The Protectors® with Jason Piccolo
The original The Protectors® podcast, established in 2019, is about resilience, reinvention, and the moments that change the direction of our lives. Hosted by retired federal agent, U.S. Army veteran (OIF 2006), author, and interviewer Dr. Jason Piccolo, the show explores what happens after service, success, failure, burnout, loss, transition, and personal transformation. Through conversations with veterans, leaders, athletes, entrepreneurs, and everyday people who chose a new path, The Protectors® focuses on growth, identity, purpose, and the courage to move forward. Jason also interviews both bestselling and independent authors, exploring the creative process, the writing journey, the challenges of publishing, and the stories behind the books. From debut novels to works by New York Times bestselling authors, these conversations offer insights into storytelling, perseverance, and success. These are conversations about second chapters, hard-earned wisdom, and finding meaning after life changes course. Whether you’re rebuilding, redefining yourself, chasing something new, launching a new venture, writing your first book, or simply trying to move forward, The Protectors® is about navigating change with resilience and purpose.
Episodes
We catch up with director William Kaufman on how he keeps his action films grounded in real tactics while still making audiences care about the people on screen. We talk New Orleans as a home base, Man Of War as his latest swing, and the teams and habits that make lower budget filmmaking hit like a bigger box office movie.
Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo
We sit down with our friend Garrett to talk through a real 24-year CIA career and why it looks nothing like the movie version people expect. We also unpack what happens after retirement and how intelligence tradecraft can translate into business intelligence, networking, and travel security.
Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo
We talk with Ward about moving from A-10 fighter pilot life to airline flying and then into a full-time career as a thriller author. We dig into what it takes to write authentic military fiction and how he handles the pressure of writing in the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan universe.
Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo
We catch up with Doug Brunt on the leap from cybersecurity CEO to full-time author and the surprising pressures that come with building a second-act career. We also dig into his research-driven storytelling on Emmanuel Nobel and how power can erase people from history.
Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo
The ticking clock. The pressure to keep sprinting like you're 30. The moment you realize your resume isn't your identity. Brad and I get into all of it — legacy as parents, discipline that shifts from external rules to internal standards, and what it actually means to build a creative career that depends on self-direction.
We also get honest about fitness after 50: staying consistent, adapting, and respecting recovery when old...
We dig into Royal Diamonds, the real mechanics of self-publishing, and what it takes to build a writing career from scratch.
Jack's a retired Army colonel who treats writing like discipline — wide reading (Clancy, Griffin, Cussler, Carr, Taylor), professional editing, repeatable process. Then we open the hood on indie publishing as a business: LLCs, cover design, Amazon, marketing. Writing the book is one part. The rest is ope...
After 536 conversations on Protectors, one thing keeps showing up: every guest has a moment where life demands a pivot. Not always a catastrophe, not always a dramatic turning point — but a real shift where career, identity, or purpose has to change direction.
We're still bringing incredible guests, still keeping it human, but we're done glossing over the most meaningful part of the story. We dig into how people recognize the ...
Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo
• The powerful impact of peer pressure in drinking culture, especially among first responders
• How alcohol addiction can become intertwined with personal identity and social connection
• The physiological effects of alcohol consumption including weight gain, poor sleep, and depression
• Nick's journey from losing his police career due to drinking to becoming a licensed mental health professional
• Frank's experience ma...
Tom Young joins the Protectors podcast to discuss his ninth novel and third World War II standalone work, "The Mapmaker," which explores the dangerous operations of the French Resistance.
• The novel follows Charlotte Deneau, a French-American woman who uses her artistic skills to create maps of German positions for the Resistance
• Charlotte becomes hunted by the Gestapo for her exceptional mapping abilities
• The sec...
We often limit ourselves by age, thinking our best contributions are behind us, but life offers multiple opportunities for reinvention regardless of your current age or stage.
• Different versions of ourselves emerge throughout life's journey – from career phases to parenthood to retirement
• Finding your "why" creates the foundation for discipline when motivation inevitably fades
• Consistency matters more than ...
Bill Frost joins the podcast to discuss the crisis of toxic leadership in law enforcement and the importance of finding purpose after retirement.
• Morning walks as physical therapy and mental health practice after career-ending injury
• The increase in toxic leadership across law enforcement agencies in recent decades
• How rushing promotions and political influence create poor leadership
• The problem of pro...
Derek Jackson shares his journey from Air Force jet engine mechanic to OSI special agent, revealing the intense personal and professional challenges of federal law enforcement, and how these experiences inspired his crime thriller novel "Shadow One."
• Starting as an enlisted jet engine mechanic before getting recruited to OSI
• Discussing the reality of FLETC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center) and the demanding tr...
Jason and Denny share candid reflections on veteran mental health, personal growth strategies, and the journey toward authentic living after military service.
• Veterans don't need to define themselves by brokenness or past trauma
• Mindfulness and meditation can be powerful alternatives to long-term medication for anxiety
• Creative outlets like photography and growing plants provide therapeutic benefits and new persp...
We delve deep into the reality of battling depression, challenging the stereotypes and exploring practical approaches for navigating mental health struggles.
• Depression is an invisible force that can affect anyone regardless of external success or appearance
• First step to healing is recognizing and admitting you're struggling
• Treatment requires multiple approaches—medication, therapy, exercise, meditation
Marcus Torgerson joined the show to discuss his new book. We also talk about faith and moving forward. *We do discuss suicide.
Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo
Jason shares his personal journey toward better physical and mental health, emphasizing how taking the first step outside your door can lead to transformative change in your life.
• Starting small with just a walk around the block can build momentum toward bigger health goals
• Physical movement directly impacts mental clarity and problem-solving abilities
• Protectors (law enforcement, military, first responders) have...
David Brown, former Navy SEAL and retired federal agent, joined the show to talk about his new book, AND GOLIATH: THE LITTLEST NAVYS SEASL
Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo
Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo
We explore redefining wellness within the first responder community, focusing on the integral connection between mental and physical health. Eric shares personal insights and strategies for cultivating a well-rounded approach to wellness.
• The importance of defining wellness beyond just physical health
• Strategies for engaging in peer support within first response teams
• Insights on avoiding burnout thro...
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