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Optimizing the fitness, wellness and leadership of police officers and law enforcement
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130: When Your Trauma Explodes with Nick Wilson of The Resiliency Project
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One day not too long ago, Officer Nick Wilson was on his way to jail. But there was a problem. The problem was that despite countless trips to county before, this time he was riding in the backseat. He had just been arrested for DUI. But the problem was actually bigger than that. Nick was suffering from a dangerous combination of physical injuries …
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129: A Widow’s Journey with Carmen East
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On October 9, 2017, Carmen East’s life changed forever. Her husband, Texas Tech University Police Officer Floyd East Jr. was shot and killed on duty. Carmen joins me on The Squad Room to tell the heart-wrenching story of losing her high-school sweetheart in the line of duty. Her story, and her relationship with Floyd is an absolute must-hear episod…
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128: Creating a Winning Mindset with Brian Willis: Leadership Lessons For Police.
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I often get asked how to build resilience quickly. You just have to answer one important question. And then you answer that question over and over and over again. On this episode, my guest Brian Willis helps us learn how to apply a simple acronym – W.I.N. – to create resilience, improve focus, and become better leaders. We also talk about how leade…
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127: Be Your Own First Responder with Tony Blauer
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Tony Blauer is the founder of Blauer Tactical and the S.P.E.A.R. System of self-defense. A world-renowned self-defense expert and law enforcement trainer, Tony has studied fear and how our bodies use fear to keep us safe. In this episode, Tony and I cover a wide range of topics including: To be the best version of yourself, you need self-awareness.…
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126: How to Move Forward, Lead & Win with Dakota Meyer
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Dakota Meyer knows a thing or two about how to move forward and overcoming adversity. That’s why it was a great experience to have him on the newest episode of The Squad Room. A short review of Dakota’s life shows you some of the major obstacles he has confronted and overcome by accepting his reality: The Battle of Ganjgal where he lost four friend…
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125: You Can’t Out Train a Bad Diet with First In Nutrition’s Jonathan Montgomery
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Jonathan Montgomery used to be fat firefighter. Before that, he was a roadie for some of the biggest pop punk bands of the 90s. Several years ago, Jonathan got his act together and lost a ton of weight and is now a ripped former firefighter who owns First In Nutrition along with his wife Anne, also a former firefighter. Jonathan loved working as a …
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124: Building Resilience with JP Dinnell
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Man, and I thought 2019 was rough…2020 isn’t just a dumpster fire, it’s a full-on landfill burning out of control. My wife and I couldn’t stand staring at the same four walls anymore so we decided on a last minute road-trip to Colorado…and now I’m sitting in the waiting room of Urgent Care waiting for my son to get tested for COVID. That escalated …
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123: What I Wish I Knew: Mistakes, Lessons & Hard Wins with SWAT Officer Justin Walker
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This episode of The Squad Room was a recent favorite. I sit down (socially distanced via Zoom of course) with Justin Walker. Justin is a full-time officer at a major metropolitan department and a full-time SWAT officer. He’s also the owner of MilMak Blades and even a podcaster! (seriously, check out his show The Man Minutes, it’s really good). We t…
I’ve been reluctant to add my voice to the chorus of talking heads surrounding the issues we’re currently facing in policing. However, I’ve been encouraged to do so by some people I respect greatly, and asked by many others for my input. I’ll admit that I was also scared to chime in. Cancel culture has brought us to the point that the slightest mis…
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121: Deliberate Discomfort: Overcoming Fear, Creating Courage, and Winning Your Battles with Jason Van Camp
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After graduating from West Point, Jason Van Camp earned his Ranger tabs in 2002. Along with the 101st Airborne, Jason was part of the invasion of Iraq in 2003. In 2006, Jason went through selection and earned his green beret. Afterward, he was assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group as a Detachment Commander. In 14 years of service, Jason earned …
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120: Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement with Dr. Kevin Gilmartin
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Dr. Kevin Gilmartin is one of the preeminent police psychologists in the country. He is the author of the Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement, an absolute must read for any cop or LEO spouse. Dr. Gilmartin’s one-day seminar sells out all over the world and he is one of the best presenters I’ve ever seen. […]…
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119: Leading Yourself Through Change with NYPD Sgt. Aaron Lohman aka Huge Fat Loser
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Sergeant Aaron Lohman returns for his second appearance on The Squad Room and he doesn’t disappoint with his no-holds barred style of personal growth and leadership. We last checked in with Aaron in 2017 and a lot has changed. He made sergeant, had a few transfers and now is one of the first staffers at […]…
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118: Creating Calm: PTSD, War Trauma and Healing with Tom Voss
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Tom Voss is an Infantry veteran of the Army’s Stryker Brigades having served between 2003-2006 in a scout sniper platoon. He’s also an author, yoga instructor, and meditation teacher. It wasn’t long into his deployments before Tom experienced the darkest parts of war which left him with severe PTSD that he denied for over a […]…
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117: Ryan Michler on How to Win When Others Are Falling Apart
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Ryan Michler is the host of the Order of Man Podcast and author of the book Sovereignty: The Battle for the Hearts and Minds of Men. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Ryan recommends you regain and retain sovereignty over your life. Why he wrestles with the idea of being a good follower. Why the […]…
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116: Briefing Topic: Are You in the Arena?
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In this short episode I talk about a monumental speech that was given 110 years ago today by one of the biggest personalities to ever enter the White House. In this episode, I share why this speech is so influential to me, and how you can use it to motivate and inspire those you work […]By Garrett TeSlaa
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115: Making Yourself Hard to Kill with Matt The Operational Athlete
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Matt is a Special Forces veteran and current police officer in Los Angeles, CA. He’s known on social media as The Operational Athlete (@theoperationalathlete). Matt has multiple combat deployments and works in a high-activity city. In this episode we talk about: What he learned in Special Forces that he still uses on the streets today. […]…
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114: Leading Ourselves and Others During a Crisis with Traver Boehm
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This is the first episode back after a much-needed hiatus. It was not the episode I planned to produce but one that I felt needed to be done. No ads, no music, just an honest discussion about how to manage through change, how to mitigate the stress we’re all under, and how to cultivate resilience […]…
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113: Cardiologist and Police Lieutenant Jon Sheinberg on Heart Health for First Responders.
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This episode is a re-broadcast of one of my most important episodes so far. Dr. Jon Sheinberg wears many hats. One is as a full-time cardiologist and another is as a lieutenant for the Cedar Park Police Department in Texas. Jon comes on the show to walk us through all the confusing stuff about cholesterol, […]…
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112: Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman on Being a Modern Sheepdog
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This episode is a rebroadcast of a fascinating interview with Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman. If you’ve been living under a rock, Lt. Col. Grossman is the author of On Combat and On Killing and the creator of the idea of the sheepdog and the wolves. He’s a former West Point professor and all-around, one of […]…
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111: Live from ProForce with @911Strong and @DispatcherKristen
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This episode was recorded live at ProForce Law Enforcement on September 28, 2019. My guests are the dynamic duo and hosts of the 911Strong Podcast, social media star Aram Choe (@911Strong) and Kristen Jauregui (@dispatcherkristen). Both are working hard to help bridge the divide between our communities and our profession using social media as their…
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110: Shots Fired, Officer Down with Officer Josh Comitale: Will to Survive, Winning Mindset, and the Warrior Spirit
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A foot chase with an armed carjacking suspect, a partner shot, an open gun battle with no cover or concealment, taking two rounds in the legs, a gun jam…its like every academy training scenario rolled into one nightmare. Troy PD Officer Josh Comitale’s nightmare. Josh won the U.S. Congressional Medal of Bravery for his actions […]…
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109: Longevity, Seeking Promotions, Leadership and Advice with Jason Hoschouer
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Jason Hoschouer is a veteran cop in California. Many know him by his alias “Motorcop.” Jason was one of the first cop bloggers and probably the first cop to start a podcast way back in the day with The Crossover Show. He’s also been a previous guest on The Squad Room talking about financial health. […]…
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108: From Hard Charging to Hard Drinking: Alcoholism, Treatment and Recovery with Sgt. Joey Rafferty
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Over 27 years, Sgt. Joey Rafferty had every dream job that a hard charging cop would want in a county that requires hard charges. Wedged between Philadelphia and Trenton, NJ, Joey had plenty of action to keep him in the game. It wasn’t until he crashed a patrol car with his kids in the backseat […]By Garrett TeSlaa
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107: Your Mindset is Everything with POW Capt. Charlie Plumb | Cultivating Resilience, Gratitude & Awareness
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By Garrett Te Slaa
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106: Building Strength in Your Brain and Biceps with Mark Bell
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Mark “Smelly” Bell is an American and world-record holder powerlifter, inventor of the Sling Shot, star of the movie Bigger, Stronger, Faster, the publisher of Power Magazine, host of the Mark Bell’s Power Project podcast, a YouTube star and much more. Mark also used to be known for being fat – like really fat. But […]…
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105: Creating a Legacy by Serving Something Bigger Than Yourself with Special Forces Lt. Col. Scott Mann
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Lt. Col. Scott Mann spent 20 years in Army Special Forces (Green Berets), leading troops into some of the most hostile and deadly terrain in the world. In this episode you’ll learn: How to create your legacy and identify what’s important to you. How the Special Forces concept of the Mission Decision Line can apply […]…
