Stay ConnectedThe Official Podcast of Kagan Dunlap
I’m Kagan Dunlap, and welcome to the Show! Storytelling is a huge part of our culture, and I want to enable people who have valuable stories, to share them with those who can benefit from them the most. You! Thank you for watching!
The Opinions and Views expressed in this podcast are personal and do not reflect the official DoW
Copyright: © Kagan Dunlap
Lindsey Chrismon is a U.S. Army veteran, pioneering aviator, Harvard Business School graduate, and tech entrepreneur known for breaking barriers and pursuing relentless excellence.
At age 11, during a family picnic at West Point's Trophy Point, she fell in love with the military atmosphere and decided on the spot that she would attend the U.S. Military Academy.
Despite applying only to West Point—putting all her eggs in one basket—she earned admission, along with recruitment for the women's track and field team, after securing a congressional nomination.Entering West Point in 2010, Chrismon endured the grueling Cadet Basic Training ("Beast"), where blistered feet and self-doubt tested her resolve, but she persevered. As a cadet, she balanced rigorous academics, military training, and athletics, captaining the women's track team in events like the 400-meter hurdles, pentathlon, and heptathlon. She led the Black Knights to their first victory over Navy in track since 2007.
Her leadership culminated in 2013–2014 when she was selected as First Captain of the Corps of Cadets—the highest cadet rank, responsible for leading all 4,400 cadets—making her only the fourth woman in West Point's history to hold this position and ranking her No. 1 in her class.
Graduating in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in American Government and Politics, Chrismon commissioned as an Army Aviation officer. Her first assignment was flying the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter with the 3-6 Cavalry Regiment at Fort Bliss, Texas, where she served as a platoon leader for four years.
Seeking greater challenges, she applied to the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), known as the "Night Stalkers." After a rigorous assessment in 2018, she became the first woman in U.S. Army history to pilot the AH-6M Little Bird—a lightweight, highly maneuverable attack and assault helicopter used in high-stakes special operations. She flew missions requiring precision low-altitude flying, stealth, and multitasking, earning respect through her skill and leadership.
Chrismon served nearly a decade in the Army, transitioning out in fall 2023.While at West Point, Chrismon met fellow cadet Gabe Chrismon (Class of 2014), a former Infantry officer; the couple later married and became business partners. Post-military, Chrismon pursued her long-held goal of attending Harvard Business School—she had written in her West Point yearbook a decade earlier that she wanted an HBS MBA.
Accepted into the Class of 2025, she graduated in May 2025 with her MBA, focusing on entrepreneurship and technology. During her time at HBS, she co-founded Oply, an AI-powered home management platform that helps homeowners predict, manage, and automate maintenance to protect and increase property value.
As co-founder and CEO, Chrismon leads the Nashville-based, venture-backed startup alongside her husband Gabe (COO). Drawing from their military discipline and prior experience in home services, Oply applies proactive principles—similar to aircraft maintenance—to revolutionize homeownership for busy families. Chrismon is also a Veteran Fellow (2025–2026) at the Hoover Institution, advocating for responsible AI governance.Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kagan-dunlap-show/id1734065968Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoB0WzZTGwZHj7LJIZDTI?si=3f85eb09f07249e7Kagan Dunlap Show Links:Website - https://kagandunlapshow.com/X - https://x.com/KaganDunlapShowInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kagandunlapshow/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kagan.dunlap.show?lang=enFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583743284059Lindsey Chrismon Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lindsey.chrismon/?hl=enFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/lindsey.danilackLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-danilack-chrismon/X - https://x.com/lindseychrismon
Michael “Rod” Rodríguez is the President and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. Rod joined the U.S. Army in 1992 and attended the Special Forces Assessment and Selection course to become a Green Beret in 1997. In 2013, he was medically retired due to numerous combat injuries. His last assignment as a Green Beret came as a Sniper Instructor assigned to the JFK Special Warfare Center (Range 37) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He has deployed ten times in service to our nation. Rod’s involvement with the GWOT Memorial Foundation began in 2016, when he joined the organization as a board member in support of the Foundation’s sole mission to construct a Memorial on the National Mall that appropriately honors the profound service and sacrifices of all who served in America’s longest war. In 2018 Rod stepped into the leadership role of the Foundation as President and CEO.From 2015-2018 Rod served as a member of President George W. Bush’s Military Service Initiative Advisory Council, advising and supporting the President and leadership of the Bush Institute on strategies and programs to support veterans and their families. In 2013, Rod was appointed as a Fellow of the Manhattan-based Explorers Club, an international organization dedicated to the advancement