Freedoms Pulse

Calling himself the cheerleader of America, Alma Ohene-Opare is an immigrant from Ghana.  Growing up, his mother spread her love of education and America to her children. Alma came to America at 19 to fulfill a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, followed by school at BYU. After living in America for 18 years, Alma's dream of becoming an official citizen came to fruition. In this episode, we discuss the greatness of America.  This is the place of opportunities, the country to make your dreams reality. America is under seige from forces within and without.  Apathetic Americans is a pandemic.  Socialism is a misunderstood principle; one that leads to bondage through loss of choice. Alma uses his voice of experience and passion to spread the message of America and freedom on his podcast, Restitch America You can also find Alma on his website at https://www.willfulpositivity.com/   and https://www.instagram.com/willfulpositivity/  and https://www.tiktok.com/@willfulpositivity  

Andrew Farlaino was referred to me by Matthew Bradford.  Matt was the guest on  Episode 25.  Matt, a young U.S. marine, lost both legs and his vision when he stepped on an IED only a few months into his first deployment.  Andrew served with Matt.  He knew Matt before and after this tragic incident.  Andrew saw Matt after the explosion.  He recalls seeing Matt with mangled legs and his protective goggles still covering Matt's eyes with one hole in each lens where the bomb penetrated, causing the blindness. Andrew saw how these devastating injuries made men and women, like Matt, only stronger.  Instead of wallowing in self pity, Matt has helped others overcome their obstacles. Andrew is an advocate for veterans helping themselves.  You receive what you put in to your own treatment.   After retiring from the marines, Andrew worked as a security bodyguard for the wealthiest of wealthiest American families.  He made hundred of thousands of dollars, but the cost was too high. Working around the clock and witnessing the destruction of  these people who seemed to have it all, Andrew returned to his childhood home in Price, Utah.   Andrew was never happier than he is now.  He lives a quiet middle class life with his wife and children. He tries to do something good everyday; listening to his children's questions or simply smiling at a stranger. Check out Andrew's knife company at Trained Monkey Blade Company.   https://www.instagram.com/trainedmonkeyblade/    

This is the story of Erin "Aero" Orga, a pioneer in the field of  women combat aviation. Erin grew up with dreams of becoming a professional roller coaster rider, figure skater, or NASA astronaut. After learning there were NO professional roller coaster riders, Erin had to come up with a new plan. Erin is an experienced Air Force pilot, flying over 50 combat missions in Iraq, providing cover for the U.S. Army and Marines.   Erin's favorite fighter aircraft is the F-15E Strike Eagle.  She also spent time as a T-38 instructor, training many young Air Force pilots. Erin speaks about the difficulties of being a woman in the military, including sexual harrassment. After 10 years in the military, Erin retired from the Air Force.  She has led global teams of engineers with Westinghouse, and is now a sought after speaker. Erin has a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.  She continues to be passionate about aviation, and is a devoted mother. https://www.facebook.com/erin.m.orga.97 https://www.instagram.com/erin_orga/

Tell Steve he can't do something, and he is sure to achieve it in a smashing way.  This trait has allowed Steve to achieve what seems impossible to so many others. Steven “Brown Bear” is a retired Navy SEAL. During his career he served as the Senior Enlisted Adviser at Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command Detachment Kodiak. He trained and mentored SEAL teammates, the command staff, other special operation forces and over 1000 SEAL Qualification Training students in mountaineering, survival, land navigation, over the beach operations, cold weather, nutrition and first aid, fitness, and avalanche awareness in this austere remote Alaskan environment. As a result, Steven was awarded the title Master Training Specialist. While assigned to Naval Special Warfare Development Group Steven made numerous deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, tallying over 250 combat operations, for his actions he was awarded the Silver Star and many other individual awards. Steve finds fulfillment in the woods of Kentucky helping veterans and first responders gain relief and healing through Camp Brown Bear.   Camp Brown Bear https://www.instagram.com/campbrownbear/ https://www.facebook.com/campbrownbear

