03XX Series

Episode Start Min 2:36 “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan,” - Abraham Lincoln Welcome to Episode 48 with Jacqueline Jones. In this episode, Tyler and Jose engage with Jacqueline Jones, a remarkable individual who has dedicated her life to the healing and wellness of others, particularly veterans, through her integrative approach to health and wellnes...

Episode Starts at Min 2:36 This week on the 03XX Series, we are thrilled to introduce a distinguished individual Dagan "Hoot" Van Oosten who began his service with the United States Marine Corps in 1997 through the delayed entry program. His notable career includes affiliations with prestigious units such as the 1st Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team, the 5th Marines, the USMC Marine Augmentation...

Episode Start Time: Minute 2:18 In this episode, Tyler and Jose delve into the life and career of Erik Grohmann, the owner and founder of Grunt Grub. Erik's journey is a compelling narrative that spans from his early life in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, to his time serving in the Marines, and finally to his current role as a registered dietitian and entrepreneur. The hosts begin by exploring Erik's pre-Ma...

Interview Start Min 8:37 Brian Adamson, a distinguished veteran, and cyber strategist, graced our podcast with his profound insights and experiences. With a career spanning over two decades in the US Army, Brian's journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to service. His tenure in the military saw him don multiple roles, from a Logistician and Military Intellige...

Episode Start Minute 2:10 In this episode, Tyler and Jose bring you a captivating interview with Ben Fortier. Together, they explore the profound experiences that Ben encountered during his time in Fallujah, Iraq, around 2006, and the lasting impact it had on his life. They delve into the depths of his journey, discussing not only the war but also the events and influences that shaped him during h...

(Lab 2 Begins at Min 4:38) In Lab 2, join Gary Hess, Tyler, and Jose for a profound and powerful exploration of Gary's wartime experiences and his journey out of darkness. Learn about his life mission to lead others towards healing through non-western approaches, such as medical marijuana and psychedelics. This conversation is a game-changer for veterans and trauma communities who no longer have t...

Episode Begins at Minute 2:18 Join Tyler and Jose in this engaging episode as they sit down with Ray Funderburk III, a highly respected community leader, retired teacher, and dedicated advocate for students and veterans. As the child of LtCol Ray Funderburk, a decorated Marine, and the father of Maj Sophie Funderburk, a fellow Marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ray brings a unique perspect...

Understanding the mechanisms, threat actors, and multi-tiered impacts of the security and operational environment is essential to cultivating strategies of stability and resilience. The 03XX Series Lab provides insight into the mechanics of a meta-modern battlespace by interviewing outliers in the field. Our guests, Mr. Bocker and Mr. Ryan, share their analyses based on their expertise in their re...

Episode begins at minute 2:22 In this episode, Tyler and Jose interview Lee Novotny, a United States Army Engineer, and multi-tour Combat Veteran. After serving his country in different capacities, Lee returned home to pick up his old passions in field craft, weapons training, and field testing products. Throughout this episode, we traverse many topics, unfiltered and raw. We appreciate Lee taking...

In this episode, Jeremy Stalnecker (CEO) of The Mighty Oaks Foundation and members of The Veterans Resiliency Project discuss faith, resilience, and mental health. Over the past ten months, the founding members of The Veterans Resilience Project, based out of Wilmington, NC, have come together to address the compounding issues within the veteran community in the Cape Fear Region. Today's episode d...

Tyler and Jose catch up with their Brother Bryan Laney in this episode. Laney shares his love for teaching, its impact on his post-service outlook, and how it pertains to a cycle of meaning, passion, and purpose. I'd like to thank Laney for spending a couple of hours out of the day to share a piece of his life. I don't like to put words in others' mouths, but at the current moment, 2/8 finds itsel...

In this episode, Tyler and Jose catch up with their fellow 2/8 Brother Court Heyborne. Court completed two combat tours with 2nd Battalion 8th Marines. After his honorable discharge, Court struggled with his transition into civilian life. He had a breakthrough on his final attempt to go through PTSD treatment. Since then, Court has been living a whole life attempting to piece together his past and...

Episode 36: In this episode, Tyler and Jose interview Josh Vance, a fellow 2/8 Marine, who served in Echo Co. Diving deep into various subjects about life, death, and Operation Khanjar, Josh explains the intricacies of combat, brotherhood, leadership, and lasting implications. We are truly honored and thankful for Josh's service, leadership, and willingness to converse openly about his wartime exp...

