Liberty Risk

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/ 

Ben Gallimore grew up in a quiet town of just 500 people in rural Tennessee. After getting a taste of college, he quickly realized it wasn't the right path for him and started looking for something different. When his parents suggested the military, Ben learned that his cousin (who he'd never met) had taken a similar path. That cousin was none other than Liberty Risk co-host Kevin Kent, now a Navy SEAL based out of California, a world away from Ben's life in Tennessee. He flew out to San Diego to meet Kevin for the first time, get a first hand glimpse of the West Coast SEAL lifestyle, and join in on one of Kevin's infamous 4th of July parties. A miserable long run around Coronado followed by a beer fueled torture test at Danny's and Kevin's party sealed the deal, Ben knew this was his path. Despite being athletic, the journey wasn't easy. Ben broke his foot in boot camp and later developed stress fractures in both legs during BUD/S. He failed nearly every evolution it was possible to fail without being dropped. But after two years of setbacks and perseverance, he graduated with BUD/S Class 293 and went on to complete four deployments with SEAL Team 5, the same alma mater as Kevin, where he collected his share of Liberty Risk stories as well.   Here are a few of the highlight stories from this episode:   • The legend of the BUD/S Phantom 👻 and alternative uses for refrigerator boxes. • Kevin's sage advice on how to shoot better. • Seeing the rise of ISIS in his 1st deployment and being there for the fall of it in his last deployment. • Accidentally leaving your boys on a dusty road in Afghanistan with no comms. • "The passion of the Christ" style voluntary hazing. • A few Diamond Dave stories - "I SAID MARLBORO REDSSS!!!" • An op gone bad in Yemen, what do you do when the shit hits the fan? • Kevin's dad killing a VC in Vietnam with just the barrel of a .50 cal. • The culture differences of the 4 military branches, why it's so important to find what fits YOU. • The benefits of properly supervised hazing on moral and camaraderie in tight knit units. • Hazing classics like Edward 40 hands, the Dance of the Flaming Assholes 🔥🍑, and Yarding In. • Dirty Dan stories: peeing into your own beer cup and head kicking party crashers while naked. • Why Bito from Half Faced Blades is the real life Tristan from Legends of The Fall. • GameDay men's health and the benefits of proper testosterone supplementation.   Get to know Ben Gallimore more at the links below: ✖️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3bgconsulting/  ✖️ Website - https://www.3bgconsultingusa.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 Sales - 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/     

Dutch immigrant, Canadian citizen, Navy SEAL, 18 Delta Corpsman, CIA GRS Operative, widower, remote viewer, and many other things, Joost Janssen has lived a lot of life, and we dive into it. Born in Holland, Joost's parents feared Russia was going to invade their homeland so they fled to Canada when he was a child. Speaking no English, he learned the language from watching Sesame Street. As he grew up, his dream of becoming a lifeguard took him down the path of becoming an EMT/paramedic, when he took an opportunity to move to America for college he met his wife, bought a house, got a dog, and was perfectly happy & content living his version of the American dream. Until tragedy struck; Joost's wife was killed in a car accident when they were both only 22. From there Joost spiraled and was barely hanging on when he decided to rebuild himself through a test, he chose BUD/S as the crucible. Although he was a good athlete, he suffered several injuries that made his journey through training especially challenging. After 13 years in the SEAL Teams, Joost found himself at GRS in the CIA where he had many adventures and close calls over 14 deployments. Now happily remarried, Joost runs several businesses, and has been exploring psychedelics as a way to reconnect with his past relationships, and also deepen his current ones.   Here are a few of the MANY stories we get into in this wide ranging episode: • The common childhood themes we see in most SEALs. • Some epic BUD/S Instructor quotes that have been passed down through generations of Frogmen. • Stories about turd Teamguys and how they're dealt with. • 2nd Phase punishment: JOCK UP. • BUD/S command realizing Joost isn't a US citizen only a few days before graduation. • Getting "arrested" in Guam for trying to kill a local celebrity fish. • Epic stories about some legendary Teamguys, Jeff Paine and Indy. • Party breaks out into a fight, then getting raided by the cops at gunpoint on 4th of July. • Thoughts on 2A, pros & cons, and some solutions. • CIA asset agreeing to have a bomb surgically implanted into his body. • CIA op gone wrong, stand off with the Somalian armed forces in a shot up armored car. • How mushrooms can help you become a better leader. • Fallen friends coming through to chat from the other side. • Perspective on veteran suicide. • Remote viewing and how to create out of body experiences.   THANK YOU for following us on this journey! If you dig the content and the message, please share it with someone you think would also get something out of it. And also of course please like & subscribe, and consider checking out some of our new merch to help support the show!   Get to know Joost Janssen more below: ✖️ Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joostj_official/    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 Sales - 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/       

We finally have our first female on the show! Please welcome Jennifer Tidball. Jenifer grew up in Florida and has lived through a lot of experiences that would crumble most other people, but instead of letting those experiences break her, she used them to shaped herself into a formidable force. From escaping an abusive relationship to standing up to divisive leadership, Jen has walked her own path and had an incredible life, full of unique stories. Joining the military in 1994, helping to stand up the Lioness program, many adventures overseas including marrying a SEAL, retiring as an E6 (that's another story we get into), she's now the Director of Marketing for the San Diego Legion Rugby Team.   Here are a few highlights of the stories we dive into: • Partying in TJ in the 90's vs. today. • Rugby - a grown man making a diaper out of tinfoil so he can keep partying. • Why you don't want to go to the bathroom in the mall in Dubai. • The real reason the muslim culture doesn't use their left hand. • Working in the Lioness Program & helping Iraqi women. • Jen having a bounty placed on her head. • Iraqi tea service and why you should decline. • Looking for a detached thumb on an aircraft carrier. • Cops being called to her wedding party - twice. • Her aunt taking the door handles off the house so people couldn't leave. • Opinions on women in combat, and the military in general. • Watching her heartbeat flatline… twice. While awake. • When the JTAC doubles as the RPO (rape prevention officer) • Rushing a sorority at 48 years old. • Islam vs Christianity - the similarities and differences. • What did Jesus really mean by "turn the other cheek?"   Get to know Jennifer Tidball more at these links below: ✖️ Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jenn_knuth_tidball/  ✖️ San Diego Legion Rugby Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sdlegion/    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 Sales - 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/ 

Jon Wechter grew up around Philly in a conservative household, which laid a strong foundation for him to explore and question many things as he finds his own path. As a child, Jon was a little goofy, but even at that young age he knew he wanted to join the military, the Rangers specifically. His dad had been a great role model of service, and as the oldest son, Jon could think of no higher service than joining an elite unit and protecting his nation and family. Jon was capable as a youth, but his ONLY mission was to join the military, so he didn't take many things seriously in high school, from sports to education, he was always focused on a different goal. Joining the Army at 18, Jon quickly achieved his goal of completing RASP (Ranger Assessment & Selection Program), and being assigned to the prestigious 2nd Ranger Battalion. From there he learned by drinking from a fire hose of knowledge, being surrounded by peers with dozens of combat deployments under their belts, Jon pushed himself hard to live up to the standards of the unit, and himself. After a few deployments, he found himself at odds with the constraints of some of the leadership styles at the Battalion, which eventually led him to the decision there was more to life than the military, and he exited service at 22 years old. From there he embarked on a journey of exploration, both of self, and the world, driving around the country and taking on any adventure, searching for the truth. Different location, different people, different drugs, it was all a tool for Jon to explore his sense of spirituality, and peel away the layers to find what's REAL. We explore a LOT of different topics in this episode, from the military to life after the mission, the meaning of God & spirituality, even the moral dilemma of abortion. One through line of the episode is CHANGE, always searching for more understanding, more insight, finding the core of LIFE.   Here are some story highlights from the episode: • One of the first times Jon met Nick was at a bu**hole waxing event. • In the military, you can only bottle people up so much before they explode. • The legend of "Black Mamba". • Difference between RASP, Ranger School, and Ranger Battalion. • The impact of good and bad leadership, what that looks like. • Why you shouldn't try and fastrope with 550 cord. • Exploring the power of perspective shift. • Embracing going through hard things as a path to learning. • The difference between religion and spirituality. • How psychedelics can make you a better leader. • The crux of abortion, and where to draw YOUR line. • You always have a choice, but YOU are the one that bears the weight of it. • The realization that society is a game, but you don't have to play it.   We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did filming it!   Get to know Jon Wechter more at his link below: ✖️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bebadfitness/    Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by: ✖️ Liberty Risk Merch Sales - 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/