Not Special: A Liberty Speaks Show

Liberty Speaks | Motivational Talks & Honest Conversations
  • 5.0 (5)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Welcome to Not Special with Herb & Corrie Thompson Real people. Real stories. Real growth.Join Herb, a Green Beret, and Corrie Thompson, his less hairy half,  as they sit down with special guests — from veterans, leaders, and everyday people who’ve faced extraordinary challenges.Each episode of Not Special explores what it means to be human — to face fear, lead through change, and find purpose in the in life. You’ll hear unfiltered conversations about resilience, mindset, leadership, and authenticity — the kind of wisdom that helps you get unstuck and start living with more courage and clarity.💬 Honest conversations that make you laugh, think, and feel.💡 Lessons on overcoming fear, embracing failure, and leading with heart.🔥 Motivation for anyone chasing purpose, growth, or a fresh start.🎧 New episodes every Thursday — subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a story that might just change the way you see yourself.

  1. 2D AGO

    Ranger to Green Beret to Rock Bottom Then Redemption | Ricky Mills Interview

    Send us Fan Mail Ricky Mills is a former Army Ranger and Green Beret whose story goes far beyond combat. From a difficult childhood to elite military service, Ricky built his identity around strength and resilience, until a near-fatal accident and traumatic brain injury forced everything to unravel. In this episode, he shares:  What it’s like to lose your sense of self  How trauma affects families, not just individuals  The long road back from isolation and brokenness  Why helping other veterans became his mission This is a raw conversation about identity, leadership, and what it takes to rebuild your life from the ground up. Connect with Liberty Speaks:  🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com  🔗 Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/_ownyourjourney_ Support those that support us:  ZeroEyes www.zeroeyes.com

    50 min

  2. MAR 19

    He Had No Military Background But Was Selected For Elite CIA Unit | Bryan Mabry Interview

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when a “normal” guy walks into a world built for SEALs, Rangers, and operators and refuses to quit? In this episode of Not Special, Bryan Mabry shares the inside story of going from overlooked candidate to CIA Global Response Staff (GRS) operator. He eventually lead training for the next generation in this elite unit. We go deep into: * Getting rejected and coming back stronger * Earning respect in a room full of elite operators * What real leadership looks like under pressure * Life after the CIA: tech, venture capital, and defense innovation * The hidden challenges of transitioning out of high-stakes environments * Why decision-making, not perfection, is the ultimate advantage This isn’t Hollywood. This is what it actually takes. Connect with Liberty Speaks:  🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com  🔗 Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/_ownyourjourney_ Support those that support us:  Dr. James Lynch www.drjameslynch.com ZeroEyes www.zeroeyes.com 👉 Don’t forget to follow, like, and share if you found this conversation valuable. Your support helps us bring more stories of resilience, leadership, and freedom to light.

    47 min

  3. MAR 12

    Operator Syndrome Explained | Dr. Chris Frueh on Elite Performance & Veteran Health

    Send us Fan Mail Clinical psychologist Dr. Chris Frueh explains Operator Syndrome and the hidden physical and psychological costs of elite military performance in this honest conversation that impacts veteran stories. In this episode of Not Special, Herb and Corrie Thompson sit down with clinical psychologist, professor, and researcher Chris Frueh, author of Operator Syndrome.   Dr. Frueh has spent decades studying combat veterans, special operations forces, and high-performance military communities. His work explores the complex mix of physical strain, neurological stress, hormonal changes, and psychological pressure that can accumulate after years of elite operational tempo. The conversation begins with Frueh’s early life growing up with a Vietnam War veteran father, which shaped his interest in psychology and trauma research. From there, the discussion dives into how long-term exposure to high-intensity environments can affect the body and mind in ways that traditional PTSD models often fail to explain. Herb, Corrie, and Dr. Frueh discuss: • The origins of Operator Syndrome • Why many high-performing warriors struggle after their careers • The long-term physical toll of combat deployments • Why traditional PTSD narratives don’t explain everything • Identity, purpose, and life after the mission • What leaders, families, and veterans need to understand This episode offers a deeper look at the human side of elite performance and why understanding the full picture is critical to supporting those who serve.

