Patriot to the Core

Thad Forester
  • 4.9 (68)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY
Patriot to the Core Podcast

Patriot to the Core highlights selfless Americans. I interview those from all branches of the military (combat controllers, PJs, Green Berets, SEALs, Rangers, Infantrymen, Marines, Pilots, etc) and the US government. In addition, I speak with your every day mom who goes about doing good--from starting a non-profit to fighting for freedom in our communities and schools. I get to talk with Gold Star Parents, Siblings and Spouses, and Medal of Honor recipients. This provides an opportunity to learn about everyday Americans who go above and beyond to protect us and to help others. As a Gold Star brother, many of my guests have a military connection, but I still have a wide variety of people who answer the call to serve in various ways. We talk fighting terrorism, self protection, exercise, mental toughness, charity, parenting, fugitives and occasionally pop culture and politics. Please follow and subscribe so we can have many seasons to come. Send suggestions and questions to me at thad@patriottothecore.com. Hope you enjoy!

  1. JUL 1

    Ep 118 | Michael Madsen – Army Judge Advocate (JAG) | Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Survivor

    Michael Madsen is a Judge Advocate in the US Army. His current full-time job is an Attorney for the Air Force and he’s a JAG in the Army Reserves. After graduating law school and completing a JD/MBA program, Michael worked in the private sector before joining the Army at the age of 33. He wanted to serve his country and found that the Army gave him the best opportunity, even though he had several injuries, mostly from playing football in college at Brigham Young University. I’ve always admired Michael b/c he gave up lucrative opportunities in the world of law to join the military. He stands by his grandfather’s wise counsel: “It doesn’t matter where you serve; it matters how you serve.” Madsen comes from a line of American Patriots. His grandfather is Ezra Taft Benson, who was the Secretary of Agriculture under President Eisenhower, and was the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In early 2020, Michael was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. We discuss in great detail how this affected his family (his wife and 4 young kids), and how he’s doing today with the multitude of side effects from this disease, treatments and his bone marrow transplant (thanks to his sister). In addition, how his faith, the faith of his family and those around him, continues to strengthen him and his family. Also mentioned in this episode: Jupiter Patch Boards Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/wBBNyEwei7I If you’re looking for trusted vitamins and supplements, I’ve been using Freedom Blends the past 4 months and love the energy I get w/out caffeine. I have the Freedom Fuel (fruits and veggies), Sons of Liberty B-12 and 1st Amendment Men’s Multi Vitamin. Use discount code PATRIOT at checkout to get 10% off your order. The owner is a great American who was Episode 116 guest, Eric Moutsos. Copyright 2024 Thad Foresterhttp://www.patriottothecore.comemail questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

    1h 14m

  2. MAY 27

    Ep 117 | Matthew Longanacre – AH-64D Apache Pilot Overhead Mark in Afghanistan

    CW4 Matthew Longanacre (Matthew on Facebook) was an AH-64D Apache Pilot with 1-101 Aviation Regiment “Expect No Mercy”. He was the Pilot-In-Command of one of the two Apaches that were overhead when Mark and Calvin were killed on 29 September 2010. Printed in Mark’s book, My Brother in Arms, Matthew wrote to our family: “We pride ourselves on doing whatever it takes to protect these gifted warriors on the battlefield. This is why the loss of Mark has hit me harder than any in the past. I was overhead that day and unable to prevent this tragedy. I just hope that his family and friends can find some small measure of comfort in knowing that he took the fight to the enemy right until the end. Very few in this world can say the same…” Longanacre joined me today while we walked 28 miles for the Mark Forester JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk/Ruck. Therefore, the audio isn’t stellar, but the best this low-tech guy can do. We were moving the entire time in mist rain. My family and I appreciate Matthew keeping in touch, making the effort to visit and support. He developed a friendship with Mark, all over the radio, while they slew the enemy! Enjoy the outro music, “Sons of War Veteran“. This short clip was written by former AF CCT, and 2-time PTC guest, Dan Schilling. You can hear the full version here: https://open.spotify.com/track/5iujSF8UmN4VyvWB42UfLa Freedom Blends, supplements and vitamins for men and women: use discount code PATRIOT at checkout. Copyright 2024 Thad Foresterhttp://www.patriottothecore.comemail questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

    19 min

  3. MAY 6

    Ep 116 | Eric Moutsos – Freedom, Liberty, and Non-Essential

    Eric Moutsos (@ericmoutsos) is a small business owner and creator of Freedom Blends, a supplement company based on the principles of Freedom and Liberty. A former Salt Lake City Police Officer, Moutsos loved the job but quickly started being outspoken about disturbing practices (aka quotas) and discrimination within the department. In the end, Eric lost his badge and gun when, for religious reasons, he asked to trade into a security assignment instead of being in the celebration of the Utah Pride Parade for the LGBTQ community. When the story made national news, Eric decided to resign from the department and go into the private sector. Today Eric tells us why he’s no longer a police officer and how he created the Utah Business Revival during Covid to help save small businesses. Part of this was organizing what was probably the first music concert in America during the lockdown. If you want to try Freedom Blends, go to: https://freedomblends.myshopify.com/?ref=patriotand use code PATRIOT at checkout to get 10% off. I’ve been taking Freedom Fuel w/ energy and 1st Amendment Men’s multivitamin since mid-April. So far, I approve. I get up early to work and/or workout almost every day. I have 3 active young boys and we are always playing sports, in the woods, rucking…. just staying active. I used to be very tired every day. I feel much better while taking these vitamins and supplements. Freedom Blends: use discount code PATRIOT at checkout. Watch Eric’s documentary “Non Essential” here: https://www.ericmoutsos.com/non-essential-the-full-documentary/ Watch this interview on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ow8SnRUratI Copyright 2024 Thad Foresterhttp://www.patriottothecore.comemail questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

    47 min

  4. APR 15

    Ep 115 | Brian Jodice – Men’s Heath and Recognizing Signs of Suicide

    Brian Jodice (@brianjodice) of Pick Up The Six Productions and NGBN TV is back to promote this new network for men in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Discussed in this episode: -why focus on this demographic? -men’s mental health -Biblical application -best athletic gear and brands for outdoor workouts (specifically F3 and GORUCK events) -prison ministering -oldest man to play Division 1 football -other random topics that may or may not offend You can also watch this interview on YouTube here. If you’d like to support Patriot to the Core podcast with a very small regular donation, visit my Patreon page here. Brian Jodice was also on PTC in Episode 95. Use code PUT6 at Mudgear.com for a discount, compliments of Brian. Enjoy the outro music. This short song clip was written by former Air Force CCT, and 2-time PTC guest, Dan Schilling. You can learn the history of this song here. Dan’s goal is for it to be something that urges people to turn up the volume when they play the track! Copyright 2024 Thad Foresterhttp://www.patriottothecore.comemail questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

    44 min

  5. JAN 22

    Ep 114 | Joe O’Keefe – Hunting Osama bin Laden in Tora Bora in 2001

    Within weeks of the 9/11 attacks, Air Force Combat Controller Joe O’Keefe was in Afghanistan working with the CIA and other special operations units. Joe and his small team made their way into the mountains of Tora Bora with the help of the Northern Alliance. Armed with the element of surprise, he was able to start calling in close air support against hundreds, if not a thousand enemy fighters. What was initially thought to be an overnight observance, turned into 5 days with only 1 hour of sleep the entire period. The CIA station chief told his team to drop bombs for as long as possible because the President was getting sit-reps on it minute by minute. He and his team ended up killing hundreds of people. “They had chosen their course, we had chosen ours, that’s the nature of it.” You can read an excellent article about this mission in Task and Purpose here: Task and Purpose – Air Force Commando You can also watch this interview on YouTube at the link below: YouTube Other CCT interviews mentioned in this episode: Ep. 91 – Will Markham Ep. 88 – Kyle Stanbro and Michael Lamonica Copyright 2024 Thad Foresterhttp://www.patriottothecore.comemail questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

    1h 7m

  6. JAN 1

    Ep 113 | Hershel “Woody” Williams – Medal of Honor Recipient from Iwo Jima

    The late Woody Williams will never forget the odor of burning human remains. “There are some things about that 4 hours that have bothered me my whole life… I can’t remember going back and getting the other 5 flamethrowers.  It was so horrific, I didn’t want to remember.” I was introduced to death by flamethrower after learning of Mr. Williams.  He went thru 5 – 70 lb flamethrowers in a 4-hour battle on Iwo Jima.  Two of the Marines assigned to him were killed that day protecting his life.  At the time of this interview in 2017, he was the last surviving recipient of the Medal of Honor from that battle, and the last surviving Marine to receive the Medal of Honor for heroism in World War II. Mr. Williams died in 2022. I asked Woody, “What did you know about Iwo Jima before you got there?”  His response, “Not a thing!”  Later he saw the flag raised on Mount Suribachi, but didn’t consider the significance at that time.  He had a job to do and wasn’t reveling in the moment. His story is remarkable.  He was awarded the Medal of Honor by Pres. Truman, but admits being more nervous to meet the Commandant of the Marine Corp than the President.  He shares with us what both these men told him regarding the medal.  He didn’t know anything about the MOH beforehand.  Even the day he received it he didn’t know what it was about. Awesome interview.  You should read his medal citation below and learn more about him at these links: Read his Medal of Honor Citation Learn about his foundation: Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation *originally published Oct 30, 2017 Copyright 2024 Thad Foresterhttp://www.patriottothecore.comemail questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

    59 min

  7. 12/11/2023

    Ep 112 | Mark Schmitz – Disaster at Abbey Gate

    Mark Schmitz’s son, LCpl Jared Schmitz, was one of the 13 Americans murdered at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, on 26 August 2021 during the evacuation from Afghanistan. He was just 20 years old. He was there on a humanitarian mission working the infamous Abbey Gate. When Afghans made it past the Taliban checkpoints, they were desperate to get on a flight out of Afghanistan. Jared and his fellow Marines, and others, were there among crowds so large and compact that he said if your arms were at your side, you couldn’t raise the above your head. We discuss how this suicide bomber made it to the bottlenecked gate and was able to kill so many. Why the sniper wasn’t given permission to kill him beforehand. And, what has been the government’s response since. Note: this bomb also killed over 100 Afghan civilians. He has also created The Freedom 13.org that supports the veterans still with us. They have big plans for retreats in each state so that Veteran’s and their families can stay for free, much like and Airbnb, but with land, shooting, fishing, riding, etc. Learn about their upcoming events, including how to donate or volunteer, by visiting here: https://thefreedom13.org/pages/events If you’re listening on Apple Music or Spotify, please rate the podcast with 5-stars and subscribe or follow. I’m tired of average podcasts with lame topics getting more listens than mine. Please help spread the word! Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Amazon MusicListen on Google PodcastsWatch on YouTube I’m a proud affiliate of GORUCK. Please use this link if you want to check out their workout, rucking, running, apparel and other equipment. It doesn’t cost you any add’l money, but allows me to get a small commission to help this podcast reach larger audiences: https://www.thadforester.com/gr-affiliate Copyright 2023 Thad Foresterhttps://www.patriottothecore.comemail questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

    1h 4m

  8. 11/06/2023

    Ep 111 | Don Stevens – Security Forces, Combat Control, Burn the Ships, PTSD

    Don Stevens is one of those rare operators who retrained into the Air Force combat control (CCT) pipeline at the age of 32, after being in security forces. This required uncommon humility since leadership said, “What are we gonna do with a MSgt. who doesn’t know squat (many different strong words could be inserted here)?” Even though I’ve had several CCT’s on this show, we haven’t talked much about their humanitarian roles. Don tells us how he got a team ready to deploy to Haiti in less than 4 hours, when the earthquake in 2010 happened. Stevens provides advice to new guys entering the CCT pipeline, why PTSD doesn’t have to be a big deal, and shared the scariest thing he’s ever done. Hint, it wasn’t in Afghanistan or Africa. You can also learn more about Don as the co-founder of FoxTrot 3. Mentioned in this episode: Thai Soccer Team Rescue If you’re listening on Apple Music or Spotify, please rate the podcast with 5-stars and subscribe or follow. I’m tired of average podcasts with lame topics getting more listens than this one. Please help spread the word! Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Amazon MusicListen on Google PodcastsWatch on YouTube I’m a proud affiliate of GORUCK. Please use this link if you want to check out their workout, rucking, running, apparel and other equipment. It doesn’t cost you any add’l money, but allows me to get a small commission to help this podcast reach larger audiences: https://www.thadforester.com/gr-affiliate Copyright 2023 Thad Foresterhttps://www.patriottothecore.comemail questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

    1h 23m
See All (100)

4.9
out of 5
68 Ratings

About

Patriot to the Core highlights selfless Americans. I interview those from all branches of the military (combat controllers, PJs, Green Berets, SEALs, Rangers, Infantrymen, Marines, Pilots, etc) and the US government. In addition, I speak with your every day mom who goes about doing good--from starting a non-profit to fighting for freedom in our communities and schools. I get to talk with Gold Star Parents, Siblings and Spouses, and Medal of Honor recipients. This provides an opportunity to learn about everyday Americans who go above and beyond to protect us and to help others. As a Gold Star brother, many of my guests have a military connection, but I still have a wide variety of people who answer the call to serve in various ways. We talk fighting terrorism, self protection, exercise, mental toughness, charity, parenting, fugitives and occasionally pop culture and politics. Please follow and subscribe so we can have many seasons to come. Send suggestions and questions to me at thad@patriottothecore.com. Hope you enjoy!

Information

  • Creator
    Thad Forester
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2024
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2016-2024 Thad Forester
  • Show Website
    Patriot to the Core

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada