Hero Hut

Episodes

1. 18

   Hero Hut 018 - Movie Magic

   Anthony Jennings lost his left leg at birth, but he never let that hold him back. Out of high school he moved to Hollywood to be a director but it turned out his handicap afforded him some unique acting jobs. After several roles portraying amputee veterans he was contacted by the defense…

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   May 14, 2021

   39m
2. 17

   Hero Hut 017 - Folded Flag

   Chuck Briseno was a bit of a rabble rouser as a teen, but a DUI caused him to get serious. A few years later he and buddy joined the Army out of junior college. Through his time in the military he had to navigate a variety of challenges including fear of heights at Airborne School, finding a way…

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   Apr 28, 2021

   1h 13m
3. 16

   Hero Hut 016 - The War Within

   The lingering effects of psychological scars are some of the biggest challenges facing military service members and first responders. It's a battle in the mind but it also affects a person's family and broader community. Miranda Briggs founded Fight the War Within after the passing of her husband...

   Apr 10, 2021

   33m
4. 15

   Hero Hut 015 - Big Heart, Tiny House

   From a rough boot camp, to a wild pre-deployment party, Brandonn Mixon found comradery to be the thing that kept him going. But when an accident lead to his hospitalization and eventual medical discharge, he lost that community but not the desire to serve. That sent him on a journey to become a...

   Mar 21, 2021

   1h 13m
5. 14

   Hero Hut 014 - Origin Story

   In this special episode leading up to St Patrick's Day we go back to the origins of Hero Hut. This roundtable discussion is lead by David Hoffmaster and features some of the key staff at Celtic MKE, Matt Jendrzejczyk, Mike Mitchell, and Melissa Ward, who are responsible for hosting the annual...

   Feb 26, 2021

   1h 13m
6. 13

   Hero Hut 013 - Gray Man

   Eric Upchurch was hoping to keep his head down and get through basic training without attracting attention. Except he kept excelling at everything the Army could throw at him. This landed him one of the toughest mechanic jobs in the military; patching up helicopters for special forces. After...

   Feb 10, 2021

   50m
7. 12

   Hero Hut 012 - Muay Thai and Macchiatos

   Eric Dobbs has been all over the world during his time in the Navy doing a dizzying array of jobs. Guarding enemy combatants in the Middle East, managing personnel in Africa, and helping US troops through a post deployment reintegration program in Europe. But it was during a vacation to Thailand...

   Jan 24, 2021

   55m
8. 11

   Hero Hut 011 - Santa Hat

   David Hoffmaster and Jacob Hagstrom reminisce about holidays in Afghanistan, look back on the strange journey of the Hero Hut in 2020 and preview initiatives and events for the new year.

   Jan 7, 2021

   42m
9. 10

   Hero Hut 010 - Above the Best

   Army helicopter pilot, RTAG founder, and author Erik Sabiston joins Hero Hut director David Hoffmaster to talk about Operation Hammerdown from the perspective of the Dustoff pilots called in to retrieve wounded soldiers from one of the most remote battlefields in Afghanistan. He also talks flying...

   Dec 23, 2020

   1h 32m
10. 9

    Hero Hut 009 - Hard Luck

    Joshua Lee started his journey as a church youth leader in Alaska, aspiring hockey player, and then Air Force mechanic before finding his way to the Army as a helicopter pilot. He talks air assaults, medivacs, and the finer points of flying the Blackhawk. We also learn how he paved the way for…

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    Dec 12, 2020

    35m
11. 8

    Hero Hut 008 - Little Angel

    As a linebacker, Greg Washington hit like a truck for the Army Black Knights on the gridiron. But 6 years in the infantry hit back and Greg had to learn how to piece back together his health, his family, and his mental outlook. This journey led him to start the podcast Guards Down to engage with...

    Nov 26, 2020

    1h 05m
12. 7

    Hero Hut 007 - Shanghai Six

    Army Ranger Stephen Machuga was winding down his military career when 9-11 happened and he was stop lossed. We follow his story from ROTC through deployments in Kosovo and Iraq and eventually starting the nonprofit Stack Up which uses video games to build community and tackle mental health issues...

    Nov 11, 2020

    1h 00m
13. 6

    Hero Hut 006 - Katrina Crucible

    Coast Guard engineer Olivia Cream takes us to the high seas with stories of star gazing, fish call, drug interdiction and being the first on the scene after Hurricane Katrina hit the Mississippi coast. She also gives some advice about transitioning to a civilian career and learning that caring...

    Oct 28, 2020

    1h 03m
14. 5

    Hero Hut 005 - It's Like Epcot

    Army quartermaster Nicole Allen brings her insight on base operations, gender inclusivity, and working with coalition partners. She also shares her journey of starting a Crossfit gym that helped build multi-ethnic community in Louisville.

    Oct 14, 2020

    47m
15. 4

    Hero Hut 004 - One Mile, No Sweat

    The round table discussion continues with a lighter look at cadences, MRE’s and where Colin and Jarrod’s journeys have taken them since leaving the Army.

    Sep 24, 2020

    29m
16. 3

    Hero Hut 003 - Battle Buddies

    Jake hosts a round table discussion about the highs and lows of deployment with fellow officers David Hoffmaster, Colin Brodmerkel, and Jarrod McCleary.

    Sep 21, 2020

    31m
17. 2

    Hero Hut 002 - The Fastest Gun

    Host Jacob Hagstrom takes a turn in the interview seat and talks about the effect of 9-11 on his decision to join the military, the role of training, and the intersections between West Point and academia.

    Sep 19, 2020

    57m
18. 1

    Hero Hut 001 - Hammerdown

    David Hoffmaster, founder of Lionheart Junction, talks West Point, Afghanistan, and what service means to him since leaving the military.

    Sep 19, 2020

    1h 01m