Sofrep Radio

Miles Lagoze is a Combat Camera Marine veteran and the critically acclaimed director of Combat Obscura, a 2019 documentary that utilizes footage he captured during his unit's historic mission to secure ground in the northern Sangin and Kajaki districts of Afghanistan. His debut book is titled Whistles from the Graveyard.    Lagoze recounts his enlistment at the age of 18 and the controversy he faced while using a government-issued camera for his film. The documentary presents a raw and graphic portrayal of the Afghan War, often evoking polarized reactions from audiences. Meanwhile, Whistles from the Graveyard uncovers the grim reality faced by the men and women deployed to fight America's longest war.     Watch Combat Obscura: https://www.amazon.com/Combat-Obscura-Miles-Lagoze/dp/B07N8JZG1C   Get your copy of Whistles from the Graveyard: https://amzn.to/3s34Eoa   Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode's guests are Charles and Sean Sasser, a father and son duo with deep roots in the military. Charles is a 30-year veteran of both the Army and the Navy, where he spent 13 years as a Green Beret and a journalist respectively. Sean is also an Army veteran, volunteering for the Ranger regiment as a HUMINT collector and also serving in the STB.   They share their career stories, from Charles' journey through Airborne School before joining the 82nd, just one of 7 divisions he eventually served with, and Sean's experience in RIP (now known as RASP) and going through the good and bad of a medboard. Rad, Charles, and Sean also talk about the new names of bases and how the military, for its faults, is still a place of belonging for its members.   Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Antal is a 30-year Army veteran who retired as a colonel. He is a former Operations Officer; Commander of the 16th Cavalry Regiment; and Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Antal is a prolific author who has published 14 books and hundreds of magazine articles on military history, technology, and leadership.   The surprise attack of Hamas is a failure in imagination. It unmasks the vulnerability of the US and its allies to first strikes and serves as a sobering wake-up call to the failure of deterrence. There is a need to be serious about sending bullies a clear and lasting message and mobilizing society to the specter of a very real war.   Get your copies of John Antal’s books:    Next War: https://amzn.to/48TXXoP   Leadership Rising: https://amzn.to/48MHzqh   7 Seconds to Die: https://amzn.to/3M0xCvq   Check out Next War on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSKRH_UqSko   Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for

James Hasson is a former US Army captain, Bronze Star recipient, and author of Kabul. He narrates important yet lesser-known facts about the US war in Afghanistan like the flawed Doha Agreement and the unwise decision to give up Baghra. James shares how mistakes were made, from the abandonment of US citizens to the unkept promises to the Afghan people.    James spoke with soldiers on the ground during the withdrawal. There was utter chaos at the gates, planes were landing and taking off ad hoc, and crowds of people were literally dying trying to escape the Taliban. He talks about how the ranks of the Afghan army melted away and how tragic it was that President Biden ordered them to leave their allies to fend for themselves.    Follow James on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamesHasson20   Get your copy of Kabul here: https://amzn.to/3ZEGTz7   Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kervin Aucoin is a 15-year Army veteran, owner of Aucoin Analytics, and host of the geopolitical podcast This Week Explained. He begins by talking about the most important conflict today, the Russia-Ukraine War, and how it really began in 2014 with the invasion of Crimea.    He explores the relationship between former president Trump and Russia, as well as the danger of larger countries like Finland and Sweden getting invaded as Russia continues its expansionism. Kervin then discusses the role of drones in ISR today and the very real opportunities and weaknesses that AI has in intelligence-gathering.    Rad and Kervin also talk about how people should be accepting and using AI moving forward, especially with the writers’ strike happening today in Hollywood, and why good and accurate information is the key to averting crises like WW3.    Follow Kervin on social media:   Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-explained/id1584681500 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaucoin83/   Join the SOF

Dwain Worrell is a filmmaker, traveler, and novelist. His writing credits include Marvel’s Iron Fist, CBS’s Fire Country, the Disney+ series National Treasure, and his latest book Androne. The book explores a near future where bipedal androids are omnipresent, even on battlefields.   The action-packed book explores life and death as soldiers now control the killing power of andrones from great distances. The book hinges on an empathetic decision made by a pilot, putting into question the strange and dangerous truths of this new invisible war.    Rad and Dwain also discuss the Hollywood writers' strike, its causes and effects, and their insider takes on it as members of the ecosystem. They also talk about the invasion of Ukraine and the ideological importance of this fight being won against the Russians.    Follow Dwain on social media: Website: https://www.dwainworrell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worrell_dwain/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DwainAWorrell    Get your copy of Androne here: https://

