SOFREP Radio

Mark Valentine is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a combat veteran F-16 pilot who served for over 25 years. Today, he is the President of Global Government at Skydio, a leading U.S. drone manufacturer. Despite his vast experience flying combat jets, Valentine admits that in today’s battlefield, drones impact results in ways that new jets or missiles cannot. As autonomous drones become more sophisticated, they now make far fewer errors compared to their human operators. However, in actual combat where lives are on the line, the humans behind the drones must face a deeper question about the desensitization that happens when a soldier uses a drone thousands of miles away, like a video game, to take another life. Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Brown is an outstanding former Navy SEAL known for his small stature but immense determination. Standing at just 5'3", he was always underestimated, both by high school bullies and Navy recruiters, yet he remained undeterred and locked in on his goal to serve. Despite being initially dismissed due to his size, Brown's persistence and resilience led him to pass the rigorous Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, even running with two stress fractures during "Hell Week." He graduated with BUD/S Class 115 and served with Underwater Demolition Team 21 and SEAL Team 4. His deployments took him across Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. His memoir, "And Goliath," tackles the human side of being a Navy SEAL. Especially in Brown's case, where his physical limitations seemed to doom his dreams, "And Goliath" chronicles the willpower he needed to tap into his potential for success, overcome perceived limitations, and come out at the end as an inspiration to all current, former, and aspiring special operators​. Get a copy of "And Goliath": https://andgoliathbook.com/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean Hagerty is a 25-year veteran of the US Army, serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment before being selected and assigned to a special operations unit at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Among his accolades over his decorated career are 3 Bronze Stars. Hagerty is also the author of 'Jones Point'. 'Jones Point' is a military-informed thriller about Dane Cooper, a special operations soldier who goes on a quest for revenge when his daughter gets abducted. His life would gain purpose again when a mysterious cabal offers him a path to redemption. The story intertwines his personal struggle with his efforts to investigate other cases of grieving parents, all while avoiding detection by an FBI agent and a dedicated team from the Virginia Bureau of Investigation. Get a copy of 'Jones Point': https://amzn.to/3xzWCpC Learn more about Sean Hagerty: https://authorseanhagerty.com/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jesse Fink is the author of 6 books, including 'The Youngs,' 'Pure Narco,' 'Bon,' and his latest book, 'The Eagle in the Mirror'. Fink shares his incredible literary journey that saw him spend a decade chronicling AC/DC, delving deep into Pablo Escobar's cocaine empire, and most recently, uncovering the secrets of Dick Ellis, the top spy of MI6 during World War 2. Ellis is a controversial figure, accused of being a triple agent—allegedly working for the Allies, the Nazis, and the Soviets. Fink discusses how the Americans recognized Ellis's contributions, yet his reputation suffered in the aftermath of the war. Nonetheless, Ellis played a pivotal role in the formation of the CIA, the premier agency in global intelligence and counterintelligence today. Get a copy of 'The Eagle in the Mirror': https://amzn.to/3XF0Neg Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jared Shepard is the Founder of Warriors Ethos, a nonprofit that helps veterans transition from military to civilian life, and the CEO of Hypori, the creator of a solution for secure communication in contested environments using cellphones bought off host nation markets. Shepard reflects on his time in the military and how mentorship guided him towards IT instead of following the path of an infantryman. This life-changing choice led him to where he is today. He emphasizes the importance of seeking mentorship and helping others, especially when it is inconvenient, as that is when it truly matters. Learn more about Warriors Ethos and Hypori: - https://www.warriorsethos.org/ - https://www.hypori.com/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sgt Maj (Ret.) Randall Surles, U.S. Army, is a former Green Beret with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He served almost 30 years, deploying over twenty times to South America, the Middle East, and Africa, with notable service in Panama. After retiring from the military, Surles transitioned his expertise and leadership skills to the literary world, becoming a freelance military editor and ghostwriter. Surles shares his journey of how to self-publish books (and e-books) and the many landmines you may encounter. From profit sharing with Amazon, overcoming negative comments on social media, and having your intellectual property stolen, Surles dives into what aspiring writers can expect to encounter in the pursuit of making writing a career and what they can do about it. Learn more about Sgt Maj (Ret.) Randall Surles: Website: https://militaryeditor.com/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chief Master Sergeant Jason David, USAF (Retired), is a 22-year veteran who first joined the Air Force as a radio and television broadcaster. His unique position within the military, interfacing with a wide variety of personalities, provided him with a wealth of experience that he now intends to share with the world. Veterans often find purpose in the military and lose it upon coming home. David advocates for greater awareness of veteran suicide and shares the many resources available to veterans, both within and outside of the VA. He also recounts the story of how he earned his Purple Heart—a