    41 min

  4. FEB 26

    Navy SEAL Built AI Company To Lower Crime With a Veteran Team

    Send us Fan Mail Navy SEAL Mike Lahiff doesn’t believe he’s special. But he understands something most people don’t, ownership changes everything in this honest conversation. In this episode of Not Special, we talk about risk, pressure, building teams, and what success actually costs. This isn’t surface-level business advice. It’s about responsibility, discipline, and the weight that comes with leadership. If you’re building something — a company, a career, or a life — this conversation will challenge how you think about success. Mike is the CEO of ZeroEyes, an AI-based, human-verified gun detection software that integrates with existing security cameras to identify brandished firearms in real-time.

    1 hr

  5. FEB 19

    Night Stalker Pilot to Chick-fil-A Owner | The Unlikely Story of Mike Athanasakis

    Send us Fan Mail Mike flew elite combat missions. He commanded one of the most selective aviation units in the U.S. military. He was told growing up he wasn’t intelligent. In this honest conversation, Mike Athanasakis shares his journey from a troubled childhood and Tourette diagnosis to Apache pilot and Battalion Commander in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. After years of high-risk deployments and leadership at the highest levels of special operations, Mike made an unexpected pivot: becoming an Owner-Operator with Chick-fil-A — one of the most selective franchise systems in America. He breaks down: • Why Chick-fil-A’s operator selection process mirrors elite military assessment  • How special operations leadership translates to business  • Building culture in a high-performance restaurant environment  • Leading teams without rank  • Redefining success after combat This episode is about identity, pressure, transition, faith, family — and discovering that impact doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Thank you to our episode sponsor, the office of Dr. James Lynch.  The incredible work that Dr. Jim and his wife Jodi do changes peoples lives. Check out their website for more information at https://drjameslynch.com/ Connect with Liberty Speaks:  🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com  🔗 Follow on Instagram:  www.instagram.com/_ownyourjourney_ Support those that support us:  Fire Department Coffee https://alnk.to/74xixOf  👉 Don’t forget to follow, like, and share if you found this conversation valuable. Your support helps us bring more stories of resilience, leadership, and freedom to light.

    1h 8m

  6. FEB 12

    Navy SEAL Now Bakes Bread for his Wife | Kevin and Kristen Seiff Interview

    Send us Fan Mail Kevin didn’t make it into the Navy SEALs on his first try.  Or his second.  He didn’t even make it through his first week of BUD/S. Kristen left a stable teaching career, built a nutrition coaching business, burned out… and started baking sourdough bread from home. Today, this veteran entrepreneur couple runs Crafted Coastal Bakery in Encinitas, California . Scaling from eight loaves a week to more than 100, while raising two young boys and debating whether to risk everything on a retail storefront. In this honest conversation of Not Special, we dive into: • Kevin’s journey from Marine Corps officer to Navy SEAL • The brutal reality of military transition • What being in the SEAL teams is actually like • Why most people aren’t gluten intolerant — they’re reacting to commercial bread additives • How cottage food laws make small business ownership possible • The financial and emotional math of scaling a family business • Working with your spouse without wrecking your marriage • Why local politics impact entrepreneurs more than national politics This conversation is about resilience, reinvention, clean food, leadership, and building a meaningful life after military service. If you’re navigating military transition, starting a small business, balancing family and ambition, or questioning your next move, this episode will resonate. New episodes of Not Special drop weekly featuring veterans, entrepreneurs, and leaders who don’t think they’re special… but absolutely are.

