Unbeatable

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 67 Jill Stephenson: A Gold Star Mom and a Life-Saving Gift to Others Dec 23, 2022

Show notes

In this special Christmas episode, you’ll hear from a courageous Gold Star Mother. Long before Jill Stephenson’s son, Ben, joined the Army to serve with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, she knew it was his destiny. She never worried about his safety, and seeing how proud he was of his service each time he was home convinced her that Ben was right where he was supposed to be.

But in July of 2009, Jill got the call that changed her life forever. Ben had been injured while saving the lives of 6 fellow Rangers in Afghanistan, and he ultimately did not survive. Jill’s courage and strength through that time are truly inspirational, and today, she continues to use her speaking talents to lead and serve other military families that have lost somebody in combat.

You’ll hear:

Who inspired Ben and influenced many of his choices.
Why Ben seemed to sense his 3rd tour would be different … and not in a good way.
What happened when Jill was 15 which helped prepare her for this extremely difficult moment.
Who and what gave Jill the strength to move forward.
How Ben’s gift of organ donation saved the lives of 4 people and enhanced the lives of 60 others.
The unique honor Ben’s family received at his funeral that is almost unheard of!

**Plus, Jill and Jeff each talk about their favorite Christmas memory.

Learn more about Jill at her website HERE.

Order Jill’s book, Heart of a Ranger: The True Story of Cpl. Ben Kopp, American Hero in Life and Death

Connect with Jill on Facebook or Instagram

Some days you just need a pep talk, so I created a motivational video sharing the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. It’s free. Get it HERE.

Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.

Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.

Ep. 66 Derek Dahl: Spending his last dollar on an unshakable dream Dec 16, 2022

Show notes

Derek Dahl went from the brink of bankruptcy to a thriving business “almost” overnight. Okay, it was a 3-year process, but with $126 left in his pocket, he took a leap of faith and placed the future of his company in divine hands. This was the moment that everything turned around for Three Nails Clothing.

If you've ever been financially strapped and unsure how to pay the bills, you must hear this episode. Derek describes weeping in the shower after the sheriff came to his door with an eviction notice. Every bit of financial wisdom said Derek should file for bankruptcy. Instead, he did the hard thing of putting his last remaining dollars into giving the business one more try. He went from living on food stamps in his parent's basement to running a multimillion-dollar company.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

The powerful lesson he learned after 3 concussions and 17 sprained ankles as a collegiate basketball player.
Why clarity always follows action... not the other way around!
How he lost his father, was facing bankruptcy, and faced his wife’s life-threatening illness simultaneously.
How he fought through an identity crisis and came out stronger on the other side.
Derek's favorite Christmas family tradition.

Find out more about Three Nails Clothing here

follow Derek on YouTube and TikTok here

Ep. 65 Taylor Ferns: the fight for success- ... Dec 09, 2022

Show notes

Taylor Ferns comes from a racing family. Her winning streak in highly competitive races started when she was 14… and has been going strong ever since. Earlier this year, she became the first female to achieve a podium finish in USAC’s Silver Crown history. Now, at age 26, Taylor says, “I don’t want to say I’m proud of what I’ve done, because I’m not done yet. I always say that one day I’m going to write a really great autobiography.”

You’ll hear:

The reason she left racing for two years and why it increased her passion for the sport, making her a stronger person.
Her secret to juggling racing + a part-time job as Operations Manager at a law firm + attending law school full-time.
How a college class in gender economics made her realize some of her challenges were because she was competing (and WINNING) in a male-dominated sport.
About her philosophy that life is like accounting – for every credit, there’s a debit; for every opportunity, there’s a sacrifice.
What always helps her refocus her energy and attitude.

Learn more about Taylor HERE

Follow Taylor on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.

Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.

Ep. 64 Philip Bray: The Fight of Faith Dec 02, 2022

Show notes

Phillip Bray survived one of the most dangerous roads in the world while leading his men on combat missions through southern Afghanistan. He spent decades leading warriors from the British Military during the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). Long after the average soldier retired from military service, Philip took time out of his schedule in the War College to describe his unbeatable moments while serving in the military.

No stranger to patrolling dangerous roads, as a new Infantry Platoon Commander, he was posted to Northern Ireland to patrol the city streets of Belfast at the end of a bloody era. During the difficult days in this mission, Philip describes how one of the worst days became one of the best days of his life. And he explains where you can find peace during your darkest days.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why everyone should consider a “gap year” of service
Philip’s proven first step when facing difficulties
The deadly battle he survived in southern Afghanistan
How to care for your family and hold a career in the UK military at the same time

Get Philip’s book The Fight of Faith here

Ep. 63 Andrew Chalmers: Unbeaten in the battle with addiction Nov 25, 2022

Show notes

This special Thanksgiving Day episode of Unbeatable features Andrew Chalmers. He describes in powerful detail living on the streets after his parents lost all hope that he would be able to conquer his drug addiction. Although he grew up in a loving home, he was introduced to drugs at a young age. His addiction became serious as a teenager and escalated from one pill to a full-blown heroin addiction.

In this raw and vulnerable interview, Andrew describes years of pain that his drug addiction inflicted on the people closest to him. You’ll be on the edge of your seat when you learn about Andrew's greatest Thanksgiving Day, the moment he “surrendered” his addiction to the only one that could fix his out-of-control life.

You’ll hear:

How he turned his broken past into a moment to change the lives of others suffering with all manner of additions
About the freefall from one pill to a full blown heroin addiction
The pain his decisions inflected on his parents. His mother recounts these memories in her book, No One Visits the Mother of a Drug Addict
His moment of his unconditional surrender
How to respond to a loved one struggling with addiction

Learn more about Andrew’s efforts to clean up the streets by founding “Take the City”

Or purchase it on Amazon HERE

Ep. 62 Alex Harris: Creating the toughest race on earth Nov 18, 2022

Show notes

Alex Harris is a world-renown athlete, known for amazing feats like climbing the tallest mountains in the world, walking across Africa’s Empty Quarter unsupported and on foot, and becoming the first African to walk unsupported to the South Pole. He’s also the founder of a 5-day event called the Munga, dubbed the toughest race on earth. You’ll definitely be inspired by someone who has pretty much done it all in extreme sports.

You’ll hear:

Why he believes that toughness exists in all of us, but very few discover it
What he sees as the ingredients for developing toughness
Why Alex chose to leave a successful career in sales
The greatest lessons he’s learned through pushing himself to the limits
Why he created the 700-mile Munga race in South Africa, said to be ‘genuinely, absolutely, debilitatingly hard’.

**Plus, Alex answers how he would spend a free day if he could go anywhere – with no responsibilities.

Learn more about The Munga HERE.

Follow Alex on Twitter HERE.

I’m competing in The Munga (November 30-December 5) as a fundraiser and to raise awareness for the Three Rangers Foundation, which helps veterans who struggle after leaving the military. You can learn more about it and make a donation HERE.

Ep. 61: Brad Thomas: The bravest act I've ever seen- Veterans Day. Nov 11, 2022

Show notes

Many people have heard of Black Hawk Down, but not many know what happened “behind the scenes”. My guest, Brad Thomas, was there with me in Somalia, and he inspired one of the proudest moments I ever had leading warriors in combat.

On this Veterans Day episode, he shares his experiences that day and how, despite the terror of Black Hawk Down, he served a total of 8 years in the Ranger Regiment, then 12 years in Delta Force. After 20 years of service, Brad has since focused on music, a passion of his since early childhood. He performs and records regularly with his all-veteran rock band, Silence & Light.

You’ll hear:

What got him into music at a young age
What Brad did on the battlefield that I’ll will carry with me for the rest of my life
The thought that comforted Brad during the Humvee ride back out to rescue Black Hawk survivors when he felt certain he wouldn’t make it back
How Brad’s wife inspired him to start a band
Why his band donates royalties to the charity, Warriors Heart.

