Tuxes & Tomahawks Podcast

🎙 *Episode 73 — Christopher Hill: Redefining Travel Through Luxury and Purpose* In this transformative episode of *Tuxes & Tomahawks**, we're joined by **Christopher Hill**, the visionary founder behind **Hands Up Holidays* and **Impact Destinations**, two groundbreaking travel brands that merge **luxury experiences with meaningful philanthropy**. Based in New Zealand with his wife, two boys, and their dog Zola, Christopher serves a largely US-based clientele who are seeking more than just another vacation. His mission is to reshape the way people travel — blending high-end comfort with hands-on opportunities to create lasting impact in communities around the world. We explore:

• 🌍 How Christopher built a **global movement that fuses luxury travel with service and purpose**.
• 🧠 The inspiration behind launching *Hands Up Holidays* and **Impact Destinations**, and how he turned a personal calling into a thriving international enterprise.
• ✈️ Real stories of travelers who combined **volunteering with unforgettable adventures**, changing both their lives and the lives of those they served.
• 🧭 Why modern travelers are increasingly seeking *transformational experiences* rather than just destinations.
• 💡 How purposeful travel can inspire leadership, empathy, and a broader sense of global responsibility.

Christopher's work reminds us that **true luxury isn't just about where you stay — it's about the legacy you leave behind**. His story is a powerful example of entrepreneurship guided by values, and a call to action for anyone looking to make their journeys matter. 🔗 *Listen now* on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.

#TuxesAndTomahawks #LuxuryTravel #Philanthropy #PurposeDrivenTravel #ImpactDestinations #HandsUpHolidays #Leadership #GlobalCitizenship #Podcast #ChristopherHill

🎙️ Episode 72: "The Marine Who Wouldn't Stay Silent" — Andrés H. Cáceres

In this gripping episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrés H. Cáceres, a former U.S. Marine officer who refused to be silent when truth and integrity were on the line. From the battlefields of Iraq and the southern Philippines to the front lines of Fukushima's disaster relief, Andrés built a career defined by courage and service. But his greatest fight came not against an enemy abroad — it came from within the institution he swore to defend.

While assigned to NATO Headquarters in the Netherlands from 2013 to 2015, Cáceres warned of the Taliban's resurgence, the weakness of the Afghan National Army, the rise of ISIS, and Russian maneuvering ahead of the 2014 invasion of Ukraine. His warnings were ignored. His reports destroyed. And when he refused to back down, the command retaliated — fabricating charges, destroying his reputation, and stripping him of his security clearance.

He was accused of mutiny, disobedience, and harassment — accusations that would later unravel when the same officers who lied against him confessed to fabrications. Yet, despite clear evidence of perjury and falsified medical records, the Department of the Navy refuses to make it right. Now a Ph.D. in International Law, a researcher on the law of armed conflict, and a youth soccer coach, Andrés continues to fight — this time for truth, accountability, and justice for those who wear the uniform with honor.

This is not just a story of military injustice. It's a story about what happens when good men tell the truth — and the system tries to destroy them for it.

#TuxesAndTomahawks #DeRitoAct #MilitaryJustice #Whistleblower #Veterans #TruthMatters #AndresCaceres #USMC

🎙️ Episode 71 — Arvis Owens: Fighting for Justice in Uniform

Arvis Owens, a 1995 U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Navy Commander, was falsely accused and wrongly convicted of sexual assault. Today, he's exposing how the military justice system strips service members of basic rights civilians take for granted: no probable cause, no unanimous juries, no access to evidence, and no innocence projects.

His story is a powerful call for due process, truth, and reform.

⚖️ Real victims deserve justice. So do the wrongly accused.

#TuxesAndTomahawks #Episode71 #MilitaryJustice #DueProcess #Veterans #InnocenceProject #JusticeForAll

🎙️ Episode 70: Brady Knowlton — Building Businesses, Wrestling Catfish, and Living Without a Comfort Zone

On this episode of *Tuxes and Tomahawks*, we sit down with Brady Knowlton, a man whose life is anything but ordinary.

A proud graduate of Southern Methodist University and the University of Denver Law School, Brady has spent over 20 years driving strategic investments in the oil & gas sector as Executive Vice President at Monarch Financial. But boardrooms are just one arena he thrives in. Brady is a serial entrepreneur who has built companies across energy, technology, real estate, finance—and even a thriving restaurant in Mexico.

Beyond the balance sheets, Brady is a fearless adventurer. His campaign to legalize handfishing in Texas landed him on Animal Planet's *Catfishin' Kings*. He has freedived, spearfished, and explored 60 countries, often pushing the limits in some of the world's most dangerous waters. He's lived in tents for over a year in Africa, wrestled giant catfish, and carries with him the traditions of Native American mentors from Oklahoma.

His storytelling, honed through *The World's Most Interesting Podcast*, is fueled by these wild experiences. Fluent in Spanish and armed with a global perspective, Brady's voice carries lessons of perseverance, cultural fluency, and the courage to face risk head-on.

Brady has also endured wrongful prosecution as a January 6 defendant, yet continues to advocate for truth, integrity, and resilience.

