On June 28th, 2005 four Navy Seals, while on a mission to take out a high ranking Taliban leader, were ambushed in the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan. Three of those men were killed, the fourth, the Lone Survivor, was Marcus Luttrell. Our guest is Lt. Col. Jeff “Spanky” Peterson, an Air Force Reserve pilot who flew Marcus’ ride out, saving his life. The story of what transpired leading up to that moment, well it’s more than any one film can capture. Strap in for a wild ride…

#2: Lt. Col. Jeff "Spanky" Peterson, picking up the Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell

Our guest is Maggie Kane, the Executive Director of A Place at the Table. They provide community and good food for all regardless of means.

A Place at the Table is proud to serve alongside the more than 60 other pay-what-you-can restaurants in the global One World Everbody Eats.

This awesome restaurant is right here in our backyard, it’s a super cool place. You’ll quickly see how great this place is, and their executive director is a ball of energy. 

More at: https://tableraleigh.org

#3: Maggie Kane, A Place At The Table

Our today is David Redding, a former Green Beret, and now a lawyer in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is also the co-founder of an organization called F3, who’s mission through fitness, fellowship and faith is to invigorate male community leadership.

What does that mean, and why do David and his buddies think it’s needed now more than ever.

We love this guy and we are pumped for you to hear their conversation.

#5: David "Dredd" Redding, Male Community Leadership Through Fitness, Fellowship and Faith

168 is the number of hours in one week. We all get the same. No more, and hopefully no less.

Our guest is a hard charging Marine, ultra athlete, philanthropist, husband, dad, success coach, and now the owner and managing director in a wind turbine company.
 
If anyone knows a thing or two about time management while living strength of purpose, it is Chad Cooper.

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Check out Chad's book: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Isnt-Problem-Strategies-Transform/dp/1630477001

See more at https://www.chadecooper.com

#17: Chad Cooper, Living with Strength of Purpose

The mission of Project Echelon is to educate, equip and empower veterans through physical activity. 

In 2015, 22 veterans committed suicide on a daily basis. And, while that number has decreased slightly in recent years, to get it to zero, where it needs to be, means there is more work to be done. 

Our guest today is Eric Hill, who’s saddling up his bike with a team of elite cyclists in an effort to get it to zero, while ticking away mile-after-mile. 

Jump in the peloton for this episode of PICK UP THE SIX podcast.

See more at: https://www.projectechelonracing.com/

#23: Eric Hill, Project Echelon Racing

Our guest is Captain Jon Koritz, who at the age of six (and one of three sons) lost his father, Major Thomas “Teek” Kortiz, during Operation Desert Storm. 

Please lean in and listen, and when Memorial Day gets here (or even if you’re listening after the holiday) please think about Jon, his two brothers, his mom Julie, and his dad. 

Join us as we honor Major Thomas Koritz and Lt. Col. Donnie Holland on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX podcast.

#29: Captain Jon Koritz in honor of his father Major Thomas Koritz

In November of 2004 the Ellsworth family received the worst news they could. Their son, Lance Corporal Justin Ellsworth had been killed in Iraq.

His father John joins the show to talk about his son’s heroic final actions, and how his legacy lives on today. This family understands service before self, and we are honored to have this conversation today.

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Read more about Justin's story here: https://goldstarfamilyregistry.com/heroes/JUSTIN-ELLSWORTH-10263

#30: John Ellsworth, A Gold Star Father Shares His Son's Story

Ancient Greek General Thucydides said, “the society that separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting by fools.”

Keep that in mind as we meet Evan Temple of the Warrior Poet Society. They believe that motivated by love for others, warrior poets become students of the art of war so that they may triumph when the enemy calls.

Get fired up, as we get into it with Evan on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX podcast.

#55: Evan Temple, Warrior Poet Society

On September 11th, 2001 the world changed forever.

As we record today (episode recorded on 8/27/2021), we’re in what can be described as a hellacious week of activity in Afghanistan, the country that provided the backdrop for planning the deadly terror attacks on American soil, 20-years ago.

