Veteransadministration Podcasts

Final episode of Military Matters. Its been an amazing couple of years and I can't thank you enough, the listener, for your support and listernship. Hopefully we'll meet again! Rod out. ______ This episode is brought to you by Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit helping build and donate homes to injured post 9/11 veterans. Visit HFOTUSA.org for more …

You've probably heard the term "quantum" now at some point in your life from the dizzying numbers of film, television, and podcasts describing worm holes, multi-verses, and time travel. But there is REAL work happening right now at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency that is set to change the way we live. This isn't one of those 50 years …

Rod Rodriguez explores the aftermath of Vanessa Guillen's murder, such as the legal changes to a commander's involvement in sexual assault/harrassment investigations, the Fort Hood independent report, and "cover up" culture in the military. Did anything really change? ______ This episode is brought to you by Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit helpin…

In light of recent developments in the Vanessa Guillén case, we're revisiting our Season 2 episode. Host Rod Rodriguez talks with Natalie Khawam, the lawyer for Vanessa Guillén’s family, and Stars and Stripes reporter Rose Thayer, who had been covering the case since its start. We discover how Guillén’s family first suspected something was wrong th…

Rod Rodriguez talks bidding farewell to Jack Murphy, the end of the season, and potentially the end of the show! ______ This episode is brought to you by Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit helping build and donate homes to injured post 9/11 veterans. Visit HFOTUSA.org for more information. Now you can hear Military Matters Wednesdays at 5 p.m. ET an…

As we wrap up this season of Military Matters we bid a fond farewell to my co-host Jack Murphy. In this episode I sit down with Jack and talk about his career in Special Operations, his journey into journalism, and what's next for Jack Murphy and his podcast the Team House. ______ This episode is brought to you by Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit …

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss last week's interview with Dr. Paul Scharre about the world of defense and artificial intelligence. We also discuss Jack Murphy's foray into showing civilians the SOF side of life as well as our thoughts on AI on the battlefield. All that and more on this Fast Take. ______ This episode is brought to you by Home…

Artificial intelligence is now a tool millions of people are using every day. What does this mean for not only our military but for the militaries of our adversaries and allies? Dr. Paul Scharre, former U.S. Army recon Ranger and now the executive vice president and director of studies at CNAS, talks about his experience with AI, where the military…

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy talk about last week's episode with the folks at Task Force Dagger. We talk charities, PTSD treatment, and you can listen to Rod get 'mythbusted' by Jack in real time! All that and more on this Fast Take! Also, check out this interview with Task Force Dagger founder Stephen Thompson from USSOCOM's official podcast SOFc…

Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation provides assistance to wounded, ill or injured U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) members and their families. They respond to urgent needs, conduct rehabilitative adaptive events (RAE) and provide next-generation health solutions for issues facing our service members. We talk with Director of O…

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss last week's episode on the CBS News coverage of veterans seeking discharge upgrades from the "don't ask, don't tell" era. They talk military attitudes toward LGBTQ+ service members, witch hunts, agendas and what the DADT era did to the modern military. All that and more on this Fast Take! ___________ This episo…

CBS Chief Investigative Correspondent Jim Axelrod and his CBS Producer Jessica Kegu have been covering the story of veterans who were separated from service with dishonorable discharges during the 'don’t ask, don’t tell era' and are now fighting to have the character of their discharges changed. A dishonorable discharge carries with it an unwaverin…

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy talk about last week's interview with author Don Bentley, the joy of seeing good people accomplish great things, Jack asserts he's ALSO a writer, and Rod laments he hasn't written a damn thing. All that and more on this Fast Take! ___________ This episode is brought to you by Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit helping b…

Don Bentley is the bestselling author of the Matt Drake series and the man behind the two latest Jack Ryan Jr. books. Like the protagonist from one of his own works, Bentley has lived a pretty interesting life having spent a decade as an Apache pilot, serving as an FBI special agent focusing on foreign intelligence and counterintelligence, then as …

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss last week's interviews with NPR's Graham Smith and Tom Bowman. It all comes down to why do government offficials and military leaders think a cover-up is ever a good idea? Listen to "Taking Cover" today, https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510368/taking-cover ___________ This episode is brought to you by Homes For Our…

Was there a cover-up of the worst Marine-on-Marine friendly fire incident in modern history? We're talking with NPR investigations senior producer Graham Smith and NPR Pentagon reporter Tom Bowman about their podcast "Taking Cover," which delves into the story of the truth behind the deaths of Marines in Fallujah, the families seeking justice, and …

