Finding Your Spine

Herzog Foundation
  • 4.3 (11)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

In a time when courage feels increasingly rare, Finding Your Spine challenges the status quo. Hosted by Dr. Chase Spears, this weekly podcast explores how Christians—and even secular conservatives—can stand firm in their values amid the pressures of cancel culture. With insightful commentary and bold conversations, Dr. Spears examines the tradeoff many make between conscience and comfort, reminding listeners that true freedom requires the spine to defend it. Tune in each week for thought-provoking discussions that inspire moral courage in an age of compromise.

  1. 2D AGO

    SEAL Veteran Takes on Woke Law Firms

    Dr. Chase Spears welcomes retired Navy SEAL Bill Brown—combat veteran, founder of the NYC SEAL Swim, and fearless advocate for veterans’ rights. From war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan to battling “woke” cancel culture inside a major law firm, Bill shares how speaking up against BLM promotion, critical race theory, and reprisals cost him his career—but freed him to fight harder. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:47 - From Cuba to SEAL Teams 00:03:07 - NYC SEAL Swim Origin 00:09:18 - Equine Therapy at Sky River Ranch 00:11:01 - Cancel Culture in the Workplace 00:13:33 - Law School & Woke Professors 00:18:55 - Fired for Free Speech 00:21:39 - Reprisal & Lawfare 00:26:48 - Fighting for Veterans’ Rights 00:31:19 - Ideological Fight at Home 00:36:58 - Moral High Ground & Action 00:43:18 - Heroes: Pete Hegseth & Tim Parlatore 01:04:25 - Final Thanks & Contacts You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

    1h 5m

  2. DEC 15

    He Spent 18 Years Inside the CIA

    Dr. Chase Spears welcomes Pedro Orta—18-year CIA veteran, undercover case officer, Iraq/Afghanistan combat veteran, and author of The Broken Whistle. From escaping Cuban communism to exposing waste, fraud, harassment, and life-threatening mismanagement inside Langley, Pedro reveals the brutal reprisals he faced for refusing to stay silent. He details the “say-do gap,” the broken whistleblower system, and why the agency’s culture of cover-ups endangers national security. A raw, first-hand look at the cost of courage inside America’s most secretive bureaucracy. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:46 - From Cuba to CIA 00:02:24 - War Zones & Counter-Narcotics 00:04:46 - 2014 Afghanistan Base 00:07:44 - Harassment & False Accusations 00:13:33 - Reprisal Begins 00:18:01 - Whistleblower System Fails 00:23:24 - Undercover Life & Cover Blown 00:29:06 - Fired After 18.5 Years 00:35:58 - The Broken Whistle Book 00:42:38 - Why the CIA Crushes Truth 00:49:27 - Final Thoughts You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

    1h 18m

  3. DEC 8

    Taming Dopamine: The Neuroscience of Boldness

    Dr. Chase Spears reunites with his former Georgetown professor, award-winning speechwriter, and bestselling author Mike Long (The Molecule of More, Taming the Molecule of More) for a wide-ranging conversation on dopamine—the brain chemical that drives ambition, restlessness, and the endless chase for “more.” They explore why dopamine isn’t the “happiness molecule” at all, how it fuels both human progress and modern dissatisfaction, why true meaning (not comfort) is the only lasting antidote to perpetual wanting, and how understanding this one neurotransmitter can give you the courage to stand firm when everything around you screams “compromise.” A masterclass in brain science, character, and living with spine in a world engineered to hijack your attention. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:03:41 - Mike’s Books & Dopamine 101 00:09:49 - What Dopamine Really Is 00:14:33 - Perpetual Dissatisfaction 00:18:37 - Finding Meaning That Satisfies 00:23:33 - Comfort vs. Conscience 00:26:07 - Ancient Survival Tool Gone Wild 00:43:18 - Courage to Face Who You Really Are 00:54:26 - Living in a Polarized Society 01:00:48 - Choosing Virtues That Anchor You 01:11:38 - Enjoy Every Sandwich You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

    1h 25m

  4. DEC 1

    Have Yourself A Merry Little G. K. Chesterton Christmas

    Dr. Chase Spears welcomes filmmaker and author Ryan Whitaker Smith—known for Surprised by Oxford, The Pendragon Cycle, and the beautifully crafted Winter Fire—to explore why G.K. Chesterton remains one of the most joyful, insightful, and courageous Christian voices on the meaning of Christmas.Together they discuss how Chesterton reawakened their sense of wonder at the Incarnation, why the holiday’s ancient roots are something to redeem rather than reject, the richness of celebrating all twelve days of Christmas, and how true Christian joy carries a spark of holy mischief. A thoughtful, heartwarming conversation perfect for anyone wanting to enter Advent with deeper awe and intentional celebration. You can learn more about Ryan's films here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3081301/ You can find Ryan's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BYZXLBRW?ccs_id=112ec8e3-1cd0-40ac-8477-6e3772b290a7 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:38 - First Encounter with Chesterton 00:06:12 - Best Writer of the 20th Century 00:10:17 - Winter Fire Book Vision 00:13:16 - Redeeming Pagan Traditions 00:16:11 - Chesterton’s Childlike Wonder 00:18:18 - Recipes & Parlor Games 00:27:31 - Extend Christmas 12 Days 00:37:25 - Everlasting Man Passion Quote 00:42:14 - Ryan’s Films & Books 00:49:27 - Final Thanks & Book Plug You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

