Sentinel Strength

umblen

Welcome to my world, where Nick, a veteran with extensive experience in leadership and Special Forces, invites you to delve into his journey. Having served in the 1st Special Forces Group (A) across various roles and enduring the trials of combat, he brings a wealth of wisdom and tales. Nick, after retiring, pursued collegiate football, only to face the challenge of unrecognized military credits. Undeterred, he ventured into contracting, eventually finding his calling as a competitive Strongman.

  1. 2 APR

    Breaking the Bottle: A Green Beret’s Battle with Alcohol, Loss, and Finding God #58

    In this episode, I sit down with Brock Mergist, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret, who shares a raw and deeply personal story of failure, loss, and ultimately, redemption. Brock opens up about leaving the military disgruntled and angry, only to later realize that many of the challenges he faced were rooted in his own decisions. He speaks candidly about the consequences of alcohol abuse, infidelity, and the breakdown of his family, as well as the emotional toll of losing both his marriage and his father. Over time, through reflection and hitting rock bottom, Brock found a new path, turning to faith in God for strength, accountability, and purpose. Today, he is rebuilding his life with intention, dedicating himself to studying the Bible, helping others struggling with addiction, and sharing his message through his Substack, Christian Sheepdog. This conversation is about taking ownership, confronting your failures, and finding redemption when everything seems lost. It’s a powerful reminder that no matter how far you fall, there is always a path forward. Christian Sheepdog: https://substack.com/@christiansheepdogs?utm_source=top-search Intro Song: SHADOW Song by ONIMXRU and SMITHMANE - Capcut royalty free ‧ 2022 https://youtu.be/KkVWR3q2uOY?si=5QXnk0NpHIro-A3h Outro Song: Don't Stay on My Way Song by Evgeny Bardyuzha - Capcut royalty free ‧ 2022 https://youtu.be/zV_Xp-jPPbo?si=uT51V9ZA-u05MotS

    1hr 14min

  2. 26 MAR

    When the System Turns on You: Francesca Graham and the Fight Against IG Retaliation #57

    In this episode, I sit down with Francesca Graham, the Chief Operating Officer of the Walk the Talk Foundation and host of the Star Chamber Podcast. Francesca has become a leading advocate for service members, government civilians, and veterans who face Inspector General (IG) investigations and retaliation after reporting wrongdoing. We dive into the complicated reality of the IG complaint process and the difficult position many individuals face when they choose to report misconduct. Francesca explains how what begins as an attempt to do the right thing can sometimes spiral into professional and personal challenges, with whistleblowers experiencing investigations, career setbacks, and institutional pressure. Drawing from her work with Walk the Talk Foundation, Francesca discusses how her organization helps individuals navigate investigations, defend themselves against reprisals, and understand their rights within the system. We talk about the broader culture surrounding accountability, the risks involved when speaking out, and why advocacy groups are increasingly stepping in to support those who feel the system has turned against them. This is an important conversation about integrity, accountability, and the courage it takes to stand up when something isn’t right, even when the consequences can be severe. Walk the Talk Foundation: https://walkthetalkfoundation.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescagraham/ Intro Song: SHADOW Song by ONIMXRU and SMITHMANE - Capcut royalty free ‧ 2022 https://youtu.be/KkVWR3q2uOY?si=5QXnk0NpHIro-A3h Outro Song: Don't Stay on My Way Song by Evgeny Bardyuzha - Capcut royalty free ‧ 2022 https://youtu.be/zV_Xp-jPPbo?si=uT51V9ZA-u05MotS

    53 min

  3. 23 MAR

    From Special Forces to Service: Carl Roush on Life, Leadership, and Myanmar | Sentinel Strength #56

    In this episode, I sit down with Carl Roush, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret and the owner of Roush Global Advisory. Carl shares what life looked like as he approached the end of his military career and the transition into the next chapter after Special Forces. We talk openly about the blessings and challenges that come with life after service, how perspective changes once the uniform comes off, and what it means to find purpose in a new way. Carl also discusses the humanitarian efforts he’s involved in in Myanmar and how he’s working to help people facing difficult conditions there. This episode is a candid conversation between two Green Berets reflecting on service, transition, leadership, and the brotherhood that never really goes away. Sometimes it’s serious, sometimes it’s just two guys shooting the shit about life in Special Forces, but it’s an honest look at what comes after the teams. Intro Song: SHADOW Song by ONIMXRU and SMITHMANE - Capcut royalty free ‧ 2022 https://youtu.be/KkVWR3q2uOY?si=5QXnk0NpHIro-A3h Outro Song: Don't Stay on My Way Song by Evgeny Bardyuzha - Capcut royalty free ‧ 2022 https://youtu.be/zV_Xp-jPPbo?si=uT51V9ZA-u05MotS

    1hr 17min

  4. 16 MAR

    Endurance and Purpose: Mike Mendoza and the Military Reunion Foundation | Sentinel Strength #55

