Episode 48: Ben Thompson

Tonight’s guest is Mike Toussaint, who served 21 years in the US Navy, with the majority of his experience as a dog handler. His final assignment was with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, or DEVGRU. This episode focuses on the origins of SEAL K9s during the Vietnam War and Mike’s experiences with Combat Assault Dogs (CADs) in the Global War on Terror. The discussion culminates in a 2009 hostage rescue mission to recover Bowe Bergdahl, an American soldier who had willingly deserted his base and been captured by the enemy. Mike highlights this mission and shares the story of his CAD, Remco, who is recognized as the first CAD to be awarded the Silver Star in the Global War on Terror. Follow Mike on Instagram: @remcothewardog Please visit my website for more:  Late Night History Website! (http://www.latenighthistorypodcast.com) This link is for other podcast platforms: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history Ways to support the channel:   Listener Support: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support  Join 13K followers of Late Night History on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latenighthistory/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support

Tonight’s guest is with my friend Gavin Fisher. Gavin has more than a decade of experience as a US Air Force Pararescueman, or PJ. He has 10+ deployments serving in the Global War on Terror and was famously awarded the Silver Star in the Battle of Ghazni in Afghanistan in 2018. 
Part 1 we dive into the history of the PJs and all the awesome traditions associated like Charlie the PJ, the Green Feet tattoo, the signature PJ cocktail, and so much more. Part 2 covers the PJs in the Global War on Terror, including the "Saved By Pedro" days and some of Gavin's personal experiences. 
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Listener Support: ⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support⁠⁠ 
Join 13K followers of Late Night History on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/latenighthistory/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support

Tonight’s guest is with my friend Gavin Fisher. Gavin has more than a decade of experience as a US Air Force Pararescueman, or PJ. He has 10+ deployments serving in the Global War on Terror and was famously awarded the Silver Star in the Battle of Ghazni in Afghanistan in 2018. This interview is split into two parts.  Part 1 focuses on Gavin’s journey from becoming one of the top lacrosse athletes in the country to joining the Air Force and graduating from one of the most challenging special operations selection courses in the world. Throughout the episode, we explore interesting traditions associated with selection, such as the Mogadishu Mile, as well as humorous cartoons and skits. Additionally, we delve into the rich history and heritage of PJs, particularly focusing on the legends from Vietnam who helped shape the PJ persona. Part 2 will be all about Gavin’s personal experiences. Late Night History Website! (http://www.latenighthistorypodcast.com) This link is for other podcast platforms: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history Ways to support the channel:   Listener Support: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support  10% Discount Code using MATTFRATUS at HR4K’s store. HR4K is a UK lifestyle brand founded by British SAS veteran, friend, and guest of the show (Episode 7) Ben Garwood. Follow the link here: https://www.hr4k.uk/?ref=MATTFRATUS Join 13K followers of Late Night History on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latenighthistory/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support

In 2010, the Colombian military teamed up with an advertising mogul to craft a pop song embedded with a secret message aimed at reaching soldiers held hostage in the jungle. Sources: Rescue of of the "Canadian Six" — A Classic Case of Deception by CIA. The Code: A Declassified and Unbelievable Hostage Rescue Story by Jeff Maysh from The Verge. How a Secret Message in a Colombian Song Gave Hostages Hope by Phoebe Hopson and Lucy Wallis from BBC News. Late Night History Website (http://www.latenighthistorypodcast.com) This link is for other podcast platforms: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history Ways to support the channel:   Listener Support: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support  Join 13K followers of Late Night History on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latenighthistory/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support

