The Two-Promises Podcast

BD
  • 4.8 (21)
  • Philosophy
  • Updated Weekly

When you're out for a night with the BD, it's bound to be an adventure. Along the way you'll likely encounter myths, moonshiners, and mad mojo. With experiences like these, where deep roots are formed and you never know where the adventure may lead next, it's bound to lead to deep connections and lots of laughter. Having been overseas and out of touch with the USA for the last 14 years, a lot has changed. With your help, BD can better understand a world that was once familiar but is now somewhat foreign, his home… America. So what do you have to lose? Join us on the journey by simply entering your email below for access to the weirdness, wild times, bourbon and all sorts of other curious shenanigans. This is our story. If you want to know more about what it is going to be like, well we can only make you Two Promises.

  1. 5d ago

    FULLSEND: "We're Not Robots" — Navy SEALs, Allostatic Load, & The Truth About Operator Syndrome

    What happens when you strip away the chaotic noise of city life, step into the wilderness, and face a 62-mile course designed to test the absolute limits of human endurance? On this FullSend, host Brent Loyd sits down with former Navy SEAL, sleep scientist, and founder of Happy Canyon Ranch, Rob Sweetman. Fresh off orchestrating the grueling Ryan Larkin Invitational Adventure Race, Rob breaks down why half the teams didn't even make it to the halfway mark, and why forcing hard trials in nature is the ultimate antidote to modern dysregulation. Rob opens up about the loss of his teammate and mentor, Ryan Larkin, nearly a decade ago—a tragedy that exposed severe systemic failures in warfighter brain health and sparked Rob's relentless mission to master sleep science, eliminate pharmaceutical reliance, and build a haven for veteran recovery. From resetting the human circadian rhythm in four days to running covert "Spy Games" in Colorado and hosting father-son retreats, Rob delivers a masterclass on brotherhood, nervous system recovery, and what it truly means to build a life outside the box. In this episode, you'll learn: The Allostatic Load of the City: Why urban chaos keeps your nervous system in hyper-vigilance, and how four days in nature resets your circadian rhythm and boosts immunity. The Legacy of Ryan Larkin: How the tragic loss of a second-generation SEAL sniper ignited a nationwide movement across sleep science, brain health, and veteran advocacy. Flow State Leadership: Applying psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's framework to place volunteers and racers in high-challenge, high-skill roles. The Pharmaceutical Trap: Why relying on non-benzos and pain pills masks systemic issues, and how holistic daily protocols restore real endocrine health. The Ryan Larkin Invitational: Inside the 62-mile wilderness course, the secret points strategy, and why true bonding requires shared physical suffering. Father-Son Reclamation: Why restoring strong male mentorship and outdoor values is essential for the next generation. Complete Timestamped Episode Guide ⏱️ Episode Timestamps [00:01:05] Host Brent Loyd welcomes former SEAL Rob Sweetman following the 62-mile Ryan Larkin Invitational. Introduction & Impact [02:45] Nature vs. City Chaos: How wilderness environments instantly melt away nervous system dysregulation. Nervous System Health [05:06] Bringing Donors into the Fold: Designing a prediction system to build real community around race metrics. Community Systems [07:44] Remembering Ryan Larkin: The quiet moments, sniper wisdom, and the reality of SEAL operators as human beings. Legacy & Reality [10:08] Deconstructing Operator Syndrome: Allostatic load, TBI, sleep apnea, and the accumulation of stress over time. Warfighter Health [13:11] Becoming a Vessel for the Message: How Ryan's tragedy transformed Rob's focus toward sleep science and outreach. Purpose & Mission [15:57] Team Gear First: The unyielding team value of placing squad equipment and buddy gear ahead of your own. Tactical Standards [20:41] The Changing Behavior: Noticing the subtle onset of sleep deprivation and reliance on quick fixes down range. Early Indicators [24:38] The Epidemic in First Responders: Recognizing parallel mental health pressure points across tactical communities. Broad Advocacy [27:05] Bullhorns at 4 AM: Brent's role in running morning race launches and motivating struggling teams. Operational Execution [29:09] The 4-Day Circadian Reset: How light, diurnal temperatures, and natural microbials heal the human body. Sleep Science [31:34] The Flow State Axis: Leveraging skill competency and 20% challenges to unlock peak performance. Leadership Strategy [35:05] Sidestepping the Medical System: Exposing pharmaceutical profit models and rejecting pill-based solutions. Systemic Reform [39:49] The DSM-5 & Labeling: Why categorizing individuals as broken hurts recovery, and the power of accountability. Psychological Perspective [45:50] The Architect of Pain: Analyzing why half the race teams bowed out on Day 1 due to heat, altitude, and foot care. Challenge Metrics [49:49] Why Make it Harder?: Why high-risk, high-reward events provide the essential motivation men need to train. Intentional Growth [55:27] The Sleep Dojo: Setting up light, sound, and temperature protocols to drive clinically significant results. Actionable Habits [01:01:09] 62-Romeo & Happy Canyon Ranch: Funding free sleep scholarships and hosting specialized retreats. Nonprofit Mission [01:06:45] Spy Games & Telluride Gala: Announcing covert surveillance experiences and the 2027 race dates. Future Vision [01:13:30] Living Outside the Box: Rob's choice to trade cookie-cutter housing for real freedom in the Colorado wilderness. Final Word About the Guest Rob Sweetman is a former U.S. Navy SEAL, sleep scientist, and the founder of 62-Romeo and Happy Canyon Ranch. Following the loss of his teammate Ryan Larkin to Operator Syndrome, Rob dedicated his life to mastering sleep architecture and circadian biology. He has helped hundreds of veterans, first responders, and high-performers optimize their sleep health without pharmaceuticals. He is the architect of the annual Ryan Larkin Invitational Adventure Race, a 62-mile wilderness trial raising funds for free veteran sleep scholarships and wilderness retreats. 🎧 Connect with the Mission If this conversation on stepping into nature, mastering your sleep architecture, and honoring those who paved the way moved your line of sight forward, please subscribe, rate us, and leave an honest review. Are you letting city noise and poor sleep rhythms run your nervous system into the ground, or are you ready to step out into nature and claim your reset? What habit are you cutting out of your sleep dojo tonight?     #FullSend #SleepScience #NavySEALMindset #OperatorSyndrome #WildernessReset #RyanLarkinRace #CircadianRhythm #MentalToughness #VeteranHealth #62Romeo #BuildOutsideTheBox #NatureIsMedicine #HappyCanyonRanch #AdventureRacing #BrainHealthRecovery #NoPharmaceutics #FatherSonRetreat #FlowStateLeadership