This episode is a special one as it was done remotely at the Gunnison Gut Check created by Justen Mellor and his incredible non-profit, United We March. The Gunnison Gut Check is a ruck through the desert landscape of central Utah.  Proceeds go to veteran and first responder organizations. Operation Enduring Warrior is a fundamental element of the gut check, bringing OEW honorees who challenge themselves physically and mentally with the help of masked athletes and other members of Operation Enduring Warrior. Saddie (former air force) and James (former police officer) share a slice of their stories as OEW honorees, including why they are at the Gunnison Gut Check. You can check out Justen's story, founder of United We March by visiting the following link:  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-37-justens-american-story/id1539356968?i=1000532558567 Operation Enduring Warrior  

September 12, 2014 was a day of tragedy, but also a day of miracles for Alex Douglass. It was a late Friday night when Alex pulled up to the Blooming Grove barracks in Pennsylvania.  As Alex moved his gym back from the patrol car to his personal car, a shot rang out. Officer Douglass was confused at first, not even realizing it was the fire of a gun. Alex noticed a figure on the pavement in front of the police barracks.  As he moved towards the building, Alex realized it was Corporal Bryan Dickson. Alex felt a feeling spread through his body.  Something bad was about to happen.  He bent down to grab Bryan's left foot with hopes of moving Bryon's body away from the gun's aim.  Alex was hit with the worst pain he had ever felt. This is the story of a young officer dealing with horrific traumatic injuries:  23 surgeries, shattered right hip and femur eventually leading to below the knee amputation, damage to intestine and colon, and nerve damage. The physical duress was enough, but Alex was also coping with the loss of Bryon Dickson and the hellish memories from that day. Hear how after evading authorities for 48 days in the woods, the culprit was apprehended and now sits on death row. This is not a story of sadness, but a tale of hope and renewal. Alex shares his new life and the people and organizations that helped him soar to new heights. Alex gained wisdom and encouragement from one of my former guests, Earl Granville, Episode 67.   Alex recommends the following organizations for veterans and first responders: Operation Enduring Warrior Valor Service Dogs You can find Alex on Instagram: Alex Douglass Instagram                

J.T. Robertson grew up in West Jordan, Utah.  His father, a retired firefighther, is someone he emulates to this day; his "mother by choice" adopted both J.T. and his brother after his birth mother left the family. J.T. was given adult responsibility as an eight-year-old child when in the "care" of his birth mother.  As the older brother, J.T. fed and attended to his brother while their mother was engaged with men and drugs.   J.T. lost contact with his mother when he was 12.  A drug hit was placed on her head, and she vanished.  His father did not know about what had happened at the home. J.T. will be the first to tell you, his choices weren't always thought through beforeheand.  As a senior in high school, he found himself as a husband and father.   J.T. took two glorious jobs at Firestone Tires and Hollywood Video to support his small family. ....Then September 11, 2001.  The following day, September 12, 2001, J.T. went to the recruiter's office.  He was going to protect his child, whether it be on home soil or foreign.  J.T. visited the airforce, navy, army, and finally...the marine recruitment centers. On January 14, 2002 J.T. began bootcamp as a prospective marine, followed by the school of infantry. J.T. was deployed to Iraq three days after his 2nd daughter was born. He served 8 years as a marine with one deployment to Iraq, and six years with the army national guard with one deployment to Afghanistan. J.T. was a witness to the disparity between Iraq and the United States, something most Americans can't even imagine.  He engaged in dangerous missions, including serving with the most decorated national guard unit in Utah, performing route clearance on the roads of Afghanistan. J.T. saw the senseless destruction, the fog of war as friendly fire took out a column of marines. He lost friends who came home with the war and were unable to cope with the PTS. J.T himself came home with TBI, PTS, anxiety, and a victim mentality.  He suffered debilitating depression.  J.T. went through two divorces.  Life was hardly easy. His PTS was unrecognizable to him.  First, believing it  to be survivors guilt, something J.T. would get over....but he didn't.   Things escalated.  Living outside the wire for both deployments, friends getting blown up, and an overall culmination combined into a terrible storm. The lowest point was the holiday season of 2015.  Working 2 jobs, living with a girl on the rebound, in peril of losing his business, living in the basement of a friend's home; the only thing he had to look forward to was spending Thanksgiving weekend with his girls until.. J.T. was arrested for being $1900 short on his child support.  He was put in jail until his credit card cleared for the amount owed, plus jailing expenses. J.T.'s holiday season becomes even darker.  Finding himself alone, J.T. buys a gun with a singular purpose.  Sitting in the basement with only his beloved dog, Montana, J.T. puts the gun in his mouth.  Through a series of actions by J.T's buddy, Montana, he does not pursue his plan.  Karaoke was the beginning of digging his hole out of depression.  The simple act of singing on statge gave J.T. a way out.  It has been a steady progression of steps since that first karaoke night. J.T. lives in Montana on serveral acres of land where he finds refuge and peace.    "No matter what happens in your life, you have a choice...a choice to suffer or be happy." During the pandemic, he experimented with honey and co-founded the Bearded Viking Mead Co.. You can find J.T. on the Podcast, Vikings, Outlaws, and Cowboys-dedicated to men's mental health And on social media at: https://www.instagram.com/beardedvikingmeadco/,  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083611050695 https://www.tiktok.com/@beardedvikingmead https://www.youtube.com/@beardedviking1586            

