SOFREP Radio

Mike Hayes is a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer who served 20 years in Special Operations. A graduate of one of the toughest SEAL training classes—one of only 19 out of 120 to complete—he deployed throughout South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, including in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Hayes commanded SEAL Team TWO and led a 2,000-person Special Operations Task Force in southeastern Afghanistan. He also served as Deputy Commander for all Special Operations in Anbar Province, Iraq, and was selected as a White House Fellow (’08–’09). At the National Security Council, he served as Director for Defense Policy and Strategy, where he helped draft a proposed START Treaty and led the White House response to the Maersk Alabama hijacking. His decorations include the Bronze Star for Valor in Iraq, a Bronze Star for Afghanistan, and the Defense Superior Service Medal. After retiring from the Navy, Hayes transitioned to senior leadership roles in technology and investment, and authored Never Enough: A Navy SEAL Commander on Living a Life of Excellence, Agility, and Meaning, donating all profits to support Gold Star families. He lives with his wife, Anita, and their daughter, Maeson, and most enjoys spending time and laughing with them when not mentoring others or speaking about leadership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teagan Broadwater is a former law-enforcement officer, author, entrepreneur, and multi-disciplinary creator whose work spans undercover operations, music, podcasting, and philanthropy. He served as an undercover officer with the Fort Worth Police Department, where his assignments included multiple narcotics units, the gang unit, and an FBI Gang & Violent Crimes Task Force. During his career, he led a deep undercover operation in a six-street neighborhood nicknamed “The Fishbowl,” where he posed as a high-end cocaine trafficker to infiltrate a violent gang. That work resulted in dozens of arrests, major seizures, and recognition by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and his department. After leaving the police department, Broadwater founded a security and investigations firm, authored the memoir Life in the Fish Bowl, and launched creative ventures focused on community healing, systemic justice, and empowerment. Today, he continues to contribute through public speaking, podcasting, and music, while supporting charitable initiatives for youth, veterans, and underserved communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unseen Warrior offers mental health professionals a comprehensive guide to providing clinical services for military personnel and veterans. Drawing on the authors’ more than 50 years of cumulative military service and 35 years of clinical expertise, this book bridges the cultural divide that often exists between military and civilian life. Key insights into values, experiences, and challenges that are important in applying effective therapeutic strategies are presented. With practical tools and a step-by-step field manual, Unseen Warrior empowers you to deliver culturally competent, impactful mental health care to the men and women who have served. Jessica Behne Jessica Behne (Major, USMCR) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Marine Corps veteran with over thirteen years of service. She holds degrees in Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapy and is pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. Jessica teaches graduate-level counseling courses, supervises clinicians working with military populations, and operates a telehealth practice serving veterans and their families. Her research and clinical work focus on the cognitive effects of military training and trauma. Sam Zasadny Sam Zasadny is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and psychologist-in-training. A former helicopter pilot and aviation instructor, he served in multiple deployments before transitioning to the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps to become a Navy psychologist. Sam holds advanced degrees in international policy and psychology and is completing his Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) at Wheaton College. His professional interests center on mental health, resilience, and the intersection of military service and psychological well-being.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Bruce Adolph - a former Infantry Staff Sergeant - is a retired US Army Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel and UN Chief Security Advisor, as well as once a university lecturer on American History, US Government and World Politics. He is the author of the well-reviewed book “Surviving the United Nations: A true story of violence, corruption, betrayal, and redemption.” Robert holds graduate degrees in both International Affairs and National Security Studies and Strategy. His commentaries, articles and book reviews have appeared in over fifty newspapers, magazines, professional journals and academic publications for over four decades. He has additionally lived and worked in seventeen different countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Today he is an international speaker, commentator, and security consultant. Discover more at www.robertbruceadolph.