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#161: Don't Bet Against America - Representative Don Davis (NC-1)
4 april 2025 · 44 min
Veterans are once again dominating Congress. The start of the 119th Congress has 100 Veterans across both sides of the aisle. Veterans by and large focus on teamwork and getting results. Lees meer
To kick off the excitement behind the new Congress, Fran Racioppi spent a few snowy days on Capitol Hill with the members of the For Country Caucus; a bi-partisan group of House of Representative members who have each served across America’s military.
Representative Don Davis is an Air Force Academy graduate, a two term Congressman representing North Carolina’s 1st District, and the Vice Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, as well as a member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.
With the strength of American military power front and center, Fran asked Congressman Davis to explain just what the next battlefield may be, how ready the American military is to combat both terrorist organizations and near-peer nation states, as well as the role of Special Operations in the next conflict.
They also broke down the efforts of DOGE, Elon Musk and the application of the age old military sayings “slow is smooth, smooth is fast” and “speed and violence of action” gets things done.
Watch, listen or read our conversation from Congressman Davis’s office. Don’t miss our full coverage from Capitol Hill. Special thanks to For Country Caucus for setting up this series.
HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Introduction
2:05 Welcome to Capitol Hill
4:02 Veterans leading Congress
8:37 Expectations of Veterans in the Cabinet
10:51 Joining the Air Force
15:04 Joining State Politics before Federal Politics
21:37 Military Readiness
24:07 The Next Conflict
28:28 Defining the battlefield
30:43 The Terror Threat
33:28 Investing in Special Operations
36:01 Trump Administration actions
QUOTES
“When the orders came down we didn’t ask, ‘are these Democratic orders or Republican orders.’ We executed the mission.”
“The fundamental basis of that oath …
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#160: Is The US Army Ready? 15th Sergeant Major Of The Army Dan Dailey
25 maart 2025 · 1 uur 16 min
Readiness is the ability to close with and destroy any enemy, anywhere, anytime. The role of the Sergeant Major of the Army is to ensure readiness. Command Sergeant Major Dan Dailey was the 15th Sergeant Major of the Army and the youngest Soldier to ever hold the position. Today, he is the Vice President of Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier Programs at the Association of the United States Army. Lees meer
SMA Dailey joined Creator and Host Fran Racioppi to define what it really means for the United States Army to be “ready” to fight and win our nation’s wars. To do so, they went deep on each of the components of readiness, including:
Manning and the impacts of the recruiting crisis the Army has endured over the past several years.
Training and the importance of the Combat Training Centers and our combined exercises across the components and with our allies.
Equipping for the next fight and why the current procurement processes must change if America expects to remain ahead in the innovation race.
Leader Development including why softening the messaging of warfighting hurts mission focus and how the Army is closing the experience gap as the Global War on Terror generation of Soldiers retire.
They also cover the important mission of the Association of the United States Army and how as the largest organization supporting our Soldiers their work only continues to grow. Watch, listen or read our conversation from the AUSA headquarters and don’t miss the rest of our AUSA series.
The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by University of Health & Performance, providing our Veterans world class education and training as fitness and nutrition entrepreneurs. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are a…
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#159: America Is Vulnerable - Representative August Pfluger (TX-11)
14 maart 2025 · 16 min
Threats to America are at an all time high. Our national security and law enforcement professionals have warned us. Our military leaders are preparing for anything and everything. Lees meer
Representative August Pfluger is the chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. He is now a 3-term Congressman representing Texas’s 11th District. He is also an Air Force Academy graduate and an F-22 fighter pilot with over 300 combat hours. As a member of the bi-partisan military Veterans alliance, the For Country Caucus, one of his biggest efforts is to build coalitions across the aisle.
With Homeland Security, terror threats and nation-state brinksmanship front and center, Fran Racioppi sat down with the Congressman to ask him what exactly the biggest threats to America are. They dug into the theory of an imminent terror attack, what the battlefield with China really looks like, and why preventing denial of service attacks and the cyber-security risks against America’s critical infrastructure should be at the top of the priority list.
They also discussed the future of SOF on an undefined battlefield, how the reduction of fraud, waste and abuse will open up funds for discretionary spending, and why disagreement should be encouraged; but when the decision is made, everyone needs to get in line and execute.
Watch, listen or read our conversation from Congressman Pfluger’s office. Don’t miss our full coverage from Capitol Hill. Special thanks to For Country Caucus for setting up this series.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Introduction
02:55 Veterans in Congress
02:35 Terror Threat To America
04:45 Cyber Threats
10:01 Future role of Special Operations
11:47 Lessons from Service in Congress
QUOTES
“There’s a level of trust when you know that somebody else has served.”
“It starts with just transparency. We live in a dangerous world. It’s not just a terrorism threat.”
“These non-nation state actors and even nation state sponsored cyber activities lie …
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#158: All or Nothing Won't Work - Representative Jason Crow (CO-6)
11 maart 2025 · 34 min
The job of America’s elected leaders is to get things done. The democratic process isn’t always pretty and almost never leaves everyone happy; but the effectiveness of our government and America’s stature as the world’s dominant superpower rest on Congress’s ability to find common ground on the issues. Lees meer
Representative Jason Crow served in the United States Army 75th Ranger Regiment. He is now the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations.
In his 4th term representing Colorado’s 6th district he’s looking to return power to the hands of Congress and has found himself at the center of many of America’s most controversial and important Congressional matters; an area he has learned to navigate through his previous leadership of the For Country Caucus, a bipartisan alliance of military veterans serving in the House of Representatives.
Congressman Crow joined Fran Racioppi to share just how he balances the most polarizing issues facing both sides of the aisle; including the investigation into the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the impeachment of President Donald Trump and the inquiry into the pre-election assassination attempts.
We discussed the impact of budget and personnel cuts to Special Operations and why it’s more important now than ever to invest in our SOF capability to prevent the next major conflict. We also covered border security, the use of active duty military in the enforcement of the border and how countering the cartels and the drug trade aren’t a new mission for Special Operations.
Watch, listen or read our conversation from Congressman Crow’s office. Don’t miss our full coverage from Capitol Hill. Special thanks to For Country Caucus for setting up this series.
The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by University of Health and Performance, developing the next generation of fitness entrepreneurs from our Veterans. The Jedburgh Podcast is an official program of The Green Beret Foundation.
HIGHLIGHTS…
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#157: War Is Failure - Former Special Operator John McPhee
28 februari 2025 · 43 min
Serving in Special Forces isn’t supposed to be easy. In fact, becoming a Green Beret is rewarding because it’s supposed to be hard. If it was easy, anyone could do it; but not everyone can, or should, be considered elite. Lees meer
John McPhee is one of America’s former Special Operators, having served in the Infantry, Special Forces and briefly in Delta Force. The self proclaimed Sheriff of Baghdad tells it like it is and leaves nothing up to interpretation.
The Jedburgh Podcast, the Jedburgh Media Channel and the Green Beret Foundation are proud to announce our partnership with the University of Health and Performance outside of Bentonville, Arkansas. UHP is dedicated to building the world’s most elite fitness and nutrition entrepreneurs out of our Veterans.
John and Host Fran Racioppi climbed into the back of an armored Humvee to reminisce about the impact of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, what America did right, what we did wrong, and why the counter-terrorism battle is far from over.
John also shares his thoughts on the Army today, how to fix recruiting, the Israeli pager war, and why we must never forget that a Special Operator’s job is to close with and destroy the enemy.
Watch, listen or read our conversation from a vehicle many of us spent too much time in. Don’t miss our full Veterans Day coverage from UHP. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Introduction
1:50 Welcome to UHP
2:39 Rangers to Green Beret
4:00 Special Forces in the 90s
5:57 How 9/11 changed Special Forces
10:16 Legacy of Afghanistan
13:12 Sheriff of Baghdad
15:35 Disbanding the Iraqi government
18:20 The difference in Syria
19:42 Israel-Iran Pager War
25:30 Army Recruiting Challenges
27:05 Is the Army woke?
29:55 Next generation of NCO…
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#156: Integrated Deterrence - Lt. Gen. E. John Deedrick, Former Commander 1st Special Forces Command & Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan
21 februari 2025 · 56 min
Retired Lt. Gen. E. John Deedrick served as the final commander of the Combined Security Transition Command –Afghanistan (CSTC-A). He also held the position of Deputy Chief of Staff for Security Assistance (DCOS SA) at the Headquarters of Resolute Support; the NATO mission in Afghanistan. He was the United States Military Representative to NATO and commanded 1st Special Forces Command. Lees meer
The Jedburgh Podcast, the Jedburgh Media Channel and the Green Beret Foundation are proud to announce our partnership with the University of Health and Performance outside of Bentonville, Arkansas.
To kick off our combined investment in the development of our Special Operators post service, Fran Racioppi sat down with Lt. Gen. Deedrick to discuss his take on the Army today, where it came from and where it’s going.
As one of the last senior leaders in Afghanistan he gave his honest assessment of the withdrawal, the impact leaving has had on our allies and Special Forces Operators, and what the void left has done for the Taliban and American national security.
They also discuss the importance of our allies, why NATO works, the Russian-North Korean Alliance in Ukraine, and counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism in the Grey Zone through integrated deterrence.
Finally, they talk about the effect of politics on our military and why our leaders all want the same goal, but have different paths to get there.
Watch, listen or read our conversation from the UHP. Don’t miss our full Veterans Day coverage from UHP. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Introduction
2:23 Welcome to University of Health and Performance
5:02 Why did we leave Afghanistan
8:02 Did we abandon our Afghan partners
11:04 Withdrawal Effect
13:24 The Taliban and Al-Q…
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#155: Veterans Don't Need Pity - University of Health & Performance Founder and CEO Matt Hesse
11 februari 2025 · 39 min
Transition back to civilian life is the biggest challenge our service men and women will face in their military careers. America invests millions in training our warfighters to be the most competent in the world. That investment shouldn’t end when the uniform comes off. Lees meer
The Jedburgh Podcast, the Jedburgh Media Channel and the Green Beret Foundation are proud to announce our partnership with the University of Health and Performance outside of Bentonville, Arkansas.
Matt Hesse is the Founder and CEO of University of Health and Performance. This Veterans Day, Fran Racioppi sat down with Matt to share his vision to build a world-class development program to train our Veterans as certified personal trainers. In addition to the hard skills required to build health and fitness in others, UHP is also teaching the business skills needed to become successful entrepreneurs.
Matt explains the process, the details behind each course, why UHP has chosen Arkansas to call home, how he’s building an ecosystem to support all aspects of Veteran transition, and how UHP is leading the way in showing private industry just how valuable our Veterans will be for the next generation of America.