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104: Excuses, Obstacles, and Living a Fearless Life with Miranda and Julian Alcarez of Street Parking
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Miranda and Julian Alcaraz are the dynamic duo behind Street Parking. In this episode you will learn: How a CrossFit Games athlete like Julian deals with injuries and setbacks. How Miranda’s fitness saved her life in a horrific car accident. How to adapt and overcome adversity in your training and fitness. How attitude is everything. […]…
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Ep 103: Becoming Mindful Warriors with Lt. Richard Goerling
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Lt. Richard Goerling (ret.) of Mindful Badge is our guest today. Richard has been getting a lot of national attention since our last conversation nearly two years ago. He was even featured on the Today Show and NBC Nightly News. Richard’s work is devoted to making officers more resilient, and resilience is something we can […]…
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Ep 102: Briefing Training: What’s Your Oath? How to Identify Your Personal Values
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In this short episode, I give you my personal method for how to identify my values, the things that are most important to me. Values are tricky, and we often get weird around trying to name them and identify them. However, I guarantee that if you’re able to identify the values you prioritize, it will […]…
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Ep 101: Lt. Jim Glennon of Calibre Press on Surviving the Streets
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Lt. Jim Glennon is the owner of Calibre Press and lead instructor for the well-known and nationally taught course “Street Survival.” Jim retired as a lieutenant for the Lompard, IL police department moving into teaching and publishing. Lt. Glennon holds a BA in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Police Management. He is the co-author […]…
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Episode 100! Learning from Your Failures and Moving Forward with Traver Boehm
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Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, Tim Kennedy, Andy Stumpf, Kelly Starrett, Tony Horton…just some of the amazing guests we’ve had in the first 99 episodes. It seems like it has taken forever to get to episode 100. In fact, it’s taken almost 4 years. I’ve been inconsistent, infrequent, behind, and distracted as a producer and host. […]…
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Ep 99: Ending First Responder Suicides with Dan Jarvis of 22Zero.Org
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Dan Jarvis is a former law enforcement officer and combat veteran. Dan came home from his deployments and struggled to adjust to life back at home, and even though he found purpose as a cop, he struggled. Hard. Dan was literally moments away from putting the gun to his head when an unexpected sound made […]…
In this short episode I’m challenging you to be more self-aware about what motivates you and inspires you to go out and do the hard work that we do. There’s a well-known saying that during a critical incident, when everything is on the line, we don’t rise to the level of our expectations but instead […]…
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Briefing Topic: Held Assumptions vs. Opportunity Statements
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“The things you think about determine the quality of your mind. Your soul takes on the color of your thoughts.” – Marcus Aurelius We all hold assumptions about ourselves. Some of them are correct, and others are completely false. An assumption can be defined as, “a thing that is accepted as true or certain to […]…
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Ep 96: Training Your Mind to Train Your Body with Officer Greg Parker
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These days, if you’re involved in an foot pursuit that’s covered by the media, and you wake up the next day and realize it’s gone viral, that’s not a good thing. Luckily, for Officer Greg Parker of the Baltimore Police Department, he was blasted all over the news and social media because of solid police […]…
This week we discuss a way to check in with yourself and review where you’re at in relation to where you want to go. It’s actually learned in business school but have tweaked over the years to fit my use, and I think it’ll help you too. It’s called a SWAT analysis – Strengths – […]By Garrett Te Slaa
10-20 in cop speak (in my area) means, “what’s your location?” Goals are great. They’re important. But it’s impossible to know where to go if you don’t know where you’re coming from. When you respond to a call, your route will depend on whether you’re coming from the north, south, east, or west. You can’t […]…
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Ep 93: Practicing Resilience and Creating an Emotional Survival Plan with Dr. Diego Hernandez
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Dr. Diego Hernandez is a clinical psychologist and trauma expert who focuses on wellness, human performance and and health. He frequently works with Army Special Operations and their training cadre to address the trauma rehabilitation of elite warriors. He regularly treats veterans and first responders. Dr. Hernandez is also the Clinical Director o…
We need leaders. Leaders at every level and in every organization. The absolute truth is that no one else is coming, and it’s up to us to step forward and fulfill our obligations. But before you lead others, you need to be able to lead yourself. In this episode, I introduce the concept of BADGES, […]…