  2. Sep 28

    ⚓️ FullSend: Shadows over Kyushu – Brian Simcoe on a B-29 Crew's Sacrifice, Pacific Atrocities, and the Fragile Bubble of Freedom

    How quickly can a modern, highly educated society devolve into unmitigated barbarism when caught in the fires of total war? On this Full Send, host Brent Loyd sits down with Air Force veteran Brian Simcoe for an unvarnished exploration of military history, personal trauma, and family legacy. Brian recounts the harrowing story of his great uncle, a B-29 Superfortress gunner flying out of Guam's North Field in May 1945. After a mid-air collision with a damaged Japanese fighter over Kyushu, the crew was forced to bail out into hostile territory. What followed was a dark chapter of WWII history: from instant local mob retribution to the horrific medical experimentation conducted at Kyushu Imperial University by Western-trained physicians. Beyond the historical timeline, Brent and Brian examine the psychological aftermath that cascaded through Brian's family for decades, the geopolitical mechanics of postwar immunity, and the dangerously thin "membrane of peace" that modern society takes for granted today. In this episode, you'll learn: The Technological Marvel: The insane economic scale of the B-29 Superfortress program—outpacing the Manhattan Project by a billion dollars—and its groundbreaking pressurized cabins and remote-operated gun turrets. The Collision over Kyushu: The chaotic, pitch-black midnight crash on May 5, 1945, and the instantaneous depressurization that forced the crew into enemy territory. The Reality of Total War: Why bomber crews faced immediate, sanctioned execution upon capture due to the devastating psychological impact of firebombing campaigns. The Kyushu University Atrocities: Unpacking the shocking historical reality of unit-affiliated medical experimentation on downed American airmen. Postwar Expediency & Commuted Justice: Why political realignments during the early Cold War led to the commuting of war crime sentences and the classification of sensitive files. The Artifact repatriations: How a Japanese researcher's modern recovery of 50-caliber shell casings from the crash site built a bridge of reconciliation and closure 80 years later. Complete Timestamped Episode Guide ⏱️ Episode Timestamps [00:00:57] Host Brent Loyd introduces Air Force veteran Brian Simcoe and sets the stage for a World War II account. Connection & Prelude [01:40] Upstate New York Roots: Growing up outdoors near Utica, hunting, fishing, and early family bonds. Personal Foundations [04:59] Flight Line Honor: Brian reflects on his Air Force service at Dover AFB, receiving fallen service members, and his deployment to Saudi Arabia. Service & Duty [12:31] The Pre-Pearl Harbor Mindset: Examining American isolationism and Japan's aggressive Imperial expansion across Asia. Historical Context [18:22] The Knights of Bushido: Contrasting the clinical bureaucracy of European war crimes with the unbridled brutality of the Pacific Theater. Warfare Realities [24:50] The $3 Billion Airframe: Deconstructing the B-29 Superfortress's advanced pressurized systems and remote fire-control capabilities. Technical Discipline [30:19] The Mass Suicides at Okinawa: How wartime propaganda driven by Imperial divinity led civilians to jump from cliffs. Cultural Indoctrination [38:46] Mission to Tatahari Airfield: The May 5, 1945 bombing run and the mid-air collision 15 miles off the Japanese coast. Operational Crisis [43:38] Bailing into the Dark: Depressurization, burning engines, and emergency bailouts over hostile territory. Acute Survival [48:06] Hacked on the Ground: The fate of Brian's great uncle after evading capture for two days in the countryside. The Cost of War [53:36] The Fragile Membrane: Brent and Brian analyze how modern citizens live inside a delicate "bubble" of security. Societal Vulnerability [01:01:51] The Kyushu University Vivisections: Uncovering the horrific medical experimentation conducted on the surviving crew members. Systemic Dark Sides [01:06:28] The Degradation of Ethics: How Western-educated medical personnel crossed the threshold into barbarism under state ideology. Moral Breakdown [01:11:06] The Family Ripple Effect: How a single missing airman caused generational trauma, broken marriages, and family rifts back home. Cascading Consequences [01:14:42] A Hand Salute Across Time: Brian's emotional visit to Arlington National Cemetery in uniform. Honor & Memory [01:17:44] 50-Caliber Shells from the Dirt: An international connection with a Japanese researcher preserving crash sites with Shinto rites. Reconciliation [01:24:21] The Yokohama Trials & Political Expediency: Why MacArthur commuted sentences to rebuild Japan as a Cold War barrier. Geopolitical Realities [01:36:47] The "Maruta" Dehumanization: How state apparatuses reframe human beings as inanimate objects to excuse atrocities. Warning Signs [01:47:52] Final Message: Remembering the human cost, honoring sacrifices, and striving to leave the world better than we found it. Final Takeaway About the Guest Brian Simcoe is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served during the 1990s at Dover Air Force Base—where he participated in honor guard duties for fallen service members returning home—and deployed to Saudi Arabia handling war readiness material and heavy transport logistics. Following a service-connected traumatic brain injury, Brian has become a passionate historical researcher, advocate, and steward of military legacy, working to preserve the untold accounts of World War II's Pacific Theater. 🎧 Connect with the Mission If this deep dive into the brutal realities of the Pacific War and the delicate membrane of modern freedom challenged your perspective, please subscribe, rate us, and leave an authentic review. Are you taking the fragile bubble of security around your daily life for granted, or are you actively working to preserve the memory of those who paid for it? What history lesson will you share with your family this week?   #FullSend #WorldWarIIHistory #PacificTheater #B29Superfortress #MilitarySacrifice #NeverForget #HonorTheFallen #AviationHistory #VeteransPodcast #HistoryUncovered #MilitaryLegacy #RememberThePast #KyushuB29 #YokohamaTrials #GuamNorthField #AirForceVeteran #repatriation #HistoricalTruth #RememberingOurHeroes