Watch, listen or read our conversation from the UHP gym. Don’t miss our full Veterans Day coverage from UHP. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast, the Green Beret Foundation and UHP on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Introduction
1:43 Welcome to the University of Health and Performance
3:25 Creating UHP
4:37 Why Health and Performance matters
7:46 UHP Programs
12:04 Field of Dreams
17:46 Preparing veterans for business
29:30 Lack of a military transition process
34:40 Future of UHP
QUOTES
“There’s nothing greater than serving democracy. Veterans created this country.”
“The health and performance of your l…
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#154: I Didn't Want To Be It - Leading Through The Boston Marathon Bombing - Boston Police Chief Daniel Linskey
1 februari 2025 · 1 uur 49 min
Targeted violence, domestic terrorism and international terrorism are changing. In the past, America has been the victim of large scale coordinated attacks. Today, acts of mass violence are as simple as cars, fireworks and household items. Lees meer
On April 15, 2013 two terrorists blew up homemade bombs at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Three innocent people were killed. Hundreds were injured. Boston Police Chief Daniel Linskey immediately found himself in charge of a mass casualty event and a multijurisdictional manhunt through the streets of Boston.
Chief Linskey joined Fran Racioppi to share how he overcame fear, panic and the realization that in an instant the entire city was looking to him for guidance and direction. He shares how preparation and training between law enforcement and first responders in the years leading up to the attack was critical in their response. And he explains why in emergency response, there’s no place for egos or credit, just action and results.
Join our conversation from the shores of Plymouth Harbor. Follow us on social media, read the full episode on our website, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch Chief Linskey talk about Team Maureen, an organization he founded to honor his late cousin focused on preventing cancer in our Veterans.
HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Introduction
3:32 Becoming a US Marine
8:47 Joining Boston Police
15:05 Public Perception of Law Enforcement Today
25:12 Are we prosecuting enough crime?
31:07 Immigration policy effect on policing
35:47 You’re It at the Boston Marathon
49:05 The bombing
1:00:20 Standing guard over the victims
1:19:37 The Manhunt
1:35:29 Boston Strong
1:39:04 Mental Health Mechanisms
1:43:00 Biggest Lesson
1:45:44 Thank you
QUOTES
“If you leave a place the same way you found it, you’re not leading.”
"If you want to learn leadership, lead.”
“Cops hate change. The other thing cops hate is the way things are.”
“If you think there’s a proble…
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#153: Deter, Defend, Defeat - US Army Europe-Africa Command Sergeant Major Jeremiah Inman (80th Anniversary D-Day Series)
17 januari 2025 · 20 min
The United States Army invaded Europe in 1944 and has never left. America’s forward projection of its military was instrumental in the stabilization of Europe and the establishment of the world order that has existed since the end of World War II. Lees meer
A critical piece of American power is US Army Europe-Africa; a command responsible for over 37,000 soldiers, 104 countries, 10 units and 9 garrisons. Over 70,000 US military personnel operate across Europe and Africa in either permanent positions or deployed in support of national security objectives.
To explain why US Army Europe-Africa is so important, Fran Racioppi sat down with Command Sergeant Major Jeremiah Inman, the command’s senior enlisted advisor.
Sergeant Major Inman breaks down the command’s mission to deter aggression and provide stability in some of the world’s most complicated and dynamic regions. He explains the magnitude of the command’s responsibilities; and also shares his biggest leadership lessons learned from his time in Ranger Regiment and how they prepared him to lead no matter the challenge.
Join our conversation from the bunkers of Pointe Du Hoc in Normandy, France. Follow us on social media, read the full episode on our website, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform for all our D-Day Coverage including our first documentary Unknown Heroes: Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh.
HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Introduction
1:42 Welcome to Pointe Du Hoc
3:20 The mission of US Army Europe-Africa
4:10 Guidance to the force
4:40 Joint exercises
5:00 The differences between Europe and Africa
6:22 Supporting Ukraine
7:23 Developing young NCOs
8:49 USAREUR-AF Lines of Effort
12:02 The Next Fight
12:52 The role of the Combat Training Centers
14:23 Special Operations & conventional force integration
14:47 Sergeant Major’s lessons learned
16:30 Daily Habits for success
QUOTES
“Our vision is to get up, show up and be ready to assist our partners…
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#152: Cancer Doesn't Care If You're A Bad**s - Team Maureen Board Members Daniel Linskey, Kelly Welch, and Dr. Emily Penick
11 januari 2025 · 34 min
The health of our military service members and our Veterans is always a top line issue. Many suffer from illness and injury as a result of their service; and most are believed to be at higher risk for chronic sickness. Some of which is fortunately preventable. Lees meer
Cancer is a top concern for much of the military community. To dig into the increased risk cancer poses to our Veterans, Fran Racioppi sat down with Team Maureen; an organization focused on bringing attention and prevention of HPV and HPV-related cancers to our Veterans.
Daniel Linskey, Kelly Welch and Dr. Emily Penick lead Team Maureen and founded the organization after the loss of their family and friend Maureen Russo.
Worldwide, a woman dies of cervical cancer every two minutes. It is the second-most frequent cancer in the world. The military community is twice as likely to develop HPV, yet immunization rates among our servicemembers are 50% of the civilian community. 90% of HPV-related cancers are preventable through immunization.
We broke down the facts of HPV, why it’s rising exponentially in our military, how it’s affecting both our women and men service-members, and what every single person, military and civilian, can do to prevent one of the deadliest, and preventable, cancers in society today.
Check out our conversation over-looking Plymouth Harbor and with Cardinals in the air. Follow us on social media, read the full episode on our website, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch this conversation and our follow-up with Danny as he shares how he led the Boston Police Department during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Introduction
1:50 Welcome to the South Shore
4:44 What is Cervical Cancer?
8:09 How do you get Cervical Cancer?
9:49 What is the effect on men?
11:38 Screening for HPV
12:55 Oral Health importance
14:23 Low vaccination rates
17:40 Why are military at risk?
19:58 Vaccination process
24:57 Who was Maureen?
29:17…
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#151: Strength Is Power - Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick
4 januari 2025 · 52 min
Voting is a foundation of democracy and key to American power, but also a process that can be ugly and divisive. In what many believe to be the most politically charged election period in modern history, Fran Racioppi took a few minutes to sit down with Congressman Rich McCormick, Representative for Georgia’s 7th district. Lees meer
Representative McCormick shared his Elementary Issues of A, B, C, D, E: the American dream, the border, crime, debt, education and energy; why it’s dangerous to develop a culture of government giving, balancing compassion with security along our borders, and not hiding from the fact that America has real adversaries who seek to do us harm.
As a Marine Corps and Navy Veteran, emergency room doctor and former American Gladiator, the Congressman knows the importance of earning success and leading through adversity; character traits he has taken from his military service to the halls of Congress.
Join our conversation from Congressman McCormick’s Office. Follow us on social media, read the full episode on our website, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform for all our election coverage.
Stand for something, or stand to the side.
HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Welcome to Capitol Hill
5:45 Georgia as a swing state
10:20 The Elementary Issues
13:40 Government Giving
17:12 A divided America
22:46 The Open Border Argument
25:20 Balancing compassion with security
30:03 The near-peer fight
32:28 Accepting America has adversaries
40:10 The role of SOF in the next fight
44:26 Why Congress needs more Veterans
51:55 Daily Foundations For Success
QUOTES
“People don’t realize how diverse the south is. Especially Georgia. And the opinions are just as diverse.”
“If you don’t have a good economy nobody thrives.”
“You’re never given value by what you’re given. You’re given value by what you earn.”
“When one party dominates we have more peace. Not necessarily more prosperity; but more peace.”
“If you end up isolated, you will e…
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#150: Supporting Green Berets Of Every Generation - Green Beret Foundation President & CEO Charlie Iacono
28 december 2024 · 41 min
Charlie Iacono is the President and CEO of Green Beret Foundation. Almost two years into his tenure, Charlie is pushing the foundation, and its staff, to become the premier charitable organization supporting America’s most important asset; our US Army Green Berets. Lees meer
Charlie joined joined Fran Racioppi from what may be his biggest brain child yet; the Stars and Stripes Classic. An epic battle between Green Berets and Navy SEALS from the home of greatness and the GOAT, Gillette Stadium.
In his first long-form interview since taking charge, he shared his vision for the foundation, where it’s come from, the impact it’s made on Green Berets of every generation and how 2025 is set to become the most important year in its history as it increases investment in programs supporting the careers and health of transitioning operators.
Leading non-profit organizations is hard. Leading one that lives up to the standard of the Green Beret is even harder. So Charlie explains what’s important to him, how he’s transforming the staff, why service is the foundation of the job, and how building relationships is critical to making an impact.
Check out our conversation from the New England Patriots Bubble prior to the Stars and Stripes Classic. Although our snake eating bearded bastards fell to the squids, the intensity of the game looked more like a classic from the 80’s. Plus, there’s always next year.
Follow us on social media, read the full episode on our website, and head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage from the Stars and Stripes Classic.
HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Introduction
2:06 Welcome to the Stars and Stripes Classic
3:55 GBF progress
8:11 Creating the Jedburgh Media Channel
11:49 Next Ridgeline 2.0
20:20 GBF Scholarships
24:21 Processing VA Disability Claims
30:58 Warrior Sportsmen Salmon Fishing
37:42 Goals for 2025
QUOTES
“There’s just so much cross pollination between the two sports. Between football and lacrosse.…
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#149: AIRBORNE - US Army Golden Knights Lieutenant Colonel Andy Moffit & Command Sergeant Major Adam Breeding (D-Day 80th Anniversary Series)
20 december 2024 · 33 min
Airborne operations were an essential component of the Allied invasion. And since D-Day, the US Army has stood ready to drop airborne forces anywhere in the world at any time. Lees meer
The US Army Golden Knights are America’s most proficient parachutists. Led at the time of this recording by Green Beret Lieutenant Colonel Andy Moffit and Command Sergeant Major Adam Breeding, the Golden Knights set the example for airborne insertion onto any drop zone.
LTC Moffit and CSM Breeding joined Fran Racioppi from atop the Normandy Resistance Monument in Saint Marie Dumont to discuss just what it means to be Airborne, both in 1944 and today. They shared what it takes to join the Golden Knights, how they maintain standards and why they are always competing for the perfect jump; especially when the eyes of the world are watching.
Check out our conversation from the birthplace of modern Special Forces and home to one of the largest airborne drops in history; then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage from the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.
Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media and make sure to tune into our first documentary, Unknown Heroes: Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh available now only on YouTube.
HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Introduction
2:12 Welcome to Normandy
5:03 Golden Knights’ mission
7:00 Why become a Golden Knight
9:05 What is a Golden Knight?
12:56 Building A Great Team
15:31 Maintaining a High Operational Tempo
17:14 Best part of being a Golden Knight
18:04 The meaning of Normandy
22:20 Future of the Golden Knights
27:29 Daily Foundations of Success
QUOTES
“Our mission is to connect America’s people to her Army.”
“I really had to check my ego at the door.”
“Culture is king. Culture is everything.”
“It really comes down to how teachable are you.”
“It’s that healthy level of fear though. That’s what keeps them focused.”
“We jump from thousands of …
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#148: America's Grey War - Former Boeing Chief Security Officer and President of Hostage US Dave Komendat
13 december 2024 · 1 uur 27 min
National security isn’t led solely by government entities and the military. Public-private sector partnerships often drive many of our national security decisions. Lees meer
To dig into the importance of the private sector in defense of America, Fran Racioppi sat down with Dave Komendat; a 36-year Veteran of Boeing; one of the world’s largest defense contractors and a critical component of America’s economy.
Dave retired after serving as The Boeing Company’s Chief Security Officer, where he ensured the safety and security of over 170,000 employees and $77 Billion in annual revenue.
Dave and Fran discussed how private companies partner with the US government, how security has evolved since 9/11, and how to build a culture of security in our companies and as a nation. They also break down the magnitude of Boeing, its impact on the aviation and defense industries, and the future of aviation security across a multitude of threats.
Dave is also the Chairman of Hostage US, a non-profit supporting the families of American hostages and those wrongfully detained, as well as hostages and detainees when they return home. They take a few minutes to unpack hostage diplomacy and how America’s adversaries are using unlawful detention as a tool to compete with American power abroad.
Watch, listen or read our entire National Security series. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Watch the full video version from Epigen Technology in Arlington, VA on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
The opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of our guests and creator and host Fran Racioppi. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy; nor does Green Beret Foundation endorse any political candidate or any political party.
Highlights:
0:00 Introductio…
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Investing In America's Military Infrastructure: Jumping In With Arkansas Senator John Boozman
29 november 2024 · 15 min
On Veterans Day we celebrate our military from every service and every generation. Freedom requires people of character to stand up for America…no matter the challenge. Lees meer
This Veterans Day, the Jedburgh Podcast, the Jedburgh Media Channel and the Green Beret Foundation are proud to announce our partnership with the University of Health and Performance outside of Bentonville, Arkansas.
Dedicated to providing our transitioning service members with the skills needed to build careers in health and fitness, and as entrepreneurs, UHP is leading the way in showing private industry just how valuable our Veterans will be for the next generation of America.
While at UHP, Fran Racioppi spent some time with Senator John Boozman, an Arkansas native and the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations. Senator Boozman is the son of an Air Force Master Sergeant and has made national security a top priority of his service.
The Senator and Fran discussed his initiatives to improve quality of life for service members and their families, why building world class facilities is critical to recruiting, and how national security is the foundation of a strong economy. They also shared why all leaders need to bring the country together to get things done for the American people.
HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Introduction
1:50 Welcome to the University of Health and Performance
2:37 Veterans Day in Arkansas
4:52 Modernization of military infrastructure
6:46 Investing for the next fight
8:13 Senate priorities post election
11:53 Bringing America together
QUOTES
“We talk about Veterans. It always is a family affair. The whole family signs up.”
“We’ve got Canada and Mexico as our neighbors. We fight a little bit. It’s like family. You scrabble, but your friends. We like each other.”
“I do think our country’s divided. We need to bring it together.”
“In the Senate the reality is in order to get something passed it has to b…
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Arkansas Is Open For Veterans: Jumping In with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders
22 november 2024 · 9 min
On Veterans Day we celebrate our military from every service and every generation. Freedom requires people of character to stand up for America…no matter the challenge. Lees meer
This Veterans Day, the Jedburgh Podcast, the Jedburgh Media Channel and the Green Beret Foundation are proud to announce our partnership with the University of Health and Performance outside of Bentonville, Arkansas.
Dedicated to providing our transitioning service members with the skills needed to build careers in health and fitness, and as entrepreneurs, UHP is leading the way in showing private industry just how valuable our Veterans will be for the next generation of America.
While at UHP, Fran Racioppi had the chance to sit down with Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the youngest Governor in America and one of only 13 female Governors across the country. Governor Sanders is a staunch advocate for up-skilling transitioning Veterans and is working hard to ensure Arkansas has the resources and job opportunities to bring Veterans to the state.
The Governor and Fran discussed her Veterans initiatives, her outlook now that the 2024 election is decided, and how it is incumbent upon all leaders to bring the country together to get things done for the American people.
HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Introduction
1:46 Welcome to the University of Health and Performance
2:12 Veterans Day in Arkansas
3:08 Arkansas is upskilling Veterans
4:22 Women Governors are changing America
5:23 America post-election
6:36 Can America come together?
QUOTES
“Creating an atmosphere that allows us to keep Veterans right here in Arkansas is a great thing.”
“We want this to be the best place for Veterans to call home.”
“Having women in leadership I think is absolutely critical to the long term success of our county.”
“We have to focus on things everybody can agree on and things that lift our country up.”
“Remember where the enemies are; and it’s not within our own country.”
The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Me…
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#147: Hostage Diplomacy: Surviving Venezuelan Captivity - Former Wrongful Detainee Jose Pereira of the Citgo 6
16 november 2024 · 54 min
Hostage diplomacy is an ugly game. For decades America’s adversaries have imprisoned US citizens in an effort to leverage diplomatic, economic or military advantage. These cases range from exaggerated charges, to disproportionate penalties, to outright lies. Each case is different. And each case affects both the lives of the incarcerated, their families and ultimately American power. Lees meer
Jose Pereira was held prisoner by the Venezuelan government for five years. He was the CEO of Citgo and after a Thanksgiving Day meeting in Caracas, he and five other Citgo executives were arrested and charged with bribery, corruption and other false charges. They became known as the Citgo 6.
Jose joined Fran Racioppi to share the story of his captivity, his year long solitary detention in the Submarine, starvation, sickness, sham trials, and his time in a coma. Jose talks about his mental battles with depression and suicidal ideation.
Like all great leaders, Jose sought solutions using the buckets his food was delivered in as a clandestine courier service to exchange letters with his wife. These letters kept him alive, gave him hope and now serve as the foundation to his new book “From Hero To Villain: My True Story of the Citgo 6.”
Special thanks to Hostage US for supporting the families of American hostages and those wrongfully detained, as well hostages and detainees when they return home.
HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Welcome Home
3:39 Summoned to Venezuela
7:51 Surviving the first 48 hours
16:05 Bargaining chips for oil
20:09 Smuggling letters in food
23:58 The toll on the family
28:07 Captive with Green Berets
30:24 Prisoner Swap
38:47 Hostage Diplomacy
41:34 The challenges of coming home
45:51 The role of Hostage US
49:19 The healing process
51:01 Daily Foundations to Success
QUOTES
For us, Thanksgiving became kind of a nightmare.”
“Nobody was prepared because this was a sham situation.”
“They target high profile people because they need to leverage you.”
“I stayed 10 …
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Nobody Is Coming To Save You: Jumping In With Green Beret Scott Mann
8 november 2024 · 26 min
Nobody’s coming to save you. It’s a simple phrase, but one that can mean the difference between success and failure. Elite performers know that when it’s time to take action, they need to be ready to execute with precision and without excuse. Lees meer
Scott Mann is a retired Special Forces Officer, the architect of Operation Pineapple Express, and a leader who knows how to get results against the odds.
Scott first joined Fran Racioppi after the withdrawal from Afghanistan to share how he took a stand when few would. Now he’s showing us just how to apply an action first mindset to anything we set out to do.
Our rainy Sunday morning conversation from the banks of New York City’s East River was the perfect backdrop to break down his new book; Nobody’s coming to save you: a Green Beret’s guide to getting big shit done.
Scott defines the churn; the divisiveness, fear-laden complexity of the world that is in our face 24/7 across our devices. He shows us how that has put us all in a trance of distraction, disengagement, disconnection and distrust where transactional relationships focus on performing for each other instead of connecting. As a leader of action, Scott gives us the cure; which rightfully so will be MESSY.
Jump In with Scott and Fran as they wake up New York City, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage of the 2024 election cycle and our national security series with today’s most prominent Special Forces leaders.
HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Welcome to New York City
2:07 Why is Nobody Is Coming To Save You?
4:05 The Four D’s
6:40 The loss of social connection
17:20 Get MESSY to get s**t done
18:35 Storytelling matters
QUOTES
“We are in our own form of that unprecedented churn.”
“The average attention span of a human in the west is eight seconds.”
“We’ve atrophied the ability to tap into what’s below the waterline of our human nature.”
“Now it’s a verb. ‘I’m going to unfriend you.’”
“We’ve lost the ability t…
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Solutions Not Problems: Jumping In With Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23)
25 oktober 2024 · 18 min
Everyone has a top button item this election cycle. For some it’s the economy. For others its national defense or healthcare. For Congressman Tony Gonzales it’s the US southern border and immigration. Lees meer
Representative Gonzales is responsible for Texas’s 23rd district, a district that contains over 800 miles of the US-Mexico border, and by many accounts, ground zero for the immigration policy battle.
Representative Gonzales is also a retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer where he served over 20 years as a cryptologist.
The Congressman and Host Fran Racioppi broke down the border debate from his Texas perspective, including the effects of current policy on both domestic and international security. With the election coming, we discussed the importance of battleground states and why Texas is important from the top of the ticket to the bottom.
Finally we covered leadership, how Veterans are making an impact through the halls of Congress, and why action is critical in a job in which you can do as much or as little as you want.
Check out our conversation then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage of the 2024 election cycle.
HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Welcome to Capitol Hill
3:06 People are mad?
5:14 Solutions over problems
9:04 From the Navy to Congress
12:04 Is America ready for the next war?
15:00 America in 2023
QUOTES
“I’m doing all the things I’m supposed to do, but somehow I’m in the back of this line.”
“If Republicans are going to be successful we have to be talking about solutions, not just problems.”
“If you’re weak, or perceived as weak at home, that’s when your adversaries are going to take advantage.”
“If somebody comes over illegally, they immediately get their day in court.”
“It isn’t my job to be the cheerleader of the organization. It’s my job to check the organization.”
