How do FBI SWAT operators stay calm when they know the person on the other side of the door could be armed? Former FBI Special Agent Eric Robinson says the answer is not pretending fear doesn’t exist. It’s competence. After 15 years on FBI SWAT, Eric learned that extensive training,…
Which was tougher: Iraq or Afghanistan? Marine veteran John Bruggeman explains why both tested combat leaders in different ways. In this clip from The MisFitNation, John joins U.S. Army veteran Rich LaMonica to discuss changing battlefield conditions, adapting during deployments, and the responsibility of making decisions when other people depend…
What happens after a VA disability claim lands on a rating specialist’s desk? For The MisFitNation’s 700th episode, Jake and Stephen welcome U.S. Army veteran and retired VA Rating Specialist Dewayne Kimble to The Toosday Crüe. Dewayne takes listeners inside the claims process: how a rater reviews service records and…
Why would the FBI hire a pastor, teacher, attorney, accountant, or history major instead of only recruiting police officers and military veterans? Former FBI Special Agent Eric Robinson explains why different professional backgrounds can become a major advantage during complex criminal investigations. The FBI often works long-term cases that can…
What happens when a Baptist pastor trades the pulpit for Quantico—and eventually becomes a 15-year FBI SWAT operator? On this episode of TheMisFitNation, former FBI Special Agent Eric Robinson joins Jake and Stephen for a wide-ranging conversation about his extraordinary journey from Christian ministry to 24 years inside the Federal…
A great conversation with Jon Cole on the Bunkhouse show
How does spending 12 years as a pastor prepare someone to interview FBI suspects, witnesses, informants, and people experiencing trauma? Former FBI Special Agent Eric Robinson explains that one of his greatest investigative advantages wasn’t intimidation—it was learning how to listen, build trust, draw people out, and communicate without immediately…
Why would a Naval Academy graduate choose the Marine Corps—and then become an infantry officer? John Bruggeman says the Marine leaders he met at Annapolis showed him the kind of officer he wanted to become: one who worked closely with young Marines and helped prepare them for whatever came next.…
A new part for Jake’s truck cost $700. He bought a $175 motherboard, rebuilt the part himself, and got the truck running. That repair opens a Garage Talk conversation with Jake Holland and Stephen LaMonica about saving money on car maintenance, learning by doing, and passing those skills on. Stephen…
🔥 THE MISFITNATION HITS 700 EPISODES THIS WEEK! Four days. Four powerful conversations. One HUGE milestone as The MisFitNation and The ToosDay Crüe continue bringing Veteran stories, resources, leadership, and real conversations to the community. 🐎 SUNDAY – ZACHARY LEYDEN U.S. Army Veteran Zachary Leyden served in Long Range Surveillance…
🔥 FOUR SHOWS. FOUR VERY DIFFERENT STORIES. ONE INCREDIBLE WEEK. From war journalism and life after trauma to Army leadership, professional wrestling, and lessons forged across 300 combat missions—this week had RANGE. 🎙️ SUNDAY – SEAN CARBERRY RETURNED Award-winning former NPR journalist and author Sean Carberry came back to The…
What would you do if you opened the mail and found your child’s military draft notice? In this powerful reading from SAFEKEEPING, author Claudia Hinz introduces us to Tenley Ward at the exact moment her world changes. Tenley finds a draft letter addressed to her 19-year-old son, Chance. At first,…
What happens when the life you knew changes in an instant—but your mission is far from over? On this episode of The MisFitNation, we welcome U.S. Army veteran Casey Callister, co-founder and president of Vet5 Foundation, for a powerful conversation about military service, paralysis, adaptation, purpose, and the veteran community.…
🇺🇸 VA disability claims can be confusing—but understanding how the process works can make a difference in how veterans approach their claims journey. On this episode of The Toosday Crüe, we welcome Dewayne Kimble, U.S. Army veteran, retired VA Rating Specialist, VA claims educator, speaker, entrepreneur, and Amazon bestselling author.…
What can a 1,200-pound horse teach an Army veteran about trust, strength, leadership, and life after war? On this episode of The MisFitNation, we welcome Zachary Leyden, U.S. Army Long Range Surveillance veteran, horseman, entrepreneur, co-founder of Leyden Horsemanship, and co-author of Soft Is Strong: The Art of Horsemanship. Zachary…
How far would you go to protect your child? Author Claudia Hinz breaks down Tenley Ward, the fiercely protective mother at the center of her debut novel SAFEKEEPING. Tenley is what Claudia describes as the ultimate helicopter parent—a mother accustomed to being involved, solving problems, using her resources, and doing…
What happens when the mission ends, the uniform comes off, and you’re left wondering what comes next? In this clip from The MisFitNation, Chris Norris, MSW — General Manager & Lead Facilitator, Cognitive Fitness Coach explains why finding your North Star starts with identifying your core values. For veterans transitioning…
Can protest be an expression of patriotism? Author Claudia Hinz joins The MisFitNation to discuss protest, patriotism, veterans, military service, and the difficult line between questioning a government’s decision to go to war and supporting the men and women ordered to serve. Claudia explains why she views peaceful protest as…
For many veterans, leaving the military is not just a career change. It can feel like losing an identity. In this powerful clip from The MisFitNation, Chris Norris, MSW — General Manager & Lead Facilitator, Cognitive Fitness Coach talks about the transition from military service to civilian life and the…
What would happen if war stopped being something happening somewhere else—and suddenly came directly to your family? In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation, Rich LaMonica sits down with author and former television reporter Claudia Hinz, whose debut novel SAFEKEEPING imagines a near-future America where the military draft has returned.…
What actually helps when a veteran is struggling? US Navy veteran and author Rob Robertson says one of the most valuable things he has found in veteran group counseling is surprisingly simple: Veterans share tools. Not commands. Not guarantees. Not “this will fix everything.” Instead, someone says: “This is what…
U.S. Navy veteran Chris Norris, MSW — General Manager & Lead Facilitator, Cognitive Fitness Coach was excelling professionally while privately losing his battle with alcohol. Then came the night that changed everything. Chris was arrested for DUI after registering three times the legal limit—while driving a vehicle marked “For Official…
How do you stay focused when the pressure is high and there’s no easy way to step away? US Navy veteran and former submariner Rob Robertson shares one of the most important lessons he learned from operating in high-stress environments: Focus on what’s in front of you. Don’t get trapped…
What happens when the mission that defined your life suddenly ends? US Navy veteran, submariner, martial artist, and author Rob Robertson joins The Toosday Crüe for a powerful conversation about six years aboard the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Louisville, the pressure of earning his submarine dolphins, and the lessons that…