RealTOC Podcast with Cameron Hardin

RealTOC
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RealTOC: The Tactical Operations Center for Life In and After Service RealTOC is a veteran-led show built for the next generation of service members and veterans. We bring accomplished veterans together for honest conversations about career, money, family, identity, and life after the uniform. If you’re active duty, transitioning out, or early in civilian life wondering, “Am I doing this right?” — this channel is for you.

  1. 6d ago

    Green Beret to State Rep: David Clark on Politics, Special Forces & the Frontlines | RealTOC Ep 24

    In this episode of RealTOC, host Cameron Hardin sits down with Georgia State Representative and Special Forces veteran David Clark. Starting out at Back Nine Golf in Woodstock, GA, for an indoor golf simulator match, the two kick back before heading into the studio for a candid, open discussion about public service, military duty, and the state of American politics. David opens up about his journey from growing up in a large family of 10 in Gwinnett County, Georgia to joining the U.S. Army Infantry in 2006 alongside his brothers. He shares his story of returning to service in 2019 to join the 20th Special Forces Group as a Green Beret, all while balancing his responsibilities as an elected official in the Georgia House of Representatives, a husband, and a father. In this wide-ranging conversation, David and Cameron dive deep into: The Dual Life: Juggling covert military duties in Special Operations while serving as an active state representative. Integrity & Accountability in Government: Calling out political corruption, losing a chairmanship for taking a moral stand, and how power exposes true character. Local vs. Federal Power: Why state and local politics impact everyday life far more than Washington, D.C., and why more everyday citizens and veterans need to step up. American Values & History: Looking back at founding principles, finding moral clarity, and why open dialogue is the key to bridging political divides. Whether you're interested in military history, grassroots politics, or genuine conversations about leadership and faith, this episode offers an authentic behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to serve. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell for more real veteran conversations Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with David Clark: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/votedavidclark/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-clark-11935066/ Website: https://www.votedavidclark.com Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe Special thanks to Back Nine Golf | Woodstock: https://thebackninegolf.com/local/woodstock-ga/ Special thanks to Gunner Gear: https://gunnergear.com/ #veteranstories #DavidClark #GreenBeret #GeorgiaPolitics

  2. Aug 6

    He Joined The Military At 17 But Quickly Realized It Wasn't For Him | RealTOC Ep. 23

    In this episode of RealTOC, host Cameron Hardin sits down with Anthony Klimbal to chat about his love for cars and his military career. We kick things off at a local car show with a former Army wheeled-vehicle mechanic (MOS-91B) to explore his lifelong passion for imports, tuners, and car culture. From collecting thousands of Hot Wheels as a kid to dreaming of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS (and currently rocking a boosted Honda Accord 2.0T), Anthony breaks down what makes the car community so special, how Fast & Furious shaped an entire generation of enthusiasts, and why modern tuning beats raw straight-line speed. Then, we head back into the studio for a candid conversation about his service in the U.S. Army. Enlisting at just 17, right out of high school, Anthony signed up to be a 911B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. He shares what it was like navigating basic training at Fort Jackson during the peak of 2021 COVID restrictions, enduring nocturnal AIT schedules at Fort Lee, and landing his very first duty station with the elite 5th Special Forces Group at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Anthony opens up about the reality of working alongside Special Forces operators, maintaining military vehicles during high-stakes desert exercises from Death Valley to the Mint 400 in Las Vegas, and the unique challenges young soldiers face when entering high-profile units without traditional structure. We also dive into his decision to transition back to civilian life, managing an auto repair shop, pursuing a degree in business organizational management, and learning how to navigate life after military service at 23 years old. Whether you’re a gearhead, a veteran, or someone figuring out your next move in life, Anthony’s story offers an honest look at passion, service, and finding your own path. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Anthony Klimbal: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.klimbal.1 Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe⁠ Special thanks to Gunner Gear https://gunnergear.com/ Special thanks to Gerarado Hernandez and Car Community Connection: https://www.facebook.com/groups/603565554642257 #CarCulture #ArmyVeteran #veteranstories

  3. Jul 30

    Navy Veteran Susan Worsley on the Broken Foster Care System Nobody Talks About | RealTOC Ep. 22

