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From Combat Zones to Coastlines: Pete Turner’s Stories of War, Podcasting, and Beach Life
Manage episode 480228051 series 3576311
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Episode Summary:
This week on Beachside Banter with Bee, we sit down with Pete A. Turner — an ex-Army spy turned veteran podcaster with over 2,000 episodes under his belt. Pete shares how his background in intelligence operations shaped his approach to storytelling, podcasting, and finding truth in conversations. From the dangerous streets of war zones to the chill vibes of palapa beach bars, Pete drops gems on how to show up, how to connect, and why Florida's beaches and food still win his heart.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• What it’s really like to go from spy work to storytelling
• Why Florida wins the beach wars — and the food wars too
• How to book high-profile podcast guests with confidence
• Why in-person podcasting builds deeper connections
• How to find magic in unscripted conversations
• What paradise means when life slows down
Locations + Food Mentioned:
• California Beaches – San Diego’s Dog Beach, Portuguese Beach
• Florida Beaches – Anna Maria Island (AMI), Fort Lauderdale (Las Olas area), Florida Keys
• Other Mentions – Cabo San Lucas (West Side), Leadville CO
• Food Spots & Styles – Florida palapa-style beach bars, shrimp, rum runners, local no-sign food joints
Timestamps:
00:00 – Meet Pete Turner
From spy life to podcasting legend, Pete shares his unconventional journey, including 10+ years of podcasting and how it all began.
09:00 – East Coast vs West Coast Beaches
Bee and Pete dive into the great beach debate: California or Florida? They share personal picks like Portuguese Beach and Las Olas.
14:00 – Beach Bars, Shrimp Plates & No-Sign Restaurants
Pete shares why he prefers small, local beach bars in Florida over polished resort experiences — and where to find the best (and cheapest) eats.
22:00 – Pete’s Spy Past & Dangerous Missions
He opens up about intense moments in Iraq, from bullets hitting walls to conversations mid-firefight, and why fear isn’t part of his everyday mindset.
30:00 – Podcasting on the Road
How Pete sets up in people’s homes, including a memorable trip to Leadville, CO with Tour de France rider Floyd Landis and a visit to a dispensary.
39:00 – Booking Big Guests & Staying Curious
Pete explains how he lands high-profile interviews and why he seeks out challenging conversations that push both host and listener to grow.
52:00 – What Does Paradise Mean to Pete?
Spoiler: naps, beaches, and curiosity. Pete shares what a perfect day looks like for him — and why it's all about ease, not flash.
About Our Guest:
Pete A. Turner is a former Army spy and the host of The Break It Down Show, a podcast with over 2,000 episodes that blends deep-dive storytelling, culture, and intelli
FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE
- Patreon: Life, Love & Travel
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- TikTok: Life, Love & Travel
- Pinterest: Life, Love & Travel
- YouTube: Beachside Banter w/Bee
- LinkedIn: Bee Davis
Chapters
1. Meeting Pete: From Spy to Podcaster (00:00:00)
2. Beach Comparisons: California vs. Florida (00:09:15)
3. Beachside Food and Relaxation (00:14:30)
4. The Break It Down Show Journey (00:19:30)
5. On-Location Podcasting Adventures (00:26:15)
6. Danger, Combat Zones, and Life Perspective (00:31:05)
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