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

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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: 

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