The Tuxes & Tomahawks Podcast
Over the course of my life, I have had a plethora of experiences. Some good, and some bad. I have traveled around the country, worked the land, served in our nation’s military, and always believed in giving back to the communities we live in. Throughout the past few decades of my life, I've discovered one common factor: We all have a story to tell. All of us have experienced love, loss, success, and failure. I've made it my passion and my mission to find these amazing people. I'm going to tell their stories, embrace the positive impacts they are making in the world around them, and learn as much as I can in the process. My hope is that you and I can collectively formulate a greater understanding of the human race, and thus we can better understand ourselves. I will be on this endless journey; seeking people out to tell their stories that will inspire you.
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Episode 29: SGT Sam McKamey
02/12/2024
Episode 29: SGT Sam McKamey
Born and raised in Delaware, Sam is a 26 year old family man with a wife and daughter at home with 2 dogs. While in high school Sam volunteered at his local fire house riding on both the fire truck and ambulance. Graduated High School in 2016 and Enlisted into the Marine Corp Reserve as a Bulk Fuel Specialist. When not attending drill he was developing his civilian trade as a welder. Sam has been welding for 7 years, is currently a certified pipe welder, and was a welding instructor for a short time as well. While in the Marine Corp, Sam was a rifle/pistol coach, a company training NCO, a dedicated funeral honors marine, a fireteam leader, and a squad leader. At the end of his first enlistment Sam decided to reenlist in the Air Force as a Flight Medic and is currently still serving in that mos in the Air National Guard today. He experienced the loss of a friend to suicide once in the marine corp and once in the blue collar community. These two experiences pushed him to start reaching out even more to his friends far and wide that are part of these communities. He created The Middleman Initiative where he acts as the median between people seeking help and the resources they need to get that help. Whether its the military, the fire department, or the blue collar field, sam is a part of many different and large communities where suicide is unfortunately not uncommon. His stated intent is to reach individuals who are struggling in an effort to prevent depression, isolation, and suicide. Special focus on The Veteran, The Military Service Member, The First Responder, and The Blue Collar Worker. Sam is focused on being a friend to anyone that will reach out to him and helping whoever he can through their mental health journey. Sam can be reached at [email protected] @themiddlemaninitiative on both instagram and facebook https://www.instagram.com/themiddlemaninitiative?igsh=MTV2ZmprM2k4Nm85Zg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
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Episode 28: COL. James Hutton
09/03/2023
Episode 28: COL. James Hutton
James Hutton is the former Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and is a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army. In his nearly 27 years as an Army officer, he served throughout the U.S., Germany, Kuwait, Bosnia, Kosovo and three tours of duty in Iraq. Throughout this episode James and I discuss politics, the upcoming 2024 election, and the War in Ukraine. A truly fascinating and indepth discussion of modern politics and governmental policy.
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Episode 27: MAJ Kevin Eisel
09/04/2023
Episode 27: MAJ Kevin Eisel
MAJ Kevin M. Eisel is an Army finance officer with 26 years in the military including 13 active-duty enlisted years, 11 Army Reserve (TPU) commissioned years, and 2 Active Guard/Reserve (AGR) commissioned years and counting. He has earned 6 MOSs and 2 ASIs. He has attended leadership schools from PLDC to ILE phase 1. He has held enlisted leadership positions from team leader to rear-detachment BN CSM and as a commissioned officer several positions including company commander and senior auditor. He has served in the 4th Infantry Division, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 2nd Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division, and several Army Reserve units. He deployed to Iraq during OIF with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). In addition to serving as a military member, he has served as a DA Civilian since 2017 in various positions. He graduated from Thomas Edison State University and attended 8 other schools including two seminaries. He is married to the most beautiful woman he knew from high school. He is father of five children and grandfather of seven grandchildren. He currently resides in Northwest Indiana.
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Episode 26: Michael Sartain
11/26/2021
Episode 26: Michael Sartain
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE !!!
Since 2008 Michael has been asked to be a speaker or guest instructor for several different self help programs. He speaks on subjects including evolutionary psychology, astronomy, finance, dating, enlightenment, sociology, networking, human attraction, physics and the military. Michael completes between 45-55 books a year on every subject imaginable.
