Check Your Six Pack Podcast

Check Your Six Pack
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement

Alcohol and the Military go together like whiskey and bad decisions for breakfast. Since the beginning of war, the military and alcohol have been synonymous with each other. And while not all service members drink, the reality is many of us do. A lot of us drink. A lot of us drink too much. Our mission here is to inspire you, or someone you know, to take action and separate alcohol from your service, remove stigmas, and get the help needed to be the best version of yourself. Join Mandatory Fun Day, aka Austin Von Letkemann, and conversations with service members and scientists.

Episodes

  1. Jan 13

    Episode 10: Austin von Letkemann "Mandatory Fun Day"

    Survey: https://forms.gle/FiHzbY8LLnfnMHvL8 Your answers will help us continue the Check Your Six Pack Podcast. Thank you. Austin von Letkemann, the host of Check Your Six Pack Podcast from Episodes 1-9, is a US Army Military Intelligence Officer with 12 years of service and a dynamic social media content creator, MandatoryFunDay. Known for his uplifting and humorous content, Austin reaches 20 million viewers monthly across various platforms. His work centers on leadership, military life, and being a dad. Since starting his content creation journey in 2022, Austin’s goal has been to inject positivity and laughter into the lives of the military community. He is married with four daughters who keep his life full of activity and sparkles. Austin also enjoys weightlifting and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Follow Austin here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MandatoryFunDayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandatoryfundayYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mandatoryfundayTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mandatoryfunday-- Let’s Talk About Your Guns How can we have open-minded talks about gun safety? It’s vital considering 40% of Americans have a gun at home. This series unpacks real-life scenarios around guns and suicide, dementia, children, health care workers, and more. Through stories and interviews, we offer practical and non-judgmental ways to talk about gun safety in tough situations. With the right tools, you can have conversations that meet people where they are. This isn’t a show about taking sides — it’s about saving lives. Tune in here: Website: https://www.cstsonline.org/suicide-prevention-program/podcasts/lets-talk-about-your-gunsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-about-your-guns/id1652635499Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2oUi15xZtRe9uIgQQGX2Jz-- The Check Your Six Pack Podcast is sponsored by Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Uniformed Services University, and the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress.

    1h 41m

  2. Jan 6

    Episode 9: Mary Dague

    Survey: https://forms.gle/FNRPHPWxSaBwR5R9A. Your answers will help us continue the Check Your Six Pack Podcast. Thank you. Mary Dague is a retired Army Sergeant and former Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician who lost both arms when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated. Mary covered the IED with her own body to protect her team and nearby civilians, an act of extraordinary heroism that saved lives but cost her both limbs, her hearing, and left her with severe facial injuries. Mary battled through recovery, surgeries, depression, and body dysmorphia while maintaining a positive outlook to help other wounded troops and ease her family's pain. Mary is known for her incredible sense of humor, as evidenced by her nickname, “Wonder Nubs”. Mary now dedicates herself to veteran outreach and advocacy, helping others face their own struggles while living a full life with her husband James Cribbett, also a former EOD tech. Follow Mary here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wondernubs/Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/wondernubs__ We would like to discuss the important, but sensitive, topic of brain donation. As we know, the brain health of our service members (warfighters) is a complicated subject, influenced by many factors including traumatic brain injuries from both impacts and blast overpressure, toxic exposures, psychological well-being, cognitive function, and many other important and unique factors.  To address gaps in knowledge toward improving the health of our Warfighters, the Department of War (DoW) and the Uniformed Services University (USU) have established a facility to study the brain after a service member passes away. Many conditions, such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), can only be diagnosed postmortem, and many disease processes have yet to be completely understood. Therefore, the importance of donation is more critical now than ever. Through continued research, we hope to advance our understanding of the effects of a military career on brain health, and thus to foster improvements in diagnostics, therapeutics, and mitigation efforts. For more information you can reach the team at 855-366-8824 or visit our website at https://researchbraininjury.org — The Check Your Six Pack Podcast is sponsored by Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Uniformed Services University, and the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress.

    2h 11m

  3. 12/30/2025

    Episode 8: Michael "Rod" Rodriguez

    Survey: https://forms.gle/Mao9ARwghwmp3e11A. Your answers will help us continue the Check Your Six Pack Podcast. Thank you. Michael “Rod” Rodríguez is the President and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. Rod joined the U.S. Army in 1992 and attended the Special Forces Assessment and Selection course to become a Green Beret in 1997. In 2013, he was medically retired due to numerous combat injuries. His last assignment as a Green Beret came as a Sniper Instructor assigned to the JFK Special Warfare Center (Range 37) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He has deployed ten times in service to our nation.  Rod is a New Mexico native who comes from a family with a strong tradition of military service. His father is a Vietnam veteran, both his grandfathers, and several other family members served during World War II. The mother of his children served for 21 years and deployed six times, their eldest son is stationed at Ft. Bragg and has deployed 4 times, one of which was to the same regions of Afghanistan as Rod and his mother. Rod has been an outspoken advocate for veterans and their families and often speaks publicly on the need to increase understanding of life experiences between the civilian and military communities. Follow Michael “Rod” Rodriguez here:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.rodriguez.77398/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monsterzdad— We would like to discuss the important, but sensitive, topic of brain donation. As we know, the brain health of our service members (warfighters) is a complicated subject, influenced by many factors including traumatic brain injuries from both impacts and blast overpressure, toxic exposures, psychological well-being, cognitive function, and many other important and unique factors.  To address gaps in knowledge toward improving the health of our Warfighters, the Department of War (DoW) and the Uniformed Services University (USU) have established a facility to study the brain after a service member passes away. Many conditions, such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), can only be diagnosed postmortem, and many disease processes have yet to be completely understood. Therefore, the importance of donation is more critical now than ever. Through continued research, we hope to advance our understanding of the effects of a military career on brain health, and thus to foster improvements in diagnostics, therapeutics, and mitigation efforts. For more information you can reach the team at 855-366-8824 or visit our website at https://researchbraininjury.org — The Check Your Six Pack Podcast is sponsored by Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Uniformed Services University, and the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress.

    1h 27m

  4. 12/23/2025

    Episode 7: JJ Howland

    Survey: https://forms.gle/jdGKaMnND8EX3pew8. Your answers will help us continue the Check Your Six Pack Podcast. Thank you. JJ Howland is a USMC veteran, wrestling coach, and online fitness/business coach. He is the Owner of Legacy Wrestling and a coach at American Top Team-Team Lima, based in Atlanta, Georgia. JJ helps clients transform their mindset and fitness journeys. He runs a free online community called Legacy Wrestling with over 1,300 members featuring wrestling tutorials, drills, and training content. His focus is to help men and women over 30 rebuild purpose. Follow JJ here:  Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/jacob.howland.372/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjhowland/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jdhowlaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jjhowland__ Brain Hijack podcast series aims to increase awareness and support a culture shift amongst the general public around the topic of suicide prevention. We encourage support-seeking behaviors and connectedness through expert interviews, debunking myths, and normalizing topics in mental health. Emerging public health research on media communication channels indicates podcasting as a promising tool to reach communities at large or those uniquely at risk. This podcast intends to bridge the gap between science and practice by translating expert recommendations in suicide prevention and its upstream drivers into a discussions understood by all.  Tune in here: https://www.cstsonline.org/suicide-prevention-program/podcasts/brain-hijack — The Check Your Six Pack Podcast is sponsored by Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Uniformed Services University, and the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress.

    1h 13m

  5. 12/16/2025

    Episode 6: Vincent "Rocco" Vargas

    Survey: https://forms.gle/uMt6vsfMUxcjrdfy8. Your answers will help us continue the Check Your Six Pack Podcast. Thank you. Vincent “Rocco” Vargas was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. After several years of college baseball, Vincent enlisted in the US Army and went on to serve 3 combat deployments with 2nd Battalion of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. After 4 years of active duty service to his country, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and continues his service until retirement. In 2009 he became a Federal Agent with the Department of Homeland Security, and was a Medic with the Special Operations Group. Vincent is currently an entrepreneur, actor, writer, author and producer. Previous film credits include: Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace (2020-Actor and Co-Executive Producer), Not a War Story (2017-Self and Executive Producer), and Dads in Parks (2016-Self and Writer). Most recently, Vincent was a writer on season 5 and played ‘Gilly’ on the #1 cable television series “Mayans MC” for FX. When time allows, he also is a motivational speaker that focuses on Veteran advocacy, Leadership, Military transition and motivating youth audiences. Vincent is married with 8 kids. Follow Vince here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vincentroccovargasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincent.rocco.vargas/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VincentRoccoVargas275TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vincentroccovargas-- Warrior Mindset: Gaining a Tactical Advantage When you and your unit are stressed to the max, mental skills can make the difference.  Learn about quick, practical methods for staying sharp and maintaining a tactical advantage in high-stakes situations. Methods like WIN, Self-talk, And Grounding. Coach yourself and your team through the chaos.  Click the link below and Watch Warrior Mindset: Gaining a Tactical Advantage from Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, on YouTube.  Learn the mental skills that give you the edge when it counts most. -- The Check Your Six Pack Podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc⁠⁠., ⁠⁠Uniformed Services University⁠⁠, and the ⁠⁠Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress.

    1h 34m

  6. 12/09/2025

    Episode 5: Ben and Jessica Owen

    Survey: https://forms.gle/onM5CXNVeEWEnAHK8. Your answers will help us continue the Check Your Six Pack Podcast. Thank you. Ben and Jessica Owen, founders of Flanders Fields and We Fight Monsters, are dedicated to combating opiate and fentanyl addiction and sex-trafficking in the mid-south. Both recovering addicts with a tumultuous past including drug arrests and homelessness, they've transformed their struggles into a force for good. Leveraging experiences from running safehouses during the Afghanistan evacuation, they now establish sober-living homes in the U.S., converting dope houses into recovery spaces. Working alongside agencies and street gangs, they embody hope and recovery, turning their once perilous paths into lifelines for others.We Fight Monsters can be found at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wefightmonsters/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monster_fighters/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MonsterFightersTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wefightmonsters--- Under extreme stress, your teammates can freeze up – placing themselves and your team in greater danger.On surveys with soldiers who served in combat, more than 40 percent say they witnessed one of their teammates freeze up in combat. So, what can you do if this happens to someone on your team?Take a couple of minutes and learn iCOVER -- a rapid, easily-fielded technique for helping your battle buddy get back in gear.Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t84_QvbnIT0 ---The Check Your Six Pack Podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc⁠⁠., ⁠⁠Uniformed Services University⁠⁠, and the ⁠⁠Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress.

    1h 48m

  7. 12/02/2025

    Episode 4: Steve Wise

    Survey: https://forms.gle/A8kdtV7eVfY7NntN9. Your answers will help us continue the Check Your Six Pack Podcast. Thank you. Steve Wise is an Army Veteran that deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. He grew up with both parents that were extreme alcoholics, and witnessed both of their deaths in hisearly 20’s. He has since become an Engineer, Content Creator, and COO of MFD Entertainment. Follow Steve here: Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/senditbrotherInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/senditbrother/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@senditbrotherTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@senditbrotherA message from Mandatory Fun Day, Hey, I want to tell you about ⁠⁠Pushups for the Mind.mil.⁠⁠ It’s not just another mindfulness app. It’s an evidence-based training program built for service members — by neuroscientists working with the Department of War. This isn’t about zoning out or relaxing. It’s a structured training path — starting with short daily sessions that build into a four-week program. You’ll learn how attention works, and you’ll train it, just like physical fitness. Each step builds mental strength, sharper focus, and better composure under stress. It’s designed for the demands of military life — and it’s free for anyone with a .mil address. Start your journey with Pushups for the Mind.mil — and make your attention mission-ready. The Check Your Six Pack Podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc⁠⁠., ⁠⁠Uniformed Services University⁠⁠, and the ⁠⁠Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress⁠⁠.

    1h 8m

  8. 11/25/2025

    Episode 3: Kagan Dunlap

    Survey: https://forms.gle/hfPNUvEsgcLRmY6t8. Your answers will help us continue the Check Your Six Pack Podcast. Thank you. Kagan Dunlap enlisted in the Marine Corps as an Infantryman, excelling in recruit training and later specializing as an Anti-Tank Missileman. He deployed multiple times with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, advancing from gunner to section leader. Selected for the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP), he attended Officer Candidate School, earned his degree from UNC Chapel Hill, and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He now serves as a Ground Supply Chain Management Officer in the Fleet Marine Force.Beyond the military, Kagan has built a strong social media presence, using his platform to support veterans, first responders, and active-duty personnel. He collaborates with nonprofits and brands dedicated to these communities, leveraging his influence to provide resources, mentorship, and advocacy. Follow Kagan Dunlap here: Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562869507452⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kagan.dunlapYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kagan.dunlapTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kagan_dunlapA message from Mandatory Fun Day, Hey, I want to tell you about ⁠⁠Pushups for the Mind.mil.⁠⁠ It’s not just another mindfulness app. It’s an evidence-based training program built for service members — by neuroscientists working with the Department of War. This isn’t about zoning out or relaxing. It’s a structured training path — starting with short daily sessions that build into a four-week program. You’ll learn how attention works, and you’ll train it, just like physical fitness. Each step builds mental strength, sharper focus, and better composure under stress. It’s designed for the demands of military life — and it’s free for anyone with a .mil address. Start your journey with Pushups for the Mind.mil — and make your attention mission-ready. The Check Your Six Pack Podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc⁠⁠., ⁠⁠Uniformed Services University⁠⁠, and the ⁠⁠Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress⁠⁠.

    1h 47m

  9. 11/18/2025

    Episode 2: Tyler Grey

    Survey: https://forms.gle/LQENgsGnSVHKxmLY7. Your answers will help us continue the Check Your Six Pack Podcast. Thank you. Tyler Grey is a former Special Operations Forces operator who turned the hardest chapters of his life into a mission to help others. After being severely wounded in combat and enduring years of recovery, he refused to be defined by pain. He created the LTSD theory to shed light on chaos addiction and the unseen wounds of war, giving veterans a new language for their struggles. Today, as a filmmaker, speaker, and advocate, Tyler uses raw, unfiltered storytelling to break stigmas, bridge worlds, and prove that rock bottom can be the beginning—not the end. Follow Tyler Grey here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forgedinchaosbook/⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyleragrey/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tyleragrey A message from Mandatory Fun Day, Hey, I want to tell you about ⁠Pushups for the Mind.mil.⁠ It’s not just another mindfulness app. It’s an evidence-based training program built for service members — by neuroscientists working with the Department of War. This isn’t about zoning out or relaxing. It’s a structured training path — starting with short daily sessions that build into a four-week program. You’ll learn how attention works, and you’ll train it, just like physical fitness. Each step builds mental strength, sharper focus, and better composure under stress. It’s designed for the demands of military life — and it’s free for anyone with a .mil address. Start your journey with Pushups for the Mind.mil — and make your attention mission-ready. The Check Your Six Pack Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc⁠., ⁠Uniformed Services University⁠, and the ⁠Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress⁠.

    1h 57m

  10. 11/11/2025

    Episode 1: Johnny "VivaLaVargas" Vargas

    Survey: https://forms.gle/Ev4atg2pEtffXXF8A. Your answers will help us continue the Check Your Six Pack Podcast. Thank you. Welcome to the world of Johnny Vargas, aka VivaLaVargas, from Los Angeles, California. A devoted father of four and an esteemed 11-year veteran of the United States Armed Forces, Johnny exemplifies the essence of servant leadership and team dedication. His mission extends beyond the military, focusing on nurturing young individuals into community-serving citizens. With a zest for personal finance, sports, social media branding, and family time, Johnny's multifaceted life inspires and connects. Dive into Johnny's journey, where leadership, passion, and personal growth converge. Follow VivaLaVargas here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnnyVargasMusicInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/viva_la_vargas_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Viva_La_VargasTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vivalavargas A message from Mandatory Fun Day, Hey, I want to tell you about Pushups for the Mind.mil. It’s not just another mindfulness app. It’s an evidence-based training program built for service members — by neuroscientists working with the Department of War. This isn’t about zoning out or relaxing. It’s a structured training path — starting with short daily sessions that build into a four-week program. You’ll learn how attention works, and you’ll train it, just like physical fitness. Each step builds mental strength, sharper focus, and better composure under stress. It’s designed for the demands of military life — and it’s free for anyone with a .mil address. Start your journey with Pushups for the Mind.mil — and make your attention mission-ready. The Check Your Six Pack Podcast is sponsored by Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Uniformed Services University, and the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress.

    1 hr

  11. Trailer

    Check Your Six Pack Teaser

    Coming soon.

    1 min

Trailer

About

Alcohol and the Military go together like whiskey and bad decisions for breakfast. Since the beginning of war, the military and alcohol have been synonymous with each other. And while not all service members drink, the reality is many of us do. A lot of us drink. A lot of us drink too much. Our mission here is to inspire you, or someone you know, to take action and separate alcohol from your service, remove stigmas, and get the help needed to be the best version of yourself. Join Mandatory Fun Day, aka Austin Von Letkemann, and conversations with service members and scientists.

Information

  • Creator
    Check Your Six Pack
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Check Your Six Pack
  • Show Website
    Check Your Six Pack Podcast

You Might Also Like