Man of War: Forging Men into Warriors

Most men today would fold under pressure.
John Stryker Meyer walked into it — again and again. Dropped behind enemy lines in Vietnam with no backup and no recognition, he led covert missions for MACV-SOG, the most elite and dangerous unit of its time. These weren’t just operations, they were death sentences that demanded total discipline and unshakable resolve. In this conversation, Rafa J Conde sits down with a true warrior to uncover what it really means to lead with strength, stay calm under fire, and embrace the code of the few who still believe in honor. This isn’t a war story.
It’s a call to every man who's gone soft and knows it. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ What you’ll walk away with: * What true courage looks like under extreme pressure * How elite warriors manage fear, not eliminate it * Why most modern men would’ve broken under his reality * The cost of silence and the power of legacy * What it means to lead like a warrior, no matter the battlefield __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Chapters 00:00 - Most men would fold
 04:12 - John’s first mission: dropped into chaos
 08:45 - Discipline vs fear under fire
 15:30 - Why he kept going back
 22:00 - The cost of silence: why these missions stayed hidden
 27:45 - Modern men, softness, and forgotten warrior values
 34:00 - What leadership looked like in the jungle
 40:15 - Death, brotherhood, and the code of warriors
 48:00 - Rafa’s closing words: don’t waste your masculinity __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Want to reclaim your edge? Start here: Men of War Crucible
This isn’t a retreat. It’s a rite of passage.
Strip the ego. Face the fire. Rebuild the man.
https://www.menofwarcrucible.com/mow-us The Odyssey Program
Build the father-son bond through challenge and legacy.
https://www.theodysseyprogram.com/odyssey-program1 Private Mentoring Protocol (PMP)
1-on-1 elite coaching with Rafa J Conde.
Clarity. Discipline. Power.
https://www.rafajconde.com/ House of Kings Mastermind
For warrior CEOs and high-level men.
Brotherhood. Expansion. Legacy.
https://www.manofwar.us/copy-of-the-crucible-1 MAN of WAR Podcast
Unfiltered truths on masculinity, discipline, and leadership.
Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Explore all programs: https://www.manofwar.us
 Follow Rafa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manofwarr
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealmanofwar This is not for every man. It’s for the few who are ready to lead.
If you’re done pretending to be strong — your journey starts now.

In this captivating podcast-style interview, the Rafa and Kashif into the importance of personal growth and overcoming challenges. They highlight the value of a growth mindset and actionable wisdom in achieving success. Tune in to discover how to cultivate a positive psychology and apply self awareness to your life.

In this powerful episode, Rafa J. Conde sits down with Major Williams, a former California gubernatorial candidate, entrepreneur, and bold voice in American leadership. Together, they dive deep into the intersection of leadership, marriage, fatherhood, and political ambition in today’s chaotic world. Major shares the behind-the-scenes reality of running for governor, the pressure of public scrutiny, and how he stayed grounded as a husband and father while leading a movement. This is a raw and real conversation about what it takes to rise, serve, and protect your values under the weight of responsibility. Whether you are a leader, a husband, or a man on a mission, this episode will challenge you to stand firm, think bigger, and lead with conviction.

Join Shane Winnings, a former police officer and current CEO of Promise Keepers, as he redefines modern masculinity. He dives into the roles of priest, provider, and protector, discussing how these qualities are vital today. Winnings critiques toxic masculinity promoted in digital spaces, advocating for authentic connections and mutual support in families. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and spiritual resilience in facing internal battles, while highlighting the need for community and prayer in addressing mental health issues among men.

In this powerful episode of the Man of War Podcast, Rafa J. Conde sits down with Luke "The Bigslow" Barnatt, former UFC fighter, entrepreneur, and warrior-minded leader who has redefined what it means to live with discipline and purpose. Luke opens up about the transition from the cage to building a life of intention, and why modern men are starving for structure, leadership, and honor. This is not just a conversation about fighting. It is about forging strength through struggle, owning your identity as a man, and refusing to live passively. Whether you are an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone seeking to rise above mediocrity, this episode will push you to reclaim your edge and reignite your inner warrior. Listen in and prepare to be sharpened.

Is America the best place for entrepreneurs to build wealth? Through candid conversations with successful business leaders, including notable figures like Andrew Tate, the episode explores the unique opportunities and challenges that the U.S. presents to aspiring entrepreneurs. Listeners will gain insights into the cultural, economic, and regulatory factors that make America a land of opportunity, as well as the hurdles that come with it. Whether you're an entrepreneur considering your next move or simply curious about the dynamics of wealth creation, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the American business landscape.​

In this powerful episode of The Man of War Podcast, Rafa J. Conde sits down with the legendary Robert Hamilton Owens, a man whose life reads like an epic saga of grit, purpose, and unstoppable endurance. From his days as a U.S. Air Force Pararescueman to completing some of the most extreme endurance events on the planet, Robert’s story is a masterclass in resilience and warrior spirit. Together, Rafa and Robert unpack a lifetime of adventures, from brutal Ironman races and SEALFIT Kokoro challenges to global leadership work and deep personal transformation. More than just physical feats, Robert shares the mental frameworks and spiritual strength that have shaped his path and continue to fuel his mission to inspire others. This is not just a conversation. It’s a wake-up call for every man seeking to live with greater courage, clarity, and conviction. Listen in and discover what it means to live a life of extraordinary challenge, discipline, and unwavering purpose.

In this gripping episode of The Man of War Podcast, Rafa J. Conde sits down with the controversial and charismatic Ross Mandell, a man whose name once shook the financial world. Known as the “Bad Boy of Wall Street,” Mandell shares the raw truth behind his meteoric rise in the finance industry, his landmark achievement of taking a U.S. firm public on the London Stock Exchange, and the high-stakes legal battle that led to a 12-year prison sentence. With unfiltered honesty, Ross opens up about the mindset it takes to lead fearlessly in a cutthroat world, what he learned from hitting rock bottom, and how he’s now using his story to fuel redemption and reinvention. This isn’t just about Wall Street. It’s about power, pressure, and the warrior’s path through the fire. Get ready for a no-holds-barred conversation that redefines what it means to be feared and what it takes to rise again.

In this enlightening episode, we welcome Anthony Lolli, a renowned real estate entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker, to discuss the pivotal factors that distinguish a fulfilling, happy life from one filled with regrets. Drawing from his personal journey of building a multimillion-dollar real estate empire and overcoming significant challenges, Anthony shares invaluable insights on:​ Mindset Shifts: How adopting a growth mindset can lead to lasting happiness and success.​ Decision-Making: The importance of making choices aligned with your core values and long-term goals.​ Resilience: Strategies to bounce back from setbacks and view failures as learning opportunities.​ Health and Wellness: Balancing professional ambitions with personal well-being to avoid burnout and regrets.​ Anthony's compelling stories and practical advice provide listeners with actionable steps to cultivate a life of joy and purpose. Whether you're striving for professional success, personal growth, or a harmonious blend of both, this episode offers the tools to navigate your journey intentionally and authentically.​

I sit down with EJ Snyder, a decorated 25-year Army combat veteran renowned for his survival expertise and television appearances on shows like Naked and Afraid and Dual Survival. EJ shares profound insights from his extensive military career, including lessons on leadership, resilience, and adaptability. He dives into how combat experiences have shaped his approach to survival, both in the wild and in everyday life. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on overcoming adversity, the importance of mental toughness, and practical advice for navigating life's toughest challenges.