“The best thing about being a member of Congress is that you can do as much or as little as you want.”
“We will adapt. We wi…
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#146: From Jedburgh To Green Beret - 1st Special Forces Command CSM David Waldo & CW5 Felix Mosqueda
18 oktober 2024 · 45 min
The United States Army Special Forces command teams are composed of a commissioned officer, a warrant officer and senior non-commissioned officer. A model has evolved over time and is tributed with being a key component to success on the battlefield of yesterday and today. Lees meer
To break down just Army Special Forces balances strategy, experience and teamwork, Creator and Host Fran Racioppi sat down with Command Sergeant Major Dave Waldo and Command Chief Warrant Officer Felix Mosqueda; two of the three senior-most leaders of First Special Forces Command.
From atop the Normandy Resistance Monument in Saint Marie Dumont, we broke down what it means to be a Green Beret and how the mission has evolved from the Jedburgh Teams of D-Day to today’s Operational Detachments.
CSM Waldo and Chief Mosqueda shared their priorities and vision for Army Special Forces, how the regiment is adapting in the post Global War on Terror environment, the misconception of the Special Forces mission and how they are tackling the recruiting and manning challenges needed for the next battlefield; whether that be against a peer, near peer or terrorist adversary.
Check out our conversation from the birthplace of modern Special Forces; then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage from the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.
And don’t miss our first documentary, Unknown Heroes: Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh available now only on YouTube.
Highlights
0:00 Introduction
3:18 Welcome to the Normandy Resistance Monument
7:19 Commissioned Officers, NCOs and Warrant Officers
11:23 Preparing the Regiment
13:57 Solving the recruiting challenge
16:56 Are changes coming to the structure of Special Forces?
18:56 Lessons from GWOT
24:14 Defining the next fight
26:02 Current SF culture
30:23 Vision for the Regiment
34:29 The New Uniforms
35:32 Foundations to success
40:13 Football predictions
Quotes
“They knew they had no …
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Congress Supports Veterans: Jumping In With Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-1)
12 oktober 2024 · 9 min
Supporting our veterans is a commitment that transcends politics—it’s a matter of national honor. In this episode, host Fran Racioppi sits down with Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a 24-year Army Reserve veteran and representative for Iowa's First Congressional District. Lees meer
Together, they explore critical issues facing veterans today, including the readiness of the VA to handle the influx of post-9/11 service members, mental health challenges, and the impact of the PACT Act. Congresswoman Miller-Meeks shares her unique perspective on veteran care, the importance of accountability within the VA, and the role Congress plays in ensuring our veterans receive the care and support they deserve. Check out our conversation then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage from the halls of Congress.
Highlights
0:00 Welcome to Congress
1:40 Veterans top issues in Congress
3:03 Increasing oversight of the VA
4:23 GWOT Veterans influx into the VA
5:50 Expectations of the 2024 election cycle
Quotes
“13 new Gold Star Families that did not have to lose their children.”
“Do we want the VA to do voter registration or do we want them to focus on caring for Veterans?”
“We also added the PACT Act. Any disorder is presumed to be related to your service.”
“Irrespective of who’s at the top of the ticket, you have to make the case for yourself.”
The opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of our guests and creator and host Fran Racioppi. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy; nor does Green Beret Foundation endorse any political candidate or any political party.
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#145: Today's SOF Challenge - US Army Special Operations Command Commanding General LTG John Braga
4 oktober 2024 · 1 uur 5 min
Army Special Operations Forces are led by LTG John Braga, Commander of United States Army Special Operations Command. General Braga and Creator and Host Fran Racioppi stormed the Utah Beach Communication Bunker responsible for the coordination of German defenses and later the facilitation of the largest amphibious assault in history. Lees meer
From this iconic setting, we unpacked the significance of World War II on international norms still in play today and challenged at a level not seen since the pre-war era. General Braga shared his vision for Army Special Operations, his focus on threat-informed decision-making, and how Special Operations has evolved; but more importantly where it needs to go and why it’s not there yet.
He also explains how Special Operations are preparing for conflict with nation-states like China and Iran, while also ensuring terrorist organizations have no sanctuary across the globe. Finally, we talk about integration, and why Special Operations is a critical node in the cyber and space fight deep behind enemy lines.
Check out our conversation from underneath Utah Beach. Head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage from the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.
And don’t miss our first documentary, Unknown Heroes: Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh available now only on YouTube.
Highlights
0:00 Introduction
3:25 Welcome to the Le Roosevelt Cafe Bunker on Utah Beach
8:14 Significance of Operation Jedburgh
10:15 Rangers on Omaha Beach
13:35 US Army Special Operations mission
19:10 Role of Psychological Operations
24:10 Winning Cognitive Warfare?
29:43 A change to the Special Forces teams?
32:10 Top priority on the next battlefield?
41:10 Combatting an enemy that doesn’t value life?
44:32 The USASOC culture
49:43 Destroying the enemy
55:28 USASOC’s future
1:00:05 Foundations to Success
Quotes
“Here we have the Jedburghs, with small teams having complete outsized impacts.…
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Choose Elite: Jumping In with Premier Lacrosse League Co-Founder Paul Rabil (Stars and Stripes Classic Series)
26 september 2024 · 26 min
There’s a difference between the elite and everyone else. Elite by definition means superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society. Elite is not good. It is not great. It certainly is not above average. To be elite means you’re among the best. Lees meer
The Stars and Stripes Classic pitted America’s two most elite Special Operations Forces against each other on the lacrosse field.
To talk about what it means to be elite, not just in sports but in anything you do, Fran Racioppi sat down with Paul Rabil. Paul is the co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League and undoubtedly one of the most elite lacrosse players to ever play the game.
Paul is multiple time NCAA champion, a four year All American, he holds NCAA records for the most goals, assists and points. He is a multiple time Player of the Year and two time champion. He holds the most points in professional lacrosse. He is what every young lacrosse player ascribes to be.
Paul is also an elite visionary and businessman. He developed the PLL out of the gaps he saw as a player. Now he’s changing professional sports and how athletes are treated by owners.
Check out our conversation from the endzone of Gillette Stadium to learn how anyone can be elite if you're ready to put in the work and relentlessly execute. Head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic.
Don’t forget to go to Green Beret Foundation to join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters took on the Frogmen.
Highlights
0:00 Introduction
2:33 Stars and Stripes Classic
4:18 The level of play
5:57 Toughness & extra work
8:31 Earn it every day
12:49 Building an elite sports league
18:15 How does it feel?
22:08 How to process the hard times
Quotes
“Lacrosse is sloppy. That’s also the beauty of it.”
“Those that choose to be elite, it’s a lifestyle.”
“Earn the right to stay here and be here.”
“You just don’t really fake …
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Toughness is 100%: Jumping In with West Point Lacrosse Head Coach Joe Alberici and Ben Harrow (Stars and Stripes Classic Series)
19 september 2024 · 20 min
Toughness defines Special Operations and the sport of lacrosse. Toughness requires a person to deal with hardship, overcome difficult situations, persevere through mental and physical challenges. Toughness is one part natural, one part learned, and one part the result of consistency. To excel as a Green Beret, Navy SEAL or a lacrosse athlete, you better be tough. Lees meer
Joe Alberici and Ben Harrow are two tough men. Joe is the head coach of Men’s lacrosse at West Point, and Ben is a West Point lacrosse alumni, Green Beret and double leg amputee.
Coach and Ben joined Fran Racioppi to recap the Stars and Stripes Classic, what it meant for our Green Berets and Navy SEALs to face off on the lacrosse field, how to build teams based on being tough, and what it takes to win no matter the challenge; whether that’s on the playing field, the battlefield or the boardroom.
Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic.
Don’t forget to go to Green Beret Foundation to join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters took on the Frogmen.
Highlights
0:00 Introduction
2:05 Stars and Stripes is in the books
3:17 Break down the game for us
4:57 Ben Harrow is toughness
6:46 Why is toughness important?
10:39 West Point lax is a player
15:01 Put in the extra work
16:22 What did you tell the team after the game?
Quotes
“Clock got a little short on us. Time ran out.”
“Toughness is when you're 100%, 100% of the time.”
“Grateful for everything. Entitled to nothing.”
“If you can be an elite human being…you’ll probably be a pretty darn good Army lacrosse player.”
The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Special t…
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Putting Players First: Jumping In with Premier Lacrosse League Co-Founder Mike Rabil (Stars And Stripes Classic Series)
29 augustus 2024 · 20 min
The greatest entrepreneurial adventures take a lot of sleepless nights, a bias for action and a commitment to people. Starting a professional sports league is no different. Lees meer
As we gear up for the first ever Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi is joined by Mike Rabil, the co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League. Mike and his brother Paul, started the league with a vision to put the players at the center of the business model.
From better pay, to open marketing, to benefits and equity in the league, they’re redefining how professional sports embraces their athletes.
Mike shared the market opportunity he and Paul saw in lacrosse and how they relentlessly pursued investment and support. He explained how giving players equity, access to marketing content and a seat at the table have created a more inclusive league. And he showed us where the sport is headed with regional affiliation.
They also previewed the Stars and Stripes Classic coming September 2 to Gillette Stadium where the bonds between lacrosse and Special Operations will face off for the very first time.
Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with the business mind behind the PLL, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic.
Don’t forget to go to Green Beret Foundation to join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters take on the Frogmen.
Highlights
0:00 Welcome to Fairfield University
4:15 What was the vision for the PLL?
6:21 How do you start a pro sports league?
8:10 How does the open marketing concept help promote the game?
10:20 Why introduce regional affiliation?
12:07 Why keep the 2-point shot?
12:48 How do you recruit the best athletes to lacrosse?
15:46 The Stars and Stripes Classic?
Quotes
“I slept on a lot of hotel floors. Cried, bled a lot.”
“People ask us who our competitors are. I say ‘all the other sports.’”
“We know we need to continue to pay the pla…
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Winning Is In The Details: Jumping In with California Redwoods Head Coach Nat St. Laurent (Stars and Stripes Classic Series)
24 augustus 2024 · 19 min
Performing at an elite level isn’t about doing special things. It’s about focusing on the basics and the fundamentals; then executing them with precision. A coach’s job is to harness the energy of the players and direct it towards a common goal. Lees meer
As we gear up for the first ever Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi sat down with the Head Coach of the California Redwoods and Army Reservist Nat St. Laurent.
Nat’s primary mission is to take a group of elite alpha lacrosse athletes all capable of big things and get them to focus on the little details; a skill he learned teaching soldiers to throw hand grenades as an instructor. He shares his Army lessons learned and how they made him a better coach.
Nat also provided his perspective on the growth of the Premier Lacrosse League, how regional affiliation has enhanced the fan base, and how everything the PLL does is all out; including the 2-point shot.
Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with one of the PLL’s inaugural coaches, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic.
Don’t forget to go to Green Beret Foundation to join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters take on the Frogmen.
Highlights
0:00 Introduction
2:27 Welcome to Fairfield University
3:14 PLL regional affiliation
5:06 Growing the PLL fan base
6:47 What Army lessons do you use as a coach?
9:28 PLL player development
11:32 The 2-point shot
13:12 Staying focused in down times
14:54 Stars and Stripes Classic
Quotes
“Whatever the PLL does it’s all out.”
“Being part of something bigger than yourself…it becomes an honor.”
“It is extremely important to do those little things right and to do it with a purpose that’s bigger than yourself.
“Our mindset every game is 1-0. We can’t do anything about the results from previous games.”
“They’re not going to be able to turn over their compete level.”
The Jedburgh Podcast and…
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We're Not Playing For Second Place: Jumping In with Team USA Head Coach & Premier Lacrosse League Director of Competition Seth Tierney (Stars & Stripes Classic Series)
20 augustus 2024 · 29 min
The United States doesn’t play for second place. Not on the battlefield and certainly not on the lacrosse field. As we gear up for the first ever Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi sat down with Head Coach of Team USA Seth Teirney. Seth is also the Director of Competition at the Premier Lacrosse League and the Head Coach of Hofstra University. Lees meer
He’s involved in every aspect and level of lacrosse from the pros down to youth. He’s a national champion as a coach and played in the National Lacrosse League as a player.
Seth’s attitude about lacrosse is gold medal or bust. Fran and Seth covered why it takes “feeling the sport” to compete at the highest level as both an athlete and a coach. Seth shared the launch story of the PLL from a broken down bus in Israel and how the PLL honors the Indigenous legacy of lacrosse.
Seth also gives his tips to parents raising athletes and explains what it means to coach the US National Team. Plus he makes his prediction for the battle of the year, as the Green Berets take on the Navy SEALs September 2 at Gillette Stadium.
Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with one of lacrosse’s greatest players and coaches, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic. Head over to Green Beret Foundation and join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters take on the Frogmen.
Highlights
0:00 Introduction
1:27 Welcome to Fairfield University
3:30 Setting the lacrosse example
5:16 Growing the PLL
7:12 The origins of lacrosse
8:58 Lacrosse is about feeling
10:49 How have the players evolved?
12:48 Gold medal or bust
14:08 How coaches have changed
16:01 Is junior level competition healthy?
18:00 A tribute to Andy Towers
19:53 The PLL’s next phase
21:48 Recruiting the top athletes
22:46 Stars and Stripes Classic
Quotes
“This whole thing started when a bus broke down in 2018 in Israel.”
“This sport. Where it …
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#144: Leading with Diplomacy - General (Retired) Joseph Votel, Former CENTCOM & SOCOM Commander
15 augustus 2024 · 1 uur 19 min
For decades the Middle East has been America’s top national security challenge. Lees meer
From terrorism, to war, to regional instability, it takes more than a military effort to find solutions.
As America navigates one of the most volatile times in history, Fran Racioppi sat down with retired General Joseph Votel, one of America’s most influential leaders and scholars in Middle East policy.
General Votel served as Commander of United States Special Operations Command, US Central Command, Joint Special Operations Command and 75th Ranger Regiment; organizations critically responsible for America’s Middle East operations.
General Votel unpacked the reasons why Hamas chose to attack Israel, Iran’s malign influence, and the responsibility of the other Gulf states in preventing regional instability.
He also broke down the opportunities the United States has across the diplomatic, information, military and economic spectrum; including America’s ability to mobilize for a peer-to-peer fight. Plus he talked all things Ranger Regiment, the officer-NCO relationship, and keys to effective leadership.
Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with one the Army’s most respected leaders then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch up on our entire national security series from Washington, DC and Fort Liberty, NC.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcome to Odgers Berndtson
3:07 The rise of China and Russia
13:47 Why is Iran on the offensive?
21:14 Using the elements of National Power
24:34 The impacts of the Israel-Gaza War
32:55 General Votel’s call to serve
42:35 Advice to new leaders
47:42 How the NCO corps separates the US military
56:46 The role of Special Forces in the peer-to-peer fight
1:05:09 Solving the recruiting challenge
1:13:28 General Votel's Three Daily Foundations
Quotes:
“In a word, they’ve had it and they're trying to reassert themselves.”
“Putin has pretty much told us what he wants to do. He wants to eclipse the United Stat…
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#143: There's No Do-overs In The Next Fight - Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer
2 augustus 2024 · 57 min
The responsibility for recruiting, training and retaining US Army soldiers sits on the shoulders of the Sergeant Major of the Army; a job in which there is no training course and where experience is the defining factor. Lees meer
To break down what the Sergeant Major of the Army does, the current state of the Army, and where the Army is headed, Fran Racioppi traveled deep into the center of the Pentagon for a conversation with Sergeant Major Mike Weimer, the 17th Sergeant Major of the Army and the first Green Beret selected for the role.
The SMA defined professional warfighting and the importance of an all volunteer force. He broke down the art and science relationship between commissioned and non-commissioned officers. He shared how his experience in the Special Forces shadows prepared him for the limelight of the SMA role.
And they talked about the future, including his vision for solving the recruiting challenge, how warfare is evolving from the kill chain to the kill web, how he’s planning to retain the right people, and how the integration of Special Operations and the regular Army is more important now than ever.
Highlights:
0:00 Introduction
2:53 The Army is busy
3:52 The Professional Warfighter
11:40 People are the Army’s weapons system
15:53 The relationship between Commanders and NCOs
22:24 SMA Weimer’s transition from the shadows
25:55 The Army’s recruiting challenges
34:51 CTCs and the Kill Web
40:12 Retaining the best and brightest
43:50 Integrating Special Forces and the regular Army
50:36 The Army’s biggest opportunity
52:17 Daily Foundations to Success
Quotes:
“Those that are committed, I remind them; the audio and video has got to match.”
“All of the services are platform centric. The Army’s platform is its people.”
“The non-commissioned officer is the asymmetric advantage.”
“The things that are usually the hardest in life are the things that are usually the most rewarding.”
“Whatever you’ve done prior to coming into this seat is how yo…
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#142: Lethality, Audacity, Creativity - Leading the Special Forces Regiment - Major General Gil Ferguson, Commanding General, 1st Special Forces Command
20 juli 2024 · 1 uur 2 min
Lethality, audacity and creativity. That’s the culture of the Special Forces Regiment and the values each Special Operator is expected to live by. They’re also the foundation of what it takes to be the premier partnered irregular warfare force in the arsenal of the United States Military. Lees meer
Our nation’s Green Berets, Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations soldiers are led by Major General Gil Ferguson; the Commanding General of 1st Special Forces Command. For the final interview of our Fort Liberty series, Fran Racioppi sat down with General Ferguson for a conversation on what it takes to man, train and equip our Special Forces units.
They dug into his goal to enhance the culture of the Regiment, how the Special Forces Groups are preparing for regional conflicts with unknown enemies, at unknown times; and just how Green Berets are solidifying themselves as the go-to option in the deep sensor fight against our peer adversaries.
General Ferguson also explains the SOF-Space-Cyber Triad, where he sees Special Forces in a decade, and as our units evolve, what needs to stay the same.
Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with America’s top Green Beret, then head over to our YouTube channel to watch General Ferguson share the lineage of America’s first Special Forces in the Jedburgh Media Channel’s first documentary, Unknown Heroes, Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcome to the JFK Special Warfare Museum
4:04 The premier partnered irregular warfare force
7:18 Man, train, equip for any theater
9:40 The culture of 1st SFC
13:52 The misperceptions of Special Forces
18:50 SOF in the Peer-to-Peer Fight
27:16 How is SOF keeping people first?
34:07 SOF, Space Cyber Triad
39:43 Where are Special Forces in 5-10 years?
42:14 How are Civil Affairs and PsyOps integrating into the SOF battlefield?
50:47 What has to stay the same in SOF?
54:32 Daily Foundations For Success
Quotes:
“The United States fights co…
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#141: Don't Show Up For The Minimum - USAJFKSWCS Command Chief Warrant CW5 Gary Ostrander
5 juli 2024 · 36 min
Special Forces Warrant Officers are subject matter experts in unconventional warfare, operations and intelligence fusion, and planning and execution. They also advise commanders on all aspects of special operations and are responsible for the integration of emerging technologies. Lees meer
To explore the unique role of the Special Forces Warrant Officer, Fran Racioppi asked the Command Chief Warrant Officer of the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School Chief Warrant Officer 5 Gary Ostrander to join him from the Special Warfare Museum at Fort Liberty, NC.
With over 30 years in the Army, Gary advises the commander and sergeant major of SWCS on best practices for training and developing our US Army Special Operations soldiers.
After they defined what it takes to succeed as a Special Forces Warrant, they explained SWCS 2030, the importance of duration in assessment and selection, how technology is being integrated into training, how to create a training program that prepares people for anything and innovation in recruiting initiatives.
Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with one of Special Forces most experienced leaders then head over to our YouTube channel to watch CW5 Ostrander share the lineage of America’s first Special Forces in the Jedburgh Media Channel’s first documentary, Unknown Heroes, Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh.
Highlights:
0:00 Introduction
3:01 What’s the role of the Special Forces Warrant Officer?
11:51 What is SWCS 2030?
17:11 What technology is paramount on the next battlefield?
19:04 The evolution of the peer-to-peer fight
23:56 What are the innovative ways ARSOF is recruiting?
29:30 What are you most excited about in the next generation?
31:18 Daily Foundations to Success
Quotes:
“The warrant specifically focuses on those long term planning operations and actions.”
“We focus on that end product. How do we produce the best product?”
“More than likely you will be seen by an unmanned syste…
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C-47's, War In Europe, Immigration & The State Of Congress - FL Representative Mike Waltz (80th Anniversary of D-Day Series)
28 juni 2024 · 21 min
The 80th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion included many reenactment jumps, but none as visually captivating as the one in Mont St. Michel. A jump that featured multiple sorties of C-47s and some of America’s most important leaders donning the battle uniform of our airborne predecessors. Lees meer
Included in this stick was Florida Congressman and fellow Green Beret Mike Waltz. After a quick exit and soft landing, Congressman Waltz spent some time with Fran Racioppi on the drop zone to talk D-Day, World Order and the current state of Congress.
