How Green Berets Accomplish The Impossible:
Lt. Col. Scott Mann, Army Special Forces
In this episode of the Alpha Human Podcast, host Lawrence Rosenberg engages in a compelling conversation with retired U.S. Army Green Beret Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann. Beyond his 23-year military career in combat operations across Colombia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, he is an accomplished playwright and actor who created the stage play “Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret,” shedding light on veterans’ untold stories and the profound cost of war on military families. He’s also the bestselling author of “Operation Pineapple Express,” which details a grassroots mission to rescue Afghan elite forces allies during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. In addition, Scott founded Rooftop Leadership to train corporate leaders, law enforcement, and military teams, as well as The Heroes Journey, a nonprofit helping veterans and first responders find their voice as they transition to civilian life.
Choose Your Hard: Green Beret Nick Lavery
In this episode of the Alpha Human Podcast, host Lawrence Rosenberg sits down with Nick Lavery, an extraordinary Green Beret who truly embodies the term ‘unstoppable.’ In their discussion, Nick, who made history as the first above-knee amputee to return to full combat operations in Special Forces, delves into his book ‘Objective Secure’ and his powerful achievement oriented philosophy, highlighting the importance of having a true perspective on the ephemeral nature of time, brutal self-honesty, and the careful use of language to shape one’s reality and push beyond perceived limits.
The War Within:
Black Hawk Down Army Ranger Jeff Strueker
In this episode of the Alpha Human Podcast, Lawrence Rosenberg welcomes Jeff Struecker, a distinguished US Army Ranger and member of the Ranger Hall of Fame, who served in 17 combat deployments across five US wars, including the infamous Battle of Mogadishu, which was memorialized in the film Black Hawk Down. The discussion explores how Jeff overcame the fear of certain death while leading his squad through intense enemy fire in the chaotic streets of Mogadishu, Somalia. Additionally, the conversation delves into ‘the war within’—the internal struggle to align one’s life with spiritual convictions, and key lessons from his book “Start Here,” emphasizing the importance of never outgrowing the Gospel, understanding the cost of following Christ, and the ‘4-lane bridge’ to the Kingdom of God.
Carnivore's Liver Issues Solved with High-Sugar Diet? Jay Feldman's Energy Balance Insights
Disclaimer: The content of this podcast, and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it are not intended, and are not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition you may have, and you should seek the assistance of a healthcare professional for any such conditions, and always inform your doctor of any changes you make, or are thinking about making to your lifestyle.
In this episode of the Alpha Human Podcast, Lawrence Rosenberg welcomes back Jay Feldman from the Energy Balance Podcast to discuss the benefits of a high-carbohydrate diet on autoimmune conditions and liver health. Lawrence also shares his remarkable transformation after applying Jay’s recommendations, noting a dramatic improvement in his liver health, liver enzymes, and resolution of a brief appearance of fatty liver.
SWAT Sniper Sgt. Charlie Eipper:
Jesus Will Return As a Man Of War
On this episode of The Alpha Human Podcast, host Lawrence Rosenberg talks with Sgt. Charlie Eipper, a former U.S. Army helicopter pilot with over 30 years of front-line law enforcement experience. Sgt. Eipper spent 16 years as a member of the Wichita Falls, Texas SWAT team, gaining extensive experience as a SWAT sniper and serving as the head of the department’s Gang Task Force Unit. Throughout the conversation, Sgt. Eipper delves into the qualities and traits essential for excelling in the complex and demanding role of a sniper in law enforcement, as well as the profound psychological challenges that can arise following deadly encounters, offering a glimpse into the mental and emotional landscape that police and soldiers must navigate when using lethal force.
Jay Feldman, Host of the Energy Balance Podcast:
Is Sugar The Cure?
Disclaimer: The content of this podcast, and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it are not intended, and are not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition you may have, and you should seek the assistance of a healthcare professional for any such conditions, and always inform your doctor of any changes you make, or are thinking about making to your lifestyle.
In this episode of the Alpha Human Podcast, Lawrence Rosenberg talks with Jay Feldman, host of The Energy Balance Podcast, who offers a deep dive into the bioenergetic perspective on health, challenging prevailing dietary paradigms, particularly the skepticism around high-carbohydrate diets and the necessity of carbohydrates. Feldman methodically deconstructs the myths that carbohydrates are non-essential and that our ancestors had limited access to them, presenting evidence that ancient diets were likely rich in carbohydrates, which are crucial for optimal metabolic health and energy production.
Navy SEAL Bill Rapier:
Getting Right With Christ, Dying Well & The AMTAC Mindset
In this episode of the Alpha Human Podcast, host Lawrence Rosenberg talks with Bill Rapier, a former Navy SEAL who spent 14 years as an elite operator with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) and who is now dedicated to leveraging his vast experience in special operations to train civilians in self-defense through AMTAC Shooting and AMTAC Blades.
Delta Force's Jeff Tiegs:
YHWH, Jesus & The Thin Space Between War, The Bible & Redemption
In this episode of the Alpha Human Podcast, Lawrence Rosenberg talks with Jeff Tiegs, a distinguished combat veteran with over 25 years of experience across elite units within U.S. Special Operations. Tiegs’s military journey took him from serving as an Army Ranger and Green Beret to leadership roles as an assault force commander and Lieutenant Colonel within the storied ranks of Delta Force, otherwise known as “The Unit,” where his contributions were pivotal in combat operations across Panama, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Transitioning from the battlefield, Tiegs now directs his expertise toward a different fight – combating sex trafficking through his nonprofit initiative, Skull Games, which takes a groundbreaking approach to bringing predators to justice and delivering freedom to innocent women and children. Jeff is also the author of “Where Have All the Heroes Gone?: A Pilgrimage Through the Bible, the Battlefield, and Back Home Again,” an impactful autobiography that interlaces his experiences with the U.S. Army Special Forces alongside pivotal stories from the bible and his spiritual journey, enriched with compelling insights into the lives of biblical figures such as King David and Jesus Christ.
