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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Oct 12, 2024 • 9min
Congress Supports Veterans: Jumping In With Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-1)
Supporting our veterans is a commitment that transcends politics—it’s a matter of national honor. In this episode, host Fran Racioppi sits down with Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a 24-year Army Reserve veteran and representative for Iowa's First Congressional District. Together, they explore critical issues facing veterans today, including the readiness of the VA to handle the influx of post-9/11 service members, mental health challenges, and the impact of the PACT Act. Congresswoman Miller-Meeks shares her unique perspective on veteran care, the importance of accountability within the VA, and the role Congress plays in ensuring our veterans receive the care and support they deserve. Check out our conversation then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage from the halls of Congress. Highlights0:00 Welcome to Congress1:40 Veterans top issues in Congress3:03 Increasing oversight of the VA4:23 GWOT Veterans influx into the VA5:50 Expectations of the 2024 election cycle Quotes“13 new Gold Star Families that did not have to lose their children.”“Do we want the VA to do voter registration or do we want them to focus on caring for Veterans?” “We also added the PACT Act. Any disorder is presumed to be related to your service.” “Irrespective of who’s at the top of the ticket, you have to make the case for yourself.” The opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of our guests and creator and host Fran Racioppi. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy; nor does Green Beret Foundation endorse any political candidate or any political party.
Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 5min
#145: Today's SOF Challenge - US Army Special Operations Command Commanding General LTG John Braga
LTG John Braga, the Commander of United States Army Special Operations Command, discusses his vision for modern Army Special Operations. He emphasizes adapting to threats from nation-states like China and Iran while combating global terrorism. The conversation takes a historical turn at Utah Beach, reflecting on D-Day’s significance and its influence on current military strategies. Braga also highlights the essential integration of Special Operations in cyber and space warfare, stressing the need for proactive engagement and innovation in military training.
Sep 26, 2024 • 26min
Choose Elite: Jumping In with Premier Lacrosse League Co-Founder Paul Rabil (Stars and Stripes Classic Series)
There’s a difference between the elite and everyone else. Elite by definition means superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society. Elite is not good. It is not great. It certainly is not above average. To be elite means you’re among the best.The Stars and Stripes Classic pitted America’s two most elite Special Operations Forces against each other on the lacrosse field. To talk about what it means to be elite, not just in sports but in anything you do, Fran Racioppi sat down with Paul Rabil. Paul is the co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League and undoubtedly one of the most elite lacrosse players to ever play the game. Paul is multiple time NCAA champion, a four year All American, he holds NCAA records for the most goals, assists and points. He is a multiple time Player of the Year and two time champion. He holds the most points in professional lacrosse. He is what every young lacrosse player ascribes to be. Paul is also an elite visionary and businessman. He developed the PLL out of the gaps he saw as a player. Now he’s changing professional sports and how athletes are treated by owners. Check out our conversation from the endzone of Gillette Stadium to learn how anyone can be elite if you're ready to put in the work and relentlessly execute. Head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic. Don’t forget to go to Green Beret Foundation to join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters took on the Frogmen. Highlights0:00 Introduction2:33 Stars and Stripes Classic4:18 The level of play5:57 Toughness & extra work8:31 Earn it every day12:49 Building an elite sports league18:15 How does it feel?22:08 How to process the hard times Quotes“Lacrosse is sloppy. That’s also the beauty of it.” “Those that choose to be elite, it’s a lifestyle.” “Earn the right to stay here and be here.” “You just don’t really fake integrity. Someone will suss it out.” “If you don’t go all in, you’ll never reach your potential.” “Attempting to become a subject matter expert is so important in entrepreneurship.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to the Premier Lacrosse League and Kraft Sports and Entertainment for hosting the Stars and Stripes Classic.
