The Wild Chaos Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#54 - Security in the Spotlight: Life on Tour with Rock Stars w/Ryan Atkinson Apr 09, 2025

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For over two decades, Ryan has safeguarded rock stars, pop icons, and music legends across 55 countries - from Pearl Jam and KISS to Hilary Duff and Drake. What began as an unexpected post-football career opportunity has evolved into a masterclass in managing the chaos that surrounds celebrity life.
The conversation takes us backstage into the complex reality of concert security, where the job extends far beyond muscling away overzealous fans. Ryan reveals the intricate logistics of venue security, the psychological cat-and-mouse games with stalkers, and the international nightmares that arise when touring developing countries. His stories range from navigating pedophiles at teen concerts to managing bomb threats, creating impromptu jail cells at festivals, and surviving plane emergencies.
Most fascinating are the intimate glimpses into how different artists behave behind closed doors. We hear about Eddie Vedder's laid-back approach, Kid Rock's intense personality, and the challenges of transitioning from Hilary Duff's eight-year tenure to other high-profile clients. Ryan dispels many myths about celebrity life while confirming others, offering remarkable perspective on fame's true nature.
Whether you're a music fan, security professional, or simply fascinated by the hidden machinery that powers the entertainment industry, this conversation reveals the extraordinary measures taken to keep the show running while protecting those in the spotlight. Join us for this rare glimpse into a world few ever see, but without which the concert experience as we know it couldn't exist.

To follow Ryan on social click here: @FLDWRX

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#53 - Steroids, Stage Time, & Social Media Lies...w/Zach Pulkinen Apr 02, 2025

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Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes in the fitness industry? In this raw, unfiltered conversation with trainer Zach Pulkinen, we peel back the curtain on bodybuilding competitions, steroid use, and the dramatic evolution of gym culture over the past decades!
Zach takes us through his journey from military base gyms where he grew up as a child, and everyone was focused on hard work, to today's social media-dominated fitness landscape. His perspective on competing is refreshingly honest, describing the brutal reality of prep that involves months of discipline for just minutes on stage, substantial financial investments, and potential health consequences that many influencers never discuss!
We tackle the taboo topic of performance-enhancing drugs with surprising candor. Rather than the typical denial or glorification, Zach offers balanced insights on responsible approaches to testosterone supplementation, the dangers of young athletes taking extreme protocols, and why blood work is non-negotiable. "These kids are running cycles that I've never even touched!" he reveals, highlighting how social media has driven increasingly dangerous trends!
For listeners navigating the healthy road of fitness, this episode delivers practical wisdom on creating sustainable approaches that allow for life balance. We discuss how supplement quality varies dramatically across the industry, why women often train more effectively than men, and how finding your fitness path doesn't require competition or extreme measures.
Join us as we prove that sustainable, healthy fitness is possible at any age when you cut through the industry noise and focus on what actually works.

To follow Zach on his journey, here is his instagram: @zach_pulkinen

For a cleaner-healthier supplement brand visit: @unmatchedsupps

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#52 - Grit, Gears & Gallop: The Wild Life of a Woman Who Never Slows Down w/Rachel Shackelford Mar 26, 2025

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From the dusty trails of endurance horse racing to the treacherous mountain roads of logging country, Rachel Shackleford's life story reads like an adventure novel. Known online as "SS Trekking Babe," Rachel takes us through her remarkable journey of reinvention that led her from being a homeschooled horse trainer to becoming one of the few female lowboy drivers in the trucking industry.
Growing up in Auburn, California, Rachel's unconventional education gave her practical skills that would later become invaluable. When health challenges including Hashimoto's disease forced her to abandon horse training, she made a bold pivot into professional trucking. Starting in the logging industry - arguably one of the most demanding sectors of trucking - Rachel quickly earned respect by mastering skills many drivers take years to develop.
Throughout our conversation, Rachel shares hair-raising stories from the road: navigating 80,000-pound loads down narrow mountain paths, encountering suspicious situations at isolated landfills, and developing safety protocols as a woman traveling alone. Her experiences highlight not just the technical challenges of trucking but also the unique perspective she brings to a male-dominated field.
What stands out most is Rachel's philosophy toward fear and discomfort. "When I fear something, on the other side of that is freedom, so I'm going to just push straight through it," she explains. This mindset has served her through career transitions, technical challenges on the road, and in competition as an endurance horse racer riding distances of 25-100 miles.
Rachel's story is a powerful reminder that our greatest growth often comes from embracing challenges rather than avoiding them. Her willingness to step outside her comfort zone and pursue unexpected paths offers inspiration for anyone feeling stuck or seeking change in their own life.

