Mentors For Military Podcast

In this episode Matt Butler recounts his 27-year military career from enlisting and becoming a Green Beret through combat deployments, leadership roles, and the professional frustrations that followed. He shares candidly about addiction, suicidal ideation, and the turning point that led him to plant medicine and shamanic practice. Butler describes his ayahuasca and psilocybin experiences, subsequent apprenticeship with shamans, and his work helping veterans heal. He also discusses his book "From Green Beret to Shamanism," resources for veterans, and how to connect with him at AwakeGreenBeret.com. _________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #jsoc #specialforces #greenberet #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil  Intro musi

U.S. Navy Commander Will Spears shares his path from enlisting as a nuclear electrician to becoming a submarine officer, detailing intense training, life aboard attack and ballistic submarines, and the realities of operating nuclear propulsion undersea. He discusses leadership, accountability, damage control, and how stoic philosophy shaped his approach to moral decisions and resilience, and mentions his book "Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy." His book https://a.co/d/014W9QrP His substack https://williamcspears.substack.com/ _________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #subs #nukes #submarinewarfare #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil  Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Discl

Omar tells his journey from Brooklyn to becoming a Ranger and First Sergeant, sharing how a mortar mistake became a key teaching moment about integrity, trust, and learning. He describes imposter syndrome, the grind of selection and Ranger life, and why humility and mentorship matter. The episode explores the Abrams Charter decision to leave the 75th Ranger Regiment for the 82nd Airborne, the challenge of living as a standard-bearer outside the Rangers, and how leaders can bring hard-earned standards and people-first leadership back to conventional units. _________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #drones #AI #artificialintelligence #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil  Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is

Matt Hill recounts his 21-year Army career, from growing up an Army brat, joining the Army after high school, early deployments in Bosnia and Kosovo, to the 2003 Iraq invasion and multiple tours in Afghanistan, including intense combat in Helmand’s Argonaut River Valley. The episode covers life at Fort Bragg and Fort Benning, serving in the 82nd Airborne and in SFAB (Security Force Assistance Brigades), leadership as a first sergeant, the challenges of long deployments, and adjusting to civilian life while supporting family and fellow veterans. This episode is packed.

Former Navy SEAL Todd Ehrlich shares his path from intense SEAL training and deployments to corporate security, entrepreneurship, and venture investing in defense tech. The episode covers BUD/S stories, transitions to civilian life, founding businesses (including Kill Cliff), supporting the Navy SEAL Foundation, and practical career advice for veterans. Todd also discusses mentorship, networking, and why combining tenacity with curiosity can lead to success in business and giving back to the military community. _________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #SEAL #NavySEAL #mentors4mil #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil Opening music, "Sad Slow Orchestra" is by Ribhav Agrawal on Pixabay Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light

Jason Belford spent 20 years in the U.S. Army, and he gave nearly 17 years to the war in Afghanistan as an infantryman, sniper, platoon sergeant and Army Ranger. He went on 12 deployments to the country and to Iraq as a member of 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and the 10th Mountain Divisions. Jason has been not only a guest on this podcast multiple times, but he has also been a cohost on this show, having helped cohost shows for about a year many years ago. He and Robert have stayed in touch, but recently bumped into one another at the airport in Pittsburgh. They hugged and talked. They instantly knew that another episode was needed. While cohosting years back, Jason had openly talked about how he attempted to take his own life and had hoped that it would help others. He shared the story of how his friend Dave helped him during that time of need. Years later, in 2022, the world was crumbling around him. A number of different events created the perfect storm. Dark clouds. Robert was checking up on hi

The hosts share New Year stories—turning 49, a glittery Bath & Body Works mishap,  and recent trips that they took over the holidays. They also unpack the fast-moving reaction to a U.S. operation in Venezuela, discuss geopolitical moves in places like Greenland and the Arctic, and warn about the pitfalls of instant social media narratives. _________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #drones #AI #artificialintelligence #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil  Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Disclaimer: https://mentorsformilitary.com/disclaimer/

