As the birthplace of the mindfulness movement in the United States, Naropa University has a unique perspective when it comes to higher education in the West. Founded in 1974 by renowned Tibetan Buddhist scholar and lineage holder Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Naropa was intended to be a place where students could study Eastern and Western religions, writing, psychology, science, and the arts, while also receiving contemplative and meditation training. Forty-three years later, Naropa is a leader ...
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Welcome to Security Halt! Podcast, the show dedicated to Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, and First Responders. Hosted by retired Green Beret Deny Caballero, this podcast dives deep into the stories of resilience, triumph, and the unique challenges faced by those who serve. Through powerful interviews and candid discussions, Security Halt! Podcast highlights vital resources, celebrates success stories, and offers actionable tools to navigate mental health, career transitions, and perso ...
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From Military to Meme Lord: Spencer Payne's Path to Impactful Nonprofit Work
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52:08Let us know what you think! Text us! In this engaging episode of the Security Halt! Podcast, host Deny Caballero sits down with Spencer Payne to explore his remarkable journey from military service to becoming a meme lord and successful entrepreneur. Spencer shares his experiences transitioning from the army to launching Brotallion, a thriving appa…
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From Tragedy to Triumph: Honoring Green Beret Tommy Lazzaro Through Youth Mentorship
51:23
51:23
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51:23Let us know what you think! Text us! In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Lexie Lazzaro to share the inspiring legacy of her brother, Green Beret Tommy Lazzaro — a warrior, mentor, and leader who left an indelible impact on everyone he touched. Lexie opens up about their childhood, the role of…
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20 Mountains 200 Miles: Raising Awareness for Veteran Suicide
1:08:41
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1:08:41Let us know what you think! Text us! What do ultra-marathons, whale encounters, biblical conspiracy theories, and ‘Over the Top’ have in common? They all collide in this wildly entertaining and deeply meaningful episode of Security Halt! Join host Deny Caballero and special guest Liam Cogan as they take you on a thought-provoking and humorous journ…
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AI for Veterans: Josh Otero on Mental Health, Peer Support & the Future of Wellness Tech
53:08
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53:08Let us know what you think! Text us! Can Artificial Intelligence save lives? In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with wellness entrepreneur Josh Otero to explore the groundbreaking intersection of AI, mental health, and veteran care. Josh shares his journey from fitness to tech innovation, unveiling Ilana.ai—a …
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Will Yeske | War Stories, Humor, and the Accountability of Leadership
1:08:01
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1:08:01Let us know what you think! Text us! In this compelling episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with author Will Yeske, a paratrooper and storyteller, to explore the power of humor, honesty, and community in healing from the trauma of war. Through candid conversations, they unpack the realities of military service, the emotional to…
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Jay Fain | Veteran Storytelling, Post-Military Purpose & the Power of Community Connection
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57:41Let us know what you think! Text us! In this heartfelt episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero is joined by Jay Fain to explore the vital role of storytelling, mentorship, and community in helping veterans navigate life after service. From the creative challenges of content creation to the emotional journey of military transition, this conve…
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Brandon Harding: Veterans, Trauma & the Healing Power of Nature and Community
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52:51Let us know what you think! Text us! In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero welcomes Brandon Harding, a veteran and advocate for wilderness-based healing, to explore how nature, mindfulness, and community can transform mental health outcomes for those who’ve served. Brandon shares his personal path from military service to …
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Nick Jones on Healing After War: Addiction, Resilience & the Power of Purpose
1:03:54
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1:03:54Let us know what you think! Text us! In this raw and powerful episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Nick Jones, a military veteran who opens up about his deeply personal journey through trauma, transition, and transformation. From combat deployments to battling alcoholism, Nick reveals how he confronted the invisible wounds …
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Justin Roberts: Chaplaincy, Combat, and the Healing Power of Storytelling
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51:21
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51:21Let us know what you think! Text us! In this emotionally charged episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero welcomes filmmaker, author, and former Army Chaplain Justin Roberts for a conversation that bridges war, faith, trauma, and the power of healing through story. Together, they explore the critical role chaplains play in addressing mental h…
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New MindfulU Podcast episode: The Journey of a Poet with poet, Naropa Summer Writing Program faculty, and Brown University professor Eleni Sikelianos. In this episode, Eleni shares the unconventional path that led her to a life of poetry—from hitchhiking around the world to synchronistic events that brought her to Naropa for an MFA. She reflects on…
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Doug O’Connell: Green Beret Turned Defense Attorney on Purpose, Identity & Veterans in Law
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45:38Let us know what you think! Text us! In this compelling episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Doug O’Connell, a former Green Beret turned accomplished criminal defense attorney, to explore the uncommon path of blending military service with a high-impact civilian career. Doug shares how his experiences in Special Forces—oper…
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Kevin Smith on Resilience, Fitness, and Life After the Military
44:48
44:48