Doug Lane is the youngest of three children in a Navy family.  His first musical memory was at age three. Doug always loved music with six years in piano, and picking up the saxophone in middle school. Doug's dad was a naval aviator, finishing his career in Kingsville, Texas.  His father was the source of much childhood trauma. Doug grew up among ranchers, naval pilots, Mexicans, and college students.  He was exposed to many different cultures and ideas. Doug was seven years old when his dad retired.  Doug had no intention of following in his father's footsteps.   The recruiter turned out to be very convincing, appealing to Doug's love of music. Doug joined the Army as a saxophonist, and picked up the guitar later on. Doug's primary mission was that of a musician, but his first role was always a soldier. Military bands perform at ceremonial functions, parades, PR, diplomatic functions, and funerals. Music brings tradition to the military. Two to three months after Operation Iraqi Freedom ensued, Doug and fellow soldiers relieved the 3rd infantry division. Doug was fortunate in that he saw little of the violence that other solderis endured.  There were adjustments to the daily rocket attacks.  He counts himself lucky that no one in his unit was seriously injured. Doug's issues in Iraq centered around poor leadership and medical care. He feels the Iraqi workers get painted with a broad stroke.  Doug found most of them amazing; and he is grateful to their wives who provided the soldiers with food during lean times. Doug is proud to have offered relief to soldiers as he played for them in Iraq. Doug found his faith in Iraq.  Raised Catholic, Doug was not a believer. Studying the Bible forced him to find answers to questions.  Doug experienced the concept of grace when he realized he could never be good enough. Doug FOUND REST IN GOD!. Doug's wife was a soldier as well.  They deployed together.  Fifteen months of the their first two years was spent living in separate tents.  The strain on marriages in these circumstances is astounding, but they managed to weather the storm. Doug was in the army for four years.  Tired of the army BS, he did not re-enlist.  Looking back, Doug can see how his bad attitude and immaturity contributed to his dissatisfaction. Doug is the front man for his band, The Real Doug Lane Band.  Accused of being a country band, he maintains they also play blues and classic rock.  Pink Floyd and Billy Joel are heavy influences, along with Guy Cook and Robert Earl Keen. Doug has released two albums, 1 EP, and a few singles.  He aims to share his stories through the songs. Doug has dealt with suicidal thoughts his entire life, stemming from childhood trauma. Doug came close to suicide a few years back. The pressure of life was too much.  Their was no way out.  He has found relief in ketamine treatments. Following the ketamine treatments, it was the first time the voices in his head went quiet. Doug has been a pastor for 20 years.  His advice to anyone struggling with mental illness, "God is NOT angry at you because of your depression. The Real Doug Lane on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnnUnyQ3eW01dCyrulMhp6g https://www.facebook.com/TheRealDougLane https://www.instagram.com/therealdouglane/ You can find where his band is playing by visiting the following website: https://www.bandsintown.com/  Simply input, The Real Doug Lane    