11 years ago, on June 6, 2011, Sgt. Joseph M. Garrison made the ultimate sacrifice. On that day, he saved the lives of his Marines by taking charge as he always did to inspect metallic hits on IEDs. I am honored and privileged to have lived, fought, and learned at Joe's side. So, in keeping tradition with his legacy, I asked Carmen Medina and Dr. Mossbridge if they could take some time out of thei...

In this episode, Tyler and Jose interview Sergio Cepeda (Doc). Sergio was attached to 2/8 Golf Co. from 2007-2010. In this conversation, Sergio shares his origins story and his journey into the U.S. Navy to become a Greenside Corpsman. We learn about the nuances of traversing the rituals of earning an FMF Pin, the fleet, and his transition to Blue Side Navy, where he began his transformation into...

In this episode, Tyler and Jose reunite with their former Company Commander Andrew Dabbs. After Op Khanjar, many of us went our separate ways; almost 12 years later, we're picking up where we last left off. Andrew shares his personal story of development, and transition from Marine Officer to a citizen, his combat experiences from the Invasion of Iraq to the lush river valley of Helmand Province,...

In this episode, Tyler and Jose sit down with their fellow 2/8 Brother Reagan Roberts. Reagan shares with us his lessons in ownership and accountability within an evolving Marine Corps, his humbling moments, and the triumph in overcoming life-changing decisions by envisioning his future after his time and service. While on Active Duty, Reagan dedicated his time to establishing his now thriving bus...

In this episode, Tyler and Jose speak with special guest Briana Hamill. First and foremost, we want to thank Bri for sharing a difficult story and experience through her eyes as a family member and sister to one of 2/8's beloved Marines, Rory Hamill. Rory was and is still loved by all; his impact is still felt to this day. For the Hamill family, our arms are still extended for any support needed....

In this episode, Tyler and Jose sit down with their Marine Brother Robert Elliott. Robert takes us back to his early upbringing on a farm, his family's struggles to maintain operability, and ultimately his decision to enter the Brotherhood (Marine Corps). Robert also discusses the evolution and uphill battles farmers have undergone over the years and the relevance to national security. Robert has...

In this episode, Tyler and Jose sit down with Steve Matias, former 2/8 brother. Steve shares with Tyler and Jose his experiences throughout 2/8 2004-2007, his unexpected orders to Quantico, Virginia, and his continued service and training in Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. Steve is the owner of Cohesion BJJ and Director of Gis 4 The Brave Project. Steve has committed his life to instruct and share the therape...

In this episode, Tyler and Jose sit down with Alex West, Retired Navy Seal, Founder, and Director of the Veteran, surfing non-profit known as One More Wave. Alex shares his wisdom from his many years in operations, physical recovery, and self-discovery. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Alex. Semper Fi Please help support One More Wave and its mission, or if you find it in your heart, please...

In this episode, Tyler and Jose catch up with their fellow 2/8 brother Steve Kupryk. Steve takes us back to his childhood and his love for all things active, his two combat tours with 2/8 Weapons Co as an 0331, and his Professional Wrestling Career. We are very grateful for Steve's time and his motivation in pursuing excellence while representing 2/8 and the Corps. Steve completed two combat tours...

In this episode, Tyler and Jose sit down with recently retired Command Master Chief Jody Fletcher and discuss his experiences spanning three decades of service in the United States Navy. Jody began his service in October of 1992 and ended his service in 2021. Jody spent the first two decades of his service in the special operations community as a Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman, also kn...

In this episode, Tyler and Jose reunite with fellow 2/8 brother Dayne Prall after a decade. Dayne takes us back to his childhood and early experiences as he transitioned into the fleet. Dayne shared his experiences during Operation Khanjar in 2009 and the TBI sustained during an IED attack. Dayne, choosing to stay with the unit, redeployed in 2011 and shared his take on Afghanistan in 2011. Proud...

In this episode, Tyler and Jose sit down with their former Company Gunnery Sergeant, 1stSgt Grimmett USMC Ret. Nearly 12 years after Operation Khanjar, the bond between senior enlisted and junior Marines lives on. 1stSgt Grimmett takes us on a journey after the events of 2009 and forward, where he grappled with the pain of leaving 2/8, transitioning, and finding his foundation amidst a Hyper-polar...