own transitions, Nick offers practical wisdom earned through hard experience: "Get help, exercise, get outside, and find your purpose." His journey from battlefield to workshop serves as a testament that even after experiencing war's darkest moments, there remains the possibility of creating something beautiful.

Check out Nick's incredible craftsman ship and designs by visiting him at: https://customantlerdesigns.com/ or follow his journey at: https://www.instagram.com/Custom.antler.designs/

Send us a text

Support the show

Follow Wild Chaos on Social Media:

Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-chaos-podcast/id1732761860
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KFGZ6uABb1sQlfkE2TIoc?si=8ff748aa4fc64331

⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildchaospodcast
Bam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambam0069
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wildchaospod
TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wildchaosshow
Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheWildChaosPodcast

In this raw and emotional conversation, Andrew Feraci shares his harrowing firsthand account of witnessing Charlie Kirk's assassination while working as a photographer at the event, September 10, 2025. Standing just feet away when the shot rang out, Andrew takes us through those fateful moments with remarkable clarity – from the electric atmosphere beforehand to the split-second chaos that followed.

What makes this testimony extraordinary isn't just the proximity to tragedy, but Andrew's deeply thoughtful reflection on what it all means. Rather than focusing solely on the political implications, he offers a perspective that transcends partisan divides, reminding us that "this is not a left versus right situation. This is a heart issue."

Andrew reveals previously unshared details about security's response, the initial confusion surrounding the shooter's identity, and Kirk's final words to the audience. Most powerfully, he describes how minutes before the shooting, Kirk had proclaimed "Jesus Christ is King" – a message that would reach far beyond those physically present that day.

The conversation evolves into a profound exploration of faith, purpose, and how we might begin healing our divided nation. Andrew suggests that despite the horror of what happened, there's hope for something positive to emerge – perhaps even a spiritual awakening. His vulnerability in processing his own trauma while remaining steadfast in his beliefs offers a blueprint for how we might all respond to tragedy with grace and wisdom.

For anyone struggling to make sense of this event or feeling called to examine their own spiritual journey, this discussion offers rare insight into how one witness is finding meaning amid unspeakable loss. The question that emerges isn't just about what happened that day, but what comes next for all of us.

To support Andrew and the incredible work he does, follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/andrewferaci_productions/?hl=en

Send us a text

Support the show

Follow Wild Chaos on Social Media:

Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-chaos-podcast/id1732761860
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KFGZ6uABb1sQlfkE2TIoc?si=8ff748aa4fc64331

⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildchaospodcast
Bam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambam0069
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wildchaospod
TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wildchaosshow
Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheWildChaosPodcast

Step inside the razor-wire perimeter of maximum security prison life through the eyes of a former correctional officer whose four-year career transformed him in ways he never anticipated. This conversation pulls no punches, revealing the brutal reality of a world where violence is currency and survival requires speaking a language most of us will never understand.

From his first day witnessing a bloody inmate assault to eventually becoming the "hammer" the prison administration called when situations spiraled out of control, our guest shares how the $13.14/hour job exposed him to humanity at its darkest and most desperate moments. You'll hear about inmates fashioning makeshift weapons from everyday items, the psychological warfare of having feces and urine thrown at officers, and the terrifying reality of what happens when staff members become compromised by the very people they're supposed to control.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is the raw honesty about how this environment changes those who work within it. Our guest describes his gradual transformation from an eager 21-year-old rookie to someone who could spike an inmate's head into a steel toilet without hesitation—and be celebrated for it by supervisors. He details how this "jungle mentality" follows officers home, making everyday civilian interactions feel unpredictable and dangerous by comparison.

Beyond the adrenaline-fueled stories of riots and cell extractions lies a thoughtful examination of America's broken corrections system. We discuss the inadequate treatment of mentally ill inmates, the profit motives that keep prisons full, and the shocking lack of support for the correctional officers who experience trauma on a daily basis. As our guest explains why these forgotten first responders often suffer in silence, you'll gain new perspective on the true cost of how we warehouse our nation's incarcerated population.

