Advertise on podcast: The Soldier Fund Podcast

This conversation gets underneath the surface of what draws a man into Special Forces—and what it actually takes to stay there. It moves past the mythology and into something far more grounded: the internal wiring required to operate in uncertainty, to manage yourself when no one is giving feedback, and to make decisions that don’t always end in clean outcomes. In this episode, Ben sits down with a retired National Guard Special Forces medic whose path was anything but scripted. From Ranger Regiment to 20th Group, from combat deployments to a life-altering diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, his story traces the arc from capability to limitation—and what it means to hold onto identity when circumstances change. For those in the formation, those approaching transition, or those simply trying to understand what real resilience looks like, this conversation offers something worth sitting with. It doesn’t simplify the cost of this life. But it does make clear that what is formed in it doesn’t disappear when the uniform comes off. If you want to understand the mindset behind the tab—and what remains when it’s gone—this is a conversation worth your time. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

In this episode, Ben sits down with a National Guard Special Forces Master Sergeant with over 20 years in the Army and seven combat deployments. They talk about what it actually feels like when it gets real — the first firefight, improvised armor, insurgency warfare, and the quiet reality of putting your hands on a wounded man and hoping he makes it. But this conversation isn’t about glory. It’s about reputation. It’s about brotherhood. It’s about what it means to “free the oppressed.” And it’s about something most civilians never consider: On the battlefield — and in life — survival often comes down to knowing what not to do. They discuss: The moment a young soldier realizes combat won’t prove his manhood Why Green Berets care more about credibility than recognition The sacred trust inside an ODA team room The difficulty of leaving the team after years of war Why aging inside Special Forces is a conversation we’re not having enough How the lessons of warfare translate directly into fatherhood and civilian life This is a conversation about violence — but not for violence’s sake. It’s about responsibility. About protecting others. About carrying something forward for the next generation. And about understanding that a man’s purpose is never about himself — it’s about the team. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

In this episode of The Soldier Fund Podcast, Ben Derrick sits down with Jordan Jones for a candid response to the Netflix documentary In Waves and War and the conversation it has sparked inside the Special Operations community. Together, they explore why the film resonates so deeply with operators—and why awareness alone is not enough. Drawing from lived experience, the conversation exposes the hidden costs of repeated deployments, combat exposure, and the long transition between war and home. Jordan speaks openly about identity loss, family strain, unresolved trauma, and the internal conflicts many operators carry long after service. The episode challenges civilian assumptions about what “coming home” actually looks like and highlights how linear narratives fail to capture the reality of post-service life. The discussion also addresses the growing attention around psychedelic-assisted therapies, including ibogaine. While acknowledging their potential, Ben and Jordan caution against viewing them as standalone solutions, emphasizing the need for continued care, community, and sustainable lifestyle change. Ultimately, this episode calls for a more comprehensive approach to soldier wellness—one that moves beyond symptom management and toward long-term resilience, purpose, and support. It’s an invitation for soldiers to know they’re not alone, and for civilians to engage with deeper understanding and responsibility. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

After a long and unexpected break, Ben returns to share why the TSF Podcast went quiet this year—and why it’s coming back stronger. In this candid update, he reflects on the health crisis that forced him to slow down, the lessons learned along the way, and what’s ahead for The Soldier Fund. Ben previews an upcoming December conversation with Jordan Jones on In Waves and War, the realities facing National Guard Special Forces, and the major deployment preparing to launch in early 2026. He also shares how listeners can support the Fund’s end-of-year effort to stand with the soldiers and families of 2nd Battalion as they step into a demanding year. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

Ben Derrick hosts a podcast discussing the experiences of CSM Jeff Dawson who transitioned from an ODA to an administrative role. CSM, who served from 1981 to 2004, emphasizes the emotional challenges of leaving a team and the importance of maintaining a sense of purpose. He highlights the need for accountability, the concept of "skirting the gray," and the significance of mental health support. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced by National Guard Special Forces, the importance of public education about their contributions, and the role of nonprofit organizations in supporting them. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

CSM Dawson recounts his journey in the Special Forces. He describes the rigorous Q Course, including phase one's six-week beatdown and phase two's field exercises. Dawson highlights his role as a radio operator. He details his experience with the Green Light team, including the challenges of carrying a 65-pound bomb and the stringent security protocols. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

Ben Derrick and Jordan Jones discuss the importance of their podcast, which highlights the lives and missions of National Guard Special Forces. They welcome Jeff, a new strength and conditioning coach, who shares his background in kinesiology and his transition to the National Guard. Jeff emphasizes the need for tailored training programs to prevent overuse injuries and improve overall performance. He discusses the benefits of using technology like Garmin and Bridge Athletic to track and adjust training regimens. The conversation also touches on the challenges of changing long-held training habits and the importance of addressing both physical and emotional well-being for soldiers. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

This episode, Frank Rossi discusses the history and evolution of Special Forces, emphasizing their unique role as the commando arm of the CIA. He recounts his uncle's experience in the OSS. Rossi details his own journey into Special Forces, highlighting the rigorous selection process and the importance of teamwork and cultural understanding. He reflects on the impact of the Reagan era on Special Forces' resurgence and the challenges faced during the Global War on Terror, including changes in selection standards and the influence of generals. Rossi emphasizes the need for inherent qualities in Special Forces personnel and the importance of maintaining high standards. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

In this episode, Ben Derrick and Jordan Jones explore the challenges and motivations of a Green Beret who joined the military at 18 and transitioned to Special Forces after a decade in the National Guard. He shares how family support, especially from his wife, has been a cornerstone of his career. The discussion delves into the rigorous training and evaluation processes, including the Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) and the Q Course, and the delicate balance between military duties and family life. They also highlight the vital role of civilian support through organizations like The Soldier Fund, which provide essential resources and care for Green Berets and their families. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

In this episode of the Soldier Fund Podcast, Ben Derrick and Jordan Jones discuss the mindset and experiences of a Special Forces operator with 23 years of service. The guest, SFC W.D., shares his journey from joining the Marines in 2001 to becoming a Scout Sniper and eventually a Green Beret. They delve into the concept of discipline, defining it as doing the right thing even when it's hard, and emphasize the importance of maintaining humanity and ethics in combat. W.D. highlights the need for emotional control and respect for one's enemy, even in war. The conversation also touches on the relationship between Special Operations forces and conventional units, stressing the importance of understanding and executing the basics of warfare exceptionally well. W.D. and Ben Derrick discuss the challenges and complexities of transitioning from military life to civilian life, particularly for Special Operations forces. They explore the concept of operator syndrome, the heightened situational awareness and aggressive responses that soldiers develop in combat, and how these traits can be problematic in civilian settings. W.D. emphasizes the importance of finding a fulfilling occupation, building a new fraternity, and maintaining self-worth post-military. They also touch on the psychological impact of survivor's guilt and the need for self-assessment and adaptation. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

Scott Mann, a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the US Army, discusses his extensive military career, particularly his service in Special Forces and his time in Afghanistan. He emphasizes the importance of building rapport and understanding human nature, using metaphors like John Wick, Lawrence of Arabia, and the Verizon guy to illustrate the complex skills of Green Berets. Mann highlights the moral injury caused by the Afghanistan withdrawal, advocating for national security awareness and veteran support. He also discusses his nonprofit, Task Force Pineapple, focusing on storytelling, advocacy, and empowerment to address the challenges faced by veterans and the nation. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

This episode delves into the complexities of helathcare for the National Guard soldier, focusing on the challenges soldiers face in seeking healthcare and navigating the system. Our guests, including a former 18 Delta current PA, an Army PA with a SOF background, and a nurse case manager, discuss the importance of seeking care, enrolling in healthcare systems like TRICARE and VA, and understanding the process of obtaining a Line of Duty (LOD) determination. They emphasize the need for soldiers to report injuries promptly, seek mental health support, and advocate for themselves. The discussion highlights the role of the state surgeon's office in providing guidance and support and the importance of planning for transition to ensure a healthy post-military life—special thanks to Jake Carpenter, Brennan Vaughn, and Miranda Rosar for their time and expertise. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

In Episode 5 of the Soldier Fund Podcast, Ben Derrick and Jordan discuss the unique aspects of leadership within the National Guard Special Forces community. They highlight the importance of relationship-building and the personal nature of leadership in Special Forces. The guest, a Sergeant Major with over 20 years of service, shares his journey, emphasizing the evolution of his leadership style from hands-on to strategic. He recounts pivotal combat experiences that shaped his approach, stressing the need for calm, clear communication and introspection. The conversation underscores the value of mentorship, rehearsing plans, and maintaining trust and honesty in leadership. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

Ben Derrick interviews an E7 in the Army, discussing his experiences in the National Guard Special Operations. The speaker recounts his first deployment in 2012, highlighting the high operational tempo and the impact of losing Green Berets early on. He emphasizes the importance of transitioning back to civilian life slowly, especially after a challenging deployment. The conversation touches on the physical and mental challenges of deployments, the role of family support, and the importance of resilience. The speaker also discusses the need for civilians to understand and support the Special Forces community, praising initiatives like The Soldier Fund for providing essential resources. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

Dr. Frueh, a psychologist, discusses his work with military populations, particularly focusing on "Operator Syndrome," a term he coined to describe the unique challenges special operations personnel face. He highlights common symptoms like traumatic brain injury, sleep disturbances, hormonal dysregulation, and cognitive impairments. Dr. Frueh emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to treatment, including lifestyle adaptations and medical interventions like stellate ganglion block therapy and ketamine infusions. He also stressed the importance of collaboration among foundations and the need for better support systems for operators and their families. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.