Former Marine and executive protection specialist Sir Byron Rodgers shares his gripping journey from surviving IED explosions to finding purpose in protection work. He candidly discusses his battle with PTSD and the transformative power of near-death experiences. Byron emphasizes the importance of discipline in parenting and personal growth, advocating for a holistic approach to strength and vulnerability. The conversation highlights the true meaning of being a modern warrior, melding wisdom from military experiences with life lessons on resilience and character.

NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas sits down with Jon for an honest conversation about his journey from second-round pick to NBA superstar. Arenas shares stories about his father's influence, the mental toughness that drove his success, and his unique perspective on leadership in sports. Now focused on youth basketball development, he offers insights on the current state of amateur athletics and raising the next generation of players. Check out ⁠Gil's Arena on YouTube⁠. Support Real Ones and ⁠join the community on Patreon⁠. ⁠Shop Real Ones⁠ apparel.

Ashley Stock shares her family's heartbreaking journey after losing her daughter Stevie to brain cancer. She discusses how they navigated end-of-life care and communicated the loss to their sons. The conversation touches on the impact of grief on marriage, and the vital role of honest dialogue in parenting. They highlight the importance of supporting children through loss and the pressures of youth sports as an emotional outlet. Ashley's insights emphasize resilience, the need for empathy, and how tragedy reshapes perspectives on life and relationships.

Jamie Lee Curtis joins Jon Bernthal for a conversation that begins with Jamie discussing her role in the film "Borderlands," touching on the unusual character trait of objectum sexuality. The discussion then shifts to Jamie's personal journey with addiction and recovery. She candidly shares her experience of realizing she had a problem with opioids and her decision to get sober. Jamie details the pivotal moments that led to this decision, and she explores the impact of recovery on her life, discussing how it has changed her perspective and helped her understand herself and her family better. They discuss her family history, talking about her parents' experiences in Hollywood and how fame affected them, leading to a broader conversation about the challenges of expressing genuine emotions, especially given her upbringing in the entertainment industry. The conversation touches on aging in Hollywood, with Jamie sharing her thoughts on potential retirement and her approach to her career as she gets older. She discusses the rejecting nature of the industry and how she's learned to handle it, and shares an impactful anecdote about meeting a pediatric burn unit nurse, using this to highlight the importance of maintaining perspective in life and in the entertainment industry. Throughout the interview, Jamie emphasizes the power of honesty, vulnerability, and changing one's perspective. She particularly stresses the importance of replacing the phrase "have to" with "get to" when approaching life's challenges and opportunities. This powerful episode covers themes of fame, family dynamics, the challenges of the entertainment industry, and the process of personal growth and self-discovery. Jamie's candid and reflective responses provide insight into her experiences as an actress, a person in recovery, and a human navigating complex personal and professional landscapes. Support Real Ones and join the community on Patreon where episodes are released early, uncensored, and ad-free-- https://www.patreon.com/realones

Jon Bernthal speaks with Will Jimeno, a former Port Authority police officer who survived being trapped for 13 hours under the World Trade Center rubble on September 11, 2001. Jimeno shares his extraordinary story of survival, his challenging journey of physical and emotional recovery, and how he found purpose in the aftermath of tragedy. Key topics include: Will's experience as a rookie cop on 9/11 The collapse of the towers and 13 hours trapped underground The rescue operation and Will's last radio call Battling PTSD and the long road to recovery Finding meaning and helping others after trauma Lessons on resilience, hope, and the human spirit This episode contains discussions of traumatic events which some listeners may find distressing. Support Real Ones and join the community on Patreon-- https://www.patreon.com/realones

Dr. Nick Bernthal, Jon's brother and orthopedic oncologist, returns to REAL ONES.  This episode covers: Challenges of treating cancer patients and delivering difficult news How personal loss influences life and medical practice Current state of cancer research and drug discovery Balancing a high-pressure career with family life Issues of diversity and access in healthcare and education Recent experiences with crime and community support in Southern California The brothers discuss these topics, offering insights into modern medicine, personal growth, and current social issues. Note: This episode contains discussions of cancer, loss, and medical procedures that some listeners may find sensitive. Support the Real Ones community on Patreon to receive episodes early, ad-free and uncensored. Follow Real Ones: TikTok Instagram YouTube For apparel check out the Real Ones Store.

Kevin Vance interviews Karl "Gus" Gustavson, a retired Navy SEAL with 22 years of service. Gustavson candidly discusses military brotherhood, sacrifice, and the transition to civilian life. This conversation offers unique insights into long-term military service and its lasting impact, and is the first in a new series with Kevin Vance profiling individuals living inspiring lives dedicated to service. Subscribe to Kevin’s Substack to stay updated and follow Kevin on his ECHOES journey. Follow Kevin and Gus on Instagram—  Kevin - @kevinlvance Gus - @kgus245 For episodes of Real Ones early and ad free and to get a first look at sneak peaks like "Echoes" join the Real Ones community on Patreon.

Deborah Ann Woll, known for her honest take on Hollywood, shares her journey with Jon Bernthal. She opens up about childhood bullying and its lasting effects on self-image. The duo discusses the delicate balance of authenticity and talent in acting, while highlighting the emotional healing found through performance. Woll also dives into her love for Dungeons & Dragons, exploring the power of collaborative storytelling. Their candid conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy and personal growth in both artistry and relationships.

In this gripping episode of Real Ones, guest host Richard Cabral sits down with "Primo" Paulie for an unfiltered conversation about life on the streets of East LA, battling generational addiction, and finding redemption. From harrowing prison tales to the transformative power of fatherhood, this episode is a testament to the human spirit's resilience. Discover how cultural roots and unexpected moments of clarity can pave the way to a life of purpose. To support Real Ones and listen to episodes early and ad-free, join Real Ones on Patreon. Connect with us: Instagram: @realones_podcast | @jonnybernthal TikTok: @realonesjonbernthal Website YouTube Don't miss Richard Cabral's new podcast, The Resilience Podcast, here on Spotify. Follow Richard on Instagram @richardcabralofficial

Join Richard Cabral as he sits down with Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, in this inspiring episode of RESILIENCE. Explore the transformative journey from gang life to community leadership, and discover how healing-centered approaches are changing lives. Father Greg shares profound insights from his decades of work, offering hope and practical wisdom for anyone interested in social justice and personal transformation. ⁠Follow the new podcast "Resilience with Richard Cabral".⁠ Key moments: 00:05:00 - The origins of Homeboy Industries 00:15:14 - Shift from job-centric to healing-centric approach 00:30:00 - Challenges of drug addiction and mental health in the community 00:39:37 - The power of relational wholeness 00:47:13 - Finding one's true self through love and community 00:54:00 - Balancing targeted help with community inclusivity