From these experiences Michael learned the importance of intellectual curiosity, gratitude, humility as well as /episode/index/show/firstdonoharmpodcast/id/27969255
Since 2008 Michael has been asked to be a speaker or guest instructor for several different self help programs. He speaks on subjects including evolutionary psychology, astronomy, finance, dating, enlightenment, sociology, networking, human attraction, physics and the military. Michael completes between 45-55 books a year on every subject imaginable.
From these experiences Michael learned the importance of intellectual curiosity, gratitude, humility as well as /episode/index/show/firstdonoharmpodcast/id/27969255
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Episode 25: Jared Hafich
11/19/2021
Episode 25: Jared Hafich
Captain Jared Hafich is a 2014 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. He is a veteran of Academic, Conduct, and Aptitude Probations while at the Zoo, and faced dismissal his Firstie Year for “less than arbitrary” reasons. After persevering, he commissioned as a Security Forces Officer and led a successful career in Law Enforcement, Nuclear Weapons Security, and excelled in his duties at a Military Police Instructor. Jared has led, and learned from, countless stellar Enlisted Defenders. He real
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Episode 24: Stephanie Kalota
11/12/2021
Episode 24: Stephanie Kalota
Stephanie Kalota is an Army Reserve retired veteran, and a former Army Reserve military technician. She was trained as an ammunition specialist (89B) and a transportation coordinator (88N). She served 17 months at the Port of Ash Shubia, Kuwait, and the majority of the time as a stow planner. Later she served as an instructor and taught job specific Senior Leadership Courses. As a military technician, she worked as Staff Operations Training Specialist at the 494th Brigade Support Battalion, 301st Maneuver E
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Episode 23A: Melissa and Anthony Hemphill (Part 1)
11/05/2021
Episode 23A: Melissa and Anthony Hemphill (Part 1)
Melissa and Anthony have a compelling story of perseverance, service, and love. After falling in love with each other at the United States Air Force Academy while each of them competed in NCAA Division 1 Athletics, they discovered that they had an unplanned pregnancy. Melissa and Anthony shared the strong desire to serve their country as commissioned officers, and give back to the Air Force Academy as instructors. While navigating the archaic rules of our Federal military academies, Anthony and Melissa had
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Episode 23B: Melissa and Anthony Hemphill (Part 2)
11/05/2021
Episode 23B: Melissa and Anthony Hemphill (Part 2)
Melissa and Anthony have a compelling story of perseverance, service, and love. After falling in love with each other at the United States Air Force Academy while each of them competed in NCAA Division 1 Athletics, they discovered that they had an unplanned pregnancy. Melissa and Anthony shared the strong desire to serve their country as commissioned officers, and give back to the Air Force Academy as instructors. While navigating the archaic rules of our Federal military academies, Anthony and Melissa had
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Episode 22: Dr. Roksana Filipowska
10/29/2021
Episode 22: Dr. Roksana Filipowska
Just in time for spooky season, we have a very special episode this All Hallow’s Eve week with a real modern day “witch”! Roksana Filipowska, Ph.D., is a researcher, educator, writer, and third-generation tarot reader interested in intersections of art, science, and spirituality. Roksana is the creator of Being Present with Art, a program integrating mindfulness-based stress reduction meditation with art museum pedagogy, and an advocate for holistic and equitable education.
To book a tarot /episode/index/show/firstdonoharmpodcast/id/27969273
To book a tarot /episode/index/show/firstdonoharmpodcast/id/27969273
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Episode 21: Tara Harris
10/22/2021
Episode 21: Tara Harris
Tara Harris is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2013. Her experience at the Academy was not an easy one. As a survivor of immeasurable tragedy during her time as a Cadet, she learned the coping skills and developed an impenetrable sense of resilience as a contracting officer. Throughout her experiences as an Air Force officer, she realized that the military was not going to allow her to reach her full potential, and decided to embark upon a different path. Through her incredible a
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Episode 20: Host of the Nasty Guard Podcast
10/15/2021
Episode 20: Host of the Nasty Guard Podcast
Joining the army later in his 20’s, The Nasty Guard found his army mojo as a 19D (Cavalry Scout) in the Army National Guard. Currently he is an Emergency Room Technician, and nursing student. As the official host of The Nasty Guard Podcast, he is determined to spread a positive message about the National Guard, career opportunities, and encouraging every American to have a part time career serving this great nation.