Dr. A. Shamsuddin & IP6:
The Most Powerful Anti-Cancer Nutrient You've Never Heard Of
In this episode of the Alpha Human Podcast, Lawrence Rosenberg talks with Dr. AbulKalam M. Shamsuddin, a trailblazer in the field of cancer prevention and early detection. His distinguished career spans 43 years as a professor of pathology at the University of Maryland and includes his role as a senior scientist at the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Shamsuddin has made notable contributions to cancer research, authoring over 100 scientific papers on cancer detection and prevention, particularly as it pertains to his groundbreaking findings on IP6 (inositol hexaphosphate), a natural anti-cancer compound whose development and commercialization he pioneered.
Clark Bartram's Powerful & Unconventional Approach to Prostate Cancer
In this episode of The Alpha Human Podcast, Lawrence talks with renowned fitness expert Clark Bartram about his personal journey with prostate cancer. Clark’s approach to the disease is unconventional, focusing on alternative treatments instead of traditional methods like surgery or radiation, with a battle plan that centers on four key objectives: slow the cancer, stop the cancer, destroy the cancer, and heal the root cause behind the cancer’s occurrence.
Morley Robbins on The Root Cause of Cancer:
The Copper-Iron Connection
In this episode of The Alpha Human Podcast, Lawrence Rosenberg talks with Morley Robbins, founder of the Root Cause Protocol, on iron overload and its connection to cancer. Robbins delves into the history and misconceptions surrounding iron and its perceived deficiency in human health leading to a societal fixation on iron supplementation. Robbins challenges this narrative, highlighting the abundance of iron in the environment and the human body’s natural ability to regulate iron through copper.
Robbins asserts that many health issues, including cancer, are due to a lack of bioavailable copper and an excess of unregulated iron. He describes how the body’s metabolism, particularly in cancer cells, shifts from using oxygen (oxidative phosphorylation) to fermenting sugar (glycolysis) due to a copper deficiency.
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon: The Power of Protein
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is an osteopathic physician specializing in functional and muscle-centric medicine as well as brain and thyroid health, longevity, and mitigating disease. Dr. Lyon has a practice in NYC where she leverages evidence-based medicine and cutting-edge science to restore metabolism, balance hormones, and optimize body composition, and she treats patients from all walks of life – ranging from sarcopenic individuals that want to improve muscle and age independently – to overweight and pre-diabetic adults who need to improve lean body mass. Dr. Lyon’s knowledge and programs are so powerful in fact, that she’s even sought after by elite military operators such as the Navy SEALS, Green Berets, Army Rangers, and she partners with the Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation on their Health Initiative Program.
In this episode of The Alpha Human Podcast, Lawrence Rosenberg and Dr. Lyon discuss protein’s role in living long and thriving, the evolutionary advantage attributed to eating meat, the biased and debunked studies demonizing “high” protein diets, and the real reason those in power are propagandizing a plant-based diet as policy and polemic.
Navy SEAL Rich Diviney:
The Hidden Attributes of Optimal Performers
Rich Diviney is a Navy SEAL commander who served over twenty years in the Teams and deployed eleven times to Iraq and Afghanistan. He was also the officer in charge of training for one of the world’s premier special-operations units where he spearheaded the creation of a directorate where the best of the best SOF soldiers practiced the physical, mental, and emotional disciplines of flow states and peak performance. He led a team that designed the “Mind Gym,” a cutting edge facility that helped special operators strengthen and enhance their mind to perform faster, longer, and more effectively, especially in high-pressure environments. Since retiring from the NAVY, Rich has worked as a speaker and consultant with the Chapman & Co. Leadership Institute and Simon Sinek Inc. Rich is also the author of a new book, due for release on January 26th, 2021 entitled, “The Attributes, 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance.”
Dr. John Jaquish: The Elon Musk of the
Fitness Industry
Dr. John Jaquish is the scientist behind the revolutionary X3-Bar, which uses a unique combination of the world’s most powerful resistance bands attached to a platform and detachable bar, that allows for the type of extreme force that builds muscle 3 times faster than conventional weight lifting, without the risk of joint injury. Dr. Jaquish is also a research professor at Rushmore University, and an expert in osteogenic loading and bone density who has been nominated for the National Medal of Science and who is fast becoming known as the Tony Stark (of Iron Man fame), or more likely, the Elon Musk of the health and fitness industry!
Navy SEAL Thom Shea:
Mastering Internal Dialogue to Become Unbreakable
Thom Shea served 23 years as a Navy SEAL. During his military career, he served in three wars, ultimately leading a team of Navy SEALs into Afghanistan in 2009 where he earned a Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, Army Commendation with Valor, and his second Combat Action Medal. Thom also served as a SEAL Instructor in BUD/S and was hand-selected to be the Officer in Charge of the famed SEAL Sniper course. Tom is also the founder of Unbreakable Leadership, a learning and development company that helps people lead during chaos and achieve new levels of performance, and he is the author of the bestselling book Unbreakable: A Navy Seal’s Way of Life” and, his latest release, “Three Simple Things: Leading During Chaos.”
Geoffrey Woo- Founder of HVMN: Achieving Metabolic Dominance
Geoffrey Woo is the CEO and co-founder of HVMN, a Silicon Valley-based performance nutrition company and host of the Health Via Modern Nutrition podcast. Geoff is also a Stanford trained computer scientist and the creator of the world’s first drinkable ketone ester. In this episode of the Alpha Human Podcast, Geoff takes us through his journey as a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who sold his first company to Groupon, and how he went from a bathtub biohacker buying bags of research chemicals on Alibaba, to the CEO of a venture-funded, cutting-edge supplements company that has become highly regarded as the most advanced ketogenic nutrition player in the field.