Whether you're fascinated by the psychological aspects of institutional life or simply curious about what happens in one of society's most secretive environments, this unfiltered conversation offers rare insight into a world most of us will never experience but that shapes thousands of lives every day.

 To follow Austin on Instagram 👉 @austin.legg 

Send us a text

Support the show

Follow Wild Chaos on Social Media:

Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-chaos-podcast/id1732761860
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KFGZ6uABb1sQlfkE2TIoc?si=8ff748aa4fc64331

⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildchaospodcast
Bam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambam0069
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wildchaospod
TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wildchaosshow
Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheWildChaosPodcast

What if we've been lied to about feminism? What if the most radical act in today's world isn't joining a movement that is meant to destroy women? January Donovan, founder of The Woman School and mother of eight, challenges everything we think we know about modern femininity in this profoundly honest conversation.

January shares her journey from insecure Filipino immigrant to becoming a mentor for women worldwide. After experiencing two abortions as a lost teenager, she found a mentor who gave her specific homework assignments that transformed her life—from making her bed first thing every morning to rising at 4:30 AM to study. These disciplines became the foundation of her approach to teaching women the forgotten art of femininity.

The conversation explores why so many women today feel unfulfilled despite unprecedented freedom. January breaks down her "fulfillment formula" that includes having a vision, designing every arena of life (not just career), and developing oneself daily. She argues that modern culture's emphasis on external metrics of success has led women away from the interior strength that creates true satisfaction.

Perhaps most provocatively, January challenges the notion that home management is beneath an ambitious woman. "If I built a million-dollar business and my home was chaotic, I would not be happy," she explains. Rather than seeing traditional skills as oppressive, she reframes them as foundational to creating order, peace, and beauty in one's immediate environment.

This isn't about returning to the 1950s—January herself has built a multi-million dollar business while raising eight children. Instead, it's about reclaiming the power of discipline, intentionality, and excellence in every arena of life. As she puts it, "A feminist walks into a room saying 'look at me,' while a real woman walks in asking 'how can I bring value to everyone else?'"

Whether you consider yourself traditional, progressive, or somewhere in between, this conversation will challenge your assumptions about what it means to be a truly empowered woman in today's confused world.

To learn more about January Donovan's Forbes Top Coaching School, The Woman School, visit: http://newwomanmasterclass.com/bam and follow her journey on social media at:

Instagram: https://thewomanschool.com/januarydonovan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWomanSchoolOfficial/
Youtube:

Send us a text

Support the show

Follow Wild Chaos on Social Media:

Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-chaos-podcast/id1732761860
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KFGZ6uABb1sQlfkE2TIoc?si=8ff748aa4fc64331

⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildchaospodcast
Bam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambam0069
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wildchaospod
TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wildchaosshow
Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheWildChaosPodcast

In this raw and riveting conversation, Marine Corps veteran Austin Hancock takes us on an extraordinary journey from rock bottom to remarkable success. Proving it can be done. Starting with a shocking confession about assaulting someone with a tire iron as a troubled teen, Austin reveals how this pivotal moment led to his military service and ultimately transformed his life.

Austin doesn't hold back as he recounts the psychological warfare of boot camp at Paris Island, serving in Iraq's dangerous Al-Anbar province, and the profound disconnect he felt upon returning to civilian life. With refreshing honesty, he details his evolution from construction worker to home builder to sophisticated real estate investor, including the crushing financial pressures that nearly broke him when the market shifted in 2018.

What makes this episode truly special is Austin's ability to extract powerful lessons from every phase of his journey. Lessons he wants to share with each listener. He dissects the mindset required for entrepreneurial success, explaining why most people quit right before breakthrough and how the real struggle isn't making money...it's pushing through when everything falls apart. His insights on fatherhood are equally compelling, particularly his approach to raising confident daughters and creating a legacy of action rather than empty words.

Whether you're a veteran searching for your next mission, an entrepreneur facing setbacks, or simply someone seeking authentic perspective on building a meaningful life, Austin's story offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. His message is clear: true wealth isn't just financial, it's a complete life where physical fitness, family relationships, and personal confidence complement financial success.