For more info on our guest Mr. Nasty Guard himself:
Instagram: thenastyguard
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For more info on our guest Mr. Nasty Guard himself:
Instagram: thenastyguard
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Episode 19: Lost Friend Brewing Company with Andy & Alyssa France
10/08/2021
Episode 19: Lost Friend Brewing Company with Andy & Alyssa France
Who are the founders of the Lost Friend Brewing Company? They are a woman and veteran owned craft beer brewery located in northeastern Colorado Springs, Colorado. They pride themselves on being very dog friendly… though they also welcome other well-behaved, leashed pets. Enjoy one of their amazing beers while playing a board game or reading a book. Their sunlit taproom and killer view of Pikes Peak invites us all to relax and stay a while. They even host local food trucks each day which change frequently.
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Episode 18: Kathryn Brown
10/01/2021
Episode 18: Kathryn Brown
Kathryn Brown is a graduate from the United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2015. Born and raised in Colorado, Kathryn is now serving as a C-17 pilot in the US Air Force. She serves alongside her husband, also a C-17 pilot, and enjoys taking their Blue Heeler on hikes in their free time. She’s a hobby blogger, podcaster, and real estate investor - but most importantly she tries to educate and fight for justice, empowerment and kindness.
For more info on our guest Kathryn Brown:
Instag /episode/index/show/firstdonoharmpodcast/id/27969285
For more info on our guest Kathryn Brown:
Instag /episode/index/show/firstdonoharmpodcast/id/27969285
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Episode 17: Nneka Brown
09/24/2021
Episode 17: Nneka Brown
In 2016, Nneka Brown left the U.S. Army after 9 years of Active Duty as a Human Resources Specialist. She suffered from Traumatic Brain Injuries that impaired her ability to stay in. Since then, she started a company @innovativesupplies a couple weeks after being in the civilian world. She has won multiple awards, and just this past year, she testified before Congress about her difficulty of accessing PPP & EIDL funding. When she’s not working she loves being a single mom, and enjoys working in the Arts.<
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Episode 16: CPT Steele Chadwick of Fratty Guard
09/17/2021
Episode 16: CPT Steele Chadwick of Fratty Guard
CPT Steele Chadwick is the unofficial Company Commander of the entire Army National Guard. On this very special episode we recorded it on the evening of the 20th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001. We talk about the importance of the National Guard over the global war on terror, the role that the National Guard will play in the future, and holding our military leaders accountable. CPT Chadwick started the Instagram page The Fratty Guard first as a joke. Since the page began, he had provided so much valua
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Episode 15: Ados_Acktual
09/10/2021
Episode 15: Ados_Acktual
Ados Acktual is a memelord, and a shit poster.! So good in fact, the Sergeant Major of the Army even slid into his Direct Messages on Instagram! Ados Acktual is a good ol’ southern boy who has proudly served his country for over 15 years, and is still serving in the Army National Guard. An 11B by Army birth, he has become a lover of machine guns, and a leader within the NCO ranks. A combat veteran, and pure motivator, we discuss a lot of difficult topics in this episode. So for those who are offended by s
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Episode 14: Betty Luther
09/03/2021
Episode 14: Betty Luther
Who is Betty Luther? Well, she is my maternal grandmother! Why would I interview my own grandmother? At 97 years old, and born only 12 years after man’s first flight, as well as the sinking of the Titanic; “Nanny” as she is infamously known as in my family has seen A LOT during her life! From witnessing the Great Depression, marrying a sailor during World War 2, the Korean War, the Civil Rights Movement, man landing on the moon, the assassination of President Kennedy, the Vietnam War, and only living
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Episode 13: Anastasiya Aniccimov
08/27/2021
Episode 13: Anastasiya Aniccimov
Anastasiya Aniccimov is committed to raising awareness about the different types of abuse on her podcast The Bad Mom Podcast by giving survivors of abuse a chance to tell their story without being humiliated and shunned as society treats these uncomfortable conversations. She's got a vast array of experience from immigrating here from a Soviet country, military service, and motherhood. Her mission is to prevent abuse from perpetuating in our youth for a better future for the next generation through educatio