Jim Shockey is a Canadian wilderness outfitter, worldwide adventurer, television producer and host, and outdoor writer. He is the author of Call Me Hunter, a fast-paced thriller that also talks about fully experiencing the one life you have. Shockey then discusses the Hand of Man Museum and his aspiration for it to remain open and accessible to the public through donations.   He also speaks about harboring a deep and spiritual respect for animals. This might seem ironic coming from a hunter, but he believes that finding a balance in nature is our duty as members of the natural world. Shockey talks about tolerance and how it is the number one thing the world needs today, as well as staying focused on the goals you want to achieve.    Follow Jim and the Hand of Man Museum on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimshockeyofficial/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JimShockey_ Hand of Man Museum: http://handofmanmuseum.com/   Get your copy of Call Me Hunter here: https://amzn.to/45aIopX   Join the SOFRE

Kyle Buckett is a 20-year Navy SEAL veteran and author of the book Leadership Is Overrated. He advises younger people not to lie to themselves about wanting to join the SEALs because if they are unwilling to do what it takes to succeed, they will simply become another statistic.    He shares his experience as a trainer for Hell Week, the brutally difficult defining event of BUD/S training, and his realizations of changing team culture on his first deployment to Afghanistan. Kyle learned that leadership is about empowering others and trusting them to go out and crush their goals.    Follow Kyle on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buckett/ Website: http://leadershipisoverrated.com/   Get your copy of Leadership Is Overrated here: https://amzn.to/44NgVua   Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean Stott is a former special forces soldier with the Special Boat Service where he served for 16 years. He shares how he transitioned to private security after a parachuting accident ended his military career and tells the story of how he singlehandedly evacuated the Canadian embassy in Benghazi.   Realizing that he was chasing the adrenaline of his SOF days, Dean decided to take care of himself while still keeping his mind and body engaged. He settled on breaking the world record for the fastest person to cycle the 14,000-mile Pan-American Highway, smashing the previous record by a whopping 17 days.   Follow Dean on social media and get his book Relentless: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanstott/ Website: https://www.deanstott.com/ Get a copy of Relentless: https://amzn.to/45R7z1q Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Damian Porter is a former New Zealand SAS Commando in D Squadron. Also known as the How Not to Die Guy, he pulls from his vast knowledge and experience in the field and pays it forward to help others keep safe. He talks about upgrading and downgrading responses depending on the situation and how this boils down to proper training.    Since bad guys don't play by the rules, Damian stresses the need to either walk away from a fight or protect yourself immediately and eliminate the threat. The key is situational awareness and it is this skill that he passes on to others. He shares more practical advice like how to lose weight through movement and how it all begins with a choice.   Follow Damian on social media: Straight Talk - Mind and Muscle Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/il/podcast/straight-talk-mind-and-muscle-podcast/id1315986446 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyDI0IBtcYblCWpiIOalL7w Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hownottodieguy/ Website: https://www.hownottodieguy.com/   Join the SOFRE

Robert Spangle is a Marine-turned-fashion-photographer who joined the Corps at 17 years old and, after training, joined the 2nd Force Recon Co. He shares the importance of camouflage during his deployments and how observing local style opened him up to his future career as a photographer and bespoke tailor.   He sees style as a cultural aspect of conflict. There is an emotional story behind uniforms like Robert's chance encounter with a gentleman who recognized his Rhodesian camo, reminding him of his time in the bush 40 years ago, and the Ukrainians fielding their DPM shorts today as they liberate their country.    Follow Robert and get his book Afghan Style: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thousandyardstyle/ Book: https://www.observercollection.com/collection/afghan-style/ Website: https://www.thousandyardstyle.com/   Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Feaver is the former special advisor for strategic planning and institutional reform on the National Security Council and the author of Thanks for Your Service. He observes dropping public confidence in the military, resulting in a decline in recruitment.    Peter sees significant challenges, especially how civilians drag down the military in partisan culture wars. He discusses the role of Hollywood in public perception and using the military for functions it is not designed for, further reducing public perception.    He recommends that former generals depoliticize themselves and refrain from endorsing their candidates for president unless they are running themselves, and for military leaders to refuse to carry out immoral, unethical, and unwise orders to maintain their integrity.   Get your copy of Thanks for Your Service: https://amzn.to/47r713R   Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel Wright is a former Green Beret and Cameron Fath is a former US Army Ranger. They are the hosts of the Pop Culture Field Manual Podcast. Israel shares his bad jumps and close calls with death, while Cameron goes over his choice for the best Army Ranger unit—his very own 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.    Israel and Cameron then talk about pop culture and how this unites people regardless of their differing viewpoints on politics, religion, or anything else. They started the Pop Culture Field Manual Podcast to engage listeners based on this principle. Today, out of uniform, they continue to take the spirit of their experiences and celebrate them with their growing community.       Check out the Pop Culture Field Manual Podcast:  Website: https://pcfm.buzzsprout.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PopCultureFieldManual Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcfmpodcast/?hl=en   Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club         See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brad Thor's latest book Dead Fall follows Rising Tiger, the next in the Scot Harvath series, as it covers a Russian unit in Ukraine gone rogue. Brad talks about how history echoes itself with how the now-infamous Wagner group's recruitment of prisoners reminds him of some of the worst Nazi SS battalions in WW2.   Brad also comments on the larger war happening today in Ukraine and how Ukraine is likely a central part of Putin's legacy plan, both in a symbolic and practical sense. He talks about how action-packed Dead Fall is, the exhaustive writing process for each new book he writes, and the prospects of a TV show soon.    Get your copy of Dead Fall: https://amzn.to/43DD9OH Website: https://bradthor.com/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club         See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Peyton is a former Navy SEAL and he talks about what it means to be a lead breacher, the authority on all mechanical and explosive entry issues. However, Michael was battling addiction, PTSD, and injuries, ultimately leading him down the road to recovery.    Joshua Reddoch is a 23-year veteran of the US Army, with roots as a medic up until he got his commission to command a medical unit, before switching to civil affairs. He talks about how he and Michael met through SOFREP Radio to form Tribe, Task, & Purpose (TTP), a Christ-centered and holistic lifeline for commandos and first responders to climb out of the pits of addiction.   The programs of Tribe, Task, & Purpose are tailored for individuals based on scientifically-proven technology in conjunction with nature’s healing properties. Their mission is to serve those who have served us, striving to significantly reduce relapse rates within these communities.    Find out more about Tribe, Task, & Purpose:   Website: https://tribetaskpurpos

