Cleared Hot

Chris Piehota, a former FBI Special Agent who served as one of the bureau’s top career executives, discusses the dramatic changes he witnessed in the FBI during his 25-year career. Author of Wanted: The FBI I Once Knew, Chris reveals the internal challenges that have led to the FBI’s current crisis of trust, including leadership failures, cultural erosion, and operational missteps. He provides a firsthand account of how the FBI transformed after September 11, 2001, and how those shifts have led to the agency's diminished reputation. From claims of political polarization to public calls for disbandment, Piehota shares why the FBI is struggling to regain the credibility it once had and what it will take to restore public faith in this vital institution. Wanted: The FBI I Once Knew - https://a.co/d/blXwtj9  

Normally scheduled Q and A for this Friday: 1. A veteran from Tennessee wrestles with the state of American democracy, morality in politics, and societal divisions, drawing unsettling parallels to history while seeking clarity on the future.  2. A newly promoted supervisor in a state natural resources agency faces the classic dilemma of motivating an entrenched, underperforming employee — or finding a way to move forward for the sake of the team. 3. A young police officer grapples with the decision to leave law enforcement for a less stressful life, questioning his identity, interests, and courage as he considers entrepreneurial ambitions. Enjoy

Of all the episodes I have been able to record, these episodes with my father stand out as some of my favorites. I never thought I could record conversations about our family history, values, beliefs, and what makes us who we are. I love that they will live forever, far beyond both of us and can hopefully have great meaning to future generations later in their lives. My dad and I talk about politics often, and what better time to sit down and discuss the current environment than right after the 2024 election.

Traditional Friday Q and A for Today: 1. How do you rebuild after a catastrophic accident or failure?  2. Suppressors on pistols? Is it real life, or a thing of the movies  3.  Business relationship breakdowns, how do you recover? Enjoy

Jared is a retired Navy SEAL and the co-founder of Covenant Rescue Group (CRG), a 501c3 organization founded in June 2019. Jared and his wife saw a lack of skills and funding to properly rescue victims and arrest criminals involved in Human Trafficking. Sharing a passion for children who fall victim to human trafficking globally, they decided to become active. They organized their passion, training, and expertise, to bring this wicked, organized enterprise to an end. The heart of CRG is to bring good news of hope and freedom to the millions of victims of human trafficking around the world - to release the captives, bind up the brokenhearted, to bring swift, sure justice to their captors. CRG provides funding for REAL-LIFE operations that lead to REAL rescues, arrests, and prosecution. They provide essential training and equipment for law enforcement and create teams that are dedicated to the mission. They spread awareness, advocating through news, social media, and conferences to the growing global problem of human trafficking and how to end it. https://www.covenantrescue.org/  

We are diving into listener-submitted questions for our normally scheduled Friday programming: How do you deal with the self-doubt that often follows tough decisions? Is there a way to reframe feelings of failure and disappointment, or do you simply have to face them head-on? After facing life’s highs and lows, how do you find clarity and alignment with your true self? A listener shares a powerful personal mission statement that he uses as a strategy to cultivate lasting inner calm. Lastly, the tension between security and ambition. A 34-year-old family man is at a career crossroads, torn between providing for his family and pursuing the dream of starting his own business. Should he bet on himself and take the leap, or stay the course in a job that’s draining his spirit? Enjoy

Matt Dawson is a former investment banker turned multi-record-holding endurance athlete and founder of Dawson's Peak Foundation. Known simply as "Dawson," Matt’s journey is extraordinary—from dominating corporate finance to conquering some of the world’s most extreme challenges. Dawson dives into his epic year of Project Seven for Soldiers, where he completed a groundbreaking lineup of global expeditions, including summiting the Seven Summits, skiing to the South Pole, and rowing across the Atlantic Ocean. Dawson’s story is one of resilience, overcoming a severe leg condition that halted his pursuit of professional football, only to rise stronger as an elite adventurer and coach. He shares insights on mastering mental and physical endurance, the drive behind his passion for serving veterans, and what fuels his relentless pursuit of the impossible. This episode is a deep dive into the mindset of an elite performer who defies limits in boardrooms and on the world’s toughest terrains. https://dawsonspeakfoundation.org/  

I have heard a lot of talk about how the United States is either on the brink of a 2nd Civil War or steadily marching toward it. I can't say that I agree, and perhaps the blowhards should just sit down for a bit. https://spartanforge.ai/  

Rob Bailey is an entrepreneur powerhouse, creating the lifestyle brand Flag Nor Fail, Run Everything Labs, and a series of ventures from gyms to high-performance automotive shops. Known for his unique path to success, Rob turned a $400 investment and a garage printing press into a global brand.  Rob has a unique approach to blending his passions for fitness, music, and business to create an empire while building a community of like-minded, relentless individuals. Flag Nor Fail:  https://flagnorfail.com/ CCV Coaching:  https://ccvcoaching.com/  

Traditional Friday Q and A for today. Three listener-submitted questions: 1.  A 26-year-old Navy veteran grappling with post-service identity and family priorities.  2. A husband seeking advice on saving a struggling marriage. 3. A father confronting the heartbreaking realities of bipolar disorder in his daughter. Enjoy