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy talk about Jack's interview with Dr. Daniel Green and his book "Front Toward Enemy: War, Veterans, and the Homefront." ___________ This episode is brought to you by Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit helping build and donate homes to injured post 9/11 veterans. Visit HFOTUSA.org for more information.…

With over 2 million post 9/11 veterans in America, the voice of this generation of vets is getting louder and more pronounced in television, film, theater, and in literature. What does this all mean for those vets transitioning back to a society they don't feel understands them? How do they make peace with wars that never really ended? Jack Murphy …

Military Matters hosts Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss Jack's interview with Dr. David Walton, the trauma of the Sand Man, VC bros at SOF Week, and what's coming up next week! This episode is brought to you by Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit helping build and donate homes to injured post 9-11 veterans. Visit HFOTUSA.org for more information…

Jack Murphy talks with Dr. David Walton, retired US Army Green Beret, about his new book "Ruck Up or Shut Up: The Comprehensive Guide to Special Forces Assessment and Selection." Walton and Jack discuss what it takes to get through the rigorous assessment and selection process, some Green Beret history, and why you shouldn't spend thousands of doll…

It's the first Fast Take of the new season! Jack and I talk about my discussion with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, his pespective on tech and defense, and next week's episode! This episode is brought to you by Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit helping build and donate homes to injured post 9-11 veterans. Visit HFOTUSA.org for more information.…

We're kicking off this new season of Military Matters with a conversation with the co-author of "Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military," Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson. We discuss the intersection between science and war, why we're racing to the moon once again except this time against China, and whether humanity ha…

While we're in pre-prodction for next season we're re-releasing episode from our archive, in case you missed its (ICYMI). This week we're revisiting the Bowe Bergdahl story. Thirteen years ago Army infantryman Bowe Berghdal walked off of Observation Post Mest near the town of Yahya Kheyl in the Paktika Province of Afghanistan. He was held captive f…

Military Matters hosts Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss the two part interview with investigative journalist Seth Harp, new names for old forts, Chinese influence, and we recap this season, which comes to an end. We'll be back in May with a brand new season! Send us your comments, tips, and story ideas to http://linktr.ee/militarymatters or em…

Jack Murphy continues his conversation with investigative journalist Seth Harp about their shared coverage of the stories that have recently come out of Fort Bragg. In part two, Seth and Jack talk about the fentanyl crises affecting Ft. Bragg soldiers, drug smuggling, and other issues that need to be addressed. This is part 2 of 2. You can follow S…

Jack Murphy talks with investigative journalist Seth Harp about their shared coverage of the stories that have recently come out of Fort Bragg. From human trafficking and drugs to mysterious deaths, these stories reveal a darker side of a fort rich in military legacy and prestige. This is part 1 of 2. You can follow Seth Harp on Twitter @sethharpes…

Military Matters hosts Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss last week's interview with Dr. Richard Meehan, the military's "No Data, No Problem" issue, and Jack shares his thoughts on the the Chinese balloon crises! This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a codi…

If you think because you don't smoke and you weren't near a burn pit during your deployment that you're safe from dangerous lung diseases, think again. Dr. Richard Meehan is a rheumatologist at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colo., co-director of the Post Deployment Lung Health Center, and a U.S. Navy veteran. Meehan talks with us about hidden d…

Jack Murphy and Rod Rodriguez discuss the two-part story about domestic abuse in the military. They also discuss why sociopaths don't make for good soldiers and how this story isn't about Special Forces but about a military problem as a whole. This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommen…

This is Part 2 of the story of Celina, who escaped an abusive marriage to a Special Forces service member. From victims advocates to her ex-husband's chain of command, we listen to the firsthand account of the military's actions and inactions as she struggled to stay safe. *Warning: this episode contains descriptions of domestic violence, cruelty t…

Jack Murphy takes us into the horrifying story of Celina, who escaped an abusive marriage and what the miltiary did and did not do to help her. *Warning: this episode contains descriptions of domestic violence, cruelty towards children, and animal abuse. Listener discretion is advised.* This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a…

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss last week's episode, an interview with Navy SEAL and astronaut Chris Cassidy. We also talk about some new slang the kids are using on the streets nowadays, hate mail and Big Bird's close call with death. This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend …

We had the privilige of sitting down with the amazing Chris Cassidy; Navy SEAL, astronaut and the feature in Disney+'s "Among the Stars." Chris shares his experience joining the Navy, going to BUD/S, getting jettisoned into space, and his recent work making the National Medal of Honor Museum become a reality! Is there a better person to learn stres…

