

The Jedburgh Podcast
Fran Racioppi
The Jedburgh Podcast empowers leaders to achieve success on their journey to transform themselves and their organizations. Creator, Host and Special Forces Green Beret Fran Racioppi interviews the world’s most prominent visionaries, drivers of change, and those dedicated to winning.Each episode is an in-depth discussion with trailblazers who’ve earned success through a dedication to talent development, preparation, introspection, and the drive to get things done. Our conversation will empower listeners to define success and operate at an elite level, regardless of the task at hand. In May 1943 the Allied Forces determined a new type of leader was required to win World War II. Operation Jedburgh parachuted three-man teams deep behind enemy lines to win no matter the challenge. Jedburghs lived by the mantra “how you prepare today, determines success tomorrow.” Today's leaders are no different. Fran speaks with leaders in business, athletics, academics, and public service about their personal leadership stories of success, failure, and the road to continuous improvement. Our discussions focus on the character traits of elite performance used by Special Operations Forces to recruit, assess, select and retain elite performers. Through this lens, we show listeners that success in any field must be earned every day.We strive for each listener to take valuable lessons learned and concrete action steps to improve themselves, their teams, and their organizations. Although developed and used by US Special Operations Forces, these characteristics are inherently applicable to building resilient and successful organizations in any sector or industry, as well as in the betterment of our personal and professional lives. The Nine Characteristics of Elite Performance:-Drive: Growth mindset, be better than yesterday, continuous self-improvement-Resiliency: Perseverance in the face of challenges-Adaptability: Adjust one’s behavior to the situation-Humility: Recognize that you do not have all the answers; a willing learner maintains accurate self-awareness-Integrity: Understand what is legal and correct and align actions and words to both-Effective Intelligence: apply one’s experience and knowledge to the situation-Team Ability: Prioritize organizational needs ahead of oneself, work as a cohesive unit-Curiosity: Exploring the unknown, questioning the status quo in pursuit of better-Emotional Strength: Emotional control in stressful situations brings calm to chaos Fran Racioppi is the Founder & CEO of FRsix where he leads operations in critical infrastructure projects. He served 13 years in the US Army Special Forces as a Green Beret. Fran is passionate about building the world's best leaders and the impact our special operators have in service and beyond. He holds a BA from Boston University in Broadcast Journalism and an MBA from NYU Stern, as well as the security industry's highest accreditation as a Certified Protection Professional. The Jedburgh Podcast is an Official Program of The Green Beret Foundation. The Green Beret Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to supporting America's U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers and their families. They provide emergency, immediate, and ongoing support to Special Forces Soldiers and their families. The foundation is committed to growing and sustaining the needs of the Special Forces regiment for decades to come. Since its inception, the foundation has invested over $15 million in support of the Special Forces community, providing aid to more than 13,000 families with 87% of every dollar going directly into their programs and services.Join our Jedburgh Team to reach your dreams!
