Mentors for Military Podcast

Part One of a 3-Part Series for 2025 as we approach the anniversary of Operation Gothic Serpent - "Black Hawk Down" In this episode, Tara Harris, daughter of First Sergeant Glenn Harris, talks about her father and all of the men who served with him as part of Operation Gothic Serpent in Mogadishu, that became known as The Battle of Black Hawk Down based on the movie. Today, Tara gathers photos, in...

In this episode we dive back in time to an older episode with Mike, Kat, and Robert where they explore the difference between structure and routines and how small changes—like waking up earlier or blocking personal time—can reclaim hours in your day. Guests discuss task management versus time management, goal setting, journaling, and flexible routines that support productivity, mental health, and...

Kevin Key is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who served with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment before going through special forces selection and assessment (SFAS) and becoming a Special Forces Officer (18A) with 7th Special Forces Group. He started his military career in the Army National Guard while attending college under the simultaneous membership program (SMP). He served at Speci...

U.S. Army Ranger, Byron Beplay, shares his raw journey from childhood dyslexia and intense military service through commercial diving, homelessness, and a near-fatal suicide attempt. He explains how perseverance, therapy, and a service dog helped him rebuild his life, leading to founding BTS K9 and growing a successful canine training business. The episode also covers his appearance on MrBeast, le...

This episode dives deep into the journey of a seasoned veteran who transitions from high-stakes military operations to confronting personal struggles. Despite the challenges, he finds new purpose and meaning by leveraging his military skills to aid in disaster relief and impact the lives of others. Through candid discussions, discover the power of identity, mission, and community in reclaiming one...

In this captivating episode, hosts delve into an engaging conversation with John Hensley, a veteran and talented musician. John shares his remarkable journey from his time in the Army Reserve to becoming a dedicated professional musician with a unique story to tell. Listeners will be inspired by John's transition from military service to pursuing his passion for music, as he opens up about the cha...

This episode dives into the origins and impact of the Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB). We unravel the fascinating journey of SFAB from its controversial inception, battling perceptions of trying to imitate Special Forces, to becoming a respected advisory unit within the military. Our conversation touches upon the early challenges SFAB faced, including initial resistance from conventional...

Join us on this captivating episode as we delve into the remarkable journey of Austin Berner. From his enduring aspiration to serve in the military since age five, through his unexpected path into the world of combat documentation, Austin's narrative is a unique blend of ambition, service, and creativity. Listen in as Austin recounts his time documenting military operations in Afghanistan, the cam...

Join us as we dive into the world of military movies, exploring how films like "The Green Berets," "Officer and a Gentleman," and "Top Gun" have shaped perceptions of the military experience. We discuss the realism in movies such as "Saving Private Ryan" and "Zero Dark Thirty," and how they impact those both inside and outside the armed forces. Whether it's the stringent realism or the fictional p...

In this episode, we sit down with Major Meg Tucker, a U.S. Army veteran who served for 15 years across several sectors of the military. Starting her career as a Kiowa helicopter pilot, Meg later transitioned into psychological operations (PSYOP), where she spent the majority of her time embedded in special operations units. Known for her exceptional physical fitness—scoring the equivalent of a 270...

In this episode, we dive into the pervasive impact of social media, phone apps, and digital devices on our daily lives, exploring how they consume hours that could be spent on more meaningful activities. We discuss recent studies showing that the average person spends over 4 hours daily on their phone, with social media platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram designed to keep users engaged through...

Guest: William “Red” Redheffer, Former Army Ranger, National Guard Elite Special Operations Detachment, Philadelphia SWAT Officer Summary: In this gripping episode, hosts Robert Gowin and Sean Jarvis sit down with William “Red” Redheffer, a decorated former Army Ranger now serving in the National Guard’s elite special operations detachment and is a SWAT officer in the Philadelphia area. “Red” shar...