Sep 19, 2024 • 20min
Toughness is 100%: Jumping In with West Point Lacrosse Head Coach Joe Alberici and Ben Harrow (Stars and Stripes Classic Series)
Toughness defines Special Operations and the sport of lacrosse. Toughness requires a person to deal with hardship, overcome difficult situations, persevere through mental and physical challenges. Toughness is one part natural, one part learned, and one part the result of consistency. To excel as a Green Beret, Navy SEAL or a lacrosse athlete, you better be tough. Joe Alberici and Ben Harrow are two tough men. Joe is the head coach of Men’s lacrosse at West Point, and Ben is a West Point lacrosse alumni, Green Beret and double leg amputee.Coach and Ben joined Fran Racioppi to recap the Stars and Stripes Classic, what it meant for our Green Berets and Navy SEALs to face off on the lacrosse field, how to build teams based on being tough, and what it takes to win no matter the challenge; whether that’s on the playing field, the battlefield or the boardroom. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic. Don’t forget to go to Green Beret Foundation to join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters took on the Frogmen. Highlights0:00 Introduction2:05 Stars and Stripes is in the books3:17 Break down the game for us4:57 Ben Harrow is toughness6:46 Why is toughness important?10:39 West Point lax is a player15:01 Put in the extra work16:22 What did you tell the team after the game?Quotes“Clock got a little short on us. Time ran out.”“Toughness is when you're 100%, 100% of the time.” “Grateful for everything. Entitled to nothing.” “If you can be an elite human being…you’ll probably be a pretty darn good Army lacrosse player.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to the Premier Lacrosse League and the Kraft Group for hosting us the Stars and Stripes Classic.
Aug 29, 2024 • 20min
Putting Players First: Jumping In with Premier Lacrosse League Co-Founder Mike Rabil (Stars And Stripes Classic Series)
The greatest entrepreneurial adventures take a lot of sleepless nights, a bias for action and a commitment to people. Starting a professional sports league is no different. As we gear up for the first ever Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi is joined by Mike Rabil, the co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League. Mike and his brother Paul, started the league with a vision to put the players at the center of the business model.From better pay, to open marketing, to benefits and equity in the league, they’re redefining how professional sports embraces their athletes.Mike shared the market opportunity he and Paul saw in lacrosse and how they relentlessly pursued investment and support. He explained how giving players equity, access to marketing content and a seat at the table have created a more inclusive league. And he showed us where the sport is headed with regional affiliation. They also previewed the Stars and Stripes Classic coming September 2 to Gillette Stadium where the bonds between lacrosse and Special Operations will face off for the very first time. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with the business mind behind the PLL, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic. Don’t forget to go to Green Beret Foundation to join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters take on the Frogmen. Highlights0:00 Welcome to Fairfield University4:15 What was the vision for the PLL?6:21 How do you start a pro sports league?8:10 How does the open marketing concept help promote the game?10:20 Why introduce regional affiliation?12:07 Why keep the 2-point shot?12:48 How do you recruit the best athletes to lacrosse?15:46 The Stars and Stripes Classic?Quotes“I slept on a lot of hotel floors. Cried, bled a lot.” “People ask us who our competitors are. I say ‘all the other sports.’” “We know we need to continue to pay the players more.” “Each time these guys stop on the field they get five stock options.” “The lacrosse community is really tied into Special Forces.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to the Premier Lacrosse League for hosting us at Fairfield University and for sponsoring the Stars and Stripes Classic.
Aug 24, 2024 • 19min
Winning Is In The Details: Jumping In with California Redwoods Head Coach Nat St. Laurent (Stars and Stripes Classic Series)
Performing at an elite level isn’t about doing special things. It’s about focusing on the basics and the fundamentals; then executing them with precision. A coach’s job is to harness the energy of the players and direct it towards a common goal. As we gear up for the first ever Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi sat down with the Head Coach of the California Redwoods and Army Reservist Nat St. Laurent. Nat’s primary mission is to take a group of elite alpha lacrosse athletes all capable of big things and get them to focus on the little details; a skill he learned teaching soldiers to throw hand grenades as an instructor. He shares his Army lessons learned and how they made him a better coach.Nat also provided his perspective on the growth of the Premier Lacrosse League, how regional affiliation has enhanced the fan base, and how everything the PLL does is all out; including the 2-point shot. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with one of the PLL’s inaugural coaches, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic. Don’t forget to go to Green Beret Foundation to join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters take on the Frogmen. Highlights0:00 Introduction2:27 Welcome to Fairfield University3:14 PLL regional affiliation5:06 Growing the PLL fan base6:47 What Army lessons do you use as a coach?9:28 PLL player development11:32 The 2-point shot13:12 Staying focused in down times14:54 Stars and Stripes ClassicQuotes“Whatever the PLL does it’s all out.” “Being part of something bigger than yourself…it becomes an honor.” “It is extremely important to do those little things right and to do it with a purpose that’s bigger than yourself. “Our mindset every game is 1-0. We can’t do anything about the results from previous games.” “They’re not going to be able to turn over their compete level.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to the Premier Lacrosse League for hosting us at Fairfield University and for sponsoring the Stars and Stripes Classic.