Janet Henscheid grew up on a dairy farm in Idaho.  Her father was a WW2 veteran and wanted his family to live in peaceful surrounding. Janet moved to Idaho to go to school.  She and her husband, Don, have lived in Utah, Wyoming, and Arizona. Janet and Don are patriotic.  They raised their five kids to be patriotic. Like many others, September 11, 2001 transformed their family dynamic for years.  Their son, Cody, was 15 and their younger son, Landon, was only 12. Cody was only 17 in 2003 when Janet and Don agreed to sign him up to become a soldier.  Cody went to basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky the summer between his junior and senior year in high school.   Their younger son, Landon, followed suit, attending basic training between his junior and senior year. Both boys came back from basic training changed.  They were now responsible adults. Cody was assigned to a transportation unit.  He served 18 months in Iraq.  Cody suffered brain damage when the semi he was in was hit by an IED.  He was awarded the bronze star. Janet had no idea about PTSD when Cody came home for R&R.  He was changed, quiet, and reclusive.  Cody's injuries are unseen.  It took 10 years to get him discharged from service. Cody has endured addiction and divorce.  Through healing, he now finds support in his wife and solace in fishing. Landon was in civil affairs.  He spent his time speaking with village elders while on his first deployment in Afghanistan.  Landon was assigned as a combat medic for his second deployment.  Six months into this deployment, life took a drastic turn for him. Janet recalls feeling uneasy about this deployment.  She was nervous. On June 16,  Landon was injured and medevacked out.  On June 21, Janet was finally able to speak to her son.  He was having a lot of back pain, something Landon attributed to the heavy equipment he carried, but it got to the point where he was physically unable to walk. Landon underwent surgery to decompress his spine.  Tumors were on his spine and around a rib.  He was immediately sent to the United States and Walter Reed hospital. Landon was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer (Ewing Sarcoma) ; a cancer most often found in pediatric patients.  Landon was 23. Landon's first thought was to knock out the cancer and get back to his guys in Afghanistan.  Doctors told him this was not possible; chemotherapy lasted one year and radiation 3-4 months.  Landon was devastated. Landon spent 14 months at Walter Reed hospital fighting the cancer.  He had no feeling from the chest down. Landon thought he had beat cancer.  He was moved to a spinal rehab facility.  Several weeks later, the cancer came back like a ferocious beast.  Landon was in severe pain. He decided to do chemotherapy again, but first there was a surgery to remove as much cancer as possible. Radiation on his esophagus made it difficult to swallow.  Between the bone, nerve, and esophagus pain; plus the PTSD, Landon felt very vulnerable. A new scan was done after the second line of chemotherapy.  The news was devastating, the tumor had grown. Landon's last procedure was on his esophagus.  He desperately wanted to eat.   Landon went into cardiac arrest.  He was surrounded by doctors.  Landon went into a coma. He was put on a ventilator.  Landon was taken off a ventilator for a short period.  Janet could see the pain in his eyes and requested that the ventilator be reapplied.   Following a command by Landon's first sargeant to "Stand Down Soldier," he passed away on December 7, 2013. Janet became a gold star mother.  Her desire was to help other families enduring the same heartache.   Janet works in Survivor Outreach through the Utah National Guard.              

Alec Lace is the host of the popular podcast, First Class Fatherhood.  Alec has spoken with first class athletes, celebrities, military, politicians, reality tv stars, and more.  Notable guests include:  Deion Sanders, Tom Brady, Matthew McConaughey, Steve Harvey, Jocko Willink, Marcus Luttrell, and Ron DeSantis. Alec is a strong proponent of fatherhood.  He recognizes the plight of America due to the lack of fathers in the home.  The importance of fathers is downplayed, and America is paying the price.  Crime and immorality are symptoms of the problem. Alec is honest with his troublesome past, including his addiction to alcolhol for serveral years. Alec's goal with the First Class Fatherhood podcast is to bring the value of fathers back to the forefront of America.   https://www.instagram.com/firstclassfatherhood/ https://www.facebook.com/FirstClassFatherhood  