  3. Sep 21

    Brian Simcoe (Part 4): The Yokohama Trials, Geopolitical Pragmatism, and Preserving the Pacific Legacy

    "I do think that their sacrifice in the long run was worth it. I think that the world would be a lot different place if they had not done the things that they did and put themselves in that position day after day after day to stop the threat to the rest of us." In the fourth and final chapter of this 4-part series, Air Force veteran Brian Simcoe joins host Brent Loyd to conclude the story of his great-uncle's B-29 crew, the aftermath of the Yokohama War Crimes Trials, and the lasting lessons of World War II in the Pacific. Brian examines the post-war legal fallout following the discovery of the Kyushu Imperial University medical experiments. He details how surviving aircraft commander Major Marvin Watkins provided critical testimony during the Yokohama trials, resulting in convictions for dozens of doctors and military personnel. Brian and BD candidly discuss the geopolitical realities of the early Cold War era—why the U.S. government commuted sentences and granted amnesties to secure Japan as a key strategic partner against rising regional threats—and how this decision created profound moral injury for returning veterans. Brian closes the series with a call to preserve the overlooked history of the Pacific Theater, bridge modern cultural divides, and honor the daily sacrifices that protect our fragile modern freedoms. 🔍 Key Topics & SEO Insights The Yokohama War Crimes Trials: The legal proceedings against Kyushu Imperial University staff and the pivotal testimony of surviving B-29 commander Major Marvin Watkins. Geopolitical Realities of Post-War Japan: How the onset of the Cold War, General Douglas MacArthur's administration, and strategic interests led to the commutation of war crime sentences. Unit 731 & Medical Experimentation: Examining the systemic cover-ups, human cost, and dark origins of post-war medical research data. Moral Injury & Veteran Perspectives: Processing the emotional conflict between geopolitical necessity and justice for fallen brothers-in-arms. Preserving Pacific War History: Why the scale, scope, and human sacrifice of the Pacific Theater must be studied alongside the European Theater. Building Bridges Across Cultures: Transitioning from historical trauma toward international respect, reconciliation, and shared human understanding. ⏱️ Complete Timestamped Episode Guide [00:01:18] Testimony of Major Marvin Watkins: How the surviving B-29 commander exposed the atrocities at the Yokohama trials. Major Marvin Watkins Yokohama Trials [00:02:10] Commuted Sentences & Post-War Politics: Discussing why dozens of convicted medical staff walked free by the 1950s. Yokohama War Crimes Commutations [00:03:29] The Horrors of Kyushu Medical Experiments: Detailing non-anesthetic surgeries, vivisections, and blood substitutes. Kyushu Medical School B29 Experiments [00:05:29] MacArthur & Geopolitical Strategy: Rebuilding Japan in the U.S. image and securing a Cold War stronghold. General MacArthur Post War Japan Policy [00:08:21] The Transition to Cold War Alliances: Shifting focus from WWII enemies to regional containment strategies. Early Cold War Pacific Alliances [00:11:42] Finding the Details Decades Later: Brian recalls reading the 1990s Baltimore Sun exposé on his great-uncle's crew. Baltimore Sun B29 Kyushu Article [00:14:13] Modern Parallel Traumas: Host BD reflects on operational experiences and the persistence of ideological violence. Moral Injury Combat Experience [00:17:51] Was the Sacrifice Worth It? Processing the ultimate price paid by bomber crews over the Pacific. Legacy of WWII Bomber Crews [00:21:50] Unit 731 Data & Immunity: The ethical controversy surrounding immunities granted for biological research records. Unit 731 Immunity US Government [00:24:39] Brian's Final Message: Remembering the men who served and ensuring Pacific Theater history is never forgotten. WWII Pacific Theater Legacy [00:28:22] Overcoming Prejudice: Brian reflects on age, perspective, and finding common ground across former enemy lines. Reconciliation After WWII About the Guest Brian Simcoe is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a vehicle operator at Dover Air Force Base and deployed to Saudi Arabia. He is dedicated to military history preservation, honoring his family's World War II service, and educating others on the true cost of global conflicts. Closing Message "Leave this world a better place than when you found it." The story of Brian's great-uncle and the B-29 crew reminds us that freedom is bought through daily sacrifice and preserved through honest memory. Honor the Mission: Never Forget: Study the history of the Pacific War and share these stories with the next generation. Support Fallen Families: Help preserve military history and support organizations assisting military families dealing with service loss and trauma. Share the Series: Send this 4-part series to veterans, history lovers, or anyone who values preserving the truth of our nation's history. #BrianSimcoe #B29Superfortress #WorldWarTwo #YokohamaTrials #PacificTheater #Unit731 #AviationHistory #MilitaryHistory #TwoPromisesPodcast #AirForceVeteran #NeverForget

