Into The Breach

Justin Bellamy served with 2-5 Cavalry and lived through one of the most intense battles of the Iraq War — Black Sunday. What started as a routine patrol in Sadr City turned into a fight for survival against over 1,000 insurgents. His platoon took heavy casualties, Justin was hit by shrapnel from a pipe bomb, they ran black on ammo, and escaped by riding an M1 Abrams tank out of the kill zone.That was just Day One. For the next 90 days straight, his unit was in combat every single day.In this powerful interview, Justin opens up about the brutal realities of that deployment, the highs and lows after leaving the Army, and why he chose to re-enlist before eventually retiring.After transitioning to the defense industry, he saw how heavily it relied on overseas — especially Chinese — manufacturing. That realization led him to found TAC 11: a company dedicated to building body armor and armor systems the right way — with premium U.S.-made materials, uncompromising standards, and real-world performance.

Preston Stewart joins the show today to discuss current events in Iran and Ukraine.

Blake Griebenow enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2011 and served as a 240 Bravo machine gunner with Blackfoot Platoon, Apache Company, 2-87 Infantry in Logar Province, Afghanistan. During a high-tempo deployment at the start of the U.S. drawdown, he would eliminate one of the top bomb-makers in the area during a battle that claimed the life of a fellow soldier. He later transferred to the 3-509 Parachute Infantry Regiment in Alaska, where he conducted jumps in Australia and earned Japanese Jump Wings. After returning to Minnesota, Blake joined the 1-194th Infantry Regiment (Minnesota Army National Guard) and was activated during the 2020 Minneapolis riots.

Joe is an Tier 1 Intel Operator that specialized in Iran while serving in the US Army. He give us unique insight of what is happening at the tactical and strategic level of what is happening in Iran.

The boys are dive into the incredible operation to rescue a downed pilot behind enemy lines and the Iran ceasefire deal.

The boys discuss the current news in Iran and the ramifications its causing on the world stage.

The boys are monitoring the situation and this week we discuss the US Troop activation and support for Operation Epic Fury.

Joseph England is a retired Tier 1 Operator that served in the US Militaries most clandestine Intelligence Unit, Task Force Orange also known as The Activity or Intelligence Support Activity (ISA). He speaks fluent Persian Farsi and was tasked with operating against Iranian assets on the battlefield during the height of the fight against ISIS. Spending a significant amount of time in the Tactical Detachment where he operated alongside Delta Force and SEAL Team 6. In his retirement he has found a calling helping veterans with inspiration and fitness through his YouTube Channel The Stoic Viking

Former Tier 1 Operator Joseph England joins us this week to discuss in-depth about the Iranian culture and what could be happening next in Operation Epic Fury.

Did a Tomahawk Missile Strike an Iranian Girls School? Whats next for the Iranian Regime's Ayatollah, New York Terrorist Attack and Is Cuba the next stop for the Administration? We give you our thoughts weather you like it or not. Welcome to the Breach

Michael Hudson is a Marine Corps Officer who served as a Force Recon Platoon Commander during operations in Iraq. He dedicated over 20 years to the Corps, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after multiple combat deployments, including several tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I had the distinct honor of serving under Mike in 2006, when he commanded Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines (3/3). This episode marks exactly 20 years since that intense deployment to the Haditha Triad area in Al Anbar Province during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the conversation, we dive into his remarkable career—from his early baptism by fire in combat to the profound challenges of leadership in war. We discuss the heavy toll of losing Marines under his command and the enduring burdens that veterans carry long after the deployments end.

US Strikes Iran and we discuss the strategy, tactics and geopolitical response to this historic action.

Adam Schwarze is a former Marine Infantrymen, Navy SEAL Officer and is now currently running for the Minnesota US Senate. We talk about the fraud in Minnesota, the possible shifting tides towards Republicans and the White House strategy for the state.

In this episode of Breaching with the Boys, Ethan Nagel and Nicholas Laidlaw engage in a wide-ranging conversation that touches on personal life, gaming, film, and significant global events. They discuss the impact of current conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Iran, and reflect on the state of cinema and television in today's culture. The conversation also delves into the implications of geopolitical tensions and the shifting dynamics of power on the world stage.

Richard Hy is a S.V.U. Detective, Drill Instructor and runs the highly successful YouTube channel Angry Cops. We cut straight to the point in this episode to discuss the most recent Minnesota incident involving Alex Pretti and the what comes next. With his experience and extensive knowledge of the law, Richard lays out what will most likely happen next in this controversial case.