of scientific exploration and inquiry, for his research on traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress. In August of 2021, Rod, assisted in evacuating U.S. allied personnel and their families from Afghanistan. He assists several other charities in the veteran and non-veteran spaces, and is called up for leadership advice, and strategies to private businesses and local, state, and national government agencies. Rod is a proud Norwich University graduate who holds a B.S. in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis and an M.A. in Diplomacy with a concentration in International Conflict Management.As an artist who works with metal, Rod is a passionate advocate for the power of art to heal, tell a story, share an emotion, connect, and inspire us all. In addition to being part of several private collections to include the British Royal Family, his work has been exhibited at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and several other galleries across the nation. Rod also has worked with the National Endowment for the Arts Creative Forces initiative. Rod is a New Mexico native who comes from a family with a strong tradition of military service. His father is a Vietnam veteran, both his grandfathers, and several other family members served during World War II. The mother of his children served for 21 years and deployed six times, their eldest son is stationed at Ft. Bragg and has deployed 4 times, one of which was to the same regions of Afghanistan as Rod and his mother. Rod has been an outspoken advocate for veterans and their families and often speaks publicly on the need to increase understanding of life experiences between the civilian and military communities. Most importantly, Rod is a proud abuelo (grandfather), padre (father), and hermano (brother) to many.Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kagan-dunlap-show/id1734065968Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoB0WzZTGwZHj7LJIZDTI?si=3f85eb09f07249e7Kagan Dunlap Show Links:Website - https://kagandunlapshow.com/X - https://x.com/KaganDunlapShowInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kagandunlapshow/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kagan.dunlap.show?lang=enFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583743284059Michael Rodriguez Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/monsterzdad/?hl=enFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/michael.rodriguez.77398LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rodr%C3%ADguez-367b7b58/X - https://x.com/Monsterzdad
Michael “Rod” Rodríguez is the President and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. Rod joined the U.S. Army in 1992 and attended the Special Forces Assessment and Selection course to become a Green Beret in 1997. In 2013, he was medically retired due to numerous combat injuries. His last assignment as a Green Beret came as a Sniper Instructor assigned to the JFK Special Warfare Center (Range 37) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He has deployed ten times in service to our nation.
Rod’s involvement with the GWOT Memorial Foundation began in 2016, when he joined the organization as a board member in support of the Foundation’s sole mission to construct a Memorial on the National Mall that appropriately honors the profound service and sacrifices of all who served in America’s longest war. In 2018 Rod stepped into the leadership role of the Foundation as President and CEO.
From 2015-2018 Rod served as a member of President George W. Bush’s Military Service Initiative Advisory Council, advising and supporting the President and leadership of the Bush Institute on strategies and programs to support veterans and their families. In 2013, Rod was appointed as a Fellow of the Manhattan-based Explorers Club, an international organization dedicated to the advancement of scientific exploration and inquiry, for his research on traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress.
In August of 2021, Rod, assisted in evacuating U.S. allied personnel and their families from Afghanistan. He assists several other charities in the veteran and non-veteran spaces, and is called up for leadership advice, and strategies to private businesses and local, state, and national government agencies. Rod is a proud Norwich University graduate who holds a B.S. in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis and an M.A. in Diplomacy with a concentration in International Conflict Management.
As an artist who works with metal, Rod is a passionate advocate for the power of art to heal, tell a story, share an emotion, connect, and inspire us all. In addition to being part of several private collections to include the British Royal Family, his work has been exhibited at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and several other galleries across the nation. Rod also has worked with the National Endowment for the Arts Creative Forces initiative.
Rod is a New Mexico native who comes from a family with a strong tradition of military service. His father is a Vietnam veteran, both his grandfathers, and several other family members served during World War II. The mother of his children served for 21 years and deployed six times, their eldest son is stationed at Ft. Bragg and has deployed 4 times, one of which was to the same regions of Afghanistan as Rod and his mother. Rod has been an outspoken advocate for veterans and their families and often speaks publicly on the need to increase understanding of life experiences between the civilian and military communities. Most importantly, Rod is a proud abuelo (grandfather), padre (father), and hermano (brother) to many.
Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kagan-dunlap-show/id1734065968Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoB0WzZTGwZHj7LJIZDTI?si=3f85eb09f07249e7Kagan Dunlap Show Links:Website - https://kagandunlapshow.com/X - https://x.com/KaganDunlapShowInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kagandunlapshow/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kagan.dunlap.show?lang=enFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583743284059Michael Rodriguez Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/monsterzdad/?hl=enFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/michael.rodriguez.77398LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rodr%C3%ADguez-367b7b58/X - https://x.com/Monsterzdad
Benjamin Bunn is a former Green Beret and Infantry Officer who served 17 years in the United States Army before transitioning out in 2016. His military career includes multiple deployments in support of the Global War on Terror—most notably to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Baltics during stability operations in Eastern Europe. He earned his Green Beret in 2006 and closed out his service as an Infantry Officer, bringing with him a deep well of operational experience and leadership under pressure.Since leaving active duty, Ben has built a reputation as a driven entrepreneur and community builder. He is the founder and owner of Cigar City CrossFit in Tampa, Florida—a 15,000 sq. ft. training facility that has become a staple in the local fitness community. He’s also launched and advised multiple ventures in the startup and CPG space, with a focus on building sustainable brands and teams from the ground up. Ben currently serves as Deputy Executive Director at Warrior Rising, where he helps fellow veterans navigate the path from military service to entrepreneurship. He’s also the host of the Warrior Rising Podcast, where he shares stories from the front lines of business and mentors new veteran business owners one-on-one.Ben is a passionate coach, mentor, and community advocate. He’s raised over $1.5M for veteran nonprofits and volunteers regularly in the health and wellness space—most recently with SOCOM at MacDill AFB. Outside of work, he’s a proud father to his 6-year-old son Loyal, husband to Samantha, and the unofficial shepherd of two dogs and eleven chickens. He still trains daily and stays actively involved in his local community. His favorite cigarettes are camel filters.Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kagan-dunlap-show/id1734065968Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoB0WzZTGwZHj7LJIZDTI?si=3f85eb09f07249e7Kagan Dunlap Show Links:Website - https://kagandunlapshow.com/X - https://x.com/KaganDunlapShowInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kagandunlapshow/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kagan.dunlap.show?lang=enFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583743284059Ben Bunn Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coach_bunny/?hl=enLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-bunn-a17a5b40/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Benjamin-Bunn
Benjamin Bunn is a former Green Beret and Infantry Officer who served 17 years in the United States Army before transitioning out in 2016. His military career includes multiple deployments in support of the Global War on Terror—most notably to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Baltics during stability operations in Eastern Europe. He earned his Green Beret in 2006 and closed out his service as an Infantry Officer, bringing with him a deep well of operational experience and leadership under pressure.
Since leaving active duty, Ben has built a reputation as a driven entrepreneur and community builder. He is the founder and owner of Cigar City CrossFit in Tampa, Florida—a 15,000 sq. ft. training facility that has become a staple in the local fitness community. He’s also launched and advised multiple ventures in the startup and CPG space, with a focus on building sustainable brands and teams from the ground up. Ben currently serves as Deputy Executive Director at Warrior Rising, where he helps fellow veterans navigate the path from military service to entrepreneurship. He’s also the host of the Warrior Rising Podcast, where he shares stories from the front lines of business and mentors new veteran business owners one-on-one.
Ben is a passionate coach, mentor, and community advocate. He’s raised over $1.5M for veteran nonprofits and volunteers regularly in the health and wellness space—most recently with SOCOM at MacDill AFB. Outside of work, he’s a proud father to his 6-year-old son Loyal, husband to Samantha, and the unofficial shepherd of two dogs and eleven chickens. He still trains daily and stays actively involved in his local community. His favorite cigarettes are camel filters.
Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kagan-dunlap-show/id1734065968Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoB0WzZTGwZHj7LJIZDTI?si=3f85eb09f07249e7Kagan Dunlap Show Links:Website - https://kagandunlapshow.com/X - https://x.com/KaganDunlapShowInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kagandunlapshow/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kagan.dunlap.show?lang=enFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583743284059Ben Bunn Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coach_bunny/?hl=enLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-bunn-a17a5b40/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Benjamin-Bunn
Tyler Grey is an American actor, director, consultant, producer, and technical advisor as well as former Army Ranger and Delta Force operator who portrays Trent Sawyer on the SEAL Team. Tyler Grey is a former 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Delta Force) operator.
Prior to that, he was a sniper-qualified Army Ranger. Tyler was medically retired from the Army and was 100% disabled after being severely wounded on a mission in Iraq, which is why his right arm is disfigured. Tyler portrays Trent Sawyer on SEAL Team (TV Series), and also serves as a producer and consultant for the series.
Now a leading voice in veteran mental health, he developed LTSD theory—a groundbreaking framework on chaos addiction and how trauma rewires the brain—giving veterans a powerful new way to understand post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
From a young age, Tyler Grey dreamed of being a soldier—playing war with toy weapons and wearing military t-shirts like armor. A shy but fiercely loyal kid, he learned early that being a warrior could protect both himself and others. But instead of becoming a hero overnight, that path launched him into a years-long odyssey of chaos, combat, and ultimately, self-discovery.
Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kagan-dunlap-show/id1734065968
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoB0WzZTGwZHj7LJIZDTI?si=3f85eb09f07249e7
Kagan Dunlap Show Links:
Website - https://kagandunlapshow.com/
X - https://x.com/KaganDunlapShow
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kagandunlapshow/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kagan.dunlap.show?lang=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583743284059
Tyler Grey Links:
Official Website: https://tyleragrey.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tyleragrey
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/forgedinchaosbook/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyleragrey/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@tyleragrey
X - https://x.com/TylerAresGrey
Tyler Grey is an American actor, director, consultant, producer, and technical advisor as well as former Army Ranger and Delta Force operator who portrays Trent Sawyer on the SEAL Team.
