Project Sapient (Police & Military Discussions)

In this compelling episode of Project Sapient, the host, Ayman Kafel, welcomes Ben and Jess Owens, the dynamic duo behind several successful businesses and non-profits aimed at combating addiction and human trafficking. Their journey from the depths of addiction to becoming beacons of hope and change serves as a testament to the power of purpose and resilience.

The conversation delves into the inception of Owen's Army, a groundbrea...

In this episode of Project Sapient, join us as we dive into an engaging conversation with Chad Ballestrazze, the founder of Beyond the Trek. Chad shares his journey from an 18-year career in Army Special Operations to creating a leadership and human performance company. Discover the values of discipline, resilience, and integrity as Chad discusses the lessons learned from seven deployments and how they apply to leading teams with p...

In this episode of Project Sapient, we dive deep into the realms of law enforcement and tactical psychology with Dr. Jennifer Prohaska. As a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in neurorehabilitation, trauma, and critical incident response, Dr. Prohaska brings invaluable insights into the mental and emotional challenges faced by those in high-pressure roles.

Dr. Prohaska discusses her unconventional entry into the world of ...

Join us in this engaging episode of Project Sapient. Our guest, Nick Allen, a retired Green Beret and now the driving force behind his podcast initiative, Lesser Known Operators, shares his inspiring journey from military service to podcasting.

Nick opens up about his experiences in the Green Berets, candidly discussing the physical and mental tolls of active service, including his own battle with injuries and the subsequent path t...

Join us in this gripping episode of Project Sapient, where we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Dave Burke, an Army veteran who faced a life-altering accident in the mid-1980s. Discover how Dave's hand injury led him on a transformative path, culminating in a revolutionary reconstructive surgery known as the AMI, which ignited his life with renewed purpose.

We explore Dave's profound experiences at the X-35 event, a gathering...

In this episode of Project Sapient, Ayman Kafel dives into a captivating discussion with Al Salvitti, who is the Head Combatives Instructor at Northern Red, to explore the fusion of martial arts and combat training. Al shares his extensive experience, spanning over five decades in various martial arts styles such as Taekwondo and boxing. He recounts his transition into blade work, highlighting the development of a specialized blade...

In this compelling episode of Project Sapient, host Ayman engages in a profound conversation with retired Army Ranger Matt Eversman. Known for his role in the iconic Battle of Mogadishu, Matt shares his remarkable experiences, from his days in the 75th Ranger Regiment to his deployments in Iraq. Listeners will gain insight into the mindset of a soldier, the chaos of urban warfare, and the lessons learned from battle.

Matt delves in...

In this gripping episode, we dive into the world of law enforcement with retired detective Brent Cartwright, who shares his incredible journey from being a dedicated police officer in Kansas City to surviving a life-threatening incident while working undercover. Brent recounts his early days in the military, his transition into law enforcement, and the intense experiences of working as an undercover detective in narcotics and firea...

In this enlightening episode, we delve into profound leadership insights with General John Teichert. General Teichert, a seasoned military leader and former candidate for the U.S. Senate, shares his wealth of experience in fostering leadership that inspires innovation and resilience. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the importance of shared humanity and servant leadership in both military and law enforcement settings.

Liste...

This episode of Project Sapient delves into a powerful conversation about resilience and mindset with special guest Mike Espinoza. Mike, a military veteran who embodies the spirit of perseverance, shares his transformative journey from military service through overcoming addiction and his subsequent path to recovery.

During the episode, we discuss Mike's early military career, which included deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He ...

In this compelling episode of Project Sapient, we sit down with retired Sergeant Major Joe Young, a decorated veteran with over 42 years of service in the Massachusetts National Guard. Known affectionately as Mighty Joe Young, he shares his remarkable military journey, including two significant deployments to Iraq that tested his resolve and showcased his dedication to duty.

During a candid conversation, Joe reflects on the infamou...

In this special episode of the Project Sapient podcast, hosts welcome back Dave and Stacy, founders of 22Mohawks, alongside Graham from X-35 Airborne School, to discuss the remarkable growth and impact of the 22 Mohawks Airborne Retreat. Originally inspired by the fall of Afghanistan, this initiative was created to support the veteran community through the thrilling experience of skydiving and crucial mental health resources.

The e...

In this engaging episode of Project Sapient, our hosts return from a brief hiatus to delve into critical topics affecting the law enforcement and military communities. They kick off with personal anecdotes, including a candid discussion about the challenges of advocating for one's health in a system that can often be frustrating.

The conversation transitions into an insightful analysis of police recruitment and training. Drawing in...

Welcome back to Project Sapient, where we dive into the essential conversations for the law enforcement and military communities. In this episode, we reconnect with Mike Malpass, a retired police officer with over 30 years of experience, including 11.5 years with the SWAT team in Phoenix, Arizona. Mike is the author of several books, including his latest, "Tenacious Resilience."

Join us as Mike discusses the neuroscience behind eff...

In this compelling episode of Project Sapient, we dive into the incredible story of Elisha Perkins, a former police officer and U.S. Army veteran. Despite facing immense challenges, including severe injuries from an IED blast in Afghanistan and a battle with cancer, Alicia has persevered with remarkable resilience.

Host Ayman talks with Elisha about her journey from serving in the St. Pete Police Department to her deployments in Af...

Episode Overview

Welcome to another exciting episode of Project Sapient! In this special in-person recording, we broadcast from the incredible SIG Sauer Academy and the SIG Experience Center in Epping, New Hampshire. This episode dives deep into the intersection of martial arts and firearms training, featuring an insightful conversation with Gavin Wegman, a former U.S. Marine artilleryman and current Range Safety Officer at SIG Sau...

Welcome back to Project Sapient! In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of law enforcement with JT, the mind behind the popular Instagram page "Survive Policing." JT joins us to share his journey from a military police officer in the Air Force to a 10-year veteran of a large county agency in Maryland.

JT discusses the complexities and challenges of the policing profession, emphasizing the importance of both on-duty and of...

In this compelling episode of Project Sapient, we dive into the inspiring story of Bridget Truxillo, a former police officer who has transformed her challenging experiences into a mission to support her fellow first responders. With a background that includes being the only female on the SWAT team and extensive work as an undercover narcotics investigator, Bridget faced harassment, discrimination, and hostile work environments. Des...

Welcome to another engaging episode of Project Sapient, where we dive deep into the efforts and initiatives of 22 Mohawks, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders. Our hosts kick off the episode with updates from their sponsors, AAA Police Supply and Havoc Journal, emphasizing the importance of community support.

This week, we are joined by Dave Campisano, the founder of 22 Mohawks. Dave shares the ins...