  4. Sep 14

    Brian Simcoe (Part 3): The Ejection, Kyushu Vivisections, and the Fragile Bubble of Peace

    "Bubbles, man. Bubbles. They're fragile. The more you look, the more you see." In Part 3 of this 4-part series, Air Force veteran Brian Simcoe joins host Brent Loyd to share the tragic, harrowing conclusion of his great-uncle's final B-29 Superfortress mission over Japan in May 1945. Brian details the moments following the mid-air collision 15 miles off the Japanese coast, as the crew executed emergency ejection procedures under canopy in total darkness. He walks through the devastating aftermath on the ground: how his great-uncle, identified by his red hair, evaded capture for two days before being cornered by local villagers, while other captured crew members were taken to Kyushu Imperial University where they were subjected to horrifying medical experimentation. Brian reflects on the lingering trauma that tore through his family for generations, the rediscovery of the crash site decades later, and the unexpected bond he formed with a Japanese researcher who still tends the memorial site with milk and cookies for the fallen airmen. 🔍 Key Topics & SEO Insights The Kyushu Imperial University Experiments: The horrific historical account of captured B-29 airmen subjected to human vivisection by Japanese medical staff in 1945. The Evasion of Red-Haired Airman: Brian's great-uncle's final days on the ground in Kyushu and the eyewitness testimony of local villagers. Generational Trauma & Family Rifts: How news of the crash, lobotomies, and military burial logistics affected Brian's family across decades. The Fragility of Modern Peace: Host BD and Brian explore the "bubble" of modern civilian safety and why total war history must never be forgotten. Repatriated Artifacts & Reconciliation: Connecting with a Japanese researcher who recovered live .50-caliber rounds from the B-29 crash site and maintains annual memorials on May 5th. Arlington National Cemetery: Brian's personal story of standing in uniform at his great-uncle's grave while serving active duty at Dover Air Force Base. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps [00:01:14] Bailing Out Over Kyushu: The crew ejects into darkness as the burning B-29 glides toward the Japanese mainland. B29 Bailout Kyushu May 1945 [00:02:47] The Firebombing Context: Why bomber crews were treated as enemies of the state rather than standard POWs. WWII Firebombing Tactics Japan [00:05:56] The Red-Haired Gunner on the Ground: Eyewitness accounts of Brian's great-uncle evading capture for two days. Red Haired B29 Airman Kyushu [00:08:31] The Fragile Bubble of Peace: Discussing how modern society takes safety for granted compared to the realities of total war. Fragility of Peace Military History [00:15:43] Major Marvin Watkins & The Yokohama Trials: The story of the surviving B-29 aircraft commander and post-war justice. Major Marvin Watkins Yokohama Trials [00:16:40] The Kyushu Medical School Experiments: The horrific reality of vivisections performed on captured American airmen. Kyushu Imperial University B29 Experiments [00:23:12] A Student's Testimony: How a young medical student exposed the atrocities and spent his life atoning as an obstetrician. Kyushu Experiment Witness Testimony [00:25:20] The Ripple Effect at Home: Family tragedy, lobotomies, and the conflict over Arlington burial logistics on wedding day. Generational Trauma WWII Families [00:27:35] The May 5th Memorial in Japan: How local Japanese citizens honor both the fallen American crew and Japanese pilot with annual offerings. May 5 B29 Memorial Kyushu [00:28:35] A Salute Across Generations: Brian recalls standing in uniform at Arlington National Cemetery in the rain. Arlington National Cemetery WWII Salute [00:31:37] Rounds from the Crash Site: Preserving .50-caliber shell casings recovered from the B-29 by a Japanese historian. B29 Relics Repatriation  About the Guest Brian Simcoe is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a vehicle operator at Dover Air Force Base and deployed to Saudi Arabia. He is dedicated to researching military history, honoring his family's World War II legacy, and advocating for veteran traumatic brain injury (TBI) awareness.   "Keep their memory alive so your children won't have to do what they had to do." The sacrifices made in the Pacific Theater serve as an enduring reminder of human resilience, reconciliation, and the cost of freedom. Honor the Legacy: Preserve Your History: Dig into your family's military records and capture these stories for future generations. Support Veteran Recovery: Learn how traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and operational stress affect veterans long after their service ends. Share the Episode: Send this debrief to a history buff, aviation enthusiast, or fellow veteran. #BrianSimcoe #B29Superfortress #WorldWarTwo #KyushuExperiments #PacificTheater #AviationHistory #ArlingtonNationalCemetery #Repatriation #TwoPromisesPodcast #AirForceVeteran #NeverForget