Tyler Grey is a former 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Delta Force) operator. Prior to that, he was a sniper-qualified Army Ranger. Tyler was medically retired from the Army and was 100% disabled after being severely wounded on a mission in Iraq, which is why his right arm is disfigured. Tyler portrays Trent Sawyer on SEAL Team (TV Series), and also serves as a producer and consultant for the series.
Now a leading voice in veteran mental health, he developed LTSD theory—a groundbreaking framework on chaos addiction and how trauma rewires the brain—giving veterans a powerful new way to understand post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).From a young age, Tyler Grey dreamed of being a soldier—playing war with toy weapons and wearing military t-shirts like armor.
A shy but fiercely loyal kid, he learned early that being a warrior could protect both himself and others. But instead of becoming a hero overnight, that path launched him into a years-long odyssey of chaos, combat, and ultimately, self-discovery.
Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kagan-dunlap-show/id1734065968
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoB0WzZTGwZHj7LJIZDTI?si=3f85eb09f07249e7
Kagan Dunlap Show Links:
Website - https://kagandunlapshow.com/
X - https://x.com/KaganDunlapShow
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kagandunlapshow/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kagan.dunlap.show?lang=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583743284059
Tyler Grey Links:
Official Website: https://tyleragrey.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tyleragrey
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/forgedinchaosbook/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyleragrey/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@tyleragrey
X - https://x.com/TylerAresGrey
Jason Redman joined the U.S. Navy on September 11, 1992, and spent 11 years as an enlisted Navy SEAL. He was commissioned in May of 2004 as a Naval SEAL Officer. In May of 2006, he graduated from U.S. Army Ranger School and deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, the following year.On September 13, 2007, while acting as Assault Force Commander to capture an Al Qaeda High Value Individual, Jason’s Assault Team came under heavy machine gun and small arms fire, and he was severely wounded in the ensuing firefight.Jason was taken to Bethesda Naval Medical Center to begin his path towards recovery. After 37 surgeries, Jason uses his positive attitude to motivate others and to continue to raise awareness of the sacrifices of America’s military forces and their families. This drive led him to create the non-profit Wounded Wear, and author the bestselling books “The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader” and “Overcome: Crush Adversity with the Leadership Techniques of America’s Toughest Warriors.”Additionally, Jason speaks across the country, spreading his message of life, inspiration, leadership, and teamwork, and sheds a light on those who have sacrificed so much. In 2010, he was named the recipient of the Hope and Courage award, along with both the Hampton Roads community and Wendy’s recognizing him with their Military Hero award in 2013. In December 2013, Jason was awarded the Still Serving Veteran of the Year Award.Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kagan-dunlap-show/id1734065968Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoB0WzZTGwZHj7LJIZDTI?si=3f85eb09f07249e7Kagan Dunlap Show Links:Website - https://kagandunlapshow.com/X - https://x.com/KaganDunlapShowInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kagandunlapshow/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kagan.dunlap.show?lang=enFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583743284059Jason Redman Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jasonredmanww/?hl=enFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/jasonredmanww/Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYlcniaDl7BxOLMCn-EoXqwX - https://x.com/JasonRedmanWW
Gregory Wagnon was born in Pennsylvania, and grew up in Colorado and Virginia and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2006 serving as an 0351 Assault man in 2nd Battalion 8th Marines in Fox Company. He served in two Combat tours, one in Iraq in Ramadi and one in Afghanistan in Helmand Province during the battles in Operation Khanjar Strike of the Sword. Since exiting service Gregory has gained a new found perspective on life through spirituality and abstinence. He found through God, Family, and Community a new found purpose in life and the freedom that it brings.
Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kagan-dunlap-show/id1734065968
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoB0WzZTGwZHj7LJIZDTI?si=3f85eb09f07249e7
Kagan Dunlap Show Links:
Website - https://kagandunlapshow.com/
X - https://x.com/KaganDunlapShow
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kagandunlapshow/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kagan.dunlap.show?lang=en
Gregory Wagnon Links:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/faithful_fitfather/
Gregory Wagnon was born in Pennsylvania, and grew up in Colorado and Virginia and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2006 serving as an 0351 Assault man in 2nd Battalion 8th Marines in Fox Company. He served in two Combat tours, one in Iraq in Ramadi and one in Afghanistan in Helmand Province during the battles in Operation Khanjar Strike of the Sword. Since exiting service Gregory has gained a new found perspective on life through spirituality and abstinence. He found through God, Family, and Community a new found purpose in life and the freedom that it brings.
Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kagan-dunlap-show/id1734065968Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoB0WzZTGwZHj7LJIZDTI?si=3f85eb09f07249e7Kagan Dunlap Show Links:Website - https://kagandunlapshow.com/X - https://x.com/KaganDunlapShowInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kagandunlapshow/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kagan.dunlap.show?lang=enGregory Wagnon Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/faithful_fitfather/
Support the Cause Here: https://bornprimitive.com/
Bear Handlon: From Navy SEAL Battlefields to Building a Fitness Empire Meet Bear Handlon, a true embodiment of grit, discipline, and unyielding drive—a former Navy SEAL officer, Yale athlete, and visionary entrepreneur who's redefined what it means to "work hard, wear easy." Born and raised in the heartland of Indiana, Bear's journey began on the gridiron, where he honed his competitive edge as a middle linebacker for the Yale Bulldogs. But Bear didn't stop at football; in 2013, he channeled that same intensity into the world of functional fitness, competing at the prestigious CrossFit Games as part of a team—a testament to his early passion for pushing physical and mental limits. Fresh out of Yale, Bear's path took a pivotal turn toward service. In the spring of 2014, just months before commissioning into the U.S. Navy, he co-founded Born Primitive alongside his partner (and now wife) Mallory Handlon (née Riley). What started as a simple idea—crafting high-performance compression shorts sewn by a neighbor to better support Olympic weightlifting and CrossFit sessions—quickly evolved into a garage-side hustle. As Bear reported for duty, he and Mallory bootstrapped the brand from their modest setup, turning late-night shipments into a foundation for something extraordinary.Over the next nearly 8 years, Bear served with distinction as a Navy SEAL officer in the Special Operations community, deploying on high-stakes missions that demanded the very resilience he infused into his fledgling company. Balancing classified operations with entrepreneurial demands, Bear led SEAL teams while remotely guiding Born Primitive's growth. It was a masterclass in multitasking under fire: no outside capital, no safety nets—just raw determination. By the time he transitioned out of active duty, Born Primitive had exploded from a one-product wonder into a global lifestyle powerhouse. Today, as Co-Founder and CEO, Bear oversees a 9-figure fitness, athleisure, and outdoor apparel brand that's synonymous with durability, style, and performance. From moisture-wicking tees that withstand the toughest WODs to versatile gear for everyday warriors, Born Primitive's motto—"Work Hard, Wear Easy"—mirrors Bear's ethos of excellence without compromise.Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kagan-dunlap-show/id1734065968Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoB0WzZTGwZHj7LJIZDTI?si=3f85eb09f07249e7Kagan Dunlap Show Links:Website - https://kagandunlapshow.com/X - https://x.com/KaganDunlapShowInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kagandunlapshow/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kagan.dunlap.show?lang=enBear Handlon Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bearhandlonLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bear-handlon-699688152/
Support the Cause Here: https://bornprimitive.com/Bear Handlon: From Navy SEAL Battlefields to Building a Fitness Empire Meet Bear Handlon, a true embodiment of grit, discipline, and unyielding drive—a former Navy SEAL officer, Yale athlete, and visionary entrepreneur who's redefined what it means to "work hard, wear easy." Born and raised in the heartland of Indiana, Bear's journey began on the gridiron, where he honed his competitive edge as a middle linebacker for the Yale Bulldogs. But Bear didn't stop at football; in 2013, he channeled that same intensity into the world of functional fitness, competing at the prestigious CrossFit Games as part of a team—a testament to his early passion for pushing physical and mental limits. Fresh out of Yale, Bear's path took a pivotal turn toward service. In the spring of 2014, just months before commissioning into the U.S. Navy, he co-founded Born Primitive alongside his partner (and now wife) Mallory Handlon (née Riley). What started as a simple idea—crafting high-performance compression shorts sewn by a neighbor to better support Olympic weightlifting and CrossFit sessions—quickly evolved into a garage-side hustle. As Bear reported for duty, he and Mallory bootstrapped the brand from their modest setup, turning late-night shipments into a foundation for something extraordinary.Over the next nearly 8 years, Bear served with distinction as a Navy SEAL officer in the Special Operations community, deploying on high-stakes missions that demanded the very resilience he infused into his fledgling company. Balancing classified operations with entrepreneurial demands, Bear led SEAL teams while remotely guiding Born Primitive's growth. It was a masterclass in multitasking under fire: no outside capital, no safety nets—just raw determination. By the time he transitioned out of active duty, Born Primitive had exploded from a one-product wonder into a global lifestyle powerhouse. Today, as Co-Founder and CEO, Bear oversees a 9-figure fitness, athleisure, and outdoor apparel brand that's synonymous with durability, style, and performance. From moisture-wicking tees that withstand the toughest WODs to versatile gear for everyday warriors, Born Primitive's motto—"Work Hard, Wear Easy"—mirrors Bear's ethos of excellence without compromise.Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kagan-dunlap-show/id1734065968Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoB0WzZTGwZHj7LJIZDTI?si=3f85eb09f07249e7Kagan Dunlap Show Links:Website - https://kagandunlapshow.com/X - https://x.com/KaganDunlapShowInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kagandunlapshow/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kagan.dunlap.show?lang=enBear Handlon Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bearhandlonLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bear-handlon-699688152/
Retired Master Sergeant Earl D. Plumlee, is an American Green Beret and Medal of Honor Recipient from Clinton, Oklahoma. He kicked off his military journey in 1998 with the U.S. Army National Guard, then switched to the Marine Corps in 2000, serving as a Force Reconnaissance Marine until 2008. Rejoining the Army in 2009, he became a Weapons Sergeant with the elite 1st Special Forces Group.