**Plus, Brad tells us how he would spend a free day if he could go anywhere – with no responsibilities.

Follow Brad Thomas on Instagram

Learn more about Silence & Light HERE.

Learn more about Warriors Heart HERE.

Don’t let fear win.Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.

Ep. 60: David Hookstead: A rare journalist warriors trust with their stories Nov 04, 2022

Show notes

Reporter and media personality at Fox News’ Outkick, David Hookstead, also hosts a podcast called American Joyride. For 7 years before that, he was a reporter for The Daily Caller – where he perfected his journalism skills. Over time, he has developed a reputation as a journalist who can be trusted, opening the door to amazing interviews and getting stories that NO ONE else can get. But the journalist’s life is fast paced with high stakes. Also hear how David turned around his unhealthy habits and what keeps him on track now.

You’ll hear:

● Why David had to learn journalism “on the fly” and what makes him unique in a field that often bends the truth

● The #1 tip David gives to aspiring journalists

● What it is about football that makes him obsessed with it

● Why he started the American Joyride podcast and how it gives Americans hope

● About his journey from overeating, stress, and alcohol to being energized and healthy

**Plus, David answers Jeff’s question about how he would spend a free day if he could go anywhere – with no responsibilities.

Check out the American Joyride podcast HERE

Follow David on Instagram

Don’t let fear win.Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.

Ep. 59: Candyss Bryant: The ‘Influencer’ Behind the Best Ranger Competition Oct 28, 2022

Show notes

At age 20, Candyss told a fundraiser for building the National Infantry Museum, “I don’t know anything about the military, and I don’t want to know anything about the military.” Despite her boldness (or maybe because of it), she got the position and eventually became Executive aDirector of the National Infantry Association.

3 years later, Candyss was asked to help revive the Army’s struggling (at the time) Best Ranger Competition. Despite the first 2 years being rough, she “toughed it out”, played a MAJOR role in making the competition the best in the world, and became one of the most highly-respected people in the entire organization…even as a civilian.

You’ll hear:

What “Chairborne Rangers” are and why Candyss sees the timing of her involvement as “divine intervention” and a confirmation of her purpose
Why she agreed to help with the Best Ranger Competition DESPITE being told she wouldn’t be paid
What it was like at first to be the only woman for miles around, as a civilian in a military environment
Her main ideas that turned the competition around
How the Ranger Creed is still part of her daily life

*Plus, hear how she would spend a free day if she could go anywhere and do anything.

Follow Candyss on Instagram or Facebook .

Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.

EP. 58: Brandon Young-- From Barely Surviving… to a Life of Significance Oct 21, 2022

Show notes

Growing up as a fighter and without a father, Brandon Young felt alone and wasn’t sure how he fit into the world. He joined the military, where he spent nearly a decade in the 75th Army Ranger Regiment, and he found a second family full of guys like him.

But spending 70% of most years away from home placed a tremendous strain on his family. When he left the Army, he nearly lost his marriage. and struggled to find his place in the civilian world. His turning point came in March 2012. Since then, he's been impacting the lives of thousands, training leaders with timeless wisdom.

You’ll hear:

How his mother, working 4 jobs as a single parent after his father abandoned them, was his first example of being unbeatable.

The difference between perseverance and endurance (and which is greater)

Why transitioning from the military to civilian life was was much tougher than he imagined

Why 2 career path doors suddenly closing turned out to be the best things that ever happened to him…and his marriage

How he now combines leadership skills learned in the Army with principles he learned at Denver Seminary to help businesses reach their goals

**Plus, hear how Brandon would spend a free day if he could go anywhere – with no responsibilities.

Learn more about his company, Applied Leadership Partners, HERE.

https://www.appliedleadershippartners.com/

Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonyoung14/

Follow Brandon on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/brandon.young14/

https://www.instagram.com/appliedleadershippartners/

Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE. https://jeffstruecker.com/survival-guide/

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected