The Raven Report Podcast

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Jonathon Burton is behind the brand @thebeardedburton. He teaches survival courses and bush crafting skills throughout the US. In building his business, he leveraged social media to connect with people and build community. He talks to us about survival skills, the outdoors, music, and more in this episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

This episode of the Raven Report podcast interviews the Instagram sensation @TomtheRomanHelmetGuy. Tom produces short videos highlighting battles and individuals who made a difference throughout history. From these short clips, we can extract battlefield tactics, character attributes, and a sense of adventure that we want to emulate ourselves and instill in our Soldiers. You can connect with Tom at @tomtheromanhelmetguy on Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

1LT Jacques van Rooyen is a former member of the 81st SBCT. Upon his return from a deployment to Poland with the Dark Rifles, he entered the US Air Force as a chaplain. Prior to serving in the 81st, he spent a considerable amount of time as a teacher in China. In this episode, he provides us with a street-level perspective of the changes discussed in our previous two episodes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Jeremy Goldkorn is co-host of the Sinica podcast and editor-in-chief of SupChina.com. He moved to China in 1995 and became managing editor of Beijing's first independent English-language entertainment magazine. In 2003, he founded the website and research firm Danwei, which tracked Chinese media, markets, politics, and business. He has lived in a workers’ dormitory, produced a documentary about African soccer players in Beijing, and rode a bicycle from Peshawar to Kathmandu via Kashgar and Lhasa. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2015 and is a board member of the Tennessee China Network. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

David Dollar (November 21, 1954 – October 8, 2023) was an American economist and China scholar who served as a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution’s John L. Thornton China Center between July 2017 and October 2023. His research focused on economic reform in China and US-China economic relations. He hosted Brookings' "Dollar and Sense" trade podcast. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

MAJ Ben Siems is a highly experienced coach with diverse qualifications and expertise. With a Master's degree in Human Performance, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and countless certifications, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his work. While specializing in working with tactical Athletes such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and military personnel, Ben also has extensive experience working with clients of all ages and abilities, including competitive and non-competitive youth and adults.  Having served in the Army National Guard for 23 years, including ten years in the Infantry and the last 13 years in the Nurse Corps. He serves as the Holistic Health and Fitness Coordinator and Human Performance Integrator for the Army National Guard. In our conversation with him, we explore what Holistic Health and Fitness is and how the Army integrates them into building individual Soldiers.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Colonel Matthew James is the commander of the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. He is a known force in the Washington National Guard and a familiar voice on this podcast. He began his career as an active-duty infantry officer before transitioning to the AGR program in our State. This episode delves into his command philosophy, lessons learned from years of service, and what lies ahead for the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team members. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Major General Ronald (Win) Burkett II is the commander of the 36th Infantry Division in Austin, Texas. As a subordinate unit, the 81st SBCT would fall under his command in the event of a large-scale mobilization. In this episode, the commander of the 81st SBCT, COL Matthew James, sits down to have an in-depth discussion of what it means to be a member of the Arrowhead Team. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Lieutenant General Jon A. Jensen is the Director of the Army National Guard. He guides the formulation, development, and implementation of all programs and policies affecting the Army National Guard, a force of nearly 335,000 Soldiers in the 50 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia.In this conversation, Washington’s Assistant Adjutant General, BG Paul Sellars, joins me in talking with LTG Jensen about generational readiness, how the National Guard is an integrated reserve, and why he thinks you should read what you find interesting. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Nick Freitas, a former Green Beret, dedicated a years of service to the US Army and one year in the Washington National Guard in 19th Group following a remarkable tenure on active duty. After leaving the Army, he established his own business and attained a position in the Virginia House of Delegates, where he currently serves. In our conversation with Nick, we discuss his military experience, being a husband, having daughters, and his suggestions for a great reading list.You can connect with Nick at @nickjfreitas on Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Rob Shaul is the Founder and Head Coach of Mountain Tactical Institute. With a strong emphasis on sport-specific program design, Rob works closely with professional mountain guides, alpine climbers, freeskiers, kayakers, backcountry hunters, and a diverse range of athletes. Rob’s expertise extends to training military, law enforcement, and firefighter personnel from various countries. He has conducted comprehensive strength and conditioning programming for elite forces such as Navy SEALs, Army Green Berets, Air Force Combat Controllers, Air Force PJs, Army and Air Force EOD, federal and state law enforcement SWAT teams, as well as urban and wildland firefighters. His contributions include the development of highly effective pre-deployment programs that have benefited numerous military individuals and units worldwide. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Dennis Buckingham is a biologist for depart of Public Works on JBLM  to provide visitors with safe, high-quality hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities by managing the installation's ecosystems and biodiversity through conservation, protection, and restoration while prioritizing and supporting the military mission responsibly. Justin Spurriel with Backcountry Hunting and Anglers Armed Forces Initiative introduces us to him and facilitates a conversation about hunting and fishing on JBLM.Contact Justin Spruiell at [email protected] Dennis Buckingham at [email protected] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

This week we sit down with SSG Tyler Buttersworth, also known as @buttersworthdasyrup on Instagram. SSG Buttersworth is a rising star in the US Army's recruiting world, having achieved his recruiting goals well ahead of schedule. What's more, he's managed to generate over 200 leads for other states through his Instagram account alone.In this episode, we'll dive deep into SSG Buttersworth's story, discovering the secrets behind his success and the lessons he's learned along the way. We'll explore the innovative practices he's implemented to modernize recruiting for the army, and how his approach can be replicated by others.Join us for an insightful conversation with SSG Buttersworth, as we explore the cutting-edge of military recruiting and discover how Instagram is becoming a powerful tool in the search for new recruits. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

SFC Ethan Long is a highly experienced and dedicated soldier who has served in the United States Army since January 2009. He began his military journey as a 19K armor crewman, demonstrating his early commitment to serving on the front lines and operating heavy armored vehicles. In 2012, SFC Long decided to reclassify his military occupational specialty (MOS) to become a 14E, or Patriot Fire Control Enhanced Operator/Maintainer. As a 14E, he took on various crucial positions, including serving as a tactical control assistant, battery trainer, and senior engagement controller. These roles required him to exhibit exceptional technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with his fellow soldiers landing him an instructor role in the Army’s Senior Leader Course. His Instagram handle is extremely informative and entertaining for anyone looking to learn more about the strategic environment and air defense’s role in it. You can reach SFC Long on Instagram @habitual_line_crosser This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Coach Brian Grout started his high school football career as a player in Puyallup. He fell in love hard with Puyallup football and proclaimed he would one day return to be the head football coach. Those claims were largely dismissed as dreams of an uniformed teenager until he came on staff as a assistant coach. In 2021, he replaced long time head football coach Gary Jeffers. Today, he talks to us about his journey and the lessons he learned along the way. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Balancing the military with any career is difficult, but it takes a special person to be both a commanding officer and a high school coach. LTC Patrick Johnson serves as a commander on Camp Murray while also coaching full time at Stadium High School in Tacoma, WA. Our conversation explores his coaching journey and gleans the value of relationships both on the gridiron and in uniform.. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Good leaders are good coaches. Therefore, if we are going to be and train excellent leaders we need to gather best practices from coaches. In this episode and the next, we will be interviewing local coaches to glean leadership lessons from the gridiron.Coach Justin Callander has been a high school football coach for well over a decade. In that time he has seen a variety of athletes grow from being awkward tweens to highly successful adults. He shares the leadership lessons learned from his time on the football field and in the hallways of Kent-Meridian high school. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

MAJ Jess Dawson is an Academy Professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Her research interests focus on nationalism, white supremacy and extremism, religion and what binds people together, guns and the role of American civil religion, and the digital disruption of technology on aspects of society. As the Information Operations Division Chief for the Army Cyber Institute. Our conversation cover information operations, the weaponization of social media, and how what can be done about it.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

It is now official. The U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers have established themselves as the foremost snipers globally. In the 2023 International Sniper Competition, four sniper teams from the National Guard proved to be the strongest contenders, achieving top 10 positions. Notably, team 7 secured the first-place position. The International Sniper Competition centers on combat, evaluating teams' capacity to communicate effectively and make decisions while facing stress and exhaustion. The competition comprises various day and night challenges that test the physical and mental abilities of the participants. In this episode, we engage in a conversation with the victorious individuals, SFC Erik Vargas, SSG Ben Cotten, and SSG Allen Smith. We delve into their experiences in the competition and their roles as snipers while serving in the National Guard. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Lieutenant Colonel Tsukano is the former commanding officer at the Marine Detachment Fort Lee, Virginia. His background is in logistics and includes support globally to conventional and unconventional operations. He helped co found the Lethal Minds journal giving service members from across the Department of Defense a place to share their thoughts, insights, and wisdom. His Instagram account, @thecognitivemarine has garnered a cultlike following by those that want to grow the profession of arms. Currently he is enrolled in the United States Naval Institute. In our conversation we explore what logistics will look like in large scale combat operations against a near peer adversary. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