Don't miss Austin's powerful advice on investing in yourself, the critical difference between talking about change and actually making it happen, and why your children will eventually discover who you really are, regardless of what you tell them.

To follow Austin and check out The APEX Training Club, give him a follow and visit at: https://www.instagram.com/austin.hancock1/?hl=en

Send us a text

Support the show

Follow Wild Chaos on Social Media:

Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-chaos-podcast/id1732761860
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KFGZ6uABb1sQlfkE2TIoc?si=8ff748aa4fc64331

⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildchaospodcast
Bam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambam0069
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wildchaospod
TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wildchaosshow
Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheWildChaosPodcast

In this explosive conversation, former School District teacher Laura Boulton reveals the disturbing pattern of institutional failure that she uncovered during her 23-year teaching career. What began as standard mandatory reporting of student disclosures about sexual assault evolved into something far more sinister—a suspected pedo ring within the district with connections potentially dating back to the 1980s.

Boulton, an immigrant from Malaysia who built her American dream through education, shares how her commitment to student safety ultimately cost her the career she loved. After students reported sexual misconduct to her—both peer-to-peer incidents and staff-student violations—she discovered the district was systematically mishandling these reports, directing teachers to report only to administrators rather than law enforcement as legally required.

The consequences for Bolton's advocacy were severe. Twice suspended and eventually forced to resign, she faced what she describes as the district's four-part strategy: "delay, deny, discredit, distract." Yet in a bewildering contradiction, the district paid her $400,000 in a settlement while simultaneously banning her from all district properties until 2027.

Through her nonprofit Phoenix Advocacy, Boulton now helps families navigate similar situations, working with law enforcement and politicians to reform mandatory reporting protocols. Her message is clear: the safety of our children must transcend politics, institutional reputation, and personal career considerations.

For parents, educators, and concerned citizens, this conversation serves as both a warning and a call to action. As Boulton powerfully states, "We were all children once and we all deserve to be safe."

To learn more about her story, CLICK HERE. To learn more on this developing story, visit Idaho News at: https://idahonews.com/news/local/former-teacher-files-second-lawsuit-against-the-boise-school-district-laura-boulton

Disclaimer: Always do your due diligence as a parent and/or faculty.

Send us a text

Support the show

Follow Wild Chaos on Social Media:

Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-chaos-podcast/id1732761860
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KFGZ6uABb1sQlfkE2TIoc?si=8ff748aa4fc64331

⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildchaospodcast
Bam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambam0069
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wildchaospod
TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wildchaosshow
Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheWildChaosPodcast

What happens when you put your thumb out and trust America? Luke Whyte is finding out as he hitchhikes across the country, documenting conversations with strangers in an ambitious project to bridge our growing cultural divides.

With years of hitchhiking experience spanning multiple continents, Luke brings a unique perspective to understanding human connection. His current journey is motivated by a troubling observation: Americans increasingly live in digital bubbles that amplify our differences while obscuring our shared humanity. By hitchhiking between rides with strangers from all walks of life, he creates a space for genuine connection that transcends political boundaries.

The stories Luke shares during our conversation are both harrowing and profound. From nearly being murdered by a meth-addicted ex-convict to accidentally joining a drug smuggling operation in Central America, his adventures reveal the extraordinary situations that arise when you open yourself to the unknown. Yet despite occasional danger, Luke's experiences overwhelmingly demonstrate people's fundamental decency.

Perhaps most surprising are Luke's insights about who stops to help strangers. Middle-class Americans prove most likely to offer rides, while both the extremely wealthy and those in severe poverty tend to pass him by—though for very different reasons. These patterns reveal deeper truths about trust, empathy, and community across American society.

Luke's journey isn't just outward exploration but also personal healing. He candidly discusses his struggles with substance abuse, which developed while working remotely for a high-pressure tech startup. His current project provides space for reflection while creating meaningful connections that counteract the isolation of modern life.