    51 min

  5. NOV 24

    False Accusations in the Military

    THIS EPISODE DEALS WITH HEAVY AND SENSITIVE TOPICS. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Dr. Chase Spears welcomes back retired Navy CDR Theresa Carpenter—30-year PAO, Stories of Service host, and military justice advocate. She reveals why she retired 6 months early: supporting Pete Hegseth’s SecDef nomination. From press conference speech to Newsmax stand-down, a LOI, and housing fraud accusations, she details the “say-do gap,” double standards, and fear-driven silence. Part 2 explores false allegations, flawed investigations, and why she won’t stop advocating. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:56 - Early Retirement 00:02:04 - Meeting Pete Hegseth 00:03:40 - Command Friction 00:09:12 - DC Press Conference 00:17:40 - Phone Confrontation 00:21:39 - Letter of Instruction 00:29:06 - Facebook Harassment 00:35:58 - Skill Bridge Exit 00:42:38 - Admin Justice Flaws 00:55:18 - False Allegations Crisis You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

    1h 13m

  6. NOV 17

    Navy Public Affairs Officer Speaks Out

    Dr. Chase Spears welcomes Navy Commander Theresa Carpenter—30-year public affairs veteran, Stories of Service podcast host, and advocate for military justice reform. Ten days post-retirement, she shares her journey from aviation electrician to PAO, disillusionment with leadership’s “say-do gap,” the Brett Crozier case, Bowe Bergdahl narrative control, and why she spoke out despite backlash. They explore ethical tensions in military communication, DEI’s impact on cohesion, and advice for active-duty PAOs afraid to speak. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:38 - Theresa’s Navy Career 00:04:57 - Brett Crozier Case 00:07:44 - Bowe Bergdahl Narrative 00:11:23 - Pentagon Press Pool 00:13:22 - Becoming a PAO 00:17:18 - Rumsfeld Armor Moment 00:19:59 - Bergdahl Viral Piece 00:23:15 - Betrayal & Trust 00:29:54 - Meeting on Social Media 00:36:46 - Life on Ships 00:44:49 - Retirement Reflections 00:56:54 - Advice to PAOs You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

    1 hr

  7. NOV 10

    Building Courage from the Founding Fathers to the Modern Military

    Dr. Chase Spears welcomes Dr. Franklin Annis, an active-duty military philosopher and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, to explore how education shapes courage and leadership. They trace Stoic influences on America’s founding and military traditions, examine Alden Partridge’s pioneering character-building at West Point, and contrast Renaissance ideals with the Prussian obedience model that still dominates today. Annis shares insights from his book Marching with Spartans (Vol. 1), battlefield lessons, and practical steps parents can take—classical reading, voluntary hardship, ruck marches—to raise resilient, virtuous children. You can follow Dr. Annis on X @EvolvingWar. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:47 - Book & Credentials 00:04:31 - Founding Era Model 00:06:48 - Philosophy Decline 00:07:55 - Prussian Origins 00:11:31 - Dewey Influence 00:15:02 - Courage Grounding 00:16:57 - College Purpose 00:19:18 - Eudaimonia Happiness 00:23:35 - Self-Reliance Economy 00:28:39 - Prussian Eugenics 00:34:45 - Andragogy vs Pedagogy 00:38:24 - Citizen Duties Lost 00:40:19 - Conflicting Worldviews 00:45:51 - Stoic Philosophy 00:48:07 - Cato & Archetypes 00:51:32 - Modern Stories 00:56:17 - Parent Solutions 01:00:46 - Partridge Marches 01:02:26 - Follow Dr. Annis 01:03:00 - Closing You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

    1h 4m

  8. NOV 3

    Getting Involved in Local Governance

    Dr. Chase Spears welcomes Vanessa Reid, a Leavenworth County commissioner, to Finding Your Spine. Vanessa shares her 2020 awakening to political involvement, from challenging school policies on masks and critical race theory to running for office. They discuss the importance of courage in local governance, standing against woke agendas, and building Christian communities. Vanessa reflects on trials as training, family priorities, and encouraging others to act boldly. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:03:46 - Mask Mandates 00:05:33 - CRT in Schools 00:07:04 - Running for Office 00:10:47 - Political Challenges 00:12:19 - Community Support 00:15:03 - Faith Influence 00:17:17 - Local Impact 00:20:24 - Courage in Action 00:26:51 - Trials as Training 00:31:05 - Family Priorities 00:36:21 - Encouragement for Others 00:53:39 - Closing Remarks You can follow Chase Spears on X @DrChaseSpears. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #Faith #ChristianLiving #Military #Discipline #Morality #Politics #BiblicalMasculinity #Masculinity #ChristianPodcast #American #America #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #NationalGuard #ChristianMen

    55 min
See All (39)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

In a time when courage feels increasingly rare, Finding Your Spine challenges the status quo. Hosted by Dr. Chase Spears, this weekly podcast explores how Christians—and even secular conservatives—can stand firm in their values amid the pressures of cancel culture. With insightful commentary and bold conversations, Dr. Spears examines the tradeoff many make between conscience and comfort, reminding listeners that true freedom requires the spine to defend it. Tune in each week for thought-provoking discussions that inspire moral courage in an age of compromise.

Information

  • Creator
    Herzog Foundation
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Herzog Foundation
  • Show Website
    Finding Your Spine

You Might Also Like