The MisFitNation

Richard LaMonica
  • 5.0 (41)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Welcome to The MisFitNation Show, hosted by Rich LaMonica—a US Army Veteran who, alongside a fellow US Army Veteran and a Business Leader. Our mission is simple: inspire and empower you to be a better human being. We highlight the powerful stories of Veterans and First Responders, sharing their journeys of resilience and strength. Through captivating interviews, we also bring you guests from all walks of life—authors, entrepreneurs, coaches, motivational speakers, and health & fitness professionals. Each episode features individuals who have overcome challenges and achieved success, offering valuable insights, life lessons, and actionable advice. Whether it's stories of grit from our Veterans and First Responders or expertise from thought leaders, The MisFitNation is a community dedicated to personal growth and collective well-being. Join us for one episode or become a regular listener. If you believe your story can inspire others, reach out to us to be a guest on the show! 2025 Veteran Podcast of The Year - American Freedom Fund 2022- Top 40 over 40 - Podcast Magazine 2021 - Best Society and Culture Podcast - Veteran Podcast Awards The MisFitNation Show is your go-to platform for inspiration, motivation, and transformation. https://linktr.ee/themisfitnation

  1. 4D AGO

    Matt Johnson on NLP, Hypnosis, and Healing the Subconscious

    On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, Jake and Stephen welcome Matt Johnson, subconscious transformation expert, NLP practitioner, and hypnosis specialist. After being diagnosed with PTSD and struggling with anxiety, Matt tried traditional talk therapy and medication — but knew there had to be another way. That journey led him deep into the world of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and hypnosis. After becoming quadruple-certified and studying the masters of subconscious transformation, Matt rebuilt his life from the inside out. In this powerful conversation, we explore: How the subconscious controls up to 95% of behavior Why emotional baggage lingers for decades The hidden “operating system” driving habits and beliefs How NLP and hypnosis can rewire limiting patterns Breaking free from anxiety, trauma, and feeling stuck If you’ve ever felt trapped by your thoughts, emotions, or past experiences, this episode dives deeper than surface-level self-help — into the programming that actually runs your life. Learn more: https://mattjohnsonnlp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 3m

  2. 6D AGO

    Daniel Gray: Redemption, Grace, and Rebuilding After Prison

    On this episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Daniel Gray, author of The Men from the Medium — a memoir written entirely by hand while incarcerated following January 6th. Daniel’s story is not about headlines. It’s about accountability, humility, faith, and rebuilding a life from the ground up. While serving time, he turned inward — using writing as discipline, reflection as medicine, and honesty as a path toward transformation. In this conversation, Daniel speaks openly about: Taking responsibility for past actions The role of grace in personal growth Writing as a form of self-reconstruction Faith during isolation Turning chaos into clarity This episode is about redemption — not excuses. About ownership — not blame. And about what it truly takes to rebuild a life with integrity. If you believe in second chances, personal responsibility, and the power of transformation, this conversation is for you. 🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr

  3. FEB 19

    Gary Thrapp: Building Youth Leaders Through Sports, Grit, and Community

    On this episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Gary Thrapp, a lifelong youth sports leader, coach, and community builder with over 40 years of experience shaping young athletes into strong leaders. Gary has coached multiple sports, raised four successful children through the competitive process, and owned Beyond The Baseline, a premier youth sports facility, for 19 years—managing more than 50,000 games. Today, he continues his mission by providing free competitive youth sports programs to over 250 kids, ensuring opportunity, structure, and mentorship for the next generation. This conversation dives into: How youth sports shape character beyond the scoreboard Teaching accountability, discipline, and resilience Avoiding toxic competition while still building winners Creating community-driven programs that last Guiding parents and coaches through today’s youth sports landscape If you care about developing strong kids, better leaders, and healthier communities, this episode is for you. Learn more: www.garythrapp.com  🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 2m

  4. FEB 17

    JJ Parma: Navy SEAL, Life After the Teams, Leading with Intention

    On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, Jake and Stephen welcome retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer JJ Parma, a veteran of 11 combat deployments who understands elite performance—and the real cost that comes with it. After leaving the SEAL Teams, JJ faced what many high-performing professionals encounter: the loss of rank, structure, and identity. Rather than chase the next adrenaline hit, he chose a full reset—rebuilding his leadership, purpose, and life with intention. Today, JJ works with ZeroEyes, helping protect schools and communities through proactive threat detection, bringing a disciplined yet human-first approach to safety and leadership. In this conversation, JJ speaks candidly about life after high-intensity careers, the difference between discipline and fulfillment, and how to lead when no one is giving orders. This episode is for veterans, leaders, first responders, and anyone navigating the space between who they were—and who they’re becoming. Learn more: https://www.jjparma.com  🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 10m

