Cleared Hot

This week's episode attempts to answer YOUR questions.  My experiences in Green Team (NSWDG selection), What can be done to lessen the "disconnect" between civilian and military population, What would I gift every man and woman given unlimited resources, Why I left CrossFit, and how to move past failure with friends and family. 

Steve is a retired Navy SEAL with 24 years of active duty service. Immediately upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Navy and went to Basic Underwater Demolition School BUD/S. Stephen was assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team TWO where he specialized as an SDV Pilot, small arms marksmanship instructor, and scout/sniper. In 1999 Stephen successfully screened and went to Naval Special Warfare Development Group. During his 11 years at the command, Senior Chief Sanders successfully completed 10 combat deployments to both OIF (Iraq) and OEF (Afghanistan). During his combat tours as an assault team sniper and team leader he was awarded the Silver Star and five Bronze Star medals for heroic actions while engaged in National level HVT combat missions, among other medals and awards. Before retiring, he started his own consulting business, (TIER ONE GlobalConsulting LLC) specializing in soldiering skills, combat shooting, austere high altitude jump training, and lead climbing rock courses to government

What is the impact of nearly 20 years of sustained combat on American servicemen and women?  What is the impact on our society, on our culture?  Are we fighting for the right reasons, or are we fighting for the "Petrol Dollar?"  My thoughts on all of the above, as well as the commentary and criticism received from my conversation last week with Eddie Gallagher.  Enjoy

Eddie Gallagher is a retired Navy SEAL.  He received national attention when he was charged with war crimes in September of 2018, and subsequently acquitted in July of 2019.  Eddie served for 20 years and completed 8 deployments, including tours to both Afghanistan and Iraq. 

Trever Thompson is a former Navy SEAL, skydiver and BASE jumper, Bow Hunter, Photographer, outdoor enthusiast, and all-around renaissance man.  He creates and captures content around the world and is the consummate student, always trying to improve his craft. 

Gary Foster is a professional musician, specifically a smasher of drums!  He spent eight years traveling and performing on the Warped Tour before turning in his sticks and pursuing a career in emergency medicine.  He has returned to his passion for music and is performing with multiple bands to include Mest, and Assuming We Survive.   Enjoy

If you have children, specifically daughters, this podcast is for you.  Actually, this podcast is for anyone who wants to learn more about what it takes to be a high achiever.  At the age of 18, Stella Davison is an Olympic hopeful in the sport of Judo.  She is a purple belt in BJJ, coaches children in BJJ, and has structured her educational load to graduate high school early to focus on her international competition.  Driven, Disciplined, Goal-oriented, and organized, things we can all benefit from, regardless of where you are in the story arc of your life. 

This episode is a repost of a podcast that was recorded for SBGI (Straight Blast Gym International) while we were in Niagra Falls for the fall camp.   In this episode, I am on the receiving end of the questions, instead of asking them.  We discussed fake martial arts/military tactics, the war in Afghanistan, Jiu-Jitsu (obviously), and life in general.  Enjoy, and see you in 2020. 

Finishing off 2019 with Q and A part 2... Personal preference and advice across 3 weapons platforms (pistol, AR, long rifle), my thoughts on what we can do to heal as a nation, Macro vs. Micro mindset when it comes to approaching your goals, and making big moves with young families.  Enjoy

I'm doing my best to play catch up on Q and A, it has been a few months.  This is part 1 of 2.  Part 2 will come out next Monday.  Advice for reducing anxiety, EDC (every day carry) and additional tools to make yourself "bulletproof," How civilians can make real, positive, personal, and impactful efforts to help transitioning veterans, Essentials and packing tips for any trip.  Enjoy

Evy Poumpouras packs an incredible punch in a small package...She is a former Secret Service Special Agent who worked the protective details for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, President George W. Bush, William Clinton, and George H. Bush. Evy worked complex criminal investigations and undercover operations, executed search and arrest warrants, and investigated both violent and financial crimes. Additionally, Evy was an interrogator for the agency's elite polygraph unit and trained by the Department of Defense in the art and science of lie detection, human behavior, and cognitive influence. Evy Poumpouras is a multi-platform journalist and host who frequently appears on NBC, MSNBC, CNN, and ABC. She covers a wide range of topics, such as national security, law enforcement, personal protection, behavioral analysis, situational awareness, and how to live life fearlessly. Outside of her role as a journalist, Evy is a TEDx speaker and international advisor whose expertise is sought worldwide

Lessons in teambuilding, leadership, personal responsibility, integrity, and life in general from hunting camp with the CEO and founder of Black Rifle Coffee, Evan Hafer...World-class archer and bow-hunter, John Dudley...and gravity enthusiast and former Navy SEAL Trevor Thompson.

Andrew Fontes is the Brand Manager for Gatorz Eyewear, an American designed and American made sunglass manufacturer.  With roots in the "high velocity" sports realm, specifically the world of motorcycles, the brand has evolved and now has deep ties into the skydiving world, as well as the Special Operations Community.  This episode is an inside look at a continuously evolving brand that takes great pride in its American manufacturing process, as well as the people that make the brand tick.  I have been wearing Gatorz for 15 years, if you are interested in trying them for yourself (the Magnums are the heat) code: ANDY15 will save you 15% on everything.  Enjoy

Three high-level BJJ practitioners and coaches on one podcast.  John Frankl is a full-time professor in Korea, and part-time badass on the mats.  Actually, he is a full-time badass on the mats.  Travis Davison is the VP of Straight Blast Gym International as well as my Jiu Jitsu coach in the Flathead Valley.  Michael Heinz is also a professor, but just made the leap into becoming the owner of SBG Texas (the balls on the man to claim the entire state as his own!) Enjoy

Brian Bishop is a former Marine with multiple combat deployments to Iraq prior to continuing his service in Afghanistan as a contractor with Blackwater.  He is the founder of Orion Design Group, a solutions-oriented company that seeks to fill the gaps present in business as well as the Special Operations community. 

Breaking into the triple digits with a podcast from SBG (Straight Blast Gym) Fall Camp in Niagra Falls.  Adam Singer is a scientist by day and high-level Black Belt Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, MMA and striking coach, and gym owner by night.  He is essentially a mix between Elon Musk, and Clark Kent, but he can't fly or stop bullets with his chest.  Rory Singer is an MMA fighter and Jiu-Jitsu Balck Belt. He has fought in King of the Cage, Pride, Spike Tv's the Ultimate Fighter, and the UFC.  Together with his brother, they own SBG Athens in Georgia.  SBG Athens Travis Davison is the VP of Straight Blast Gym International, the owner of SBG Kalispell and Whitefish, and my Jiu-Jitsu coach. He currently is competing for the most appearances on the podcast with John Dudley, and is losing.   

Evan Hafer is the founder and CEO of Black Rifle Coffee.  Prior to his love affair with coffee, he served as a contractor with the Central Intelligence Agency as well as serving in the United States Army as a Special Forces Soldier (Green Beret). Trevor Thompson is an ex-Navy SEAL, skydiver, BASE jumper, photographer, bowhunter, exercise aficionado and all-around renaissance man.  Secret Black Rifle Coffee code for 20 percent off a one time order: AndyCEO

It took some time, but we were finally able to assemble the most amazing group of podcast guests in the known universe.  Joe Rogan is likely the most successful podcaster on the face of the planet, a stand-up comedian, and commentator for the UFC. Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL, author of multiple NY Times best-selling books, and the host of the Jocko Podcast. John Dudley is a world-class archer and bowhunter, owner of Nock On, and an incredible resource for anyone interested in archery and bowhunting.   Cam Hanes is not only a world-class bowhunter, he is also an amazing endurance athlete, oftentimes completing a marathon per day during his training an preparation. 

John Nores is a recently retired game warden with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.  While serving he helped develop the Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) and Delta Team, the first comprehensive special operations tactical team and sniper unit, with a mission to combat the marijuana cartel's destruction and decimation of California's wildlife resources.  If you would like to learn more about John, his new book Hidden War, and the thin green line, please visit his website:  www.johnnores.com

Sometimes you have them, sometimes you don't.  There is no magic wand and no magic formula, but there are some practical steps you can take that will increase the odds of achieving your goals.  These tactics work regardless of occupation and profession.   Simple, not easy.