    In this episode, host Cameron Hardin sits down with Susan Worsley, the Director of North Georgia Angel House, a licensed child-caring institution in Cherokee County, Georgia, that offers refuge, healing, and hope to girls in foster care aged 12 to 21. What began 21 years ago as a single home has expanded under her leadership into a vibrant 5-cottage campus named after beautiful flowers. Susan shares her compelling journey from serving as an intelligence specialist in the U.S. Navy, where she was one of the first women deployed on a Marine frigate, to dedicating 36 years to residential social services. We tour the campus and explore Angel House's unique, highly structured approach to care. Unlike traditional lockdown facilities or institutional settings, Angel House focuses on building character, decision-making skills, personal responsibility, and real-life career planning in an open, home-like environment. We dive deep into the real-world challenges facing foster care systems today: high staff turnover, runaway dynamics, trauma de-escalation, and human trafficking risks in major metropolitan hubs like Atlanta. Our guest breaks down why criminalizing runaway behavior misses the root problem and shares innovative solutions, including dedicated runaway units, tech-based resource apps, and allowing youth to keep their pets through Angel House’s status as a licensed animal shelter. Whether discussing military discipline, supporting youth as they transition to adulthood, or reforming child welfare, this conversation highlights what it truly takes to fight for vulnerable kids. Whether you are interested in veteran interviews or curious about how local organizations operate, this conversation provides an honest perspective on what it takes to care for vulnerable youth. Susan's story of service extends far beyond her time in the Navy, proving that commitment to others is a lifelong pursuit. We explore the practical aspects of managing the North Georgia Angel House and why veteran stories like hers are essential for understanding community resilience. You will walk away with a better grasp of the dedication required to sustain long-term child welfare support efforts and the human side of nonprofit work. Subscribe for weekly real-life stories and interviews that matter. Let us know in the comments: what topics should we cover in our next veteran interview segment? Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Susan Worsley: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanworsley/ Website: https://www.angelhousega.com/ Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe #FosterCare #VeteranStories #YouthAdvocacy #USNavy

  4. Jul 24

    Navy SEAL Dustin Turner Breaks His Silence After 31 Years in Prison | RealTOC Exclusive

    In 1996, Navy SEAL recruit Dustin Turner’s life was altered forever. Following the horrific murder of Jennifer Evans, a crime committed by his fellow SEAL trainee, Billy Joe Brown, Dustin was convicted and sentenced to 82 years in prison. Despite maintaining his innocence regarding the murder itself and admitting only to aiding in hiding the body under the pressure of a misplaced "SEAL code," Dustin spent over three decades behind bars fighting for justice. In this special episode of RealTOC, host Cameron Hardin sits down with Dusty Turner for one of his most raw, detailed, and unfiltered interviews since his release. In this episode, we dive deep into: The Night of the Incident: Dustin’s first-hand account of the tragic events in Virginia Beach and the split-second decision that ruined his life. Systemic Failures: How false polygraph interpretations, military politics, and prosecutorial misconduct led to a wrongful conviction. Life Inside the System: Navigating three decades in maximum-security prisons, surviving prison culture, and finding solace through horticulture. The Reality of Parole: The ongoing struggle with probation, unexpected re-arrests, and re-traumatization after walking free. Looking Forward: Dustin’s mission to help wrongfully convicted veterans and rebuild a life that paused in the 1990s. Dustin’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, the flaws within our judicial system, and the fight for total vindication. Watch the full episode to hear the truth in his own words. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe⁠ #DustyTurner #WrongfulConviction #TrueCrime #NavySEAL

  5. Jul 16

    Navy SEAL: Sniper, Divorce, & How Baking Saved His Mental Health | RealTOC Ep 20

    What happens when you mix sourdough science with military survival? In this episode of RealTOC, host Cameron Hardin sits down with Dick Johns, a former Navy SEAL and sniper instructor, for a raw conversation about transition, mental health, and... the perfect sourdough blueberry muffin. Before diving into the heavy stuff, Dick takes us into the kitchen to show us how he uses his sourdough discard (meet "Jason" the starter!) and a secret ingredient, sour cream, to bake the ultimate muffins. But baking is more than just a hobby for Dick; it is a lesson in delayed gratification and a therapeutic escape from the chaos of life. Back in the studio, the conversation gets incredibly real. Dick opens up about his 13 years in the SEAL teams, from the brutal realities of BUDS training (including a terrifying pool encounter with a "silverback gorilla" of an instructor) to multiple deployments in Iraq and Guam. He dives deep into the high divorce rates in the Special Forces community, his own transition into corporate tax work, and his deeply personal journey with therapy, sobriety, and learning to give himself grace. This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter how deep the struggle or how chaotic the transition, finding connection and sharing your story is the ultimate way to heal. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Dick Johns: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-johns17/ Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe Special thanks to Gunner Gear: https://gunnergear.com/ #NavySEAL #SourdoughBaking #MentalHealthMatters #veteranstories

