I would like to welcome returning guest Phil Cook to Oscar Mike Radio. I met Phil during an Irreverent Warrior’s hike in Nashville, TN. Phil's unwavering dedication shines through in his efforts to honor fallen soldiers and veterans. Notably, he carried a flag bearing the names of 12 fallen soldiers from the 101st Second Brigade during the Baton Death March at White Sands Missile Range. Beyond this, Phil crafts cedar challenge coins, gift boxes, and hope chests, serving as enduring symbols of honor for Gold Star families. His significant creation, a unique 9/11 flag adorned with patches from v ..read more

Jeff Nelligan, a U.S. Army Reserve Veteran, applied military discipline principles to parenting, emphasizing punctuality, follow-through, and modesty in his children. He believes in preparing his sons for real-world challenges, encouraging them to complete tasks independently, like navigating public spaces and handling financial transactions. This approach aims to foster self-reliance and problem-solving skills, setting clear expectations and enabling personal growth. Jeff values humor in parenting, using it to ease tensions and enhance learning experiences. He asserts that humor can be an eff ..read more

This week features John Michael Ferrari, an Army veteran turned celebrated musician. John's journey from a San Francisco youth to a national recording artist embodies resilience and passion. Starting with a right-handed guitar despite being left-handed, he mirrored Elvis's iconic posture, showcasing the adaptability that marked his life, including during his military service. John was drafted into the Army unexpectedly, which led to intense training and combat experiences in Vietnam. These experiences deeply influenced his music, as seen in songs like "Dust Off," inspired by rescue helicopter ..read more

This week features returning guest, Stephen Russell, creator of the "Tales of Nihilism" comic series. Stephen’s artistic path highlights the immense potential within our community. "Tales of Nihilism" has since amassed over 7,000 page reads, proving its appeal beyond conventional superhero tales. Stephen's involvement in Plastic City Comic-Con was pivotal, turning his passion project into a serious business endeavor. The convention scene, while showcasing creative work, also presents opportunities for direct audience engagement. Our discussion also touched on Stephen’s forthcoming memoir, "Tro ..read more

Richard Kaufman's journey from being labeled as the "worst soldier" to achieving "Soldier of the Year" epitomizes resilience. His 23-year military tenure, marked by significant challenges, including a severe injury leading to an 80% vision loss, ended in 2012. Post-military life brought its struggles, notably a suicide attempt, but also a pivotal moment of self-discovery and a thirst for knowledge, influenced by figures like Robert Kiyosaki and Tony Robbins.   Meeting Gary Vaynerchuk steered Richard towards podcasting, creating the Vertical Momentum podcast to aid veterans and first respo ..read more

This episode features an interview with Cody Howell, a Navy veteran turned country music artist. Howell shared his riveting experiences as a mass communication specialist, from serving on an aircraft carrier to engaging in special operations. His transition to music was a testament to the healing power of creativity, and he gave us a glimpse into the soulful stories behind his songs. “Any Way You Go” gets you thinking about choices in life. You come to a fork in the road, you have to go some way. I enjoyed hearing Cody’s perspective on life and how his military transition worked. Cody, I appre ..read more

Joe Klaunberg’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From his days as a Marine Corps chemical biological radiological nuclear defense specialist to his current endeavors in the acting industry, Joe exemplifies the versatility of military training. His skills in martial arts and critical thinking have found new expressions in film. His involvement with Veteran Powered Films and his creative response to the loss of a friend highlights the therapeutic power of storytelling. Michah Haughey, Producer of Silver Rose Entertainment and Veteran Powered Films connected me with Joe and the story behin ..read more

This week Jeffrey Meshel talks about profound insights from his book, “Trust Is a Double-Edged Sword: Trust Me”. Trust is the foundation of all our relationships, both personal and professional. Jeffrey eloquently discussed the impact of trust, the repercussions of its absence, and the need for informed decision-making. Jeffrey and I talked about the building blocks of Trust: Integrity, Consistency, and Reliability. These form the core of healthy relationships. This episode was a journey through one of the core aspects of the human experience, which is the essence of trust. We wrapped up the e ..read more

This show features Dr. Aaron Bryant, a multifaceted individual who has served in the U.S Army became a mental health professional, and author. Growing up in Compton, California, Dr. Bryant's life took a significant turn when he joined the military and became a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger. His transition back to civilian life was fraught with challenges, but it was also a period of self-discovery and growth. He spoke candidly about the high standards and expectations of the military and the difficulties he faced reintegrating into civilian society. Dr. Bryant's journey is a powerful narrative of ..read more

I'm excited to share with you a remarkable conversation I had with Devon Brown, a fellow Marine Corps veteran and coach, whose personal journey of transformation is nothing short of extraordinary. Devon's story begins in the small town of Evergreen, North Carolina, a place so tiny it boasts only one stoplight. Despite his love for baseball, Devon found himself entangled in a web of poor decisions that led him astray. His wake-up call came in the form of a lost baseball scholarship and a stint in jail for theft. It was a pivotal moment that could have defined his life, but instead, it sparked a ..read more