Plumlee was presented with the Medal of Honor on Dec. 16, 2021 for his actions while responding to an attack by insurgents on Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Afghanistan on Aug. 28, 2013.
Since retiring from the U.S. Army in December 2023 after 25 years of service, Master Sergeant Earl D. Plumlee has channeled his heroism into veteran advocacy and public service. He serves as a Business Development Manager and senior technical training professional in Saab, Inc.'s Land Systems Division, supporting military readiness and innovation.
A sought-after speaker, Plumlee delivered keynote addresses at events like the 2025 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting—sharing lessons on leadership forged in combat—and the Secure Forward conference, while appearing on Veterans Radio to recount his Medal of Honor actions.
Inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame in October 2024, he continues inspiring through initiatives that honor fallen heroes and empower service members.
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Earl Plumlee Links:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/earl_plumlee_official/
Army 1st Lt. Austin von Letkemann, better known by his Instagram handle Mandatory Funday is a rising comic influencer and U.S. Army intelligence officer who has amassed over 3 million followers and hundreds of millions of monthly viewers through his uplifting, humorous content.
Letkemann shares his unexpected journey from personal setbacks to viral stardom, having joined the Army out of curiosity amid life's challenges. Transitioning into a public affairs role where he'll craft content for the Army—"flying the plane as we build it," as he puts it—Letkemann launched his content creation in 2022 with a simple formula: film a short video, post it, and repeat thousands of times.
His posts celebrate leadership, military life, and fatherhood, aiming to inject positivity and laughter into the service community. A devoted father to four daughters—who fill his world with "activity and sparkles"—Letkemann balances family with passions for weightlifting and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
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Mandatory Funday Links:
Instagram - https://instagram.com/mandatoryfunday
Facebook - https://facebook.com/MandatoryFunDay
TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/mandatoryfunday
YouTube - https://youtube.com/channel/UCq_IooL5-mnPOXnjxxfRMrA
X - https://x.com/@monotonemustang
Doug Collins is a distinguished public servant, military veteran, pastor, and legal expert whose remarkable journey has taken him from the halls of Georgia's state legislature to the highest echelons of national leadership. A proud veteran, Collins has dedicated much of his adult life to defending his country. He served in the United States Navy Reserve and later joined the United States Air Force Reserve in 2002, where he continues to serve to this day. Collins' represented the people of Georgia as a member of the state House of Representatives from 2007 to 2012. In 2012, he was elected as a Republican to the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, going on to serve in the three succeeding Congresses from January 3, 2013, to January 3, 2021. As of 2025, Doug Collins holds one of the most vital positions in the Trump administration: Secretary of Veterans' Affairs in the Cabinet of President Donald J. Trump. In this role, he champions the needs of America's heroes, working tirelessly to expand access to healthcare, streamline benefits, and honor the sacrifices of those who have served. Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kagan-dunlap-show/id1734065968
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoB0WzZTGwZHj7LJIZDTI?si=3f85eb09f07249e7Kagan Dunlap Show Links:Website - https://kagandunlapshow.com/X - https://x.com/KaganDunlapShowInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kagandunlapshow/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kagan.dunlap.show?lang=enDoug Collins Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/secvetaffairs/X - https://x.com/SecVetAffairsX - https://x.com/repdougcollins?lang=en
Ben and Jessica Owen, founders of Flanders Fields and We Fight Monsters, have dedicated their lives to combating opiate and fentanyl addiction and sex-trafficking in the mid-south. Both recovering addicts with a tumultuous past including drug arrests and homelessness, they've transformed their struggles into a force for good. Leveraging experiences from running safehouses during the Afghanistan evacuation, they now establish sober-living homes in the U.S., converting dope houses into recovery spaces. Working alongside agencies and street gangs, they embody hope and recovery, turning their once perilous paths into lifelines for others.Ben is the President of digital media and data intel company Black Rifle Co, co-founder of We Fight Monsters, and CEO of Flanders Fields, where his mission is to build and establish as many Flanders owned clean living facilities as possible to get veterans clean and off the streets through volunteer missions in the United States and around the world. Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kagan-dunlap-show/id1734065968
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoB0WzZTGwZHj7LJIZDTI?si=3f85eb09f07249e7Kagan Dunlap Show Links:Website - https://kagandunlapshow.com/X - https://x.com/KaganDunlapShowInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kagandunlapshow/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kagan.dunlap.show?lang=enBen Owen Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/therealbenowen/?hl=enLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealbenowenFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/wefightmonsters/Black Rifle Co - https://www.blackrifle.company/Flanders Fields - https://flandersfields.org/We Fight Monsters - https://wefightmonsters.org/Once American - https://onceamerican.com/
In this episode of the Kagan Dunlap Show, Jack Carr—Retired Navy Seal and Number 1 New York Times Best Selling Author—joins Kagan to share his powerful life story, his experiences in the U.S. Navy and as an author of the Military Community.