The Power of Extreme Breathing:
Navy SEAL Errol Doebler
Errol Doebler is a former Navy SEAL Platoon Commander and FBI agent who spent 13years hunting and investigating terrorists. During his time with the FBI, Errol was also a member of the FBI’s vaunted New YorkSWAT Team. While at the Bureau, Errol was deployed to Afghanistan with the 75th Ranger Regiment as a special agent and participated in extensive combat operations where he earned the FBI’s second-highest award for valor, the Shield of Bravery for his actions on the battlefield.
Errol is currently the founder of Leader 193, where he works with Fortune 100 companies, professional sports organizations, tech startups, and executives across a vast array of industries. Errol is also the author of the book “The Process, Art, and Science of Leadership.” In this episode, Errol and I talk about Wim Hof, the Dutch extreme athlete and former Guinness world record holder (for the longest swim under ice) who is known for his ability to make himself impervious to freezing temperatures, and who invented a method of breathing that allows him and his students to hack the autonomic nervous system, control the immune system and consciously lower inflammation throughout the body.
In this episode, we discuss how and why Errol became a certified Wim Hof Instructor, how Hof’s method of breathing works and why it is so beneficial, and, crucially, the scientific study that proved, contrary to the scientific and medical community’s established position, that the “innate immune response can be voluntarily influenced in a nonpharmacological manner through voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system” by using Hof’s breathing protocol. Errol also discusses why he submerges himself in daily outdoor ice baths during the winter, and the breathing technique that allows him and others to withstand being immersed in ice-cold water for extended periods of time. And Errol he gives us a first-hand demonstration (with me as his subject) of the Wim Hof breathing process in action.
Dr. Shawn Baker
The Carnivore Diet:
Saving The Human Race (And The Planet)!
Dr. Shawn Baker is an elite-level athlete with multiple world records in rowing, and an orthopedic surgeon who served in the US Airforce as a nuclear weapons launch officer and as a combat trauma surgeon and chief of orthopedics while deployed to Afghanistan. Dr. Baker is also the author of “The Carnivore Diet,” and the face an improbable health movement that just a few years ago would have seemed absurd, advocating for an all-meat diet, or a diet made up exclusively of animal products. He’s the founder and CEO of MeatRx, an organization that educates and promotes the benefits of the Carnivore Diet, and Dr. Baker is also the co-host of the Human Performance Outliers podcast.
Douglas Laux: Hunting The Wolverine, a Warzone CIA Operative Goes Left of Boom
Douglas Laux is an ex-CIA operative who was assigned to some of the most dangerous warzones in the Global War on Terror and he’s the New York Times Best Selling Author of “Left Of Boom: How A Young CIA Case Officer Infiltrated The Taliban And Al-Qaeda.” Doug also created, wrote, produced, and starred in the Discovery Channel’s Finding Escobar’s Millions, and was part of the Bravo Channel series Spy Games. For the work he performed in penetrating terrorist organizations around the world, Doug has been recognized for his heroism and dedication to our country by Senator Sherrod Brown, as well as Congressmen Warren Davidson, Jim Banks, and Governor Ron DeSantis.
Doug left a six-figure job at DHL where he had just been awarded the District Salesman of the Year award after being made an offer to join the CIA after a year of interviews, assessments and testing that often left the fast-paced Laux frustrated by the unpredictable and often vague nature of the process. Nevertheless, the prospect of living out scenes from the Al Pacino, Colin Farrell film “The Recruit,” had Doug enthralled at the opportunity to have a career as an undercover operative for the Central Intelligence Agency.
Upon arrival at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, Doug Laux expected to be immersed in a Jason Bourne-style training program, however, his introduction to the world of covert operations was not filled with either action or intrigue, instead, he began his new career as a desk jockey doing admin support for Case Officers, sending reports, making copies of files and responding to diplomatic cables. What Doug wanted more than anything was to be thrust into the world of Black Ops, requesting (and in some instances demanding) that he be sent to Afghanistan, a place most Case Officers had no interest in visiting, let alone being deployed to as an undercover operative. Although his overtures to be sent to the front lines were initially rebuffed, Doug’s relentless pursuit to break the types of cases that made international headlines wore his superiors down and he was finally sent to “The Farm,” the CIA’s training center where recruits learn the art of clandestine operations. Soon after graduating from the Field Training Course, Doug got his wish and was assigned to Afghanistan, and was enrolled in language school to learn Pashtu, after which he was sent to the most dangerous war zone on the planet.
World Champion Triathlete Joanna Zeiger:
Mental Toughness, Confidence & the Perfectionism Dilemma
Joanna Zeiger an Olympian, professional triathlete, and the 2008 Ironman 70.3 World Champion who placed 4th at the Sydney Olympics in the Triathalon. Joanna is also the founder of Race Ready Coaching where she mentors endurance athletes in running, cycling, and triathlon. Joanna earned a Ph.D. in Genetic Epidemiology from Johns Hopkins University and is the founder of the Canna Research Group, a consortium of researchers and medical professionals who study the relationship between cannabis and chronic pain. Joanna is also the author of she is the author of “The Champion Mindset, An Athlete’s Guide to Mental Toughness.”
Navy SEAL Brent Gleeson
Build Resilience & Embrace the Suck
Brent Gleeson, is a Navy SEAL combat veteran, entrepreneur, and the founder of TakingPoint Leadership, a management consulting firm where Brent speaks and coaches on topics ranging from leadership development, building high-performance teams, and elite cultures through to organizational transformation. He is also an award-winning business leader and was named a “Top 10 CEO” by Entrepreneur Magazine. Brent writes weekly columns for Inc.com and Forbes.com, and he’s also the bestselling author of “TakingPoint: A Navy SEAL’s 10 Fail-Safe Principles for Leading Through Change,” and his new book “Embrace the Suck: The Navy SEAL Way to an Extraordinary Life.”
In this episode of The Alpha Human Podcast, Brent Gleeson and Lawrence Rosenberg discuss what led him to make a radical career change and leave a high-paying job as a financial analyst with a global real estate development company and become a Navy SEAL.