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44:48Let us know what you think! Text us! In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero welcomes Kevin Smith, a former Green Beret and endurance coach, for a candid conversation about what it takes to thrive both in uniform and in the civilian world. Kevin opens up about his journey from an athletic upbringing to enduring the rigors of…
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Nicholas Allen: Fitness, Sobriety & Mental Health After the Military
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45:46Let us know what you think! Text us! In this energizing episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero reconnects with friend and fellow veteran Nicholas Allen for a wide-ranging conversation on the intersections of fitness, mental health, and personal development. Together, they dive into the struggles of balancing work, education, and recovery af…
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Todd Strader on TBI, Alcohol, and the Fight for Veteran Brain Health
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50:18Let us know what you think! Text us! In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero is joined by veteran and brain injury advocate Todd Strader for a raw and revealing conversation on the long-term effects of chronic blast exposure, alcohol use, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the military. Todd opens up about his personal ba…
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Eric Tansey on Life as a Veteran, Cop, & Author
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1:05:09Let us know what you think! Text us! What do late-night patrols, police academy chaos, and laugh-out-loud storytelling have in common? In this episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with veteran, former law enforcement officer, and author Eric Tansey to explore a journey packed with grit, growth, and unexpected humor. Eric opens u…
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Jess Tandler: West Point, Infantry Leadership & Life After Service
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1:20:55
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1:20:55Let us know what you think! Text us! In this empowering episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Jess Tandler—a West Point graduate, former infantry officer, and trailblazing female leader in the military. Jess shares her raw and inspiring journey through the ranks, from her early days in a military household to tackling the ch…
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From Marine to Navy SEAL: Tommy Richardson on Faith, Combat & Resilience
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50:29Let us know what you think! Text us! In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero is joined by Marine Corps veteran and former Navy SEAL, Tommy Richardson. From overcoming childhood bullying to serving in some of the world’s most elite combat units, Tommy shares his deeply personal story of resilience, brotherhood, and the unbrea…
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Dr. Leah Kaylor, Ph.D., MSCP: Mastering Sleep for Peak Mental Health
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51:12
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51:12Let us know what you think! Text us! In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Dr. Leah Kaylor, Ph.D., MSCP, a leading expert in sleep science and mental health, to uncover the critical role of sleep in optimizing mental health, cognitive performance, and emotional resilience. Together, they debunk the most comm…
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108. The Path and Craft of Fiction Writing
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53:02
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53:02Laird is an alumnx of Naropa’s MFA Creative Writing program, former Naropa core faculty and Summer Writing Program faculty for 15 years, author of 9 novels, and current professor of writing at Brown University. In this episode, he takes us on the journey of finding his writing voice, the experiences that allowed him to become a published author and…
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Chuck Ritter on mastering Leadership and Overcoming Failure
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53:44
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53:44Let us know what you think! Text us! In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, Deny Caballero sits down with Charles "Chuck" Ritter to dive deep into the fundamentals of military leadership, mastering the basics, and the transition from junior to senior NCO roles in Special Operations. They explore the crucial role humor plays in maintaining mora…
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From Special Operations to Medical School: Ricky Ditzel Jr. on Leadership, Identity & the SOF to SOM Journey
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1:01:41Let us know what you think! Text us! What does it take for a Special Operations veteran to transition from battlefield leadership to becoming a future leader in medicine? In this compelling episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Ricky Ditzel Jr., a former U.S. Army Special Operations Flight Paramedic with the 160th Special Op…
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Psychedelics, Pain & Purpose: Diego Ugalde on 5-MeO-DMT, Ego Death, and the Path to Healing
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54:38Let us know what you think! Text us! What happens when a Special Operations veteran confronts ego death, suffering, and healing through psychedelics? In this deeply introspective episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Diego Ugalde, who shares his life-changing experiences with 5-MeO-DMT and other psychedelic therapies. Togeth…
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Healing TBI & PTSD with HBOT: Green Beret Wren Murray on Recovery & Revival
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53:00Let us know what you think! Text us! What happens when a Green Beret turns patient, entrepreneur, and healing advocate? In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Wren Murray, former Special Forces operator and founder of Revival Hyperbarics, to explore how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is transforming recover…
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From Navy SEAL to French Foreign Legion: Taylor Cavanaugh on Self-Sabotage, Discipline, and Transformation
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45:30Let us know what you think! Text us! What happens when a Navy SEAL hits rock bottom and finds clarity in the chaos? In this gripping episode of the Security Halt! Podcast, Deny Caballero sits down with Taylor Cavanaugh, a former Navy SEAL turned French Foreign Legionnaire, to explore his powerful journey through self-sabotage, addiction, identity l…
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Is the future of food already broken — or are we just disconnected from it?