Aug 20, 2024 • 29min
We're Not Playing For Second Place: Jumping In with Team USA Head Coach & Premier Lacrosse League Director of Competition Seth Tierney (Stars & Stripes Classic Series)
The United States doesn’t play for second place. Not on the battlefield and certainly not on the lacrosse field. As we gear up for the first ever Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi sat down with Head Coach of Team USA Seth Teirney. Seth is also the Director of Competition at the Premier Lacrosse League and the Head Coach of Hofstra University. He’s involved in every aspect and level of lacrosse from the pros down to youth. He’s a national champion as a coach and played in the National Lacrosse League as a player. Seth’s attitude about lacrosse is gold medal or bust. Fran and Seth covered why it takes “feeling the sport” to compete at the highest level as both an athlete and a coach. Seth shared the launch story of the PLL from a broken down bus in Israel and how the PLL honors the Indigenous legacy of lacrosse. Seth also gives his tips to parents raising athletes and explains what it means to coach the US National Team. Plus he makes his prediction for the battle of the year, as the Green Berets take on the Navy SEALs September 2 at Gillette Stadium.Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with one of lacrosse’s greatest players and coaches, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic. Head over to Green Beret Foundation and join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters take on the Frogmen. Highlights0:00 Introduction1:27 Welcome to Fairfield University3:30 Setting the lacrosse example5:16 Growing the PLL7:12 The origins of lacrosse8:58 Lacrosse is about feeling10:49 How have the players evolved?12:48 Gold medal or bust14:08 How coaches have changed16:01 Is junior level competition healthy?18:00 A tribute to Andy Towers19:53 The PLL’s next phase21:48 Recruiting the top athletes22:46 Stars and Stripes ClassicQuotes“This whole thing started when a bus broke down in 2018 in Israel.”“This sport. Where it came from. It was not just playing. It was understanding.”“It’s not written down in a handbook. You’ve got to be able to feel the game.” “It’s an all-in sport that is on fire right now.” “There is no second place. We’re not playing for second place. It’s gold medal or bust.” “When we get the Stars and Stripes Game going…that’s a forever day.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to the Premier Lacrosse League for hosting us at Fairfield University and for sponsoring the Stars and Stripes Classic.
Aug 15, 2024 • 1h 19min
#144: Leading with Diplomacy - General (Retired) Joseph Votel, Former CENTCOM & SOCOM Commander
Retired General Joseph Votel, a distinguished leader who commanded both US Special Operations Command and US Central Command, discusses pivotal issues in Middle East policy. He analyzes why Hamas attacked Israel and the role of Iran in regional instability. Votel emphasizes the importance of a multifaceted American approach—including diplomacy and military readiness—to address global threats, particularly from rising powers like China and Russia. He also shares valuable leadership insights from his experience in the Ranger Regiment.
6 snips
Aug 2, 2024 • 57min
#143: There's No Do-overs In The Next Fight - Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer
Michael Weimer, the current Sergeant Major of the Army and first Green Beret in this role, sheds light on his responsibilities in overseeing recruitment, training, and retention. He discusses the evolving nature of warfare, transitioning from a kill chain to a more integrated kill web approach. Weimer emphasizes the importance of viewing soldiers as the Army's true assets and the critical role of strong leadership in retention. He also shares insights on integrating Special Forces with regular units and his vision for overcoming recruiting challenges.
Jul 20, 2024 • 1h 2min
#142: Lethality, Audacity, Creativity - Leading the Special Forces Regiment - Major General Gil Ferguson, Commanding General, 1st Special Forces Command
Major General Gil Ferguson, the Commanding General of 1st Special Forces Command, shares insight into the elite world's culture of lethality, audacity, and creativity. He discusses how Green Berets are adapting for regional conflicts amid unknown adversaries, emphasizing the role of partnerships in modern warfare. Ferguson explains the significance of the SOF-Space-Cyber Triad and envisions the future of Special Forces, highlighting the need to blend human skills with advancing technology for success in today's complex military landscape.