This episode follows Sean Robertson’s journey from a junior enlisted soldier in Georgia to a commissioned officer and leader—driven by the Green to Gold program, mentorship, and relentless self-improvement. Sean overcomes barriers including low test scores and a diagnosed heart murmur, leverages mentors and education (University of Hawaii, Columbia, Naval War College), and serves in key assignments from the 173rd Airborne to the NSA and West Point. He shares lessons on leadership, the importance of mentors like Sergeant Snabel, the concept of “camouflage leadership,” and how persistence, humility, and giving back shaped his career. _________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #drones #AI #artificialintelligence #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.p

Luke Ebeling shares his journey from Colorado climber and college ROTC cadet to serving in Alaska, joining the Ranger Regiment, winning the Best Ranger Competition, and transitioning to civilian life. He discusses mentorship, endurance-focused training, balancing family with military ambition, and founding Atlas Training Solutions to help others prepare for demanding selections and build tactical endurance. _________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #drones #AI #artificialintelligence #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil  Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Disclaimer: https://mentorsformilitary.com/disclaimer/

This episode explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping warfare — from ISR, targeting, drone swarms and decision support to the ethical risks of losing human control. Guests share lessons from Ukraine and the Pacific, discuss limits like range and networks, and stress modernization, industry partnerships, and why leadership and soldiering fundamentals remain essential. _________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #drones #AI #artificialintelligence #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil  Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Disclaimer: https://mentorsformilitary.com/disclaimer/

In this episode Alfred recounts his unexpected journey into the Marines, training as a K-9 handler, and the harrowing experience of an IED explosion in Afghanistan that cost him his dog, Grief, and left him seriously wounded. He shares the chaos of combat, the bond between handler and dog, and the long road of recovery. Alfred also reflects on recruitment, boot camp, canine school, the losses among his unit, the healing power of reunions, and his decision to write Surviving with Grief to honor those who cannot speak for themselves. _________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #marine #usmc #caninehandler #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil  Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Dis

In this episode, Zahraa shares her harrowing journey growing up in a strict village in Iraq, her decision to flee at 19, and a violent attack that led to an unexpected rescue by American soldiers at Baghdad International Airport. She explains how faith and chance carried her through, her arrival in the United States, learning English, pursuing engineering studies, and ultimately joining the U.S. Army where she rose through the ranks as an enlisted cavalry scout and now as an officer in flight school who found purpose serving others. Zahraa reflects on gratitude, the people who helped her, the losses that motivate her, and her commitment to inspire and protect other women and girls facing similar dangers. She is a proud American and also shares how fortunate Americans are to live in this country. _________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #t

Episode 400 celebrates the podcast’s origin and impact: founders and early guests recount how honest, living-room conversations grew into a show focused on transition, purpose, PTSD, and real solutions. The episode revisits pivotal stories, treatments like stellate ganglion blocks, and the raw, organic approach that built an engaged community. Hosts invite listener topics and preview upcoming episodes while thanking supporters for helping the show reach this milestone. A huge thank you to everyone who has listened and who follows us. __________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #taskforceranger #160thsoar #operationgothicserpent #armyrangers #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil  Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence &

A Ranger recounts the sudden shift from training to chaos after the “boom” — helicopters struck, smoke and gunfire, and a race through Mogadishu to extract teammates. They focused on the Ranger Creed. The episode traces Colonel Larry Perino's (then Lieutenant) path from West Point and Ranger training to Task Force Ranger in Somalia, describing fast‑rope assaults, ambushes, downed aircraft, and the desperate vehicle and foot exfil under heavy fire. He reflects on the losses, survivor’s guilt, the duty to remember fallen comrades, and how the experience shaped leadership and care for soldiers afterward. __________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #taskforceranger #160thsoar #operationgothicserpent #armyrangers #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.pa