  5. Sep 8

    Brian Simcoe (Part 2): Inside the B-29 Superfortress, the Cinco de Mayo Crash, and the Reality of Evasion

    🎬 Brian Simcoe (Part 2): Inside the B-29 Superfortress, the Cinco de Mayo Crash, and the Reality of Evasion Episode Summary "All those guys every day got on that plane and went and did the same thing day after day after day, knowing what could happen... Those are some brave or crazy sons of bitches." In Part 2 of this 4-part series, Air Force veteran Brian Simcoe joins host Brent Loyd to dive deeper into the technical marvel of the B-29 Superfortress and the tragic story of his great-uncle's final mission during World War II. Brian details the cutting-edge technology of the B-29—from pressurized cabins and advanced fire-control computers to remote-controlled gun turrets. The conversation shifts to the Pacific Theater campaign, tracing the brutal island-hopping operations, Seabee engineering feats, and the realities of operating out of Guam. Brian walks through the fateful night of May 5, 1945 (Cinco de Mayo), when his great-uncle's B-29 bomber was struck in a mid-air collision near Kyushu, Japan, forcing the crew to eject over enemy territory. 🔍 Key Topics & SEO Insights Engineering the B-29 Superfortress: Pressurized cabins, remote weapon systems, advanced bomb sights, and 12 .50-caliber machine guns. Evolution of Remote Weapon Systems: Comparing 1940s remote gun turrets to modern military CROWS (Common Remotely Operated Weapon Stations). Guam & Pacific Operations: The vital role of Seabee engineers in building roads, airfields, and staging bases across rugged Pacific islands. The Cinco de Mayo 1945 Mid-Air Collision: The tragic collision between a Japanese fighter and a B-29 bomber 15 miles off the Japanese coast. Egress & Evasion over Enemy Territory: Bailout procedures, midnight depressurization, and the grim reality facing bomber crews jumping over Japan. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps [00:02:07] B-29 Advanced Systems: Pressurized flight suits, early fly-by-wire, and remote gun turrets. B29 Superfortress Pressurized Cabin [00:03:40] 1940s vs. Modern Remote Weapons: Host BD compares B-29 remote turrets to modern military CROWS systems. CROWS Remote Weapon System History [00:05:03] Payload & Evolution: B-29 bombing capacities and the rapid transition to jet-powered B-52s. B29 vs B52 Bomber Payload [00:06:40] Pacific Theater Realities: Island history in Guam, Okinawa, and the Philippines during WWII. WWII Pacific Island Hopping History [00:09:56] The Role of the Navy Seabees: Building critical airfields, roads, and infrastructure under fire. Navy Seabees World War II History [00:12:10] The Military as a Symbiotic Machine: How logistics, Seabees, Marines, and Air Corps relied on each other. WWII Military Logistics Integration [00:14:07] The May 5, 1945 Mission: Staging out of Guam, bombing Tachiarai Airfield, and the return flight. Tachiarai Airfield Bombing May 1945 [00:16:23] Kamikaze vs. Mechanical Failure: Examining the Japanese account of the mid-air collision over Kyushu. WWII Mid Air Collision Kyushu [00:20:13] Midnight Depressurization & Bailout: The chaotic seconds inside the burning B-29 before crew ejection. B29 Bomber Bailout Egress Procedures About the Guest Brian Simcoe is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a vehicle operator, completing duty at Dover Air Force Base and deploying to Saudi Arabia. He is dedicated to preserving military history and honoring the service of his great-uncle and grandfather during World War II. Closing Message & Call to Action "Follow your training, keep your faith, and honor the crew." Understanding the extreme risks faced by WWII aircrews reminds us of the true cost of aviation history. Keep the Story Going: Preserve Military History: Document local or family military stories before historical accounts fade. Support Veteran Organizations: Back initiatives assisting veterans with service-connected brain injuries and physical recovery. Share the Episode: Send this show to an aviation enthusiast, history buff, or veteran. #BrianSimcoe #B29Superfortress #WorldWarTwo #PacificTheater #GuamHistory #AviationHistory #NavySeabees #MilitaryAviation #TwoPromisesPodcast #AirForceHistory #CincoDeMayo1945

  6. Aug 31

    Brian Simcoe (Part 1): Upstate Roots, Overseas Service, and the Prelude to the Pacific War