    In this episode, I sit down with Mike Mendoza, a Force Recon Marine, endurance athlete, and founder of the Military Reunion Foundation (MRF). Mike shares stories from his time serving in one of the Marine Corps’ most elite units and the mindset that carried him through that demanding career. After his time in service, Mike pushed his limits in a different arena, setting a world record for completing the most Half Triathlons in a single calendar year, proving that the warrior mindset doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. We also dive into the mission behind the Military Reunion Foundation, the organization Mike founded to reconnect veterans with the brothers they served alongside. He explains why reunions matter, how shared experiences help veterans heal, and how MRF is working to preserve the bonds formed in service. This conversation is about endurance, brotherhood, purpose, and continuing the mission long after military service ends. MRF: https://www.militaryreunionfoundation.org/ Intro Song: SHADOW Song by ONIMXRU and SMITHMANE - Capcut royalty free ‧ 2022 https://youtu.be/KkVWR3q2uOY?si=5QXnk0NpHIro-A3h Outro Song: Don't Stay on My Way Song by Evgeny Bardyuzha - Capcut royalty free ‧ 2022 https://youtu.be/zV_Xp-jPPbo?si=uT51V9ZA-u05MotS

    1hr 15min

  5. 5 JAN

    Grief, Memory, and Technology: How Reflekta Is Redefining Remembrance | #54

    In this episode, I sit down with Miles Spencer, founder of Reflekta, to explore one of the most complex intersections of technology and humanity: AI-driven remembrance of loved ones. Miles explains how Reflekta uses artificial intelligence to preserve a person’s voice, stories, and personality, not through generic internet data, but through family-owned inputs, strict data parameters, and intentional safeguards. Every interaction is built from recordings and memories provided by those closest to the individual, ensuring authenticity and respect. We also discuss the grief process, the ethical considerations surrounding AI memorialization, and the multidisciplinary team Miles has assembled to ensure Reflekta supports healing rather than replacing it. This is a thoughtful, nuanced conversation about loss, memory, and how technology may help people remember without exploiting grief. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Reflekta_ai Website: https://reflekta.ai/

    58 min

  6. 02/12/2025

    The Warrior-Scholar Project: Turning Military Experience into Academic Excellence | #53

    In this episode, I sit down with Kaedy Molley of the Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP). This national nonprofit helps enlisted veterans transition from military service to success at America’s top universities, including Ivy League schools. Kaedy shares her journey from serving as a U.S. Navy Arabic Cryptologic Linguist to mentoring and empowering fellow veterans through organizations like WSP, Student Veterans of America, Next Step Inbound, and the Ivy League Veterans Council. We discuss how the Warrior-Scholar Project’s immersive academic bootcamps equip veterans with the tools, confidence, and community they need to thrive in higher education. Kaedy also sheds light on the challenges many veterans face when navigating academia and how WSP bridges the gap between service and scholarship. This conversation is an inspiring look at what happens when veterans are given the opportunity, mentorship, and belief they need to reach their full potential. Intro Song: SHADOW Song by ONIMXRU and SMITHMANE - Capcut royalty free ‧ 2022 https://youtu.be/KkVWR3q2uOY?si=5QXnk0NpHIro-A3h Outro Song: Don't Stay on My Way Song by Evgeny Bardyuzha - Capcut royalty free ‧ 2022 https://youtu.be/zV_Xp-jPPbo?si=uT51V9ZA-u05MotS WSP: https://www.warrior-scholar.org/

    1hr 5min

  7. 31/10/2025

    Overpressure: The Hidden Wound of Modern Warfare| #52

    In this episode, I sit down with Todd Strader, founder of OverPressured.com, to discuss the long-term effects of blast overpressure on service members and what’s being done to address them. Todd explains his mission to implement a Blast Safety Officer program, ensuring that data from blast gauges is recorded and added to service members’ medical records, a critical step toward recognizing and treating post-service brain and neurological injuries. We also tackle the hard truths about the veteran suicide crisis, how it’s become an industry for some organizations more focused on profit than prevention, and what it really takes to fix the system from within. This episode pulls no punches and illuminates a problem most people have never heard of, but every veteran deserves to understand. Website: overpressured.com

    1hr 20min

  8. 31/10/2025

    Stronger Minds with Craig Hannum | #51

    Today, we sit down with Craig Hannum, a nationally recognized mental health expert who has delivered seminars across North America with one mission: to save lives from suicide. We dive deep into the critical topics of mental health, men’s mental health, and resiliency. Craig shares why the conversation around mental health is louder than ever—yet the mental health crisis continues to grow at an astronomical rate. This is a powerful and necessary discussion for anyone who cares about the future of our communities and the well-being of those we love. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-hannum-903baa149/ Email: thetoughesttopic@outlook.com

    1hr 16min
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About

Welcome to my world, where Nick, a veteran with extensive experience in leadership and Special Forces, invites you to delve into his journey. Having served in the 1st Special Forces Group (A) across various roles and enduring the trials of combat, he brings a wealth of wisdom and tales. Nick, after retiring, pursued collegiate football, only to face the challenge of unrecognized military credits. Undeterred, he ventured into contracting, eventually finding his calling as a competitive Strongman.

Information

  • Creator
    umblen
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © umblen
  • Show Website
    Sentinel Strength