PSYOP Soldiers contribute to the Army's objectives through the utilization of unconventional tactics. They employ their intellect, interpersonal abilities, cultural awareness, and proficiency in foreign languages to influence the beliefs and behaviors of foreign governments, organizations, and individuals. The art of psychological warfare necessitates flexibility, determination, and adept problem-solving to achieve desired outcomes. In our conversation, we look at how PSYOPS is employed on the battlefield and how the career field will be changing in the future. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Nate Boyer is what many would deem a Renaissance man.  The former active-duty Green Beret is also a world traveler, a philanthropist and community leader, and a professional athlete as a former member of the Seattle Seahawks.After joining the US Army in 2005, Boyer earned the coveted Green Beret in December 2006.  He was stationed in Okinawa throughout most of 2007 with the 1st Special Forces Group.  In April of 2008, Nate was deployed with ODA 0324 10th Special Forces Group to Iraq and served his tour of duty until January 2009.  He then served tours in Afghanistan from April-August, 2013 (Special Operations Joint Task Force-Afghanistan) and from April-August, 2014 (ODA 3116 3rd Special Forces Group).  In addition to his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Boyer completed a number of JCET (Joint Command Exchange Training) Missions to Israel (2009), Bulgaria (2011), and Greece (2012).You can find Merging Vets and Players here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

The School of Advanced Military Studies educates members of our Armed Forces, our Allies, and the Interagency at the graduate level to become agile and adaptive leaders who are critical and creative thinkers who produce viable options to solve operational and strategic problems.Dr. G. Scott Gorman, Deputy Director for Academics, Colonel, US Air Force  Retired, holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the Air Force Academy, a Master of Arts in Russian History from Indiana University, a Master of Military Art and Sciences from the School of Advanced Military Studies, and a Ph.D. in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. In this episode, Dr. Gorman gives an overview of what SAMS is, what they teach, how they select candidates, and what they expect them to be able to do after they graduate. It is a super interesting and intellectual conversation.You can connect with Dr. Gorman by email at [email protected] and by phone at (913) 758-3302. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Mike Tuchscherer is a Father, Husband, veteran, and Gold Medalist at the 2009 World Games (the first male in USA Powerlifting history to do this). He won 8 USA Powerlifting National Championships, Bronze, 3 Silver, and 1 Gold medal in IPF World Championships, set 3 IPF World Records multiple times, and competed internationally both in single ply and unequipped. He is the founder of Reactive training systems (RTS) and has couched 12 IPF world record-setting Powerlifters. He has a great passion for problem-solving and optimizing.You can connect with Mike on Instagram @miketuscherer This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

In this episode, we talk to Ryan Callahan and Trevor Hubbs about Backcountry Hunters and Angler’s Armed Forces Initiative. Backcountry Hunters and Anglers’ Armed Forces Initiative strives to ensure that those on Active Duty, in the National Guard, Reservists, Veterans, and Gold Star Families continue to take active roles as public landowners while providing a constructive outlet for current or transitioning service members to continue their selfless service and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals. Patriotism and selfless service carries on in our mission to protect public land and water access along with the ethical chase of wildlifeRyan "Cal" Callaghan is MeatEater's Director of Conservation and a national board member of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Cal has been a passionate member of the outdoor community, having grown up hunting and fishing, guiding, and playing in the West.Hubbs joined the Army after high school and got his jump wings, serving as an Infantry squad leader for six years before getting his bachelor's degree while serving as an ROTC instructor at Eastern Illinois University. Hubbs received his graduate degree from Notre Dame University in 2019 and began volunteering for AFI in 2021, running skills camps and working closely with the program.Col Timothy Ozmer, the Washington State G3 and the driving force behind getting all the WA National Guard member's sportsman’s package free of charge. This allows every member of the Washington National Guard to hunt deer, elk, bear, cougar, and small game with no out-of-pocket cost as a thank-you for the service to our state.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

LTC(R) ​​Russell Worth Parker spent the vast majority of his career in special operations unit in the US Marine Corps. As a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, he has a litany of combat lessons to pass on to the next generation of warriors. After 27 years of service both as a reservist and as an active duty officer, he retired from the U.S. Marine Corps. However, he was far from done. He has gone on to write feature articles, ghostwrite books, and has since been published internationally. When the US forces pulled out of Afghanistan, Worth was on the cutting edge of coordinating the escape of many friendly Afghanis that were sure to be in harm’s way when the Taliban arrived in Kabul.You can connect with Worth on his website at RusselWorthParker.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Established in 2015 in Tacoma, Brotallion was conceived by three Army aviators and fitness enthusiasts with the aim of fostering camaraderie among their fellow pilots. As the organization expanded, its founders, Kyle Kilroy, Spencer Payne, and Brett Kroll, recognized the additional needs of their community, ranging from clothing that reflected their identity to relevant fitness routines, professional opportunities, and financial assistance. To address these needs, the Brotallion team devised a mentorship program centered around podcasts, a robust social media network, and personalized workout plans. Additionally, they established the Blue Skies Foundation, a charitable division committed to providing support for the Army Aviation community and their families in the aftermath of mishaps.You can connect with them on Instagram at @brotallion or on their website. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Trent Greener is the former head strength and conditioning coach for the university of Wyoming. He has done work across the special operations community and is currently working with Air Force Special Operations Command in their human performance division.Our conversation with him focuses deeply on the “why” behind fitness and helps us understand how each individual needs to consider their own goals, struggles and lifestyle to truly be all they can be. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Mr. Brad Marvel is a former Air Defense Artillery officer turned Senior Research Analyst at TRADOC G2 specializing in all things China. In this discussion, we discuss training methodology, his authorship of the Army ATP 7-100.3, social media, and systems warfare. It’s a fascinating episode that begins with a conversation on effective training methodology and ends with grappling with the fundamentals of affecting an enemy’s will to fight. The website Mr. Marvel references is the China Landing Zone. It is a fantastic resource on all things China. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

A retired four-star general, Stan is the former commander of US and International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) Afghanistan and the former commander of the nation’s premier military counter-terrorism force, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). He is best known for developing and implementing a comprehensive counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan, and for creating a cohesive counter-terrorism organization that revolutionized the interagency operating culture.Throughout his military career, Stan commanded a number of elite organizations, including the 75th Ranger Regiment. After 9/11 until his retirement in 2010, he spent more than 6 years deployed to combat in a variety of leadership positions. In June 2009, the President of the United States and the Secretary General of NATO appointed him to be the Commander of US Forces Afghanistan and NATO ISAF. His command included more than 150,000 troops from 45 allied countries. On August 1, 2010 he retired from the US Army. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

On this episode of the Raven Report Podcast, we talk to Stan "The White Rhino" Efferding about diet, nutrition, and fitness despite a crazy life and drill schedule. Stan is an American IFBB professional bodybuilder and a powerlifter competing in the Southern Powerlifting Federation (SPF). He held the all-time raw world powerlifting records in the 275-pound-class in the Total without knee wraps, lifting 2,226.6 lbs, and in the Squat without knee wraps, lifting 854 lbs. Due to his enormous physical strength, regularly competing in professional powerlifting contests during his career in professional competitive bodybuilding, Efferding is often referred to as the "world's strongest bodybuilder". If you would like to meet Stan and see him in person, he will be at Camp Murray on 12 May.You can connect with Stan on Instagram @stanefferding or on his website HERE. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

In this episode, we talk to 1SG Dan Massey, who recently graduated Ranger school at 43 years old and a NCO in 1st Battalion. 1SG Massey’s journey through Ranger school was filled with the usual physical challenges but was also flavored with personal loss, defeats, and the determination to win.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

In this episode, we talk to the social media sensation 1LT Austin VonLetkamann, known as @mandatoryfunday. We laugh about the common struggles we have as military members, explore how to bring attention to Army programs and talk about the role of social media in the profession of arms going forward. You can connect with 1LT Vonletkamann on all major social media platforms @mandatoryfunday. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

Army Command Sergeant Major John Wayne Troxell served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the senior noncommissioned officer in the U.S. Armed Forces, from Dec. 11, 2015, until his retirement on Dec. 13, 2019. In this role, he served as the principal military advisor to the Chairman and the Secretary of Defense on all matters involving joint and combined total force integration, utilization, health of the force and joint development for enlisted personnel.His book, Surrender or Die!: Reflections of a Combat Leader is available wherever books are sold. You can connect with him on Instagram at @jwtrox. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

On the inaugural episode of the Raven Report, we have a very special guest, John Dailey. He is the Director of Training and Education Branch at the Marine Corps Forces Special Operation Command. He is also an editor for the Marine Raider Association magazine, The Raider Patch, and the senior editor for the Lethal Minds Journal. His book, Tough Rugged B******s, will be available in the fall. You can find his Substack below or connect with him on Instagram @j.a.dailey This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ravenreport.substack.com