Follow Luke's ongoing adventures through "American Awe" on Youtube and social media and witness firsthand how hitchhiking might help heal a divided nation—one ride at a time.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukewhyte/#
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@americanawe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@american-awe

Send us a text

Support the show

Follow Wild Chaos on Social Media:

Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-chaos-podcast/id1732761860
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KFGZ6uABb1sQlfkE2TIoc?si=8ff748aa4fc64331

⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildchaospodcast
Bam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambam0069
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wildchaospod
TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wildchaosshow
Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheWildChaosPodcast

When JD answered the call to serve his country after 9/11, he couldn't have imagined the battles that lay ahead, not just in Iraq's dangerous terrain but within his own body. This extraordinary conversation takes us through his journey as an Army soldier driving fuel trucks through the early chaos of the Iraq War, his transition to law enforcement where he dangled off a six-story building to save a suicidal man, and his most personal fight: battling stage 4 cancer that attacked his testicle, lungs, and brain.

The conversation reveals not just survival, but transformation. JD's cancer battle inspired him to create Thin Blue Ride, a nonprofit that is doing the Lord's work for veterans and first responders battling cancer. His achievements defy medical expectations, from competing in grueling physical competitions to trekking to Everest Base Camp with compromised lung function.

Perhaps most powerful are the practical insights JD offers for anyone facing cancer or supporting someone who is. He discusses the importance of early detection, knowing your body, being your own medical advocate, and finding purpose through hardship. His recently published book "Beyond Survival" chronicles this remarkable journey.

JD's story forces us to confront uncomfortable statistics, 5,600 Americans diagnosed with cancer daily and over half a million Global War on Terror veterans now living with cancer, while providing resources that could save lives. For veterans, first responders, cancer patients, or anyone seeking inspiration, this episode demonstrates how our greatest challenges can become our most meaningful contributions to others.

Visit thinblueride.org to learn more about JD's organization, Thin Blue Ride, or to contact him directly if you're battling cancer or know someone who is. As he reminds us, sometimes the most healing thing we can do is share our story. To donate to our veterans and first responders battling cancer, please CLICK HERE!

To follow along on JD's incredible journey visit:

Thin Blue Ride Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinblueride/
Thin Blue Ride Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thinblueride/
To purchase a copy of his incredible book, "Beyond Survival" CLICK HERE

JD's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daige22/

Send us a text

Support the show

Follow Wild Chaos on Social Media:

Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-chaos-podcast/id1732761860
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KFGZ6uABb1sQlfkE2TIoc?si=8ff748aa4fc64331

⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildchaospodcast
Bam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambam0069
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wildchaospod
TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wildchaosshow
Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheWildChaosPodcast

When culinary arts teacher Michelle Chung first reported mice in her classroom, she never imagined it would lead to a parasite infection, major surgery, and a battle against a school district determined to silence her at all costs. In this powerful follow-up episode, Michelle reveals shocking new developments in her fight for classroom safety and accountability.

The situation has escalated dramatically since her first appearance. After paying her own money for a professional inspection that confirmed hazardous conditions, Michelle discovered the district had covered her classroom in bleach to hide evidence of mouse urine and droppings, creating a toxic environment that even hazmat-suited inspectors couldn't safely remain in. Rather than addressing the dangers, administrators emptied her classroom while she was on medical leave, removed her nameplate, and incredibly, threatened students with detention for mentioning her name.

This isn't just about one classroom, it's a window into systemic failures that prioritize institutional reputation over health and safety. As Michelle fights not just for her career but for student wellbeing, her story raises urgent questions about accountability in our educational system and what happens when dedicated teachers stand alone against administrative corruption.

If you missed Part 1 of the story, you can download and listen here! For KTVB7 News coverage on the case click here!

Disclaimer: Always do your due diligence as a parent and/or faculty.

Send us a text

Support the show

Follow Wild Chaos on Social Media:

Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-chaos-podcast/id1732761860
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KFGZ6uABb1sQlfkE2TIoc?si=8ff748aa4fc64331

⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildchaospodcast
Bam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambam0069
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wildchaospod
TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wildchaosshow
Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheWildChaosPodcast