Ep. 429 - Marc Yablonka

Every special operations veteran has a unique path that led them to pursue their time in the community.  SOFREP writer Luke Ryan is no different, and his origin story is one that you won't want to miss.  What's of particular interest, is Luke's experience growing up in Pakistan as a kid.  His dad worked as an ophthalmologist in Gilgit running his own eye clinic.  Seeing some of the global conflicts there that took place pre-9/11, and the huge change in attitude towards Westerners after the towers fell, is a behind the scenes look that very few can discuss from experience.  What was really a game changer though, was Luke finding himself in the heat of a school shooting years later, and his instinct to stay calm really stood out. Also on this episode we discuss two new appointments to the Trump administration, Dr. Ronny Jackson to Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and John Bolton to National Security Advisor.  We talk foreign policy, and also check out the emails you're sending us to sofrep.radio@sofrep.com.  Also of note, Jack Murphy's memoir "Murphy's Law" is now up for pre-order.  I expect it to be an intense read!  Enjoy, and leave us a five star review when you're done on Apple Podcasts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4 Huhti 20181h 16min

We've teamed up with our friends at Harley Davidson this episode in compiling some of our best moments from the show.  If you love hearing some thrilling combat stories, you're in for some action with this one.  We even kick it off with some never before heard audio from Robert O'Neill, best known as the UBL shooter from SEAL Team 6.  You'll hear why Harley Davidson is such a highly regarded brand in the special operations community.  When guys come home from deployment, often times getting on that motorcycle is the true taste of freedom for them. Along with Rob this episode are several of our favorite segments from our biggest guests.  These include Nick Irving talking about Army Sniper School and Ranger Battalion, Mike Vining on serving as an EOD tech during Vietnam, and "Tanto" Kris Paronto on the Benghazi terror attack he survived and testifying before Congress.  We wrap with the remarkable story of Green Beret Ivan Castro losing his eye and eyesight in combat, and continuing to serve, as well as run marathons.  Ivan was even there during the attack on the Boston Marathon believe it or not.  These are inspiring stories that you don't want to miss, so check it out.  Be sure to also check out our Instagram because I've been putting up some of our show highlights on there.  As always leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it's quick and easy, and keep your questions for the show coming to sofrep.radio@sofrep.com . Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 Maalis 201855min

Hugh Slatter has a story that you may not have heard before, but we feel you need to.  That's why he's our feature guest here on Episode 338.  Serving in Zimbabwe's Air Force and earning the rank of Air Vice Marshal, Slatter saw the tyrannical governments in Africa in a light that few ever have, and none would ever wish to.  He details his story of imprisonment and torture with us, and eventually his move to the U.S.  Slatter's book discusses all of this at length, and all proceeds for the memoir go toward veteran causes.  It's called "Pilot, Prisoner, Patriot: One Man's Triumph over Torture & Tragedy" available exclusively on HughSlatter.com, and you can get it signed there as well. Jack Murphy also recaps going to the NYC March for Our Lives, and interviewing attendees for a future short documentary airing on The Spec Ops Channel.  ...I admit that I realized after we recorded, that we also should have gotten into the appointment of John Bolton to National Security Advisor!  I will make note that we need to hit that next time.  We also read your emails sent to sofrep.radio@sofrep.com.  Don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, it's quick, and it helps us continue to pump out kick ass content for you twice each week. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Maalis 20181h 9min

*Note: This episode was previously released in May to our members.* For several years now, we’ve heard the outcry from SOFREP members to add a second show a week, and we have finally delivered!  This one does not disappoint.  SOFREP writer The Odyssean, who served doing intelligence for the Army, and went on to do data collection and analysis in the private sector working in countries like Japan, breaks down some of the conflict in the region right now.  He joins Drew Dwyerand me to give a great in-depth perspective from a guy who’s there been on the ground. We dig into his article “Japanese government issues citizens DEFCON warning because of North Korea,” and also have some fun talking about the documentary, “Dennis Rodman’s Big Bang in Pyongyang.”  While we’re taping, a very special guest makes an unscheduled appearance in the studio that you will not want to miss. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Maalis 20181h 44min

Never in the history of SOFREP Radio has there been a more requested guest in my experience than Pat McNamara.  We were glad to deliver.  On this episode, the former Delta Force operator and tactical shooting Youtube sensation gets down and dirty.  We get some stories out of him including a HALO jump right before his retirement where a woman crossed his line and Pat was not happy about it; as well as training in some boxing with fellow Delta Force operator George Hand.  Pat also talks shooting and training tactics, and why he is not a particular fan of knife fighting.  Pat's also a metalhead, and just a few nights ago he got to catch Judas Priest on tour at Nassau Coliseum in NY.  Pat gives a pretty epic recap of it that you won't want to miss. Pat's company is TMACS Inc. and if you want to learn some truly effective firearms skills, he's the man to take a course from.  You can see a schedule of where he's teaching on his website (TMacsInc.com) store, and you can also grab a signed copy of his book "Sentinel."  You can also follow Pat on Instagram @TMacsInc which he is very active on.  The man's even got his own line of Invader Coffee through Rogue American Apparel.  A real treat hearing some intense words from a legend in the SOF community, we know you'll enjoy it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Maalis 20181h 2min

Benni and Jack make for an interesting couple I have to say.  I mean, how many couples do you know where both parties voluntarily go into the most dangerous of war zones in the world to document and report on what's going on?  One piece of news many of you will be excited to hear here, Argentieri's directorial debut, "Our War" is now available on Amazon, and it's even free to view for Amazon Prime members.  The film documents three Westerners who volunteered to fight alongside the Kurds in Northern Syria.  After you watch, be sure to leave a review there, and also let Benni know your feedback.  She's on Twitter @benargentieri. Argentieri's next film "I am the Revolution" from PossibileFilm is in post-production, and this one focuses on the female fighters on the ground fighting terrorism.  We hope to see it come out real soon.  We discuss the Middle East at large on this show, and what the future holds.  We also get into who poses a bigger threat to the U.S. between Russia and China, a subject Jack and Benni are not in agreement on.  You'll also get their take on President Trump planning to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un. Visit Benedetta Argentieri online at benedetta-argentieri.com, and check out PossibileFilm at PossibileFilm.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Maalis 20181h 4min

Former Delta Force operator George E. Hand IV has become a favorite of SOFREP readers.  Truly a wealth of knowledge, hearing George share his current work in helping law enforcement to fight human trafficking is not only interesting, but informative in a way that you the listener may find yourself helpful in joining the fight.  He lays out some of the signs he sees from the tattoos these women have, to small details he'll notice in photos posted as ads by these traffickers for erotic services.   The overbearing theme George stresses comes down to what he labels as unnatural behavior.  These operations are happening all over, and likely near your own town.  It is by no means a victim-less crime, and you'll learn why on this episode.  Jack and I also cover some news, and one particular comment that we felt needed to be heard by the father of a Green Beret killed in action.  You can follow George on Twitter @GeorgeEHandIV.  He's also written some stellar articles over the years that we hope you're inspired to dig through if you haven't done so already. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Maalis 20181h 23min

The first time Jack and I met Alex in person was earlier this year at SHOT Show, and we haven't had him on in a while, so an update from the Marine staff writer was in order.  SHOT Show 2018 was Alex's first rodeo if you will, so we hear his account of the trade show.  We get into the interesting subject of the Department of Defense allocating money into the studying of UFOs.  We also talk China's space program forging ahead, and if this is a possible threat to the future of Russia and the U.S. in such endeavors.  This then brings us to some Star Trek talk, and Alex and Jack nerd out pretty hard. Alex has also gained quite a following with his weekly "Old Man Fitness" column.  He gives some great tips to those getting back in the game, and trying to get in shape.  Hollings also tells what his goal is when writing about fitness, and some of the nonsense on social media he aims to debunk that inspires his writings in this field.  As always, we appreciate the support, follow us @SOFREPRadio if you've yet to, and keep the 5 star reviews on Apple Podcasts coming.  We love to read what you have to say. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 Maalis 20181h 3min