Lesser Known Operators

• 54 - Inside Blackwater: Morgan Lerette on War, Chaos, and the Untold Truth of Contractors in Iraq

  Episode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroupInstagram – @blackwaterdude1 Guns, Girls, Greed: The Blackwater Mercenary – AmazonIn this conversation, Nicholas Allen interviews Morgan Lerette, a former Blackwater contractor, who shares his experiences during the Iraq War. Morgan discusses the realities of working for Blackwater, the challenges faced by contractors, and the complex dynamics between military personnel and private contractors. He reflects on the impact of his experiences on his life, the jaded perspective that developed over time, and the chaotic nature of the Iraq War. The conversation also touches on the motivations behind joining Blackwater, the interactions with the military, and the evolving perceptions of the Iraqi population throughout the conflict. Morgan Lerette shares his experiences as a soldier and contractor in Iraq, detailing the chaotic environment of the early 2000s, the challenges of transitioning to local forces, and the frustrations of military bureaucracy. He reflects on his time with Blackwater, the realities of military life, and the decision to leave the service. Morgan also discusses his journey into writing a book about his experiences, aiming to shed light on the untold stories of contractors and soldiers. Ultimately, he emphasizes the importance of personal growth and the lessons learned from his past. 

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• 53 - 2 Weeks in Hell Was Just the Start: Patrick Russell on War, Identity, and the Will to Teach

  Episode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroupYouTube – @migizioutdoors Facebook – Migizi OutdoorsIn this conversation, Patrick Russell, a former Green Beret, shares his journey from military service to becoming a high school educator. He discusses his experiences in Special Forces, the challenges he faced with health issues, and how these experiences shaped his transition to teaching. Patrick emphasizes the importance of mentorship and leadership in shaping future generations, while also reflecting on the loss of identity that can come with leaving the military. He explores the role of technology in education and expresses his aspirations for community engagement through outdoor activities and teaching. In this conversation, Patrick and Nicholas delve into various themes surrounding personal growth, the challenges faced by veterans, and the journey of finding purpose after military service. They discuss the importance of personalized survival gear, the therapeutic benefits of knife making, and the process of writing and rewriting a book. The conversation also touches on the motivations behind joining the military, reflections on combat experiences, and the significance of community and identity in the lives of veterans. Patrick shares his experiences in the military, including the selection process for Special Forces and the dynamics within military units, providing insights into the complexities of service and personal development. 

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• 52 - From Warfighter to CEO: Patrick Flood on Combat, Command, and Creating a Future for Veterans

  Episode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroupOwners in Honor – About Page Instagram – @p_m_floodIn this episode, Patrick Flood shares his journey from a military legacy to becoming the CEO of Owners in Honor, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans transition into small business ownership. He reflects on the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life, the importance of mentorship, and the unique skills veterans bring to entrepreneurship. Patrick discusses his combat experiences, leadership lessons, and the vision behind his nonprofit, emphasizing the need for community engagement and support for veterans. In this conversation, Patrick Flood, CEO of OIH, shares his experiences and insights from his military career, discussing the evolution of military training, the weight of leadership, and the realities of combat. He reflects on the sacrifices made by service members, the importance of adaptability in leadership, and the lessons learned from the Afghanistan withdrawal. The dialogue emphasizes the human experience of war, the complexities of command, and the need for open communication in fostering understanding and support among veterans.

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• 51 - What Special Forces Taught ‘Terminator Training’ About Fitness, Failure, and Internet Hate

  Episode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroup Instagram – @terminator_trainingIn this engaging conversation, Nicholas Allen interviews Kevin Smith, also known as Terminator Training, exploring his journey from being an average lifter to a fitness coach. They discuss the importance of context in training, the balance between strength and endurance, and the challenges of online criticism. Kevin shares insights from his military background, emphasizing the significance of recovery and the role of coaches in achieving fitness goals. The discussion also touches on the evolution of fitness culture and the impact of the internet on training methodologies. In this conversation, Kevin Smith discusses the evolution of training standards in Special Forces, the importance of mindset in overcoming challenges, and the preparation required for selection. He reflects on his experiences transitioning from selection to operational roles, the significance of delayed gratification, and the stress of training. Kevin shares insights from his deployment experiences and how they shaped his perspective on military service. He emphasizes the need for continuous personal challenges and the journey of scaling his coaching business to help others succeed in fitness and beyond.

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• 50 - From Special Forces to Civilian Struggles: Garrett Kossick on Pain, Purpose, and the Fight After War

  Episode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroupInstagram – @gkboomer173 True North 173 SubstackIn this episode, host Nicholas Allen speaks with Garrett Kossick, a former Green Beret, about their experiences in the military, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and the importance of mental health and community support. They discuss the difficulties of navigating the VA process, the impact of physical injuries, and the unique challenges faced during the Q Course and selection for Special Forces. The conversation highlights the need for veterans to seek help and maintain connections with their peers as they adjust to life after service. In this conversation, Garrett and Nicholas Allen delve into the profound impacts of military service on identity, mental health, and reintegration into civilian life. They discuss the challenges veterans face, including the effects of concussions, the importance of accountability, and the evolution of masculinity in modern society. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of setting a positive example for others, the value of networking within military careers, and the lessons learned from leadership challenges. They also reflect on their experiences in the Q Course, the camaraderie found in different cultures, and the importance of remembering fallen comrades. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the ongoing journey of finding purpose and meaning after service, while acknowledging the complexities of life as a veteran.

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