
Unbeatable
The Unbeatable podcast is all about helping you keep going when you want to give up. Get inspiration and encouragement from people who have been there, and avoid getting stuck in defeat and worry. We say, “When life becomes unmerciful...be unbeatable!”
Jeff Struecker is a member of the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame. He served most of his military career with the Army Rangers and won the Best Ranger Competition as a Sergeant. In almost 23 years in the Army, Jeff served 17 combat deployments in 5 different US wars including Black Hawk Down. He holds a PhD, as well as many other earned and honorary degrees. He has taught leadership at every level from undergraduate to PhD. He is an award-winning author with six books in print. His military thrillers and life story are in constant demand.
Latest episodes

Mar 3, 2023 • 1h 15min
Ep. 77: Scott and Tiffany Smiley- Why he became the 1st blind soldier in the US Army.
Years before their marriage, Scott and Tiffany were high school sweethearts. In April 2005, Scott was injured by a suicide bombing in Mosul, Iraq, that caused him to lose sight in both eyes. Tiffany’s refusal to sign paperwork that would remove her Army Ranger husband from active duty allowed him to continue his career, and Scott went on to receive the Army’s prestigious MacArthur Leadership Award, among many other accolades. Today, he motivates and inspires leaders everywhere he goes. Tiffany’s faithful dedication to her family and her country are also inspiring. Her unshakable belief that every voice matters even drove her to run for US Senate.You’ll hear:● What it means that Scott and Tiffany are members of the “1% Club”● Why Tiffany refused to sign paperwork a doctor insisted she HAD to sign● What happened in Iraq and what finally started Scott on the road to recovery ● What led Tiffany to Washington, D.C., where she met with the President ● Scott and Tiffany’s advice to anyone who feels like quittingLearn more about the Smileys HEREOrder Scott’s book HEREConnect with Scott on Facebook HERE and on Twitter HERE.Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.

Feb 24, 2023 • 1h 13min
Ep. 76 Landri Peden: A champion powerlifter who is stronger on the inside.
The level of trauma Landri Peden has experienced most of her life would have crushed most people. But Landri is unusually strong – physically, for sure, but also mentally and emotionally. After surviving many levels of extreme abuse, even to the point of being held at gunpoint, Landri went into hiding for several years with PTSD. Then she found CrossFit, which literally saved her life. The sport gave her the sense of purpose, camaraderie, and safety she needed, leading to a career in powerlifting. Now she uses that platform to coach and encourage women, helping them survive and thrive.You’ll hear:● What helped her escape a childhood full of abuse and bullying● What she learned (and survived) as one of the only females in her military platoon● How her husband’s mental breakdown while deployed made him angry and violent, putting her life in danger multiple times● How hiding out for years and not talking about her trauma affected her in unexpected ways● How CrossFit saved her life and how she got into powerlifting● How her story inspires thousands who feel powerless and want to give upLearn more about Landri HEREFollow her on Instagram HERE.Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.

Feb 17, 2023 • 1h 15min
Ep. 75 Brendan Suhr: A legendary NBA basketball coach’s top leadership advice
In 3 decades of coaching basketball in the NBA, legendary Coach Brendan Suhr worked with top players like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Isaiah Thomas, Dennis Rodman, and Larry Bird. He won back-to-back NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons, and with the 1992 “Dream Team,” he won the gold medal at the Barcelona Olympic Games. Today, Brendan is a world-class speaker, specializing in developing effective leaders. He is known for his ability to teach and care deeply about people from all walks of life and backgrounds.You’ll hear:How he became a basketball coachWhat it was like to coach the best basketball players in the worldWhat Brendan believes is the greatest challenge leaders face todayThe five most important qualities Brendan says EVERY leader needs… and what he considers to be the “secret sauce” of leadershipThe cautionary advice he gives to all coachesLearn more about Brendan’s educational system for coaches and leaders at CoachingULive.comListen and subscribe to his Coaching U PodcastFollow Brendan on TwitterSome days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.