tragic event that has since shaped his life and galvanized his decision to fight for veterans' rights to live normal lives in the US. If you are a veteran contemplating self-harm, seek help from these resources: https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-david-72791966/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Col. Keith Nightingale, USA (Ret.) served for 25 years with notable roles in commanding airborne units and especially in operating with special operations forces. He was involved in some of the most significant military operations of his time, including actions during the Vietnam War, the Iran Hostage Rescue Mission (Operation Eagle Claw), and the invasion of Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury). Colonel Nightingale shares behind-the-scenes insights into his operations in Latin America, from having the host nation join the AWACS to target illegal drug labs to battling drug cartels in countries like Nicaragua, Colombia, and Panama. He also talks about snippets of his book 'Phoenix Rising' and how the US failure in Iran led to the continuation and development of special forces into what it is today. Get a copy of Keith's latest book 'Phoenix Rising': https://amzn.to/3ysAsp6 Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corey Feldman is a former IDF special forces combatant and active reservist who answered the call to fight Hamas. As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, propaganda and lies drive a wedge between both sides of the conflict. Corey addresses some of the most controversial accusations against the IDF, with the most grave being genocide and encroachment. While mainstream media vilifies IDF actions in Gaza, Corey sets the record straight on the actual measures taken on the ground to reduce civilian casualties, a reality completely absent in other warzones. Feldman also takes a look at historical precedence, like the Hamas charter to erase Israel from the map, and the fact that the only language the Middle East has ever known is violence. Learn Krav Maga to defend against anti-semitism: https://www.legionalpha.com/ Get your copy of 'A Line in the Sand': https://amzn.to/3UAj8pO Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Susan Tate Ankeny is a nonfiction World War 2 history book author whose works include 'The Girl and the Bombardier' and her newest book, 'American Flygirl'. 'American Flygirl' recounts the inspiring story of Hazel Ying Lee, the first Asian American woman to earn a pilot’s license and fly with the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) despite the widespread anti-Asian sentiment back then. Hazel refused to be deterred by discrimination due to her gender and her status as the daughter of Chinese immigrants. Just one year after sitting in on a friend's flight lesson, she earned her pilot's license and was on the way to the front against the Japanese. She would posthumously receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for her extraordinary service and patriotism. Learn more about Susan: https://susantateankeny.com/ Get a copy of 'American Flygirl': https://amzn.to/3UuX67N Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don Mann is a decorated former Navy SEAL Special Operations Technician and the author of 22 books including the New York Times Best Selling autobiography Inside SEAL Team SIX. As a former Training Officer, Mann was directly responsible for shaping the bodies and minds of the SEALs who assassinated Osama bin Laden. He talks about the genesis of the name of SEAL Team SIX and how it was a tactic to throw off the Russians since there were only 3 SEAL teams then. He shares the mission of SEAL Team SIX in operating anywhere around the world, making them the President's foremost "break glass in case of emergency" solution. Learn more about Don: https://www.usfrogmann.com/ Get a copy of Inside SEAL Team SIX: https://amzn.to/3xRuVs7 Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Wilson is the author of Sully's Squad, a coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of World War II. The book follows fifteen-year-old Arty, who lies about his age to enlist, as he gets thrown into the horrors of the Sicilian campaign. Amidst the madness, he meets Angelina, a young nun-in-training, and forges a deep brotherhood with his squadmates. Wilson also draws inspiration from real life for his characters, such as Sully the sergeant, who is based on his uncle killed in action during the Great War. The story sensitively portrays the realities of battlefield deaths, shellshock, and the emotional journey of veterans returning home. Get a copy of Sully's Squad: https://amzn.to/49NDx01 Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stayton Bonner is a former Rolling Stone and GQ Magazine editor and the author of Bare Knuckle: Inside the World of Underground Boxing. This gripping narrative talks about the rise of Bobby Gunn in the lucrative blood sport, as well as intimate details into the gritty criminal underworld that drew in immigrants and mobsters in search of fame and fortune. Bobby was a skinny but tough kid born into the world of boxing. At a young age, his father taught him dirty street fighting and bare-knuckle boxing. While lesser known, Bobby’s Marine Corps background further honed his toughness and resilience, forging him into a lethal weapon whose name would eventually be etched in bare-knuckle boxing history. Get a copy of Bare Knuckle: https://amzn.to/3vNlLfx Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Dailey is a retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant and author of Tough, Rugged Bastards. In 2003, Dailey was handpicked to become the team leader of Detachment One, the first Marine Corps unit assigned to the US Special Operations Command. Their battlefield success became the proof-of-concept for the formation of the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC). Dailey shares how the title of his book came about. As team leader, he was free to choose the members of his team but was instructed to select "tough, rugged bastards with strong backs and hard feet" as the sole stipulation. The book covers the creation, training, and deployment of Detachment One, ultimately leading to the creation of MARSOC. Learn more about John Dailey: https://www.jadailey.com/ Get a copy of Tough, Rugged Bastards: https://amzn.to/49lvWWk Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Lazarus, renowned for his notable works such as Super Bowl Monday and his latest book, The Wingmen, delves into the heroic narratives of two American icons and lifelong friends: space explorer John Glenn and Ted Williams, widely regarded as the greatest hitter in baseball history. Before the onset of the Korean War, Glenn had completed 59 combat missions during World War II, while Williams was a highly decorated WWII Marine pilot and a two-time American League Triple Crown winner at the pinnacle of his baseball career. During the Korean War, the paths of these extraordinary men intersected as they were both called to serve again. The Wingmen explores how the duo bravely flew into North Korea with Glenn in the lead and Williams at his side. Lazarus unravels the profound friendship between these larger-than-life men and the unbreakable mutual respect they shared. Learn more about Adam Lazarus: https://www.adamlazarusbooks.com/ Get a copy of The Wingmen: https://amzn.to/3xbJl64 Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric Blehm is an award-winning author known for his New York Times bestsellers Fearless and The Only Thing Worth Dying For. In the early 1990s, he served as editor-in-chief of TransWorld SNOWboarding magazine and, by 1999, had transitioned to freelance writing. Blehm gained significant insight into the world of special operations shortly after the September 11 attacks when he found himself embedded with Green Berets. This immersion ultimately led to his acclaimed book The Only Thing Worth Dying For. His subsequent book, Fearless, chronicles the remarkable journey of Adam Brown, a Navy SEAL whose unrelenting spirit allowed him to triumph over severe injuries. Blehm's latest work, The Darkest White, marks a return to his snowboarding roots. The book narrates the life of Craig Kelly, often hailed as snowboarding's first superstar, and explores how his legacy continues to inspire professional snowboarding, a discipline that he was instrumental in creating. Learn more about Eric Blehm: https://www.ericblehm.com/ Get a copy of The Darkest White: https://amzn.to/3IDRu5p Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dwayne Epstein is an accomplished author and biographer, renowned for his insightful explorations into the intricacies of his subjects' lives. His most notable works include Lee Marvin: Point Blank and Killin' Generals: The Making of The Dirty Dozen. He delves into some of Lee Marvin's thoughts on The Dirty Dozen and how his favorite aspect of the movie was how it reflected the thoughts and feelings of the greatest generation—the ordinary people who lived through it. Dwayne also shares that Lee Marvin was a US marine serving in the Pacific theater before he became an actor. He talks about how Marvin suffered from PTSD his entire life upon returning due to his harrowing experiences and his realization of how horrific war really was. Get your copy of Lee Marvin: Point Blank: https://amzn.to/3v5NnMp and Killin’ Generals: https://amzn.to/3T1OVPm Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Cohen, Founder of ProTek Watches, and SOFREP Managing Editor Guy D. McCardle join today’s episode of SOFREP Radio. Wristwatches trace their origins back to World War I, serving as essential tools for soldiers in the trenches. Over the decades, wristwatches have evolved in both materials and technology, yet their fundamental purpose remains unchanged—to provide a quick and convenient means of telling time. Barry shares insights into the innovative technology featured in ProTek watches, such as tritium illumination for hands and hour markers—the same material used in gun sights. Unlike conventional lume, tritium requires no external light source and provides 100x brighter illumination. ProTek is the designated official watch of the USMC, proudly showcasing the United States Marine Corps logo embossed on the caseback. Explore the ProTek collection here: https://protekwatch.com/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mikael was on the ground during the catastrophic US evacuation from Afghanistan in August 2021. He made it his mission to save as many Aghan allies as possible and is personally responsible for the safe exit of 20 allies. While some made it out, Mikael talks about the deep moral injury this abandonment has caused. When it became apparent that it was impossible to evacuate everyone in Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA), Digital Dunkirk was born—an ad hoc, public-private, digital-based effort involving thousands of people around the world that came together to save as many people from the carnage of the Taliban. Get your copy of Life and Death at Abbey Gate: https://amzn.to/42Sehnx Learn more about Mikael Cook and Digital Dunkirk: Website - https://www.mikaelcook.com/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rick is a Silver Star recipient for his leadership during the Battle of Mogadishu, popularized in the Hollywood hit Black Hawk Down, and was a prominent member of SEAL Team TWO and SEAL Team Six. He continues to serve the SEALs as Chief Operating Officer of the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum. Frogman Stories is a collection of events in and around SEAL Teams over the course of 45 years. It shows an authentic portrayal of how things get done in SEAL Teams and the silent trials that forge these extraordinary men into fearsome warriors. Rick captures the memorable lessons on life and leadership that only a true SEAL who has seen it all can share. Get your copy of Frogman Stories: https://amzn.to/49jquUL Learn more about Navy Seal Museum: Website - https://www.navysealmuseum.org/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.