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wylie McGraw is a 3-tour combat veteran, former star athlete, and competitive bull rider. At 45, Wylie McGraw is the oldest combat veteran in decades to re-enlist for active duty—but for him, this isn’t just about helping to fix a broken military. A devout Catholic, he felt a spiritual calling to serve again, believing God and patriotism left him no choice. After a 16-year career advising/optimizing the lives of Fortune 500 CEOs, pro athletes, and billionaires, Wylie answered the call of duty once again — returning to service as one of the rare few accepted into Special Operations Psychological Warfare. Despite a ruptured ACL he regrew without surgery and 21 years out of uniform, he’s gearing up for his third round of bootcamp, because he believes the US needs a stronger military now. He believes the military is at its weakest point in modern history — plagued by “wokeism,” a leadership vacuum, and a recruitment crisis where 77% of young Americans are unfit to serve. Integrity is gone, lethality has declined, and legacy military families are telling their kids to stay out. Wylie’s mission? Restore core values, mentor future-ready soldiers, and help America face near-peer threats like China and Russia. His views align with veterans like Pete Hegseth, now leading the Pentagon — he sees this as the moment to help course-correct. Having helped over 100 combat vets rebuild their lives, Wylie understands what it takes to face and overcome personal battles. He believes much of today’s cultural decline stems from people avoiding those inner struggles, creating a void now filled by ideologies that prize comfort over strength that are weakening the nation from within.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angelica Kapsis, President and Co-Founder of VotRite, leads efforts to revolutionize U.S. elections with secure, accessible, and transparent voting technology. A Navy Veteran with degrees in forensic science and psychology, she champions ADA compliance and inclusivity. Angelica also founded Scorpion Fitness Centers, promoting wellness for all abilities. Her community service includes firefighting and mentoring. Under her leadership, VotRite has earned multiple innovation awards. With a skilled team, she drives advancements in electoral tech and shares insights through media appearances, advocating for fair, hack-proof elections where every vote counts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pashtana Durrani (b. 1997 near Quetta, Pakistan) is an Afghan feminist, human-rights advocate, and educator devoted to securing education for girls in Afghanistan. Born and raised in a refugee camp, she was deeply influenced by her parents—her father, a tribal leader, had opened a girls’ school in the camp, and her mother and aunt taught there—a foundation that sparked her lifelong commitment to learning. In 2018, she founded LEARN Afghanistan, the nation’s first digital school network, which delivers educational content via tablets and an offline platform to girls and boys in underserved areas. By the Taliban’s return in 2021, LEARN operated 18 digital schools, educating over 10,000 students and training more than 80 teachers in digital literacy. It also includes programs on menstrual hygiene, reaching hundreds of girls. After the Taliban takeover in August 2021, Durrani went into hiding and eventually fled to the United States. Undeterred, within a month, she resumed operations covertly, creating underground schools across six provinces—Kandahar, Helmand, Daikundi, Samangan, Herat, and Bamyan—educating hundreds of girls daily. Academically, Pashtana was a visiting fellow—and later International Scholar-in-Residence—at the Wellesley Centers for Women, continuing her work on girls’ education and maternal health, while pursuing a Master’s degree at Harvard University. Her work has earned global recognition through many accolades, including the Malala Fund Education Champion award, the Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Emerging Leader Prize, recognition among the BBC 100 Women, the UN Young Activists Award, and honors from the World Economic Forum, the Muhammad Ali Center, and the International Leadership Association, among others. Durrani is also the author of Last to Eat, Last to Learn, a memoir recounting her journey from refugee to activist and her fight for Afghan girls’ education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Logan Spiewak is the dedicated executive director of the Boots To Health Foundation, bringing awealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting veterans' health and well-being. As aformer infantry Marine, Logan understands the unique challenges faced by veterans and ispassionate about providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive.Prior to his work with the foundation, Logan successfully started and operated his own business,demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills. His experience in business hasequipped him with valuable insights into organizational management and strategic planning,which he now applies to the Boots To Health Foundation to ensure its success.Logan's journey from the military to entrepreneurship to nonprofit leadership reflects his driveand determination to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Under his leadership, theBoots To Health Foundation continues to grow and fulfill its mission of supporting veterans inachieving their health and wellness goals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tactical Traveler Group is not your average vacation service. It’s a purpose-driven platform offering deeply discounted and even complimentary travel opportunities for veterans, active duty members, and their families. With PTSD and burnout at an all-time high among the military community, John is on a mission to make healing, family reconnection, and mental decompression accessible and affordable through unforgettable travel experiences. As a decorated warrior and former 6-time MMA champion, John knows the value of resilience and recovery. He’s already helped countless vets transition to civilian life through mentorship—and now he’s using his platform to give them something many have never had: peace of mind on a beautiful beach or a mountain retreat. This is a powerful human-interest story of transformation, service, and visionary thinking—perfect for your readers who care about wellness, military life, and purpose-based entrepreneurship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode are documentary filmmaker Jake Rademacher whose new film “Brothers After War“, a follow up to his 2009 documentary “Brothers At War”, is currently available on DVD and digital platforms. He’s joined by his Executive Producer Gary Sinise (“Forrest Gump”, “The Green Mile”). “Brothers After War” finds Rademacher on a journey to reconnect with the veterans (including his two brothers) he embedded with in Iraq during the making of the first film. Combining footage from his time in Iraq with a journey around the World to reunite with the members of these elite combat units, Jake furthers his mission of helping service members and their families navigate the challenges of deployment and life beyond service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean Hagerty is a retired Special Operations Soldier with over 25 years of experience. He spent his younger years training and conducting combat operations with the 1st of the 75th Ranger Regiment. After nine years, in 2005, he was selected for and assigned to a Special Operations unit at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. There he spent sixteen years and finished his military career, retiring as a Sergeant Major. He received several awards and decorations throughout his career including three Bronze Stars. Sean currently works for the Department of Defense Science Board as the Senior Advisor. “The Defense Science Board (DSB) is charged with solving tough, technical, national security problems for the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Under Secretaries of Defense, the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other senior Department officials.” His wife Misty is an Executive Officer at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Their children Courtney, Travis, Samantha, and Delaney all live in the Washington D.C. area and are thriving, growing and traveling along their own paths. The grandchildren Rowen, Jameson, and Wren keep Sean and Misty busy. Sean Hagerty has combined over 25+ years of service in the Special Operations community and deep-rooted research instincts from years of academic pursuits in history to tell this story. This story was written mostly in the plush seats of the daily Tackett's Mill/Pentagon commuter bus and the shaky bucket seats of the Franconia Springfield/Largo blue metro line. However, a few chapters were written while traveling for work, taking advantage of uninterrupted thoughts on an airliner. One chapter was even written during an evening break while on a business trip aboard the USS Nimitz CVN 68 aircraft carrier out in the Pacific Ocean. Cabal all came together during evening edits in his home shared with Misty, in Lakeridge, Virginia. Jones Point was the first novel in the Dane Cooper series. Cabal is the second. The Department of Defense, Defense Office of Prepublication and Security Review has cleared the publication of both novels. Review was required due to Sean's past and current security clearance. Jones Point was published by Blue Handle Publishing on April 15th, 2024. Cabal will be released June 6th, 2025.. Readers can learn more about Sean at authorseanhagerty.com and follow Sean.Hagerty.73 on Facebook/Instagram and @seanhagerty850 on TikTok.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Linquist is a United States Marine Corps veteran who served two tours in Iraq before being injured in 2005. Originally from Canton, Ohio, he now lives in Santa Cruz, California, with his wife Shawndy and their two children, Kylee and Milo. Peter is deeply involved in the veteran community as the Championship Director and Member Liaison for the Veteran Motocross Foundation, an Ambassador Athlete for Operation Vet Now, and an instructor with MotoDemption. His passion for motocross and service continues to fuel his mission of helping fellow veterans find purpose, healing, and adrenaline beyond the battlefield.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Norton drew on both experience and research to pen the Code Word novels. As a warship captain during the cold war, Doug held launch codes for nuclear weapons and was prepared to use them, but he also participated in high-stakes international negotiations to reduce their numbers and the chance of nuclear war. In Geneva, Brussels, London, and Washington he experienced diplomacy and politics in tense meetings, glittering receptions, and deadline-driven all-nighters. A graduate of the Naval Academy and of the University of Washington, Doug was a Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow and Director of International Studies at the Naval Academy. After serving more than twenty-five years, Captain Norton retired from the navy and was an executive recruiter for fifteen years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally from Hawaii, Patrick Naughton is a United States Army officer and a Military Historian. He is currently teaching at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In 2012, he received the Army’s General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. He has had unique opportunities to serve as an Interagency Fellow with the Department of Labor, a Legislative Liaison to the U.S. Senate, and a Congressional Partnership Program Fellow with the Partnership for a Secure America—all in Washington, D.C. He also served as a Senior Leadership Fellow with the Center for Junior Officers at West Point. Patrick holds a Master of Military Arts and Science degree in History from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, where he was recognized as an Art of War Scholar. He also holds a Master of Science in Crisis and Emergency Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, both from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he was named an Army ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. Patrick Naughton’s first book, “Born from War: A Soldier’s Quest to Understand Vietnam, Iraq, and the Generational Impact of Conflict,” is now available in hardcover or eBook format through Amazon, directly from Casemate Publishers, and from a variety of other booksellers. The book compares his father’s time in Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne and advising the South Vietnamese Army, to Patrick’s own experience during the Global War on Terror and in Iraq. Though decades of history and politics separate their service, the similarities between their experiences are undeniably striking. The result is an engaging and eye-opening narrative that weaves together the combat experiences of two generations of soldiers. From the failure of grand strategies to personal combat stories, the memories of those lost, and the evolving social challenges facing today’s military—America’s wars against communism and terror are laid bare through the lens of one family’s service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After graduating from the University of New Hampshire, Brennan Morton joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as a sniper, breacher, and team leader in 2d Recon. He deployed for two combat tours before opening a gym in Northeastern Pennsylvania, where he currently lives with Christine, his muse, and their daughter Pepper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Major General William M. Matz, Jr, U.S. Army (Ret), was appointed as the eighth Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission in January 2018 by President Donald Trump, a position he held until March 2021.  General Matz is a highly decorated combat veteran of the United States
Army with a distinguished military career spanning four decades. As an
infantryman, he served in Korea and Panama, and as a company commander with the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam, where he was wounded in action in the 1968 Tet offensive. He served multiple tours in the 82d and 101st Airborne Divisions and was executive secretary to two secretaries of defense, Caspar Weinberger and Frank Carlucci. During the Vietnam War, he served two years with the Navy/Marine amphibious forces in the Pacific and deployed with the 7th Infantry Division to Panama during Operation JUST CAUSE in 1989.  Upon retirement from the Army in 1995, General Matz worked nine years in the defense industry. He was first employed by Raytheon Company as vice president, Army Programs; and later as general manager for Vinnell/Northrop Grumman’s Saudi Arabian National Guard Modernization Program in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, returning to the United States in June 2004.  In 2005, President Bush appointed him to the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission, where he served until the commission rendered its report to the Congress in 2008. He is also past President of the National Association for Uniformed Services (NAUS), a national veteran’s organization that advocates in Congress for service members, veterans and their families.  He is on the Eisenhower Institute National Advisory Council and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association.  He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Airborne and Ranger Schools, the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Gettysburg College and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of San Diego. He is also a graduate of Harvard University’s Program for Senior Executives in National and International Security.  Among his military service awards and decorations are the Distinguished Service Cross (second highest award our nation bestows for valor on the battlefield), Silver Star, Bronze Star for Valor, Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman Badge.  