Eagle Nation Podcast

Brett McKay founded the Art of Manliness in 2008 and has grown it into the largest independent men’s interest magazine on the web. Brett grew up in Edmond, OK, and attended the University of Oklahoma. He took a break in college to live in Tijuana, Mexico for two years doing service. After graduating, he then went on to pursue his lifelong goal of going to law school. While attending the University of Tulsa College of Law, Brett started the Art of Manliness as something fun to do in his spare time. In this podcast, we cover a variety of topics, to include: The beginnings of the Art of Manliness Brett’s definition of “manliness” and why it’s probably not what you think The military connection to the Art of Manliness His new effort - “The Strenuous Life” How Brett runs a successful website, yet stays disconnected from the internet And much more! In addition, Team RWB’s Executive Director was a guest on the Art of Manliness Podcast a few years ago - check it out here.  

Since his column started in Runner’s World magazine, he’s become one of the running community’s most popular personalities. The New York Times identified John as the creator of the slow running movement which brought the joy of activity to a new generation of runners and walkers. Known by his fans as “the Penguin” for his back-of-the-pack speed, John Bingham is the unlikely hero of the modern running boom. Overweight, uninspired, and saddled with a pack-and-a-half-a-day smoking habit Bingham found himself firmly wedged in a middle-age slump. Then, he discovered running and changed his life forever. In this week’s show, we cover a ton of ground, to include: His Army experience, and how it has affected his life.   His history and beginnings as a runner. Why his non-traditional approach to running has found such appeal And much more!  

Claire Gibson is a Nashville-based author whose work has been featured in The Washington Post, The Christian Science Monitor, and Entrepreneur Magazine, among many other publications. Her debut novel, Beyond the Point, tells the story of a group of female veterans in an incredibly powerful way. In this week’s show, we cover a ton of ground, to include: Her childhood in a military family and growing up at West Point The blessings and curses of writing recent historical fiction How this story came to be What it’s like to publish your first book, and her future plans! And much more!

COL (R) Shane Kimbrough is a former Army Officer and current NASA astronaut.  He was selected by NASA in 2004, and completed his first spaceflight in 2008. Shane launched on October 19, 2016, as part of Expedition 49/50, where he became the Commander of the International Space Station, and remained so until he departed almost 6 months later. In this week’s show, we cover a ton of ground, to include: His Army career and how it led to NASA His leadership style, and how it’s changed over time Fitness in space How his perspective on life and the planet has changed since he became an astronaut And much more!

Dr. Chad Kahl is the Chief Medical Officer to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Jim Karol is a world renowned mentalist and entertainer, known for his ability to harness the power of the human mind.  They’re an unlikely duo, but both deeply understand the link between mental wellness and physical healing, and want to be change agents for the way health care is perceived and delivered to military members and veterans.   In this week’s show, we cover a ton of ground, to include: Dr. Kahl’s article in the Military Times about Blue Zones The connection between mental wellness and physical healing Cognitive dissonance with drone warfare "the ender wiggins effect" The power of nootropics on mood and memory Eastern integrative medicine for sleep and memory and neuropathic pain Side effects of the pharmacopeia, drug dependence, how RWB can be a bigger part of the solution   And much more!

Ryan Miller is currently the COO of OMG Farms, a California-based business (owned by Canibrands) that uses technologically advanced methods to produce high quality cannabis oils and delivery methods.  Ryan graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point and served as an infantry officer. In 2007, he was severely wounded by a roadside bomb while conducting combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq, and ultimately lost a leg due to his wounds. Upon retirement from the Army, Ryan completed both an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a Master's degree in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Ryan resides in Oakland, California.   In this week’s show, we discuss: Ryan’s story of injury, recovery, and resilience Cannabis 101 - a overview How veterans are using cannabis What you need to know about VA healthcare and cannabis   Some important links: www.warriorrising.org – the nonprofit Ryan helps run www.opevac.org – a veterans cannabis organization recommended by Ryan www.wfwproject.org – a

Charlie Brenneman walked away from his job as a Spanish teacher, with a dream to fight in the UFC - a dream he ultimately accomplished in a big way.  A naturally curious person, he has turned his lifelong love of learning and helping people into a career, and is now a recognized podcaster and speaker.  He’s just a really good human being, and we have really fun conversation in this podcast. In this week’s show, we discuss: His path from the classroom into the UFC octagon His connections to the military The learning process he uses to absorb and retain new information His podcast and speaking career And much more!

Dan Nevins is an Army veteran and wounded warrior who, for over a decade, has shared an inspirational message of leadership, perseverance, resilience, and overcoming adversity with audiences around the globe. His work with professional and business communities enables his passion for sharing and teaching yoga to the world. In this week’s show, we discuss: His injuries and recovery journey How he found Yoga, and how it’s not confined to Eagle NamasDay The ways that he shares his inspirational story Dan is a lot of fun, and we know you’ll enjoy this podcast!

Air Force Veteran Tamsen Butler was fit and healthy, when she experienced a sudden stroke at age 41, which was later found to be related to a birth defect in her heart.  She’s become an advocate for heart health, and has used her experience to change the lives of many people in the process. In this week’s podcast, we discuss: Why being healthy and fit is so important, especially before you have a health condition The importance of community in healing How her military experience helped shape her What led her to advocate and educate about heart health

Dan Savage is the Head of Military and Veterans Programs at LinkedIn.  He’s also an Army veteran and a West Point/Harvard Grad. He’s dedicated his post-military life to achieving real social change for veterans, and is an expert on what effective veteran support looks like.   In this week’s podcast, we discuss: His military experience, and coming to grips with some tough experiences Effective support for veterans His favorite poem: If by Rudyard Kipling and why it’s so meaningful to him.

Eric Engelhardt is a former Green Beret who was wounded in combat, and found his way to being one of Team RWB’s original employees.  He’s as interesting a guy as they come, and is one of the reasons for Team RWB’s success. He’s an incredible person, and is a great spokesman for using community and physical fitness for recovery.   In this week’s podcast, we discuss: His injury and recovery His experiences working at Team RWB His pending international move

Tom Voss is a Army veteran who’s post-military service struggles resulted in a 2700 mile hike across the country, featured in the Emmy nominated documentary Almost Sunrise.   He’s an incredible person, and is a great spokesman for using community and physical fitness for recovery.   In this week’s podcast, we discuss:   His post-military service struggles and how they came to a head. What is was like to hike across the country with another veteran Almost Sunrise, and the decision to film his journey

Jeff Eggers is a retired Navy Seal, and current Executive Director of the McChrystal Group Leadership Institute.  He was formerly a Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and has had a long career working in national defense at various jobs. He recently co-authored a book with General Stanley McChrystal called Leaders: Myth and Reality, and it’s currently a national bestseller In this week’s podcast, we discuss: The writing process Dynamics of working with three authors Why the world needs another book on leadership Lessons learned from some atypical leadership examples

Sal Giunta is the first living Medal of Honor Recipient since the Vietnam war. This episode is less interview and more conversation between two combat veterans over good beer. Southeast Regional Director and Sal talk about a myriad of topics that all veterans can relate to. Sal’s experience, passion and wisdom will inspire and fire up all those called to serve and lead…..actually, you’ll learn from Sal that they are the same thing. In this week’s podcast, we discuss: How winning the Medal has changed Sal. What is service and how do we find purpose outside of the military? How we met at the White House. His greatest leadership mentors and lessons. We DON’t talk about the day and actions that he earned the Medal of Honor for. We delve deeper into what it means to him to be a Recipient and what it means to him.

Jen and Debbie are 2 of the 4 Yuengling sisters that are part of the 6th generation of a family that is running the longest continuously family-owned and operated brewery in America - the Yuengling Brewing Company, which has been open since 1829. Team RWB has recently kicked off a partnership with Yuengling, and several members of the team joined them there to kick it off - afterwards, JJ Pinter sat down with two of the Yuengling sisters and recorded a fantastic podcast.   In this week’s podcast, we discuss:   Lagers for Heroes (Team RWB & Yuengling partnership) Jen’s participation in Old Glory Relay Dynamics of working in family business What it’s like to be females in the brewing industry The balance between growth and culture in a business Their 1st new beer in 17 years - Golden Pilsner!  

Adam Smith is a Green Beret, CrossFit Gym Owner, tactical training specialist.  He’s also a personal friend of the podcast host, JJ Pinter. In this episode, they sit down in person for a caffeine-fueled conversation that is sure to make you smile.   In this week’s podcast, we discuss: How JJ putting cream in his coffee is adding “weakness” to it, in Adam’s perspective Adam’s transition from the military and his struggles What it’s like to come home again and lead in your community Leadership and his plans to influence large groups of people

Outside Magazine recently published an in-depth feature by Brian Mockenhaupt (Army Veteran) about a former Marine who struggled with PTSD and depression, and, despite finding a community in the outdoors, died by suicide in 2016. In this week’s podcast, we discuss this story with the author.   We would invite everyone to read the original story here.

Chandler Smith is former collegiate wrestler, active duty Army Officer, and current CrossFit competitor.  He’s as humble as they come, and has had to overcome some major obstacles - to include the severing of a portion of his finger in a training accident.   His perspective on life is refreshing and inspiring - there’s no way this podcast will not motivate you.      In this episode we discuss: His fantastic Instagram Page His belief in patience and “the process” in getting better How adversity has made him better Speaking of CrossFit, it’s WOD for Warriors season!  Sign your gym up here!

Paul Andersen is a journalist, book author and wilderness guide. He has worked with veterans since founding Huts For Vets in 2013. Huts for Vets serves veterans who are seeking a perspective shift through beautiful mountain scenery, camaraderie, and philosophical explorations of literature. In this episode we discuss: • Why spending time in nature is more important than ever - especially for veterans • Literature, philosophy, and healing • The origin story of Huts for Vets

Megan served 11 years in the Australian Regular Army, Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME). She is a senior consultant and coach with Integral Development and a trek leader for Back Track Adventures, which have given her the capacity and support to launch Buddy Up Australia. She has seen the need for an organisation which helps current and ex-service (military and 1st Responder) personnel reconnect with their local communities, find a new purpose and avoid the mental impact of service.   In this episode we discuss: The universality of the military experience across countries Public perception of the military and first responders in Australia The origin story of Buddy Up Australia