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Lesser Known Operators

Nicholas Allen

Lesser Known Operators is my attempt to sit down and interview as many of the military's Special Operations Forces also known as "Operators" as I possibly can. There are a lot of really great "Operators" out there that no one has ever heard about. I want to go in to their experiences and learn some more about the best there are in our military.

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20 episodes
Avg 1 hr 48 min
English

Episodes 20

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#133
July 24 · 1 hr 9 min
129 - Alex Dekker, Green Beret, Author: Desert Heist
Most veterans don’t realize that writing fiction can be more than just therapy, it can unlock a new career, reconnect you with your purpose, and even inspire the next generation of warriors. Alex Decker, a Green Beret turned novelist, shares how creating a story about clandestine adventures in the Middle East helped him navigate life after military service—and how it might do the same for you.
#132
July 13 · 1 hr 3 min
128 - Justin Pickering, Green Beret, Author: The Deliberate Mindset
Justin Pickering, a former Green Beret and author of The Deliberate Mindset, talks about trauma, depression, and the mental health effects of combat and service. He also shares the practical mindset habits he uses to manage those challenges.
#131
May 8 · 1 hr 48 min
127 - Marc Fitzwater, Green Beret and Owner of I68 Consulting Group
Nicholas Allen and Marc Fitzwater discuss the importance of connecting people with resources and maintaining mental and physical health after military service. They highlight the role of community support and the significance of having a purpose in life.
#130
April 23 · 1 hr 22 min
126 - The Highwaymen Group with Nick Smith & George Pillsbury
In this episode, Nicholas Allen talks with Nicholas Smith and George Pillsbury from The Highwaymen Group about supporting veterans through outdoor activities and mentorship. They emphasize the importance of camaraderie and maintaining connections to help veterans transition to civilian life.
#129
April 9 · 2 hr 6 min
125 - Josh Johnson, CEO of Special Operators Transition Foundation
In this episode, Nicholas Allen talks with Josh Johnson, CEO of the Special Operators Transition Foundation, about leveraging military skills for civilian success and the importance of community and mentorship in veteran transitions. They emphasize building a personal brand, maintaining mental health, and using storytelling to advocate for veterans.
#128
April 2 · 2 hr 56 min
124 - Nathan Dial & Rolf Jensen, Two of The Original SOPC Cadre
In this episode, Nicholas Allen, Nathan Dial, and Rolf Jensen discuss their experiences and insights from their military careers, focusing on the development and impact of the 18X-ray program. They share personal stories about their time in the Special Forces, the challenges they faced, and the camaraderie that developed among them, highlighting the importance of training and preparation in shaping effective soldiers.
#127
March 25 · 1 hr 17 min
123 - Paul Ross, Deadline Defense, & Carthage Cattle Company
Paul Ross, a former Green Beret and founder of Deadline Defense, shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of community support and mentorship for veterans. He discusses innovative suppressor technology, the role of storytelling in military culture, and the significance of maintaining discipline and purpose after service.
#126
March 20 · 1 hr 35 min
122 - Roger Vogel on Civil Affairs and Tracer Burnout
Roger Vogel, co-host of the Tracer Burnout podcast, shares candid stories from his military service, revealing the hidden realities of veteran life, identity, and burnout. This episode offers a raw and honest look at military deployments, civil affairs, and the transition to civilian life, providing insights that challenge common perceptions.
#125
March 17 · 2 hr 2 min
121 - Christian Irvine: The Green Beret and founder of Veritas Ratings
In this episode of "Lesser Known Operators," host Nicholas Allen and guest Christian Irvine, a Green Beret and founder of Veritas Ratings, discuss the challenges veterans face in obtaining accurate disability ratings and the importance of mental health support. They highlight the cultural differences between active duty and National Guard life, emphasizing resilience and the impact of military service on personal growth.
#124
March 3 · 1 hr 28 min
120 - Rob Lindsay on Fitness, Firearms, and Mastering Mindset