General Matz was born in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Linda, reside in Naples, FL, and have three children and seven grandsons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melissa Ziobro began her career as a civilian historian, archivist, and curator for the US Army in 2004 prior to returning to her alma mater, Monmouth University, to teach full-time. She has taught over a dozen different courses, including Intro to Public History; Oral History; Museums and Archives Management Basics; NJ History; and the Vietnam War. In August of 2023, she became curator of the University's Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music, after having worked with the Center for many years in her faculty role (to include curating the Center’s first traveling exhibit, Springsteen: His Hometown, with the Monmouth County Historical Association in 2019). Her most recent publications include Fort Monmouth: The US Army’s House of Magic (2024) and The Battlin' Bastards of Bravo: Bravo Company, 1/506th, 101st Airborne, in Vietnam and Beyond (2025).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the heart of every shadow that plagues our communities, from the silent cries of the trafficked to the silent battles of addiction, We Fight Monsters stands as a beacon of hope and defiance. Born from the shared experiences of those who've faced the abyss and emerged to tell the tale, our organization is a testament to the power of resilience and the strength of unity. We are the ones who navigate the night to bring back the lost, who stand in the face of evil not with weapons, but with the unwavering belief in redemption and recovery. Ben is a daddy to eight (sometimes ten), grandparent to one, humanitarian, fighter of evil, bringer of hope, formerly addicted, alcoholic and homeless. He's also the owner of BlackRifle Co, a data intelligence and digital media agency not to be confused with the coffee company of similar name, and co-founder of two non-profits—We Fight Monsters and Flanders Field—that help people in some of the worst places in America and the world. Ben loves sharing that his wife Jess can drive, load, and fire a M18 Hellcat, a WWII tank destroyer. He’s also the only crackhead ever invited to CIA headquarters. When they’re not in South Memphis helping others rebuild their lives after addiction, Ben and Jess can be found in rural Georgia where they live with their family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Command Sergeant Major retired Bart E. Womack, served the United States Army with distinction for over 29 years as a professional soldier, providing focus, leadership, and mentorship to all Officers and Enlisted soldiers. His maturity, expertise, and personal dedication to excellence contributed immeasurably to the readiness of the Armed Forces and the security of our great nation. Highlights of his distinguished military career include Drill Sergeant, Ranger Instructor, and Sergeant of the Guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He culminated his career in dual roles as Commandant of the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, and the 101st Airborne Division Command Sergeant Major. He’s a Combat Veteran whose awards include 2 Bronze Stars, one for Valor, the Legion of Merit, the Combat Infantryman Badge w/star, the Tomb Guard Identification Badge, and the Army Ranger Tab to name a few. He is also a Distinguished Member of the Regiment of the 327th Infantry Regiment and the 3rd Infantry Regiment respectively.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert J. O’Neill is one of the most highly decorated combat veterans of our time. He served at SEAL Team Two, SEAL Team Four and eight years at the legendary SEAL Team Six. Having taken part in and leading over 400 combat missions, Rob operated in Liberia, The Balkans, The Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean, Ukraine, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Having been decorated 53 times, his awards include two Silver Stars for gallantry in action against the enemy, four Bronze Stars with Valor to denote heroism against the enemy, a Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor, three Presidential Unit Commendations and three Combat Action ribbons to name a few. Some of Rob’s qualifications include Military Free-Fall Jumpmaster, Tandem Tethered Bundle Master, Naval Special Warfare Scout / Sniper, Breacher, Master Naval Parachutist, Master Training Specialist, Diving Supervisor, Range Officer in Charge for Small Arms, Close Quarters Battle, Breaching, Laser System Safety Officer among many others. Rob took part in the rescue for Operation Red Wings, which extracted the Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell, he was the lead jumper for the rescue operation that saved Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates and he was a Team Leader for Operation Neptune’s Spear, the mission to kill Osama bin Laden. Rob is co-founder of Special Operators Transition Foundation, specializing in assisting Special Operations Forces veterans with the successful transition from the service into their next great career in corporate America. Rob is the author of the NY Times and London Times Best Selling Memoir THE OPERATOR: Firing the Shots that Killed Osama bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team Warrior. Rob has been interviewed on Fox News, CNN, CBS, Newsmax and others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.