With Mont-Saint Michel in the background, and jumpers still falling, they dug into our national security challenges in the Middle East, Ukraine and China; and how immigration policy is rapidly becoming the decisive issue. They also unpacked the need for professionalism in Congress, how polarization is affecting getting things done and what we can expect from our political leaders as we gear up for an election cycle that looks more like a night combat jump with high winds and a small drop zone.
Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation from one of the most surreal spots on the globe then head over to our YouTube channel to as we share the lineage of America’s first Special Forces in the Jedburgh Media Channel’s first documentary, Unknown Heroes, Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh.
Highlights:
0:00 Introduction
02:10 Jumping into Mont St. Michel
5:20 What is NATO’s role in global conflict?
9:35 Can America mobilize a whole of society approach?
12:34 Why is DOD calling for a reduction in Special Forces?
14:14 Why can’t we just close the border?
17:01 What can we expect during the upcoming election cycle?
Quotes:
“Vintage birds. Vintage uniforms. But the parachutes are new Mr. Speaker.” (2:53)
“We can’t keep asking the American taxpayer to dig deeper and deeper into their pocket while the European taxpayer isn’t being asked to do the same thing.” (7:09)
“We should be flooding the world with cle…
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#140: You Better Be More Than A Good Dude - Medal of Honor Recipient CSM Matt Williams & LTC Dave Lucas, Special Forces Qualification Course MOS Phase
21 juni 2024 · 50 min
Stress is the great equalizer in leadership. When you're cold, you're wet, you're tired, your company’s losing money, you have no revenue, you’re pinned down by enemy fire, or you're down by five with two minutes left, great organizations need leaders who stand up, take charge, make decisions and act. America’s Green Berets are the best in the world at leading under stress. Lees meer
To unpack just how we’re selecting the next generation of Special Forces Operators, Fran Racioppi sat down with the team responsible for training them; LTC Dave Lucas and Medal of Honor Recipient Command Sergeant Major Matt Williams; the command team for 4th battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group, otherwise known as the MOS phase of the Qualification Course.
From the JFK Special Warfare Museum at Fort Liberty’s John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School they cover the Q-course; what it takes to be a successful Alpha, Bravo, Charlie or Echo; how they’re upholding the standard and preparing the force for the peer-to-peer battlefield and the difference between motivation and leadership.
Plus CSM Williams shares his account of the Battle of Shok Valley and why sometimes the greatest displays of leadership have nothing to do with rank, position, or tenure.
Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation then head over to our YouTube channel to watch this episode and watch CSM Williams & LTC Lucas share the lineage of America’s first Special Forces in the Jedburgh Media Channel’s first documentary, Unknown Heroes, Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh.
Highlights:
0:00 Introduction
5:35 Succeeding in the Special Forces Qualification Course
10:10 Scenario-based training to a standard
15:30 Preparing Special Forces for the next battlefield
22:15 Motivation isn't leadership
28:57 CSM Williams Medal of Honor battle in Afghanistan
413:40 Daily Keys to Success
Quotes:
“Our job is to teach them the fundamental skills that they will utilize, that they will bri…
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#139: SWCS 2030 – Special Warfare Training For The Peer-To-Peer Fight – BG Will Beaurpere & CSM Lee Strong
23 mei 2024 · 59 min
One hundred men will test today. But only three win the Green Beret. Developing America’s Green Berets takes a vision for the future, knowledge of the past, and an understanding of the present. Lees meer
The John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School is the home of both training Green Berets and developing the policy and doctrine our Special Forces operate by. To share the mission of SWCS, Fran Racioppi sat down with Commanding General Brigadier General Will Beaurpere and Command Sergeant Major Lee Strong from the JFK Special Warfare Museum at Fort Liberty, NC.
BG Beaurpere and CSM Strong explained how SWCS 2030 will develop a more prepared Special Forces Regiment through the establishment of three Branch Schools for Green Berets, Civil Affairs and Psyops, each under their own O-6 level command.
They also break down irregular warfare, why it’s important, and how it’s complemented by psychological operations; another school being developed through SWCS 2030.
Finally they talk recruiting as the GWOT generation of soldiers is retiring and SOF was directed to cut personnel, while enforcing the standard, continuously improving professionalism, and integrating technology and automation into the force.
Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation about the past, present and future of SWCS. Then head over to our YouTube channel to watch BG Beaurpere and CSM Strong share the importance of the Jedburghs in the Jedburgh Media Channel’s first documentary, Unknown Heroes, Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh.
The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcome to the Special Warfare Museum
2:27 The SWCS mission
8:42 SWCS 2030
12:03 Commandants, Irregular Warfare & the Psywar School
22:00 SOF’s role in Strategic Disrup…
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#138: Un-mythed! No Loyalty Between Veterans - Alpha Elite Performance Founder Travis Wilson (2023 Army Navy Game Series)
3 mei 2024 · 19 min
Social Media doesn’t tell the real story. It might look like we’re crushing it online, but the reality is that it’s held together by toothpicks and dental floss. For the final episode of the 2023 Army Navy Game Tailgate Series, Fran Racioppi welcomed back Travis Wilson; fellow Green Beret, entrepreneur, and Green Beret Foundation’s Director of Mission & Program Delivery. Lees meer
Travis and Fran debunk the myth behind Green Beret to Green Beret support; and why supporting each other’s businesses, families and initiatives is an important part of post-military success. As Green Berets we would have given our lives for the guy next to us; but when we get out, we forget that our brothers need the same level of support in the next chapter.
In a Jedburgh Podcast first, Travis flips the script and asks Fran how he’s doing. Plus they catch up on the newest products from Alpha Elite Performance and how the AEP Outdoors is taking Veterans fishing in Mexico and heli-hunting across the world.
Veterans know better than anyone the challenges other Veterans face in service and beyond; yet they’re often the last to volunteer support physically or financially to Veteran Service Organizations. We need Veterans to match civilian levels of support.
Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation. Then grab a pre-workout, some GBNT Sleep and Rally and Recover.
The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcome to the Army Navy Game Tailgate
4:47 The most support comes from those who didn’t serve
7:24 Green Berets need to support other Green Berets
10:46 Extreme outdoors with AEP Outdoors
11:50 Alpha Elite Performance drops Rally & Recovery
13:45 Army by 7
15:18 How’s Fran doing?
Quotes:
“Our biggest support has come from people who didn’t serve.” (5:52)
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#137: Screwdrivers Can't Change Tires - Home Base CEO BG(R) Jack Hammond (2023 Army Navy Game Series)
26 april 2024 · 22 min
America’s military must return our service members back to society ready to lead. Special operators are given the best tools in the military to do their jobs. They’re also completely immersed into the special forces lifestyle with almost no distractions. Yet when they leave service, they’re often left to themselves to find the right tools and to figure out what training they need to be successful in the next chapter. Lees meer
Two of America’s most important organizations have partnered to bring our Veterans the best tools and training all wrapped up into an immersive, life changing program.
For the third episode of our 2023 Army Navy Game tailgate series Fran Racioppi sat down with retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond, CEO of Home Base. Home Base is founded and supported by the Boston Red Sox and Mass General Hospital; a formidable team dedicated to winning and solving the most complex challenges in medicine and athletic performance.
Home Base provides leading edge clinical care to the medical challenges faced by our veterans; including the effects of prolonged blast exposure, mental trauma, diabetes and even cancer. Veterans train directly with the best medical and athletic performance professionals in the industry with one goal in mind; return our military personnel back to society ready to perform at the highest level and continue to lead others.
Take a listen, watch or read our conversation…and whether you’re from Beantown or not, this is a Red Sox game you want to be a part of.
The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcome to the Army Navy Game Tailgate
3:50 Home Base is built by the Boston Red Sox & Mass General
7:06 Two months of therapy in two weeks
11:18 How Home Base is treating Operator Syndrome
16:38 How to support Ho…
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#136: The Mission, the Men, Me - Life After the Green Beret - Cold Zero Spirits Founder Casey Maxted & Secret Service Agent Bill "Hawk" Albracht (2023 Army Navy Game Series)
19 april 2024 · 23 min
“The mission. The men. Me.” The “3 M’s” of leadership taught to officers in Vietnam and still applicable to building great leaders in any industry. As leaders we put people first, but sometimes the mission must happen regardless of the people. Lees meer
For the second episode of our 2023 Army Navy Game tailgate party, we warmed up with a little Cold Zero Whiskey and a conversation with two former Green Berets of very different generations who left service for federal law enforcement.
Casey Maxted and Bill “Hawk” Albracht joined Fran Racioppi to share why grit and teamwork were critical to their careers in Special Forces, in the FBI and Secret Service, and now as they build a spirits company.
Grab a glass of Cold Zero then take a listen, watch or read our conversation as Casey breaks down the opportunities and challenges that come with starting a spirits brand, and Bill shares what it was like to go back to Vietnam and walk the battlefield he once fought on.
The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcome to the Army Navy tailgate
3:48 Hawk volunteers for Vietnam
4:32 Casey volunteers after 9/11
5:27 Hawk protected four Presidents in the Secret Service
7:56 Casey joins the FBI
8:48 The character traits needed to build elite teams after Special Forces
12:21 Founding Cold Zero
14:09 Biggest challenge of starting a spirits company
16:27 How Warrior Rising is supporting Veteran entrepreneurs
17:46 The Greatest Generations Foundation takes Veterans back to their battlefields
Quotes:
“I want to join the Army. I want to be a paratrooper. I want to go Infantry. And I want to go to Vietnam.” (4:09)
“Air Force One flew right over me and I don’t know what happened, but that moment is when I was like ‘I’m gonna serve’.” (5:04)
“The protect…
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#135: A Green Beret's Hardest Mission - Green Beret Foundation CEO Charlie Iacono & Green Beret Nick Lavery (2023 Army Navy Game Series)
12 april 2024 · 33 min
There’s a dangerous difference between a Quiet Professional and Silent Professional. We’re conditioned as Green Berets to put the mission first and get the job done. That’s why Army Special Forces are the tip of the spear in both wartime and peace. Lees meer
For our first tailgate interview, and to kick off The Jedburgh Podcast’s new home as an official program of the Green Beret Foundation, Fran Racioppi sat down with CEO Charlie Iacono and America’s largest Green Beret Nick Lavery.
Charlie shares his vision to enhance educational opportunities, make benefits the easiest part of transition and how he’s preparing the organization for America’s next battlefield. Nick explains how he’s committed to keeping Green Berets first in the fight and why telling our stories is critical to both retention and recruiting the next generation.
