#109 Tom Spooner - Delta Force Operator

Embark on a poignant journey through American history with the "Shawn Ryan Show," as host Shawn Ryan dives deep into the life and tales of World War II hero Don Graves. In this episode, Graves reveals the stark realities of growing up during the Great Depression in Detroit, where a combination of sparse resources and simple pleasures paved the road to his military destiny, subsequently leading to acts of valor during the famed Battle of Iwo Jima. His early exposure to the prestige of the Marines, inspired by his father's service in World War I, set the stage for a lifetime of dedication to his country.

Graves's tale extends beyond the war, delving into his challenging reintegration into civilian life while educating the next generation of Marines and facing his own psychological battles. His compelling narrative also offers a critical examination of modern America, lamenting the loss of patriotism and unity he experienced in his youth. The episode not only chronicles Don Graves's sacrifices and those of his contemporaries but also imparts profound reflections on leadership, the essence of service, and the vital importance of honoring our veterans—a stirring reminder of the enduring spirit of the "greatest generation." Join the Shawn Ryan Show for an inspirational account that transcends time, told by a man whose indomitable spirit symbolizes true American resilience and pride.

Join the famed PBD Podcast as it hosts a sporting legend, Terrell Owens, alongside Patrick Bet-David, Vincent Oshana, and Tom Ellsworth, for an in-depth exploration of an NFL icon's journey from his challenging Alabama origins to the pinnacle of football success. Owens shares intimate details of how his early years, marked by a deep lack of familial support, forged the self-reliance and determination that propelled him from an unassuming football hopeful to a celebrated superstar of the gridiron. With reflective anecdotes, he credits pivotal moments and the love for the game as key elements of his athletic evolution, even amid a devotion to basketball.

The episode opens avenues into the behind-the-scenes dynamics and lessons gleaned during Owens' tenure with the 49ers, his reverence for Jerry Rice, and how he honed his skills under varied quarterback styles. Discussions delve not only into his NFL experiences but also his thoughtful perspective on the sport's present and future, including shifts in physicality and the role he plays in mentoring emerging talents. Off the field, Owens candidly addresses his public image, media relations, and ventures into entrepreneurship. He shares his insights into the delicate balancing act of uplifting personal legacy while investing in meaningful causes such as Alzheimer's awareness. Whether you're an NFL follower, aspiring entrepreneur, or a fan of influential sports personalities, this episode of the PBD Podcast is an illustrious account of endurance, legacy, and the power of mentorship.

In the latest installment of "Murder, Mystery & Makeup," host Bailey Sarian deftly combines the art of beauty with the dark allure of true crime, inviting listeners into a meticulously crafted world where chilling narratives unfold alongside makeup tutorials. As Bailey expresses sincere gratitude for her dedicated audience, she sets the stage for an experience that is as much a testament to the power of community as it is a showcase of her unique storytelling prowess.

This episode plunges into the sinister saga of Kansas City's covert predator, Robert Berdella. Bailey takes us on a harrowing journey from Berdella's troubled youth to his duplicitous life as an aspiring entrepreneur, eventually unpeeling the grotesque layers of his secret existence. With an undercurrent of critical insight, Bailey emphasizes the social indifference that allowed Berdella's heinous crimes to go unnoticed, urging her audience to partake in a deeper dialogue on societal negligence towards marginalized communities and the importance of vigilance in the face of potential dangers. "Murder, Mystery & Makeup" is not just a show with Bailey Sarian, it's a chilling reminder of the narratives we too often overlook.

In "REAL ONES with Jon Bernthal," actor Jon Bernthal steps away from his on-screen persona to delve into the real-life experiences of an anonymous Israeli Defense Forces special operations soldier. In a poignant episode of crisis and valor, Bernthal offers a heartfelt platform for the soldier's unvarnished perspective of an October 7th terrorist attack, showcasing the intensity and emotional depth behind the factual accounts of the day. The conversation is steeped in respect and admiration as the guest reveals what it means to confront war's stark realities and personal sacrifices up close.

Amid the backdrop of family, values, and the chaos of an escalating situation, the soldier shares his journey from peacetime to conflict, articulating the fusion of his deep sense of duty with his unexpected re-engagement in military action against rising danger. The episode captures the soldier's tactics to protect both his loved ones and his country, including the psychological strategies required to maintain focus under fire. Listeners will be transported to the front lines, gaining an insider's view on the strategic decisions and ethical dilemmas that punctuate the life of a soldier in active territory.

Dive into the extraordinary life journey of John Lovell with host Shawn Ryan in the Shawn Ryan Show, as they uncover the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped Lovell's path from a Georgian suburb to the elite ranks of Army Rangers. Lovell candidly shares tales of his youth, a transitional phase marred by mischief that ultimately led to transformative discipline at boarding school. His candid conversation takes a deep dive into his spiritual awakening, revealing how a dawning faith became the bedrock of his identity, long before his military ambitions took hold.

In the realm of service and sacrifice, Lovell's story turns to his grueling indoctrination into the Army Rangers, a testament to his resolute spirit honed from high school wrestling days. The significance of events like September 11 offers a poignant backdrop to his military motivation, reinforcing the urgency of his training. Beyond narratives of personal dedication and elite training, the podcast also ventures into broader discussions – including Lovell's strong perspectives on national security issues, the importance of mental health support for veterans, and riveting combat recollections. Join Ryan and Lovell as they dissect these diverse topics, promising even more enthralling dialogue in future episodes.

On The Shawn Ryan Show, dive deep into the incredible life of ex-Green Beret and CIA operative, Tony Cowden. His remarkable journey, from his formative years shaped by family influence and burgeoning fascination with warfare to his career featuring significant contributions to CIA training, is truly fascinating. Experience the resonance of his profound personal war stories and understand how the struggles faced in the battlefield were mirrored by equally daunting hurdles in his personal life.

With a wider societal and political lens, Cowden also critically examines the U.S. foreign policy, providing thought-provoking scrutiny on subjects like the prevalence of warfare profiteering and media influence. Listen to Cowden’s candid dialogue through the Shawn Ryan Show, as he shares his perspectives, future plans and aspirations – all the while driving home the intrinsic link between his extraordinary military and personal experiences and his growth as an individual.

Explore the depths of mental resilience in the military with former 75th Ranger John Lovell on the "Shawn Ryan Show," hosted by Shawn Ryan, a veteran Navy SEAL. This powerful episode delves into Lovell's boot camp trials and the psychological rigors that surpass physical demands, revealing how one adapts to the urgent readiness for combat and the profound personal growth that unfolds from the day-to-day resilience required by military life. Despite resistance from his inner circle, Lovell's unwavering commitment to serving in the military stands testament to his inner strength and the transformative journey of becoming a soldier.

Join Lovell as he recounts the intense brotherhood and strategic precision required in warzones, from coordinating with the elite Delta Force to facing ethical challenges in combat operations. His stories from life at Bagram Airfield and the Hindu Kush exude the complexity of conflict and the strength found in camaraderie. Listen as he opens up about navigating the transition to civilian life, highlighting the psychological armor that safeguards soldiers and the enduring humor that bonds them even after the battles are over. It's an episode where wit meets wisdom, creating a compelling narrative that honors the veterans' challenges of assimilating back into society and coping with loss.

You’ve seen him play a cigarette-smoking, intimacy-fearing, humor-as-a-cudgel-wielding twenty-something from a broken home trying to find love and build a meaningful career. But Matthew Perry’s role as Chandler on the iconic show Friends is a lot closer to reality than you might have imagined. In Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry shares his story of battling loneliness, health scares, and the big terrible thing: addiction. His hope is that it will help others who are also struggling with substance abuse know they are not alone in their challenges, and that, if he could get sober, they can, too.

This guide explores the evolution of three major themes throughout Perry’s life: his addiction, struggles in establishing relationships, and his search for fame. We also contextualize the events and struggles of his life within psychological theories about childhood trauma, attachment theory, and the nature of addiction and recovery.

Embark on a poignant journey through American history with the "Shawn Ryan Show," as host Shawn Ryan dives deep into the life and tales of World War II hero Don Graves. In this episode, Graves reveals the stark realities of growing up during the Great Depression in Detroit, where a combination of sparse resources and simple pleasures paved the road to his military destiny, subsequently leading to acts of valor during the famed Battle of Iwo Jima. His early exposure to the prestige of the Marines, inspired by his father's service in World War I, set the stage for a lifetime of dedication to his country.

Graves's tale extends beyond the war, delving into his challenging reintegration into civilian life while educating the next generation of Marines and facing his own psychological battles. His compelling narrative also offers a critical examination of modern America, lamenting the loss of patriotism and unity he experienced in his youth. The episode not only chronicles Don Graves's sacrifices and those of his contemporaries but also imparts profound reflections on leadership, the essence of service, and the vital importance of honoring our veterans—a stirring reminder of the enduring spirit of the "greatest generation." Join the Shawn Ryan Show for an inspirational account that transcends time, told by a man whose indomitable spirit symbolizes true American resilience and pride.

Join Shawn Ryan, veteran Navy SEAL and host of the "Shawn Ryan Show," as he engages in a profound dialogue with John Lovell and Jason Redman, two distinguished military veterans. This episode offers a raw and illuminating look into the transformation from elite service members to influential civilians. Lovell discusses his tenure with the 75th Ranger Battalion and sheds light on the nuanced leadership techniques that he developed to inspire and elevate his team. Meanwhile, the poignant topic of loss in the line of duty and the solace found in faith paints a gripping picture of the emotional fortitude required of those who serve.

Beyond the battlefield, this installment delves into the veterans' return to civilian life and the ensuing quest for purpose. John Lovell takes us through his venture of transitioning military discipline and expertise into the entrepreneurship of tactical training, sparking the conception of the Warrior Poet Society—an endeavor that blends the art of combat with a poet's heart. The conversation also explores personal evolution, including how faith and marriage can flourish post-service. Touching on the challenges faced by today's youth and the vital role of education, Ryan and his guests underscore the responsibility of imparting wisdom to the next generation, inviting the community to join the journey of collective growth through the lens of their experiences.

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.