Episodes
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Jun 23, 2022 • 1h
#065: Holding Hands - Author & Photographer Diane Conn
Over the last seven years Diane Conn has taken tens of thousands of pictures of people holding hands. As the COVID-19 pandemic broke apart so much of the fiber of our community she was motivated to put her pictures into a book, called Holding Hands, showing us all just how important holding hands actually is in our lives.Fran Racioppi sits down with Diane to discuss the impact the loss of her mother to suicide had on her. She shared her battles with depression and a severe concussion that changed her outlook on life. And she talked about the film industry, her late husband, Mace, and how she captures pictures of total strangers holding hands in New York City. Take a listen to our conversation then check out our YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn to Fran and Diane searching for the perfect shot. Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Check out our video versions on YouTube.Highlights: -Fran asks Diane to define connection and the power of touch; yet why we never touch for long. (5:04)-Diane describes her process for taking photos from behind and how her technique has only gotten her caught once. (8:08)-The science behind holding hands has a medical explanation and benefits to our entire emotional physiological system. (11:10)-Fran and Diane break down Holding Hands (and Diane’s life) into its three sections: Childhood, Love Together; as well as Diane’s key words for each of these parts of our life. (15:10)-Diane’s mother died by suicide throwing Diane into a blackness and depression that lasted much of her life, bringing her to her own thoughts of suicide. (19:43) -The movie industry has been a big part of Diane’s life as she worked in film finance, met her husband (Mace) working on the set of Patriot Games with Harrison Ford and spent a career in Hollywood production. (29:01)-Diane explains how Mace, a Pulizter runner-up, taught her photography and what makes the perfect photo. (30:30)-A blackout concussion five years ago resulted in a year straight of headaches, dizziness and a relapse of severe depression. (38:50)Quotes:-”People don’t hold hands for long…There’s not one case where people just kept on walking for blocks and blocks and never let go.” -”I don’t want to look at their faces and I don’t want to see the front of them.”-”Sometimes there are unique hand holds that you can’t even imagine.”-”That hunger for connection has driven humans forever.”-”It never occurred to me that I wouldn't have two parents.” ) -“I spent, in my head, the next 25 years trying to save her. Trying to figure out how to rewind time.”-”He taught me how to see that one shot.” -”Even in that state, I felt better when I looked at the photos of people holding hands.”-”We all need somebody.” Diane’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:-Mediate in the morning no matter what-Exercise-Connect with somebodyThis episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness, and Analytix Solutions

Jun 20, 2022 • 25min
Jumping In with Wodapalooza's Aaron Anderson - VP of Business Development at Loud and Live (The Jedburgh Podcast Short-Form Series)
For the final conversation of the 2022 GORUCK Games Fran Racioppi asked Aaron Anderson, the VP of Biz Dev at Loud & Live to join him for a discussion on Wodapalooza. Taking place in Downtown Miami in January, Wodapalooza hosts over 3000 athletes and over 45k fans. Competitors range from the elite to the regular joe.Aaron breaks down the different events, provides his opinion of what the future has in store for the fitness industry, the importance of gratitude and gratification and why the best part of working out is being done. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website and check out our video YouTube versions of all episodes here.Highlights:-Aaron and Fran breakdown Wodapalooza’s history, the community it builds and the inclusivity around it’s variety of events. (3:20)-Wodapalooza allows athletes of all levels to come to Miami in January to participate at their level on the same course. (4:40)-Aaron shares his history in producing live events and the excitement behind them. (9:40)-The evolution of functional fitness is changing the fitness industry, competition and how Wodapalooza designs the competition. (14:15)-Fran asks Aaron to predict where the fitness industry is going and what we can expect in the next phase of working out. (16:00) -Aaron defines the need to balance functional fitness, bodybuilding and endurance work.” (18:18)Quotes:-”Wodapalooza is focused on the community of fitness.” -”It doesn’t have to happen on the competition floor. It can be cerebral.” -”Under the Miami lights. Under the neon lights.” -”There’s very few of these athletes where this is a hundred percent their day job.” -“They're not just there to compete, collect a check and go home.”-”The best part about my workout is when I’m done."-”Keeping the event unique is always a very exciting challenge.” -“If we can continue to create that wow moment, then we are doing a good job.” This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness, Analytix Solutions, Jaguar Land Rover of Fairfield and The Readiness Collective.