Feb 10, 2023 • 1h 6min
Ep. 74 Eddie Penney: A US Navy SEAL’s Secret to Being Unafraid
Eddie Penney spent over 20 years serving his country, first as a US Marine, then as a Navy SEAL. As a SEAL, Eddie was assigned to the highly elite Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) and was at the forefront of numerous life-threatening missions. His job as a breacher meant he was always the “first guy in the room” in an operation. But despite the incredible odds he overcame as a SEAL, he says his scariest challenge was suddenly having to take on the role of a single dad to his 3 young children.You’ll hear:The most important lesson Eddie learned during Phase 1 of SEAL trainingWhat it was like as a hardened warrior to take on the role of a single dad and caretakerThe wake-up call Eddie got after seeing the widows and children of over 30 friends who died in 1 day in AfghanistanThe surprising thing that changed Eddie’s life when he was struggling with guilt, anger, and emotional painWhy he wrote his book, Unafraid, and what he means by thatConnect with Eddie on social media and on his website HEREEnter to win a FREE e-copy of Eddie’s book HERE. The drawing will be 2/17/23.Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.

Feb 3, 2023 • 1h 8min
Ep. 73: Bryan Martin- Don't Give Up in the Valley
The songs Bryan Martin writes and sings resonate with listeners on a deep level. And over 13 million streams and 2 million views of his viral TikTok video “Beauty In The Struggle” prove it. It’s not just the words that are powerful; it’s the way he sings them. His Cherokee indigenous heritage, combined with influences from cowboy family members, shows up in many of his songs. But the reason his music resonates with people is because they come from real struggles. Bryan has overcome addiction and survived back-to-back suicide attempts. Now he encourages others and says, “As long as you’re struggling, you’re strengthening.”You’ll hear:What it was like to be a roughneck on an oil rig in Louisiana where “everything around you is there to kill you.”What kept him going after miraculously surviving suicide attemptsWhat he believes music can do for people and why he writes itWhy he’s thankful for the struggles he’s endured in his lifeHis encouragement to those in a low spot right nowAbout his new hit single, “Wolves Cry”Learn more about Bryan on his website HERE.Follow Bryan on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.

Jan 27, 2023 • 1h 5min
Ep: 72 - Ty Herndon: God or the Gun
Ty Herndon has been singing his entire life. His grandmother had her own radio show, and his mother and aunts had a singing group. His roots were in gospel music and bluegrass, but country music made him famous. He’s been nominated for a Grammy, won a Dove award, and has charted multiple #1 hit singles.Despite the fame, though, Ty has struggled with personal demons most of his adult life. The spiritual healing he’s found is something he now tries to pay forward, but his music is just one way he does that. His book God or the Gun will be released in late 2024, accompanied by a documentary. His message to listeners: The “quicksand” in your life can turn into a cocoon that launches you into a healthy new life.You’ll hear:What it was like to be at the Grand Ole Opry at age 17 as a guest of Roy AcuffAbout the highs and lows of his music careerHow COVID almost destroyed Ty in more ways than one… and how he came out stronger on the other sideHow Ty found healing from addictions and a damaged self-imageHow his song “God or the Gun” has touched hundreds of listeners who have endured the pain of a loved one’s suicide.Ty’s encouragement to ANYONE struggling right now**Plus, Ty answers Jeff’s question about how he would spend a free day if he could go anywhere – with no responsibilities at home.Learn more about Ty on his websiteListen to Ty’s music on SoundboardFollow him on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, or YouTubeSome days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.

Jan 20, 2023 • 1h 2min
Ep. 71 Brian Davidson: How to maximize human performance
In 2015, Dr. Brian Davidson started a company called MindVue that has been revolutionizing the way organizations build leaders. Its mission is to “build hope, grit, and resilience in millions of people across the globe” by teaching mindset skills. Brian has a passion for figuring out what makes people tick and helping them learn how to tear down barriers that block them from reaching their goals. He believes that anyone can succeed when given the right tools.You’ll hear:● Why and how he started the company● What he considers the most important steps for shifting your mindset● What MindVue does to help people shift their focus when dwelling on failures● Why it’s so important to cultivate a GROWTH mindset● How his 4-year-old son’s words inspired him to keep going at a low point in his life**Plus, Brian answers Jeff’s question about how he would spend a free day if he could go anywhere – with no responsibilities at homeLearn more about MindVue HERE.Follow and connect with Brian on LinkedInSome days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.

Jan 13, 2023 • 1h 2min
Ep 70: Edie Hand- How to have ‘True Grit’
Edie Hand has impacted thousands through her gift of storytelling. She’s a businesswoman, speaker, media personality, filmmaker, and author with a passion for helping women share their stories of triumph through intense life challenges. Inspired by the movie True Grit with John Wayne, she produced a video series called Women of True Grit. She herself has suffered loss and survived cancer 4 times. So, she inspires women with her own grit, as well.You’ll hear:What losing so many loved ones early in life taught herHow her famous cousin, Elvis Presley, inspired herHow she found her “refresh” button by sharing people’s stories with the worldHer favorite analogy for how you develop true gritHer advice to anyone struggling with betrayal or lossWhat she’s learned from surviving cancer 4 times**Plus, Edie answers Jeff’s question about how she would spend a free day if she could go anywhere – with no responsibilities at home.Check out the Women of True Grit websiteEnter to win a FREE e-copy of the book Women of True Grit – HERE. If you win, the e-book will be delivered on March 7th, when it is released.Watch some of the “Women of True Grit" VignettesSome days you just need a pep talk. So, I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.

Jan 6, 2023 • 55min
Ep. 69 Brent Crowe: Boldly leading into the unknown
Brent and his wife knew they wanted to adopt but had to wait over 3 years before seeing that dream fulfilled. Then, just 5 weeks after receiving an email from a child advocacy attorney, they added 3 children to their family, in addition to the 3 they already had!Brent’s passion to make a difference in the world goes beyond his family, though. As Vice President of Student Leadership University, he helps high school students develop leadership skills that radically change their lives – and the world around them.You’ll hear:What led Brent and his wife to both want to adopt childrenHow they approach parenting multiple children with past traumaWhat SLU is and how it builds future leadersHow COVID forced SLU to “re-invent” itself, and it came out better on the other sideWhy he didn’t throw in the towel when things got really toughWhy he wrote his new book and what it’s about**Plus, Brent answers Jeff’s question about how he would spend a free day if he could go anywhere – with no responsibilities at home.Learn more about Student Leadership University HERE.Order Brent’s book – 10 Steps to Your Best Life – HEREConnect with Brent on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.

Dec 30, 2022 • 58min
Ep. 68 Jack Black & Dawid Malan: Lessons learned facing life-or-death in the toughest race on earth
Almost exactly one month ago, I took part in the Munga mountain bike race across a region called the Karoo in South Africa. The support I received before and during the race was amazing, and I want to share the biggest lessons I learned that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.The race didn’t go as planned, and I faced life-or-death challenges, but hopefully what I learned will help you as you tackle bold things in 2023. I also want to introduce you to Jack Black (Jacques Swart) and Dawid, 2 excellent cyclists I met in South Africa who truly inspire me and will definitely inspire you.You’ll hear:● About unexpected physical challenges I faced before the race even started● How Dawid literally saved my life during the race● How both Jack and Dawid inspire me● What Shermer’s Neck is and how it could have been deadly● What Jack and David love most about the Munga● 2 big lessons I learned that will help you do something bold in 2023IMPORTANT REQUEST: Shortly after the end of this year’s Munga race, a series of storms blew across part of the Karoo desert – including a tornado that destroyed the home of a family that has been very supportive of The Munga for several years. **If you would like to donate money to support this family in rebuilding their lives, click here and follow the instructions.Learn more about Jack’s business, Gravel & Tour HERE.Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.Don’t let fear win.Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.