  6. Jul 9

    From Artillery to Roofing Riches: A Veteran's Guide to Starting Over | RealTOC Ep 19

    Join us as host Cameron Hardin steps onto a ladder and into the world of professional roofing with Zach Floyd, a former Army National Guard supply sergeant who traded mortar for shingles. From the perspective of a veteran with an unstoppable work ethic, Zach walks us through what it's really like to be a commercial roofer. Follow along as Zach demonstrates a "watered down" version of a roof inspection, pointing out everything from granule loss and ventilation failures to the damage caused by improper flashing and exposed nails. He shares his knowledge of standard materials vs. metal roofing and explains why proper maintenance is key. Then, Zach takes us back to his Middle Georgia roots, sharing hilarious and relatable stories about growing up in Jeffersonville, fighting with brothers, and the unique brand of "redneck entertainment" that built his immune system. He speaks candidly about his time as an artilleryman and supply sergeant in the 48th Brigade, his deployment to Afghanistan, and the life-altering injury that eventually led to his transition out of active guard service. Now, a 100% commission-based roofing sales specialist, Zach reveals why this career was the "best decision he ever made", from the freedom to be home with his kids to the rewarding feeling of fighting and winning for clients against insurance companies. This episode of RealTOC has it all: trade secrets, veteran stories, and the heart of a truly stubborn (in a good way) entrepreneur. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Zach Floyd: Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/zfloyd3⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.goroofingatl.com/⁠ Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe #RoofingLife #VeteranEntrepreneur #VeteranStories

  7. Jul 2

    How an Army Sniper Found His Calling in Special Education | RealTOC Ep 18

    In this episode of RealTOC, host Cameron Hardin sits down with Donny Rocci, a former U.S. Army sniper, veteran of the Iraq War surge, and dedicated special education administrator. We start the day on the water for some fishing before heading into the studio to dive deep into a journey defined by transition, identity, and service. Donny opens up about the grit required to lose 50 pounds just to enlist, the sharp cultural contrast between active duty and the reserves, and the "ripping off the Band-Aid" reality of transitioning from a 15-month combat tour to a college classroom in just weeks. He shares the honest struggles of losing one’s identity after leaving a specialized unit and the dark periods of wandering that many veterans face when the mission suddenly disappears. The heart of Donny’s story lies in his "accidental" discovery of special education. He reflects on how working with students with autism gave him a renewed sense of purpose that rivaled his time in the military. As he prepares for a new chapter in Colorado, Donny discusses the importance of vulnerability, the power of mentorship, and why fulfillment is the ultimate key to happiness. We are also joined by his son, Ryan, as they look forward to their family’s next big adventure. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Donny Rocci: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donaldrocci LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donny-rocci-60bb795a/ Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe #VeteranStories #ArmySniper #SpecialEducation

  8. Jun 25

    Masculinity, Fatherhood, Balance & Surviving Transition | RealTOC Ep 17

    In this episode of RealTOC, host Cameron Hardin sits down with Ben Hammond for a raw and honest conversation that goes far beyond the bike trails of Blankets Creek Trail in Georgia. Ben opens up about his journey from serving in the military to transitioning into civilian life, a path marked by challenges, introspection, and the pursuit of true purpose. We dive deep into the essential, often-overlooked topics of modern masculinity and what it truly means to be a "competent man" in today’s society. Ben shares his personal experiences with fatherhood, the importance of faith in navigating life’s toughest transitions, and how he uses his passions, like mountain biking, as a necessary mental reset. This episode isn’t just about gear or trails; it’s about the struggle to find balance, the necessity of silence in a distracted world, and the intentional effort required to raise the next generation of leaders. Whether you're a veteran seeking connection, a father looking for guidance, or someone simply trying to navigate the complexities of life with faith and resilience, this conversation offers a profound perspective. Ben’s story is a powerful reminder that our past struggles don’t define us; they shape us into who we are becoming. Join us as we explore what it means to lead well, love intentionally, and remain grounded through it all. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Ben Hammond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hammond-bab74b189/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenBlock15 Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe #Masculinity #Fatherhood #VeteranStories

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

RealTOC: The Tactical Operations Center for Life In and After Service RealTOC is a veteran-led show built for the next generation of service members and veterans. We bring accomplished veterans together for honest conversations about career, money, family, identity, and life after the uniform. If you’re active duty, transitioning out, or early in civilian life wondering, “Am I doing this right?” — this channel is for you.

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