Americans in combat may be out of the spotlight, but Green Berets continue their mission in every corner of the world and supporting them and their families will always be the core mission of the Green Beret Foundation.
You decide if we’re in a 1939 moment and never forget… the Boston Tea Party was an Army operation…
Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 Tailgating from Gillette Stadium
3:27 The Boston Tea Party was an Army operation; NOT Navy!
5:37 Charlie’s vision as CEO of Green Beret Foundation
9:25 Why demand for Green Beret support is greater now than during the War on Terror
12:13 GBF advocates are in every active duty Special Forces Group
17:45 The dangerous difference between Quiet Professional & Silent Professional
27:17 Are we living in a 1939 moment?
30:44 A cameo from US Army Special Operations Command Commanding General LTG Jonathan Braga
Quotes:
“This is where it all started. A couple of guys in a bar with some ideas…and look where we are today.” (4:17)
“We are one of the few organizations tha…
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#134: Yoga, NYC Body Shaming & Taking Your Own Leg – Combat Wounded Amputees Dan Nevins & Elana Duffy (2023 NYC Veterans Day Parade Series)
31 januari 2024 · 58 min
Could you make the decision to remove your own leg. What if you’d already lost the other and taking the second meant starting over? For the final episode of the 2023 NYC Veterans Day Parade, Fran Racioppi and Psychotherapist Drew Newkirk were joined by Dan Nevins and Lana Duffy; two Army soldiers who were faced with one of life’s toughest decisions. Lees meer
Dan nearly lost his life in an IED explosion in Iraq, now after losing his legs, he shares how Yoga and Wounded Warrior Project saved him from depression, substance abuse and suicide. Lana suffered for years with an undiagnosed brain injury that prevented her physical recovery; today she’s the parades honorary Grand Marshal explaining how to navigate NYC’s culture of beauty and perfection with a body that doesn’t look like everyone else.
Life is full of difficult decisions and most often the toughest decisions are thrust upon us. Are you ready to take action and do something when most are unwilling?
Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcome to “Alive Day”
6:53 Dan gets pinned in his vehicle after an IED explosion
21:49 Battling depression, substance abuse and motivation
28:15 How yoga without his legs saved Dan
32:40 The effect of body shame and limiting disabilities after Lana’s IED blast
42:26 Dating in NYC with one leg
57:54 Dan and Lana tell their stories to help others
Quotes:
“The greatest casualty is being forgotten.” (2:35)
“When the explosion happened I could feel and hear the truck basically disintegrate around my body.” (12:48)
“I knew I was going to die. I was making my peace with God. I was just giving up.” (15:19)
“They met me with a backpack and a promise that whatever I needed, whatever my family needed, they’d be there.” (20:54)
“I self-medicated with accomplishment, achievement, doing something.” (23:54)
“Yoga teacher training was the best leadership sch…
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#133: America's National Will, Bias For Action & Friendless Men - MACV-SOG Green Beret Richard Rice & GORUCK Founder Jason McCarthy (2023 NYC Veterans Day Parade Series)
19 januari 2024 · 36 min
Great leaders exist in every industry. When we think about great leaders we often remember the things they did. But what’s more important is the impact they had on individuals, teams, organizations and society. Lees meer
For the second episode of our 2023 NYC Veterans Day Parade Series, Fran Racioppi and Psychotherapist Drew Newkirk welcomed two Green Berets from very different wars creating impact across generations.
CSM Richard Rice served as a Green Beret in MACV-SOG in Vietnam and later became one of the founding members of Delta Force. Jason McCarthy served in 10th Special Forces during the Iraq war and went on to found GORUCK.
Today they’re swapping roles as mentor and mentee as they apply their lessons from Special Forces to entrepreneurism, fitness, mental health and building community. We show you how to build organizations on character, why we must embrace challenge, how to live a life of bias for action, and how society is shaped by America’s Veterans after their military service.
Drew also explores the difficulty elite performers have as they age and become friendless men; something scary to many of us.
America became the greatest country in the history of the world because of a national call to service since the Boston Massacre. Today, the world is more dangerous than ever. It’s time we bring America’s people back together, rebuild our community and keep America atop the world order.
Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcoming a legend of the Special Forces Regiment
8:34 Why need to do hard things; especially at GORUCK
10:59 Preventing “friendless men”
15:03 The character traits needed to succeed in elite organizations
16:38 The films that shaped Rich’s perspective on the military
18:00 Why America must maintain our national will in the face of our adversaries
24:14 Veteran service transcends their time in the militar…
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#132: The Biggest Veterans Day Event In America - NYC Commissioners James Hendon & Zach Iscol, Grand Marshal LTG(R) Mike Linnington, UWVC Chairman Nick Angione (2023 NYC Veterans Day Parade Series)
11 januari 2024 · 31 min
Veterans Day is about more than honoring service; it’s about preparing leaders to serve in the military and beyond. For the 104th running of the New York City Veterans Day parade from atop the red carpet Host Fran Racioppi is joined by special guest co-host Drew Newkirk to navigate conversations through the motorcycles, the sirens, the marching bands and the floats. Lees meer
They kick off the parade with two of New York City's most prominent veterans turned public servants; Commissioner James Hendon's a Reserve Army officer and leads New York City's Department of Veteran Services.
Commissioner Zach Iscol served as a Marine, went on to found the Headstrong Project and now serves all New Yorkers leading Emergency Management. The Commissioners show us how to continue our impact post military service while leading our communities.
We're also joined by Nick Angione and LTG(R) Mike Linnington. Nick's the chairman of United War Veterans Council, the organization charged with producing the parade and bringing 25,000 people to the heart of Manhattan.
General Linnington is the CEO of the Wounded Warrior Project and was honored as the 2023 parade Grand Marshal. Nick breaks down the details of planning and hosting the largest veterans event in the country. LTG Linnington talks about the value that veterans bring to any organization and how hiring veterans isn't a charity move, it's a business decision.
Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcome to the 104th New York City Veterans Day Parade
5:32 Why America needs Veterans in public service after the military
7:27 There’s no panacea for Veterans mental health
11:00 The excitement of the parade
12:32 Honoring first responders at the parade
16:18 How United War Veterans Council produces the parade
23:50 Developing leaders in the military from the first day
Quotes:
“We look at all we have and ho…
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#131: NYC Welcomes Home Its Vietnam Vets - The Wall That Heals Comes to Queens - Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
20 december 2023 · 38 min
America's Vietnam Veterans didn't come home to parades. They didn't come home to standing ovations. They didn't come home to a welcoming public that embraced what they did overseas. When many of our Vietnam veterans came home, they got spit on. They were told that their uniform was a disgrace, they weren't integrated into society, and many people shunned them. Lees meer
58,281 of our Vietnam veterans never came home at all. Queens, NY bore more than its share of service and of loss. In September, Fran Racioppi had the chance to welcome home our Vietnam Veterans and all those who served from New York when the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund brought the Wall That Heals to New York City.
A 3/4 replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the wall comes to those who can’t make it to DC. After the police escort, building the wall and the opening ceremony, Fran sat down under the lights with the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans Services James Hendon, Chairman of the New York City Council Veterans Committee Bob Holden, Vietnam Veterans Association National President John Rowan, and Tony Nunciato, one of New York City's bravest veteran families, having lost his brother and Aniello in Vietnam.
They talked about the struggles our Vietnam Veterans faced when they returned, how America's institutions weren't ready for so many who had seen so much, how many of them answered the call to lead in politics and set the foundation for small business and our economy, and what NYC is doing to support Veterans of every generation.
Freedom's never free. It wasn't in the past, it isn't now, and it won't be in the future. To all our Vietnam veterans, thank you and welcome home.
Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 The Wall That Heals comes to Flushing Meadows, Queens
5:55 Vietnam War by the numbers
8:18 Why Vietnam was a different war tha…
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#130: Health, Safety, Intelligence & the Role of the Chief Security Officer - International SOS Sally Llewellyn, Kelly Johnstone & Dr. Mark Fischer
6 december 2023 · 44 min
The security challenges we face today are more complex, less predictable and faster evolving than at any point in recent history. When Fran Racioppi isn’t hosting the Jedburgh Podcast he runs FRsix, his security company. From this year’s industry trade show, Global Security Exchange, Fran sat down with International SOS, the global leader in health and security services, to dig deep on today's biggest threats. International SOS cares for over 9000 organizations in 1000 locations across 90 countries. They field over 11,000 calls for assistance each day. Lees meer
Sally Llewellyn is the global security Director of information and Analysis. Kelly Johnstone served as the Chief Security Officer at Coca Cola. Dr. Mark Fischer is the Regional Medical Director for the Americas. They explain why intelligence is so important in the decision making process for executives of any organization.
They define Duty of Care and how it's evolved as we've transitioned from workplace to remote work. They also explain the importance of developing networks of influence, whether that be for intelligence to understand what's happening, or medical support to help people in their time of need. Finally, they break down the roles of the Chief Security officer and analysts and how the information they provide to decision makers is critical for the resiliency of an organization.
The world is evolving faster than ever seems to change on a minute-by-minute basis. Our job as leaders is to understand what's happening out there, how it affects our people and our business, and then make decisions and bring in the resources that keep us successful, no matter the challenge.
Protection of our people starts with us as leaders. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcome to the International SOS Booth as GSX
3:37 Kelly’s lessons from NCIS, to Customs to leading Coca-Cola
4:03 Sall…
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#129: Why Special Operators Succeed In Finance - 51 Vets Executive Director Lindsey Schiro, Board Member Chris Robinson, Member Victor Reyna
29 november 2023 · 56 min
The biggest challenge America’s Special Operations Veterans face is not becoming a Special Operator. Their biggest challenge is no longer being a Special Operator. This transition, despite its challenges, is also a Veteran’s biggest opportunity. Lees meer
Data says that 48% of Veterans believe transition was more difficult than they expected, 62% say transition took more time than expected, and 76% say it was stressful. So, how do we create opportunity from challenge?
For this episode Fran Racioppi sat down with 51 Vets, a non-profit committed to connecting veterans from elite military units with leading business professionals in the finance industry. From the American Legion in the iconic New York City Athletic Club, Fran is joined by Executive Director Lindsey Schiro, Board Member Chris Robinson, and Member Victor Reyna to break down 51 Vets pillars of support, how 51 Vet’s is using their City Summits to create opportunities for SOF Veterans to work at financial institutions, and explain why companies who live by the mantra “hire for character, train for skill” are scaling their businesses on the backs of our Special Operators.
Transition is hard, but the first step is defining the difference between what you want to do vs what you can do.
Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcome to the American Legion and the 51 Vets City Summit
2:30 The biggest challenge of military transition
5:35 Top events that negatively affect Veteran transition
7:44 Chris, Victor and Lindsey transition for business and family
12:22 Implementing the DOD Skillbridge Program
14:00 Why character is the most important component of building a great organization
20:18 Hire for character, train for skill; but don’t overestimate!
35:22 Why doing what you want to do is the sometimes the hardest thing you can do
38:32 Lack of job satisfaction contributes to the Ve…
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Taking The Podium: Jumping In with CrossFit Games Masters Bronze Medalist Jenn Ryan
7 november 2023 · 32 min
A lot can happen in one CrossFit season. Hosts Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff went from CrossFit rookies to Level 1 Trainer Certificate holders and CrossFit Games media. Jenn Ryan went from withdrawing at Wodapalooza to the CrossFit Games podium standing tall as the Women’s Masters Bronze Medalist. Lees meer
For the final episode of the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games and the 2023 CrossFit season Fran, Jessie and Jenn take it full circle as they close out the games from the back of the US Army Fitness Truck.
Jenn explains how she battled through early season shoulder injury which found her on the sidelines during our Episode 97 Wodapalooza discussion. Jenn shares exactly how she listened to her body, how she chose her physical therapists and how the burning desire to compete kept her coming back each day to train.
She also talks longevity, adapting to change, recovery and the off season preparation required to get back to the competition floor in January. Jenn’s bronze medal finish shows us just how important our attitude and focus are in remaining resilient over time.
Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcome to the CrossFit Games Masters Podium
2:21 Starting the season by withdrawing from Wodapalooza
5:10 How to listen to your body and search for right physical therapist
9:35 The competitiveness of CrossFit equals all other professional sports
13:41 How the masters division is changing lives
17:39 The best parts of competing at the games
21:40 Preparing for 2024
Quotes:
“I’m a strong believer that movement is still medicine.” (5:30)
“It’s definitely a little extra work to find someone exceptional but the difference in results that you get is so huge.” (9:22)
“Elite level sport you may see some wear and tear but the fact that these athletes are still coming back and taking the podium is crazy.” (13:12)
“You’re not starting too late…
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#128: Default Aggressive, Humility vs Confidence, and a Little Jocko Fuel - Retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink (CrossFit Games 2023)
4 november 2023 · 18 min
Default Aggressive: a leader’s mindset to take deliberate and decisive action. As leaders we face challenges both known and unknown, with real consequences from our action or our inaction. We won’t always get it perfectly right, but doing nothing is almost always wrong. Lees meer
It’s the final day from the US Army Fitness Truck at the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games where Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff are joined by Jocko Willink, Founder of Jocko Fuel, bestselling author, leadership coach, podcast host and retired Navy SEAL.
In this conversation, Jocko shows us the power of taking action aggressively and intentionally, and how the greatest leaders have a bias for action while balancing humility with confidence and a little bit of cockiness when they step into the arena of execution. He also shares the vision behind Jocko Fuel, the hole he saw in the energy drink market and how combining the same caffeine as a cup of coffee with fermented sugar cane is providing the right amount of energy without the crash; and it tastes great.
In our drive to be all we can be, doing hard things individually and as teams, combined with a decision-making attitude, humility and some Jocko Fuel is the recipe to make an impact.
Learn more and read the transcript on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcome to the CrossFit Games
1:36 Jocko starts a CrossFit affiliate
3:13 What’s missing in the energy drink market
4:45 We need leaders who are willing to do hard things
7:15 How Jocko assesses his team
9:22 Default Aggressive vs bias for action
12:48 Jocko’s Three Daily Foundations to Success
Quotes:
“People that do CrossFit want to get stronger, smarter, faster and better. That’s what Jocko Fuel is for.” (3:10)
“I liked the immediate feeling I would get from energy drinks before, but I would crash and feel like crap afterwards. (4:36)
“If you want to be a better human b…
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#127: Handstands, Extra Work & Saying Yes to Challenge - Power Monkey Fitness Co-Owner Dave Durante (CrossFit Games 2023)
1 november 2023 · 1 uur 5 min
No one cares about achieving your goals more than you; and no one can do the work for you to get there. You have to own that. It doesn’t matter what industry or what dream you wake up with every morning, you better be the first one in and the last to leave if you want to earn victory. Lees meer
Power Monkey Fitness Co-Owner and Former USA Gymnastics Team Member Dave Durante believes the key the podium starts with work ethic and saying yes to challenge. Dave joined Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff from the US Army Fitness Truck at 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games for a conversation on his rise through the gymnastics world, battling to make the US Olympic Team and transitioning from elite athlete to coach and business owner. Dave's philosophy on progress is grounded in progressions; the ability to push forward but take it back to the basics to reinforce our foundations then get back after it.
Dave takes us behind the scenes of US Gymnastics, sharing his personal journey of wins, losses and becoming the ultimate teammate on his bid to compete in the 2008 Olympics.
Dave also shares the impact of Power Monkey Fitness, where he touches on the struggles of athletes figuring out the next step in their career and how CrossFit opened an opportunity for him to bring gymnastics to everyone. From elite athlete to elite entrepreneur, Dave’s perspective on what it takes to win inside and outside the gym will transform your Monday mindset!
Learn more and read the transcript on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcome to the CrossFit Games
2:27 Walking into a gymnastics gym
4:43 Valuing the team over individual performance
8:40 The podium is earned outside of the coach’s workout
13:00 Making the US Olympic Team
20:18 Pushing the idea of failure and saying yes to the challenges
26:03 Using progressions to overcome the twisties, fears and mental blocks
30:58 Transitionin…
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#126: From a Coma to CrossFit Games - Masters Finalist Spencer Whiteley (CrossFit Games 2023)
25 oktober 2023 · 40 min
The mortar landed at his feet, shredding his leg and torso. Despite immediate medical care, he died twice on the helicopter during medical evacuation. He spent a week in a coma. He was told he would never walk again. This was 12 years ago in Basra, Iraq. In August, he competed in his second CrossFit Games finals. Lees meer
Meet Spencer Whiteley, the British Army Veteran who walked into a CrossFit gym on cane over a decade ago with no plan except to find a way to walk . Spencer joined Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff from the US Army Fitness Truck at 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games just after his competition ended to share his story of combat, loss, resilience, perseverance and grit.
Performing at our best often requires perspective and the ability to stack small wins day in and day out towards our goal. Spencer shows us how our approach to training and life is based on seizing opportunities, overcoming physical and mental limitations, and balancing our training mindset with ripping our shirt off and competing to win in some small way each day.
Learn more and read the transcript on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcome to the CrossFit Games Masters Competition
3:23 Spencer dies twice in Iraq after a mortar attack
7:26 Don’t waste the opportunity to live
9:42 Walking into a CrossFit gym with a cane and accepting the layer principle
15:38 The difference between training and competition
21:28 Balancing loading vs deloading period through a season
25:55 Chasing wins every day
32:00 Spencer’s three daily foundations to success
Quotes:
“We came under attack and a mortar landed at my feet. Literally at my feet.” (4:45)
“I felt really determined to do something with my life.” (9:12)
“I didn’t have this plan ’I’ll try and go to the CrossFit Games.’ I didn’t even know what it was.” (9:42)
“It’s all a layer principle. It just happens over a long period of …
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#125: Producing CrossFit Games and Lessons From a Student Athlete - Sr. Director of Sport Operations Heather Lawrence
21 oktober 2023 · 51 min
Six days. Hundreds of events. Thousands of volunteers. One mission. Crown the Fittest on Earth. CrossFit Games is a production like none other in fitness, requiring a coordinated effort down to the minute and leadership with an unwavering commitment to winning. Lees meer
CrossFit’s Sport Operations team is charged with making the games happen. They’re also responsible for programming the individual workouts we see in the games, across boxes and on the daily website. Heather Lawrence, CrossFit’s Sr. Director of Sport Operations, joined Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff from the US Army Fitness Truck at 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games just after the community 5k to break down just how the games are planned, produced, and executed; and how programming workouts is the key to success in CrossFit as an athlete and a coach.
Heather began her athletic career as an Olympic-level diver building an elite career in sport business post competition. She is the author of 20 Secrets for NCAA Student-Athletes & the Event Management Blueprint, as well as a professor of sports administration at Ohio University. As three former collegiate athletes, Heather, Jessie and Fran go deep on what we learn about life from college sports, setting the example for others to follow, and how character is built in micro moments of discipline.
Learn more and read the transcript on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcome to the CrossFit Games and the global 5k
4:03 How CrossFit develops coaches with feedback
7:05 Breaking down the definition of CrossFit
10:20 How CrossFit is programmed each day
14:42 Producing the CrossFit Games?
21:15 Heather’s transition from student athlete to sport business
25:54 What we learn from being a student athlete
29:50 Setting the example through micro-moments
35:50 The future of CrossFit
Quotes:
“They are constantly receiving that feedback and giving feed…
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#124: The Anti-supplement Supplement Company - Momentous CEO Jeff Byers (CrossFit Games 2023)
18 oktober 2023 · 55 min
How much do you really know about the supplements you put in your body? Where do they come from? What do they actually do? What are they supposed to do? How much time have you spent understanding what will really enhance your performance? Lees meer
Jeff Byers spent a career in the NFL with access to the best performance coaching and products in the world; but something was missing from the market. A company that blended science with education and embraced the consumer’s perspective on their own needs. Born was Momentous; the anti-supplement, supplement company.
Jeff joined Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff from the US Army Fitness Truck at 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games to share his vision for democratizing high performance by developing great products and treating consumers as partners in their own development. Jessie and Jeff show us the benefits of creatine, omega-3s, protein, BCAAs, carbs, fats and collagen in our daily routines while standing firm in the opinion that we should never take anything we can’t fully explain.
Momentous has won 10 research grants from the Department of Defense and supplies over 200 professional and collegiate athletics teams. Fran and Jeff explain why human performance is the core of our national defense and why humans are our most important weapon system on the battlefield. Plus Jeff shares his keys to elite performance; attitude, effort and bone crushing consistency.
Learn more about Momentous and read the transcript on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Highlights:
0:00 Welcome to the CrossFit Games and Momentous
3:50 Democratizing high performance with access to the best products
9:33 If you don’t know why you take it, don’t take it
12:30 Balancing Creatine, Omega-3, BCAA’s, Whey Protein, EAA’s
23:45 The result of protein, fat, carbs and collagen on the body
30:15 Humans as a weapon system, longevity and lobbying Congress
38:44 Attitud…