Jun 16, 2022 • 1h 42min
#064: Mike Vallely - Founder of Street Plant Skateboards & Lead Singer of Black Flag
Some icons dominate multiple industries, leaving their mark not on just one part of society, but on all of society. Mike Vallely is the Founder of Street Plant Skateboards and the lead singer of rock band Black Flag.Mike revolutionized the way society embraces skateboarding and skateboarding culture while he built a side career as a singer, playing with some of punk’s greatest artists. Mike joined Fran Racioppi on the last day of the GORUCK Games to share his personal story, how he had to borrow skateboards to teach himself to ride, why going as hard as you can whenever you have a chance is a recipe for success, and what he has learned leading generations of punk rockers and skateboarders to skate, create and enjoy.Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Check out our video versions on YouTube.Highlights:-Mike shares his decision to become “punk” (5:58)-Mike describes his entry into skateboarding after viewing a Thrasher magazine and accepting a challenge to jump off a car. (9:35) -Street skating was pioneered as Mike went pro with Powell-Peralta and has evolved across culture, proficiency and skateboard design. (28:24)-Fran asks Mike to describe the creativity and expression behind skateboard artwork, including his first design, the African Elephant. (38:50)-Mike discusses his entrepreneurial journey, finding support from his daughter to start Street Plant Skateboards.” (49:02)-Mike’s music career spans Mike V and The Rats, his love for Black Flag and a childhood run in with Henry Rollins. (55:00) -Greg Ginn, the founding member of Blag Flag, showed him the importance of partnership. (1:07:57)-Mike shares his upcoming schedules with Black Flag, The Complete Disaster, Revolution Mother & The Morning Trail, as well as a collaboration with GORUCK. (1:26:35) Quotes:-”It was when I started skating that I felt that I actually took my first real breaths.” -”That’s cool, come with us. The coolest words ever f***ing spoken to me.” -”My life before that moment was in black and white, or sepia tone. And then I saw these pictures of guys skating in the streets.” -”I would crunch down into the 30 seconds what they had spent all day doing…I would just go animalistic on the thing.” -”I wasn’t going to take what I was being handed. I had to have it my way.” -”But when I started my company it was a purposeful return to being very sincere and earnest in creating boards that had a heart and soul.”-“All I really needed was a little help and a little encouragement…and someone to believe in me.” -”Rise Above became the mantra of my life.” -”You can do anything you want in this life. They just proved it right in front of me.” -“If the well of inspiration is there, you tap into it.” Mike’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:-Skate: take action and do something-Create: bring artistic expression and be free -Enjoy: love what you are doingThis episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness, Analytix Solutions, Jaguar Land Rover of Fairfield and The Readiness Collective.

Jun 13, 2022 • 27min
Jumping In with Alpha Elite Performance Founder & Green Beret Travis Wilson (The Jedburgh Podcast Short-Form Series)
Fran Racioppi had the chance to Jump In with Alpha Elite Performance Founder Travis Wilson while covering Sandlot Jax and the GORUCK Games. Alpha Elite Performance is a supplement company dedicated to the Special Operations Truth #2: quality is more important than quantity.Travis and Fran catch up on their time in 10th Special Forces Group, Travis shares his motivation to start Alpha Elite Performance, and how his new sleep aid is making an impact across the supplement industry. They also talk about the lessons learned from his nine deployments, the importance of integrity and being honest, raw and flawed; and how a canopy collapse during a night training jump changed his life. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website and check out our video YouTube versions of all episodes here.Highlights:-Travis shares the vision behind Alpha Elite Performance and how he started the company based on quality over quantity. (4:47)-GBNT Sleep is the latest release in the line of Alpha Elite Performance products and is helping people get the REM sleep they need. (5:49)-ODA Supergreens detoxes the body. (7:36)-Travis entered the military to follow in his parents footsteps, serving first as a medic in the Army before being selected for Special Forces. (8:28)-Travis describes how the integrity and character he learned in the military are applied to his entrepreneurial efforts. (11:35)-Fran asks Travis to share what he has learned from his parachuting accident which resulted in 13 surgeries and a new take on life. (13:10)-Travis describes what it means to be honest, raw and flawed; and how at 47 he is still learning. (17:21)-Fran & Travis reminisce about being on the same base in Iraq, FOB Paliwoda, during 2005-2006 and the type of combat operations they conducted there. (20:41)-Rally & Recover is the newest oral rehydration supplement by Alpha Elite Performance. (23:45)-Travis reveals the upcoming event trailer that is about to launch. (25:17)Quotes:-”It’s not my first time in the back of an FLA with another man.” (3:47)-”There has to be a problem and we come up with that solution” (5:45)-”I wanted to be in the Air Force. I wanted to be a PJ like my Dad.” (8:38)-“I just always wanted to be more than what I was. (10:17)-”Your reputation precedes you and integrity goes along with that.” (12:36)-”They said it sounded like two rocks slapping together when I hit the ground.” (14:08)-”I haven’t grown, but I’ve just decided to keep moving.” (17:05)-“I think that we’re all flawed. I haven’t been perfect.” (17:30)-”I’m 47 years old…I’m still learning from the things I messed up in life.” (18:05)-”If you didn’t get hit on the way down, you were getting hit on the way out.” (23:03)This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness, Analytix Solutions, Jaguar Land Rover of Fairfield and The Readiness Collective.