John Ferguson had the idyllic childhood in his small Kansas hometown.  That all ended when his mother remarried.  John suffered physical and mental torture by the hands of his stepfather for years. He found solace at a local church, attending sessions throughout the week as a place of refuge. John was eventually removed from the home by his father, but the abuse left an indelible mark on him. John joined the marines right after high school graduation.  This was followed by service in the army. When John's enlistment was filled, he began a career as a deep sea diver on oil rigs.  He spent his time in water so dark and full of sediment, vision was nil.  John had a literal rope lifeline.  Losing grip of the rope could mean death.  He learned to "see" with his hands, manuevering around underwater in the deep recesses.  John became skilled with unmanned and manned submersibles.  John is a pioneer with drones. He is the owner of Saxon Unmanned. He manufactures drones, specific to the customer's needs.  They cost tens of dollars. John uses this technology to fight human trafficking on the southern border. He is willing to risk his life to save another. John is vocal with his beliefs on the evil and corruptness that happen within the American govenment. He is candid about his fears of China, and pulls no punches. Whether you buy everything John says, his story is fascinating.  He has been on the verge of death throughout his life several times, but will not quit.  John Ferguson loves America.  He repeats a phrase said to him in the military,"When things are screwed up, look in the mirror." So, look in the mirror and get involved. You can be a part of the problem or part of the solution. You can donate to John's fight at the border by visiting https://sujtc.com/  

Werner Sommerfeld has lived a life, faithful to his God, family, and country.  Although born and raised in Germany, when asked, he will tell you, "I am an American." Werner is especially concerned with the America of today.  It is quite different from the America he remembers as he came through Ellis Island.   Werner has seen many parts of the world:  Israel, Samoa, Ukraine, and Russia.  He knows the blessings available by living in a free America. Werner's life is filled with many "very special" events.  He longs for the day when he will reunite with his beloved Daphne and two of his children who went before him. Until then, Werner will continue spreading his love and good nature with anyone lucky enough to be in his presence. Truth & Conviction-Helmuth Hubener  

Werner Sommerfeld was born in 1929 in Hamburg Germany.  His youth was spent living under the Nazi regime.  Werner was part of the Hitler youth, mandatory for all boys. The Sommerfeld family wer members of a small congregation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Helmuth Hubener was a young man in the church group.  Helmuth spent many wonderful hours at the Sommerfeld home.   Helmuth Hubener is an integral part of Werner's story.  Part of the Hitler resistance, Helmuth, 17, was the youngest person tried and executed by the Nazis.  His crime was passing out pamphlets to the German people, refuting the Nazi propaganda lies about the war.  Werner's family lost everything in the war.  He eventually ended up in Utah where he raised a family with his beautiful wife, Daphne. Werner has spent time in many parts of the world for work and for his church:  Samoa, Ukraine, and Russia. Although born and raised in Germany, Werner loves America with all of his heart.  It gave him the opportunity to live the American dream. Werner Sommerfeld is charming, joyful, and vivacious.  He has a lifetime of memories, a love for his savior, and a contagious, upbeat personality.  Werner will capture your heart.   Truth & Conviction Helmuth Hubener YouTube    

Crises on the southern border; and no, crises is not misspelled.   Crises is the plural of crisis; drugs, human trafficking, and the cartels are exploding on America's southern border. Heather Hobbs and John Ferguson know first hand the atrocities and tragedies occurring there on a daily basis.   Heather and John are on the forefront of the deluge trying to take over our country. These two extraordinary individuals spend several days on the southern border using state of the art drones to save people of all ages, including children from sex, labor, and organ harvesting human trafficking. The evil is very real, and Americans do not understand the complexity and severity of the forces trying to take apart our great country. We are not being told the truth.  This episode is a must listen for every American patriot. https://www.facebook.com/heather.hobbs.9659 https://heatherhobbs.org/photos/ https://www.savethe1.com/ https://www.facebook.com/saxonunmanned https://saxonunmanned.com/