Jen Satterly: Fighting The War On PTSD With An Arsenal Of Hope
Jen Satterly spent a decade as a filmmaker and photographer, 3 years of which saw her embedded with the Navy SEALS and U.S. Army Special Forces where she filmed highly realistic training missions. During this time, Jen witnessed a serious lack of resources to aid the struggles that many special operators faced with respect to Post Traumatic Stress. While working to capture the intense environments created to simulate real SpecOps missions, Jen met and married Tom Satterly, a retired Delta Force Command Sgt. Major and became a Certified Health Coach in her determination to help Tom in his battle with PTS and TBI. In doing so she found her passion for helping other Special Operators and their families with similar challenges, and together Jen and Tom founded the All Secure Foundation to help Special Operations Combat Warriors and their families heal from the invisible wounds of war. Jen is also the author “Arsenal of Hope: Tactics for Taking on PTSD Together.”
Michael Kurcina, Founder of Spotter Up:
Gunfighter, Writer, Wildman, Monk
Michael Kurcina is the Founder of Spotter Up, a tactical gear website that doubles as an immense resource of information, reviews, articles, and podcasts featuring former or active-duty members of the Special Operations community, master-level shooters, special agents, case officers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts who share their knowledge on everything from guns and ammo, to prepping and Survival, martial arts, Fitness, Nutrition, and Health. Michael is also the author of “We Fight Monsters: Wisdom And Inspiration That Speak To The Warrior’s Soul.”
Navy SEAL JP Dinnell - The Forging Of An Elite Sniper
Jeremiah JP Dinnell is a former Navy SEAL Sniper who spent nearly a decade in the SEAL Teams with three combat deployments. J.P. served as Point Man, Machine Gunner, and Lead Sniper for SEAL Team 3, Task Unit Bruiser, Delta Platoon where he worked closely with Task Unit Commander Jocko Wilink, and Leif Babin during the Battle of Ramadi, and was the driving force on many of the combat operations Jocko and Babin wrote about in Extreme Ownership, their groundbreaking book on leadership. JP was also a training instructor at Naval Special Warfare, Group One Training Detachment, where he ran Special Operations Urban Combat, and Close-Quarters Combat Training to better prepare SEAL units for the battlefield. JP is now a leadership instructor and speaker with Echelon Front, where he serves as Director of Tactical Training Programs.
U.S. Army Special Forces Veteran Pat McNamara:
The Sentinel
Pat McNamara served 22 years in U.S. Army Special Operations, 13 of those years were with 1st SFOD-D. Pat has extensive experience in combat zones in Eastern Europe and the Middle East and during his time in Special Operations, he became an elite marksman and would later serve as his Unit’s Marksmanship NCO eventually retiring from the Army’s premier hostage rescue unit as a Sergeant Major. Pat is now the CEO of TMACS a Performance-Based Training company that teaches individuals how to excel in everything from Tactics and Marksmanship through to Security. He is also the author of the two books, “T.A.P.S Tactical Application of Practical Shooting” as well as “Sentinel: Become the Agent in Charge of Your Own Protection Detail,” a book that teaches survival techniques for protecting your family.
Navy SEAL Jason Redman:
Stay Awake to Stay Alive - Invictus
Jason Redman served 21 years as a Navy SEAL and SEAL Officer. During a mission to capture an Al Qaeda High-Value Target, Jason and his Team came under heavy machine-gun fire, although he was mortally wounded, having been shot twice in the arm and once in the face, he and his team emerged victorious and brought everyone home alive. For his service, Jason was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and two Combat Action Ribbons. Jason’s road to recovering from the devastating injuries he sustained during the ambush was an enormous challenge requiring dozens of reconstructive surgeries, but he overcame the enormous physical and psychological toll to his body and mind, and after retiring from the Navy he started Wounded Wear, a Non-Profit organization which supported wounded combat veterans and their families. Jason then founded SOF Spoken, a speaking company that focuses on leadership, teamwork, and overcoming adversity for businesses, first responders, sports teams, and government organizations. In 2018 he launched the Overcome Academy, where he teaches wounded warriors who want to regain their mental edge and begin a new mission how to leverage the leadership skills and Overcome Mind-Set that helped him not only survive but, thrive. Along the way, Jason authored two very powerful books. His first was entitled, “Trident – The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader,” and his most recent book is “Overcome: Crush Adversity with the Leadership Techniques of America’s Toughest Warriors.”
Green Beret Jason Van Camp: The "Look Up" Mindset, Deliberate Discomfort & A Life Worth Living
Jason Van Camp is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point where he also played Linebacker for the Army Black Knights football team. After graduating from West Point, Jason attended U.S. Army Ranger School and was later deployed with the 101st Airborne in the invasion of Iraq. Jason would go on to become a Green Beret and a Detachment Commander with the 10th Special Forces Group where Jason led his team on close to 300 combat missions to kill or capture high-value targets and created and commanded one of the largest Foreign Internal Defense Forces in U.S. history. Jason is also the founder of Mission Six Zero, a leadership assessment, and development company and he is the author of “Deliberate Discomfort: How U.S. Special Operations Forces Overcome Fear and Dare to Win by Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable.”
Marine Platoon Commander Ann Bernard:
Winning Hearts & Minds as a First-Time Storyteller
Ann Bernard a former Platoon Commander and Lieutenant Colonel with the U.S. Marine Corps where she served for 24 years. Ann is also the author of “How to Become a (First Time) Storyteller,” a book that describes her passion for leading others to discover how important first-time stories and new experiences are to understanding who we are as individuals, and to maximizing what we get out of life. Ann is the creator of the #365FirstsChallenge and CEO of 365Firsts, Inc., a company that teaches people to be more engaging, entertaining, and effective in communicating who they are so that they can be heard, understood, and make faster, better, and stronger connections.
In this episode, Ann and I discuss how in spite of her unrelenting ambition, drive, and achievements as a leader in the U.S. Marine Corp. and a competitive bodybuilder, she continued to find herself unable to open-up and create lasting bonds with others. When she left the Marines and her entrepreneurial efforts crashed and burned, her failures led to intense anger, suicidal ideation, and eventually her breaking point. Her spirit broken, she was brought to her knees, but in her darkest moments she found God and purpose, she found a way to share and trust. Ann rejoined the Marines, traveled the world, became a writer and author, and discovered the power of translating her new experiences into stories, and she became obsessed with becoming a prolific “first-time” storyteller. In this powerful and revealing discussion, Ann explains how the physical process of telling first-time stories enhanced every aspect of her life including her ability to create deep and lasting connections, improve her well-being, and establish a deeper level of self-awareness. Ann also discusses why she now teaches the art of first-time storytelling to others, and how learning this craft will allow anyone to dramatically improve their capacity to inform, entertain and persuade, and in the process discover who they are and who they want to be. Additionally, we get into the key elements of great storytelling, the power of opening-up and becoming vulnerable, and the importance of viewing yourself as a well-thought-out character in your life’s many first-time stories.
FBI SWAT Team Leader James Gagliano: The Enigma of Transcendent Leadership
James Gagliano is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a US Army veteran who served 25-years with the FBI as an undercover agent investigating organized crime. James also served with the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team, the Bureau’s elite counter-terror unit where he was deployed to Afghanistan three times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. James would later go on to lead the FBI’s New York Division SWAT Team and head up the Bureau’s Crisis Management Center in New York where he had oversight of the SWAT Program, Crisis Negotiation, the Special Agent Bomb Technicians, and the Hazardous Materials Response Team.
In this episode, James Gagliano is back on the podcast to discuss his history with the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team and his assignment as leader of the New York SWAT team, including how he helped shape the NY unit into the top SWAT team in the country. We also explore James’ philosophy on leadership, where many leaders go wrong, the crucial difference between demanding respect and commanding respect, the 3 Cs of transcendent leadership, and the enigma inherent when leading “in extremis.”
Ex-DIA Interrogator Eric Maddox: Hunting the Ace of Spades - The Capture of Saddam Hussein
Eric Maddox is a former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, 82nd Airborne Infantry Paratrooper, Jumpmaster, and Qualified Ranger, who went on to become an interrogator and Chinese Mandarin linguist with the Defense Intelligence Agency. In 2003, Eric was assigned by the DIA to a Delta Force Special Operations team in Iraq, where he conducted over 300 interrogations and collected the intelligence which directly led to the capture of Saddam Hussein. As a result, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Defense Intelligence Agency’s Director’s Award, and the National Intelligence Medal of Achievement. He was later hired to work w/ the Department of Defense conducting over 2,700 interrogations while deploying eight times in support of the Global War on Terrorism including multiple tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, South America, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Eric retired from service in 2014 and is now a private consultant and negotiator where he helps corporations, universities, sports teams, and CEOs master the art of questioning, negotiations, and information gathering. Eric is also the author of “Mission: Black List #1: The Inside Story of the Search for Saddam Hussein.”
Navy SEAL Michael Sarraille:
How Special Operations and Great Organizations Win on Talent
Mike Sarraille is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL who served fifteen years as an officer in the SEAL Teams and five years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Recon Marine and Scout-Sniper. Mike served in SEAL Team THREE, Task Unit Bruiser alongside Extreme Ownership authors Jocko Willink and Leif Babin where he led historic combat operations in the Battle of Ramadi, and Sadr City, and received of the Silver Star, six Bronze Stars, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, and a Purple Heart. Following his return from combat, Mike assumed duties as the primary leadership instructor for all officers graduating from the SEAL training pipeline. Mike is currently a Co-Founder (along with Jocko Wilink and Leif Babin) of EF OVERWATCH, an Executive Search Firm specializing in the recruiting, training, and placement of U.S. Special Operations Forces veterans with companies seeking leaders. He’s also a leadership instructor and strategic advisor for Echelon Front, he is the founder of the VETTED Foundation, a transition program that identifies and prepares top military talent for industry placement, and he is the author, along with his EF OVERWATCH co-managing partner George Randle, of the book “The Talent War: How Special Operations and Great Organizations Win on Talent.”
Navy SEAL & FBI Agent Errol Doebler:
Hunting Terrorists, Ice Baths & The Art of Leadership
Errol Doebler is a Graduate of the United States Naval Academy and Navy SEAL who served as Assistant Platoon Commander at SEAL Team FOUR, and a Platoon Commander at Seal Team ONE. Errol later joined the FBI where he investigated International Terrorist Organizations and also served as a member of the FBI’s New York SWAT Team. While at the Bureau, Errol deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 with the 75th Ranger Regiment as a special agent, participated in extensive combat operations, and was subsequently presented with the FBI’s second-highest award for valor, the Shield of Bravery, for his actions on the battlefield. Following 13 years of service with the FBI, he founded a leadership consulting firm, Leader 193, where he has worked with Fortune 100 companies, professional sports organizations, tech startups, and individual executives across a vast array of industries. Errol is also the author of the book “The Process, Art, and Science of Leadership: How Leaders Inspire Confidence and Clarity in Combat, in the Boardroom, and at the Kitchen Table.” In this episode, we learn Errol’s leadership system, delve deep into emotional awareness, and how to create an elite culture and leadership language. We also discuss Errol’s use/teaching of the Wim Hof method of breathing & cold exposure to hone leadership ability. We also explore SMACCC, Errol’s bulletproof process for planning modified from his time in the SEAL Teams, and was as Errol would say, “born in blood!”