Morgan Lerette was first deployed while serving as Security Forces in the Air force to Iraq in 2003 to provide security for the first aerial supply route in Iraq at Tallil Air Base, . He joined Blackwater in 2004 and was sent to Iraq to protect diplomats. He participated in hundreds of combat missions protecting the Regime Crimes Liaison Office, which gathered evidence for the trials of Saddam Hussein. He wrote the books Guns, Girls and Greed I was a Blackwater Mercenary in Iraq. The book is a hilarious and insightful account of the life of a PMC during the glory days of Blackwater in Iraq.

Kurt Summers joined the Marines and became Crash/Fire/Rescue Operator. He was stationed in Hawaii where his job was to respond to downed aircraft and recover the remains of fellow servicemen and equipment. After his enlistment he would eventually work for Black Rifle Coffee Company and work his way up from customer service to production assistant, learning how to film and produce media content. Kurt would go onto film for VP Racing fuel and would establish himself in the racing world as a sought after content producer.

Rudy Pavich is a comedian, actor and legendary radio host from Minnesota Radio Stations 93X and KS95. After his career on radio, Rudy turned his sights back to comedy were he would feature and open for Adam Corolla, Michael Yo and Adam Ray. You can see him on the road touring and cohosting weekly on the Adam Corolla Show.

Erik Anderson served on the ground in Afghanistan along side Special Forces, Marines and NATO allies during the height of the Global War on Terror. He later served as an Air force Squadron Commander and has a career spanning almost 20 Years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves. We discuss leadership, military transitions and the important role every service member plays in the overall strategy in modern warfare.

Spending the 250th Marine Corp Birthday with fellow Infantrymen Jack Mandaville. We discuss his experiences of going from SOI straight to the Invasion of Iraq, acting alongside William Shatner and starting his new successful YouTube series - Jacked History.

Tier 1 Operators to Conquering Everest Solo. This episode is highlighting some of the amazing conversations we have had so far from guests who have been Into the Breach.

Tales from the Gridsquare is a place where Military personal from different countries share their thrilling experiences ranging from UFO sightings to Paranormal activities. Nick Orton is the mastermind behind the curtain and has come on todays show to get us in the mood for Halloween and spooky vibes. Go check out his Instagram @tales_from_the_gridsquare and you can purchase his books on Amazon.com

Preston Stewart served in the US Army as a Fires Officer and deployed to combat in the height of the Afghan War. He graduated from West Point and found himself in the middle of the fight in Southern Afghanistan, directing close air support and in direct fires. After the military he launched his Tik Tok channel about military history and related subjects. After the Russians invaded Ukraine , Prestons channel has become a reliable source for open source intel on the evolving frontlines of conflicts around the world.

A stand-up comedian and writer, Ben Katzner blends a subversive style, biting observational humor and skilled story telling to deliver a one-of-a-kind live show that's equal parts charming, smart and relatable.Katzner regularly opens for comedian Kelsey Cook and has opened for a variety of performers including Chad Daniels Josh Johnson, Zainab Johnson and Kyle Kinane.Besides performing in clubs and theaters across the country, Katzner has also participated in numerous comedy festivals including the Limestone Comedy Festival, 10,000 Laughs Comedy Festival, Let's Fest, the Harlem Comedy Festival and the Raleigh Comedy Festival. In 2025, Ben will be releasing his debut comedy album via Blonde Medicine's label, along with a coinciding comedy special on Youtube. Katzner is also a burgeoning talent in the graphic novel space. His debut graphic novel, "Hello, My Name is Poop" was published by Wonderbound books in 2021. His second graphic novel, Muddy Waters Too (co-written with legendary rapper Redman), released in the summer of 2025. When he's not on a stage or behind a keyboard, Ben co-hosts the Troll Hole Podcast with comedian Mike Lester. Equal parts playful and painful, during the fast-paced show the quick-witted duo of Lester and Katzner invite guests to discuss internet trolls, life in the public eye and much more.

TBD

Luke Ryan is an Army Ranger with 4 Combat Deployments, Purple Heart Recipient, author and owner of Four Hawk Media. He grew up in Pakistan and Thailand, the son of American medical missionaries who provide medical support to people in difficult places. As an adult, he became an Army Ranger and went on four combat deployments to Afghanistan, where he left as a team leader. After the military, Luke got a degree in English Literature and worked in a number of creative capacities, from journalism to television to growing social media channels. He also wrote and published three books. Now, Luke owns and operates Four Hawk Media, a media and marketing company that started with high-end content and organic social media, and has since jumped into a whole bunch of other digital marketing shenanigans

Dr. Mitch has spent most of his professional medical career working internationally alongside his wife Caryl, a licensed nurse. Together they have launched initiatives focused on providing excellent and innovative healthcare in regions of the world where quality medical care is limited. From 1995 - 2005, they founded and operated the Gilgit Eye Hospital in Northern Pakistan. From 2005 - 2025, they supported a medic training program for the Karen people in Myanmar and in 2015 established the Earth Mission Physician Associate training program in Myanmar in order to increase the number of competent healthcare providers in the area. He has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Wheaton College and received his MD from Wayne State School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Family Medicine In Bristol TN. In 2023, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Ulster University. Dr. Mitch maintains active U.S. medical licenses in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Brent Tucker is a retired Delta Force Operator, Special Forces Green Beret, Purple Heart Recipient and Cohost of the Anti-Hero Podcast. He is the owner and founder of First Responder's Coffee, Cigar, & Cask Company, Director of Training with Apollo by Medik Systems, and, amongst his many other acts of civil service, trains SWAT teams and first responders nationwide.

Marty Skovlund Jr. is a former Army Ranger who served eight years in the U.S. Army, including five combat deployments with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. After leaving the military, he found a new passion in writing and filmmaking, quickly building a career as a journalist covering major global events. His work has taken him from the protests at Standing Rock to war zones in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Ukraine, always with a focus on authentic, human-centered storytelling. He served as Vice President of Social Media Operations and Strategy at Black Rifle Coffee Company and as Editor in Chief at Task & Purpose, helping shape the voice of modern military media. Marty is the author of Violence of Action: Untold Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror and Send Me: The true story of a mother at war and has published widely across film, print, and television, including hosting a show on the History Channel.

Warfighter Tobacco is a veteran owned company founded by Combat Veterans Scott Jansen and Jon Simons. The crew talks about the challenges of the cigar industry, starting small business, raising kids and where the culture is going. We are also joined by Marine Combat Veteran and Comedian Mikey Fahey and Army Psyops veteran Jaz Broome from the show Freedom Friends.

Michael Burke is a retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major with over 24 years of service, including 16 years in Special Operations and 14 combat deployments—most of them with the 75th Ranger Regiment. He served during the Regiment’s most pivotal years, as it evolved into a premier Special Operations fighting force. Throughout his career, Mike played a key role in developing the tactics and doctrine that helped shape the modern Ranger Regiment.As the host of the Legends of the 75th Podcast, Mike brings firsthand insight, seasoned leadership, and a deep reverence for the Regiment’s legacy to every episode. Through powerful, in-depth conversations with some of the Regiment’s most iconic Rangers, he captures the real stories of heroism, sacrifice, and brotherhood—preserving Ranger history and amplifying the voices of those who lived it.Off the mic, Mike serves as Executive Director of Legends of the 75th, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring and professionally documenting the Regiment’s legacy. He also brings his leadership experience to the private sector as Senior Vice President of Operational Strategic Support at Main Street Auto.

Joey Vasatka and Brian Wendel are film producers and the co-founders of Yow Media. Both entered the Hollywood and film industry through unconventional paths—and they’re continuing to break the mold with their latest venture: the streaming platform Yow.Tv. Between them, they bring extensive experience working on major blockbuster films and hit reality TV shows. In this conversation, we dive into the challenges of filmmaking, the impact of censorship on social media, and the uphill battle of launching an independent streaming service.

Brian Dickinson, a native of the Pacific Northwest, grew up exploring the mountains and chasing adrenaline through extreme sports during his high school years. His adventurous spirit led him to join the U.S. Navy, where he earned a place in the elite ranks of the Navy Rescue Swimmers. After completing his service, Brian turned his focus to mountaineering, setting an ambitious goal: to climb the tallest mountain on each of the seven continents — the Seven Summits.In 2011, Brian set his sights on Mount Everest, an expedition that would change his life forever. Not only did he reach the summit, but he also became one of only two climbers to accomplish the feat solo. However, the triumph quickly turned into a life-threatening ordeal. Shortly after beginning his descent, Brian went snow blind. Relying solely on his training, sheer determination, and unwavering faith, he navigated his way down the mountain — blind and alone — surviving one of the most harrowing experiences imaginable.Brian recounts his incredible journey, the near-death experience, and the personal transformation that followed in his books Blind Descent and other acts of bravery of fellow veterans in Calm in the Chaos. He also shares his story as the host of the Calm in the Chaos podcast and travels the world as a public speaker, inspiring others with his message of resilience, faith, and survival.

Chris Naganuma grew up as a troublemaker in California, but everything changed the day he watched the Twin Towers fall on 9/11. Deeply moved, he enlisted in the U.S. Army right after high school and was quickly deployed with one of the first Stryker Combat Teams to Mosul, Iraq in 2004. After a brutal combat tour, he was injured during training and medically separated from the Army. Refusing to slow down, Chris became a competitive 3-gun athlete and launched S3F Solutions, a high-performance Glock barrel company. His leadership and drive eventually led him to become CEO of rapper Xzibit’s cannabis brand, Napalm. When the war in Ukraine began in 2022, Chris felt a new calling. What started as a personal mission to report on the war and send gear to soldiers grew into Project Leaflet—an organization focused on OSINT (open-source intelligence), delivering vital supplies to frontline troops, offering hands-on training, and solving real-world problems in modern conflict zones. This channel documents that journey, blending combat experience, tactical insight, and unfiltered reporting from the front lines of today’s global conflicts.

Nate Skinner started his career as a M1 Abrams tanker in the Minnesota National Guard. He was apart of the top performing Tank Companies from the infamous 34ID Redbulls. After the riots in 2020, Nate decided to shift to Religious Affairs to help his fellow soldiers on the front with their struggles with spirituality, moral and motivation.

Joseph Hahn is a highly decorated Navy SEAL veteran who served with the elite Tier 1 unit, DEVGRU (Development Group). His journey is a powerful testament to resilience, grit, and determination. After losing his mother at a young age, Joe was placed in the foster care system, where he moved through more than 50 homes before his 18th birthday. Despite the instability, he remained focused on his education, earning multiple scholarships to attend Texas A&M University. However, the September 11th attacks became a turning point in his life. Driven by a deep sense of duty, he left college to join the U.S. military. His relentless dedication and exceptional skill set carried him through the brutal training required to become a Navy SEAL. Pushing himself further, he would earn a place with the Elite Tier 1 Unit – DEVGRU, one of the world’s most elite and secretive special operations units.

Adam Schwarze is a highly decorated Marine infantryman who served with distinction in multiple battles during the Iraq War, including the initial invasion, the Battle of Najaf, and the First Battle of Fallujah. After his time in the Marine Corps, he transitioned to the Navy, becoming an officer in the Navy SEALs. Throughout his career, he completed multiple deployments worldwide, eventually moving into advanced deep-sea operations.During the pandemic, while preparing for retirement, his career took an unexpected turn when he became a political target after announcing his candidacy for Congress. He was charged, imprisoned in the brig, later released, and ultimately found innocent. Now, he is running for Congress to fight against the injustices he experienced, advocate for fellow veterans, and bring accountability to the system that failed him.

Drago Dzieran was born under the Communist Socialist Poland in 1960. He faced the horrors and challenges of life under the Iron Current, oppression of speech, religious faith and freedom. He was deemed a threat to the state and was imprisoned for taking part in the underground Polish Freedom resistance. Once released he received political refugee asylum in the United States were he would become a legend in the US Navy SEAL's.

The first of many episodes of Breaching with the Boys where close friends come onto bullsh!t about life and the world going on around us. Charley served in the Minnesota National Guard as a Chemical Weapons Specialist and Infantrymen. Blake Greibenow served in Afghanistan as a Infantrymen and later as in the National Guard.

Carey Kight went from loading bombs onto Jets in the Airforce to pursuing his life long dream of getting into filmmaking and adapting to the industry. He owns his own media agency and hosts the podcast Veteran Made, interviews with veterans who have crating their own path in business and entertainment. We cover topics that range to our most influential films to adapting and succeeding in the entertainment business.

Travis Ekbom is a successful CFO and very active in Minnesota GOP Politics. We discuss the most recent events shaping our country and legality of those actions.

Luke Counoyer is a Firefighter and former Narcotics Cop that served in the Embedded Training Teams in Afghanistan. At the height of the war, Luke would fight along side Afghan allies as a Combat Advisor, deep in the Pesh River Valley. He talks about the good and bad times out on mission and the adjustment of returning home to the states.

Nick Laidlaw is a Former USMC Infantrymen and now currently runs Battle and Beers, a highly successful Instagram page with a growing YouTube following. He has captured 1000's of stories from personal interviews that range from German Soldiers to GWOT Veterans. Nick also goes to current conflicts and battlefields to record the story of warfighters on the ground, capturing the raw emotions and feelings directly from the front.