S5 E1 Alejandro Villanueva - US Army Ranger and NFL Pro

On this episode of SOFcast, we talk to retired Marine Raider Master Sgt. Jarad Stout. In previous episodes we've interviewed the recipients of many different valor awards, but today’s guest earned the Silver Star in an unexpected and little known location, Bamako, Mali. Jarad describes the details from that harrowing day, but that is only part of his story. He was also the Marine of the Year for 2019 and worked as a Congressional Fellow, all before he had to make an earlier than expected transition out of the military. Listen to how he successfully navigated his way into the tech industry and found a new and unexpected passion in the world of cyber-security. Listen now to this packed episode of SOFcast!

On this episode of SOFcast two senior leaders get personal, about their relationship and their careers. Command Sgt. Major JoAnn Naumann, U.S. Army Special Operations Command CSM, and her husband Command Sgt. Major Thomas “T.J.” Baird, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Senior Enlisted Leader, who have more than 50 years in combined military service, share their insights on what it takes to be successful in your personal and professional life.They also talk about what keeps them coming back and how they have remained motivated to serve and endure through the toughest assignments and missions.All that and more on a new SOFcast!

The Honorable Christopher P. Maier, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, joined SOFcast during SOF Week 2023 in Tampa, Florida.He discussed his role in advocating for the care of our people, the 1st SOF Truth, and how he works with the USSOCOM Preservation of the Force and Family team. Maier also discussed the importance of building understanding with senior policy makers to ensure SOF is properly equipped, funded and postured to meet future challenges. All that and more on this episode of SOFcast!

Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Williams shares details about the fateful day he earned the Medal of Honor. He also discusses talking with the President of the United States over the phone in his truck, and what it's like continuing to serve while holding the military's highest award.All that and more on this episode of SOFcast!

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Abernethy is the Senior Enlisted Leader for U.S. European Command. In this episode CSM Abernethy talks about his career in Special Forces, valuable take-aways from working at the highest levels, and advice to those in the force to remain ready and vigilant.All that and more on this episode of SOFcast!

British Royal Navy veteran and world-class chef Robert Irvine joins SOFcast to talk food, military service, and the lessons in service and leadership he's learned during his entrepreneurial journey. Chef Irvine tells is an inspirational story about transition from the military to success in the civilian business world, where he now owns a billion-dollar protein bar company he uses to help and serve others. All that and more on this episode of SOFcast!

1SG Jason Belford is an accomplished combat veteran of the 75th Ranger Regiment and respected a military leader. On this episode 1SG Belford opens up about not only his career coming up through the Ranger Regiment but also his personal struggles with suicide, the decision to change his career path for his family, and what he's learned through his personal and professional journey. This is a story that every SOF servicemember can relate to and one you don't want to miss. All that and more on this episode of SOFcast!

Operator Drift is real and can have negative effects on servicemembers, their families, and careers. Dr. Brittany Loney brings decades of research and real world experience to this discussion on helping increase operator efficiency, cognitive capability, and overall performance.All that and more on this episode of SOFcast!

SOFcast kicks off a new season with none other than Alejandro Villanueva, former NFL Pro and U.S. Army Ranger. We talk about life as an immigrant to the United States, his drive to serve his country, leadership under fire, and how pro football and the Army have more in common than you might think. All that and more on this episode of SOFcast!Subscribe today linktr.ee/sofcast

MGySgt Chance Stanley and retired Air Commando Mike Lundstrom introduce themselves and discuss the highlights of this upcoming season of SOFcast and the challenge and opportunities of hosting one of the DoD's top podcasts.Subscribe and listen now, also available on YouTube.