Jun 9, 2022 • 55min
#063: The Ready State - Co-Founder Dr. Kelly Starrett
Mobility is one of those areas where preparation can’t be faked and it can’t be shortcutted. While down at Sandlot Jax and the GORUCK Games Fran Racioppi sits down with Dr. Kelly Starrett, Co-Founder of The Ready State, bestselling author, and physical trainer for many of the most elite athletes in professional and olympic sports for a conversation on movement, mobility and human performance. Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Check out our video versions on YouTube.Highlights:-Longevity is something everyone can work towards and not something that requires money or access to special resources. (4:00)-Our daily routine affords us opportunities to adjust our behavior to get more out of each activity; such as sitting on the floor vs the coch, or fidgeting vs remaining still. (7:32)-Kelly forces Fran to define stretching and mobility in his own terms and puts him on the spot to understand his own bad habits and longevity-limiting practices. (7:50)-Training is about challenging positions in a way that stresses your systems in a variety of different environments. (14:30)-Kelly compares the ease of extending the longevity of professional athletes to our military service men and women; explaining the ease by which we can extend the service-lives of our operators if we focus on mobility. (18:50)-Fran asks Kelly to describe how we ingrain performance longevity principles into youth athletes and junior leaders. (24:55)-Pain is the ultimate diagnostic tool and indicator of performance potential; Kelly describes how to use pain in the development of fitness and nutrition programs. (30:01) -Kelly explains how constraining our environment to do the right thing allows for ease of decision-making and removes the reliance on will-power. (46:16)Quotes:-”How do we come out unharmed…or less unharmed…really with the view of being 100.” (4:05)-”Position is the root of everything. Do you have access to your positions and shapes.” (5:11)-”How do I get seven bottom lines out of a single practice.” (7:21)-”Let me ask you this…do you stretch…no you don’t.” (7:58)-“If position is the thing, then I’m using exercise and training to challenge position.” (13:42)-”Speed is the great arbiter…speed is the sport of position.” (14:19)-”Resting state of the human being is pain free… let’s use pain as a diagnostic tool.” (30:15)-”People are durable…and we don’t have to get it right the first time. We just have to get it right, better, tomorrow.” (38:07)-”Supple Leopard was this idea…let’s just give you your access back.” (39:36)-”Oftentimes I’m trying to constrain the environment so I don’t have to make another choice.” (46:17)Kelly’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:-Protect sleep to maximize potential-Walk around and move more throughout the day to decongest tissues-Eat enough fruits, vegetables and proteinsThis episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness, Analytix Solutions, Jaguar Land Rover of Fairfield and The Readiness Collective.

Jun 6, 2022 • 30min
Jumping In with F45 Training: Military Director Michael Nichols (The Jedburgh Podcast Short-Form Series)
F45 Training debuted their new training trailer at Sandlot Jax right next to The Jedburgh Podcast. After a day of watching group after group pushing themselves to the limit, host Fran Racioppi brought Michael Nichols, the F45 Director of Military Operations into the Land Rover Ambulance for a discussion on F45, working alongside Mark Wahlberg, and their newly launched Veteran Impact Program. Mike and Fran also discussed Mike’s career in the Marines and how fitness, and F45, gave him a new purpose in life after his military career. Take a listen then check out our YouTube page as Mike gives Fran the grand tour of the trailer before enjoying some Jersey Mike’s Subs. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website and check out our video YouTube versions of all episodes here.Highlights:-F45 currently has 3300 studios in 67 countries across the globe; including Iraq and Afghanistan. (3:20)-Mike transitioned from a career in the Marine Corps to leading a convenience store franchise, something he knew nothing about, but pursued with an open mind and willingness to learn. (4:35)-Mike shares his entrepreneurial story of building a fitness business while working at the Department of Veteran Affairs. (7:40)-The F45 Veteran Impact Program consists of five initiatives: Provide employment opportunities; DOD Skillbridge program; DOL-approved Master Fitness Trainer Program; Franchise ownership; Place an F45 training program on every military base. (13:05)-Mike’s three daily foundations of success consist of waking up early, working out and giving thanks. (22:30)-F45’s investment in software technology and optimization is a differentiator in scaling fitness programs across all franchise locations. (26:20)Quotes:-”Don’t let what you can’t do stop you from what you can do.” (6:32)-”Be committed, not inspired.” (8:26)-”F45 brings people together for the common cause, which is fitness, and they build a community around it.” (10:23)-”The long term goal is to place an F45 training solution on every military installation around the globe.” (16:26)-”We are partnering with MWR/MCCS to provide them combat readiness solutions.” (17:33)-”We can’t help every service man and woman, but every starfish that we can grab and throw back in the water…we are changing the game.” (24:35)-”Failure is inevitable, progress is optional.” (27:41)This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness, Analytix Solutions, Jaguar Land Rover of Fairfield and The Readiness Collective.

Jun 2, 2022 • 50min
#062: Sean Lake - Co-Founder of BUBS Naturals, Professional Athlete, Marketing Executive
Sean Lake and Glen Doherty grew up best friends, teammates and roommates as they chased their childhood dreams of adventure. Glen became a Navy SEAL. Sean became a professional athlete and marketing executive at Burton Snowboards and DC Shoes. In 2012, Glen lost his life in Libya defending American interests and freedom. To honor Glen, Sean helped launch the Glen Daugherty Memorial Foundation. Sean co-founded BUBS Naturals as a tribute to his best friend, Glen "BUB" Doherty, who was heroically killed in Benghazi. They produce supplements for athletes, the Boston Red Sox, and just about anyone who has pain in their body and joints.Host Fran Racioppi and Sean Lake hop into the back of the Land Rover Ambulance at Sandlot Jax to talk about Glen, their life together as extreme athletes, the importance of collagen protein and MCT Oil, and what it means to truly live in the service of others. Take a listen, then try Sean's morning routine for a clear mind, from meditation to lemon water.Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Check out our video versions on YouTube.Highlights:-The value of collagen on the body, its effect on youthfulness and longevity, and how it improves joint and gut health. (3:00) -Sean breaks down the components of collagen, what it’s made of and why it’s important to supplement our diets. (7:50) -BUB Naturals gives 10% back to The Glen Doherty Foundation. -Glen and Sean were both fueled by adrenaline and extreme sports as they moved to Utah to become pro skiers and snowboarders. (12:10)-As Glen went on to become a Navy SEAL, Sean worked for Burton Snowboards alongside the biggest names in extreme sports like Shaun White and Tony Hawk. Sean later worked for DC Shoes. (13:50)-The fitness community is built on shared hard moments; something GORUCK and CrossFit have set the example for. (19:57)-Fran asks Sean to expand on his first foundation of daily success and explain how he meditates each day. (41:00)-Sean talks about the importance of responding vs reacting to situations. (41:56)Quotes:-”Joint health. Gut health. Sign me up for the joint health.” (4:31)-”The amount of amino acids that’s in collagen is through the roof.” (8:03)-“Whatever we do, we gotta do something cool for charity.” (9:17)-”If I haven’t made it as a pro skier by the time I’m 25, I’m gonna join the Navy and become a SEAL.” (13:14)-”If you knew him, and you guys cracked a beer; Fran he’s your best friend.” (17:25)-”When you choose a hard moment, you’re truly seeing what you are capable of.” (22:30)-”You have to suck; and then gradually you learn a new skill.” (24:50)-”Little known fact…we are the collagen provider for the Boston Red Sox.” (37:17)-”I want to build a life where I am responding to situations.” (41:57) Sean’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:-Active meditation to establish focus-Make the bed to complete one task-Drink a warm glass of lemon water before anything elseThis episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness, Analytix Solutions, Jaguar Land Rover of Fairfield and The Readiness Collective.

May 30, 2022 • 35min
Jumping In with United War Veterans Council (The Jedburgh Podcast Short-Form Series)
The United War Veterans Council is the keeper of the New York City Veterans Day parade. Their lineage dates back to the Spanish American War of 1898. Today they are led by Veterans of modern conflicts, Executive Director Mark Otto and Chairman Nick Angione. Host Fran Racioppi had the privilege to serve as the UWVC Treasure and emcee of the parade in 2018 and 2019. Mark, Nick and Fran Jump In for a conversation on the parade, the history of UWVC, their careers as devil-dogs and what it means to continue to serve our veteran community through health and wellness programs. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website and check out our video YouTube versions of all episodes here.Highlights:-UWVC organizes and manages the Veteran’s Day Parade in New York City; a tradition that dates back to the armistice of World War I. (3:00)-Mark and Nick share the history of the parade, how Vince McGowan saved it from failure and the size it has grown to today. (4:00)-Nick shares his career in the Marines. (5:58)-In addition to the parade, UWVC runs a Health and Wellness program designed to aid any Veteran in need through integrating them into a community of other Veterans. (7:58)-Mark shares his the incredible story of his birth to an American soldier father and Vietnamese mother during the Vietnam War Tet Offensive. (10:10) -Mark recounts his service during the Powell Doctrine days in some of history's most prominent conflicts: Panama, Grenada, Desert Storm and the Border Wars. (14:21)-Mark carried the American Flag for 1000 miles to raise money and bring awareness to Veteran mental health. (17:02) -Fran, Mark and Nick discuss why meaningful relationships are the core of community building. (19:10)-UWVC provides the much needed connection to others that many Veterans lost when they left service; including partnership with Jon Bon Jovi. (23:20)Quotes:-”It’s the largest parade in the country that honors Veteran service.” (4:51-Mark)-”Though we didn’t do things at the same time, we did a lot of the same things.” (6:29-Nick)-”Our commitment to service is not just about celebrating Veterans on Veterans Day. It being able to outreach to the most needing of Veterans.” (8:07-Nick)-”I am a war child. I was actually conceived in Vietnam.” (10:19-Mark)-”You also have a nickname though…you are Green Beret Burrito Guy.” (18:55-Mark)-”Everyone who’s here…to help the team…is here because I asked them.” (20:54-Fran)-”They’re just not used to someone saying ‘hey, thank you.’” (27:16-Nick)This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness, Analytix Solutions, Jaguar Land Rover of Fairfield and The Readiness Collective.

May 26, 2022 • 60min
#061: Earl Granville - Obstacle Course Racer, Marathon Runner, Triathlete, Combat Wounded Veteran
Earl Granville is an obstacle course athlete, marathon runner, triathlete, and speaker. He ran for Congress. He has won numerous awards for his kindness and generosity. And he is a disabled Veteran. Earl lost his left leg in Afghanistan in roadside bomb attack. Earl’s twin brother Joe, his best friend, died by suicide while serving on active duty in 2010. Earl joins host Fran Racioppi in the back of the WWII British Royal Air Force Land Rover Ambulance to talk about resiliency, drive, and adaptability. Earl has had every reason in life to close up, go internal and quit. Yet he wakes up every day with a purpose. He wakes up with the goal of never quitting, learning from his past and helping others define their path in life. Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Check out our video versions on YouTube.Highlights: -Earl joined the Army to get free college when 9/11 occurred 11 days into his basic training experience changing his perspective on service to the nation. (7:12)-Volunteering to go to Iraq showed Earl that the military is about serving each other, not yourself. (10:30)-Earl describes in detail the decisions and events that led to the loss of his leg in Afghanistan. (14:21)-Rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center was over 18 months long, testing every part of Earl’s mental and physical strength. (27:30)-Earl’s brother Joe died by suicide pushing him into severe depression. (31:00) -CrossFit, obstacle course racing and marathon running became a passion for Earl after Joe’s death. (36:15)-Operation