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#51 - The Last Real Marines: A Raw Conversation About War, Friendship, and Growing Up w/Peter Charles Mar 19, 2025

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Two veterans sit down for a no-holds-barred conversation that takes listeners on an extraordinary journey through Marine Corps life during the Global War on Terror. This episode captures lightning in a bottle as these old friends reunite to share stories that balance on the edge between hilarious and harrowing.
The conversation begins with Charles recounting his troubled childhood - from witnessing domestic violence and navigating juvenile detention to finding salvation through foster parents who showed him what real family support looks like. His transformation from delinquent teenager to dedicated Marine demonstrates how military service provided structure and purpose for a generation of young men seeking direction.
What follows is an unvarnished look at Marine Corps culture during wartime deployments. The raw honesty with which they discuss boot camp experiences, combat missions, and the infamous "flight deck time" - where Marines would gather under the stars on naval vessels to process their experiences through conversation - offers listeners rare insight into the psychological reality of military service. Their descriptions of accidentally rupturing oil pipelines in Iraq, barely escaping mortar attacks, and navigating the complex dynamics of platoon life reveal aspects of war that official accounts often sanitize.
Throughout their exchange, dark humor emerges as the essential coping mechanism that helped these Marines survive unimaginable stress. The constant pranks, inside jokes, and storytelling weren't just entertainment - they were psychological survival tools that forged unbreakable bonds between service members facing life-threatening situations daily.
Beyond the war stories lies a powerful testament to friendship. Despite years apart, these veterans pick up their conversation as if no time has passed, demonstrating the lifelong connections created through shared hardship. Their discussion about how the Corps has changed, whether they'd want their children to serve, and plans for family vacations together shows how military brotherhood extends far beyond active duty.
Join us for this remarkable conversation that serves as both historical record and therapeutic reflection - a window into a world few civilians understand but all should appreciate.

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#50 - Unfiltered Idaho Law: A Fight for Truth in Media w/Matt Todd Mar 12, 2025

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What makes Idaho special, and how can we protect it? Matt, creator of The Ranch podcast, reveals his journey from Berkeley graduate to California SAT tutor to Idaho political bridge-builder in this wide-ranging conversation about state politics, education, and community values.
After nearly two decades in education, Matt witnessed California's political landscape transform the system in ways he found deeply concerning. When his state eliminated the SAT as an equalizing opportunity for disadvantaged students like himself, he knew it was time for a change. In 2022, he moved his family to Idaho seeking a state that valued personal liberty, civic engagement, and pragmatic governance—and started a podcast to understand his new home.
The Ranch quickly evolved from neighborhood conversations to interviews with Idaho's most influential leaders, from the Governor to agency heads. What sets it apart is Matt's commitment to honest, unbiased dialogue that humanizes political figures across the spectrum. "If you say you want to talk to both sides, people need to trust you," he explains, detailing how he builds that trust through fair questioning and accurate representation.
Through fascinating examples—from ranchers creating volunteer firefighting agencies to debates over employment protections—Matt demonstrates how his podcast illuminates complex state issues often overlooked by traditional media. He dives deep into technology in schools, sharing alarming discoveries about monitoring software vulnerabilities and his work on legislation requiring greater transparency for parents.
Beyond politics, Matt reflects on what truly makes Idaho special: the freedom to explore public lands, the emphasis on individual agency and personal responsibility, and the authentic civic participation that has shaped the state's character. As Idaho faces growth and demographic changes, he sees his platform as critical to preserving these values by helping newcomers understand what makes the Gem State worth protecting.
Whether you're an Idaho native, a transplant, or simply interested in how local media can bridge political divides, this conversation offers valuable insights into building community in polarized times.

To learn more about Idaho, it's legislature, and what lies behind it...make sure to visit: The Ranch Podcast - Powered by Truth in Media Foundation and follow Matt on Instagram @the_ranch_podcast

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#49 - Why I Left the Badge Behind - A Story of Brotherhood Betrayal w/Tyler Geiger Mar 03, 2025

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This week on The Wild Chaos Podcast, we sit down with a former police officer, Tyler Geiger, who traded high-speed pursuits and crime scenes for the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. From the intensity of law enforcement to the mental toll of the job, he opens up about the struggles, sacrifices, and defining moments that shaped his career.

What made him walk away from the badge? How did he turn years of high-stakes experience into a thriving business? And what lessons from the streets now guide him in the world of entrepreneurship?

Tune in for an unfiltered, powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the unexpected paths life takes. 🚨🔥

Tyler's instagram: @nockperformance

For Tyler's private coaching visit: CLICK HERE!

