Thomas Brennan

In this discussion, Nancy Youssef, an Atlantic staff writer renowned for her military reporting, David Lapan, a retired Marine Corps Colonel with deep Pentagon experience, and Thomas Brennan, founder of The War Horse, tackle the Pentagon's new press restrictions. They explore the implications of tightening press access, the erosion of trust, and how it affects military journalism. They also highlight the dangers of operating in a culture of fear, and the role of independent reporting in maintaining accountability and transparency in a massive institution.

Thomas Brennan, a veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and founded War Horse, joins Jim O’Grady for a deep dive into the haunting memories of the Battle of Fallujah. They discuss the brutal realities and moral injuries veterans still confront two decades later. The conversation shifts to Haiti, where drone usage against gangs raises complex international legal issues. Brennan emphasizes the psychological toll of war and the disconnect between political decisions and frontline experiences, offering a thought-provoking reflection on both conflicts.

Mike Ergo, a team leader for the US Marines Alpha Company during the Battle of Fallujah, shares a harrowing yet enlightening perspective on his wartime experiences. Alongside journalist Thomas Brennan, they discuss the moral complexities and emotional aftermath of combat. They reflect on the profound grief experienced by families and veterans, highlighting their struggles with loss and the quest for healing. Their stories reveal how the horrors of war shape lasting impressions, echoing a journey of resilience and reconnection in the wake of trauma.