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Ep 91: From Mogadishu to Music: Life Lessons from a Delta Commando with Brad Thomas
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When Brad Thomas’ music career didn’t take off out of high school he choose the next most obvious career path. He enlisted in the Army with a Ranger contract with the goal of making it into the elite and secretive special operations force known as Delta Force. Brad spent several years in the Rangers and […]…
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Ep 90: Post-Traumatic Stress to Post-Traumatic Growth with Shaun O’Gorman
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Aussie cop Shaun O’Gorman returns with some strategic actions you can take to identify, manage, and most importantly, use the traumatic experiences we all deal with. Shaun was a K9 officer who never let off the gas pedal for his entire career. It wasn’t until he stood on the ledge of a 26th floor balcony […]…
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Ep 89: Briefing Topic: We Need a Better Marketing Plan
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Last week, Nike managed to piss off approximately 50% of the country with their new ad campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick. In this Briefing Topic episode, I share my opinion on the whole event and explain why you should not care about this, or waste one second of your time upset about it. Please support our […]…
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Ep 88: Nothing Happens on the Sidelines with Seal Team 3 Sniper JP Dinnell
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JP Dinnell is a veteran of three combat deployments in the Global War on Terror. Most notably, he served with Seal Team 3 Task Unit Bruiser in the Battle of Ramadi as a sniper, working right next to the world’s most famous sniper, Chris Kyle. Kyle was in Charlie Platoon, and JP was in Delta […]By Garrett Te Slaa
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Ep 87: Be the One: Stepping Up During the Vegas Massacre with Sgt. Larry Hahn
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Sgt. Larry Hahn has done many things throughout his career with one of the largest sheriff’s department’s in the country. But it was what he did off-duty on the night of Sunday October 1, 2017 that will show you how he is the kind of leader I talk about when I ask you to be […]By Garrett TeSlaa: Law Enforcement Veteran | Wellness Advocate | Host
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Ep 86: Building Resilience from Personal Tragedy with Eric Hodgdon
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Eric Hodgdon is a resilience coach, author, and speaker. I first met Eric in October 2017 at a workshop and was immediately drawn to how him. He just exudes being a good guy. In March of 2018 I got to spend a few days with him a a leadership retreat in Florida and it was […]By Garrett TeSlaa: Law Enforcement Veteran | Wellness Advocate | Host
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Ep 85: Chasing Cartels and Congress with DEA Chief James Capra
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James Capra is the retired Chief of Global Operations for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Before his retirement, James testified to congress as he had done before, but this time he went off-script and spoke from the heart. It ended up on YouTube as “DEA Official Freaks Out at Senate Hearing.” But to hear James […]…
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EP 84: Thriving After an Officer-Involved Shooting with Chuck Rylant
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Chuck Rylant is a veteran SWAT cop from Santa Maria, CA. After being forced into a medical retirement, Chuck began looking for ways to continue in service to others. As a result, he wrote a book called “Shots Fired: The Psychology Behind Officer Involved Shootings.” Chuck interviews 12 cops who had been involved in shootings […]…
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Ep 83: What Makes an Uncivilized Man with Traver Boehm
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Traver is back with more insights and strategies about how to live your best life. In this episode, we talk about Traver’s new project, Man Uncivilized, and what inspired him to launch a movement that is quickly gaining attention. Traver is a regular contributor to the show and a man I refer to as my […]…
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Ep 82: Rob Shaul of Mountain Tactical Institute on Physical Training for Tactical Athletes
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Rob Shaul is the founder of Mountain Tactical Institute. Rob trains first responders, military athletes, and tier 1 operators.He got his start in Wyoming, training mountain athletes. When members of the military got wind of his success, they started seeking him out to help them climb the mountains of Afghanistan. When first responders learned about…
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Episode 81: Kelly Starrett on Lifestyle Optimization for Tactical Athletes, Sheepdogs and Warriors
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Kelly is a physiotherapist, speaker, coach, author and the founder of MobilityWOD. Kelly’s mission is to improve the mechanics and movement of every human to optimize physical performance and overall health. A few years ago he picked up a camera with a commitment to record one video a day for a year demonstrating important stretching […]…