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Episode 12: Elisa Rhyndance
08/20/2021
Episode 12: Elisa Rhyndance
Elisa Rhynedance is a military brat natively from Virginia. Her siblings are both West Point graduates, and Elisa is a graduate of the USAF Academy from the Class of 2009. After completing her five years of service, she experienced some difficulty in her transition to civilian life. From there she discovered her passion in coaching competitive athletics. Since then, she has become a Human Resource Manager for Rise Athletes, and talks about all the important aspects of the current athletic culture in America
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Episode 11: Twyla Dell
08/13/2021
Episode 11: Twyla Dell
Twyla Dell is a local Kansas City author, an environmental leader and fuel transition historian. Having written five environmental books, she is podcasting and blogging on reducing gasoline use. Transitioning from gasoline to sustainable energy and Kansas City history are her passions. She worked for the EPA and offered The Environmental Leadership Program for business leaders, teachers and students in Kansas City, Missouri.
Twyla is an experienced speaker. She graduated from Antioch University Graduat /episode/index/show/firstdonoharmpodcast/id/27969312
Twyla is an experienced speaker. She graduated from Antioch University Graduat /episode/index/show/firstdonoharmpodcast/id/27969312
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Episode 10: Kayla Hodges
08/06/2021
Episode 10: Kayla Hodges
Kayla is a van lifer, writer, former soldier, and creator of “A Captain’s Log”.
After finishing her time in the US Army as a company commander, she’s currently living out of her 4x4 Mitsubishi Delica van and traveling the US.
Inspired by ideas like self-reliance, off-grid living, and minimalism, she’s incrementally learning to slow down, let go, refocus on health, and escape what’s been her version of the rat race.
Kayla’s other focus is providing encouragement to junior milita /episode/index/show/firstdonoharmpodcast/id/27969315
After finishing her time in the US Army as a company commander, she’s currently living out of her 4x4 Mitsubishi Delica van and traveling the US.
Inspired by ideas like self-reliance, off-grid living, and minimalism, she’s incrementally learning to slow down, let go, refocus on health, and escape what’s been her version of the rat race.
Kayla’s other focus is providing encouragement to junior milita /episode/index/show/firstdonoharmpodcast/id/27969315
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Episode 9: Nick Shelton
07/30/2021
Episode 9: Nick Shelton
If the Dos Equis man could be manifested in real life, it would be Nick Shelton. Nick is a communication and social strategy coach, helping introverts, shy and socially awkward people, upgrade their lives, and lifestyles. Nick grew up as a shy guy in Texas, so shy in fact, that his teachers thought he was deaf / mute and put him in a special needs class! Ironically, it was here where he learned some sign language. A complete introvert, Nick wanted to elevate his social circle, and his life. However he had n
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Episode 8: Autumn Schlimmer
07/23/2021
Episode 8: Autumn Schlimmer
Autumn Schlimmer joined the Navy with one objective; to become a Master of Arms and to become the best canine handler that she could be. Receiving high accolades during her initial entry training and all through canine handler school, she arrived at her first duty station and was immediately instructed to dye her naturally blonde hair. Forced to work graveyard shift and her canine taken from her without justification, her shipmate accused her of drug use without any evidence, nor drug test. Within ninety da
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Episode 7: Amy Franck
07/16/2021
Episode 7: Amy Franck
Ms. Amy Braley Franck began her career as a Department of the Army Civilian in July of 2013 as a Victim Advocate and has held the position of Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and Sexual Assault Program Manager for a 2- and 3-star Army Service Component Commands. Ms. Braley Franck has been identified on two separate occasions as a Whistleblower for her actions to protect her clients, as a catalyst for change. Ms. Braley Franck holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Business from the Universi