Today, we're joined by Toby Harnden, who recounts those first moments following 9/11 in his new book First Casualty: The Untold Story of the CIA Mission to Avenge 9/11.

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Visit our friends at Onnit and grab a FREE trial of Alpha Brain today. Just click this link for your FREE sample (you just pay the shipping)...

LINK --> bit.ly/3souqi5

Also, use the code PICKSIX on all products at Onnit.com and save 10%.

#57: Toby Harnden, First Casualty: The Untold Story of the CIA Mission to Avenge 9/11

Our guest today is Peter Blaich, a man of incredible purpose, but also proximity. 

Peter was a New York City firefighter on September 11th, 2001. He was there that day, and the days, months, and years that followed. 

25-years as a firefighter in NYC and he’s seen a lot, and part of that journey includes the miracle on the Hudson as well.

Let’s PICK UP THE SIX with Peter Blaich.

#63: Peter Blaich, FDNY on September 11, 2001

In 2012, Davis Jones lost his dad to prostate cancer.

He’s not alone. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer including nearly 250,000 men in the United States, this year.

Davis is embarking on a 100+ mile bike ride to raise money for prostate cancer research and awareness. We’re talking about that, his love for auto racing, and about the first time Davis and I met, when he was in the middle of a 100-mile ultra run, on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

SUPPORT DAVIS HERE: https://bit.ly/3GWth8p

WATCH DAVIS IN THE OAKWOOD 24 DOCUMENTARY HERE: https://youtu.be/qEjk6L3fsd0

#69: Davis Jones, Riding for Prostate Cancer Awareness

John Richards is the co-founder of OneNation Coffee. He's also a Navy EOD specialist, which basically means he gets to blow stuff up. 

His company, OneNation Coffee, is on a mission to create the highest quality coffee available, from the front lines to the front porch. And like they say they, "have your 6-am."

They are also purpose driven through the OneNation Foundation that exists to help veterans, active duty military, first responders and their families.

Let's meet John on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

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Head to OneNationCoffee.com and use the promo code PUT6 to save 10% off!

#92: John Richards, OneNation Coffee

June 28, 2005.

Four Navy SEALs were embedded in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Afghanistan.  It was Operation Red Wings.

The story of that fateful day has been told on this podcast on a few occasions. First, the perspective of Lt. Col. Jeff "Spanky" Peterson, who flew the PAVE Hawk that rescued the Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell.

We've also heard from Mike Murphy’s dad about his son’s final acts, ultimately leading to Mike receiving the Medal of Honor.

Today, we’re joined by Matt Brady. 

He flew the Chinook helicopter that embedded those four SEALs, and when they were compromised, he was ready to go back in and get them.

We pickup the story from there, on the 17th anniversary of Operation Red Wings. This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

#111: Matt Brady, Operation Red Wings

We first met Nick Lavery on episode 20 of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast. That episode was titled BACK IN THE FIGHT. 

Nick shared all about the day his life changed forever in 2013, when on his second combat rotation in Afghanistan, he and his unit were attacked by an Afghan insider, ultimately resulting in the loss of his leg.

Nick is back and he has a new book out called Objective Secure. He has a goal to help people crush their goals, so let’s get after it.

Check out Nick and his book Objective Secure at https://www.machinenick.com.

#114: Nick Lavery, Objective Secure

On May 11, 2005 Josh Appel graduated from medical school.

One month later, he was in Afghanistan and by June 28th he was part of the now infamous rescue of the Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell.

We revisit Operation Red Wings, from Josh’s perspective, Including incredible acts of service before self along the way. 

And, he talks about his connection to the Memorial Day Murph, a tradition that unites thousands in an effort to honor fallen heroes.

This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

#124: Josh Appel, Operation Red Wings & Memorial Day Murph

#135: Jon Rennie, You Have the Watch

This episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast is brought to you by the First There Foundation. We met First There through friend of the show Eric Hohman, an Air Force Combat Controller, and a helluva guy.

The mission of First There is to ensure all Combat Controllers have a teammate to reach out to when life becomes difficult. They know first-hand what it feels to be forgotten, lost, and or have lost a loved one.  They will provide mental, financial, career, and or substance abuse assistance for the Combat Controller.

Check them out at 1stthere.org and go support their worthy cause.

Our guest today is a product of that partnership with the First There Foundation. His name is Tim Brown and he was one of the original Air Force Combat Controllers. 

Tim has traveled the globe chasing bad guys on behalf of Uncle Sam, including jumping into Panama in 1989. He has some incredible stories, so settle in for our conversation with Tim Brown.

#136: Tim Brown, the Origins of Combat Controllers

This episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast is brought to you by our friends at the First There Foundation.

On March 4, 2002 John Chapman made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation.

During an operation to retrieve fallen Navy SEAL Neil Roberts, Chapman, an Air Force Combat Controller, and a team of Navy SEALs came under fire. Chapman would get isolated from the group and have to fight until the very end.

His sister Lori joins us to share his story, and quite frankly her story. A gold star sister, Lori has carried what happened to her brother for over 20 years. 

To be candid, there are parts of the story that are tough to hear, especially Lori’s view on the other special operators that were with her brother John on that day. Simply, she has some strong feelings, that you’ll hear. I know guys who are relatively close to the special operations team she talks about, and I respect the hell out of those guys.

But, it is her story, and I think she deserves the platform to tell it. 

Personally, I’ve consulted with guys in the community that I know and trust, and I feel comfortable with a lot of the details that Lori will share with you. At the same time, I encourage you to read or learn more about the warriors of Operation Anaconda and Roberts Ridge and John Chapman, who at the time was the first airman to be awarded a Medal of Honor since Vietnam. John’s final acts were captured on drone footage, which in-and-of itself is pretty incredible.

I can’t speak to what happens in war. I don’t know, I’ve never been. My hope is that this interview provided Lori a place to share her brother’s story, which includes a lot about who he was a a man, and his final acts of heroism.

We start this episode in the memory and honor of fallen Navy SEAL Neil Roberts and Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman.

#144: Medal of Honor recipient John Chapman, as told by his Gold Star sister

On Memorial Day thousands of men and women will complete the annual Memorial Day Murph. It's a WOD (work out of the day) in honor of fallen Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, killed in action in 2005 during Operation Red Wings. 

On this special archived episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast we talk to Josh Appel, an Air Force Pararescuemen (aka PJ) who was part of the team during Red Wings, and who later helped start the Murph Challenge.  

--

On May 11, 2005, Josh Appel graduated from medical school.

One month later, he was in Afghanistan and by June 28th he was part of the now infamous rescue of the Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell.

We revisit Operation Red Wings, from Josh’s perspective, Including incredible acts of service before self along the way. 

And, he talks about his connection to the Memorial Day Murph, a tradition that unites thousands in an effort to honor fallen heroes.

This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

Archive #124: Josh Appel, Memorial Day Murph

The headline in the associated press on July 7th read, "An Afghan man who spent years helping US forces in Afghanistan is shot and killed in Washington."

But, there’s so much more to that story, including a bond and brotherhood between the Afghan man killed, his name was Nasrat, and our guest today.

Matt Butler is Army Special Forces. Nasrat was his interpreter on deployments to Afghanistan.

We cover a lot in our conversation, including their service together, the movie script that was Nasrat and his family’s exit from Afghanistan, and we get into plant based medicine for PTSD. All on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

Support for Nasrat's family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-family-of-murdered-afghan-interpreter

#162: Matt Butler, Nasrat's Story

We are back with a special edition of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast, as we take time to remember the events of September the 11th, 2001.

You don't need a reminder of what happened to our nation on that fateful day. As we have done in years past, we set aside some intentional time to honor those who lost their lives on that day.

Our national and our world changed forever. As did the life of today’s guest, Peter Blaich. We interviewed Peter two years ago (Episode 63), and decided to play that episode for you again.

