Beyond The Trek Fireside Chat: Conversations That Inspire

Beyond The Trek Fireside Chat: Conversations That Inspire

by Beyond The Trek

Entrepreneurship Mental Health

Season 1

Beyond The Trek Podcast: Episode 15 - 18 Good Guy

In this powerful episode, we sit down with 18 Good Guy — a U.S. Army Green Beret, social media influencer, and unapologetically authentic voice in the veteran space. He opens up about the responsibility of representing the Special Forces community online, building a platform rooted in honesty, and using humor and vulnerability to break down barriers. This is more than just a conversation — it’s a glimpse into the life of a modern warrior forging connection and impact far beyond the uniform. Follow 18 Good Guy on social media: 📱 Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @18goodguy #BeyondTheTrek #FiresideChat #18GoodGuy #GreenBeret #VeteranVoices #ConversationsThatInspire

Beyond The Trek Podcast: Episode 14 - Tabitha Farmer

Tabitha Farmer is a Gold Star Spouse, mother, and resilient voice of remembrance and strength. Her husband, CW2 Jonathan Farmer, a beloved Green Beret, was killed in action in Syria in 2019. Since his passing, Tabitha has shared her journey through grief, healing, and honoring Jon’s legacy—offering a powerful perspective on love, loss, and what it means to carry forward after unimaginable sacrifice. In this episode, she opens up about the day she received the news, the moments that changed her life, and the enduring strength it takes to live with purpose beyond the pain.

Beyond The Trek Podcast: Episode 13 - Taylor Cavanaugh

Taylor Cavanaugh is the only known individual to have served both as a U.S. Navy SEAL and a French Foreign Legionnaire—a journey that didn’t begin with military accolades, but rather in a place of pain, hardship, and personal reckoning. From incarceration to elite military service, Taylor’s path is a raw, powerful testament to transformation and grit. In this conversation, we dive into what it really takes to rewrite your story, embrace discipline at the highest level, and walk through darkness in pursuit of the light. Taylor’s experience goes beyond the battlefield—it’s about identity, redemption, and pushing past every self-imposed limit. If you’re someone training for something big, working through your own trials, or just looking for a reason to keep going—this one’s for you.

Beyond The Trek Podcast: Episode 12 - Nick Ruggieri

Nicholas Ruggieri is an Active-Duty Army Officer with 18 years of service in both Conventional and Special Operations Formations. Nick joined the Army Reserves while attending Union College in 2005, after graduation in 2008 he enlisted into active service as an X-ray technician at Fort Sam Houston TX. Realizing he was made for more; Nick attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection and was chosen to become a Special Forces Medical Sergeant. After completion of the Q-course Nick and his wife Allie moved to 7th SFG(A) at Eglin AFB. Nick eventually applied to the Interservice Physician Assistant Program and was accepted to attend in 2017. After commissioning in 2019, Nick became the Battalion Physician Assistant at Fort Stewart, GA and will be continuing his career overseas in Germany. Nick is a proud Father of three amazing kids!

Beyond The Trek Podcast: Episode 11 - SEAC (R) John Wayne Troxell

John Wayne Troxell is a retired United States Army senior noncommissioned officer who served as the third Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this capacity he served as the principal advisor to the Chairman and the Secretary of Defense on all matters related to the troops of the United States Armed Forces to include the lethality, readiness, fitness, welfare and deployability of the force, as well as joint force development and education. This position made Troxell the most senior enlisted member of the United States Armed Forces. He enlisted in September 1982 as an armored reconnaissance specialist and graduated from One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Troxell served in the United States Army for well over 37 years in numerous units throughout his career. Troxell’s five combat tours of duty include making the combat parachute jump and service in Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Desert Shield/Storm, two tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Troxell is married to the former Sandra Jimenez, his wife of over 37 years from El Paso, Texas. They have three adult sons and four grandchildren. Since his military retirement, Troxell has opened his own consulting firm, PME Hard Consulting, LLC, and now serves as a strategic advisor and brand ambassador for the US Chamber of Commerce Hiring Our Heroes Foundation, as well as brand ambassador for Veterans Lending Group, BeaverFit USA, Muscle Mac, Zyn Drink Products, Skinny Pasta and Eyewear Safety Systems (ESS); he serves as the Vice President for Strategic Planning for DFND USA; executive consultant for 5th Principle, LLC; and he also serves as a military consultant for Alpha Warrior 360 gyms and also consulted for Film 45 movie production company. Troxell is a strategic advisor for FitOps Foundation and serves on the advisory boards for the Tactical Combat League, Allied Forces Foundation, Emory Healthcare Veterans Program, Warrior Suicide Prevention Foundation, Our Community Salutes Foundation and the Patriot Foundation. He continues to focus on supporting service members, veterans, and their families.