    "He was in his mid-twenties. He was already married and his wife was pregnant when he left. So he ended up with a daughter that he never met... Super tragic story there." In the first installment of this 4-part series, Air Force veteran Brian Simcoe joins host BD to share the story of his great-uncle's service as a B-29 Superfortress crew member during World War II. Brian recounts growing up in Upstate New York, detailing his family's deep roots, outdoorsman lifestyle, and local high school hijinks before the outbreak of World War II sent his grandfather to the Marine Corps and his great-uncle to the Army Air Forces. Brian reflects on his own Air Force service at Dover Air Force Base—honoring fallen service members coming home—and his deployment to Saudi Arabia. The conversation builds into an analysis of the Pacific Theater, comparing European and Pacific war dynamics, Japanese imperial expansion, the extreme cost of the B-29 development program, and the strategic importance of modern global allies. 🔍 Key Topics & SEO Insights Upstate New York Roots: Growing up in the Utica area—hunting, fishing, sports, and community life before World War II. Service at Dover Air Force Base: The somber honor of receiving flag-draped caskets and honoring fallen service members. Life in Saudi Arabia: Vehicle operations, war readiness material, and historical perspectives on U.S. presence in the Middle East. The B-29 Superfortress Program: The technological marvel that cost $3 billion—surpassing the $2 billion price tag of the Manhattan Project. Pacific Theater vs. European Theater: Comparing the scale, brutality, strategic complexities, and resource battles of World War II. Geopolitical Connections: Examining historic imperial expansions alongside modern energy security, economic stability, and international alliances. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps [00:01:10] Meet Brian Simcoe: Reconnecting after meeting on a music video set and introducing his family's World War II history. Brian Simcoe Two Promises [00:01:54] Upstate New York Beginnings: Life near Utica, hunting, fishing, and close family bonds before the war. Upstate New York WWII Veterans [00:03:50] Rowdy Youth & Local Hijinks: Growing up playing hockey, football, racing motorcycles, and high school pranks. 1930s Upstate New York Life [00:05:08] Brian's Air Force Service: Enlisting in 1992, serving at Dover AFB, and honoring fallen service members. Dover AFB Mortuary Affairs Honor [00:07:12] Deployment to Saudi Arabia: Hauling munitions, fuel, heavy equipment, and managing war readiness gear. Air Force Vehicle Operations Saudi Arabia [00:10:10] Choosing the Branch: Why Brian selected the Air Force over the Marine Corps and Navy. Air Force vs Marine Corps Enlistment [00:12:44] Pre-WWII Global Dynamics: Isolationist U.S. policies, Pearl Harbor, and expanding Pacific conflicts. Pre WWII American Foreign Policy [00:15:05] Japanese Imperial Expansion: Resource gathering, petroleum needs, and Pacific island-hopping in the early 20th century. WWII Pacific Theater History [00:18:47] Pacific vs. European Theaters: Comparing the scale, documentation, and human toll of both WWII fronts. Pacific War vs European War [00:24:21] Modern Alliances & Currency: Post-war Japanese-American relations, regional security, and global economic stability. US Japan Strategic Alliance [00:25:20] The Engineering of the B-29: How the pressurized bomber program outpaced the cost of the Manhattan Project. B-29 Superfortress Production Cost About the Guest Brian Simcoe is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a vehicle operator, completing duty at Dover Air Force Base and deploying to Saudi Arabia. He is a passionate military history enthusiast dedicated to preserving the legacy and stories of his family members who served in World War II. Closing Message & Call to Action "Don't let their stories be forgotten." Understanding the sacrifices of past generations helps us navigate the complexities of the modern world. Keep the Legacy Alive: Explore Family History: Ask your elders about their service and record their stories before they are lost to time. Support Veteran Mental Health: Traumatic brain injuries and service-related challenges affect countless veterans. Help raise awareness in your local community. Subscribe & Share: Send this episode to a history buff, veteran, or friend who appreciates authentic military storytelling. #BrianSimcoe #WorldWarTwo #B29Superfortress #PacificTheater #AirForceVeteran #DoverAFB #MilitaryHistory #VeteransStory #TwoPromisesPodcast #AmericanHistory #WWIIAviation #NeverForget

  7. Aug 24

    Rob Sweetman (Part 3): The Crucible of Failure, Spy Games, and the Rhythm of Nature

    "Without risk of death or total failure, a lot of things aren't even worth doing." In the final chapter of our 3-part series, retired Navy SEAL operator and sleep scientist Rob Sweetman joins host BD to break down the philosophy of human resilience, the necessity of failure, and his upcoming calendar of events designed to fund veteran brain health. Rob discusses why half the field dropped out during the inaugural Ryan Larkin Invitational Adventure Race (RLIAR) and why he refuses to make the 62-mile Colorado Backcountry course any easier for future competitors. He explains the psychological mechanics of using a fixed "crucible date" (like a race or a jujitsu tournament) to eliminate rudderless living and force daily discipline. Rob also unveils upcoming 62Romeo initiatives, including Father-Son retreats at Happy Canyon Ranch, an exclusive Telluride gala, and "Spy Games"—an immersive tactical surveillance auction item in an unnamed U.S. city leading directly into RLIAR 2027. In the final Debrief & Cocktails (DB&C) segment, host BD synthesizes three core life takeaways: applying the SEAL operational priority hierarchy (Team, Buddy, Self), setting hard calendar dates to force personal transformation, and starving allostatic load through nature-based circadian resets. 🔍 Key Topics & SEO Insights Forcing Human Resilience: Why high-stakes physical challenges with a genuine risk of failure are essential for building purpose and group cohesion. The 2027 RLIAR Blueprint: Behind-the-scenes adjustments for upcoming race cycles, including secret challenges, enhanced foot care, and augmented search-and-rescue capabilities. The Journey vs. The Finish Line: Reframing a DNF (Did Not Finish) from a stopping point into a data point for self-development and lifelong bonding. Father-Son Wilderness Retreats: Addressing the modern crisis of male connection by teaching young men values, leadership, and outdoor survival skills. Spy Games & Gala: An exclusive look at 62Romeo's high-stakes fundraising events—from black-tie galas in Telluride to urban tactical surveillance experiences. The SEAL Priority Hierarchy: Applying the team-first mentality (Team Gear First, Buddy's Gear Second, Personal Gear Last) to corporate leadership, marriages, and friendships.   ⏱️ Episode Timestamps [00:01:11] The Architect of Pain: Rob reflects on watching teams hit rock bottom within six hours of race start. RLIAR Race Cutoffs [00:03:00] The Platinum Points System: Balancing 62 miles of alpine navigation with secret physical side challenges. Backcountry Race Strategy [00:05:24] Why Failure is Mandatory: The necessity of putting athletes into no-shit scenarios to build resilience. Psychology of Extreme Failure [00:08:14] Lessons for the DNF Athletes: Processing race failure as a multi-month journey of team bonding rather than an outcome. Overcoming Mental Setbacks [00:11:42] Sleep as the First Domino: How setting a hard competition date eliminates rudderless living. Sleep Science and Performance [00:14:01] The Jujitsu Tournament Analogy: Why committing to a fixed crucible forces daily training discipline. High Performance Mindset [00:17:23] Where 62Romeo Funds Go: Funding 501(c)(3) SLEEP101 scholarships and Happy Canyon Ranch retreats. 62Romeo Veteran Scholarships [00:18:38] Father-Son Leadership Retreats: Rebuilding masculine mentorship and outdoor connection for young men. Father Son Wilderness Retreats [00:20:18] The Legacy of SO1 Ryan Larkin: Remembering how a SEAL's brain donation revolutionized blast-injury research. Ryan Larkin TBI Research [00:25:20] Spy Games & Telluride Gala: Unveiling 62Romeo's flagship auction item—a live tactical surveillance experience. Spy Games Tactical Experience [00:27:10] The Backcountry Homecoming: Giving veterans and first responders the parade and recognition they deserve. RLIAR Telluride Finish Line [00:32:11] Debrief & Cocktails (DB&C): Host BD breaks down three core life takeaways from the episode. Two Promises Debrief and Cocktails [00:32:35] Takeaway #1 - Team Gear First: Applying the SEAL priority hierarchy to build trust in your daily life. Navy SEAL Leadership Ethos [00:33:50] Takeaway #2 - Put a Hard Date on the Crucible: Ending vague goals by putting a non-negotiable challenge on the calendar. Setting Hard Goals Discipline [00:35:14] Takeaway #3 - Starve the Allostatic Load: Escaping concrete boxes to reset nervous systems in nature. Resetting Allostatic Load Nature About the Guest Rob Sweetman is a retired Navy SEAL operator, sleep scientist, and founder of 62Romeo and the Ryan Larkin Invitational Adventure Race (RLIAR). Following his service in Special Operations, Rob dedicated his career to researching sleep health, brain performance, and nervous system recovery for veterans, first responders, and high-performers. To learn more about the race, review live tracking, or support veteran scholarships, visit the official site at rliar.org . Closing Message & Call to Action "Ounces equal pounds, and vague goals yield vague results." Stop saying you'll get healthier or fix your recovery—put a hard date on your calendar, step into the arena, and carry the weight for your team. Support the Mission & Join the Arena: Donate & Sponsor: Head to rliar.org to back 501(c)(3) initiatives providing 62Romeo SLEEP101 intensive scholarships for Veterans and First Responders. Apply for RLIAR 2027: Applications for the next Ryan Larkin Invitational Adventure Race (June 11–13, 2027) open on January 11 at rliar.org . Assemble your 4-person team and start training. Inquire About Retreats & Galas: Learn more about Father-Son retreats and the Telluride Gala/Spy Games experience by reaching out via rliar.org . Starve Your Load: Block out time this weekend to leave your phone in the car, get out into nature, and let your nervous system reset under the open sky. #Hashtags for SEO #RobSweetman #RyanLarkin #RLIAR2027 #62Romeo #SLEEP101 #NavySEAL #OperatorSyndrome #SpyGames #FatherSonRetreat #ColoradoBackcountry #VeteranHealth #TBIRecovery #TwoPromisesPodcast #DebriefAndCocktails #CrucibleMindset

  8. Aug 17

    Rob Sweetman (Part 2): Systemic Failures, The Non-Benzo Epidemic, and Resetting the Nervous System in Nature

