The Morning Formation Podcast

<p>Hosted by KP Phillips—a U.S. Army combat veteran, former law enforcement officer, and seasoned instructor in tactics, firearms, and combatives—<b>The Formation Podcast</b> is built on the core pillars of <b>Survivability</b>, <b>Situational Awareness</b>, and the mindset to <b>Adapt & Overcome</b>.</p><p><br /></p><p>Drawing from over two decades of real-world experience in combat zones and high-risk environments, KP leads authentic conversations with warriors, protectors, and everyday individuals who’ve faced adversity head-on. This podcast is more than content—it's a <b>movement</b> for those who understand that <b>the fight begins before the event</b>.</p><p><br /></p><p>Through storytelling, lived experience, and expert insight, The Formation Podcast equips its listeners with the mindset, tools, and awareness to remain vigilant and prepared—whether on the battlefield, in the streets, or in everyday life.</p>

Steel Sharpens Steel: Combat Veteran Shares Leadership Lessons with SFC Alexander Stewart

Shoot me a message! SFC Alexander Stewart returns to share insights on leadership, resilience, and mental health advocacy, exploring how military experience shapes character and the universal lessons we can learn from service. • Stewart is preparing for a 22-mile ruck march for Hick Strong, a nonprofit providing free counseling for service members • Failure should be viewed as an opportunity to grow rather than a reason to give up • Stewart's book "Unspoken Words" has helped bridge understan...

09-08
01:28:34

Nobody Kicks Ass Without Tanker Gas: Leadership Lessons at 20,000 Feet with Mark Hasara

Shoot me a message! Lieutenant Colonel Mark Hasara shares his extraordinary experiences from 24 years in the Air Force as a KC-135 aerial refueling pilot, revealing how tanker missions form the backbone of modern combat operations while offering profound leadership lessons. • Childhood dreams sparked by watching aircraft at LAX led to a career flying the KC-135 tanker despite facing discouragement from teachers and counselors • First combat mission during Desert Storm refueling Wild Weasel a...

08-11
02:02:22

Rising Above Trauma: Sumeya's Non Profit Path to Empowerment

Shoot me a message! Army Veteran Sumeya Gibril shares her powerful story of founding Rise Above, Be Relentless Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting military sexual trauma survivors through healing, mentorship, and empowerment. • Experienced childhood sexual trauma and domestic violence from ages 6-11 before migrating to America • Started the foundation after witnessing how military sexual assault victims were often blamed while perpetrators faced no consequences • Foundation provi...

08-04
01:15:30

Service and Healing: One Dram at a Time with Army Combat Vet Corey Rzucidlo

Shoot me a message! We dive deep into the powerful mission of Last Dram Standing, a nonprofit using whiskey as a vehicle to build community and honor fallen service members. Corey shares his journey from combat veteran to nonprofit founder and how he's turning personal pain into purpose through meaningful connection. • Founded during COVID when Corey was seeking community after military service • Uses whiskey not as a means of consumption but as a catalyst for meaningful human connection • C...

07-28
54:01

Serving Beyond the Uniform: A Marine's Journey to Law with Leo Fuentes, Esq.

Shoot me a message! Marine Corps veteran Leo Fuentes shares his journey from enlisting at 18 to becoming a California attorney, showcasing how military leadership skills transfer to civilian success in the legal profession. • Choosing military service as an escape from neighborhood gang violence and a path toward creating a better future • Gaining leadership experience at just 19 years old, managing troops much older than himself • Learning to adjust expectations when transitioning to civili...

07-15
55:46

Unspoken Words: A Combat Veteran's Journey from Chaos to Advocacy with SFC Alexander Stewart

Shoot me a message! Sergeant First Class Alexander Stewart shares his powerful journey as a combat veteran serving on three different fronts while becoming a mental health advocate and author. His raw account reveals how witnessing 9/11 as a child sparked his military service and how he's now channeling combat experiences into helping others facing invisible wounds. • Inspired to enlist after witnessing the impact of 9/11 on his New York community just 45 minutes from NYC • Deployed to Afgha...

06-30
01:47:58

Grappling with Purpose: How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Shapes Character with Black Belts Mike Medina and Juno Lucero

Shoot me a message! We explore the transformative journey of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with black belt Mike Medina and competitor Juno Lucero, delving into how this martial art shapes character, builds mental resilience, and provides purpose beyond the mats. • Juno shares his background growing up in New Mexico and how Mike introduced him to jiu-jitsu at a young age • Both guests recount street fight stories and how martial arts training prepared them for real-world confrontations • Juno explains ...

06-23
58:32

The Jobbaloon Show: Comedy, Candid Pranks, and Viral Content

Shoot me a message! Josh (aka Jobbaloon) shares the unexpected journey from obscurity to viral comedy sensation through his street pranks and the challenges of content creation without monetization. His hilarious approach of asking strangers to pretend they're fans of his show before revealing unexpected twists creates genuine reactions that have garnered millions of views. • Started the Jobbaloon Show after working with Insane Clown Posse and discovering streaming platforms • First viral vi...

06-16
01:03:19

Reclaiming Your Vitality: The Truth About Testosterone Therapy with Ultimate Male Clinic

Shoot me a message! Struggling with low energy, poor sleep, or diminishing physical performance? You're not alone. In this eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Matt Schaefer, a former Division I football player turned medical provider, and Yuan, the clinical manager at Ultimate Male Clinic, to unpack the realities of testosterone replacement therapy and modern approaches to men's health. Matt brings a unique perspective, drawing from his background as an athlete, paramedic, and now a he...

06-09
59:29

From UCLA Gridiron Glory to Life Coaching: Kam Brown's Journey

Shoot me a message! Former UCLA wide receiver Kam Brown shares his journey from growing up as the son of Super Bowl MVP Larry Brown to carving out his own path in college football and beyond. His story reveals profound insights about grit, faith, and determination that extend far beyond the gridiron. • Growing up in Texas football culture, playing since age four but never feeling forced into the sport • Choosing UCLA for its unique campus environment and experiencing it as life-changing • Ba...

06-02
59:00

Gunshots to Grappling: Two Lives Transformed by Jiu-Jitsu with Black Belt Mike Medina and Nate Crisler

Shoot me a message! BJJ Black Belt Mike Medina and Rising star Blue Belt Nate Crisler share their extraordinary journeys through trauma and resilience, revealing how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu transformed their lives from surviving childhood violence to building community through martial arts. • Mike survived being shot in a drive-by shooting at age 11 in Taos, New Mexico • Nate lost his father at age 9 and moved frequently during his formative years • Both found purpose and direction through Brazi...

05-26
01:19:47

Pitching Through Pain: A West Point Athlete's Journey to Pro Baseball

Shoot me a message! Tanner Gresham, former Army West Point pitcher now in the Philadelphia Phillies minor league system, shares his remarkable journey of resilience and determination through baseball, military service, and recovery from Tommy John surgery. • Son of a minor league baseball player who reached AAA level and briefly made the majors • Chose West Point for its prestigious education and post-graduation opportunities • Balanced the intense demands of being a cadet athlete with rigor...

05-19
55:51

Ambitious AF: Where Mental Toughness Meets Neuroscience with Erin Whitehead

Shoot me a message! Erin Whitehead, a brain health expert and CEO of Ambitious AF, shares her journey from surviving a traumatic car accident to coaching Navy SEALs on mastering attention through neurobiology. • Survived a car crash in 2007 where another driver attempted suicide, leaving Erin with a traumatic brain injury • Made a spiritual promise after her near-death experience that took a decade to fulfill • Left traditional employment after being fired from every job and launched her own...

05-05
01:03:05

Marine to Entrepreneur: Rob Martinez's Mission to Support Service Members

Shoot me a message! Rob Martinez, founder of All Clear Gear, shares his powerful journey from Marine Corps veteran to entrepreneur creating solutions for transitioning service members by cleaning their gear to military standards. • Left the Marine Corps in 2017 after not being selected for MARSOC despite passing assessment • Struggled with purpose during his first 18 months as a civilian, working multiple jobs without satisfaction • Experienced losing many fellow veterans to suicide during t...

04-21
01:09:00

Embracing Entrepreneurship: Sumi's Journey from the Army to Business Success

Shoot me a message! Entrepreneurs face many challenges, and Sumi's journey illustrates this beautifully. Sumi emphasizes the perseverance needed to transition from military life into the competitive world of business, helping listeners understand the importance of community, adaptability, and self-belief. • Importance of embracing the entrepreneurial journey • Overcoming challenges and failures • How military skills translate to civilian entrepreneurship • The role of famil...

03-26
46:19

The Veteran Coach: Here's JP's Journey

Shoot me a message! Transform your life through the lens of a veteran's journey from service to success. Engage in a powerful discussion that focuses on resilience, identity, and the importance of community support for veterans. - The significance of mentorship in transitioning from military to civilian life - Challenges faced during reintegration into society - Building resilience and finding new purpose post-service - The role of community in supporting veterans' journeys - Personal succes...

03-12
57:39

Finding Freedom in the Breath: The Art of Letting Go with Athena Desai

Shoot me a message! A journey towards letting go unfolds through guided meditation and mindfulness practices. We emphasize the importance of breathwork and presence, guiding you to embrace this moment without judgment. • Meditation focuses on releasing past burdens • Grounding exercises create stability and connection • Breathing techniques promote relaxation and clarity • Encouragement to cultivate self-compassion during practice • Strategies for returning to t...

03-05
20:35

Embrace Forgiveness Through Meditation with Athena Desai

Shoot me a message! Immerse yourself in a transformative meditation experience designed to help you release the past and embrace forgiveness. This episode invites you to explore the power of breath and intention in your healing journey. • Introduction to the benefits of meditation for emotional healing • Guided meditation focused on letting go of past experiences • Techniques for body awareness and breathing deeply • Setting intentions to enhance your meditation practice&nb...

03-05
22:43

Fighting for Better Military Housing: Melissa Godoy's Advocacy Journey

Shoot me a message! Caught in a whirlwind of systemic failures and neglect, Melissa Godoy brings her personal battle for better military housing to the forefront. Having once walked the halls of mold-ridden and poorly maintained military accommodations at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Melissa transforms her family's struggle into a relentless advocacy campaign. Join us as she dives deep into the heart of military living conditions, exposing the hidden truths about asbestos, rodent infestations, a...

02-26
58:02

Honoring a Fallen Hero: Mallory Crabtree's Journey as a Gold Star Daughter

Shoot me a message! Growing up without a parent is an experience filled with both pain and resilience. Imagine navigating life not just without a father, but one who died a hero serving his country. Join me as we welcome Mallory Crabtree, daughter of the late Sergeant First Class Daniel Crabtree, and hear her personal story of honoring a fallen Green Beret. Mallory shares her journey from a childhood marked by loss to becoming an advocate for military families, providing a poignant glimpse in...

02-12
32:01

Recommend Channels