Robin Bartlett chose ROTC as the Vietnam War escalated and graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He volunteered for Infantry, Airborne, and Ranger training and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division as a Combat Platoon Leader. He got everything he asked for, and much much more.    During the height of the war, from 1968 to 1969, he led 28 soldiers on helicopter combat assaults and search and destroy missions with the famed 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Robin recalls his experiences there, from mastering artillery with reconnaissance by fire to processing the fallen for repatriation, all of which he tells in his book Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History.   Robin is the President of the NY/NJ Chapter of the 1st Cavalry Division Association and lives with his wife in Norwood, New Jersey. They have three sons, none of whom have pursued military careers.   Get your copy of Vietnam Combat: https://amzn.to/3pF2Znn Website: https://robinbartlettauthor.com/   Join the SOFREP Book Club here:

Charles Barber is the author of In the Blood, the story of how Bart Gullong and his partner Frank Hursey discovered how a crushed rock called zeolite had blood‑clotting properties. It took years to overcome the legal hurdles initially brought forth by the Army but the product won in the end, giving rise to QuikClot, now a basic lifesaving miracle for every military first aid kit.   At age 50, Bart Gullong met his future business partner Frank Hursey. Frank actually experimented with kitty litter to discover QuikClot but eventually lost the patent to it. Bart's role was helping in the business side of things and the small company that Gullong and Hursey created in 2002 out of a workshop recently sold for more than half a billion dollars.    Get your copy of In the Blood: Amazon: https://amzn.to/3plIBYh   Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron Hale is an EOD veteran, a real estate investor, business owner, and a podcaster. He shares how he started as a Navy cook and then transitioned into Army EOD tech. It was during his third deployment and his first time as a team leader when a tragic injury took his eyesight and hearing.   He hit rock bottom, but he did not allow his circumstances to dictate his path in life. Since the injury, he has made it his mission to inspire others. He wants people who hear his story to make positive habit shifts that help them realize that success is closer than they ever imagined.   Learn more about Aaron and support his advocacy:   Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/point-of-impact-with-aaron-hale/id1681213789 Building Homes for Heroes: https://www.buildinghomesforheroes.org/   Join the SOFREP Book Club: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chief Michael R. Carmichael, CW4 Special Forces (Retired), is the President, CEO, and Founder of Check A Vet. He recalls his service as a warrant officer which is judge, jury, and executioner on targets, as well as his team's medic. After 11 combat tours, Michael retired in 2016 and he shares his struggle to provide, take care of himself, and have a purpose.    He started Check A Vet with a mission to raise awareness on the realities of veteran suicide and to change antiquated ways of thinking on the issue. With the COVID pandemic, he expects the suicide numbers to go even higher. Their model is about veterans helping veterans and leveraging the love and support of friends and family and mobilizing the energy of an engaged community.     Learn more about Michael and Check A Vet: Website: https://www.checkavet.org/   Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fran Racioppi is a former Green Beret and currently the Host and Creator of The Jedburgh Podcast and the Founder of FRsix. He was deployed to Iraq 3 times and spent several years operating across Africa. He is a lifelong sailor and volunteers as the Race Director of Sailahead, an organization dedicated to reducing suicide among vets.   As a leader inside the military and out, Fran shares how leaders and team members must be aligned on their roles in their organizations. He talks about teamwork and accountability and how soldiers and individual contributors must not be simply taught how to follow and instead be developed as future leaders themselves.    Fran and Rad talk about the emerging AI technology, its dangers, and the need for people to not get reliant on it and develop their own critical thinking with real education.      Learn more about Fran: Website: https://frsix.com/ Podcast: https://talentwargroup.com/the-jedburgh-podcast/   Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystu