Mike sits down with Paula Laurita, the Command Librarian for Army Materials Command, to discuss the significance of Military Libraries Week and the extensive resources provided by the MWR Library System. They explore the various services available to military families, including educational resources, free subscriptions to magazines and newspapers, and the role of libraries in supporting service members and their families. Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
In this conversation, Mike sits down with Josh Green, known as One Punch Dad, to discuss his unique journey from aspiring musician and actor to a warrant officer in the Army. They explore the challenges and surprises of military life, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of social media on his career. Josh shares insights on creating relatable content that resonates with fellow service members and reflects on his experiences in the Army, ultimately expressing gratitude for the path he has taken and the joy he finds in his work.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
In this episode, Mike sits down with James LaPorta, a verification producer for CBS and former Marine, to discuss his journey from military service to journalism. They explore the realities of combat, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and the impact of trauma. James shares his experiences in Afghanistan, the struggles of returning home, and how he found purpose in journalism. He also discusses the importance of veterans in the media and his role as a military advisor for television shows. The conversation highlights the complexities of identity, healing, and the power of community in times of crisis.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
I sat down with digital media creator and Soldier, Tyler Butterworth, to talk about his time in the Army National Guard, and how he got into creating content on Social Media. His content is hilarious, but it was great to sit down and have serious conversation about the Army, and his personal life. Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
Anthony Anderson, founder of Guardian of Valor, discusses his work in exposing stolen valor and the importance of protecting the integrity of military awards. He shares his personal journey as a veteran and how he became involved in exposing imposters. Anthony explains the legal definition of stolen valor and the difference between stolen valor and embellishing military records. He also addresses the process of obtaining service members' records and the pushback he receives from candidates and their supporters. Anthony emphasizes the nonpartisan nature of his work and the importance of presenting facts to the public.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
In this conversation, Mike sits down with Joe Czikalla, an EOD technician, to discuss Joe's experiences in the EOD community. They discuss the challenges and adrenaline rush of being an EOD technician, as well as the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the field. The conversation also touches on the tragic loss of three EOD technicians during Joe's deployment. Joe discusses the intense workload and reporting requirements of EOD teams in Afghanistan, and shares his experiences of being constantly on the move and the exhaustion that came with it. He highlights the intelligence and organization of the enemy fighters and the dangers they posed. He emphasizes the importance of the EOD community and the support they provide to one another.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
Captain Chris "Chowdah" Hill, commander of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, discusses his leadership style and the use of social media and managing over 5,000 sailors on a ship. Captain Chowdhill's leadership philosophy, known as the Way of the Warrior Sailor, focuses on creating morale and recognizing the value of every sailor. He emphasizes the need for constant communication, mission and purpose, and sailor recognition. His social media presence, particularly on Twitter and Instagram, has gained attention and support from high-level leaders in the Navy.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
Mary Dague sits down with me and discusses her time as an EOD technician and life after EOD. She talks about her decision to join the army and her experience in EOD school. Mary also shares her first unit assignment and the challenges she faced as the first female in the unit as well as the challenges she faced in a male-dominated field, including communication barriers and preconceived notions. Mary talks with me about an incident in Iraq where she was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED), losing both of her arms and her road to recovery. We discuss her time after the Army, Hollywood, and resilience. Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
Jeff Dawson, a Distinguished Service Cross recipient and EOD technician, shares his journey in the army and his experiences in the field. He was deployed to Afghanistan with the 28th EOD, a specialized EOD unit, and was involved in a mission where he encountered multiple IEDs and casualties. Despite being wounded multiple times, Jeff continued to work and save lives on the ground. He went on to complete seven deployments. Jeff talks about being wounded in combat on multiple occasions, and his recovery process, including his physical therapy goals and the challenges he faced. He also delves into his journey of addressing his mental health, including his use of ketamine infusions and exploration of alternative medicines. Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
Mike sits down with Jeff Truex, a retired Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, and discusses his military career and the creation of the nonprofit organization, After the Long Walk, aimed at reducing EOD veteran suicide. After the Long Walk was founded in 2015 in response to the suicide of an EOD technician. The organization provides a 24-hour hotline manned by EOD technicians for EOD technicians in need of support. After the Long Walk is a program created by and for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians to provide support and prevent suicide within the EOD community. Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
In this conversation, Mike interviews Michael Norton, a recruiting battalion commander, to debunk misconceptions about the state of Army recruiting. Norton emphasizes that the Army does not have a recruiting problem band highlights the success of his recruiting battalions in achieving their missions and overproducing. Norton addresses concerns about compromised standards, explaining that the army has not changed its standards but has provided more opportunities and support for test-taking skills. He also discusses the role of social media in recruiting and the benefits of joining the Army.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
SGM Mike Vining is a military legend. From his time as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician in Vietnam, to the founding of the United States Army's premiere counter terrorism force, Delta Force, Mike has done it all. In this episode, Mike sits down and talks about his time in the Army to include being EOD, Vietnam, civilian life, and the founding of Delta Force.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
SPC Christian Sutton, also known as the bone marrow guy, discusses his work in promoting bone marrow donation within the Army. He explains the importance of the bone marrow registry and how it helps individuals with cancer or blood disorders find a match for a life-saving donation. SPC Sutton shares his journey of getting involved in the bone marrow registry and the challenges he faced in establishing a sustainable program within the Army. He emphasizes the need for education and awareness about bone marrow donation and hopes to make the Army the largest source of bone marrow donors in the United States.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
Mike sits down with Eric and Nick, two Special Forces Lieutenant Colonels, to discuss their article on online mentorship and their involvement in the Harding Project. They explore the importance of mentorship in the military and how it can be facilitated through digital platforms. They emphasize the need for a board of advisors rather than relying on a single mentor and highlight the value of feedback and self-improvement. The conversation also touches on the role of NCO mentors and the impact of mentorship on career success.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
Chuck Ritter, a former deputy commandant of the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare NCO Academy, shares his military journey and experiences. He discusses his pre-army days, including his initial lack of interest in the military and his troubled youth. Chuck then talks about his time in basic training and his struggles with physical fitness. He shares his decision to attend Special Forces selection and the challenges he faced during the process. Chuck also recounts his deployment in 2008, where he was severely injured in an IED attack. He discusses his mental health struggles after the deployment and the importance of seeking help. Chuck shares his experiences in combat, specifically focusing on a mission in an Afghanistan where his team faced challenges in mission planning and limitations. They encountered a determined and skilled enemy force, engaging in an intense firefight where Chuck was shot three times. He also discusses the value of education and mentorship, the controversy surrounding the movie 'The Hurt Locker,' and his plans for transitioning to civilian life. Throughout the conversation, Chuck emphasizes the need for humility and the constant struggle to balance confidence with cockiness. Despite the hardships, he expresses his willingness to do it all over again.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
Luke Whitwell, a Cadet at Florida State University, shares his journey towards joining the military and his decision to pursue a career in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). Luke's upbringing in a military town and his family's military background influenced his interest in the military. He initially joined Army ROTC out of curiosity and gradually developed a passion for it. Luke highlights the competitive nature of the EOD branch and the rigorous selection process. He expresses his excitement for commissioning and attending Chemical Corps school before eventually transitioning to EOD school. Luke recommends the military to those who enjoy a team-oriented environment and value the sense of community it offers.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
In this conversation, Mike sits down with Michael "Tony" Grinston, the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army and the current Army Emergency Relief (AER) CEO. They discuss Tony's transition from the military to his role as CEO, the mission and services provided by AER, and the importance of increasing awareness and participation in AER. They also touch on the possibility of expanding AER to the National Guard and Reserve, the wide range of assistance provided by AER, and the role of leadership in suicide prevention. The conversation concludes with Tony emphasizing the importance of AER and its commitment to helping soldiers in need.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
Rob Evans, the creator of Hots and Cots, discusses the concept and impact of his app that allows service members to review their living and dining facilities. The conversation covers the inspiration behind Hots and Cots, the 2023 Government Accountability Office report on barracks, and the accountability and responsibility for barracks issues. Rob also shares positive outcomes from the app, the expansion to other facilities, and the importance of anonymous feedback. The discussion highlights the Army's focus on improving quality of life and the role of culinary specialists.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
In this episode, Mike sits down with Andy, also known as the MEDPROs Center of Excellence on Twitter, to discuss his military career and leadership philosophy. Andy shares his experiences of joining the military at a young age and serving during the Global War on Terror. He also opens up about his struggles with PTSD and the importance of seeking behavioral health help. Andy emphasizes the need for senior leaders to promote an environment that encourages soldiers to prioritize their mental health. He also discusses the benefits of engaging with soldiers on social media and empowering subordinates in leadership roles.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!
On Episode 2, Mike, The EOD Happy Captain on Twitter, sits down with Nicole Jeffrey, a Behavioral Health Specialist based out of Fort Bliss, Texas. They Talk about the stigma surrounding behavioral health in the Army and how the attitude towards seeking help has shifted in the Army over the years. Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!