Jake Harriman and Garrett Cathcart are both distinguished Iraq War veterans that have turned their focus inward, tackling one of the most pressing battles on American soil: political divisiveness. They share the compelling story behind +More Perfect Union, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking down barriers and promoting unity across communities in a time of unprecedented polarization.

Jake, a Marine Force Recon Platoon Commander and recipient of honors like the Unsung Hero of Compassion award from the Dalai Lama, and Garrett, a U.S. Army Cavalry Officer awarded three Bronze Stars for his service, reveal how their shared experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan forged a bond and a vision for a stronger America. They discuss their latest campaign, the "Coffee + Courage" challenge—a social media movement encouraging people from all walks of life to sit down, share a cup of coffee, and find common ground.

A single listener submitted question for this Friday episode.

But first, some reflections on 47 laps around the sun, then:

1. How do you want to live your life? Do you want to avoid all risk, take every opportunity, or something in between? 

Enjoy

Josh Castell is the founder of DoubleCheck, a software platform setting new standards in risk management and firearms safety. DoubleCheck empowers businesses by providing risk analysis tools that help identify potential threats before transactions are completed. Focusing on privacy and the Second Amendment, Josh shares how DoubleCheck’s innovative solutions support firearm retailers, shooting ranges, and live-fire trainers, helping them safeguard their communities against preventable tragedies.

Learn more about DoubleCheck's mission to protect communities at:

https://www.doublecheckprotect.com/

xNormal Friday programming today, some real-world challenges submitted by listeners.

1.  A father reflects on losing his cool with his kids in a chaotic Costco moment and seeks advice on managing stress and anger under pressure. 

2. A jiu-jitsu practitioner questions his skill level and gym promotion practices—wondering if he's ahead of the curve or just a product of attendance-based promotions.

3. A young federal law enforcement officer opens up about the mental toll of confronting humanity's worst while grappling with the decision to start a family

Chris Skates is a man whose life journey is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of storytelling. Starting as a coal plant worker for 30 years, Chris harbored a dream of becoming a writer, keeping a journal of short stories since the 1980s. His persistence paid off when he published a heartfelt story about his grandfather in 2000, leading to over 200 published pieces and a career that took him from the coal mines to the corridors of political power.

Chris shares how he wrote his way out of the plant to become an advisor and speechwriter for Governor Matt Bevin of Kentucky, and eventually penned speeches and tweets for President Donald Trump. But his journey took a harrowing turn in 2020 when he collapsed on a D.C. sidewalk and was diagnosed with the deadliest form of leukemia. Defying medical odds, Chris not only survived but was dubbed "the toughest SOB" by his oncologist at Johns Hopkins.

Chris shares the inspiration behind his latest book, Moonshine Over Georgia, a riveting account of his grandfather's fight against the deadly moonshine epidemic during and after Prohibition. Armed with unparalleled courage and tracking skills, his grandfather was a legendary Revenue Agent who, according to a 93-year-old moonshiner he once arrested, "shut down the whiskey business pretty much by himself."

Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/

We return to our Andy Vs. Michael series, but first, we open with a discussion on the ginger's first trip outside of the United States, and his unwillingness to hit on any Italian women. We (mostly me) have decided to solicit for help from the audience, please submit any and all suggestions for Michael's companion here:

[email protected]

The remainder of our episode was the traditional A V M format, discussing some politics, current events, social commentary, and just general jackassery. Enjoy

Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/

Bill Thompson served 21 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer Four, specializing in Special Missions and technology development for the Department of Defense. He founded Spartan Forge, an AI-driven hunting tool that applies military intelligence methods to enhance hunting effectiveness. Bill is a lifelong hunter dedicated to conservation and ethical practices, as well as an active supporter of the Boot Campaign, which aids veterans through health and wellness initiatives.

https://spartanforge.ai/

Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/

Normally scheduled Friday Q and A for today:

1. First, a listener's concern about a controversial statement: "I love killing people." What are the realities of combat, and what does such a declaration truly mean within the context of military service and its psychological impact. 

2. Guidance to a young man wrestling with the stigma of quitting. After leaving Army training just weeks before completion, he's now engaged and considering a career in law enforcement. What are some strategies to overcome self-doubt and rebuild confidence to face new challenges head-on.

3. An ethical dilemma faced by a government employee who's discovered a covert plan that could unjustly harm his manager's career just weeks before retirement. Torn between protecting his own position and doing what's right, he seeks advice on how to proceed without repeating past mistakes.

Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/

Andrew Milburn is a retired Marine Corps Colonel and former Deputy Commander of Special Operations Command Central. With firsthand experience leading infantry and special operations units across every rank—including commanding the Marine Raider Regiment and spearheading a multinational task force to defeat ISIS in Iraq—Milburn offers unparalleled insights into the complexities of modern warfare.

His critically acclaimed memoir, When the Tempest Gathers, delves into the challenges of leadership on the front lines, the ethical dilemmas faced in combat, and the evolving nature of irregular warfare.

When the Tempest Gathers: https://a.co/d/5Fo2cM9

Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/

We will have the normal Friday Q and A, but first, a few words on the debate...

Did it matter? Do we know any more about the candidates? Does the format serve the intended purpose? Could we make the format better?

Switching gears to normal Friday programming:

Embracing Life's Big Changes: A 30-year-old listener is on the brink of several life-changing events—marrying the love of his life, becoming a homeowner, and launching his own land surveying business. How do you navigate these milestones successfully while minimizing missteps along the way?

Cross-Border Concerns: An audience member from Eastern Canada raises concerns about gun trafficking and the influence of U.S. gun laws on Canadian crime rates. Citing statistics about firearms from the U.S. being involved in crimes in Ontario, how could changing gun laws help reduce criminal access to weapons?

Growing a Passion Project: A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, fire captain, paramedic, and podcaster shares his struggle to expand his podcast's audience and attract guests. Despite positive feedback from listeners, growth has been slow. How can you amplify a message and sustain a passion project?

Larry Turner is a former Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, current SDPD Community Relations Officer, and independent candidate for mayor of San Diego.

Larry shares insights from his 23 years of military service, leading troops through combat and humanitarian missions, to his ongoing work on the streets of downtown San Diego.

Frustrated by the lack of leadership at City Hall, Larry is stepping up to deliver real solutions for homelessness, public safety, and affordable living in San Diego. Tune in to hear how this no-nonsense leader plans to restore dignity to the city’s streets and redefine what it means to lead with integrity.

https://larryturnerformayor.com/