Beyond The Trek Podcast: Episode 10 - Zac Cannon

Zac Cannon is a husband, father, and a seasoned Army veteran with 18 years of service, including 13 years in Special Operations. With seven combat deployments spanning Iraq, Afghanistan, and East Africa—along with 38 months operating across nine countries in Africa—Zac has lived a life forged in adversity. Beyond his military career, Zac is a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus and an advocate for discipline, resilience, and self-leadership. He speaks openly about his journey through addiction, emphasizing the power of seeking help, embracing personal accountability, and building a stronger future. His story is one of perseverance, faith, and the relentless pursuit of becoming better every day.

Beyond The Trek Podcast: Episode 9 - William "Bill" Ostlund

Colonel (Retired) William "Bill" Ostlund, a distinguished leader whose career exemplifies dedication, resilience, and exemplary service. Colonel Ostlund's journey began in 1983 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army, joining the elite 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence, he advanced rapidly, achieving the rank of Jumpmaster as a Specialist. In 1987, he transitioned to the Nebraska National Guard. Throughout his illustrious 36-year career, Colonel Ostlund held pivotal leadership roles across various esteemed units, including the 101st Airborne Division, the 75th Ranger Regiment, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. Notably, during a 15-month deployment to Afghanistan's Kunar Province, he commanded Task Force Rock, leading his battalion through intense combat operations. Under his leadership, the unit was recognized as one of the most decorated in the Global War on Terrorism, earning a Presidential Unit Citation and over 400 individual valor awards, including three Medals of Honor. Beyond the battlefield, Colonel Ostlund contributed significantly to military education, serving as the Director of Military Instruction at the United States Military Academy at West Point. In this role, he was instrumental in shaping the next generation of Army leaders, emphasizing the importance of discipline, resilience, and moral integrity. Following his retirement in 2019, Colonel Ostlund seamlessly transitioned to the private sector, bringing his extensive experience to corporate security roles at Google and YouTube. His journey from the front lines to the corporate world offers invaluable insights into leadership, adaptability, and the application of military principles in diverse environments.

Beyond The Trek Podcast: Episode 8 - Dario Giomi

From the battlefield to the streets, Dario Giomi has dedicated his life to service, facing danger head-on as an Army Cavalry Scout, SWAT officer, and two-time Medal of Valor recipient. In this episode, Dario shares his journey—from combat deployments to law enforcement, the challenges of PTSD and exhaustion syndrome, and his mission to support first responders in their healing. His story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and transformation. Don’t miss this powerful conversation on Beyond The Trek Podcast: Conversations That Inspire.

Beyond The Trek Podcast: Episode 7 - Mike Diaz

🎙 New Podcast Episode – Beyond the Trek Teammate Series Meet Mike Diaz a father, coach, and special operations veteran. His journey has been one of resilience, from the hardships of combat deployments to the personal battles of divorce and rediscovering his faith. Join us as Mike shares his story of struggle, redemption, and his powerful comeback to Christ. This is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Beyond The Trek Podcast: Episode 6 - Kevin Flack (Combat Veteran/ DownRange Supplements CEO)

Kevin Flack is an Iraq and Afghanistan Combat veteran currently residing in Bettendorf Iowa. Kevin was born in Lancaster California, and grew up on Whidbey Island Washington. Kevin served with the US Army 10th Mountain Light Infantry Division in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2006 - 2012 as an Infantry fire team leader and squad leader. After his son Wyatt was born in Bettendorf Iowa he left the military and moved to the Quad Cities to fulfill his responsibilities as a parent. Upon arrival in the Quad Cities he immediately enrolled in college where he was the President of his local Student Veterans association where he pursued liberal arts and psychology. He attended the Military and Family leadership institute put on by Student Veterans Association National and Purdue University. As well as Student veterans National Conference 2015 in San Antonio, Texas. Shortly after starting his Bachelor's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology he accepted a job with the Illinois National Guard Bureau as a Family Assistance Specialist. Handling resource facilitation and soldier and family readiness assistance for the northwest region. Shortly after taking this job his combat PTSD and TBI issues started to become more of an issue. It became bad enough that he admitted himself into the St. Cloud VAMC for 3 months of inpatient PTSD and TBI treatment. It was during this time that his diagnosis and tactical training were used as a reasoning to keep his son from him. This period and exposure almost led Kevin to take his own life while losing all faith in the judicial system we fought for. However it was also the catalyst to DownRange Excursions and DownRange Supplements. Kevin would go on 100 plus mile paddling trips in Iowa to remove himself from the overwhelming pressures and anxieties of the system he was dealing with and worry about his son. This coupled with a strict exercise routine and healthy diet not only allowed Kevin to mitigate his symptoms and the anxieties from the situation but eventually led him to actually becoming successful in his endeavor to obtaining custody of his son. Kevin started to bring law enforcement into the fold along with combat veterans. Giving them all a chance to meet on common ground and learn more about each other and how they both deal with a lot of the same issues from service. Shortly after this Kevin decided to license and incorporate DownRange Supplements to bring fitness supplements to the military and first responder demographics. Creating “ The Brand of The Troops”. Truly giving our men and women in uniform a brand they can call their own and bring health and fitness back to the forefront of troop mentality. With the hopes of promoting a lifestyle of health, acceptance and commitment to the military, law enforcement and first responder demographics.

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