Two questions today that explore both individual challenges and broader societal concerns. First, a listener from California shares his mental and physical health struggles, along with an intense desire to confront danger head-on, stemming from recent upticks in violence. Next, we hear from a newly appointed police officer grappling with the heartbreak of a recent breakup while starting his dream job in a new city. To close out the episode we are going with a "Food for Thought" segment, where an email from a listener details troubling developments in Nicaragua's border policies and the potential ramifications for U.S. border security. The Speed of War Comic Series: https://www.thespeedofwar.com/ Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/  

Barry Minkow starting ZZZZ Best Carpet Cleaning in his parent's garage at 16, quickly rising to fame as one of America's youngest self-made millionaires. But, beneath the success was a massive Ponzi scheme with links to the mob, leading to his conviction and first prison sentence. After serving time, he made a pivot to ministry and community service, only to fall from grace once again, this time being convicted on charges of insider trading and tax fraud.  In total, he served 15 years.  After serving his sentence Barry has emerged with a new mission, fraud detection.  He has since helped the government proactively identify 13 cases of financial fraud totalling over 1 billion in victim impact. Tune in as Barry shares insights into his life of highs and lows, the lessons he’s learned, and how he's navigating the path of redemption.  Wolf 21- Check out what they have to offer for the best sleep of your life: https://www.thewolf21.com Use Code: "clearedhot" for 30% off of your 1st order The Speed of War Comic Series: https://www.thespeedofwar.com/ Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/  

Clay Garcia is the founder of the Helping Heroes Foundation, an organization that stands as a beacon of support for those who've served, offering vital assistance to disabled veterans as they navigate life after service.  Clay and John have teamed up to create an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference. The Helping Heroes Foundation is hosting an exclusive raffle where the lucky winner will take home a custom Nock On bow crafted by none other than John Dudley himself. If you're a 30 percent disabled veteran, the prize includes more than just a bow – it's an invitation to an unforgettable Iowa whitetail deer hunt. And if you're not a veteran, fear not. You can still be a part of the raffle by nominating a deserving veteran to receive this once-in-a-lifetime experience, but you get the bow either way. Tune in to discover how you can contribute to this worthy cause and stand alongside Clay, John, and the Helping Heroes Foundation as they strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who've served our country with honor and courage. Link to the raffle: https://ticketstripe.com/iowaveteranarcheryhunt Link to the Helping Heroes Foundation: https://helpingheroesfoundation.org/  

This should have posted Friday, but did not...Regularly scheduled programming this Friday, listener submitted Q and A:  First, a question from a young Navy corpsman grappling with his identity and future as he transitions to a new duty station, seeking to redefine himself and find purpose. Then, a 26-year-old trucker and soon-to-be-married man shares his fight with obesity and the quest for physical and mental resilience, expressing a desire to protect and a fear of failure. Lastly, something more philosophical with a discussion on the impact of being exposed to the harsh realities of crime from a young age, how does awareness of humanity’s darkest corners affect our psyche and societal responsibilities? The Speed of War Comic Series: https://www.thespeedofwar.com/ Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/  

James Arthur Ray, who at his pinnacle was celebrated as a self-help guru with a New York Times bestseller and Oprah's nod of approval. James' world came crashing down following a tragic incident in 2009, sending him to prison, and leaving him 20 million in debt, homelessness, and social exile. It was in this darkest hour that Bersabeh, a survivor of the tumultuous landscapes of Iran, brought a beacon of hope, understanding, and belief in redemption that the world seemed to have withdrawn from James. Together, James and Bersabeh, affectionately known as "Bear," share their incredible tale of resilience, love, and transformation. With over three decades of collective wisdom and insight into human behavior, they are on a mission to revolutionize the personal development industry. They openly discuss their personal stories of adversity, the lessons learned from hitting rock bottom, and how they've used these experiences to forge a new path for others seeking to understand life and themselves better. Whether you're in search of meaning, grappling with life's challenges, or curious about the intricacies of human behavior, James and Bear's journey offers a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of redemption and starting over. Wolf 21- Check out what they have to offer for the best sleep of your life: https://www.thewolf21.com Use Code: "clearedhot" for 30% off of your 1st order The Speed of War Comic Series: https://www.thespeedofwar.com/ Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/  

Michael Montoya is a veteran with over 15 years of experience in military and security sectors, specializing in EOD/IEDD/CIED/HMA operations. Michael's extensive experience has seen him providing training and operational support across the globe, from the volatile terrains of Iraq and Kurdistan to the challenging environments of Africa and Pakistan. As an independent contractor, his work under the U.S. State Department’s AFRICAP and GPOI initiatives has empowered over 600 trainees. We took a deep dive into Montoya's extensive career, from his days in the United States Marine Corps serving as an EOD team leader in Iraq and Afghanistan to his work as a senior trainer and analyst managing multimillion-dollar budgets for training programs. Michael is now focusing his efforts on Invictus Global Response, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mine action, capacity building, and humanitarian aid in conflict-affected regions. During a recent clearance operation in Ukraine, he tragically lost his foot to a landmine, and is now home rehabbing and preparing for continued operations with IGR. https://www.invictusglobalresponse.org/ Wolf 21- Check out what they have to offer for the best sleep of your life:  https://www.thewolf21.com Use Code: "clearedhot" for 30% off of your 1st order The Speed of War Comic Series: https://www.thespeedofwar.com/ Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/  

