98 - From Green Beret to Shaman ā Matthew Butler on Healing, Purpose, and Plant Medicine
Episode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram ā @precisionwellnessgroupGet your Gym Supplements at Alpha Elite Performance Website Use Code LKO15 to save 15% at checkout.Seidr Healing Website Instagram ā @awakegreenberet Awake Green Beret WebsiteIn this episode, Nicholas Allen interviews Matthew Butler, a retired Lieutenant Colonel and author, who shares his transformative journey from military service to shamanism. Butler discusses the significance of Veterans Day, his struggles with mental health and suicide, and the importance of community connection. He explores the challenges of alcoholism within the military, the healing potential of shamanism and plant medicine, and the legal landscape surrounding these practices. The conversation emphasizes the need for proactive support among veterans and the role of law enforcement in fostering community engagement. Butler's experiences highlight the importance of mentorship, spirituality, and the ongoing journey of healing and service to others. In this conversation, Matthew Butler shares his journey from being a Green Beret to exploring shamanism and plant medicine. He discusses the importance of understanding the roots of shamanism, the significance of apprenticeships, and the role of plant medicine in healing. Matthew emphasizes the need for safety and awareness in ceremony practices, the importance of preparation, and the value of group ceremonies. He reflects on the shift in societal acceptance of alternative healing methods and the impact of sharing personal stories. Ultimately, he aims to serve his community by providing transformative experiences and advocating for mental health awareness among men.
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97 - GRND Fitness ā Discipline, Drive, and the Ranger Mindset with Dr. Harrison Lewis
Episode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram ā @precisionwellnessgroupGet your Gym Supplements at Alpha Elite Performance Website Use Code LKO15 to save 15% at checkout.Instagram ā @harrisonllewisIn this episode of "Lesser Known Operators," host Nicholas Allen sits down with Dr. Harrison Lewis, a former Army Ranger and current doctor of physical therapy. Dr. Lewis shares his journey from the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment to founding GRND Fitness. They delve into the challenges of transitioning from military life to civilian entrepreneurship, the importance of mental health, and the power of resilience and personal growth. Tune in to hear insights on leadership, team building, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in both fitness and life. Whether you're a veteran, a fitness enthusiast, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers valuable lessons on discipline, motivation, and community support. Don't miss this engaging conversation that highlights the unique experiences and wisdom of those who have served.
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96 - The Weight We Carry ā Stephen Nisbet on Loss, Resilience, and Renewal
Episode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram ā @precisionwellnessgroupGet your Gym Supplements at Alpha Elite Performance Website Use Code LKO15 to save 15% at checkout.Instagram ā @shieldsandstripesIn this conversation, Nicholas Allen interviews Steven Nisbet, a former pararescueman and founder of Shields and Stripes, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, the emotional toll of military service, and the importance of mental health support for veterans. Steven shares his experiences in pararescue, the rigorous training involved, and the impact of loss and grief in the military. The conversation emphasizes the need for coping strategies and finding joy in life after service. In this conversation, Steven Nisbet shares his journey from considering a career in law enforcement to joining the military, where he ultimately became a Pararescue Jumper (PJ). He discusses the challenges of training, the emotional toll of losing a teammate, and the mental resilience required to cope with trauma. Steven reflects on his experiences in combat, the transition to civilian life, and the importance of building a supportive community. He also talks about founding a nonprofit organization aimed at helping veterans and first responders heal from their experiences, emphasizing the need for mental health support and the importance of caring for one another.
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95 - Frontlines and Borders ā The Evolution of Service with William Bengel
Episode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram ā @precisionwellnessgroupGet your Gym Supplements at Alpha Elite Performance Website Use Code LKO15 to save 15% at checkout.Facebook ā W B EngelIn this conversation, Nicholas Allen interviews William Bengel, a former Green Beret and current Border Patrol agent. Bengel shares his journey from military police to special forces and eventually to law enforcement on the U.S.-Mexico border. He discusses the challenges and realities of life as a Border Patrol agent, the complexities of immigration enforcement, and the importance of situational awareness in law enforcement. The conversation also touches on the evolution of law enforcement practices and the impact of experience on perspective. In this conversation, William Bengel shares his journey from being unaware of the Green Beret's role to becoming a seasoned operator. He discusses the dynamics of military training, the impact of 9/11 on his career, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Bengel emphasizes the importance of humility, patience, and maintaining purpose after service, while reflecting on the evolution of military tactics and personal growth throughout his experiences.
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94 - Purpose After Service ā Inside the Transition Assistance Program with Walter Herd
Episode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram ā @precisionwellnessgroupGet your Gym Supplements at Alpha Elite Performance Website Use Code LKO15 to save 15% at checkout.In this conversation, Nicholas Allen interviews Walter Herd, the National Director of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). They discuss the challenges and evolution of TAP, the importance of early planning for soldiers transitioning to civilian life, and the significant mental health challenges faced by veterans. Walter shares insights on the role of leadership in supporting soldiers, the impact of congressional involvement, and the necessity of nonprofits in providing additional support. The conversation emphasizes the need for a sense of purpose and community among veterans as they navigate their post-military lives.
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.
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