Liberty Risk

This week on Liberty Risk, the crew sits down with long time friend and fellow entrepreneur, Peter Lemke for a wide-open conversation about business, relationships, risk, and learning things the hard way.  Peter walks through his path from Arizona to Southern California, launching a limo bus business that came with equal parts cash flow and complete insanity - one employee even stole a party bus and some cash, they found the bus 24 hours later with the employee and a h00ker in the back. 😂 Between the party-bus chaos, unreliable employees, legal landmines, and the moment Uber and Lyft flipped the entire industry upside down, it was one helluva ride. The lesson is clear: trust your gut, adapt fast, and understand that managing people is usually harder than the business itself. From there, the conversation moves into Peter's later ventures, including marketing, the ups & downs of restaurant ownership, and his current focus, Dropkick Brew. He breaks down acquiring and rebranding a coffee company during the pandemic, navigating manufacturing and distribution headaches, and what it takes to land major partnerships with brands like Tito's and retailers like Costco. Along the way, the crew dives into bigger questions: shifting work ethic across generations, how technology and social media are reshaping business and communication, and why adversity still matters. They also get real about relationships, therapy, and the unique pressure of working with a spouse or close friends in something as stressful as a business. It's honest, funny, and unfiltered. If you've ever thought about starting a business, scaling one, or just want to hear how things actually go when the plan blows up, this episode delivers exactly what Liberty Risk is about: real stories, hard lessons, and plenty of laughs along the way.   🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ Our Patreon page is now LIVE! 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ Here you can get exclusive access to the behind the scenes action, the hidden conversations between breaks, a private community chat, and LOTS more, including discounts on Liberty Risk merch as well as some of our partner brands. Come check it out and join the conversation! https://www.patreon.com/LibertyRisk    Get to know Pete and DropKick Brew at the following links: ✖️ Pete's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/petelemke  ✖️ DropKick Brew Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dropkickbrew  ✖️ DropKick Brew website - https://dropkickbrew.com  Liberty Risk Hosts: ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc 

This week on Liberty Risk, the crew sits down for what may be the biggest and most meaningful episode we've ever recorded - a roundtable with six guests bound by military service, Texas roots, and a deep commitment to showing up when it matters most. The episode kicks off the only way Liberty Risk knows how: inside jokes, supporter gifts, custom knives, and the kind of ritualized chaos that comes from real friendships. But it doesn't take long before the conversation turns heavier. The group shares stories of brotherhood, loss, and remembrance, including a deeply personal account of honoring a fallen teammate in a way that blends humor, grief, and respect - the kind of goodbye only people who've lived it can understand. RIP Kyle Paulson. As each guest introduces themselves, we hear backgrounds spanning Navy SEAL teams, business, and grassroots community organizations like 300 Justice Road - a foundation that started as a backyard barbecue crew and evolved into a force for good, raising money for scholarships and supporting military families across Texas. A major portion of the episode centers on the response to the catastrophic flash floods in Hunt, Texas. The guests walk through the chaos of the early hours, the rapid mobilization of SEALs, volunteers, and first responders, and the emotional toll of search and recovery. From cadaver dogs and sonar to coordination challenges with local authorities, the stories reveal both the difficulty and the necessity of organized, skilled response - and the uniquely Texas spirit that brought civilians, law enforcement, and veterans together when things were at their worst. Woven throughout are stories of culture and camaraderie - legendary bars, old-school rituals, and the bonds that tie military and first responder communities together. The conversation also highlights mentorship and giving back, with the guests sharing how they train and support underfunded law enforcement agencies, passing on tactical and medical knowledge to help prepare for real-world threats. At its core, this episode is about purpose. The group speaks candidly about life after service, the ongoing crisis of veteran and first responder suicide, and the importance of community as a lifeline. The message is clear: you don't need a uniform to serve. Everyone has something to contribute - skills, time, resources, or simply showing up. The episode closes with a simple call to action: check on your friends, find your people, and get involved. Because service doesn't end when the job does - and the strongest communities are built by those willing to step forward when it counts. This is Liberty Risk at its most honest - heavy, hopeful, and rooted in the belief that purpose is found in standing shoulder to shoulder when things fall apart.   🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ Our Patreon page is now LIVE! 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ Here you can get exclusive access to the behind the scenes action, the hidden conversations between breaks, a private community chat, and LOTS more, including discounts on Liberty Risk merch as well as some of our partner brands. Come check it out and join the conversation! https://www.patreon.com/LibertyRisk    Get to know Greg, Brian, Mike, and the 300 Justice Road Mission at the following links: ✖️ Greg Froelick's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/odin_mulder_froelick  ✖️ Brian Mannion Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bmanni0n  ✖️ Colin Shelton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/csato9  ✖️ 300 Justice Road website - https://300justiceroad.com  Liberty Risk Hosts: ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc 

This week on Liberty Risk, we sit down with Mike Mihalski - founder of Sons of Liberty 🔫 Works, underground-casino alumnus, walking Texas legend, and the only man we know who partied so hard he changed state law. 🤘🏼🤠🤘🏼 Mike & Ryan have a long history, from meeting in an internet chat room 20+ years ago because of a mutual love of talking shit, to being ghost roommates, to being the best man at Ryan's wedding - what follows is a fast-moving, unfiltered conversation about entrepreneurship, culture, luck, faith, chaos, and the strange places life takes you when you keep saying yes to opportunity. Mike breaks down his insane Vegas gambling runs, including the time he flew home with a million dollars CASH in a backpack. We also dive into the story of the night he got arrested in a hotel lobby with no pants and a suppressed, full auto 🔫 - an incident so ridiculous it sparked a revision to Texas state law (because Mike was in the RIGHT). The crew also discusses Mike's underground-casino days working as a bookie, and the bizarre "birthday astrology book" incident at a strip club that could only be believed in person (good thing we have witnesses!). The conversation goes deeper too: the realities of building a company from scratch into winning one of the most prestigious military contracts in the world, the weight of responsibility, the shifting landscape of American culture, and trying to make sense of a world that sometimes feels like it's glitching - including a crazy night in Austin that left everyone questioning reality. 👻 It's candid, it's sharp, it's wildly funny, and it's packed with the kind of hard-earned wisdom you only get from someone who's lived multiple lifetimes before lunch. If you're here for big stories, big ideas, and a brutally honest look at the American experience, this is one of our best yet.   🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ Our Patreon page is now LIVE! 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ Here you can get exclusive access to the behind the scenes action, the hidden conversations between breaks, a private community chat, and LOTS more, including discounts on Liberty Risk merch as well as some of our partner brands. Come check it out and join the conversation! https://www.patreon.com/LibertyRisk    Get to know Mike and SOLGW at the following links: ✖️ Mike's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikemihalski  ✖️ SOLGW Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sonsoflibertygw  ✖️ SOLGW website - https://sonsoflibertygw.com  Liberty Risk Hosts: ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc 

This week on Liberty Risk, it's just the crew - no guests, no filters, and nothing off-limits. The guys sit down for a full-send, behind-the-scenes session that feels more like a late-night team room hang than a podcast. From the chaos inside the Patreon chat to the origins of the infamous "bat signal" 🍆🪽🔦 meme, the episode kicks off with pure Liberty Risk energy. The conversation rolls into what the veteran community looks like today: the good, the bad, the hilarious, and the downright weird. The hosts swap funny military stories, wild nights in Mexico, near disasters, and the kind of screwups that you can only joke about years later. They dive into leadership, legacy, and what's changed - and hasn't - in the brotherhood since their time in uniform. Listeners also get answers to Patreon questions about some of the best/worst liberty risk moments, work-life balance, and the meanings behind certain questionable tattoos. And because it's Liberty Risk, things inevitably go off the rails into Bigfoot sightings, UFO encounters, and unexplained military weirdness that nobody can explain but everyone remembers. It's unfiltered, honest, and always entertaining - the kind of episode that reminds you why the community around this show feels like a family. The crew closes out with gratitude for the listeners, a call to reconnect with old friends, and one more toast to the wild ride ahead.   🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ Our Patreon page is now LIVE! 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ Exclusive access to the behind the scenes action, the hidden conversations between breaks, a private community chat, and LOTS more. Come check it out and join the conversation! https://www.patreon.com/LibertyRisk Liberty Risk Hosts: ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc    Some fun stories you might like from this episode! 00:00 - The Infamous "🍆🪽 Signal" and Patreon Chat Antics 03:13 - The Evolution of the Veteran Community & Podcasting Journey 04:14 - Vet TV, Donny O'Malley, and the Changing Face of Military Humor 10:31 - The Frogman Toast & Team Guy Traditions 13:25 - Fan Encounters & The Power of Community 15:23 - Why an Episode Was Pulled: Military Career Risks 24:06 - The Wild San Felipe, Mexico Adventure 55:46 - The Most Expensive "Liberty Risk" Event & Thailand Drug Scandal 57:30 - The Captain's Mast, Mistaken Identity, and Military Justice 2:32:08 - Bigfoot in Fort Lewis: The Night Watch Encounter 2:55:34 - UFOs, The Tic-Tac Incident, and Alien Theories 3:18:00 - A Shootout with Aliens in Tunnels Under Area 51 

In this episode, the Liberty Risk crew sits down with Ernest Emerson, the legendary founder of Emerson Knives, for a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation about his life, career, and the evolution of the knife industry over the years. Ernest shares how his upbringing on a Wisconsin farm and his passion for martial arts led him to create his first knives out of necessity, eventually launching a career that would help define the tactical knife genre. Ernest discusses his transition from working as a machinist at Hughes Aircraft to becoming a full-time knife maker, and how mentorship from industry icons and feedback from elite military units - especially the Navy SEALs - shaped his approach to design and innovation. He explains the origins of the iconic CQC-7 and the patented "Wave" feature, and reflects on the explosion of tactical knives in the 1990s and beyond. The episode delves into the close relationship between Emerson Knives and the special operations community, the challenges of maintaining American manufacturing in the face of overseas competition, and the importance of integrity and legacy in a family business. Ernest is joined by his son Lucas, who shares his perspective as a new generation designer and talks about the company's expansion into kitchen knives and new manufacturing ventures. The conversation is unflinchingly honest about the pressures facing American knife makers, the influx of high-quality but "soulless" imports from China, and the importance of supporting domestic craftsmanship. Packed with technical insights, industry history, and candid stories - from working with rock stars to testifying as an expert witness - this episode offers a rare look at the philosophy, values, and enduring impact of one of the most influential figures in the knife world.   🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ Our Patreon page is now LIVE! 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ Here you can get exclusive access to the behind the scenes action, the hidden conversations between breaks, a private community chat, and LOTS more, including discounts on Liberty Risk merch as well as some of our partner brands. Come check it out and join the conversation! https://www.patreon.com/LibertyRisk    Get to know Ernest & his son Lucas more at the following links: Ernest Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realernestemerson  Lucas Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/emerson_archetype  Emerson Knife Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/emersonknivesinc  Emerson Knife website - https://www.emersonknives.com  Liberty Risk Hosts: ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc 

In this episode of Liberty Risk, we sit down with a man who's lived multiple lives in one - Vietnam Veteran, Navy Seabee, cowboy, and one of Hollywood's original stunt legends: Jim Wilkey. If you've ever watched a truck flip end-over-end in The Dark Knight, seen Stallone crash through cars in Cobra, or watched Clint Eastwood & Charlie Sheen race through The Rookie, there's a good chance Jim Wilke was behind the wheel - or flying through the windshield. We kick off with the whole Liberty Risk crew finally back together in the studio, and the energy is full send from the start. Jim takes us back to the beginning - growing up as a cowboy kid in Northern California, hauling hay, riding rodeo, and unknowingly training for a future he didn't even know existed. When Vietnam ramped up, he joined the Navy Seabees and found himself operating bulldozers in the jungle, building runways while taking fire, and navigating a war where half the people hated you and the other half pretended not to notice. Jim shares raw stories from the Vietnam years - what it was like to return home from a war nobody wanted to talk about, go from hauling ammo to hauling stunt pads, and slowly carve out a name in a Hollywood world that didn't hand out second chances. He landed his first stunt jobs simply because he could ride, fall, crash, and get back up without complaining - and from there, his career became a highlight reel of chaos where he became known for daring stunts in movies like "Cobra" with Sylvester Stallone, "The Rookie," and "Transformers", especially one incredible scene where he flipped a semi-truck end over end across a Chicago street for "The Dark Knight". He explains the stunt world's golden rule: if you did it right, nobody thought it was real - and if you did it wrong, everyone thought you died. But the best stories aren't just about carnage - they're about the people. Jim talks about the old-school stunt crews who treated each other like family, the quiet pride of knowing your work helped define Hollywood's biggest films, and the moments that made it all worth it. Between the chaos, we hit real conversations - aging, fatherhood, injuries, legacy, and knowing when to pass the torch. Jim talks about transitioning from full-throttle risk to teaching, mentoring, and preserving the old-school stunt craft before CGI makes it vanish completely. He and Kevin reflect on the weird emotional whiplash that comes from being fearless on set - but tearing up during Pixar movies with your kids. This episode is pure Liberty Risk - equal parts history, humor, grit, gasoline, and real human insight. Whether you're into filmmaking, military life, story craft, or just good old-fashioned "how the hell did you survive that?" - this one's got it. 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ Our Patreon page is now LIVE! 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ Here you can get exclusive access to the behind the scenes action, the hidden conversations between breaks, a private community chat, and LOTS more, including discounts on Liberty Risk merch as well as some of our partner brands. Come check it out and join the conversation! https://www.patreon.com/LibertyRisk Liberty Risk Hosts: ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc 

This week on Liberty Risk, we sit down with former SEAL BJ Welsh as he shares some WILD stories from 34 years of service - from operating with West Coast Teams to working narcotics cases for the DOJ, these are some adventures you won't want to miss! Chrome handguns, bar fights, meth chases, and the brotherhood that ties it all together… this one has everything. BJ tells the real story behind the legendary El Centro Incident - SEAL Platoons, a "borrowed" pistol, a pissed off local, a tussle through saloon doors, off-duty officers who forgot they were on duty, and half of Imperial County law enforcement piling in the next day. It's a modern Western with more drama than Blazing Saddles and a legend that's only grown over 20 years. From there, the stories only get more unhinged: The DUI that somehow made the admiral nostalgic The Ambien-and-airplane miscalculation that nearly ended in disaster Being "secured" to a Thailand hotel for going a little too hard on liberty 🍺 An ex fiancée who "did" more platoons than BJ and Kevin combined The gun incident that ended with a girlfriend arrested in BJ's house 🔫 BUD/S Instructor life and Team One's well deserved "No Fun One" reputation The old "surf & turf" uniforms that looked like you were "Porky Piggin' it" (shirt with no pants) 😂 The meth chase up the 5 freeway with water-soaked narcotics flying out the window Between the insanity, we also get to the real heart of BJ's story - a guy who served America for 34 years across multiple units, raised his kids, lost his father, built a second career in DOJ, and is now trying to age gracefully while still challenging himself and being dangerous when needed. The boys dive into: The evolution of masculinity (why being aggressive 24/7 isn't maturity) Why warriors suddenly cry at Moana and the unique perspective of being a "girl dad" Learning to decompress after decades of hyper-vigilance Finding something that sharpens your edge after service ⚔️ Domestic battles like dishwasher politics and the eternal toilet paper war Why how a person handles dog shit tells you everything you need to know about them 💩 BJ's honesty is unmatched. One minute he's sharing wild deployment stories, the next he's talking about breaking generational cycles or watching Golden Bachelor with his wife. This is a three-hour masterclass in military humor, life after the Teams, total honesty, and the kind of brotherhood that goes beyond uniforms. If you've ever wanted the actual story behind the El Centro incident, wondered what happens when SEALs discover a plane serves alcohol, or needed reassurance that crying during Disney movies is normal… this is your episode. Listen now - and if you see a taco'd license plate outside a bar in El Centro, just keep driving. Trust us on this one.   Find out more about BJ and his adventures at the following links: ✖️ Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bj_welsh    Liberty Risk Hosts: ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc 

In this loud, unfiltered, and absolutely hysterical episode, the Liberty Risk crew sits down with "MC" - not his real name - an Australian military veteran, close friend of Nick's, and the first guest in show history who needed his face blurred and his name replaced to protect the guilty. What follows is a chaos-filled, cross-continental ride through military life, cultural whiplash, and stories that should never see daylight… yet somehow found their way here. MC opens up about his background: born in the Philippines, raised in Australia from age 12, figuring out English the hard way, and eventually following his family's military legacy into the Australian Army. He walks through the injuries, setbacks, and career pivots that eventually landed him in a specialized aviation role working alongside elite units - including the U.S. Army's legendary 160th SOAR Night Stalkers. The crew trades stories about airborne ops, wild training evolutions, and the kind of water jumps that make you question your life decisions - including one set in shark-infested waters and another involving Zodiacs being shoved out of aircraft in what can only be described as "organized aviation bullying." The cultural differences between Australia and the U.S. take center stage too: Anzac Day traditions — dawn services, gunfire breakfasts, and "two-up" The very different flavors of American patriotism Drinking culture, cigars, dip, and why Australians seem genetically unable to take anything seriously The uniquely Australian term "mad c*nt," and why it's the highest compliment you can give someone Between the chaos, MC and the guys hit real conversations about heritage, fatherhood, and what it means to break generational cycles. They talk about military coins, custom knives, capturing memories before they're gone, and the friendships that outlive uniforms, units, and miles. This episode is everything Liberty Risk stands for: raw stories, real vulnerability, international shit-talking, and military humor at its absolute worst (which is to say, its best). Topics include: Military screw-ups & group chat disasters Growing the Liberty Risk podcast & Patreon fam MC's journey from the Philippines → Australia → aviation support to SOF Injuries, pivots, and the realities of military careers Working with U.S. special operations & cross-cultural chaos Ridiculous stories from deployments, training, & bar crawls Anzac Day, tradition, and the meaning of service Cigar culture, whiskey nights & "mad c*nt" bonding Family, legacy, fatherhood & breaking the cycle Plans for future international meetups and mayhem 👉 Thank you for being a part of the Liberty Risk community! If you enjoyed the show please leave us a review on whatever platform you're listening on, and consider supporting the show by buying some Liberty Risk merch at www.Liberty-Risk.com!   Liberty Risk Hosts:  ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc 

In this gripping and wide-ranging episode, the Liberty Risk crew sits down with two fascinating guests: Ed Calderon and Eddie Dennis, each bringing a unique perspective shaped by extraordinary life experiences on both sides of the US-Mexico border. Ed Calderon is a well known former Mexican law enforcement officer (3 x guest on the Joe Rogan show) who spent over a decade working in some of the most dangerous and complex environments in Mexico. Growing up in Tijuana, Ed witnessed firsthand the transformation of his hometown from a party city to a battleground for cartels and organized crime. He joined an experimental paramilitary police force at a young age, where his career spanned operational work, investigations, and close protection for high-profile figures, including legendary military officers. After 12 years, political shifts and personal risk led him to immigrate to the US, where he now shares his hard-won knowledge through training, consulting, and public speaking.  Eddie Dennis is an entrepreneur, small business owner, and the founder of Tactical Outfitters. With a background in retail, EMS, and firefighting, Eddie's journey took a turn when he became a single father and began exploring the world of tactical gear and firearms. Some of the highlights from the episode: Ed's harrowing experiences in Mexican law enforcement, including undercover work, cartel confrontations, and the challenges of operating in a culture of corruption. Candid discussions about the realities of life on the border, the complexities of Mexican and American cultures interplaying, and the impact of politics, crime, and social change on both sides of the border. Practical advice for staying safe in Mexico, understnding and navigating corruption, and the nuances of travel and security south of the border. Entertaining and outrageous stories, from the infamous and elusive "donkey shows" of TJ to midget bullfighting, the surprising world wide reach of cartel monkey patches, and the wild life behind the scenes of Mexican wrestling, we dive into it all. Reflections on trauma, mental health, and the value of community, adaptability, but maybe most importantly, the ability to maintain humor in the face of adversity. Whether you're interested in security, travel, culture, or just love a good story to pass a long journey, this episode offers a rare, unfiltered look at the lives of two men who have seen - and survived - it all. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation packed with insight, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.   Find out more about Ed & Eddie at the following links: ✖️ Ed Calderon Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/manifestoradiopodcast  ✖️ Ed Calderon website - https://www.edsmanifesto.com  ✖️ Eddie Dennis Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thesalesmansmanifesto  ✖️ Eddie Dennis website - https://tacticaloutfitters.net    Liberty Risk Hosts:  ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc 