Peter was a New York City firefighter on 9/11. He was there for every minute of it, and the days and months to follow.

Before we listen to Peter’s incredible story, we need your help. Pete’s been battling some long-term health issues, as a result for 9/11.

Please hit pause here, take a minute or so and send a prayer for Peter, his friends who went into those builds and came out with health issues, and his friends who went into those buildings and did not emerge.

We love you and we honor you.

This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

#167: Remembering 9/11 with FDNY's Peter Blaich (Archive Episode #63)

On September 11, 2001, our world changed forever and a generation of warriors step to the line to take the fight to the enemy. 22-years later, and after a 20-year war, those warriors now face a new enemy, mental health and suicide.

To raise awareness, a team of elite operators traversed nearly 200-miles across South Carolina ending in Augusta, Georgia on Veterans Day 2023. The team has raised nearly $25,000 to support Veteran Service Organizations. Help the cause here: https://gofund.me/6d1d8401

The ENOUGH Operators are battled tested, having represented the United States when life and liberty were on the line. Our team is Army Green Berets, Navy SEALs, Marines, and a pair of Generals, all united on a journey to help save their battle buddies’ lives.

The time is now.

ENOUGH Veterans suffering.

ENOUGH waiting.

ENOUGH broken promises to our warriors.

ENOUGH.

Green Beret Lowell Koppert, who organized and sponsored the ENOUGH event, and Lt. General Ralph Jodice (US Air Force, Ret.) join the show to talk about the experience.

Additional links:

Watch Chris and Rob's "brother" video on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzbxDA8OTwG/

#172: ENOUGH with Green Beret Lowell Koppert and Lt. Gen. Ralph Jodice

Our guest today is Dr. Karla Steingraber, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a certified Mental Game Coach.

As a certified Mental Game Coach (IMGCA), Dr. Steingraber teaches clients to identify mental barriers. She provides a proven mental skills system to improve performance in competition and to help build confidence and maximize performance.

She is going incredible work, across the board, with organizations like the Generation Next Project, and she’s the author of What’s Your Everest? How to win in Sports, Career and Life.

#177: Karla Steingraber, What's Your Everest?

#179: Sutton Howard, the Pickleball Phoenix

Craig Hannum is a retired Army soldier and Military Police who continues his service through The Toughest Topic, a program that offers tangible tools to combat the one preventable death, suicide. He's become a friend and a brother in this battle, and we are honored to introduce you to him on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX.

Show sponsors are Mudgear.com code PUT6 and LiveMomentous.com code BRIANJ.

#182: Craig Hannum, The Toughest Topic

At his lowest moments in life, Chris Fontana was a 300-pound alcoholic. But, life told him that was enough and he faced his challenges head on, with a primal mindset.

Chris is the owner of Go Primal an the host of The Primal Mindset show, and he's become a friend and brother over the last year.

I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did, on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX.

#183: Chris Fontana, The Primal Mindset

Mike, a Navy Veteran, and his wife Stacy have launched a new program through their therapeutic facility called OPTI VETS. Their goal is to augment Post Traumatic Syndrome efforts through a comprehensive integrative approach. They are putting in the work and serving those who have served. This is a couple that knows about picking up the six, their family of 11 includes six adopted children. We are pumped to introduce you to Mike and Stacy on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX.

#184: Mike & Stacy Sweeney, OPTI VETS

We met Eric Hohman a few years ago on PICK UP THE SIX, a former Air Force Combat Controller, Eric was on a journey that included running for Congress and leading a non-profit called the 1st There Foundation, an organization dedicated to his fallen brothers and their families. 

Today, Eric is back with Lumi and they're sharing how 1st There is now working through an effort called Operation Soul Rescue, a program that offers a sacred plant medicine that research suggests it may have antidepressants and anxiolytic properties, indicating its potential success in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse disorders. 

That plant medicine is called Ayahuasca, and we learn all about it on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX.

#185: Eric & Lumi, Operation Soul Rescue

Chief Chuck has become a friend, yet we've not met in person. Our paths first crossed on Twitter/X talking about F3 and how he was drawn to our organization of men worldwide. Today, he joins the show to talk about his 24-year career in the Navy, we we focus on two undeniable qualities that he looks for in a real leader, honor and integrity.

#186: Chief Chuck Whitworth, Honor & Integrity

In 2015, Paul and Linda Johnson lost their son, Joseph, to suicide. It sent them into a fog, but when that fog began to clear one thing was certain for them, they would not let that moment define the memory of their son. From that tragedy comes their mission to educate, save and improve the lives of those suffering from mental health challenges and prior suicidal tendencies by providing highly trained service dogs as a vital lifeline. We introduce you to Paul and Linda Johnson of Service Dogs Saving Lives on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX.

#187: Paul and Linda Johnson, Service Dogs Saving Lives

We are back with an archived episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast, as we take time to remember the events of September the 11th, 2001.

You don't need a reminder of what happened to our nation on that fateful day. As we have done in years past, we set aside some intentional time to honor those who lost their lives on that day.

Our national and our world changed forever. As did the life of today’s guest, Peter Blaich. We interviewed Peter a few years ago (Episode 63), and decided to play that episode for you again.

Peter was a New York City firefighter on 9/11. He was there for every minute of it, and the days and months to follow.

Please hit pause here, take a minute or so and send a prayer for Peter, his friends who went into those builds and came out with health issues, and his friends who went into those buildings and did not emerge, and for the lives lost in New York City, Shanksville, and at the Pentagon.

We love you and we honor you.

This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

Remembering 9/11 with FDNY's Peter Blaich

Every day, men and women in law enforcement across this country leave their homes and families to answer the call of service to a greater mission. Tragically, this call to service can require a heavy sacrifice. This sacrifice is not only made up by the dangers that come with violent situations, but the cumulative stress from the burden of the badge.

Caleb Cook and the End of Watch Foundation want to make sure that their sacrifice does not go unnoticed and that they have the support they need.

Cook and the EOWF are gearing up for their annual memorial ruck event. During 2023, there were 138 Law Enforcement Officers all over the country who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Their lives.

With the mission to honor those Officers, they will carry one pound of weight for every officer over a continuous 42-hour period representing the officer’s final 10-42 call. 

Today, we meet Caleb, hear his story and learn more about their work to honor their fallen brothers and sisters and support their families through:

Honor: They honor the fallen with meaningful actions in the event and messaging. 
Support: They support the families of the fallen, officers injured in the line of duty, and assist where they can when struggling with mental health. 
Educate: Spread awareness to the public about other unknown aspects of law enforcement that may be misunderstood. They also lean in on strong core values to build better officers, units, friends and family members. 

Learn more about EOWF at https://www.eowf.org.

#188: Caleb Cook, End of Watch Foundation

Jerry Quickel is a big helmet guy. I came across Jerry on Twitter/X and was instantly drawn to his epic football helmet collection, now 572 helmets and counting. 

He's a great guy, with a passion for sports, football, and representing the smaller schools, because in addition to helmets from the Blue Bloods, he has some schools you've never heard of. 

We nerd out over football gear and helmets, including a few of my own, on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX.

#189: Jerry Quickel, Big Helmet Guy

Eric Vevang has a wild story to share.

It's just your run of the mill mom was being sex trafficked, dad goes to prison, end up arrested for the first time at age 12. Set back after set back after set back, before ending up out of the military and in prison by the age of 20.

And that’s just scratching the surface. 

Like any good comeback story, Eric’s has critical moments, including finally letting go and letting God, on his road to redemption.

Let’s meet Eric Vevang on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX.

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Find Eric here --> https://www.instagram.com/ericvevang/ and here --> https://www.clikdone.com

#190: Eric Vevang, the Road to Redemption

PICK UP THE SIX® shares stories about the men and women among us who go above-and-beyond to PICK UP THE SIX through SERVICE, PURPOSE and IMPACT.

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