The Protectors® with Jason Piccolo

*Sensitive Topics Covered (Suicide & Addiction)* Brent talks candidly about the gritty realities behind the badges and uniforms, and the trials of balancing duty with mental health. He shares the importance of peer-based support systems and proactive mental health strategies in combating burnout and post-traumatic stress among first responders. Support the show Make sure to check out Jason on...

Matt Dawson, founder of Dawson's Peak Foundation and author of "Strength in Surrender." A former investment banker turned extreme adventure athlete, Dawson has conquered some of the world's most formidable challenges – from summiting the highest peaks on every continent to skiing the South Pole and rowing across the Atlantic Ocean.  Support the show Make sure to check out Jason...

Brian Andrews, one half of the writing duo Andrews and Wilson, joins the show once again to discuss their latest contribution to the legendary Jack Ryan series, "Defense Protocol."  Support the show Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo

Joint Episode with Eric Bishop discussing our recent book launches!  For those navigating the world of indie publishing, Eric Bishop joins us to share insights from his book "Babylon Will Rise" and the hustle behind self-publishing success. Our conversation highlights the creative storytelling and marketing strategies crucial for indie authors, along with the importance of feedback, comm...

Frank Larkin, a prominent advocate for veterans and their families, joins us to unravel the pressing issues of brain trauma and veteran suicide. Through his personal journey, we explore the complex realities facing those who have served in conflict zones over the last two decades, highlighting the unseen wounds of post-traumatic stress disorder and moral injury. Frank candidly discusses his own he...

Jeremy opens up about the role of faith in his life, offering a personal reflection on how belief systems can fortify resilience in the harshest of conditions. From early familial influences to deeply personal convictions, Jeremy's spiritual journey underscores the importance of faith not only for survival in combat but as a foundation for leadership and care. The discussion broadens into how...

Unlock the secrets of transitioning from military service to thriving entrepreneurship with our guest, Conor Donahue, as he shares his  journey from Navy SEAL to the founder of Ace Virtual Shooting. Alongside his old friend A.M Adair (and Protectors co-host!), Conor recounts stories from their military days, filled with camaraderie and humor, like the quirky training exercises that saw them role-p...

In this powerful rewind episode (original air date July 17, 2022), we sat down with Aaron Williamson, the elite fitness coach whose journey from Marine Corps veteran to Hollywood's go-to trainer has inspired thousands. Aaron's remarkable ability to transform lives through his innovative training approaches has earned him a client roster including Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Josh...

The Gun Experiment podcast hosts, Mike and Keith, join the show. From Mike's initial spark of interest in podcasting during the pandemic to Keith's hesitant yet rewarding leap into co-hosting.  Gun ownership carries both passion and responsibility, and this episode brings that duality to the forefront. With candid discussions on the intricacies of gun laws and the societal perceptions th...

In this episode of The Protectors® Podcast, David Blalock shares his experience with boots-on-the-ground experience discussing Hurricane Helene: 1.     Importance of basic survival skills, especially land navigation without technology 2.     Lessons from Western North Carolina and the value of educators like Kevin Estela 3.     Community collaboration, featuring contributions from Tulsi Gabbard an...

Daryl Hornbeck, a retired U.S. Army EOD 1SG, reveals the profound impact motorsport can have on veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. Daryl, a fellow veteran and leader of the After Action Racing Team, shares his evolving philosophy on training drivers. The nonprofit transformation of After Action Racing into a 501c19 organization has paved the way for bigger support networks, emp...

HOSTS:  Gene O'Neill (filling in as a special host of The Protectors® Podcast) and Eric Bishop host of A Tale Of Two Scribes. On this episode of A Tale Of Two Scribes, we welcome Jack Carr to the program. In 2018 Jack Carr burst onto the writing scene with his debut novel, The Terminal List. Optioned by Christ Pratt and turned into a successful series on Amazon Prime, Jack has released 7 nove...