  5. FEB 12

    Ken Dupar: Army, Heart Failure, and Finding Life Through Story

    On this episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes US Army veteran, author, and independent publisher Ken Dupar for a raw, funny, and deeply human conversation about survival, service, creativity, and meaning. Raised in Milwaukee and shaped by the University of Wisconsin before joining the U.S. Army, Ken found belonging, structure, and purpose in uniform. After the post–Persian Gulf War downsizing, life didn’t follow a clean exit plan. What followed was a winding civilian path, multiple deployments, leadership under pressure, and a series of life-altering moments—including heart failure during his time as a company commander. Writing became therapy. Humor became survival. And storytelling became the way Ken processed pain, loneliness, love, suffering, and resilience. Today, as an independent author and publisher living in East Tennessee, Ken continues pushing the creative boulder uphill—not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it. This episode explores military transition, identity loss, creative rebirth, leadership, suffering, and what it really means to keep running the race at 57. Learn more about Ken and his work: https://www.kennydupar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 2m

  6. FEB 12

    Ken Dupar: Army, Heart Failure, and Finding Life Through Story

    On this episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes US Army veteran, author, and independent publisher Ken Dupar for a raw, funny, and deeply human conversation about survival, service, creativity, and meaning. Raised in Milwaukee and shaped by the University of Wisconsin before joining the U.S. Army, Ken found belonging, structure, and purpose in uniform. After the post–Persian Gulf War downsizing, life didn’t follow a clean exit plan. What followed was a winding civilian path, multiple deployments, leadership under pressure, and a series of life-altering moments—including heart failure during his time as a company commander. Writing became therapy. Humor became survival. And storytelling became the way Ken processed pain, loneliness, love, suffering, and resilience. Today, as an independent author and publisher living in East Tennessee, Ken continues pushing the creative boulder uphill—not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it. This episode explores military transition, identity loss, creative rebirth, leadership, suffering, and what it really means to keep running the race at 57. Learn more about Ken and his work: https://www.kennydupar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 2m

  7. FEB 10

    David Shoup on Destroying PTSD and Reclaiming Life After Combat

    On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake and Stephen welcome US Marine Corps combat veteran David Shoup, founder of Warriors Awakening and a leading voice in the fight to eliminate PTSD from the lives of veterans and active-duty service members. David served as an infantry rifleman during Operation Iraqi Freedom, with additional duties supporting special operations units in multiple environments. After leaving active duty, he faced the brutal reality many combat veterans know all too well—nightmares, rage, anxiety, isolation, and emotional chaos. But David refused to accept that PTSD was a life sentence. Through years of intensive study, high-level coaching, and mission-focused action, David developed a powerful system rooted in psychological science, neurological strategies, and battlefield-tested discipline. His approach isn’t therapy—it’s an operational manual for freedom, designed to help warriors reclaim clarity, purpose, and control over their lives. Today, David leads a national movement through Warriors Awakening, empowering veterans to fight back, take ownership of their healing, and live with strength and intention once again. Learn more: https://www.WarriorsAwakening.com 🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 1m

  8. FEB 5

    Army Veteran Richard Spegal on Dark Fantasy, Service, and Storytelling

    On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake and Stephen welcome U.S. Army Veteran Richard Spegal, a Pennsylvania National Guard officer, former 82nd Airborne soldier, and acclaimed author of dark fantasy and paranormal fiction. Richard is the creative force behind worlds like Eternal Nights and the Wolves & Ravens trilogy—stories filled with magic, mystery, moral risk, and the shadows most fiction avoids. Frustrated by adult readers being underserved in fantasy and paranormal genres, Richard set out to write the books he wanted to read—stories that don’t sugarcoat consequences and force characters to confront hard truths. After choosing family over continued active combat service, Richard now balances military leadership, fatherhood to four daughters, and a writing career rooted in myth, folklore, and lived experience. His storytelling explores identity, sacrifice, and how much truth can survive in darkness. This conversation dives into service, creativity, fatherhood, faith in imagination, and why fiction matters—especially when it dares to ask the questions we avoid out loud. 🔗 Learn more: https://richardspegal.com/ 🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min
See All (621)

5
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

Welcome to The MisFitNation Show, hosted by Rich LaMonica—a US Army Veteran who, alongside a fellow US Army Veteran and a Business Leader. Our mission is simple: inspire and empower you to be a better human being. We highlight the powerful stories of Veterans and First Responders, sharing their journeys of resilience and strength. Through captivating interviews, we also bring you guests from all walks of life—authors, entrepreneurs, coaches, motivational speakers, and health & fitness professionals. Each episode features individuals who have overcome challenges and achieved success, offering valuable insights, life lessons, and actionable advice. Whether it's stories of grit from our Veterans and First Responders or expertise from thought leaders, The MisFitNation is a community dedicated to personal growth and collective well-being. Join us for one episode or become a regular listener. If you believe your story can inspire others, reach out to us to be a guest on the show! 2025 Veteran Podcast of The Year - American Freedom Fund 2022- Top 40 over 40 - Podcast Magazine 2021 - Best Society and Culture Podcast - Veteran Podcast Awards The MisFitNation Show is your go-to platform for inspiration, motivation, and transformation. https://linktr.ee/themisfitnation

Information

  • Creator
    Richard LaMonica
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    621
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Richard LaMonica
  • Show Website
    The MisFitNation