From a young age, Jack Carr had two dreams: serving his country in uniform as a Navy SEAL and becoming an author. Following twenty years in the SEAL Teams, Jack shifted his sights to publishing and fulfilled his literary objective with the release of his debut novel, The Terminal List.
Since then, he has continued to captivate readers worldwide with the gripping tales of James Reece in his New York Times bestselling novels True Believer, Savage Son, The Devil’s Hand, In the Blood, Only the Dead, and Red Sky Mourning. The next Terminal List series thriller, Cry Havoc, hits shelves October 7, 2025.
The Terminal List was adapted into the #1 Amazon Prime Video series starring Chris Pratt and is currently filming a second season based on Jack’s novel True Believer.
Jack’s first non-fiction work, Targeted: Beirut – The 1983 Marine Barracks Bombing and the Untold Origin Story of the War on Terror was an instant New York Times bestseller.
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Jack Carr Links:
Website - https://www.officialjackcarr.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/jackcarrusa
X - https://x.com/JackCarrUSA
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jackcarrusa/
Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jackcarrusa?lang=en
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackcarrusa/
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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jackcarrusa/
In this episode of the Kagan Dunlap Show, James Everett Livingston—Veteran of Vietnam, Medal Of Honor Recipient, and Retired Marine Corps Major General—joins Kagan to share his powerful life story, his experiences in the Marine Corps, and his experience in Vietnam during the battle of Dai Do while he was serving as the Commanding Officer for Company E of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade.
Livingston retired on Sept. 1, 1995, after a 33-year career. However, he has remained active in the military community. He wrote a book about his experiences, called "Noble Warrior," and he continues to take part in military awareness campaigns and veterans' events, including a recent Army Corps of Engineers leadership development program at his current hometown of Charleston, South Carolina.
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In this episode of the Kagan Dunlap Show, Eric Tansey—former Army Paratrooper and combat veteran turned professional Podcaster and comedian—joins Kagan to share his story of his time in the Army National Guard and his time as a police officer in North Carolina.
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Eric Tansey Social Links:His Book - https://www.amazon.com/Pig-Latin-Seriously-Former-Officer-ebook/dp/B0DJ3VLNRZ
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erictansey_official/?hl=en
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-tansey-38a194125/
X - https://x.com/tansey_eric
Congresswoman Nancy Mace was born on December 4, 1977, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and has represented South Carolina's 1st Congressional District since 2021.
She Graduated from The Citadel in 1999 as the first woman in it's Corps of Cadets, Earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration magna cum laude, and later obtained a master's in journalism and mass communications from the University of Georgia in 2004.
Before politics, she authored the book " In the Company of Men: A Woman at The Citadel" (2001), founded a public relations firm, and co-owned a political news website.
Elected to Congress as the first Republican woman from South Carolina, she has been re-elected in 2022 and 2024, chairs the House Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation, and in August 2025 announced her candidacy for Governor of South Carolina in 2026.
William Richardson Timmons IV, born on April 30, 1984, in Greenville, South Carolina, is a Republican U.S. Congressman representing South Carolina's 4th congressional district since 2019, following his service as a state senator from 2016 to 2018. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in international affairs and political science from George Washington University, where he played Division I tennis, along with a Juris Doctor and Master of Arts in international studies from the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy from New York University. Congressman Timmons, is also serving as a Captain and JAG officer in the South Carolina Air National Guard and has been since 2018.
Wesley Hunt is currently serving his second term in Congress as the Representative of the 38th District of Texas.
Congressman Wesley Hunt was born and raised in Houston, TX, in a military family and is a proud St. John's School alumnus. Upon graduation from St. John's, Wesley accepted an appointment at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
In 2004, he graduated from West Point and spent eight years in the Army as an Apache helicopter pilot.
Wesley's service included one deployment to Iraq, where he flew 55 combat air missions, and two deployments to Saudi Arabia as a Diplomatic Liaison Officer.