    43 min

  7. FEB 5

    Special Forces Don't Talk About This | Herb Thompson Interview | Episode 19

    Send us Fan Mail In this deeply personal episode, Herb Thompson former U.S. Army Green Beret, Drill Sergeant of the Year, Ivy League MBA, speaker, and entrepreneur, shares the moments that shaped him most: combat leadership, chaos, addiction, recovery, marriage, and learning how to finally slow down. From leading troops through some of the most kinetic fighting of his career, to struggling with silence once the mission ended, Herb opens up about what elite performance really costs and how purpose evolves after service. This episode goes beyond military stories. It’s about identity, resilience, leadership, and the lifelong process of becoming whole. A raw and hoenst conversation with Herb and Corrie. ⏱️ CLICKABLE CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Why this episode is different (The co-host becomes the guest) 01:35 – The moment an 8-year-old decided his future 02:48 – Earning the Green Beret wasn’t the finish line 03:41 – 10 days, nonstop gunfights, and real leadership 06:20 – The General Patton story (almost getting killed by accident) 08:07– What people get wrong about Special Forces 10:28– Teaching, culture, and force multiplication 11:39 – Becoming a myth among Afghan commandos 15:38 – Leaving the military and still feeling unfinished 18:41 – Operator speed, chaos, and life after war 21:35 – Alcohol, avoidance, and the moment things changed 23:32 – Asking for help at Warriors Heart with Tom Spooner 27:26– Stillness, Jamaica, and learning how to stop 31:48 – Marriage, business, and being co-founders 33:44 – Liberty Speaks and leadership after service 40:36 – Why overcoming adversity matters most 41:56 – What Herb values most: liberty and freedom 43:00 – Final reflections + subscribe #specialforces #podcast #greenberet #leadership #mentalhealth  Connect with Liberty Speaks:  🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com  🔗 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ownyourjourney_  Support those that support us:  Fire Department Coffee https://alnk.to/74xixOf  👉 Don’t forget to follow, like, and share if you found this conversation valuable. Your support helps us bring more stories of resilience, leadership, and freedom to light.

    43 min

  8. JAN 29

    High School Dropout to Military to Millionaire | Jason DeBlasio Interview | Episode 18

    Send us Fan Mail Jason DeBlasio shares his journey from a difficult upbringing and dropping out of high school to serving as an Air Force flight engineer, supporting critical mid-air refueling missions on the KC-10 during combat operations. In this episode of Not Special, Jason explains the often-overlooked role of flight engineers, the pressure of keeping aircraft in the fight, and what it means when fuel determines whether troops on the ground survive. He also discusses his transition out of the military and the creation of Military Metal Art, a company dedicated to building culture, identity, and pride through handcrafted metal artwork. The conversation explores leadership without recognition, innovation inside the military, entrepreneurship after service, faith, marriage, and defining success beyond rank or title. This episode offers a rare look at the unseen roles that make missions possible — and the mindset required to build something lasting after service. ⏱️ CLICKABLE CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Why Jason Is Special 01:18 – Dropping Out of High School at 16 03:03 – The Court-Ordered Program That Changed Everything 04:15 – Life on the Flight Line: Cold, Misery & Reality 05:36 – Becoming a KC-10 Flight Engineer 07:26 – “The Most Overqualified Backseat Driver” 08:22 – Hearing Troops in Contact Over the Radio 13:20 – 13 Deployments & The Weight of the Mission 15:09 – Knowing When It Was Time to Leave the Military 16:53 – The $10,000 Coffee Pot Problem 20:42 – The Birth of Military Metal Art 22:19 – Turning Passion Into a Scalable Business 28:51 – Why Quality Almost Broke the Company 31:31 – A Stick Figure Drawing Becomes a Masterpiece 33:04 – Leadership, Ego & Letting Talent Walk 35:59 – Selling Majority Ownership Without Losing the Soul 37:53 – Culture, Identity & “The Goldfish Effect” 41:01 – Why This Work Actually Matters 42:01 – Artwork For SpaceX Astronauts 44:20 – Final Thoughts on Purpose & Impact Connect with Liberty Speaks:  🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com  🔗 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ownyourjourney_  Support those that support us:  Fire Department Coffee https://alnk.to/74xixOf  👉 Don’t forget to follow, like, and share if you found this conversation valuable. Your support helps us bring more stories of resilience, leadership, and freedom to light.

    47 min
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About

Welcome to Not Special with Herb & Corrie Thompson Real people. Real stories. Real growth.Join Herb, a Green Beret, and Corrie Thompson, his less hairy half,  as they sit down with special guests — from veterans, leaders, and everyday people who’ve faced extraordinary challenges.Each episode of Not Special explores what it means to be human — to face fear, lead through change, and find purpose in the in life. You’ll hear unfiltered conversations about resilience, mindset, leadership, and authenticity — the kind of wisdom that helps you get unstuck and start living with more courage and clarity.💬 Honest conversations that make you laugh, think, and feel.💡 Lessons on overcoming fear, embracing failure, and leading with heart.🔥 Motivation for anyone chasing purpose, growth, or a fresh start.🎧 New episodes every Thursday — subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a story that might just change the way you see yourself.

Information

  • Creator
    Liberty Speaks | Motivational Talks & Honest Conversations
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Not Special: A Liberty Speaks Show
  • Show Website
    Not Special: A Liberty Speaks Show