It's Christmas time! Why are you listening to a podcast? Well, this is our holiday message but IF you need some much needed podcast time away from the festivities check our last episode on SFAS standards or any of our other episodes. We'll help you get through the holidays. We'll be back next week with a new full episode! Merry Christmas, Happy Hol…

Jack Murphy and Rod Rodriguez discuss last week's episode about whether or not Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) standards have changed for the worse, the research behind the conclusion, and Rod tells his own story of failing SFAS! All that and more on this Fast Take! This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a caree…

Jack Murphy talks with Dr. David Walton, retired Army Special Forces lieutenant colonel and former director of Special Operations Education, about the rumors surrounding relaxed Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) standards. Has SFAS become easier? Does the inclusion of women candidates have an impact on standards? Find out on this episo…

Hosts Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss women's reproductive health, Japanese culture and the impact Roe v. Wade's repeal is having on the force. That and more on this Fast Take! This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and developer commun…

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy wish you the happiest of Thanksgivings! Remember folks, nothing says family dinner like discussing religion, politics, and podcasts at the dinner table! Subscribe today! --- This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp…

This year the Supreme Court repealed Roe vs Wade, the 1973 landmark ruling that established the constitutional right to abortion in the U.S. This ruling made an already difficult issue for women service members even more challenging. Compounded by the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits miltiary hospitals and (and TRICARE coverage) from performing an a…

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss the North Korea two-parter, how all roads lead to Ukraine, and how the U.S. is reintroducing itself to the world post-GWOT. Listen and subscribe today! --- This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a coding boot camp and devel…

In our last episode we brought you part one of our Future War series on North Korea. So if you haven’t had a chance to listen to that episode first I’d highly encourage you to go back and listen to that one then return and start up this episode, part two. In this episode Jack Murphy and retired Special Forces Col. Dave Maxwell discuss the modern st…

In this first of a two-part episode, Jack Murphy talks with senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, retired Special Forces Col. David Maxwell about North Korea. Dave takes us behind the DMZ into the history of this country, how it’s evolved militarily, and why he likens the Kim family to a mafia crime-family cult. --- This is ep…

Hosts Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss the Season 6 premiere, "Standing Up to Hurricane Ian", what's in store for you in the next episode, and the return of Autumn Man! --- This is episode is sponsored by Sabio! If you’re considering a career in software engineering, we recommend checking out Sabio, a Coding Boot Camp and Developer Community t…

When Hurricane Ian struck Florida, many stood by and sent "thoughts and prayers" over social media. Instead of typing out sentiments, two men decided to take action. Air Force veteran Ryan Hontz and his neighbor Matt Ryan took it upon themselves to deliver much needed aid to the smaller communities devestated by Hurricane Ian. I joined Ryan on a re…

In this episode, we're getting to the bottom of what exactly is "woke" and "critical race theory" and what any of it has to do with our military. Guests: Brian "BK" Kimber, former AF Pararescueman and host of World News with BK Dr. John Witte, professor emeritus from the University of Wisconsin Madison. And the departments of political science in t…

While we're in pre-production on the next season of Military Matters, we're releasing some episodes from prior seasons we think you'll love and might have missed! With Halloween just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to share this episode from Season 4. In this episode Jack Murphy talks with Dr. Eric Kurlander, author of "Hitler's Monste…

Last year, the world watched as the US began withdrawing it's forces from Afghanistan. As the country fell back into the hands of the Taliban, thousands of American allies and partners desperately sought ways out of the country. This one of the three episodes we did covering the efforts to save Americans and Afghans during the weeks leading to the …

Military Matters hosts Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy wrap up the season talking about last week's episode, covering a war story in real-time, and this season's stand-out episodes! Thank you all for an amazing Season 5! We'll see you all ... at Season 6!By Stars and Stripes Media

It's our season finale and in this episode, we're talking about NATO and nukes! What exactly is NATO and why is it important to the US? What does NATO have to do with the war in Ukraine? Are we on the brink of nuclear disaster? All that and more on this episode of Military Matters! GUESTS Dr. Timothy Sayles - author of Enduring Alliance: A History …

Rod Rodriguez and Jack Murphy discuss last week's episode, an interview with the co-author of "American Cipher: Bowe Bergdahl and the U.S. Tragedy in Afghanistan." Why was Bergdahl allowed to even join the military, were CONOPS fabricated, and did we all get the story wrong on Bergdahl?By Stars and Stripes Media