Ex-Marine & Green Beret Joe Teti:
Surviving the Apocalypse, Masculinity & Thriving in the Modern Age
Joe Teti is an ex-Force Recon Marine, Army Special Forces Green Beret, and a graduate of numerous Special Operations schools who co-starred in the hit Discovery Channel series Dual Survivor. Joe is also the author of the book, “Lone Operator: How to Survive & Thrive in the Modern Age.” Together with ex-Green Beret & Delta Force Operator Dale “American Badass” Comstock, Joe runs Tier One Performance Coaching where the duo offer mentorship to help teenagers, young adults, and future leaders, along with men who want to level-up, realize their full potential and enhance or accelerate their performance, business, and health.
Combat Veteran Magda Khalifa:
American Dreams, Heavy Metal & The Freedom Triangle
Magda Khalifa is a combat veteran, entrepreneur, and author of the book “American DREAM: Discipline, Resilience, Endurance, Adaptability, and Mentorship to Succeed and Win in Life.” After witnessing the attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001, Magda, motivated by equal parts anger and a burning desire to serve, enlisted in the Army and left everything behind to join the War on Terror. Following 2 tours in Iraq, she returned home beset by chronic depression, headaches, and anxiety, and struggled to rebuild her life as a civilian. After a decade of suffering in silence, and a long journey of self-discovery, Magda overcame her challenges, took control of her health, and started her first business. Today, as a successful entrepreneur, she brings the lessons learned in war and in re-inventing herself, to help businesses and individuals find significance and success through consulting, speaking, and mentorship.
Author Sean McFate:
Contract Warfare, Private Armies & Mercenary Wars
Sean McFate is a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council (a Washington DC think tank), and a professor of strategy at The National Defense University and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. He served as a paratrooper and officer in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division under Generals Stan McChrystal and David Petraeus and was a private military contractor raising armies for U.S. interests abroad. McFate is also the author of the Non-Fiction book, “The New Rules of War: How America Can Win Against Russia, China, and Other Threats,” which was named a “Book of the Year” by The Economist,” as well as “The Modern Mercenary: Private Armies and What They Mean for World Order.” He also writes military thrillers, his latest novel, High Treason, had the #1 New York Times bestselling author James Patterson announce that: “Sean McFate just might be the next Tom Clancy, only I think he’s even better,” and he’s been lauded as a new Sun Tzu by the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral Jim Stavridis.
Varg Freeborn:
An Education in Violence (and Self Defense)
Varg Freeborn is a world-renowned self-defense and gunfight instructor, as well as a lethal force educator, and fitness coach. Varg is also the author of the book Violence of Mind: Training and Preparation for Extreme Violence. Varg’s insight into the topic of violence, preparing for it, understanding it, and defending against it, is informed by having been immersed in violent crime for half of his life. Varg grew up in a household where members of his immediate family were murdered or sent to prison. 17 years ago, at age 19, Varg was convicted in a self-defense case for stabbing his attacker dozens of times, and sentenced to 5 years in prison. After Varg’s release, he went on to become an expert in gunfighting, CQB, breaching, close protection, boxing, BJJ, and today, he provides professional training to civilians, law enforcement, and organizations such as the Ohio Tactical Officer’s Association and the Alliance, OH Police Training Facility (Alliance, OH). Varg’s experience with criminal violence, concealment as fieldcraft, close fighting (especially with weapons), and criminal mindset are unsurpassed in the self-defense industry in the area of civilian criminal violence.
FBI Counter-Terror Agent James Gagliano:
Infiltrating The Mob & Battling Criminal Street Gangs
James Gagliano is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and served as an Airborne Infantry Officer with the US Army Rangers. Following his time in the military, Gagliano had a 25-year career with the FBI as an undercover agent investigating organized crime, and as a member of the FBI’s legendary Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), the Bureau’s elite counterterrorism unit, where, as part of the Global War on Terror, he deployed to Afghanistan three times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Gagliano would later be assigned as the Senior Leader for the FBI’s New York Field Division SWAT Team. Currently, he serves as an analyst for CNN, where he provides on-air commentary on law enforcement and counter-terror matters and is an adjunct assistant professor and doctoral candidate at St. John’s University.
Army Colonel (R) Lawrence Dietz:
PsyWar, Zig Ziglar & Influence Ops in the Battle for Hearts & Minds
Lawrence (Larry) Dietz, is a nationally recognized expert in the area of PsyWar (Psychological Warfare), Cyber Warfare, and Information Operations. Larry is a former military intelligence officer with the U.S. Army, and was at one time, the Officer in Charge of Strategic Intelligence with the 7th PsyOp Group as well as the commander of the 12th PSYOP Battalion, and Deputy Commander of the Combined Joint Information Campaign Task Force, in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Dietz was also an Information Operations officer with USSOCOM (The United States Special Operations Command), and he is the author of the authoritative blog on Psychological Operations, The PSYOP Regimental Blog.
DEA Agents Steve Murphy & Javier Pena:
The War on Narco-Terror & Pablo Escobar
Special agents Steve Murphy & Javier Pena are the real DEA Narcos who together with the Columbian National Police (CNP), and the support of tier-one special operators from the U.S. NavySEALs and Delta Force, ended the reign of the world’s most notorious narco-terrorist, Pablo Escobar, and dismantled the infamous Medellin Cartel, one of the largest and most violent narcotics trafficking organizations in history, which at the height of its power generated $26 billion annually by smuggling 15 tons of cocaine per day into the United States. Murphy and Pena’s pursuit of Pablo Escobar was recently the subject of the hit Netflix series Narcos, the first 3 seasons of which, are based on their efforts to bring the cartels in Colombia to justice. Murphy and Pena are also authors of the book “Manhunters – How We Took Down Pablo Escobar.”
Steven Kotler: Why Navy SEALs, Silicon Valley & Extreme Athletes Chase Altered States
Steven Kotler, is the Executive Director of the Flow Research Collective, and one of the world’s leading experts on human performance. He is a New York Times bestselling author who has been nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes, his books include The Future is Faster Than You Think, The Rise of Superman and Stealing Fire, and he’s also an award-winning journalist who has been featured in Time, Wired, and Forbes. Kotler is also one of the world’s foremost authorities on the science of “flow,” a state where we become so deeply immersed in an activity that the conscious mind dissolves and we access a higher intelligence, entering a zone where awareness and action become synchronous, and our performance superlative.