This conversation isn't just about business or adventure—it's about embracing life fully, refusing to play it safe, and learning from challenges both in and out of the spotlight.

📌 *Where others see risk, Brady sees the next frontier. Tune in to hear why.*

🎙️ Episode 69 — From the Crescent to the Cross: Ismail Youssef's Journey to Christ

On this gripping episode of Tuxes and Tomahawks, we sit down with Ismail Youssef—a former devout Muslim who risked everything to follow Christ and now stands as a bold Catholic witness to the power of truth, grace, and courage. Born into Islam and raised in a culture where conversion is often met with rejection or worse, Ismail's story isn't just about leaving a religion—it's about discovering a Person.

From his earliest questions about God to his ultimate embrace of the Catholic Church, this is a raw, unfiltered conversation about faith, freedom, and the cost of discipleship.

We talk about:

What drew him to the Gospel after years of Islamic devotion

How the Catholic Church offered the fullness of truth

The emotional, theological, and cultural battles of conversion

Why clarity and charity must go hand-in-hand when evangelizing Muslims

The dangers of watered-down witness—and the call to bold truth in a confused world

Ismail doesn't shy away from the hard topics—Islam, Catholicism, identity, persecution, mission. But every word is delivered with grace, love, and an unmistakable fire for the Gospel. If you've ever wondered what it really means to take up your cross, this episode will leave you humbled, inspired, and challenged to live your faith louder. This is not just testimony. It's a call to arms.

📍 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you stream.

We are back again this week with an important update about Cadet Joseph Fernau. The United States Air Force Academy is disenrolling Cadet Fernau, charging him over $240,000 after claims of sexual assault by a self-identified transgender Cadet were found unfounded by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

It was discovered in the evidence that this person lied and made a false official statement. They were never held accountable and are intentionally trying to destroy Joe's life. His chain of command picked USAFA politics over integrity. More details are revealed of a chain of command at the Air Force Academy that do not uphold the standards we expect of military commanders, and clear violations of case precedent.

Cadet Fernau is appealing to the Secretary of the Air Force to overturn the Superintendent's decision, and we fully support his efforts of seeking justice in Colorado Springs so he can finish his degree and become a commissioned officer.

We need everyone involved.

Voice your concerns and demand justice for Cadet Fernau by calling these offices and demanding action NOW!

Congressman Jeff Crank CO -5: (202) 225-4422

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert CO-4: (202) 225-4761

Air Force Public Inquiries: 703-697-3039

#SecWar #SecAF #USecAF #USECAF #SecAFOfficial @SecWar @SecAFOfficial @matthewlohmeier

🇺🇸✈️🇮🇪🇬🇧 Touchdown in Ireland and the UK and let me tell you, this trip hits different. I'm not here just to snap pics of castles or sip pints in pubs. I'm here to sit with workers, farmers, students, and families in Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, and London to hear what life is really like. The stories are raw, unfiltered, and real. People are worried about jobs, culture, and the future of their kids, but they're also proud, resilient, and ready to fight for what matters.

🎙 At Trump Doonbeg, I'm teaming up with the Irish Political Roundup to make sure these voices are heard loud and clear. Alliances aren't just made between presidents and parliaments. They're built when real people connect, share struggles, and back each other up. That's how America, Ireland, and the UK can stand strong together.

From the streets of Belfast to the energy of Dublin, from the history of Edinburgh to the pulse of London, the message is the same. Protect what makes us who we are, and never let our culture or freedom slip away.

This isn't just a trip, it's a movement. And you're coming along for the ride. Stay tuned, what we're building here will echo across the Atlantic. 🌍🔥

#Ireland #UK #Scotland #NorthernIreland #England #TrumpDoonbeg #IrishPoliticalRoundup #AmericanInIreland #CelticConnections #DublinCity #BelfastLife #LondonCalling #VisitScotland #YoungVoices #CultureMatters #ProtectOurFuture #StrongerTogether #BuildingBridges #GlobalAllies #AmericanAbroad #PodcastLife #NextGenLeadership #UnitedWeStand #HistoryInTheMaking

🎙️ Episode 67: The Mission Isn't Over – Colonel George Markert's Next Battle: The U.S. Senate

In Episode 67 of Tuxes & Tomahawks, host Adam DeRito sits down with a true warrior, patriot, and visionary leader: Colonel George Markert, USMC (Ret.). With over 30 years of global service, Colonel Markert's career reads like a living history of America's modern military operations—from East Timor to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa. But now, this decorated Marine is answering a new call: to serve the people of Colorado in the United States Senate.

Born in Virginia Beach and forged through three decades of leadership under fire, Colonel Markert's record is unmatched. He led logistics and combat operations across five continents, supported operations following 9/11, commanded battalions in the fight against terrorism, and served as a strategic advisor inside U.S. Central Command. His personal decorations—among them the Bronze Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit—reflect not just courage under fire, but principled, results-driven leadership at the highest levels of national defense.

But Colonel Markert's dedication didn't stop at retirement. He recently served as Director of Operations for GeoStabilization International, applying military precision to safeguard America's critical infrastructure. With four master's degrees—from Penn State to the Naval War College—this is a man who understands strategy, economics, and security from both the battlefield and the boardroom.

Now, Colonel Markert is stepping into the arena once again—this time to fight for Coloradans fed up with career politicians, weak borders, crumbling infrastructure, and a federal government that has lost touch with real American values. With a proven record of service, sacrifice, and strategic leadership, George Markert is the statesman Colorado needs to restore honor, accountability, and strength in Washington.

Why He's the Right Senator for Colorado:

He has defended America abroad—he'll defend Colorado at home.

He brings unmatched executive and crisis leadership from the Pentagon to the Pacific.

He understands both national security and economic security—and he knows how to lead in both.

He's not a politician. He's a Marine. He's a builder. He's a fighter. And he's just getting started.

🎧 Tune in now to hear why Colonel George Markert is ready to be Colorado's next great senator—and how his mission to serve has only just begun. #TuxesAndTomahawks #VeteranLeadership #AmericaFirst #GeorgeMarkert #ColoradoSenate #MilitaryToMission #SemperFiSenator #FaithFamilyFreedom #DeRitoForDemocracy

🎙️ Episode 66: From Battlefield to Heartsville: A Marine Colonel's Mission to Resettle Ukraine's Best and Brightest

In this gripping episode of Tuxes & Tomahawks, host Adam DeRito sits down with Colonel Curtis Lee, USMC (Ret.), a decorated Marine with 29 years of service spanning Operation Provide Comfort, OIF, and OEF. But his mission didn't end with retirement—it evolved into a fight for hope, dignity, and opportunity for families fleeing war. As Chair of Carolinas for Ukraine (C4U) in Hartsville, SC, Col Lee has led a groundbreaking grassroots effort to resettle 30 Ukrainians—integrating them into a rural American town of just 7,500.

In a candid conversation, Col Lee unpacks how this tight-knit community welcomed these families with open arms, and how Ukrainians became thriving neighbors, workers, entrepreneurs, and contributors to local schools, churches, and charities. But the clock is ticking. Col Lee exposes the unintended crisis brewing as the expiration of humanitarian parole and work authorizations looms—threatening to cast these hardworking newcomers into undocumented limbo, or force them to flee once more. He argues for a common-sense extension of legal protections that would keep America's door open to talented, vetted refugeesbolstering communities across the country.

🪖 Key Highlights: How a Marine colonel leveraged his civil affairs and logistics experience to build a model for successful refugee resettlement Why bipartisan support is essential for a blanket extension of Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) humanitarian parole Lessons learned from Afghanistan's chaotic evacuation—and what they taught Col Lee about resettling people from war zones The economic and cultural benefits Ukrainians have brought to rural South Carolina—and why America should replicate this success story nationwide A frank discussion on immigration policy, conservative principles, and balancing compassion with security.

🌎 Why It Matters: With 240,000 Ukrainians resettled across the U.S. under U4U, the stakes are high not just for these individuals—but for America's identity as a nation of opportunity. Col Lee makes a powerful case that extending their legal status isn't just the right thing to do—it's the smart thing.

🔥 About Our Guest: Col Curtis Lee is a retired Marine colonel who commanded logistics and civil affairs units across three decades of service, including combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. A veteran of charitable missions in Africa and Asia, he now channels his leadership into transforming rural communities at home. Proving that service doesn't stop at the uniform's edge.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite streaming platform and learn how one Marine's post-service mission is reshaping America's heartland.

🚨 **EPISODE 65: LT Kegan "SMURF" Gill — Phoenix Rising** 🚨

🎙️ Dive into the incredible story of LT Kegan "SMURF" Gill, USN (Ret.), a former Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet pilot who survived the **fastest ejection in naval aviation history — at 695 mph.** 🚀

Despite **severe injuries, 13 surgeries, PTSD, and a traumatic brain injury**, Kegan's journey didn't end with survival. He faced years of darkness, but through **holistic therapies** — including **psychedelic-assisted treatments** — he discovered a path to profound healing.

Today, Kegan is a **motivational speaker, author, coach, and family man**, dedicated to inspiring others to conquer their own challenges. His memoir, *Phoenix Revival: The Aftermath of Naval Aviation's Fastest Survived Ejection*, reveals a raw, honest account of pain, perseverance, and ultimate transformation.

🔥 In this episode of **Tuxes & Tomahawks**, you'll hear:

✅ What it's like to eject at nearly Mach 1 — and survive.

✅ The brutal reality of injuries, surgeries, and battling PTSD.

✅ How innovative treatments are changing lives for veterans.

✅ Why faith, family, and resilience matter more than ever.

📚 **ORDER THE BOOK**: *Phoenix Revival* — a must-read memoir for anyone facing life's toughest battles.

🎧 **LISTEN NOW**: Episode 65 of Tuxes & Tomahawks — streaming wherever you get your podcasts!

👉 Follow Kegan on Instagram: @kegansmurfgill

for more stories of courage, recovery, and hope.

#Veterans #MentalHealth #Resilience #PhoenixRevival #FighterPilot #PTSDRecovery #MilitaryPodcast #TuxesAndTomahawks