This episode dives into the recently released Secretary of Defense report addressing the need for new standards in identifying combat arms occupations within the military. The discussion highlights the challenges of distinguishing combat roles and establishing physical requirements, drawing comparisons to previous efforts in realigning combat support roles. Featuring insights from veterans and act...

Join us as we dive into an insightful conversation with Mike Albaugh, the former Regimental Sergeant Major of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Having followed his distinguished career, we explore Mike's experiences and leadership lessons that resonate beyond the military context. From discussing his time serving with Colonel Matt Leclair to navigating the dynamics of the Ranger Regiment, Mike shares inva...

Join us on an incredible journey as we delve into the life of a U.S. Army special forces military veteran turned wildlife conservationist. Our guest shares his experiences from being a British-born soldier, serving in the U.S. Army, and participating in significant historical events like the invasion of Iraq, to retiring and becoming a professional wildlife ranger in Africa. Explore the fascinatin...

Rich Ingram is a living testament to the power of resilience and perseverance. After losing his arm in an ambush while serving in Iraq in 2005, Rich became the first amputee to earn an officer’s commission, later deploying three more times as a combat engineer. Drawing on his military experience, Rich has since held leadership roles in a Fortune 500 company and has appeared on CBS News, FOX, and t...

In this poignant episode, we discuss the challenges faced by veterans as they transition back to civilian life, touching on topics such as the lack of training for reintegration, the mental health struggles, and the physical effects experienced by many after service. The episode delves into how military training prepares individuals for combat but often fails to address the return to civilian life...

Join host's Robert & Sean as he sits down with guests Blayne and Brandon, authors of "Perseverance is Greater Than Endurance." Brandon Young is a former US Army Ranger with four combat rotations in Afghanistan with the 75th Ranger Regiment. Blayne Smith is a West Point graduate and former US Army Special Forces (Green Beret) officer with combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.   In this episode, Bra...

Join us in our new studio for an insightful episode of the Mentors for Military Podcast as we welcome John Waters, an esteemed F-16 pilot and host of the Afterburn podcast. In this engaging discussion, we explore the evolving landscape of global military power, focusing on China's recent advancements in aviation technology. Our conversation delves into the strategic implications of China's unveili...

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the profound impact of social media on military life and what it means for veterans today. Led by Sean, we explore how communication within the military has evolved from the days of calling cards and payphones to the omnipresence of social media platforms, shaping the way soldiers interact and convey their experiences. We discuss the challenges and...

In this captivating episode of Mentors4mil, we dive deep into the journey of Sidney Jacquez, the first Ranger tabbed female in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Sidney shares her story, starting from her selection in RASP-2, leading to her experiences in Ranger School, where she faced unexpected challenges. As the first woman from the regiment to pass the Ranger School's rigorous standards, Sidney opens u...

Join us for an engaging episode as we navigate through a tapestry of military anecdotes, from the humorous to the thought-provoking.  In the spirit of Veterans Day, we reflect on the significance of the day, sharing personal experiences and the varying ways people choose to honor it. The conversation shifts to the challenges of military service, including the complexities of recruitment and retent...

Join us as we sit down with Colonel Matt Leclair, a distinguished leader with a career spanning over 30 years in the military. In this captivating episode, we discuss the pivotal moments and lessons that have shaped Matt's journey from an eager 17-year-old private in the Ranger Regiment to his current role as the commander of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center. Matt shares his experi...

In this episode, we delve into the intricate details of military preparation for war. Our hosts discuss traditional methods like training schedules and hands-on exercises, and also explore the often overlooked psychological and emotional aspects of readiness. We hear firsthand accounts of real-life military experiences and the challenges of maintaining mental fortitude in high-stress environments....

Join us for a captivating episode featuring Jim Modlin, the Deputy Commandant of the U.S. Army Armor School at Fort Moore, Georgia. In this engaging discussion, Jim shares his insights and experiences from his 22-year military career, including his time at West Point, deployments to Iraq, and his current role in training the next generation of armor officers and soldiers. Discover the challenges a...