CIA Counterintelligence Chief James Olson:
The Assault on America's Secrets
James Olson, former Chief of Counterintelligence for the CIA, served for over 30 years in clandestine operations against the Russian KGB and the espionage efforts of China, Cuba, North Korea, and Iran, and was awarded the Intelligence Medal of Merit and the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal for his efforts. Olson is currently a professor at Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government where he teaches Counterintelligence (CI) to America’s next generation of spy hunters. Jim is also the author of Fair Play: The Moral Dilemmas of Spying, and To Catch a Spy: The Art of Counterintelligence.
Navy SEAL Will Chesney - The Dogs of War
Will Chesney served 13 years with the Navy SEALS and SEAL Team Six as an operator and Combat Attack Dog Handler. Will and his dog, a Belgian Malinois named Cairo, took part in hundreds of missions together, including Operation Neptune Spear, the mission that led to the killing of Osama Bin Laden. Will has been awarded the Silver Star and a Purple Heart, stemming from injuries sustained during a grenade attack while out on a raid and now helps veterans who, much like himself have suffered the effects TBI (traumatic brain injury). Will is also the author of “No Ordinary Dog: My Partner from the SEAL Teams to the Bin Laden Raid,” and the young adult version “Warrior DogThe True Story of a Navy SEAL and His Fearless Canine Partner.”
While on deployment with SEAL Team Six, Will had an opportunity to work closely with combat attack dogs (CADs), Belgian Malinois that are trained specifically to operate with the SEALs and are ingrained in their deployment as integral members of the team. The breed is more compact, muscular, and agile than the German Shepards typically used in law enforcement. Upon first witnessing the CADs performance on deployment, both in their ability to uncover IEDs and as manhunters, Will marveled at the CADs’ speed, strength, and agility, and saw first hand how their handlers, a Master at Arms (the Navy’s Military Police) worked them while on and off the battlefield, and how they became crucial to the effectiveness of many of the team’s raids and missions, and, most notably how these dogs saved the lives of his SEAL brethren, even sacrificing their own lives to save the operators they hunted with.
Frank Tufano: Carnivore Diet & Fitness Coach
Our guest on this week’s episode of the Alpha Human Solution Podcast is Frank Tufano, who has been following a carnivore/animal products only diet for six years. In our interview with Tufano, he recounts the journey that led to becoming a full carnivore years before many of the current proponents of the diet, and why he believes the thought leaders of the modern-day meat only “zero carb” movement such as Dr. Shawn Baker, Charles Washington, et. al., are dead wrong in their advocacy of grain and antibiotic fed muscle meats as harmless and healthy.
Delta Force Operator & Green Beret Dale Comstock -
A Modern Day Spartan
Dr. Dale Comstock is an ex-Delta Force operator, Green Beret, and 82nd Airborne LRRP who spent 35 years combatting U.S. enemies abroad as a member of the Army Special Forces and as a mercenary working with America’s allies targeting high-value terrorists, their leaders, and financiers. He has been decorated twice for Valor in combat and has been at the tip of the spear in every conflict where America’s special forces have been deployed, from Grenada and the invasion of Panama (where he and his team raided Modelo Prison to rescue American Hostage Kurt Muse) through to the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond. Dale has a Master’s Degree in Business and a PhD in Alternative Medicine, holds black belts in Jiu-Jitsu, American Open Karate, and Extension Fighting, is a former professional boxer, MMA fighter, and competitive bodybuilder, and has been featured on the NBC TV series “Stars Earn Stripes” and Discovery Channel’s “One Man Army.” He is also the author of American Badass – The True Story of a Modern-Day Spartan.
Ex-CIA Intelligence Officer Andrew Bustamante -
The Power of OPTHINK
Andrew Bustamantem is a former covert CIA intelligence officer, US Air Force combat veteran, Fortune 10 corporate advisor, and self-professed improvement junkie. As an Intelligence Officer with the CIA, Andrew planned, organized and executed offensive and defensive cyber operations against a wide range of targets and has been involved in independent operations and joint initiatives with FBI, NSA, DIA, and their foreign service counterparts. He is also the founder of EverydaySpy, an education and training platform that teaches the espionage tactics of the world’s elite intelligence agencies and how these techniques can benefit anyone that is seeking to gain a competitive advantage. Andrew is also the author of the book “Everday Espionage, Winning in the Workplace” and the is the host of The Everyday Espionage podcast.
Tom & Jen Satterly - A Delta Force Operator's Mission to Survive on the Battlefield & the Homefront
Tom Satterly spent 20 years as a member of the elite special forces unit known as Delta Force. His very first combat mission turned out to be the Battle of Mogadishu, the longest sustained firefight in U.S. military history since the Vietnam War, an 18-hour assault in Somalia that left 18 American soldiers dead and was immortalized in the film Black Hawk Down. Tom went on to serve in every major U.S. conflict where the U.S. Special Forces were deployed from Somalia and Bosnia to Afghanistan and Iraq including being an integral part of Operation Red Dawn, the mission that led to the capture of Saddam Hussein.
Ex-SAS Soldier Rusty Firmin:
The Regiment, Operation Nimrod & British Special Forces
Rusty Firmin is a British Army veteran who spent 15 years with the SAS, the British Army’s elite special forces unit. Rusty has been involved in some of the SAS’ most dangerous missions including the planned attack on Argentina during the Falklands War and the SAS’ covert operations against the IRA. However, Rusty is most well known for his actions in Operation Nimrod, the May 1980 Iranian Embassy Siege in London where he was a key figure in the SAS’ storming of the embassy as the Blue Team leader. Rusty is also the author of a very popular book on this historic event, entitled “Go! Go! Go!” which gives a gripping account of the siege which culminated in the SAS rescuing all 19 hostages and killing 5 of the 6 terrorists. The book has recently been turned into a major motion picture entitled “6 Days” starring Jamie Bell and is airing on Netflix. Rusty is also the author of “The Regiment,” a detailed portrayal of what it was like for him to be part of one of the most renowned Special Ops forces in the world.
