It's A Blast Podcast
Mike, the EOD Happy Captain from X, sits down with veterans and military leaders to discuss how the military has contributed to their overall success and leadership style. Their conversations range from behavioral health in the military, to leadership lessons learned over time.
Episodes
March 24, 2025 • 33 mins
Representative Rick Crawford discusses his military background, particularly his experience as an EOD technician, and how it has shaped his career in Congress. He emphasizes the importance of supporting veterans, addressing issues like traumatic brain injury and veteran suicide, and highlights the establishment and growth of the EOD caucus. Representative Crawford also shares insights on the camaraderie within the EOD community and...
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November 11, 2024 • 26 mins
Mike sits down with Paula Laurita, the Command Librarian for Army Materials Command, to discuss the significance of Military Libraries Week and the extensive resources provided by the MWR Library System. They explore the various services available to military families, including educational resources, free subscriptions to magazines and newspapers, and the role of libraries in supporting service members and their families. Mike is ...
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October 28, 2024 • 36 mins
In this conversation, Mike sits down with Josh Green, known as One Punch Dad, to discuss his unique journey from aspiring musician and actor to a warrant officer in the Army. They explore the challenges and surprises of military life, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of social media on his career. Josh shares insights on creating relatable content that resonates with fellow service members and reflects on his experience...
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October 7, 2024 • 63 mins
In this episode, Mike sits down with James LaPorta, a verification producer for CBS and former Marine, to discuss his journey from military service to journalism. They explore the realities of combat, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and the impact of trauma. James shares his experiences in Afghanistan, the struggles of returning home, and how he found purpose in journalism. He also discusses the importance of vete...
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September 23, 2024 • 25 mins
I sat down with digital media creator and Soldier, Tyler Butterworth, to talk about his time in the Army National Guard, and how he got into creating content on Social Media.
His content is hilarious, but it was great to sit down and have serious conversation about the Army, and his personal life. Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to
commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He ...
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September 9, 2024 • 34 mins
Anthony Anderson, founder of Guardian of Valor, discusses his work in exposing stolen valor and the importance of protecting the integrity of military awards. He shares his personal journey as a veteran and how he became involved in exposing imposters. Anthony explains the legal definition of stolen valor and the difference between stolen valor and embellishing military records. He also addresses the process of obtaining service me...
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August 26, 2024 • 109 mins
In this conversation, Mike sits down with Joe Czikalla, an EOD technician, to discuss Joe's experiences in the EOD community. They discuss the challenges and adrenaline rush of being an EOD technician, as well as the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the field. The conversation also touches on the tragic loss of three EOD technicians during Joe's deployment. Joe discusses the intense workload and reporting requi...
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August 11, 2024 • 35 mins
Captain Chris "Chowdah" Hill, commander of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, discusses his leadership style and the use of social media and managing over 5,000 sailors on a ship. Captain Chowdhill's leadership philosophy, known as the Way of the Warrior Sailor, focuses on creating morale and recognizing the value of every sailor. He emphasizes the need for constant communication, mission and purpose, and sailor recognition. His social...
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June 10, 2024 • 99 mins
Mary Dague sits down with me and discusses her time as an EOD technician and life after EOD. She talks about her decision to join the army and her experience in EOD school. Mary also shares her first unit assignment and the challenges she faced as the first female in the unit as well as the challenges she faced in a male-dominated field, including communication barriers and preconceived notions. Mary talks with me about an incident...
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May 27, 2024 • 80 mins
Jeff Dawson, a Distinguished Service Cross recipient and EOD technician, shares his journey in the army and his experiences in the field. He was deployed to Afghanistan with the 28th EOD, a specialized EOD unit, and was involved in a mission where he encountered multiple IEDs and casualties. Despite being wounded multiple times, Jeff continued to work and save lives on the ground. He went on to complete seven deployments.
Jeff ta...
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May 20, 2024 • 40 mins
Mike sits down with Jeff Truex, a retired Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, and discusses his military career and the creation of the nonprofit organization, After the Long Walk, aimed at reducing EOD veteran suicide. After the Long Walk was founded in 2015 in response to the suicide of an EOD technician. The organization provides a 24-hour hotline manned by EOD technicians for EOD technicians in need of support. After ...
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May 13, 2024 • 32 mins
In this conversation, Mike interviews Michael Norton, a recruiting battalion commander, to debunk misconceptions about the state of Army recruiting. Norton emphasizes that the Army does not have a recruiting problem band highlights the success of his recruiting battalions in achieving their missions and overproducing. Norton addresses concerns about compromised standards, explaining that the army has not changed its standards but ...
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April 29, 2024 • 95 mins
SGM Mike Vining is a military legend. From his time as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician in Vietnam, to the founding of the United States Army's premiere counter terrorism force, Delta Force, Mike has done it all.
In this episode, Mike sits down and talks about his time in the Army to include being EOD, Vietnam, civilian life, and the founding of Delta Force.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prio...
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April 22, 2024 • 31 mins
SPC Christian Sutton, also known as the bone marrow guy, discusses his work in promoting bone marrow donation within the Army. He explains the importance of the bone marrow registry and how it helps individuals with cancer or blood disorders find a match for a life-saving donation. SPC Sutton shares his journey of getting involved in the bone marrow registry and the challenges he faced in establishing a sustainable program within t...
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April 15, 2024 • 47 mins
Mike sits down with Eric and Nick, two Special Forces Lieutenant Colonels, to discuss their article on online mentorship and their involvement in the Harding Project. They explore the importance of mentorship in the military and how it can be facilitated through digital platforms. They emphasize the need for a board of advisors rather than relying on a single mentor and highlight the value of feedback and self-improvement. The conv...
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April 8, 2024 • 85 mins
Chuck Ritter, a former deputy commandant of the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare NCO Academy, shares his military journey and experiences. He discusses his pre-army days, including his initial lack of interest in the military and his troubled youth. Chuck then talks about his time in basic training and his struggles with physical fitness. He shares his decision to attend Special Forces selection and the challenges he faced during th...
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April 1, 2024 • 24 mins
Luke Whitwell, a Cadet at Florida State University, shares his journey towards joining the military and his decision to pursue a career in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). Luke's upbringing in a military town and his family's military background influenced his interest in the military. He initially joined Army ROTC out of curiosity and gradually developed a passion for it. Luke highlights the competitive nature of the EOD branch ...
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March 25, 2024 • 35 mins
In this conversation, Mike sits down with Michael "Tony" Grinston, the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army and the current Army Emergency Relief (AER) CEO. They discuss Tony's transition from the military to his role as CEO, the mission and services provided by AER, and the importance of increasing awareness and participation in AER. They also touch on the possibility of expanding AER to the National Guard and Reserve, the wide range o...
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March 18, 2024 • 33 mins
Rob Evans, the creator of Hots and Cots, discusses the concept and impact of his app that allows service members to review their living and dining facilities. The conversation covers the inspiration behind Hots and Cots, the 2023 Government Accountability Office report on barracks, and the accountability and responsibility for barracks issues. Rob also shares positive outcomes from the app, the expansion to other facilities, and th...
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March 11, 2024 • 30 mins
In this episode, Mike sits down with Andy, also known as the MEDPROs Center of Excellence on Twitter, to discuss his military career and leadership philosophy. Andy shares his experiences of joining the military at a young age and serving during the Global War on Terror. He also opens up about his struggles with PTSD and the importance of seeking behavioral health help. Andy emphasizes the need for senior leaders to promote an envi...
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