Enduring Warrior & the Oscar Mike Foundation afford Earl the opportunity to help other wounded and disabled Veterans identify and achieve their goals. (38:30)-Earl explains why he carries Cindy (a cinder block with chains) to symbolize strength through adversity. (44:08)-The 3P’s and the recipe to find them. (46:45) Quotes:-”I was one of those guys that literally joined the National Guard for college…my mindset was ‘what can this do for me.’” (7:13)-”Going to Iraq, I realized this isn’t about me. It’s about us.” (11:09)-“My feet are backwards and I’m full of blood….we just hit a roadside bomb.” (18:26)-”I said to him ‘don’t let me die alone.’’” (19:14)-”How could I get this second chance at life and have my own twin brother take his away.” (30:55)-”You got to run across the finish line. You don’t walk.” (37:13)-”OEW helped me through that Spartan Race; however, now I’m gonna help other people.” (40:55)-”Cindy is a reminder that we don’t have to carry the weight by ourselves. We all carry this together.“ (46:00)-”You must have a purpose. You have to have a passion. And you must be part of something bigger than yourselves.” (46:45)Earl’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:-Meditation-Journaling-Physical fitnessThis episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness, Analytix Solutions, Jaguar Land Rover of Fairfield and The Readiness Collective.

May 23, 2022 • 33min
Jumping In with The Green Beret Foundation & 18A Fitness (The Jedburgh Podcast Short-Form Series)
De Oppresso Liber. The motto of the Green Berets. To free the oppressed. The standard for excellence, the commitment to mission and the bonds developed through the hardest times define the Special Forces Regiment.While down at Sandlot Jax and the Go Ruck Games host Fran Racioppi Jumps In with Brent Cooper, Executive Director of the Green Beret Foundation, and Kevin Edgerton, Founder of 18A Fitness, to discuss the mission of The Green Beret Foundation, their focus on supporting Green Berets of every generation and conflict, the Next Ridgeline military transition program and GBF’s recent accreditation by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Special thanks to our partners Jaguar Land Rover of Fairfield and The Readiness Collective for donating the Defender ambulance and supporting our live recording at Sandlot.Get involved and donate to the Green Beret Foundation to support our Special Forces past and present. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website and check out our video YouTube versions of all episodes here.Highlights:-Green Beret Foundation’s Pineland Initiative has expanded support to Green Beret’s of all generations and conflicts. (3:50)-Brent discusses the program pillars including casualty support, health and wellness, family support and transition support. (8:08)-GBF has recently been accredited by the Department of Veterans affairs. (12:48)-GBF now has a Veteran Service Representative in each of the Special Forces Groups focused on supporting transitioning Green Berets in their VA disability claims. (13:15)-Fran, Brent and Kevin reminisce about their days in Special Forces as Brent shares his career story from the civilian world into the military. (16:00)-Brent talks about the expectation of excellence within Special Forces and how the community expects GBF to live that standard each day. (23:43)-The Wall of Honor at GBF headquarters honors all 192 fallen Green Berets since 9/11. (27:46)Quotes:-”If we’re not growing, we’re dying…we were just helping the same amount of Green Berets each year. But for me, that’s not enough.” (4:45)-”Since inception we have helped over 15,000 families.” (9:48)-”The bloodline of Special Forces is our community. That brotherhood.” (11:39)-”We are the only SOF benevolent organization that is accredited by the VA.” (12:52)-“We ensure that all of our fallen brothers are honored. Never forgotten” (15:17)-”The Green Beret Foundation was looking for a new executive director. And it was like, in an instant, 20 years of my life made sense.“ (18:55)-“The most important thing on any team is trust.”(21:31)-”That’s what our community expects. Anything less is a failure on our part.” (23:52)-“You walk in there and you see your friends on there. You see your brothers on there.” (28:12)This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness, Analytix Solutions, Jaguar Land Rover of Fairfield and The Readiness Collective.