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52:12Let us know what you think! Text us! In this eye-opening episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Patrick Samuels — veteran entrepreneur, farmer, and advocate for sustainable agriculture — to unpack the hard truths behind the modern food industry. From misleading “pasture-raised” labels to the decentralization of food productio…
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What happens when military service ends — but the real battles begin at home?
1:17:48
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1:17:48Let us know what you think! Text us! In this episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Merrill Slepica — C-130 Gunner, veteran entrepreneur, and founder of Hammer 41 Leatherworks — to unpack the raw realities of life after the military. From combat deployments to the quiet struggles of fatherhood, divorce, and mental health — Me…
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Veteran Mindset Shift: Marriage, Masculinity, and Finding Purpose After the Military
52:52
52:52
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52:52Let us know what you think! Text us! What does it take for veterans to truly thrive after service? In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with George Hayworth — a former corporate professional turned men’s growth coach — to explore the hard truths about transition, marriage, masculinity, and mental health. George …
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Climbing Kilimanjaro & Raising Resilient Kids | Joshua Skovlund on Veteran Mindset & Adventure
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43:34Let us know what you think! Text us! What does it take to summit Kilimanjaro — physically, mentally, and spiritually — while balancing the challenges of parenthood and veteran life?In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, Green Beret veteran Deny Caballero sits down with Joshua Skovlund — journalist, adventurer, veteran, and storyteller — to unp…
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From Military to Entrepreneur: Building Team Easties
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47:39
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47:39Let us know what you think! Text us! In this episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Jason Marks, a Special Operations veteran and founder of Team Easties an outdoors gear company, together they explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, military resilience, and innovation. Jason shares his journey from combat zones to prod…
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Olympian and Race car driver, AJ Muss: From Brain Trauma to Recovery & Racing
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54:28
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54:28Let us know what you think! Text us! In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Aaron "AJ" Muss, Olympic snowboarder and professional race car driver, to unpack a raw and transformative journey through brain trauma, addiction recovery, and elite performance. AJ opens up about surviving a near-fatal accident, the …
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Dino Garner on Mentorship, Innovation & PTSD Recovery: From Military Service to Scientific Discovery
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49:20Let us know what you think! Text us! From the Front Lines to the Lab: Dino Garner’s Extraordinary Journey of Service, Science, and Support In this captivating episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Dino Garner—veteran, innovator, author, and scientist—for a wide-ranging conversation on mentorship, resilience, and redefining p…
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Ketamine Therapy & Conscious Healing: Christi Myers on PTSD, Purpose, and Mental Health Recovery
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59:46Let us know what you think! Text us! What if healing trauma required a shift in consciousness? In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Christi Myers, a former emergency medicine professional turned ketamine therapy advocate. Together, they explore the groundbreaking role of ketamine therapy in treating PTSD, t…
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Healing Together: Jay & Kaila Fain on Veteran Trauma, Love, and Resilience
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51:25
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51:25Let us know what you think! Text us! What does it take to heal together after trauma? In this deeply moving episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero is joined by Jay and Kaila Fain—a couple who have faced the raw realities of trauma, military service, and recovery together. Their story sheds light on the emotional toll of mental health strugg…
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From Military Spouse to CEO: How Michelle Penczak Built a Business Empowering Families
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46:12Let us know what you think! Text us! Military spouses are often the unsung heroes of service—balancing life, family, and identity while navigating constant change. But what happens when one turns that challenge into a thriving business? In this empowering episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Michelle Penczak, military spous…
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Jason McCoy on Archery Therapy, Faith & Healing
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44:21Let us know what you think! Text us! What happens when a Special Operations veteran finds healing through archery? In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Jason McCoy, Air Force Veteran, advocate and founder of ENDEX Archery, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans heal through archery therapy a…
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From Burnout to Breakthrough: Navigating Growth, Responsibility & Mental Health in the Veteran Space
44:25
