Trauma, Tattoos, and Transitions
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1. The complex aftermath of escaping an abusive relationship, highlighting the ongoing struggle with PTSD and trauma. How do you support loved ones through their healing journey and address the challenges of co-parenting with an ex-partner? 2. Tattoos and their significance within the SEAL community. 3. Advice to a young SEAL officer embarking on his first deployment, drawing parallels between military and civilian life. The Speed of War Comic Series: Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here:
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Jimmy Watson - A Journey to Hell and Back
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Jimmy Watson served 17 years on active duty, splitting time between the Marine Corps, Blackwater, and finally as a Navy SEAL. He completed 2 deployments as a Marine before transitioning to Blackwater and working his way to the role of Team Leader. While in this role the Nisour Square Massacre occurred, an event that would draw FBI attention later, but by that time he was already serving at an SDV command in Hawaii as a SEAL. I don't know the best word to describe Jimm'ys life, it has taken twists and turns that most can likely not fathom. From leaving school at 13 to a suicide attempt in a...
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Andy Vs. Michael - Round 6
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We are back again with a role reversal, turning the microphone towards the man usually behind the scenes – show producer, Michael Shelton. I never know where these conversations are going to lead, since I am turning the questions over to Michael, a man with an internet search history that has likely landed him on a variety of watchlists. There was absolutely no structure to this episode, where we covered everything from the controversial topic of soaking, flat earth pioneers who die in their own homemade rockets, social uprisings on college campuses, pride in being an American, and people...
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Don Edwards - The Evolution of Modern Warfare and Tactical Training
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Don Edwards is a retired US Army Special Operations veteran with over two decades of service in the 75th Ranger Regiment and 20th Special Forces Group, including a combat jump into Operation Just Cause and combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. We discuss the critical lessons learned during his deployments in high-stakes environments like Iraq and Afghanistan, and how these experiences shaped his approach to tactical training and leadership. Don's post-military includes roles as the Use of Force training manager at the ATF National Academy and his ongoing contributions as a...
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Death to America???
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Today we are diving straight into the heart of current events, focusing on the ongoing protests at Columbia University. We are going to talk about the complexities of patriotism, personal purpose, and crisis response. 1. The emotional challenge of anti-American sentiment, seeking advice on how to engage constructively with divisive issues in a country we love. 2. How to support a partner in search of new beginnings and a meaningful life mission, particularly when life's path leads us through unexpected twists and turns. 3. Personal safety, with a discussion on effective tactics to...
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Brian, Fred, and Catherine - The Fight Over Forced Vaccinations in the Canadian Forces
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Brian and Fred were members of the Canadian Armed Forces and both suffered profound impact from the COVID-19 vaccine mandates on their military careers and personal lives. Brian, an Iraq war veteran and former special forces assaulter hopeful, began having physical and medical complications after his second mandatory dosage, ultimately leading to the end of his military service. Fred declined the vaccine, leading to extraordinary and unusual treatment as a result of refusal. Accompanying them is their lawyer, Catherine Christiansen from Valour Law, who provides legal insights into the mass...
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Courage, Heartbreak, and Border Realities
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Two questions today that explore both individual challenges and broader societal concerns. First, a listener from California shares his mental and physical health struggles, along with an intense desire to confront danger head-on, stemming from recent upticks in violence. Next, we hear from a newly appointed police officer grappling with the heartbreak of a recent breakup while starting his dream job in a new city. To close out the episode we are going with a "Food for Thought" segment, where an email from a listener details troubling developments in Nicaragua's border policies and the...
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Barry Minkow - A Journey from Fraud to Fraud Fighter
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Barry Minkow starting ZZZZ Best Carpet Cleaning in his parent's garage at 16, quickly rising to fame as one of America's youngest self-made millionaires. But, beneath the success was a massive Ponzi scheme with links to the mob, leading to his conviction and first prison sentence. After serving time, he made a pivot to ministry and community service, only to fall from grace once again, this time being convicted on charges of insider trading and tax fraud. In total, he served 15 years. After serving his sentence Barry has emerged with a new mission, fraud detection. He has...
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Clay Garcia and John Dudley - Aim True and Give Back
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Clay Garcia is the founder of the Helping Heroes Foundation, an organization that stands as a beacon of support for those who've served, offering vital assistance to disabled veterans as they navigate life after service. Clay and John have teamed up to create an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference. The Helping Heroes Foundation is hosting an exclusive raffle where the lucky winner will take home a custom Nock On bow crafted by none other than John Dudley himself. If you're a 30 percent disabled veteran, the prize includes more than just a bow – it's an invitation to an...
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Inner Battles and Global Shadows
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This should have posted Friday, but did not...Regularly scheduled programming this Friday, listener submitted Q and A: First, a question from a young Navy corpsman grappling with his identity and future as he transitions to a new duty station, seeking to redefine himself and find purpose. Then, a 26-year-old trucker and soon-to-be-married man shares his fight with obesity and the quest for physical and mental resilience, expressing a desire to protect and a fear of failure. Lastly, something more philosophical with a discussion on the impact of being exposed to the harsh realities of...
info_outlineKeelin Darby is an active law enforcement officer and the wife of Ben Darby.
Officer Ben Darby responded to a suicide-by-cop scenario in 2018. After recognizing that his partners were not utilizing sound officer safety tactics by placing themselves in a potentially deadly situation without cover and concealment within a few feet of the armed subject, without their firearms drawn, Officer Darby placed himself in front of his partners and gave multiple warnings to the subject to put his gun down, which he was pointing at his head. After making a furtive movement with his head, shoulders, and firearm and after believing that his life and the lives of his partners were in imminent threat of great bodily harm or death, Officer Darby shot the subject, who was a known white supremacist. It was later discovered that the subject told his neighbor (a witness) that he intended on luring police officers into his home to kill them because he hated cops.
After an Incident Review Board was conducted by the Huntsville Police Department, the department found that Officer Darby’s actions were within policy and justified under the rule of law. The first two officers were sent back to the academy for remedial training and later resigned. Officer Darby returned to work, and within 2 months a secret grand jury was convened by the district attorney. Officer Darby was charged with murder. Officer Darby was given a plea deal consisting of probation and NO CUSTODY time if he accepted an aggravated manslaughter conviction, which he refused. The police chief, city council, and mayor of Huntsville supported Ben Darby and paid the initial legal fees.
During the trial, the judge prevented exculpatory evidence from being heard by the jury, including relevant testimony by the neighbor and others, as well as applicable case law that would have exonerated Officer Ben Darby (Graham v. Connor, Tennessee V. Garner, Montoute v. Carr, Garczynski v. Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office). This trial was closed to the public—not open to family, friends, or me, due to Covid restrictions. He was denied qualified immunity and after multiple plea deals consisting of NO prison time, my husband went to trial. During the trial, the DA compared Officer Darby to a regular civilian who barged into a random person’s house, shooting, and killing them. Officer Ben Darby was sentenced to 25 years.