91 - Racing Toward Recovery: AJ Jaxin on Leadership, Hormone Health, and Life After the Military
Episode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroupGet your Gym Supplements at Alpha Elite Performance Website Use Code LKO15 to save 15% at checkout.Facebook – Ajay Jaxin The Follow On Mission WebsiteThis conversation explores the journey of veterans navigating their mental health, the importance of community, and the role of alternative therapies in recovery. The speakers discuss their personal experiences with self-doubt, the impact of physical activity, and the complexities of the VA system. They emphasize the significance of hormone health and the challenges faced during the transition from military to civilian life, all while highlighting the healing power of motorsports and connection with others. In this conversation, AJ Jaxin shares his extensive military journey, detailing the complexities of navigating military regulations, transitioning between branches, and the rigorous training required to become a Green Beret. He reflects on the evolution of military culture, the importance of effectiveness over careerism, and the challenges faced in Special Forces. Jackson emphasizes the need for authenticity in leadership and the impact of personal experiences on military service.
-------- Â
2:33:03
--------
2:33:03
90 - Beyond the Trek: Chad Ballestrazze on Leadership, Civil Affairs, and Life After Service
Episode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroup Get your Gym Supplements at Alpha Elite Performance Website Use Code LKO15 to save 15% at checkout.Instagram – @beyondthetrekIn this episode of Beyond the Trek, host Nicholas Allen speaks with Chad Ballestrazze, a civil affairs officer and founder of the Beyond the Trek podcast. They discuss the evolution of the podcast, the importance of physical fitness, and the differences in motivation between military and civilian life. Chad shares insights on leadership, public speaking, and the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. The conversation emphasizes the need for mental health normalization, the significance of shared hardship, and the journey of entrepreneurship. We explore the evolution of Civil Affairs (CA) within the military, the transition from enlisted to officer roles, and the unique mission set of CA compared to Special Forces. The discussion delves into the selection process, training experiences, and the importance of team dynamics in special operations. The speaker reflects on career choices, aspirations for the future, and the desire to give back to the community, emphasizing the significance of personal relationships and mentorship in military life.
-------- Â
2:12:53
--------
2:12:53
89 - JJ Lowe aka The Ghost Round: Public Speaking, Lifting Weights and Universally Accepted Humor
Episode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroup Get your Gym Supplements at Alpha Elite Performance Website Use Code LKO15 to save 15% at checkout.Instagram – @the_ghost_roundIn this engaging conversation, host Nicholas Allen speaks with JJ Lowe, a former DEA agent and current social media personality known as the Ghost Round. They discuss Lowe's transition from military service to civilian life, the importance of pride in one's military background, and the challenges faced by special forces today. The conversation also delves into the role of humor and content creation in the military community, the impact of social media on veterans, and the significance of finding purpose after service. Throughout the discussion, both speakers emphasize the importance of community support and the need for veterans to connect and share their experiences in a meaningful way. In this conversation, Nicholas Allen and JJ Lowe explore the complexities of finding fulfillment in military and law enforcement careers. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding prestigious agencies, the sacrifices made for ambition, and the struggle to balance duty with family life. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, mentorship, and the often harsh realities of service, while also reflecting on personal regrets and the transition to civilian life.
-------- Â
2:25:08
--------
2:25:08
88 - Nicholas Allen, Lesser Known Operators, and a little more about the host
Episode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroup Get your Gym Supplements at Alpha Elite Performance Website Use Code LKO15 to save 15% at checkout.Instagram – @lesserknownoperatorsIn this episode, Nicholas Allen and Adam J. Thorne discuss the journey of podcasting, the challenges of content creation, and the impact of military experiences on personal identity. They explore the nuances of social media, the importance of storytelling, and the struggles of mental health, while also reflecting on the lessons learned from military training and the aspirations for future growth in their podcasting endeavors.
-------- Â
1:13:49
--------
1:13:49
87 - The Green Beret Fisherman: Matt Collins on Fishing, Mental Health, and Military Life
Episode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroup Get your Gym Supplements at Alpha Elite Performance Website Use Code LKO15 to save 15% at checkout.Instagram – @mattcollinsfishingIn this conversation, Nicholas Allen interviews Matt Collins, a Green Beret and kayak fishing enthusiast, about his journey in the military and the unique role of the Army Outdoors Team. They discuss the evolution of recruitment strategies, the importance of hobbies in military life, and the supportive community within the kayak fishing world. Matt shares insights into the application process for the Army Outdoors Team, the challenges of balancing military duties with personal passions, and the significance of content creation in modern military recruitment. The conversation highlights the cost-effectiveness of outdoor activities for engaging potential recruits and the camaraderie found in the fishing community. Matt Collins shares his experiences as a Green Beret and helicopter pilot, discussing the challenges of military selection, the importance of resilience, and the impact of mental health on transitioning to civilian life. He reflects on the camaraderie within the military, the evolution of his passion for fishing, and the significance of finding balance and support in life after service. The discussion also touches on the role of community and nonprofits in aiding veterans' mental health, as well as the pressures of performance and the journey of self-discovery.
Lesser Known Operators is my attempt to sit down and interview as many of the military's Special Operations Forces also known as "Operators" as I possibly can. There are a lot of really great "Operators" out there that no one has ever heard about. I want to go in to their experiences and learn some more about the best there are in our military.
Ireland