In this episode, Marine veteran and entrepreneur Rob Lindsay discusses his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of mastering fundamentals, building a personal brand, and supporting mental health within the veteran community.
#123
February 27 · 1 hr 36 min
119 - Aaron Blaine on Wild Ops Box: Teaching Parents and Children Real World Skills
Nicholas Allen and Aaron Blaine discuss the Wild Ops Box, a subscription service designed to reconnect families through outdoor adventures, emphasizing the importance of real-world skills and emotional intelligence. They explore personal growth, entrepreneurship challenges, and the value of nature in fostering meaningful connections and legacy projects.
#122
February 24 · 1 hr 50 min
118 - Christian Dahl on Red Side Tactics and Survival University
Christian 'Chris' Dahl shares lessons from his Special Forces career, highlighting leadership, resilience, and the realities of operating in elite military environments. He also discusses his transition into motocross, survival training, and community building, emphasizing authenticity, injury prevention, and the evolving story of special operations.
#121
February 20 · 2 hr 38 min
117 - Chris Cathers Continuing Legacy with Brothers Keeper Veteran Foundation
This is a re-release of Episode 61 that originally aired in July of 2025.
#120
February 20 · 2 hr 38 min
117 - Chris Cathers Continuing Legacy with Brothers Keeper Veteran Foundation
This is a re-release of Episode 61 that originally aired in July of 2025.
#119
February 17 · 1 hr 58 min
116 - Four Branches Bourbon founder Rick Franco on Spirits, Service, and Global Response
Nicholas Allen speaks with Rick Franco about co-founding Four Branches Bourbon as a veteran-led response to alcohol abuse and suicide within the military community, promoting responsible drinking through the message “sip to remember.” They also explore Franco’s experiences with GRS and post-9/11 contracting, the importance of mentorship and storytelling, and the need for stronger community support for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
#118
February 13 · 1 hr 51 min
115 - Big Jon Mclaughlin from 1st Special Forces Group
Nicholas Allen speaks with former Special Forces operator Jon McLaughlin about his transition to civilian life, exploring mental health, hormone therapy, VA healthcare challenges, and the search for purpose after service. They also discuss the evolving identity of the “quiet professional,” the impact of technology and social media on military culture, and the enduring importance of mentorship, legacy, and connection within the regiment.
#117
February 10 · 1 hr 17 min
114 - Airman First Class Christian Bellmore's Story from his Mother Samantha Mecke
Nicholas Allen speaks with Samantha Mecke about the tragic loss of her son, Air Force service member Christian Bellmore, and her ongoing fight for accountability within the military medical system. The conversation highlights her mission through the Pines Path Collective to support service members and families by advocating for healthcare transparency, community support, and the power of sharing difficult stories.
#116
February 6 · 2 hr 1 min
113 - JTFK9s & Keith Holland on Saving Lives One Dog at a Time
Nicholas Allen speaks with Keith Holland, founder of JTF Canine and former Green Beret, about the life-changing impact of service dogs for veterans and law enforcement. They explore how purpose, community, and JTF Canine’s unique cortisol-detection training help prevent PTSD episodes and support healing after service.
#115
February 3 · 1 hr 18 min
112 - Special Forces Trust: Same Mission, Stronger Name with Cameron Davis & Nelson Young
Nicholas Allen speaks with Cameron Davis and Nelson Young of the Special Forces Trust about the organization’s evolving mission, programs, and commitment to supporting Special Forces members and their families throughout every stage of service. They highlight the importance of trust, anonymity, and early mental health intervention, with a focus on initiatives like Beyond the Battlefield that provide lifelong support to the military community.
#114
January 29 · 2 hr
111 - Chris Lessard: Green Beret and Owner of Brain Treatment Center of Northern Virginia
Nicholas Allen speaks with Chris Lessard about brain health, traumatic brain injury, and mental health in the military community, exploring stigma, alternative treatments, and the impact of training on long-term well-being. Their conversation emphasizes the power of community, family support, faith, and personal responsibility in healing, while encouraging veterans to build support systems and lead by example.

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