In this episode, two-time Muay Thai world champion and Glory Kickboxing champ Mike LeMaire joins the Liberty Risk crew for a no holds barred conversation about fighting, family, and the kind of chaos that shapes a man. The episode kicks off with travel disasters - including Mike attempting to bring a .357 Magnum from France to the U.S. and the meltdown that followed at customs (when they messed up their own protocols, lol). Then we dive into his story of growing up French-American, moving to the States at 19, and learning what it means to fight for everything while bouncing between 2 worlds. From strict parents and cultural clashes to finding his place in the ring, Mike shares how discipline, stubbornness, and a little bit of madness built a world champion mindset. He opens up about life behind the belts: working day jobs to make ends meet, the business politics of combat sports, and what it actually costs to chase a dream that doesn't pay until you're world-class (and even then, only if you fight for your worth). Mike takes us behind the scenes of the combat sports world - from his first professional bout in Cancun (plus a wild post-fight "side quest" 🍑😳 - somtimes you can still win when you "lose") to fighting three times in a one night tournament for a high stakes Glory Kickboxing contract. Expect real candid talk of money struggles, bad managers, injuries, and the business hustle that most fighters never see, and how he transcended that and built upon it. But this episode isn't just about the headline & title fight stuggles, it's about what comes after. Mike and the Liberty Risk crew dig into the parallels between fighters and veterans - a shared bond of brotherhood, discipline, sacrifice, and what happens when the crowd goes quiet and the mission is over. There's humor, heartbreak, and hard-earned wisdom in equal measure. They trade stories about family, relationships, and the fight to stay grounded outside the ring. It's honest, hilarious, and sometimes a little heavy, just like real life. Packed with grit, humor, and the kind of perspective that only comes from getting hit - and getting back up again - this episode is one of our most personal yet. If you're here for that fighter mindset, mission specific focus, and special-operations-style resilience, or just raw conversations about what it takes to keep going, this is Liberty Risk at its best.   Find out more about Mike and his ventures at the following links: ✖️ Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikelemaire  ✖️ Mike LeMaire website - https://www.fitnessmikelemaire.com    Liberty Risk Hosts:  ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc 

Kaj Larsen has lived many lives in one - Navy SEAL, war correspondent, Hollywood stuntman, Emmy-winning journalist, and entrepreneur - and he's just getting started.  In this episode, Kaj joins the Liberty Risk crew for a no-filter conversation about brotherhood, chaos, and carving out new paths after the Teams. From growing up in Santa Cruz to the transformation of the SEALs after 9/11, Kaj shares what it was like to serve through a defining era of modern warfare - and how that same mindset helped him break into Hollywood, reporting on the frontlines, and the business world. You'll hear wild stories from deployments, late partying nights in Budapest and Ukraine, and yacht adventures that went sideways - mixed with sharp insight on leadership, loss, and the grind of building something real after service. Kaj also dives into his mission to close the wealth gap for veterans through financial literacy and entrepreneurship, showing how warriors can win long after the battlefield. Packed with grit, humor, and perspective, this episode is a masterclass in reinvention. Whether you're chasing your next mission or just need proof that there's life - and laughter - beyond the chaos, this one's for you. 👉 Thank you for being a part of the Liberty Risk community! If you enjoyed the show please leave us a review on whatever platform you're listening on, and consider supporting the show by buying some Liberty Risk merch at www.Liberty-Risk.com!   Find out more about Kaj and his adventures at the following links: ✖️ Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kajlarsen  ✖️ Tactical Wealth Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/tacticalwealthpodcast    Liberty Risk Hosts:  ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc 

Xander's story is one built from struggle, service, and second chances. A former Air Force Pararecue Operator turned entrepreneur, he's the founder of the brand Saints by Day, Sinners by Construct - leading a movement to bring suicide prevention and mental health awareness to the veteran and first responder communities. In this episode we get deep into why and how that came about. From a rough upbringing in San Francisco and Stockton fighting people and addiction to finding brotherhood as an Air Force Pararescueman, Xander opens up about the highs, lows, and absolute insanity of life before, during, and after special operations. There's no sugarcoating here: deployments, trauma, substance abuse, and the aftermath of losing teammates, friends, and family. Xander and the crew talk openly about suicide in the veteran community - the chain reaction it causes, the guilt that lingers, and how his brand was born from loss. The episode also explores the power of community, psychedelics, honesty, and especially humor in the fight to stay alive and stay human. Still, this isn't just heavy. It's filled with laughter, brotherhood, and hope. Xander shares lessons from building a mission-driven brand, the realities of entrepreneurship in the veteran space, and what it means to turn pain into purpose. If you've ever worn a uniform, loved someone who did, or just believe in real conversations that matter, this one's for you. It's equal parts war story, therapy session, and bar talk - classic Liberty Risk.    👉 Thank you for being a part of the Liberty Risk community! If you enjoyed the show please leave us a review on whatever audio platform you're listening on, and like, comment, and subscribe on YouTube to keep these stories alive.   Find out more about Xander and his adventures at the following links: ✖️ Brand & Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_sdsc_official  ✖️ SDSC Brand Website - https://saintsbydaysinnersbyconstruct.com    Liberty Risk Hosts:  ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc 

Nick Esayian has lived a dozen lives - pro racer, entrepreneur, law enforcement officer, search and rescue - but the thread that runs through all of it is loyalty to a brotherhood. From growing up tough in the Midwest to finding his place alongside legendary racers, athletes, Navy SEALs and special operations veterans, Nick's story is one of grit, reinvention, and always showing up for the people who matter. He takes us inside the chaos: hustling through the corporate grind, breaking free into racing and entrepreneurship, and the colorful characters, wild parties, and hard lessons along the way. From donating race winnings to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation to working shoulder-to-shoulder with operators in high-stakes REAL WORLD environments, Nick's connection to the special operations community has shaped his life on and off the track. But this episode doesn't shy away from the hard stuff. Nick opens up about the struggles of transition - from marriages and businesses lost, to chasing financial success that doesn't always deliver whole hearted happiness, and the importance of staying true to your vision through it all. He talks candidly about identity, purpose, mental health, and the brutal necessity of starting over when life hits back harder than you expect. His perspective is shaped by years spent working and partying with military and special operations communities (including 2 of the hosts), witnessing firsthand the weight they carry, the commaradierie they share, and the resilience it takes to move forward. It's raw, it's funny, and it's packed with the honesty, grit, and dark-humor perspective that you've come to expect from Liberty Risk. Whether you're here for stories of racing, business, brotherhood, or just surviving your own chaos and want to share a laugh, this conversation delivers.   Find out more about Nick Esayian and his adventures at the following links: ✖️ Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/esayian  ✖️ Light Helmets Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lighthelmets  ✖️ Light Helmets Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/lightimpactpodcast  ✖️ Light Helmets Website - https://lighthelmets.com    Liberty Risk Hosts:  ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc 