Tonight's guest is Ben Thompson. Ben is an early, early OG of Internet humor writing. He founded the website ⁠Badass of the Week⁠ in 2004, which gained a loyal following of millions of monthly readers. Ben's style of mixing witty pop-culture references, crude humor, and F-bombs with tales of historical heroes made history fun. The style has become so popular that history and humor writers everywhere have replicated it. Yes, even Drunk History, which we get into the controversy covering that ordeal. In addition, Ben has written 10+ books about historical heroes. Today, he is the co-host of the iHeartRadio podcast ⁠Badass of the Week⁠.  Check out ⁠Ben's Store⁠ where you can purchase his books and badass playing cards.  Other guests mentioned in the show: Alex West (⁠Episode 1⁠) Rob Garnett (⁠Episode 2⁠) Ben Garwood (⁠Episode 7⁠) RJ Thomas (⁠Episode 26⁠) Ed Loder (Episode 28) Ways to support the channel:   Late Night History Website — ⁠⁠⁠https://latenighthistorypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ This link is for other podcast platforms: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history⁠⁠⁠ Listener Support: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support⁠⁠⁠  10% Discount Code using MATTFRATUS at HR4K’s store. HR4K is a UK lifestyle brand founded by British SAS veteran, friend, and guest of the show (Episode 7) Ben Garwood. Follow the link here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hr4k.uk/?ref=MATTFRATUS⁠⁠⁠ Join 13K followers of Late Night History on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/latenighthistory/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support

The Origins of Navy SEAL Swagger is a mini-episode featuring three previous podcast guests Alex West, Kirby Horrell, and RJ Thomas. In less than 10 minutes, we discuss the SEAL mentality and swagger that emerged in the Vietnam War and how those concept transcend the test of time. Late Night History Website (⁠http://www.latenighthistorypodcast.com⁠) This link is for other podcast platforms: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history⁠ Ways to support the channel:   Listener Support: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support⁠  10% Discount Code using MATTFRATUS at HR4K’s store. HR4K is a UK lifestyle brand founded by British SAS veteran, friend, and guest of the show (Episode 7) Ben Garwood. Follow the link here: ⁠https://www.hr4k.uk/?ref=MATTFRATUS⁠ Join 13K followers of Late Night History on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/latenighthistory/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support

Tonight's guest is my good friend and one of my mentors Kyle Buckett. Kyle, or "Buck," as I know him, served a career in the US Navy, most of which was as a Navy SEAL. Buck served with various west coast-based SEAL Teams, including as a plank owner — or founding member — of Special Activities One (now called Special Reconnaissance Team One), a unique intelligence unit that helped bring the SEALs' mission success rate from just 35% to over 96% in a four year period. Episode 47 History Highlights: 1). US Navy before the SEALs and witnessing 9/11 while overseas. 2). BUD/S and class gifts. 3). SEAL Team 1 in Baghdad and helping stabilize Iraq to allow women to vote in the country’s first democratic election. 4). Plank owner of a unique military start-up and intelligence unit. 5). The various mission dynamics of different GWOT deployments to the Philippines and the Middle East.  6). Big picture strategy; plus a story about the cover of Time Magazine’s “What Happens if We Leave Afghanistan” featuring Afghan Bibi Aisha.  7). Village Stability Operations in Afghanistan. 8). Tactical leader of a major clearing operation that ended with divine intervention.  9). Behind-the-scenes insight and history about the military construction project to relocate the west coast-based SEAL Teams from Coronado to Imperial Beach. Other guests referenced throughout the show: Rob Garnett (Episode 2) Annie Ferguson (Episode 4) Rob Newson (Episode 35) Buy Buck's book: Leadership is Overrated Late Night History Website — ⁠https://latenighthistorypodcast.com⁠ This link is for other podcast platforms: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history⁠ Ways to support the channel:   Listener Support: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support⁠  10% Discount Code using MATTFRATUS at HR4K’s store. HR4K is a UK lifestyle brand founded by British SAS veteran, friend, and guest of the show (Episode 7) Ben Garwood. Follow the link here: ⁠https://www.hr4k.uk/?ref=MATTFRATUS⁠ Join 13K followers of Late Night History on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/latenighthistory/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support