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Episode 6: Casey Mauro
07/09/2021
Episode 6: Casey Mauro
Dancer on land and fish by sea, Casey is a blend of intellect and embodiment. She holds a degree in Biology/Neuroscience, Yoga Therapy YTRx-500 and NASM Certified Personal Trainer. Casey worked as a neuroscience research assistant at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine NYC, while pursuing a career as a professional dancer, model and actor. In the early 2000’s, she starred as one of the decoy’s for Chris Hansen’s “To Catch a Predator” in her hometown of New Jersey where she helped take over 30 pedop
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Episode 5: Karli Klinger
07/02/2021
Episode 5: Karli Klinger
Unbeknownst to most of the American public, not everyone who joins the military is a trigger puller, or a Navy SEAL. In fact, over 90% of the American military is composed of just ordinary people, performing extraordinary tasks. Meet SGT Karli Klinger. Originally a medic in the Wyoming National Guard, she decided to push her limits and achieve her dream job: An active duty Army Flight Paramedic. A survivor of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and even overcoming members of her own chain of command telling
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Episode 4: Dana Bollen
06/25/2021
Episode 4: Dana Bollen
Who is Dana Bollen? The freaking manager for the incredible American Band from Massachusetts; PIEBALD! Dana and I randomly met in Denver at a concert when I took an infamous video of him jamming on the cowbell with the very band he manages! Dana is a world traveler, entrepreneur, creator and host of the “Two Week Notice Podcast”, and of course, the manager of PIEBALD! Join us as we talk about the music that made us, why music is just plain awesome, and why the most important life lesson we can learn fro
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Episode 3: Chef Andrew Gruel
06/18/2021
Episode 3: Chef Andrew Gruel
American Chef Andrew Gruel is originally from New Jersey, and is a television personality currently based in Orange County, California. He is the founder, CEO, and executive chef of Slapfish, a seafood restaurant based out of Huntington Beach, California; Big Parm, a pizza restaurant in Tustin, California; and Two Birds, a chicken restaurant in Irvine, California.
Recently, Chef Gruel engaged with MSNBC television host, Stephanie Ruhle, where he was indirectly accused of using the American Rescu /episode/index/show/firstdonoharmpodcast/id/27969342
Recently, Chef Gruel engaged with MSNBC television host, Stephanie Ruhle, where he was indirectly accused of using the American Rescu /episode/index/show/firstdonoharmpodcast/id/27969342
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Episode 2: Michela Morellato
06/11/2021
Episode 2: Michela Morellato
Meet the italian television personality who married an American paratrooper, survived the world of human trafficking in the global entertainment industry, and then ensured that Major General Joseph Harrington (former AFRICOM Commander) was removed from his position in Vincenza, Italy. Co-Founder of the Never Alone Advocacy Group, Michela constantly helps others seek justice who have been retaliated against by the United States military.
~Music by Army Veteran, musician, artist, activist *YETI T /episode/index/show/firstdonoharmpodcast/id/27969345
~Music by Army Veteran, musician, artist, activist *YETI T /episode/index/show/firstdonoharmpodcast/id/27969345
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Episode 1: Colin Sesek
06/04/2021
Episode 1: Colin Sesek
SSG Colin Sesek spent four years on active duty as a combat medic with the 82nd Airborne Division, and is currently a Special Operations Medic assigned to the 19th Special Forces Group.
He has deployed to numerous locations across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa; both as a soldier and as a Blackwater Contractor.
In his civilian job, Colin is also a public school educator. Join Colin on his journey of discovering who he is, and how we all can find our “middle” to make the world a better plac /episode/index/show/firstdonoharmpodcast/id/27969348
He has deployed to numerous locations across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa; both as a soldier and as a Blackwater Contractor.
In his civilian job, Colin is also a public school educator. Join Colin on his journey of discovering who he is, and how we all can find our “middle” to make the world a better plac /episode/index/show/firstdonoharmpodcast/id/27969348