Mentors for Military Podcast

A candid conversation with a former athlete-turned-sailor who navigates baseball ambitions, service in the Marines and Army, family struggles with a special-needs child, a serious car accident, and a long path through trauma. Through faith, EMDR therapy, and reconnecting with coaching and home, he shares how treatment and support are helping him heal and rebuild his life.  

Pete Gallagher recounts a 35-year military career that spans small-town roots, mentorship, leading elite communications units, and driving Army network modernization. He highlights problem-solving, multidisciplinary teamwork, and the ‘find a way’ mindset learned at the tip of the spear. Through personal stories of loss, casualty assistance, and innovation—from tactical MacGyvering to building the...

In this episode, Robert, Kyle, and Sean catch you up on what's been going on behind the scenes and what to expect with the podcast going forward.  We feel the new direction is needed. We appreciate you listening in all of these years and we hope you'll stay along for the ride going forward.   In this episode, Robert, Kyle, and Sean catch you up on what's been going on behind the scenes and what to...

Ian Palmer is a retired U.S. Army Colonel with more than 26 years of experience leading organizations in complex, global, and high-stakes environments. He commanded at every echelon from platoon to brigade combat team, culminating in service as Chief of Staff of the III Armored Corps, where he led the synchronization of operations and strategy for a 90,000-person organization across five Army inst...

Nick recounts his path from infantry recruit to Green Beret, sharing intense selection stories, combat and training experiences, and a defining leadership moment where empowering a junior soldier changed a career. He also describes his transition out of active duty and how he founded Green Beret Racing/Battle of the Branches to build community, competition, and purpose for veterans struggling with...

In this episode Matt Butler recounts his 27-year military career from enlisting and becoming a Green Beret through combat deployments, leadership roles, and the professional frustrations that followed. He shares candidly about addiction, suicidal ideation, and the turning point that led him to plant medicine and shamanic practice. Butler describes his ayahuasca and psilocybin experiences, subseque...

U.S. Navy Commander Will Spears shares his path from enlisting as a nuclear electrician to becoming a submarine officer, detailing intense training, life aboard attack and ballistic submarines, and the realities of operating nuclear propulsion undersea. He discusses leadership, accountability, damage control, and how stoic philosophy shaped his approach to moral decisions and resilience, and menti...

Omar tells his journey from Brooklyn to becoming a Ranger and First Sergeant, sharing how a mortar mistake became a key teaching moment about integrity, trust, and learning. He describes imposter syndrome, the grind of selection and Ranger life, and why humility and mentorship matter. The episode explores the Abrams Charter decision to leave the 75th Ranger Regiment for the 82nd Airborne, the chal...

Matt Hill recounts his 21-year Army career, from growing up an Army brat, joining the Army after high school, early deployments in Bosnia and Kosovo, to the 2003 Iraq invasion and multiple tours in Afghanistan, including intense combat in Helmand’s Arghandab River Valley. The episode covers life at Fort Bragg and Fort Benning, serving in the 82nd Airborne and in SFAB (Security Force Assistance Bri...

Former Navy SEAL Todd shares his path from intense SEAL training and deployments to corporate security, entrepreneurship, and venture investing in defense tech. The episode covers BUD/s stories, transitions to civilian life, founding businesses (including Kill Cliff), supporting the Navy SEAL Foundation, and practical career advice for veterans. Todd also discusses mentorship, networking, and why...

Jason Belford, a former Ranger, shares his journey from intense military service and personal losses to suicidal ideation, rehab, and spiritual awakening. He recounts a vivid near‑death experience, the therapies and support that helped him heal, and his ongoing work—counseling, equine therapy, and a forthcoming book—to help others understand that it’s okay to not be okay. Jason Belford spent 20 ye...

The hosts share New Year stories—turning 49, a glittery Bath & Body Works mishap,  and recent trips that they took over the holidays. They also unpack the fast-moving reaction to a U.S. operation in Venezuela, discuss geopolitical moves in places like Greenland and the Arctic, and warn about the pitfalls of instant social media narratives. _________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Po...

This episode follows Sean Robertson’s journey from a junior enlisted soldier in Georgia to a commissioned officer and leader—driven by the Green to Gold program, mentorship, and relentless self-improvement. Sean overcomes barriers including low test scores and a diagnosed heart murmur, leverages mentors and education (University of Hawaii, Columbia, Naval War College), and serves in key assignment...

Luke Ebeling shares his journey from Colorado climber and college ROTC cadet to serving in Alaska, joining the Ranger Regiment, winning the Best Ranger Competition, and transitioning to civilian life. He discusses mentorship, endurance-focused training, balancing family with military ambition, and founding Atlas Training Solutions to help others prepare for demanding selections and build tactical...

This episode explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping warfare — from ISR, targeting, drone swarms and decision support to the ethical risks of losing human control. Guests share lessons from Ukraine and the Pacific, discuss limits like range and networks, and stress modernization, industry partnerships, and why leadership and soldiering fundamentals remain essential. _________ Please leav...

In this episode Alfred recounts his unexpected journey into the Marines, training as a K-9 handler, and the harrowing experience of an IED explosion in Afghanistan that cost him his dog, Grief, and left him seriously wounded. He shares the chaos of combat, the bond between handler and dog, and the long road of recovery. Alfred also reflects on recruitment, boot camp, canine school, the losses amon...

In this episode, Zahraa shares her harrowing journey growing up in a strict village in Iraq, her decision to flee at 19, and a violent attack that led to an unexpected rescue by American soldiers at Baghdad International Airport. She explains how faith and chance carried her through, her arrival in the United States, learning English, pursuing engineering studies, and ultimately joining the U.S. A...

Episode 400 celebrates the podcast’s origin and impact: founders and early guests recount how honest, living-room conversations grew into a show focused on transition, purpose, PTSD, and real solutions. The episode revisits pivotal stories, treatments like stellate ganglion blocks, and the raw, organic approach that built an engaged community. Hosts invite listener topics and preview upcoming epis...

A Ranger recounts the sudden shift from training to chaos after the “boom” — helicopters struck, smoke and gunfire, and a race through Mogadishu to extract teammates. They focused on the Ranger Creed. The episode traces Colonel Larry Perino's (then Lieutenant) path from West Point and Ranger training to Task Force Ranger in Somalia, describing fast‑rope assaults, ambushes, downed aircraft, and the...

Gerry Izzo recounts his journey from a Long Island upbringing to becoming a 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) Night Stalker pilot, describing training, combat missions in Grenada and Panama, and the harrowing Operation Gothic Serpent and Task Force Ranger, the Black Hawk Down operation in Mogadishu that is known for the movie by the same name. Listen as Gerry describes the battle i...

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...