#102 Chad Robichaux - Force Recon Marine / DEVGRU

Join host Shawn Ryan on the "Shawn Ryan Show" as he delves into the remarkable and harrowing story of Tyler Vargas-Andrews, whose journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a proud Marine is a testament to the human spirit. Despite a background marred by familial abuse and systemic deceit, Tyler's resilience shines through as he shares how a passion for fitness and the mentorship of a high school teacher led him to the Marines, where his tenacity and desire to serve the abused and underserved came to the fore.

This gripping episode uncovers the chaos and heroism of Tyler's experiences during the disastrous evacuation from Kabul, offering an intimate glimpse into the valor that defines our service members. Tyler's vivid account of the evacuation's logistical failures, the Abbey Gate tragedy that left him severely injured, and the subsequent road to recovery cast a stark light on his disillusionment with leadership and the bureaucratic insensitivities of the recovery process. His candid conversation with Shawn Ryan is not just his personal narrative—it's a call to transparency and accountability that resonates deeply with anyone who values courage and the unyielding pursuit of truth.

In the profound setting of "REAL ONES with Jon Bernthal," join host Jon Bernthal and his guest, former Marine Cody Alford, as they navigate the complex interplay between military service and personal evolution. The conversation delves deep into the soldier's identity, exploring the trials of fitting into expected roles of masculinity and the search for purpose within the strict confines of military life. Alford's vivid recount of his experiences in the Battle of Fallujah and the challenges of leadership within the ranks evocatively paints the picture of life on and beyond the battlefield.

The episode not only reflects on the throes of combat but also ventures into Alford's personal battles with identity, bureaucracy, and transitioning back to civilian life. Listen to stories of overcoming isolation, engaging in mental health advocacy, and embarking on a transformative journey aided by psychological breakthroughs linked to the use of psychedelics. Bernthal and Alford share insights into the healing process, the power of vulnerability, and the impact of personal relationships, including the poignant story of Alford's connection with his service dog, Munin. This compelling narrative reveals the resilience it takes to mend family bonds, reclaim life after service, and foster a community anchored in openness and self-discovery.

On the Shawn Ryan Show, join former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan as he sits down with Victor Marx, known as the world's fastest gun disarmer, to uncover the gripping story behind his remarkable skill and his dedication to healing. In a candid conversation, they delve into Marx's tumultuous past marked by severe childhood abuse and the incredible journey that led him to become a symbol of protection and an advocate for at-risk children through his organization, All Things Possible Ministries.

Discover how Victor Marx's resilience and mastery of composure allowed him to rise above his early life trauma, transforming pain into purpose. His tale weaves through the dark alleys of substance abuse and mental health struggles, leading to a path of recovery grounded in therapeutic intervention, nutrition, and unwavering faith. This episode is not merely a chronicle of personal redemption but a powerful testimony to the strength of forgiveness and the profound impact of extending grace, even to those who have caused deep-seated scars.

In 2004, General Stanley McChrystal took over as commander of the U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force fighting Al Qaeda in Iraq. The sprawling organization—encompassing strategists, analysts, and elite special forces from every branch of the U.S. military—was struggling to make headway against an unconventional enemy and environment.

In Team of Teams, McChrystal describes how he transformed the slow-moving bureaucratic task force into an agile, adaptable network of teams united by a “shared consciousness”, trust, and decentralized decision-making. After years of being outmaneuvered by Al Qaeda, the reinvented task force pulled together to eliminate terrorist leader Abu Musab al Zarqawi and began winning the fight against terrorism in Iraq. These accomplishments hold lessons for all kinds of organizations struggling with unconventional challenges and environments today.

Join host Shawn Ryan on the "Shawn Ryan Show" as he delves into the remarkable and harrowing story of Tyler Vargas-Andrews, whose journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a proud Marine is a testament to the human spirit. Despite a background marred by familial abuse and systemic deceit, Tyler's resilience shines through as he shares how a passion for fitness and the mentorship of a high school teacher led him to the Marines, where his tenacity and desire to serve the abused and underserved came to the fore.

This gripping episode uncovers the chaos and heroism of Tyler's experiences during the disastrous evacuation from Kabul, offering an intimate glimpse into the valor that defines our service members. Tyler's vivid account of the evacuation's logistical failures, the Abbey Gate tragedy that left him severely injured, and the subsequent road to recovery cast a stark light on his disillusionment with leadership and the bureaucratic insensitivities of the recovery process. His candid conversation with Shawn Ryan is not just his personal narrative—it's a call to transparency and accountability that resonates deeply with anyone who values courage and the unyielding pursuit of truth.

Embark on an insightful journey with Jon Bernthal in "REAL ONES with Jon Bernthal" as he talks with Jeremy Locke about the complex transition that combat veterans undergo as they reintegrate into civilian life. Their conversation sheds light on the silent battles faced by veterans as they navigate the stark shift from a combat mentality to one rooted in empathy and collaboration. Locke opens up about the identity crisis many face post-service, where once-critical military skills seem to lose their purpose, and how veterans adapt by channeling their expertise into humanitarian work.

Jon and Jeremy dive deep into the stigmatization of mental health within the military, where reaching out for help is often seen as a sign of weakness, discussing Locke's own struggles with alcoholism and the cathartic power of giving back through disaster relief efforts. The episode culminates as Bernthal unveils an initiative to build a stronger veteran community through Patreon, aiming to amplify their voices and offer support. This powerful narrative isn't just about the transformation of soldiers; it's a clarion call for understanding, support, and togetherness in healing the heroes among us.

Witness the courageous journey of Mark Geist, an American hero and Benghazi attack survivor on "Shawn Ryan Show." Geist takes the listener from his humble roots in a small farming town to his distinguished military commitment and law enforcement achievements. Drawing agilely from his experiences in the Marine Corps during his law enforcement career, Mark Geist brings a unique and creative approach to investigations and a profound drive to support his community.

In the second part of his discussion with Shawn Ryan, Geist unfolds an intense first-hand account of the 2012 Benghazi attack, revealing a landscape of political uncertainty and lawlessness. Through the retelling of these heartrending events, he doesn't shy from current political critique while serving as a testament to human resilience and fortitude. His post-attack journey, however brutal and harsh, is a compelling exploration of the irrevocable impact of trauma and a valiant tale of healing and survival.