The memory of September 11, 2001 must never fade. We owe it to future generations to preserve the truth of that day - unfiltered and uncensored. They need to know about the brave protectors who, without hesitation, ran towards danger. These heroes - firefighters, police officers, and ordinary citizens - embodied the very best of humanity; true protectors. But our duty to remember goes beyond that...

DJ Williams, a thriller writer, shares his journey from a Hong Kong childhood to a successful writing career, highlighting how global experiences and work in unscripted television shaped his unique storytelling style. He discusses his transition from being a fan of authors like John Grisham to creating his own narratives, and offers insights into the publishing industry, including trends in book f...

Ever wondered why seeking mental health support is often stigmatized in military communities? Join us as Marine Corps veteran Tim Meleski and mental health expert Trisha Houghton tackle these pressing issues head-on. Tim bravely recounts his struggles with PTSD and anger management, sharing the challenges he faced seeking help without jeopardizing his career. Trisha offers valuable insights into h...

Ever wondered how a childhood love for military history can shape a remarkable career in naval intelligence? Join us as we sit down with MP Woodward to trace his journey from naval intelligence to authoring the newest Tom Clancy novel.  Support the show Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo

What happens when you hang up the badge and try to start anew? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Sean Curtis, who shares his deeply personal journey of transitioning from a law enforcement career. We tackle the financial and emotional challenges officers face when they leave the force, including the struggle to redefine one's identity. Sean also sheds light on the generational shif...

What drives someone to join the CIA after 9/11, and how does their sense of duty shape their journey? Tune in as we welcome back author Taylor Moore to the Protectors Podcast, with co-host Gene O'Neill. We uncover the fascinating motivations and impactful experiences behind joining such an agency, sharing emotional reflections and highlighting the profound camaraderie between CIA operatives a...

Discover the evolution of Marine Corps special operations with our special guest, John Dailey, a seasoned Force Recon and MARSOC Marine. John narrates his journey through the ranks, culminating in the transformative period post-9/11. His firsthand accounts of deployments, particularly in Afghanistan, shed light on the dramatic shift in military tactics and the increasing value of MARSOC in high-st...

Through a candid discussion, Josh navigates the often-overlooked concept of being an exceptional team player and finding gratification in roles that don't always bask in the limelight. Together, we dissect the behavior of both effective and ineffective leaders, challenging conventional wisdom and showcasing the importance of leaders who genuinely support and collaborate with their teams. Josh...

Author Meg Gardiner joined the show to talk about her collaboration with Michael Mann on "Heat 2," discussing how they adapted Mann's cinematic style into novel form. Meg shares insights into her writing process and character development. We also explore Meg's interest in true crime and its influence on her "UNSUB" series. She also discusses her latest book, "Sha...

What drives someone to serve and continue to honor those who have sacrificed everything? Join us as we sit down with Tom, co-author of "Three Wise Men" and author of the newly released "I Have Your Back," to uncover the profound stories of service and sacrifice. We revisit the heart-wrenching journey of Bo Wise, a Marine Corps veteran who lost two siblings in Afghanistan, makin...

Join hosts Jason and Gene O'Neill as they welcome bestselling author Mark Greaney for a diverse discussion on firearms, unique career paths, and novel writing. Topics include: Introducing elderly parents to modern firearms Personal firearm preferences and upgrades Career insights into law enforcement and military roles Embassy security realities vs. fiction Mark's writing process and fut...

What does it take to thrive as an indie author in a market dominated by big players? Join us as we celebrate Eric Bishop's latest release, "Breach of Trust," and uncover the unique challenges of guerrilla publishing. Eric opens up about the financial constraints, the absence of traditional marketing support, and the creative strategies he used to successfully launch his first book,...

Virginia Barone, IDPA match director & co-founder of Trailblazer Firearms Instruction, joined the show to discuss the upcoming two-gun event aimed at bolstering the Protectors Foundation, a vital nonprofit committed to providing essential training and equipment to underfunded police departments. This episode shines a spotlight on Virginia's dedication to creating a welcoming environment f...