Cleared Hot

Michael Montoya, a veteran with over 15 years in military operations and EOD, shares his unique insights after suffering a tragic injury from a landmine in Ukraine. He discusses the deadly complexities of explosive ordnance disposal and contrasts cinematic portrayals of EOD work with harsh realities. Montoya delves into the evolving combat dynamics in Ukraine, highlighting drone warfare strategies and the psychological impact on soldiers. He also emphasizes the importance of humanitarian efforts through his nonprofit, Invictus Global Response, while balancing humor and serious topics.

The discussion tackles the emotional hangover from conflicts and offers insights into overcoming fear in skydiving. Listeners receive practical advice for new skydivers, including essential training and safety tips. It also dives deep into conflict resolution, emphasizing empathy and proactive communication. Personal experiences with hormone replacement therapy are shared, outlining its ups and downs while promoting holistic health. Expect a mix of levity and serious reflections on navigating these life challenges!

David Dahlin, a former Seattle firefighter turned general contractor, shares his riveting journey after being terminated for refusing the city's COVID-19 shot mandate. He discusses the ongoing struggles of morale within the Seattle Fire Department and the legal battles faced by firefighters challenging the mandate. The conversation touches on the emotional toll of these decisions, the balance between personal freedom and public health, and the surprising findings surrounding fraudulent vaccination cards. His experiences shed light on the broader implications for first responders navigating these tumultuous times.

Katarina Szulc, an investigative journalist known for her fearless reporting in Mexico’s cartel war, joins the discussion on the shocking infiltration of cartels into Canada. She examines the critical role of women in organized crime and sheds light on the dark reality of drug trafficking, particularly the fentanyl crisis. Szulc shares personal insights on the psychological toll of violence on children and the alarming tactics gangs use to recruit. The conversation also highlights the complexities of gun control and the need for greater collaboration in law enforcement to tackle these urgent issues.

Ryan Duey, CEO of Plunge, shares his incredible journey from a near-fatal motorcycle accident to founding a wellness company focused on cold plunge tubs. He highlights the transformative power of confronting physical and mental challenges through cold water immersion. Ryan also discusses the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship and the innovative technologies behind his products. He emphasizes the balance of technology with personal awareness and the value of meaningful relationships in navigating life's complexities.

Beau Simmons, a talented photographer celebrated for his Western lifestyle work, shares riveting tales of bear encounters in Montana, including a life-threatening attack. He passionately discusses his book, 'The Twenty-Year War,' honoring veterans' stories and the challenges they face post-service. The conversation highlights the importance of authentic storytelling in photography and the cultural shifts in Montana influenced by media like 'Yellowstone.' Beau also advocates for community narratives, emphasizing the resilience of cowboys amidst the negativity of social media.

As Montana Knife Company’s Founder and Owner, Josh Smith is the Master Bladesmith behind creating and designing working knives for working people that are built to last for generations. Josh grew up in Lincoln, Montana on the edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. At the age of 11 Josh’s baseball coach, Rick Dunkerley, began teaching him how to make knives. In the very beginning, Josh would go to Rick’s shop where he learned to remove stock blades under the guidance of Rick. About a year later, Josh began putting a shop together at his home. Josh’s Dad gave him room to work in his equipment shop, and at the age of 12 Josh joined the American Bladesmith Society. Over the next few years Josh began forging and honing his craft. Josh turned 14 at the Eugene Oregon knife show where he met other incredible knife makers, all too willing to share their talents and knowledge with Josh. At 15 years old, Josh passed the Journeyman Bladesmith test in Atlanta, Georgia at the Blade Show. Josh became the youngest bladesmith to ever pass this test. The Journeyman test is a two-part process. A test blade must be forged and heat treated with the capabilities to chop a 1” rope in half, 2- 2x4’s in half and then still shave hair. Once the cutting tests are done the blade must be able to bend 90 degrees in a vise without breaking. After passing the performance test the maker must present 5 knives to a panel of Mastersmith Judges. Each knife is examined closely to ensure the knife is made to the highest standard of craftsmanship. At the Journeyman level a maker is not expected to show perfection but is expected to show a sufficient level of craftsmanship expected from a professional bladesmith. Montana Knife Company: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com Today's Sponsors: Pique: Get 20% off + a FREE rechargeable frother and glass beaker with your first purchase with my link https://Piquelife.com/CLEAREDHOT LMNT: https://www.drinklmnt.com/clearedhot  

Jimmy Hatch grew up in the mountains of Utah and joined the service on his seventeenth birthday. After serving four years in the US fleet, Hatch completed SEAL training with Class 164 in 1990, launching him into a twenty-two-year career with the SEAL teams that would take him across the world. Deployed many times, Hatch was involved in over 150 direct action missions in all the places you’ve heard about and a few you haven’t. His military career ended in 2009, when he was severely injured on his final mission. His life was saved by his teammates and the working dog on his team, marking the beginning of a long and challenging recovery. Following eighteen surgeries, Hatch left the hospital facing a new battle with mental health struggles. Determined to find purpose beyond his own struggles, he founded Spike’s K9 Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the welfare of the nation’s working K9s, honoring the loyalty and courage of his own canine comrades. Hatch also co-authored Touching the Dragon: And Other Techniques for Surviving Life’s Wars, sharing insights on resilience and recovery. Jimmy has traveled far and wide, giving speeches on his experiences to help others prepare for when life gets tough. In 2019, Hatch embarked on a new journey, studying the humanities at Yale University. He graduated in 2024. Now, he is working on a second book as he works part-time for Yale Admissions and serves as a lecturer at the Jackson School of Global Affairs. Spikes K9: https://spikesk9fund.org/   Today's Sponsors: Montana Knife Company: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com Brunt: For a limited time, listeners get $10 off at BRUNT when you use code "clearedhot" at checkout. Just head to https://Bruntworkwear.com, use the code "clearedhot," and you’re good to go. After your order, they’ll ask where you heard about BRUNT—do me a favor and tell them it was from this show.

-The new series continues! Michael and I sat down today and discussed a few topics through the lens of experience in different decades of life. For those of you familiar with the show, you know that often on Friday I answer Q and A. Today is no different, except that Michael is joining me to give his perspective from a younger generation: -Men Proposing to Ai -National Guard Usage in LA Riots -Gas problems and Aqua Dueces in BUD/s -Epstein Prosecutors being fired   Today's Sponsors: Spartan Forge: https://www.spartanforge.ai David: Order a sample pack at https://Davidprotein.com/clearedhot  

Greg Cooper, a former FBI profiler and expert in criminal behavior, shares fascinating insights into the minds of human predators. He explores the development of criminal profiling and its psychological roots, discussing how early trauma shapes violent behavior. Cooper dives into the unsettling statistics surrounding unsolved cases in the U.S. and the pivotal role of DNA technology in cold case resolutions. He also examines the unique motivations behind female serial killers, illuminating the complex dynamics of crime and justice.