Strength, Struggle, and Service We are diving into resilience, dedication, and overcoming adversity today. All of the questions are listener-submitted, and I hope that the answers help in some way, both to the people who submitted, and those of us out there dealing with our own battles. From Trials to Triumph: A listener shares the riveting journey of her son's transformation from a troubled youth to an aspiring Navy SEAL. At just 14, he embodies the essence of hard work, discipline, and the dream of serving his country. How can parents support their children to achieve their dreams, even when they are scared of where their journey may lead? Battling Betrayal and Building Resilience: A heart-wrenching narrative from an Army combat vet facing the darkest moments of his life, betrayed by his spouse amid a custody battle, all while grappling with PTSD. The Weight of Transformation: A listener recounts his incredible weight loss journey, inspired by giants in the fitness and motivation world, leading to a transformative experience in Marine basic training. Despite his achievements, he struggles with self-image and loneliness. T he Speed of War Comic Series: https://www.thespeedofwar.com/ Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/  

Dustin Diefenderfer is the founder of MTNTOUGH.com. Born from a deep connection with the wilderness and a desire to merge physical fitness with the raw challenges of nature, Dustin shares his journey from the confines of Corporate America to the liberating peaks of Montana's rugged landscape. Dustin reveals how his college days, initially marked by routine workouts, evolved into a profound exploration of goal-specific training alongside a future wildland firefighter. This experience laid the groundwork for a lifelong passion for hardcore training, ultramarathon running, and, most importantly, the development of mental toughness. Dustin recounts the moments that led to the birth of MTNTOUGH — the first fitness regimen designed specifically for backcountry hunters. Over time he transitioned from a promising career in business management to impactful humanitarian work in Uganda, and eventually, to revolutionizing the way hunters and outdoor enthusiasts prepare for the challenges of the wilderness. MTNTOUGH is a comprehensive online platform offering physical training programs, and guidance on nutrition, mental health, and spiritual wellbeing. Dustin's approach to fitness goes beyond the physical, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness and the role of special operations veterans in forging a resilient community. Wolf 21- Check out what they have to offer for the best sleep of your life: https://www.thewolf21.com Use Code: "clearedhot" for 30% off of your 1st order The Speed of War Comic Series: https://www.thespeedofwar.com/ Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/  

We are back again with a role reversal, turning the microphone towards the man usually behind the scenes – show producer, Michael Shelton. I never know where these conversations are going to lead, since I am turning the questions over to Michael, a man with an internet search history that has likely landed him on a variety of watchlists. There was absolutely no structure to this episode, where we covered everything from the emergence of Ai and the new text to video tools coming on the market, anxiety in younger generations, the authenticity of military movies, the death of the Boeing whistleblower, and much more. The thumbnail will make more sense if you can make it to the end of the episode. The Speed of War Comic Series: https://www.thespeedofwar.com/ Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/  

Ian Cockburn is a survivor of one of the most harrowing health scandals in UK history. At just six years old Ian was battling childhood Leukemia, and during one of his final treatments was infected with Hepatitis C through a contaminated blood transfusion—a fallout from the UK's importation of unscreened blood products over two decades. His medical journey began with a dramatic evacuation to a UK airbase, then a fight against Hep-C, which threatened not only his life but his dream of serving his country. Ian opens up about the subsequent government and NHS cover-up that prolonged the crisis, the personal and professional hurdles he faced due to the infection, and how he overcame these challenges to live a fulfilling life with his family. Despite being barred from joining the British Army in his youth due to his medical history, Ian's unwavering determination, inspired by military podcasts, led him to reapply as a reservist and volunteer police officer, achieving success in both endeavors. The UK public inquiry's publication date is approaching, which Ian hopes will reveal the depths of the scandal's negligence which is still estimated to result in a death over four days. Ian shares his mission to raise awareness and ensure justice for the victims. https://www.infectedbloodinquiry.org.uk/ https://www.gov.uk/government/news/infected-blood-scandal-increased-financial-support-for-victims-confirmed https://www.hepctrust.org.uk/find-support/infected-blood-and-blood-products/infected-blood-inquiry/#:~:text=20%20May%202024.-,The%20history%20of%20the%20contaminated%20blood%20scandal,with%20on%2Dgoing%20health%20complications. Wolf 21- Check out what they have to offer for the best sleep of your life: https://www.thewolf21.com Use Code: "clearedhot" for 30% off of your 1st order The Speed of War Comic Series: https://www.thespeedofwar.com/ Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/