Upon completion of his military service as a Captain, Wesley attended Cornell University and earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.), and a Master of Industrial and Labor Relations (M.I.L.R.).
Wesley has served as a U.S. Congressman since 2023 and sits on the House Natural Resources and Judiciary Committees.
In addition to his military and Congressional service, President Trump appointed Wesley to the United States Military Academy Board of Visitors in 2025.
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Doug Collins is the 12th U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs. A veteran, Air Force Reserve chaplain, and former Georgia congressman.
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Sergeant Veronica Ochoa is a Marine Corps Water Purification Specialist by trade but is currently on recruiting duty in Portland Oregon.
Shawn Hendrix is a former Chief of Staff at Mr. Beast, and has been in the film and video industry for a long time. Originally from Texas, Shawn is now living in North Carolina and is heavily involved in philanthropy which began during his time with Mr. Beast.
Callie is a member of the U.S. Army National Guard and is an avid fitness enthusiast who shares her experiences on social media to showcase how service to the nation has impacted her life.
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Chef Rush retired from the US Army as a Master Sergeant and is known as one of the top chefs in the United States. He has represented the US Army in countless capacities over the years and he even served as the White House Chef for four separate Presidential Administrations
Andrew Bailey is an Army Veteran, and also the Attorney General for the State of Missouri. His current focus is on defending free speech and freedom of expression and I had a chance to sit down with him and ask him about how that is proceeding.
Dean Goble is the Director of Black Rifle Coffee Philanthropy and Raegan Hunsaker is the Event Director for Black Rifle Coffee Company. Both are amazing people and do a ton to support the community.
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Check Out My Podcast:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kagan-dunlap-podcast/id1734065968
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Orin Julie is a Reservist Israeli Defense Force Officer and firearms enthusiast. She is also an outspoken mental health advocate and Israeli super model. She has well over hundreds of thousands of followers and subscribers across all platforms and uses her platforms to discuss gun safety, mental health and socioeconomic and geopolitical states of the world.
Colonel Adam Bryson is a Communications Officer by trade and works in the Office of The Deputy Commandant for Information Warfare. Information warfare (IW) is the use of information and communication technology to gain an advantage over an opponent. It involves actions to deny, exploit, corrupt, or destroy an enemy's information, while protecting one's own information and exploiting the enemy's. IW is different from cyberwarfare, which targets computers, software, and command control systems, while IW targets information itself.
Riley is an active duty Marine Officer with the goal of representing the United States through the Marine Corps and Bobsledding. She was also the Female Marine Corps Athlete of the Year. She is an unfunded National Team USA Bobsled pilot. Going into her third season, she has aspirations and dreams of competing across North America and Europe.
Michael Rector served a Marine Scout Sniper (0317) in the Marine Corps. Michael served in 2nd Battalion 9th Marines in The Weapons Company and did two separate tours in Afghanistan with them. He also worked at the Advanced Infantry Training Battalion East as A Scout Sniper Basic Instructor for two years. I sat down with him to ask him what it was like.
Jeremy Barone is an Infantry Weapons Officer (0306) in the Marine Corps. This MOS is also referred to as a Marine Gunner. In this podcast he shares his insight into the MOS and what it is that a Marine Gunner does and how they can be utilized by units.
Bart Kwan is a Marine Corps Veteran and Entrepreneur in the Fitness industry. He is a UCLA Grad, a youtuber, a cofounder of just kidding films and the owner and founder of Barbell Brigade. He has been absolutely CRUSHING IT!
In this episode we speak with Michael Monk who is an 0302 in the Marine Corps which is the Military Occupational Specialty designator for an Infantry Officer. We discuss everything from weapon systems to training to what it's like to lead Marines in the Infantry today. Hopefully, this will help explain what it's like being an 0302 in the Marine Corps for anyone considering the job.
In this episode we speak with two 0311's in the Marine Corps which is the Military Occupational Specialty designator for Rifleman. Hopefully, this will help explain what it's like being an 0311 in the Marine Corps for anyone considering the job.
In this episode we speak with an 0341 in the Marine Corps which is the Military Occupational Specialty designator for an Mortarman. . Hopefully, this will help explain what it's like being an 0341 in the Marine Corps for anyone considering the job.
In this episode we speak with an 0331 in the Marine Corps which is the Military Occupational Specialty designator for a Machinegunner. Hopefully, this will help explain what it's like being an 0331 in the Marine Corps for anyone considering the job.
In this episode we speak with an 0352 in the Marine Corps which is the Military Occupational Specialty designator for an Anti-Tank Missile Man. This is also referred to as a TOW gunner or a Javelin Gunner. Hopefully, this will help explain what it's like being an 0352 in the Marine Corps for anyone considering the job.
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