Warrior Legacy Podcast

In the final installment of the perception series, Stew clarifies the legacy of the the Global War on Terror infantryman, as he experienced it and believes it.

Stew brings to the forefront the last military archetype. Servicemembers presented as Nation Builders were the primary focus of narrative controllers in the latter phases of OIF/OEF. Stew explains the dangers of misplaced moral responsibility abroad and how it manifested into the expectations that didn’t match ground level reality.

Stew follows the changing narrative of how Servicembers were presented by the American government during the early and middle stages of the War on Terror and the dangers of admiring a kinder, gentler view of the Armed Forces.

In the first part of the Perception Series, Stew identifies and breaks down the common vision of servicemembers as automatons, without the capacity to think critically. He presses forward with the information from episode 14 and states clearly how this “Robot” label is detrimental to understanding warriors and gleaning priceless knowledge from their experiences.

In this episode, Stew sets the stage for an in depth look of the most common representations of the American warrior, by identifying 2 main sources of influence: Hollywood and recruiting campaigns. This episode paved the way to dive deeper into common military perceptions that challenges what was created during the War on Terror. Stay tuned for more!

In this episode, Stew gives his thoughts on what military service means and how young people should approach the prospect of enlisting.

This episode is filled with lessons learned from some of the prominent men in history. Stew briefly examines the examples of men like US fighter pilot John Boyd, Phillip the second of Macedon, and Alexander the Great. As he progresses, Stew sheds light on their impact- both good and bad- and gives us a look at the incredible father figure that prepared him for the trials of the infantry and combat.

Throughout this show, there's been mention of how best to have honest conversations about military service. In this episode, we put this into action by going far beyond the well-intentioned but shallow, "thank you for your service" model. For years now, Shaun Hall has been knee deep in those honest discussions. His own podcast-the Scuttlebutt- deals specifically with the social and cultural differences between the armed forces and American society at large. I caught up with Shaun a few weeks back while coordinating my interview with Brad Washabaugh for episode 5 and he asked me to be a guest on the Scuttlebutt. This conversation is, without question, the most thought provoking and vulnerable discussion that I have had with a civilian. Chances like this to learn about how someone with different life experiences frames the world and understands the role of the fighting man within it. Check out Shaun's podcast to learn more and enjoy this episode as we both place everything on the table.

While sharing a few milestone achievements, Stew recalls the challenges of his early days as a young Grunt and brings a few of the lessons learned to his current predicament.

BOOM! That’s the sound of an unexpected life event. It just so happens that this episode is about how Stew has responded to an potentially disastrous curve ball hurled at him. So what do we do in those moments when our environment becomes unstable? Do we take what is offered and accept the terms that life dictates to us? Or do we reinvent ourselves and adapt like the warrior conquerors of old that forced life into submission?

Interested in hearing someone spit out some brutal honesty? That's exactly what listeners are in for in the latest installment of the Warrior Legacy Podcast. Stew defines what it means to be a warrior by providing a picture of life in infantry service. He identifies common misconceptions of warriors in today society and provides a reading from renowned author, Retired Major General Bob Scales to support his claim. Stew wastes no time explaining how even combat veterans, who have earned that title in the crucible of warfare, pass on to a different phase of life. As he closes, he shares some insights into how coming to terms with this fact has helped him move forward and keep fighting for something better!

Stew sails the ship into a different ocean on this episode by discussing the role of mothers and wives within the warrior community. He tells us about the effects of long absences, imminent danger, and neglect that have impacted the wonderful women who have animated his home and his childhood. The process of his self-examination and the second and third order effects of reflection are on full display as he endeavors to be a better husband and son. Happy Mother's Day to the women that make our world go round.

Stew delivers a first hand account of his self-imposed struggles as he exited the Marine Corps in 2016. He identifies the critical factors in his backslide and tells the powerful story of how establishing his core values and discovering his purpose propelled him forward to a much better place. This episode is overflowing with honesty, self-examination, and transparency that challenges the commonly accepted view of transition, victimhood, and expectation.

In this first video episode, 29-year Infantry Veteran, Brad Washabaugh pulls back the curtain on our host, revealing some of the most visceral memories of his combat experience and his career. Full of current and historical examples, unfettered emotion, and honesty, this episode provides a brief view of the emotional journey that Stew has taken up to this point. This episode digs deeper into the examples of the men that imprinted on him and altered the course of his trajectory in life. Brad's questions are thought provoking and direct, which models the manner in which civilians should questions veterans concerning their experiences. Check out the Veteran's Breakfast Club on YouTube!

Packed with raw emotion and honesty, Episode 3 presents two of the most impactful men in our host's life. Stew tells the stories of Hannibal Barca- the Carthaginian military giant- and Zach Walters-his mentor and Squad Leader before his deployment to Marjah, Afghanistan. He closes this initial discussion of the Infantry Values by examining the timeless influence and example of these two great leaders that have shaped his life in such a dramatic way and challenges us to evaluate who we are versus who we were meant to be. If you want to discover more about Hannibal read "Masters of Command and the Genius of Leadership" by Barry Strauss or "The Ghosts of Cannae" by Robert L. O'Connell.

Continuing the discussion of Infantry Values from Episode 2, Stew constructs a clear picture of daily life as Grunt. As he briefly passes through his near decade of time in service, he provides analysis of common practices that spurs on critical thinking and answers the question, "Why is infantry culture different?" Now a father, he details the positive effect of these elements within his home to show us how we can upgrade our own experience as Americans.

 In this episode, Stew begins his discussion of the Marine Infantry's core values and why he still holds them in such high regard. Part 1 of many more to come, this episode presents the values as a defining quality of the Global War on Terror grunt. Two of his temporary defeats are used to explain the environment that they are made in and the immeasurable worth that this culture has. Using his own life after service, Stew provides an example of how they can be used to help us live better, more-fulfilled lives and help us accomplish our goals. Whether you're cruising through life crushing it or in a dark place looking for a way to move forward, this episode can serve as a reminder of what you got you to that sweet spot or points out the starting point for you to get there. 

In the first episode of The Warrior Legacy Podcast, Stew invites listeners to explore a different perspective of national service that compares competing mentalities and challenges the common association of "Assembly Line Servicemembers." He provides a brief overview of his career as a Marine Infantryman, his various deployments, and his evaluation of Marine Corps culture versus Marine infantry culture during the Global War on Terror.