    "All of us have wrong turns and bad stuff that happens in life, but not all of us take our lives." In Part 2 of this 3-part series, retired Navy SEAL operator and sleep scientist Rob Sweetman joins us to dive into the uncomfortable truths surrounding veteran healthcare, systemic medical failures, and the root causes of the suicide epidemic among elite operators. Rob expands on the tragic downfall of his platoon mentor, Navy SEAL SO1 Ryan Francis Larkin, exploring how chronic blast exposure, allostatic load, and institutional betrayal can beat down even the most resilient warriors. He delivers an unfiltered critique of the pharmaceutical industry and the VA healthcare system, warning of an underrated "non-benzo epidemic" caused by long-term sleep prescriptions (like Ambien and Lunesta) given without root-cause analysis. Rob outlines how his 62Romeo online sleep curriculum and the Ryan Larkin Invitational Adventure Race (RLIAR) utilize diurnal temperature shifts, sunlight, and natural microbials to reset human circadian rhythms in just four days without drugs. 🔍 Key Topics & SEO Insights The Critical Mass of Operator Syndrome: How the cumulative weight of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), combat stress, and systemic command betrayal leads to mental health crises. The Non-Benzo Epidemic: Why taking FDA-approved sleep aids (Ambien, Lunesta) for years instead of weeks creates severe neurological dependence and health risks. Flow State Leadership: Applying Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's flow state model (balancing skill competency against challenge degree) to direct high-performing teams. Nature as Medicine: The scientific evidence behind wilderness exposure—how breathing in natural forest microbials boosts the human immune system for weeks. The Critique of the Medical System: Why insurance-driven healthcare models focus on profit-based labeling and pill-dispensing over nutrition, exercise, and nervous system regulation. 62Romeo SLEEP101 Scholarships: How funds raised through RLIAR directly sponsor intensive recovery programs for Veterans and First Responders. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps [00:01:33] The Old Guy/New Guy Dynamic: Rob recalls his early days in Alpha Platoon at SEAL Team Seven. Navy SEAL Platoon Initiation [00:03:54] The Downfall of SO1 Ryan Larkin: Examining the combination of TBI, personal setbacks, and command betrayal. Ryan Larkin Navy SEAL Story [00:05:30] The Suicide Epidemic in Special Ops: Why even top-tier "pipe hitters" succumb to cumulative service injuries. Veteran Suicide Prevention Research [00:07:56] The Morning Bullhorn: Rob credits BD for managing the 4:00 AM launch and keeping racers motivated. RLIAR Race Logistics [00:10:02] Resetting the Circadian Rhythm: How four days in the wilderness resets human sleep patterns naturally. Resetting Circadian Rhythm Nature [00:12:28] Flow State in Event Operations: Applying Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's framework to team leadership. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Flow State [00:15:56] The Flaws of Modern Healthcare: Why the pharmaceutical industry prioritizes lifetime prescriptions over root cures. Pharmaceutical Critique Veterans [00:18:19] The Danger of Non-Benzos: Examining the long-term health consequences of chronic Ambien and Lunesta use. Ambien Side Effects Long Term [00:20:40] Labeling vs. Healing: Why traditional DSM-5 psychiatric diagnoses often fail military veterans. DSM 5 Military Critique [00:26:46] The 2027 RLIAR Challenge: Rob opens the challenge to 4-person adventure teams for the next race cycle. Ryan Larkin Invitational Application About the Guest Rob Sweetman is a retired Navy SEAL operator, sleep scientist, and founder of 62Romeo and the Ryan Larkin Invitational Adventure Race (RLIAR). Following his service in Special Operations, Rob dedicated his career to researching sleep health, brain performance, and nervous system recovery for veterans, first responders, and high-performers. To learn more about the race, review live tracking, or support veteran scholarships, visit the official site at rliar.org . Closing Message & Call to Action "Nature does everything else for me." Rob Sweetman reminds us that healing doesn't come from a pill bottle—it comes from stepping into the woods, fixing your sleep, and leaning into the community around you. Support the Mission & Apply for RLIAR: Fund a Veteran Scholarship: Visit rliar.org to donate directly to 501(c)(3) initiatives providing 62Romeo SLEEP101 intensive scholarships for Veterans and First Responders. Take the Challenge: Applications for the next Ryan Larkin Invitational Adventure Race across the Colorado Backcountry open on January 11 at rliar.org . Gather a 4-person team and test your limits. Step Outside: Audit your recovery tonight. Turn off the screens, step out into nature, and restore your nervous system naturally. #RobSweetman #RyanLarkin #RLIAR2026 #62Romeo #SLEEP101 #NavySEAL #OperatorSyndrome #CircadianRhythm #NonBenzoDependence #SleepScience #ColoradoBackcountry #VeteranHealth #TBIRecovery #TwoPromisesPodcast

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4.8
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

When you're out for a night with the BD, it's bound to be an adventure. Along the way you'll likely encounter myths, moonshiners, and mad mojo. With experiences like these, where deep roots are formed and you never know where the adventure may lead next, it's bound to lead to deep connections and lots of laughter. Having been overseas and out of touch with the USA for the last 14 years, a lot has changed. With your help, BD can better understand a world that was once familiar but is now somewhat foreign, his home… America. So what do you have to lose? Join us on the journey by simply entering your email below for access to the weirdness, wild times, bourbon and all sorts of other curious shenanigans. This is our story. If you want to know more about what it is going to be like, well we can only make you Two Promises.

Information

  • Creator
    BD
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Two-Promises 2020
  • Show Website
    The Two-Promises Podcast