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#48 - BSU Champion Athlete to Real Estate Mogul – The Grit Behind the Grind w/Elliot Hoyte Feb 26, 2025

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Dive into the inspiring life of a former athlete who transformed his passion for sports into a thriving real estate career in Boise, Idaho. This engaging podcast episode tells the story of resilience and determination, beginning in the quaint town of Tavistock, England, where our guest's journey commenced.
Discover how he navigated the steep learning curve of transitioning from American football to real estate, overcoming nine months without a sale through sheer grit and adaptability. Our guest opens up about his early struggles, driving for Uber just to make ends meet, and the powerful lessons learned along the way.
With a strong emphasis on community, he elevates local small businesses. As he elaborates on his transition into real estate entrepreneurship, hear how he melded effective marketing techniques with a commitment to client success, developing a brokerage that stands out in the competitive landscape of Idaho's real estate market.
Through personal anecdotes and expertise, this episode offers not just a story of professional growth, but a valuable reminder that success is not an isolated journey, it's one built on support, community, and the unwavering spirit to overcome challenges. Whether you are in sports, business, or simply seeking inspiration, this dialogue is sure to resonate, encouraging you to embrace life's hurdles as stepping stones to greater heights. Don’t forget to follow our guest and stay tuned for more enlightening conversations!

Follow Elliot via Instagram: @elliot_hoyte

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#47 - Storming The Capitol - Jan 6th Insurrection w/Patrick Montgomery Feb 18, 2025

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What happens when a life spent in the wild takes a dramatic turn into the heart of one of the most controversial events in American history? In this episode of The Wild Chaos Podcast, we sit down with Patrick Montgomery—an experienced hunting guide whose path led from tracking game in Alaska and Colorado to standing inside the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021.

Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Patrick grew up with a passion for the outdoors, following in his father’s footsteps as an avid hunter. By the time he was in high school, he was already guiding in the unforgiving landscapes of Alaska. But nothing could have prepared him for what came next. His participation in the January 6th events resulted in a federal conviction and a 37-month prison sentence—one that took a shocking turn when he was pardoned by President Trump and released the very same day.

Patrick opens up about what really happened that day, the legal battles that followed, and the impact it had on his life and family. He shares raw, unfiltered insights into the prison system, house arrest, and what it’s like to go from an average American to a national headline. This episode isn’t about politics—it’s about one man’s personal journey through chaos, consequences, and ultimately, redemption.

No matter where you stand on the events of that day, Patrick’s story is a gripping account of risk, resilience, and how quickly life can change in an instant. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation.

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#46 - Facing and Defeating Death As A Triple Amputee with Erik Galvan Feb 12, 2025

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Erik, affectionately known as "G," takes us on an unforgettable journey from his roots in Dallas to the battlefields of Afghanistan. Guided by his brother's influence, Erik's path into the Marine Corps is one of unexpected twists, from party-crashing escapades in California to the relentless grind of infantry training. Along the way, Erik shares gripping accounts of his deployment, painting vivid images of the emotional farewells, the intense brotherhood among Marines, and the high-stakes missions that defined his service.
The episode delves into Erik's life-altering experiences in Afghanistan, where patrolling the poppy fields presented unique strategic challenges. He recounts the rapid escalation of combat operations and surviving a near-fatal IED explosion, offering a raw and unfiltered look at the realities faced by young Marines. As Erik navigates the aftermath of his injuries, his story becomes a powerful testament to resilience, detailing his remarkable recovery journey amidst the unwavering support of his partner and family.
The narrative does not stop at survival; it explores Erik's transition from military life to civilian hood, capturing the trials of adapting to a new reality while handling financial compensation and emotional hurdles. Through humor and heartfelt anecdotes, Erik showcases the importance of support networks in healing and moving forward. From accidentally running a marathon to finding camaraderie in Tough Mudder events, Erik’s story is a compelling reminder of the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the enduring bonds forged through shared experiences. Join us as we celebrate Erik's incredible journey and reflect on the diverse paths life can offer.

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#45 - From Covert Ops to Creative Triumphs: with CIA Contractor Drew Coussens Feb 04, 2025

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This week on The Wild Chaos Podcast, we sit down with Drew Coussens, a former narcotics interdiction officer turned successful author. With a career spanning elite federal operations, intelligence work, and missions in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Drew shares intense behind-the-scenes stories from his time in the field. From inter-agency conflicts to life in war zones, he breaks down the tactical ingenuity, survival skills, and unique grit of Marines in global security roles. Beyond combat, Drew gets real about mental health, and how writing became his path to healing. Don’t miss this powerful conversation on resilience, redemption, and the unexpected twists of life.

To receive a copy of A Failed State, by Andrew Coussens, CLICK HERE

Instagram: @warnovel.author

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