It’s an honor to welcome former Navy SEAL officer and Paralympic champion Dan Cnossen to the show. Episode 46 History Highlights: 1). 80th anniversary of D-Day + Matt's experience at the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. 2). Unique Naval Academy traditions. 3. Selection to become a US Navy SEAL officer + Mini BUD/S  4). BUD/S Class 242 and the awesome Gladiator helmet class gift. Medal of Honor recipient Ed Byers is a graduate of class 242. 5). Deployments with SEAL Team 1 to the Philippines, Iraq, and Afghanistan. 6). In September 2009, Dan was wounded in action after he stepped on an IED. He lost both of his legs above the knee. Dan tells us about the mission. 7). 3-time Paralympian and 7x Paralympic medalist (2 Gold, 4 Silver, and 1 Bronze). 8). One More Wave, Dan's love for surfing, and what surf therapy means to him. 9). The Mountain Seed Foundation, which empowers US and Ukrainian veterans impacted by war through nature-based activities and community. Late Night History Website — https://latenighthistorypodcast.com This link is for other podcast platforms: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history Ways to support the channel:   Listener Support: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support  10% Discount Code using MATTFRATUS at HR4K’s store. HR4K is a UK lifestyle brand founded by British SAS veteran, friend, and guest of the show (Episode 7) Ben Garwood. Follow the link here: https://www.hr4k.uk/?ref=MATTFRATUS Join 13K followers of Late Night History on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latenighthistory/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support

Ret. FDNY Chief of Special Operations Command John Norman returns for Part 2. Episode 45 (Part 2) History Highlights: 1). The USAir Flight 5050 plane crash on Sept. 20, 1989. 2). History and mentors at Rescue 1. 3). Y2K Task Force and wargaming for future disasters or critical incidents. 4). John's perspective before, during, and in the immediate aftermath 9/11. 5). John's insider perspective towards the impact 9/11 had on the FDNY. 6). Rebuilding Special Operations Command after 9/11 because about 1/3 of the 450 members were killed. 7). Lessons learned from 9/11. 8). John's career until retirement in 2007 + advice for the young bucks looking to become great firefighters themselves. Follow John on Instagram: ⁠@chiefnormanfdny⁠ Buy John's book: Working With Giants ⁠Late Night History Website!⁠ This link is for other podcast platforms: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history⁠ Ways to support the channel:   Listener Support: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support⁠  10% Discount Code using MATTFRATUS at HR4K’s store. HR4K is a UK lifestyle brand founded by British SAS veteran, friend, and guest of the show (Episode 7) Ben Garwood. Follow the link here: ⁠https://www.hr4k.uk/?ref=MATTFRATUS⁠ Join 13K followers of Late Night History on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/latenighthistory/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support

Tonight’s guest is Ret. FDNY Chief of Special Operations Command John Norman.  John has more than 50 years of experience with the fire service. He is also the author of the riveting memoir “Working With Giants,” which is about his life, as well as the mentors he served alongside. John’s book is a reminder that the people that we try to emulate or aspire to become didn’t get to where they are today by themselves. They had mentors, coaches, and leaders in their lives that supported and guided their potential into greatness. Episode 45 (Part 1) History Highlights: 1. Family lineage of US military service in World War II as well as within the fire service. 2. Mentors at Inwood Fire Department (NY) and the meaning behind "sucking nails out of the floorboards." 3. History of Engine 290 in Brooklyn and its legendary reputation as one of the busiest fire companies in the world. 4. An in-depth discussion covering the history of Rescue Companies within the FDNY. 5. Peer-to-peer mentoring at Rescue 3 6. Tools and equipment of the job including entry tools, the Lyle gun, and lifesaving ropes. 7. Legendary reputation of Rescue 2 and the so-called War Years. 8. Mentors at Rescue 2, including Ray Downey, then a captain, who pioneered the formation of the 28 Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces strategically emplaced around the country to respond to catastrophic events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and terrorist attacks. (Can listen Ray's son, Joe, who later became FDNY's Chief of SOC on Episode 10).  Follow John on Instagram: @chiefnormanfdny Late Night History Website! This link is for other podcast platforms: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history Ways to support the channel:   Listener Support: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support  10% Discount Code using MATTFRATUS at HR4K’s store. HR4K is a UK lifestyle brand founded by British SAS veteran, friend, and guest of the show (Episode 7) Ben Garwood. Follow the link here: https://www.hr4k.uk/?ref=MATTFRATUS Join 13K followers of Late Night History on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latenighthistory/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/late-night-history/support