Season six of the We The People Our American Story podcast begins with the glorious cause of America. Famed historian and author David McCullough gives a breathtaking, heart pounding description of OUR American founding. Told through Tina's voice, you will feel the sacredness of the American founding, the miraculous events that unfolded to build this country including, "How a coarse army, rabble in arms, stood up to the world's most powerful army." You will marvel as you listen to the miracles involving George Washington and the Revolutionary War.  And let us not forget the common soldier, the one who fought in rags and with little food and no glory of his own. This is the Glorious Cause of America!    

Sharlene's father's job had his family living all over South America during Sharlene's youth.  This time allowed her to appreciate America and all of our freedoms and blessings. Sharlene attended BYU, where unexpectedly, she found herself not only competing in Miss America, but also winning the crown.  More than gowns and traveling the country, Sharlene endured intense scrutiny the first six months of her title.  She learned to focus her attention on others, lessening the anxiety Sharlene felt about herself. Sharlene was a broadcaster at ESPN.  Sharlene gave up her job to raise her young family. Even at a young age, Sharlene was humbled and proud to be an American.  This feeling continued into her adulthood.  Sharlene was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Defense to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Armed Forces in 2015.   Sharlene was a pivotal part of the https://www.remembermyservice.com/ an organization that has published historical commemoratives for more than half a million veterans and military service members. Sharlene's mission continues to be sharing her passion for America with her children and grandchildren. https://www.facebook.com/swells64  (Sharlene Wells Facebook)    

"There is nothing like living on the verge of death to realize you are alive."    Like other veterans and first responders, Sean knows this feeling.  It can be addictive, a feeling you long to have even though danger is always close. This is Sean Welch's story.  Sean and Tina have a deep discussion about his PTS (D omitted on purpose.) and the day he lost his good friend while on deployment.   Sean watched his friend die; survivors guilt consumed Sean.  The nightmares and PTS are part of his life every single day. Sleep avails Sean. He is triggered by certain smells.  Sean is not alone; PTS affects so many of our veterans and first reponders.  They see the worst of humanity, but the calling to help others outweighs the horrors. Sean is a proud veteran, and a dedicated police officer. One year ago Sean achieved his dream of becoming a k-9 police officer.  Sean and his faithful partner, Fero, patrol together everyday. He uses his voice to help all Americans understand the strength and plight of our nation's heroes.  Sean is an advocate for mental health.  He is an Operation Enduring Warrior honoree, an organization that mentally and physically supports veterans and first responders. https://www.tiktok.com/@k9fero_and_sean https://www.instagram.com/officialk9fero/ https://www.enduringwarrior.org/ https://hiddenbattlesfoundation.org/      

Andrae Griffin was the victim of mental, physical and sexual abuse at the hands of those who should have been her protectors.  Andrae's parents made her life a living hell.  Andrae's only refuge was school.   Andrae reached out to other adults, but help did not come. Her parents threatened Andrae with her very life if she continued to plead to those outside the family. Andrae left home as a teenager.  She bought a plane ticket, and made the decision to fend for herself. Andrae's behavior kept her in a dangerous place.  She lived with strangers, drank alcohol, and was involved in unhealthy relationships.   Andrae considered herself unworthy of goodness or unconditional love.  It was her future husband, Ray, who patiently waited for Andrae to trust he was there for good. This is the story of Andrae Griffin.  She is candid about her abuse, poor life choices, and, finally, how the freedoms in America allowed her (and anyone willing to work hard) to beat poverty and abuse; living a life she is proud to pronounce as her own. Andrae and her husband, Ray, are fierce American patriots, instilling the love of country to their children.  Andrae has supported Ray through his tenure in the Utah Army Reserve, often times raising the children on her own while Ray protects and serves in far off places.  She and Ray are also owners of the Griffin Jiu Jitsu Academy, taking special pride in classes they offer for women's safety. Andrae is a contributor to the Utah Patriot Camp, teaching children about the constitution and our great American republic.