John Little: Filmmaker & Author - The Bruce Lee, Ayn Rand & Mike Mentzer Connection
John Little is an author and award-winning filmmaker considered by many to be one of the world’s foremost authorities on Bruce Lee, his training methods and philosophies. John, who directed, wrote and produced the notable documentaries Bruce Lee: In His Own Words & Bruce Lee: A Warrior’s Journey for Warner Bros, and authored the book The Warrior Within, The Philosophies of Bruce Lee, is the only person ever to be authorized by the legendary martial artist’s estate to review the entirety of Lee’s personal notes, sketches and reading annotations.
Tony Schwalm: Ex-U.S. Army Special Forces - Inside the Green Berets
Tony Schwalm is the author of The Guerrilla Factory: The Making of Special Forces Officers – The Green Berets. Schwalm is uniquely qualified to tell the story of what it takes to forge unconventional warriors, as he helped redesign the very test of strength, stamina, and wits known as the Q Course, the Special Forces Qualifications Course, which is the formal training program for entry into the United States Army Special Forces. Schwalm is a former lieutenant colonel with the U.S. Army Special Forces and his military career spans some 30 years. His journey has seen him transition from a tank commander in Operation Desert Storm (the first Iraq war) where he was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor, to becoming a Green Beret and later a commander of Special Forces officer training at Ft. Bragg.
Dan Waldschmidt: A Turnaround Specialist Living on the EDGE
Chris Cavallini: Ex-Navy Deep Sea Diver & Founder of Nutrition Solutions
Chris Cavallini is a former US Navy Deep Sea Diver and the founder of Nutrition Solutions, a highly successful company that provides custom, fitness-specific, prepared meals. They have worked with over 30,000 clients, many of them athletes from WWE superstars like Chris Jericho, New England Patriots’ super bowl winning tight-end, Rob Gronkowski, and former UFC Heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic, through to anyone with health or lifestyle goals they are seeking to achieve.
Jack McNamara: Founder & CEO of DrinkTru
Jack McNamara is a former pro athlete turned sports drink entrepreneur and the founder of DrinkTru, the company behind the clean energy shot known as TruEnergy. McNamara left his career as a professional hockey player to live and work out of his bedroom, a hovel tucked away in the back of a CrossFit gym, while he builds his energy drink startup. McNamara’s journey so far has seen a number of start-up accelerators invest in his company, and he’s had appearances on the TV Show Entrepreneur’s Elevator Pitch.
Dan Luna: Former Navy SEAL & Founder of 3LX
Dan Luna is a former United States Navy SEAL, an expert in Leadership, and a highly accomplished military professional with over 20 years of experience in the SEAL Teams at the unit, operational and command level. Dan was a member of SEAL Team One where he served ten years completing five deployments, including two tours in Iraq, two tours in Afghanistan. In 2010 he became a member of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, AKA DevGru, AKA Seal Team SIX. His decorations include 2 Bronze Stars w/ Valor, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Commendation Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal w/ Valor x4.
Tristan Haggard: Co-Founder of Primal Edge Health
Tristan Haggard of Primal Edge Health has become one of the most vocal and popular advocates for eating a diet of meat and animal fats. However, what makes Tristan unique among many in the health and wellness community is not only his extensive knowledge of nutrition, science, and biologic processes but his understanding of the historic and philosophic forces behind modern civilization’s dietary habits.
Al Globus: The Architect of Elysium
Al Globus has worked at the NASA Ames Research Center as a contractor since 1979, where he co-founded the NASA Ames Nanotechnology Group, and worked on projects for the Hubble space telescope, asteroid mining, the top-secret X37 space plane, space solar power and has published over 45 papers on these and other subjects, NASA has awarded him 11 awards, including a NASA Software of the Year award. While at Nasa Ames, Globus also designed orbital space settlements (Lewis One and Kalpana One), and advocates for colonizing space as soon as possible, and believes that colonizing space is as important an event as “ocean-based life’s colonization of land half a billion years ago.”
Alan Watson: Health & Nutrition Researcher
We are joined by Alan Watson, a health and nutrition researcher, a “You Can’t Trust the Experts” patient advocate, cardiovascular nutrition analyst and author of 21 Days to a Healthy Heart and Cereal Killer, the Unintended Consequences of the Low-fat Diet. Alan is also a veritable cholesterol/saturated fat-heart hypothesis wrecking ball, he regularly exposes the corruption, lies and misleading information put out by bought and paid for food industry-funded propagandists and health authorities who continue to spout disinformation about how saturated fat is bad, the lies about how saturated fat causes heart disease, the incessant propaganda about how cholesterol is evil, and how you must lower your cholesterol to have a healthy heart.
Lierre Keith: Author of The Vegtarian Myth:
Fighting An Agripocalypse
Lierre Keith spent twenty years as a vegan well past the date at which a plant based diet wrecked her health. Now she’s an anti-agriculture food activist with a unique environmental philosophy, and the renowned author of the highly controversial book, The Vegetarian Myth. The Vegetarian Myth is probably one of the most dangerous books you could write in this day and age, what with fanatical vegans drenching butcher stores in blood, and threatening the lives of those who “murder” for meat, however for Lierre, the truth is closer to “wheat is murder.”
P.D Mangan: Founder of Rogue Health & Fitness
P.D. (Dennis) Mangan founder of Rogue Health & Fitness discusses how he rejected the advice of health authorities to cure his chronic fatigue syndrome. We talk about how industrial agri-products and anti-meat, anti-saturated fat dogma has led to the “diseases of modern civilization,” and why health advisory councils like the AHA still recommend these diabolical insults to human health. P.D. also describes how he transformed his physique to become carved out of stone at age 63!