Gerry Izzo recounts his journey from a Long Island upbringing to becoming a 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) Night Stalker pilot, describing training, combat missions in Grenada and Panama, and the harrowing Operation Gothic Serpent and Task Force Ranger, the Black Hawk Down operation in Mogadishu that is known for the movie by the same name. Listen as Gerry describes the battle in Mogadishu from his perspective as never heard before.  The episode explores leadership, fear, survivor guilt, and the bonds forged in combat, offering firsthand lessons on courage, professionalism, and resilience. __________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #taskforceranger #160thsoar #operationgothicserpent #armyrangers #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https:/

Part One of a 3-Part Series for 2025 as we approach the anniversary of Operation Gothic Serpent - "Black Hawk Down" In this episode, Tara Harris, daughter of First Sergeant Glenn Harris, talks about her father and all of the men who served with him as part of Operation Gothic Serpent in Mogadishu, that became known as The Battle of Black Hawk Down based on the movie. Today, Tara gathers photos, interviews, and archives to preserve the stories of her father, but also of all of B Company, 3rd Ranger Battalion before and after Operation Gothic Serpent, Somalia — including the Somalia deployment, the training and daily lives of Rangers of that period, and life then and now at the B Company 3/75 day room. She digitizes records and connects veterans and families so the Rangers’ experiences and legacies from Task Force Ranger are remembered and shared. If you or someone you know has 75th Ranger Regiment photos, especially those from Mogadishu, email Tara at tharris75thrgrhistory@gmail.com __________ Please lea

In this episode we dive back in time to an older episode with Mike, Kat, and Robert where they explore the difference between structure and routines and how small changes—like waking up earlier or blocking personal time—can reclaim hours in your day. Guests discuss task management versus time management, goal setting, journaling, and flexible routines that support productivity, mental health, and reintegration after military service. Practical tips include keeping a single synced schedule, scheduling thinking time, planning for interruptions, and trying a one-week routine change to see measurable benefits. __________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil  Intro music "Long Way Down" by

Kevin Key is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who served with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment before going through special forces selection and assessment (SFAS) and becoming a Special Forces Officer (18A) with 7th Special Forces Group. He started his military career in the Army National Guard while attending college under the simultaneous membership program (SMP). He served at Special Operations Command - South (SOCSOUTH) and has commanded a unit within the 82nd Airborne Division.  At one point in this episode, Kevin recounts Operation Willing Spirit (Colombia version is Operation Jacque) — the effort to locate and verify hostages taken after a 2003 FARC plane was shotdown in Colombia, and how U.S. and Colombian forces used covert tactics (including a fake humanitarian operation) to free captives years later. The episode also traces Key’s path post‑military shift into real estate, restaurant/event property ownership (Cosmic Tiki), cattle ranching and writing about carnivore nutrition in his b

U.S. Army Ranger, Byron Beplay, shares his raw journey from childhood dyslexia and intense military service through commercial diving, homelessness, and a near-fatal suicide attempt. He explains how perseverance, therapy, and a service dog helped him rebuild his life, leading to founding BTS K9 and growing a successful canine training business. The episode also covers his appearance on MrBeast, lessons learned about ownership and resilience, and his mission to help others by sharing hard-earned truths. __________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil  Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Disclaimer: https://mentorsformilitary.com/disclaimer/

This episode dives deep into the journey of a seasoned veteran who transitions from high-stakes military operations to confronting personal struggles. Despite the challenges, he finds new purpose and meaning by leveraging his military skills to aid in disaster relief and impact the lives of others. Through candid discussions, discover the power of identity, mission, and community in reclaiming one's life after service. Join us for an inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, understanding self-worth, and the ongoing battle to make a positive impact in the world. Adam Smith, a former Green Beret with 17 years of service, is outspoken in leadership, disaster relief, and operational consulting. As the founder of Savage Freedoms, he has built a movement that empowers individuals and businesses to operate at the highest levels of resilience, preparedness, and efficiency. When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, Smith didn’t wait for bureaucratic red tape—he mobilized a massive number of