Eric Leekam: Military, Pokémon Master, Beast Games

In this high-energy episode of RealTOC, host Cameron Hardin sits down with the multifaceted Eric Leekum, a man whose life journey reads like an action-adventure novel. From the competitive world of bodybuilding and strongman competitions to the tactical challenges of being a military recruiter and infantryman, Eric has seen it all.We start the day at Cards HQ, the massive "card depot" in Georgia, where Eric takes us "hunting" for rare Pokémon finds. Watch as he breaks down the high-stakes world of card grading, explains the price gap between English and Japanese sets, and shares the nostalgia of growing up as an introverted "nerdy kid" trading cards at school.But Eric’s story goes much deeper than hobbies. He opens up about a challenging childhood, witnessing domestic violence, and how that fueled his desire to join the military to protect others. He shares the "soul-crushing" moment his first military scholarship fell through due to recruiter deception and how he eventually found his path as a Platoon Sergeant with three deployments under his belt—including stints in Afghanistan, Poland, and Syria.We also dive into his recent experience as a contestant on Mr. Beast’s "Beast Games," where he competed as part of the "Strong" tribe among 200 of the world’s most elite athletes and minds.Key Highlights: The Card Life: Exploring the $6,500 booster boxes and the nuances of PSA grading. Military Realities: The truth about recruiting, infantry life, and the camaraderie found in unexpected places like a Polish 9-to-5 deployment. Beast Games: Behind the scenes of one of the world's biggest reality shows.Words of Wisdom: Eric’s powerful message on humility and choosing joy despite past trauma.Subscribe for more deep dives into the lives of extraordinary veterans!Connect with RealTOC:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@realtocWebsite: RealTOC.comNominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: https://bit.ly/4bIczd7Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits:Veteran Auto Insurance Rates: https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan): https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save: https://bit.ly/3PfSFyHTop Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans: https://bit.ly/4cY013PSupport Veteran-Owned:30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30): https://bit.ly/4sNxNx030% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30): https://bit.ly/3PglBqe