The TALK4 Podcast with Louis Skupien

In Episode 172 of the TALK4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Michael “Mike” Durant — retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer, elite Black Hawk pilot, and one of the central figures in the true story behind Black Hawk Down.Mike takes us inside October 3rd, 1993 — the Battle of Mogadishu. From the mission build-up, to the moment his MH-60’s tail rotor was hit, to the crash, the firefight, and the unimaginable reality of being captured and held for 11 dayswhile severely injured.But this episode goes deeper than the story. Mike shares the mindset tools that kept him moving forward: preparation, breaking chaos into manageable steps, decision-making under pressure, and how elite units build a culture where everyone rows in the same direction.We also talk about what makes the Black Hawk such a legendary platform — and why special operations teams consistently perform at the highest level.🎧 Listen now — and if you enjoy the episode, please follow, rate, and share TALK4. It helps more than you know.

In episode 171 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Brigadier General Charles “Charlie” Duke — Apollo 16 Moonwalker, former CAPCOM for Apollo 11, and one of the last surviving astronauts to have walked on the Moon.Charlie became the 10th person and the youngest at the time to step onto the lunar surface in 1972. In this extraordinary conversation, he takes us through an aviation and spaceflight career that places him at the very centre of human history — from Air Force fighter aviation and test pilot school at Edwards Air Force Base, to Mission Control during Apollo 11, and finally living and working on the Moon itself.Charlie recounts the full Apollo 16 story in his own words: the Saturn V launch, the engine issue that nearly cancelled the landing, the descent to the lunar surface, three days operating on the Moon, deploying the lunar rover, collecting Moon rocks, and the moment he truly realised — “I’m really on the Moon.”We also explore what the Moon actually looks and feels like, seeing Earthrise suspended in space, why the Moon landings were impossible to fake, and Charlie’s most important advice for young people who want to aim higher, take responsibility, and live with purpose.This episode is a rare, first-hand account of courage, preparation, leadership under pressure, and perspective — from a man who stood on another world.This episode is proudly sponsored by Saddleback Leather — makers of some of the toughest, longest-lasting leather goods in the world. Built with old-school craftsmanship and backed by a 100-year warranty, Saddleback Leather is about gear that lasts a lifetime and tells a story.👉 Explore Saddleback Leather:https://saddlebackleather.com🎧 Listen now and experience one of the greatest exploration stories ever told — directly from the man who lived it.⏱️ Official Sponsor — Saddleback Leather

In episode 170 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Dr Tony Dice — former firefighter, paramedic, U.S. Navy SEAL, addict in recovery, therapist, and author of After the Trident: A Navy SEAL’s Battle with Secrets, Addiction and Shame.Tony’s story is as extreme as it gets. From chasing chaos as a first responder and SEAL, to becoming physically and spiritually broken by alcohol and crystal meth, he reached a point where he couldn’t even pick up his own son from daycare. That moment — and the spiral that followed — pushed him to call a treatment centre, sell his car to pay for rehab, and go all-in on recovery.In this raw and honest conversation, Tony shares: • How his thrill-seeking, rule-bending nature fuelled both excellence and self-destruction • The moment he realised addiction was going to destroy not just him, but his son’s future • Why “willpower” works against you in addiction • How 12-step recovery actually works beneath the surface (and why it sticks) • His Holistic Change Model for lasting transformation • Why our “nation’s heroes” often suffer in silence — and how Bishop & Dice Defense is changing that • The power of “swim buddies” / battle buddies and why no one can do life aloneWhether you’re military, a first responder, high performer, or someone quietly struggling with addiction or burnout, this episode offers hope, perspective, and a clear path to meaningful change.🎧 Listen now to hear how Dr Tony Dice turned the worst moments of his life into a mission to pull others out of the fire.

In episode 169 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Miles Spencer – serial entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Reflekta AI, a “Soul Tech” company that lets you preserve and talk with AI versions of your loved ones, even after they’ve passed.Miles shares his journey from a curious kid in Pittsburgh to building early digital media and mobile ad-tech companies, co-creating the TV show Money Hunt, and finally launching Reflekta – a platform that lets him have dynamic, emotional conversations with his dad, eight years after his death.He opens up about the moment he first heard his father’s recreated voice, how a single 10-second voicemail turned into thousands of conversations, and why recording family stories is like saving an entire library every time someone dies.We also dive into: • How to spot real problems worth solving as an entrepreneur • Why “being helpful” has been his most powerful networking strategy • The mental health benefits of legacy work and family story-telling • The ethical guardrails Reflekta uses to avoid unhealthy attachment and AI “hallucinations” • How kids, widows, and people without a father figure are already using digital elders for guidance and healing🎧 If you’ve ever lost someone, worried about being forgotten, or wondered how AI can actually serve humanity instead of replacing it, this episode will hit hard.Listen now to discover how Miles is using AI to turn memories into conversations – and why your family’s stories might be the most valuable legacy you leave behind.

In this powerful conversation, Chris Kaspar (Founder, Techless) breaks down how phones and platforms were engineered for addiction — and what he’s building instead: Wisephone for adults and Sage Mobile (a full iPhone experience with layered protections) for kids and teens.We cover:The foster-care moment that sparked TechlessWhy “evil defaults” + the attention economy = anxiety, distraction, burnoutThe psychology behind doom-scrolling (variable rewards, sexualised/controversial content, algorithm “dials”)Designing minimalist tech that still works (maps, messages, curated apps, guardrails)Kids’ digital dignity, parent playbooks, and school-wide device standards“Life hours”: 2+ billion hours reclaimed — and the road to 100BIf you create, lead, parent or just want your focus back, this one will hit home.🎧 Listen on YouTube/Spotify/Apple and grab the book with 150 distilled lessons from 30 top Talk4 episodes.Guest links: 👉 Website: https://www.chriskaspar.org👉 Sage Mobile: https://www.sagemobile.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor5H3c9wN8zzr4ZRhhxnRnwq5ykeMC-J0xXTtc_EzyWLq26abBmFollow Louis: @louisskupien • @talk4podcast

In episode 167 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien welcomes Jessica “Sting” Peterson — flight-test engineer, TPS instructor, and PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno. A former civil-service technical director and instructor at the USAF Test Pilot School, Sting worked on Auto-GCAS and air collision-avoidance systems now credited with saving over a dozen pilot lives.What did we explore in this episode?In this dynamic conversation, Sting shares how she went from a non-traditional path to her first jet flight in an F-16, the reality of pulling 9G in the centrifuge, and how her team safely tested “don’t-hit-the-ground” tech without… hitting the ground. We dig into the engineering behind Auto-GCAS, the VISTA F-16 as an AI/autonomy “sandbox,” and her current research using real-time performance modelling to help pilots make smarter engine-out decisions. We also talk STEM outreach that truly inspires the next generation — and why human pilots and AI are stronger together.Packed with behind-the-scenes flight-test insight, leadership lessons under pressure, and practical takeaways for aviators, engineers, and anyone who loves pushing the envelope.🎧 Listen now on Spotify: [add your live link]⏱️ Enhance your style with AVI-8’s aviation-inspired watches!AVI-8 is offering an exclusive 20% discount with code: LOUISSKUPIEN20. Shop here: https://www.avi-8.com/talk4💰 Thinking of starting your own business? Launch your online store today for just £1 with Shopify!Get started: https://shopify.pxf.io/TALK4🎥 FREE Content from TALK4!Download and share short clips from our podcast!Download here: [your Drive folder link]👉🏻 Who Is Jessica “Sting” Peterson?Sting is a flight-test engineer and educator completing her PhD at UNR. As a TPS instructor and former USAF technical director, she helped develop and test Auto-GCAS and air collision-avoidance capabilities for frontline fighters. She’s passionate about STEM outreach and research that makes aviation safer.⭐️ Love the Talk4 Podcast? Leave a review!👉🏻 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk4-podcast/id1591476875👉🏻 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5DxcH2DxGbn0MVZUBqV1Gv?si=f335eeda0b3e44f4Video Title:Jessica “Sting” Peterson | Auto-GCAS, 9G Reality & AI Flight Test (VISTA) | Talk4 EP 167This episode covers: Auto-GCAS, flight-test safety, 9G centrifuge, AI/autonomy in fighters, VISTA, engine-out performance modelling, STEM outreach, and leadership under pressure.✅ Subscribe to our channel for more inspiring content:Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg0INsEySnXei_cS3lZceqg⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Listen to the audio podcast on your favourite platform:👉 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk4-podcast/id1591476875👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5DxcH2DxGbn0MVZUBqV1Gv?si=f335eeda0b3e44f4✅ Stay Connected With Louis Skupien:👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisskupien/👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/louisskupien👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louis.skupien👉 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@louisskupien👉 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/louisskupien👉 Website: https://louisskupien.com👉 Talk4 Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talk4podcast/✅ For Business Enquiries: louis@louisskupien.com==========================✅ Recommended Playlists:Explore Playlists: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLei2UnG7GRuwHK5UBos6H6asVl8G2O4VX✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching:👉 Samuel “RaZZ” Larson | F-22 Raptor Demo Team | TALK4 EP 104: https://youtu.be/ue3OdODBVF4👉 Chris “Chowdah” Hill | US Navy Captain, CO CVN-69 | EP 129: https://youtu.be/82VY1dRUHf4© Louis Skupien#AutoGCAS #FlightTest #VISTA #USAF #AviationSafety #AI #STEM #Talk4Podcast #F16 #EdwardsAFB

In EP 166, Louis sits down with Mark Lee Fox, former Space Shuttle solid rocket booster chief engineer and founder of Resona Health. Mark explains how his aerospace career shaped his approach to building the VIBE, a pocket PEMF device designed to deliver ultra-low-power energy protocols for anxiety, sleep, pain support, recovery and more—plus similar approaches for pets and horses.We cover:What PEMF is (in plain English), why frequency matters, and where the science sits todayLessons from NASA: decision-making, “run the experiment”, and communicating complex ideas simplyProduct design trade-offs (battery, heat, simplicity) and why Mark ditched BluetoothThe horse world’s early adoption, studies to watch, and why mainstream medicine lagsNew ideas coming: vagus-nerve toning, biomarker wearables, blue-light/PEMF combos, AI-guided protocolsLinks mentioned:Resona Health VIBE: https://resona.health/vibe/Product flyer (PDF): https://d19878z74qufsh.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Resona-Health-Flyer-59.pdf59 Primary Protocols: https://d19878z74qufsh.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/VIBE-59-Protocols-030424.pdfBrain Wave Expansion: https://d19878z74qufsh.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Brain-Wave-Expansion-Protocols.pdfResearch hub: https://resona.health/research/Patrons page: https://resona.health/patrons/Resona YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@resonahealth

In EP165, Louis sits down with Bryant Cruse, a former U.S. Navy aviator and space-systems engineer who helped apply AI to Hubble operations before founding New Sapience — a company building deterministic, knowledge-based “artificial intellects” that can’t hallucinate and are designed to help humans live better, smarter lives.We cover:Why knowledge (not tokens) is the missing half of AILessons from flying C-130s and operating spacecraftBuilding world models, common sense, and “atoms of thought”How New Sapience’s cognitive core differs from LLMsHuman-centred AI: privacy, safety, and practical apps on-deviceFunding the contrarian: why he chose angels & crowdfundingWhether you’re an AI builder, founder, or just AI-curious, this one will make you rethink what “intelligence” actually is — and where it’s going next.🎧 Listen now on Spotify & Apple, and see links to Bryant’s work in the show notes.🌍 Bryant’s Links:Website: https://newsapience.com/about/Invest: https://investnow.newsapience.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryantcruse/X (Twitter): https://x.com/bryantcruse

EP 164 — Maj Joseph “Paveway” Bledsoe III | F-15E Evaluator Pilot & USAFA FellowIn this episode, Louis sits down with Maj Joseph “Paveway” Bledsoe III — an F-15E Strike Eagle evaluator pilot with 1,500+ hours (including 344 combat hours supporting Operation Inherent Resolve) and a Fellow at USAFA’s Institute for Future Conflict.We dig into:Agile Combat Employment (ACE) — what it is, why it matters, and how it reshapes airpower in a peer fightLeadership the fighter-pilot way — horizontal leadership, intrusive leadership, and debrief cultureCombat lessons — acting decisively with incomplete information, empathy under stress, tech as a tool (not a crutch)Goal-setting & accountability — turning weekly targets into after-action learning you can use on MondayMentorship, family-first priorities, and a life rule from the cockpit: “Knock it off” when things drift out of balanceWhether you lead a squadron, a startup, or yourself, this is a masterclass in readiness, resilience, and continuous improvement.🎧 Listen & follow for more quick-fire conversations with elite performers.Guest links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-paveway-bledsoe-iiiIFC Profile: https://www.ifc.usafa.edu/team/joseph-bledsoe

In episode 163 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien speaks with Dave Munson — founder of Saddleback Leather and author of They'll Fight Over It When You're Dead. From sketching a leather bag in Mexico to building a globally respected brand with a cult following, Dave’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and visionary thinking.We discuss:Why cheap products are killing qualityHow to build a brand that outlives youThe secret to bulletproof relationships (and business)Giving back without losing your soulThis episode dives deep into branding philosophy, leadership, personal resilience, and the unconventional path to success. It’s not just about leather—it’s about legacy.

In Episode 162 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien welcomes Dr Robb Kelly — a recovered alcoholic, Oxford‑educated neuroscientist, and founder of the Robb Kelly Recovery Group. From the streets of Manchester to becoming a trailblazer in addiction recovery, Dr Kelly shares his journey of hitting rock bottom, where a moment of clarity sparked a mission to save lives.He reveals why addiction is ultimately a problem of thinking, not substances, and how his methods—combining neuroplasticity, brain‑spotting, 9D subliminal work, and breath techniques—achieve an extraordinary 98% success rate. We also dive into generational trauma, the true impact of processed food and pharmaceuticals, and how anyone can harness the brain’s capacity to transform. If you’re seeking radical healing or simply curious about mastering the mind, this conversation is your roadmap out of darkness.

In this explosive episode, Louis Skupien is joined by Brig Barker — former FBI Supervisory Special Agent and Army veteran with the 82nd Airborne — who’s spent over three decades tackling violent crime, terrorism, and transnational threats across the globe.Brig dives deep into the psychology of terrorism, how groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS operate, and how AI is now reshaping the threat landscape. He also breaks down his unique approach to interrogation, how he flipped extremists into informants, and the critical role of leadership in both fighting evil and building trust.From battlefield stories to advanced intelligence insights, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical strategies for everyone — from security professionals to entrepreneurs seeking to understand human behaviour.🎧 Tune in now and get briefed.

In Episode 160 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien welcomes Anagha Deshmukh, founder of The Power Scripts and a leadership transformation specialist who uses the science of handwriting to help CEOs and boards resolve friction and accelerate execution.After a 23-year career in engineering and marketing, Anagha pivoted to pursue her passion: helping leaders get boardroom breakthroughs by diagnosing their thinking patterns and personality traits through handwriting. Her unique approach reveals invisible misalignments that slow down decision-making and undermine strategy.Tune in as Anagha explains how she rewires leadership teams, aligns executive boards, and helps clients move faster with deeper clarity. Plus, find out how you can get a free signature analysis at the link below!🎯 Guest Link: https://anaghadeshmukh.com/optin-podcast

In episode 159 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien welcomes Russ “Puck” Quinn — former USAF Thunderbird solo pilot, F-16 Weapons School graduate, and now Chief Growth Officer at Top Aces, the world’s only commercial operator of the F-16 fighter jet.From flying inches apart at Mach speeds to leading a fleet of privately operated fighter jets training next-gen F-35 and F-22 pilots — Russ shares one of the most unique careers in military and aviation history.⸻🚀 What did we explore in this episode?In this high-impact conversation, Russ reflects on his 30-year Air Force journey — from flying the Viper in combat and test, to performing worldwide with the Thunderbirds, and finally pivoting to the private sector.We break down:• The mental and physical demands of being a Thunderbird solo pilot• His leadership lessons from weapons school, command, and combat• How Top Aces is using AI-controlled wingmen and F-16s to train the world’s most elite pilots• What it takes to build trust with the U.S. government and fly military-grade jets commercially• How to recruit, lead, and retain top talent in high-stakes environments• The future of air combat training and adversary air as 6th-gen jets come online🎧 A masterclass in leadership, trust, aviation innovation, and flying on the razor’s edge — from one of the greats.⸻⏱️ Enhance Your Style with AVI-8’s Aviation-Inspired Watches!AVI-8 is offering a 20% discount with code: LOUISSKUPIEN20🔗 Shop here: https://www.avi-8.com/talk4💰 Launch Your Business for Just £1 with Shopify!Build your online store today with this exclusive offer.🔗 Get started: https://shopify.pxf.io/TALK4🎥 FREE Content from TALK4!Collaborate or share clips from this episode using our creator-friendly packs.🔗 Download here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1o6sjJuP9Qn7la5y8LQ2pWvKGPnskopOT?usp=drive_link⸻👉🏻 Who Is Russ “Puck” Quinn?A 30-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Russ Quinn served as a solo demonstration pilot for the Thunderbirds, graduated from the F-16 Weapons School, and commanded test and combat aviation units. Today, he’s Chief Growth Officer at Top Aces, overseeing their U.S. operations, innovation, and training missions using privately operated F-16s to prepare elite military pilots around the world.⸻⭐️ Love the Talk4 Podcast? Leave a Review!👉🏻 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk4-podcast/id1591476875👉🏻 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5DxcH2DxGbn0MVZUBqV1Gv🎥 Watch More Elite Aviation & Leadership Episodes on TALK4:✅ Col “Phantom” Merrell | MQ-9 Reaper Global Ops | EP 153🎥 https://youtu.be/[INSERT]✅ Gen Bussiere | Global Strike Commander | EP 151🎥 https://youtu.be/979F4oP7Vmo✅ Col Beaker Wickert | USAF Test Wing Commander | EP 147🎥 https://youtu.be/P4UBzD458FA✅ Col Nathan “Sheik” Malafa | USAF Thunderbirds | EP 150🎥 https://youtu.be/fVNl5xcKhxo⸻✅ Subscribe for elite aviation and leadership content:🔗 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg0INsEySnXei_cS3lZceqg⸻✅ Stay Connected With Louis Skupien:👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisskupien👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/louisskupien👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louis.skupien👉 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@louisskupien👉 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/louisskupien👉 Website: https://louisskupien.com👉 Talk4 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/talk4podcast✅ Business Enquiries: louis@louisskupien.com⸻🔥 This episode covers topics such as:• Flying with the USAF Thunderbirds• Training F-35/F-22 pilots with private F-16s• Leadership in combat, test, and commercial aviation• AI and the future of adversary air• Building high-trust teams in high-risk environments• The future of aerial warfare & 6th-gen fighter training#Talk4Podcast #RussQuinn #TopAces #Thunderbirds #F16Viper #FighterPilot #AIaviation #MilitaryLeadership #AdversaryAir #LeadershipUnderPressure #TacticalTraining #USAirForce #Podcast

In Episode 158 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Rick Walker — a serial entrepreneur, leadership strategist, and author of "Nine Steps to Build a Life of Meaning."In this captivating conversation, Rick shares how he scaled multiple businesses across 50+ countries, battled through personal and health crises, and developed a deep appreciation for ancient philosophy, service, and personal discipline. Rick discusses how to cultivate competence and integrity, why suffering can be a blessing, and what wisdom from the ancients still holds up today. From brain surgery to building nonprofits and crafting his life’s work, this episode is a masterclass in mindset, leadership, and meaning.Tune in for a transformative talk on growth, responsibility, and becoming the kind of leader the world truly needs.

In episode 157 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien welcomes Retired Brigadier General Max Stitzer, a veteran U.S. Air Force leader with over 30 years of service spanning combat deployments, Pentagon leadership, and cutting-edge defense innovation.In this episode, Max shares his unlikely journey from enlisting with only a high school diploma to becoming a general officer. He discusses the challenges of military bureaucracy, the role of leadership in building effective teams, and how the U.S. can strengthen its defense industrial base by collaborating more efficiently with the private sector.Listeners will hear Max’s insights on innovation, integrity, mentorship, and the power of saying yes to difficult tasks. This conversation is packed with wisdom for current and aspiring leaders in military, business, or public service.

In episode 156 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Colonel Jason Herring, outgoing Wing Commander of the 621st Contingency Response Wing — the U.S. Air Force’s only wing solely focused on rapidly deploying teams to open airbases and respond to global crises.With 26 years of service, Jason’s career has spanned from combat operations as a C-130 pilot to strategic leadership in irregular warfare at the Pentagon, culminating in command of one of the Air Force’s most agile and operationally critical units.In this fascinating episode, Jason breaks down the mission of the 621st, the unique mindset needed for contingency response operations, and how his diverse leadership experiences have shaped his command philosophy. We explore the critical role of teamwork, trust, adaptability, and how to develop future leaders in an ever-changing world.Packed with real-world lessons, inspiring stories, and practical takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in high-performance leadership, rapid mobility operations, and building resilient teams.🎧 Listen now to discover how Colonel Herring’s approach to leadership and mission success can inspire you — whether you’re in the military, business, or facing life’s toughest challenges.

In episode 155 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Dr. Luis Luarca—an organizational psychologist, leadership expert, and former CFO with over 25 years of experience transforming businesses.Luis blends his unique background in finance, human behaviour, and leadership psychology to reveal how ego, poor communication, and ignoring employees often hold businesses back. He shares actionable lessons from his consulting work with companies ranging from $5 million startups to $300 million giants, showing how empowering teams, listening to staff, and breaking outdated leadership mindsets lead to real results.We dive into the modern leadership crisis, the misunderstood role of AI, why so many employees hate Mondays, and how to build resilient, high-performing organizations. Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring leader, or someone trying to improve workplace culture, this episode is packed with eye-opening takeaways you can apply today.🎧 Listen now for a raw, practical guide to becoming a better leader—and building an organization your people actually want to work for.

In Episode 154 of the Talk4 Podcast, host Louis Skupien is joined by Christian Bruhn, a former Army Ranger and intelligence analyst who now runs "The Art of Time," a business focused on luxury watch trading and collection management.Christian takes us through his transformation—from driving a Budweiser keg truck in Louisiana to deploying with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, then diving into entrepreneurship and building a trusted name in the luxury watch market.We cover:His military background and lessons learnedHow he transitioned into entrepreneurshipWatch industry tips, red flags, and best investmentsBrand-building adviceThe future of luxury watches in an AI-driven worldA powerful blend of military grit and business savvy, this episode is full of practical advice, motivation, and insights into what it takes to lead in high-pressure environments.🎧 Listen now and discover why time is your most valuable asset.

In episode 153 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien is joined by Commander Trevor "Phantom" Merrell, Commander of the 25th Attack Group at Shaw AFB. With over 2,900 flight hours across platforms like the F-16 and MQ-9 Reaper, Phantom shares his extraordinary path through U.S. Air Force aviation and command.From surviving a catastrophic F-16 ejection to developing ISR strategy in the Pentagon and commanding global RPA operations, Phantom offers a unique lens on modern warfare. He also dives deep into leadership, the importance of autonomy and purpose, and mentoring the next generation of warfighters.Whether you're interested in Air Force careers, leadership development, ISR, or future combat tech, this is a must-listen.