  Derek Janisch - From the poppy fields of Afghanistan to pro paintball arenas, Muay Thai & temptation in Thailand, and finding redemption at home - a story of love, loss, finding yourself, and second chances.  Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Liberty Risk Podcast! Today we dive into Derek's life, and the lessons learned - his early days growing up in Orange County, his obsession with paintball and MMA, and the relentless drive that carried him through BUD/S and onto SEAL Team 7. He breaks down the reality of deployments to Afghanistan and Guam, the brotherhood and chaos of platoon life, and the lessons in leadership learned along the way. Derek also pulls no punches on the personal side - talking openly about relationships, divorce, and the battle to find purpose once the uniform comes off. One unforgettable chapter takes us to Thailand, where Derek trained Muay Thai with local fighters, lived in a small village, and got swept up in a whirlwind romance that tested his perspective on marriage, and reshaped his outlook on life. After the Teams, the chaos didn't stop. Derek launched a clothing brand, worked in California's notorious Emerald Triangle, where got shot in the chest while working on a local weed farm. He shares the violence of that world, the awakening that followed, and the long, messy road to healing while working as an ocean guide & underwater photographer in Hawaii. Today, Derek has rebuilt his life in many ways, most importantly, as a husband and father. After years apart, he and his ex-wife found their way back to each other - rebuilding trust, family, and proving that second chances are real. Packed with humor, side quests, and unfiltered talk about entrepreneurship, community, and survival, this episode delivers the kind of Navy SEAL stories and unique veteran insight you've come to expect from your new favorite podcast - Liberty Risk  👉 Thank you for being a part of the Liberty Risk community! 👈  If you enjoyed the show please leave us a review on whatever audio platform you're listening on, and like, comment, and subscribe on YouTube to keep these stories alive! Also, we just started our Patreon account, it's FREE for now, check it out and we'll be adding a lot to it soon! https://www.patreon.com/cw/LibertyRisk    Find out more about Derek and his adventures at the following links: ✖️ Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/derekjanisch2020  ✖️ Clothing Brand Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/justus_inc  ✖️ Clothing Brand Website - https://justuspaintball.com    Liberty Risk Hosts:  ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc 

Dan Corbett (AKA Dirty) has lived through some of the wildest life chapters anyone could think of and come out the other side stronger - his story is unlike anything you've ever heard. Navy SEAL, DevGroup Operator, mercenary, author, and somehow the only American to become a household name in Serbia without ever wanting to. From growing up in Northern California to finding his place in platoon life, Dan gives us the inside scoop on training for Green Team, deployments to combat zones, plus being a part of legendary tactical adventures like the Captain Phillips rescue. But the real chaos came after the Teams. While contracting overseas, Dan got rolled up in Serbia on trumped-up charges of plotting to a$$assinate their pre$ident and spent 18 months in a Serbian prison. What followed was a roller coaster of shifting legal pressure, bizarre cellmates, and headlines that turned him into Serbia's favorite anti-hero. Imagine you survive multiple high profile missions, combat deployments, and bar fights… then end up using all those skills to navigate sensitive Balkan prison politics for 18 months. With his trademark humor and grit, Dan breaks down the comedy and brutality of jailhouse life, how the mindset training he learned in the SEAL Teams kept him sane & sharp, and the moment he finally faced a judge to learn his fate after nearly a year in limbo. Along the way we cover bar fights, realities of the contracting world, and how to survive and keep your edge when life goes completely sideways. If you're looking for Navy SEAL stories, prevailing against impossible odds, and the kind of dark-humor banter you only get when someone's lived through hell and come out laughing, this episode is Liberty Risk at its rawest.   Here are a few highlights from the many crazy stories we dive into in this episode. • The real story behind the naked hot tub head kick. • Getting your face blasted it all over Serbian news, but at least they used a good pic. • It's ok to be ok, not every veteran is "broken" • "It's not that we're so good, it's just that everyone else sucks" 😂 • Being a Navy SEAL opens doors, but also paints you into a picture you may not fit in. • Checking into Team 5 & learning about the "minimum weight" of 200 lbs to be in Kevin's platoon. 💪🏼 • Speaking Tagalog & running sources at rooster fights in Philippines. • The intricacies of navigating Green Team politics. • The different squadrons at Dev and their unique character. • The benefits of going to a gay bar. 🏳️‍🌈 • Discussing the "real story" of the Captain Phillips op. • Story about Will Chesney's dog saving Dan's life. • Dan realizing he was a good Operator, but not a good Instructor, and how he fixed that. • The inside scoop on how he got arrested in Serbia and how it went down. • Dirty realizing he was actually kind of a hero within the counter culture groups in prison. • The many interesting criminal and character you meet in Serbian jail. • Roller coaster court drama and their officials being pressured by their government. • Finding common ground and connection with the foreign judge. • Beating the Serbian judicial system, getting helped by the Hells Angels, and going home just to find that the Team had revoked his Trident. • Being home and back contracting within a month. • Finding out Serbia wants him to go BACK to potentially stand trial AGAIN. • How he came to terms with writing a book, and the whole process from start to finish. • Current movie projects and what he's working on now. • The value of a great parter to help you build, and also keep you on your toes.    👉 Thank you for being a part of the Liberty Risk community! If you enjoyed the show please leave us a review on whatever audio platform you're listening on, and like, comment, and subscribe on YouTube to keep these stories alive.   Find out more about Dan and his adventures at the following links: ✖️ Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/american_mercenary  ✖️ Website - https://www.danieldavidcorbettiii.com    Liberty Risk Hosts:  ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc 

Andrew "Bito" Arrabito has lived a life that defies categories - Adventurer, hunter, Navy SEAL, knife maker, entrepreneur, and always at the center of some of the best stories ever told.  In this unfiltered episode, Bito takes us behind the scenes into the gritty world of SEAL Team life: from performing CPR after a HUMVEE rollover on day one, to naked hot tub parties, street fights, and some of the most jaw-dropping deployments you'll ever hear. He shares the real story behind the infamous combat head kick, what happens when you throw Saddam's brother into barbed wire, and how (unsurprisingly) bar fights and stealing guns from cops can lead to questioning by the FBI. You'll hear about riding horses on ops in Afghanistan, accidentally kicking down the wrong hotel door, and getting promoted to E6 at a strip club. There's booze in canteens, canines on planes, stitches in the wrong places, and more bar fights - including several against Chuck Liddell's MMA crew in San Luis Obispo. But it's not just chaos. Bito opens up about finding purpose after service, building Half Face Blades from the ground up, creating custom knives for friends and legends like Anthony Bourdain, and why empathy and love are stronger than hate. From Hollywood film sets (Avatar, 13 Hours) to near-death freefall school mishaps, this episode is a wild ride through the highs, lows, and hard-earned lessons of a life lived on the edge. If you want Navy SEAL stories, veteran grit, entrepreneurial insight, and some of the craziest moments ever told on this show - this is Liberty Risk at its finest.   Here are a few of the story highlights we get into in this WILD episode: • Naked hot tub parties and street fights. • Riding horses on real ops - not as fun as you'd think. • Kevin giving a terrorist a "flat tire". • Tossing Saddam's brother in barbed wire for being a dick. • Dating and fighting porn stars (different stars). • Accidentally kicking the wrong door down at a hotel. • Getting frocked to E6 at a strip club. 🍑 • Bar fight with cops turns into an armed stand off, stole their guns, questioned by FBI. • Platoon fight against Chuck Liddell's MMA crew (again) in San Louis Obispo. • Stitching up the wrong wound. • Canteens filled with Jim Beam instead of water in the desert. • Second worst poop story ever told. 💩 • Getting into bar fights while wearing a dress and fishnet stockings. • Bito's dog Crow accidentally shits all over the plane. • Why empathy and love are stronger than hate. • Finding a bag of mushrooms on a C-17 and stealing the pilot's beer. • Behind the scenes on Hollywood blockbusters like Avatar, 13 Hours, and more. • How to get circumcised by a treadmill. 🍆😳 • Custom Liberty Risk Half Face Blades Knifes. 🗡️ • The custom knife Andy made for Anthony Bourdain. • Bito's ex girlfriend knocking out a robber during a 7-11 stick up. 👊🏼 • Almost dying in freefall school. • Creative ways to get out of going to billets you don't want to be at.   If you enjoyed the show please leave us a review on whatever audio platform you're listening on!    Find out more about Andy and his adventures at the following links: ✖️ Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/specoperator  ✖️ Half Face Blades Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/halffaceblades ✖️ Half Face Blades Website - https://www.halffaceblades.com ✖️ We KBD Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/we_kbd ✖️ War Paw Wine - https://www.instagram.com/warpawwine ✖️ Canoe Club Ammo - https://www.instagram.com/canoeclubusa   Liberty Risk Hosts:  ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc     

This episode of the Liberty Risk Podcast pulls no punches. First up: a seasoned female law enforcement officer, military veteran, and border security expert who's spent decades on the front lines. She shares stories of combating human trafficking, drug cartels, and shifting national policies while breaking barriers as one of the few women in her field. Her candid insights reveal the dangers agents face, the toll of serving in high-risk environments, and the grit it takes to keep the line secure. Later, the crew sits down with John Duncan, Mayor of Coronado! From his past life as a federal litigator to leading one of America's most iconic beach towns, Duncan talks about the fight to keep Mexico's sewage crisis from affecting us here in the States, his mission to support veterans and first responders, and what it takes to keep a community thriving. Along the way, the conversation cuts deep into the struggles veterans face when transitioning to civilian life, the urgent need for military suicide awareness, and the power of unfiltered storytelling. With humor, hard truths, and Liberty Risk grit, this episode is a front-row look at service, sacrifice, and the bonds that hold communities together.   You can find out more about John Duncan at his Instagram below: ✖️ John  Duncan Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/john_duncan_coronado    Liberty Risk Hosts: ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326 ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts   Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc

This week the Liberty Risk crew takes the show on the road! With the West Coast SEAL Reunion in town, we set up shop next to the iconic Teamguy bar McP's Irish Pub on Coronado and pulled some legends into our make shift studio (thank you, URT!) for a rotating lineup of unfiltered, shotgun-style conversations and old school stories. We had an incredibly fun and laughter filled evening and we're excited to share it with you: you'll hear from retired Navy SEAL Master Chiefs and Commanders, Army veterans, and local legends, all swapping raw stories about combat, command, and the kind of camaraderie that only comes from pushing the edge and barely making it out alive. From Vietnam and Korea to San Diego's wild bar scene in the '80s, you'll hear firsthand accounts of missions gone sideways, lessons on leadership, and the balance between hard discipline and harder living. We dive into the origins of SEAL Team 5's unique culture, the evolution of Coronado nightlife, and some legendary bouncer and bar fight stories that can only be told here. Along the way, we highlight the mission of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and its impact on the families of fallen heroes. If you're here for Navy SEAL podcast stories, veteran insights, or just want to hear real talk from old school legends, this one delivers. Subscribe now and join the Liberty Risk crew for a live session that blends history, humor, and the heart of the special operations community.   You can find out more about Patrick, Jeff, and Tom at their preferred social media platforms below: ✖️ Patrick Ellis Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluefrog71/  ✖️ Jeff Kong Isbell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kongspinstriping/  ✖️ Tom Deitz Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tom.deitz.2025    Liberty Risk Hosts: ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326/  ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent/ ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts/    Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com/  ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com/ ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com/ ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc/ 

Some careers are impressive, RJ Casey's is on another level. From the front lines of special operations to the film sets of Hollywood, he's lived a life few could even imagine. In this episode of the Liberty Risk Podcast, RJ takes us inside his journey as a U.S. Army Green Beret, Air Force Pararescueman (PJ), OGA Operator, entrepreneur, and co-founder of veteran-led brands Brigands Co and Four Branches Bourbon. You'll hear raw, behind-the-scenes stories from the Green Beret and PJ training pipelines, legendary deployments, and high-stakes OGA work. RJ shares the origins of the PJs' iconic green feet logo, wild moments from global operations, and what it takes to transition from the military into business, film, and television - including working on hit projects like Jack Ryan. As you'd expect from the Liberty Risk crew, this conversation is loaded with authenticity, humor, and the kind of insight you only get from a life lived at the edge. Pour yourself a glass, settle in, and join us for an epic conversation. Highlights: • Growing up as a military brat and finding his way into special operations. • Contrasts & similarities between the Green Beret and PJ training pipelines. • The origins the Air Force Pararescue Operators and their iconic green feet logo.   • Pushing through injuries to accomlish the goal. • High-risk deployment stories and OGA contracting. • Building a veteran-owned bourbon brand with a mission to give back • Hollywood experiences on major productions like Jack Ryan   Find out more about Four Branches Bourbon at fourbranches.com and follow RJ's adventures in service, business, and beyond. ✖️ Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rjcasey1/  ✖️ 4 Branches Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fourbranchesbourbon/  ✖️ Brigands Co Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brigands_co/    Liberty Risk Hosts: ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326/  ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent/ ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts/    Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com/  ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com/ ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com/ ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc/ 

In this episode of the Liberty Risk Podcast, the crew sits down with David B Meadows - former Navy SEAL, actor, humorist, pugilist, and true renaissance man. David's journey of discovery spans from the coal country of Wheeling, West Virginia, to the battlefields of Afghanistan, and finally to the thespian stages of Europe. Raised by a single mother, during high school David envisioned a future that had nothing to do with the military: architecture, psychology, maybe med school - but as Shakespeare said, even the best laid plans often go awry. As high school ended, David realized he wanted to take on one of the hardest challenges in the world, so he set his sights on becoming a US Navy SEAL.  After gettig to BUD/S David made it through the infamous Hellweek only to be dropped from training in 2nd Phase. Then seeing the towers fall on 9/11, he came back into training with a renewed purpose, graduating with Class 245. From there he went on to spend 13 years in the Teams, deploying multiple times to war zones as a SEAL, Sniper, and SDV Operator. After his service, Dave pursued an entirely different challenge: acting. Originally drawn to it while pursuing skills in intelligence gathering, he was soon immersed in the craft, and found himself studying the classics in Europe with the Prague Shakespeare Company. Here are a few highlights from the MANY stories and topics we explore in this wide ranging episode with David Meadows. • The common thread of childhood adversity in SpecOps warriors, and the benefits of it. • Getting punched in the face for the first time and realizing you're not made of glass. • Never give someone the POWER to offend you.  • Most people are motivated by positivity, but there's strength in the negative too. • Learning to "talk civilian" in board meetings afer getting out of the military. • BUD/S Instructors and the grudges they hold. • Dave getting kicked out of 2nd Phase, coming back, and almost getting kicked out again. • 30 foot tall stripper poles in Prague. • The difference between being "hyper aware", and appropriate vigilance. • God, prayer, the law of attraction, and the reality of "manifesting" things. • Spirituality, religion, and creating your own tribe. • How psychedelics can make you a better communicator & entrepreneur.   Get to know David Meadows and his current projects at the links below: ✖️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/officialdavidbmeadows/  ✖️ Osiris Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=gfcW4kw21_o  ✖️ Hollywood Grit Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb3amV1fsZI&t=5s    Liberty Risk Hosts: ✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326/  ✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent/ ✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts/    Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all ✖️ Industry Threadworks - https://www.industrythreadworks.com/  ✖️ Archive 3PL - https://archive3pl.com/ ✖️ Krupto Strategic Media - https://kruptostrategicmedia.com/ ✖️ K-Squared Advising - https://www.k-squared.cc/