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44:25Let us know what you think! Text us! In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, hosts Deny Caballero and Gordon "Gordo" Hurley dive deep into the real-life challenges and victories that come with transitioning through different seasons of life—especially for veterans and creators navigating the pressures of personal growth, mental health, and prof…
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Matt Ferry on Fishing, Sobriety & Veteran Mental Health
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49:34Let us know what you think! Text us! In this episode of Security Halt!, Deny Caballero sits down with Matt Ferry from Veterans Fishing to explore the power of community, vulnerability, and alternative healing methods in veteran recovery. Fishing as Therapy – How spending time on the water has become a lifeline for veterans struggling with PTSD, add…
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Dr. James Engall on Blast Injuries, Brain Trauma & Training Safety
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47:59Let us know what you think! Text us! In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, Deny Caballero sits down with Dr. James Engall to discuss a critical but often-overlooked issue in military training—blast exposure and its long-term effects on brain health. 🔹 The Silent Impact of Blast Waves – How repeated exposure in military training and combat aff…
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18 Good Guy on Military Mindset, Personal Growth & Leadership
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51:42
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51:42Let us know what you think! Text us! In this inspiring episode of Security Halt!, Deny Caballero sits down with Lee from “18 Good Guy” to explore the transformative power of mindset, vulnerability, and cultural influences in shaping a fulfilling life—both inside and outside the military. 🔹 Why Vulnerability is Strength – Breaking down the stigma of…
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Culture Clash: Military Deployments, Music, & Gym Culture – With Liam Cogan
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56:33Let us know what you think! Text us! What happens when you mix military deployments, pop culture blind spots, metal-country fusion, and gym culture? You get one of the most hilarious and insightful conversations yet on Security Halt! In this high-energy episode, Deny Caballero sits down with Liam Cogan to discuss everything from the cultural discon…
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Running Through Adversity: Jason L Coffrin on Ultra Marathons, Mental Resilience & Veteran Strength
56:36
56:36
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56:36Let us know what you think! Text us! In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Jason L Coffrin to explore the relentless pursuit of adventure, resilience, and self-discovery. From the tranquility of fishing to the grueling endurance of ultra marathons, Jason shares his transformative journey—highlighting the phy…
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Rice University Veteran Business Battle: Turning Military Skills into Startup Success
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46:07Let us know what you think! Text us! In this game-changing episode of Security Halt!, we dive into the world of veteran entrepreneurship and explore how military veterans are making waves in the business world through the Veteran Business Battle—one of the most competitive pitch competitions for veteran-owned startups. From military leadership to b…
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Into the Darkness: A Raw Look at Mental Health, Resilience & Life After Service
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52:38Let us know what you think! Text us! How do you balance personal struggles, military service, and entrepreneurship while staying true to yourself? In this deep and unfiltered conversation, Deny Caballero and Dave Fielding dive into the raw realities of mental health, divorce, and resilience—and how storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing. 🔥…
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From Military Service to CEO: The Grit Behind Frontier Coffee’s Success
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57:09Let us know what you think! Text us! What does it take to go from military service to running a successful coffee company? In this powerful and unfiltered conversation, Nate Dressel, founder of Frontier Coffee, shares his entrepreneurial journey, revealing the hard-hitting realities of business, resilience, and veteran mental health. 🔥 What You’ll …
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A new podcast episode is out: A Look at Career & Life. Curious what Career & Life Services at Naropa has to offer you as a student or alumnx? Jessica DelCastillo, Senior Director of Academic Advising and Career & Life Development, and Danielle Swaser, Associate Director of Career & Life Development, sat down with MindfulU podcast host, David Devine…
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The Truth About Health, Politics, and Tactical Training with Special Forces Veteran Tony Cowden
1:22:47
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1:22:47Let us know what you think! Text us! In this explosive episode of Security Halt!, Tony Cowden, a former Special Forces Green Beret, gets real about health, fitness, and the hard truths behind military life, government regulation, and political corruption. From tackling the dangers of processed foods and sugar addiction to exposing the flaws in Big …
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From Special Ops to Archery: How Jason McCoy Helps Veterans Overcome PTSD
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48:55Let us know what you think! Text us! What happens when a Special Operations veteran finds healing through archery? In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, we sit down with Jason McCoy, a former Air Force Security Forces and Office of Special Investigations (OSI) counterintelligence professional, to explore his incredible journey from military s…
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