Nelson Grant is a Sheriff's Deputy and Search and Rescue Team member in the Flathead Valley. In addition to his current duties, he has previous experience on the SWAT Team and Narcotics Task Force. Normally, Nelson and I get the chance to hunt yearly, but this year he decided to turn his foot 180 degrees in the wrong direction while recently riding his dirtbike. When not on duty Nelson enjoys partaking in just about every activity that Northwestern Montana has to offer. Bowhunting, rifle hunting, river raft guiding, dual-sport motorcycle guiding, backcountry split boarding and skiing, touring, trekking, downhill mountain bike riding, jiu-jitsu, and probably even more that I am forgetting. If there was ever a renaissance man of the Montana mountains, Nelson is it. Link to Nelson's Youtube page: / @wldwestadventure

What does it mean to be an American in today's world? Are the greatest dangers we face external, or do they stem from internal division? What are the core values that define the nation? Are they freedom, integrity, and unity? while also addressing the real threats that challenge these principles. What role should we seek to play as neighbors, community members, and citizens?

Jake Harriman and Garrett Cathcart are both distinguished Iraq War veterans that have turned their focus inward, tackling one of the most pressing battles on American soil: political divisiveness. They share the compelling story behind +More Perfect Union, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking down barriers and promoting unity across communities in a time of unprecedented polarization. Jake, a Marine Force Recon Platoon Commander and recipient of honors like the Unsung Hero of Compassion award from the Dalai Lama, and Garrett, a U.S. Army Cavalry Officer awarded three Bronze Stars for his service, reveal how their shared experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan forged a bond and a vision for a stronger America. They discuss their latest campaign, the "Coffee + Courage" challenge—a social media movement encouraging people from all walks of life to sit down, share a cup of coffee, and find common ground.

A single listener submitted question for this Friday episode. But first, some reflections on 47 laps around the sun, then: 1. How do you want to live your life? Do you want to avoid all risk, take every opportunity, or something in between?  Enjoy

Josh Castell is the founder of DoubleCheck, a software platform setting new standards in risk management and firearms safety. DoubleCheck empowers businesses by providing risk analysis tools that help identify potential threats before transactions are completed. Focusing on privacy and the Second Amendment, Josh shares how DoubleCheck’s innovative solutions support firearm retailers, shooting ranges, and live-fire trainers, helping them safeguard their communities against preventable tragedies. Learn more about DoubleCheck's mission to protect communities at: https://www.doublecheckprotect.com/  

xNormal Friday programming today, some real-world challenges submitted by listeners. 1.  A father reflects on losing his cool with his kids in a chaotic Costco moment and seeks advice on managing stress and anger under pressure.  2. A jiu-jitsu practitioner questions his skill level and gym promotion practices—wondering if he's ahead of the curve or just a product of attendance-based promotions. 3. A young federal law enforcement officer opens up about the mental toll of confronting humanity's worst while grappling with the decision to start a family

Chris Skates is a man whose life journey is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of storytelling. Starting as a coal plant worker for 30 years, Chris harbored a dream of becoming a writer, keeping a journal of short stories since the 1980s. His persistence paid off when he published a heartfelt story about his grandfather in 2000, leading to over 200 published pieces and a career that took him from the coal mines to the corridors of political power. Chris shares how he wrote his way out of the plant to become an advisor and speechwriter for Governor Matt Bevin of Kentucky, and eventually penned speeches and tweets for President Donald Trump. But his journey took a harrowing turn in 2020 when he collapsed on a D.C. sidewalk and was diagnosed with the deadliest form of leukemia. Defying medical odds, Chris not only survived but was dubbed "the toughest SOB" by his oncologist at Johns Hopkins. Chris shares the inspiration behind his latest book, Moonshine Over Georgia, a riveting account of his grandfather's fight against the deadly moonshine epidemic during and after Prohibition. Armed with unparalleled courage and tracking skills, his grandfather was a legendary Revenue Agent who, according to a 93-year-old moonshiner he once arrested, "shut down the whiskey business pretty much by himself." Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/  

We return to our Andy Vs. Michael series, but first, we open with a discussion on the ginger's first trip outside of the United States, and his unwillingness to hit on any Italian women. We (mostly me) have decided to solicit for help from the audience, please submit any and all suggestions for Michael's companion here: sheltonm204@gmail.com The remainder of our episode was the traditional A V M format, discussing some politics, current events, social commentary, and just general jackassery. Enjoy Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/  

Bill Thompson served 21 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer Four, specializing in Special Missions and technology development for the Department of Defense. He founded Spartan Forge, an AI-driven hunting tool that applies military intelligence methods to enhance hunting effectiveness. Bill is a lifelong hunter dedicated to conservation and ethical practices, as well as an active supporter of the Boot Campaign, which aids veterans through health and wellness initiatives. https://spartanforge.ai/ Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/  

Normally scheduled Friday Q and A for today: 1. First, a listener's concern about a controversial statement: "I love killing people." What are the realities of combat, and what does such a declaration truly mean within the context of military service and its psychological impact.  2. Guidance to a young man wrestling with the stigma of quitting. After leaving Army training just weeks before completion, he's now engaged and considering a career in law enforcement. What are some strategies to overcome self-doubt and rebuild confidence to face new challenges head-on. 3. An ethical dilemma faced by a government employee who's discovered a covert plan that could unjustly harm his manager's career just weeks before retirement. Torn between protecting his own position and doing what's right, he seeks advice on how to proceed without repeating past mistakes. Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/