Best United States Special Operations Command Podcasts (2025)

1
S6 E3 - Nick Lavery 1:05:16

4d ago1:05:16

1:05:16

SOFcast | Season 6, Episode 3: Nick Lavery — Choosing to Fight Forward 🎙️ Few stories embody the spirit of SOF like Nick Lavery’s. The first Green Beret to return to combat as an above-the-knee amputee, Nick shares his incredible journey of resilience, mindset, and service — and how his fight didn’t end with recovery. Now an author, speaker, and me…

1
S6 E2 - Melissa Johnson 56:11

4d ago56:11

56:11

SOFcast | Season 6, Episode 2: Melissa Johnson — Accelerating Innovation for SOF 🎙️ How do you rapidly deliver cutting-edge gear and tech to the world’s most agile warriors? USSOCOM Acquisition Executive Melissa Johnson joins SOFcast to pull back the curtain on how her team connects the team room to the tech world — fielding solutions faster, smart…

1
Season 6 Premier - GEN Bryan Fenton & CSM Shane Shorter 1:27:34

4d ago1:27:34

1:27:34

SOFcast | Season 6 Premiere: GEN Bryan Fenton & CSM Shane Shorter 🎙️ SOF is purpose-built for exactly what our Nation demands: unmatched agility, readiness, and lethality — fueled by our people. In this powerful season opener, GEN Bryan Fenton and CSM Shane Shorter reflect on leading U.S. Special Operations Command, the relentless pursuit of excell…

1
The Fighting Lady 1:03:37

5d ago1:03:37

1:03:37

This week we are feeding you guys another wartime documentary. This one is called The Fighting Lady. A so-called "news drama" of the day, the Fighting Lady focuses on the exploits of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) from her commissioning through many of the Navy battles and campaigns of the Pacific war from 1943-late 1944 including the Gr…

1
Supply Chains Win Wars: Rare Earth Magnets with John Maslin, CEO Vulcan Elements 25:29

6d ago25:29

25:29

In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula sit down with John Maslin, Co-founder and CEO of Vulcan Elements, for an insightful conversation about the critical importance of rare earth magnets to U.S. national security. Drawing from his background as a Navy Supply Corps officer and his entrepreneurial journey, Maslin offers…

1
To The Shores of Iwo Jima 22:16

12d ago22:16

22:16

As Bill and I prepare and record episodes for Season 5, we wanted to make sure you guys had something to check out, so here you go. This is a US Govt produced film of the campaign for Iwo Jima. Produced using footage shot from US Navy and US Marine Corps photographers, including Bill Genaust, this film was made to show the American citizenry what t…

1
Founders in Focus Part 2: Tyler Sweatt, Josh Lospinoso + Troy Demmer (Recorded @ Manifest: Demo Day) 38:39

19d ago38:39

38:39

Today's episode of Building the Base is part two of our "Founders in Focus" series, recorded at Manifest: Demo Day where 34 companies from across the defense industrial base demoed their disruptive tech. Hosts Hondo and Lauren caught up with some of the most dynamic founders: Tyler Sweatt from Second Front, Josh Lospinoso from Shift5, and Troy Demm…

1
The Invasion of Iwo Jima (Both Episodes Combined) with Jon Parshall 4:29:19

20d ago4:29:19

4:29:19

As wed prep for Season 5, we thought that maybe you guys would like both of our Iwo Jima episodes we did with Jon Parshall combined into one massive episode. We wanted to make sure you guys had something to look at/listen to this week as we record for next season. Hope you enjoy the re-run.#wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor …

1
Season 4 Finale Audience Q&A with Jon Parshall - Episode 442 2:05:01

27d ago2:05:01

2:05:01

This is the last episode for Season 4, and as such, we wanted to do a Q&A to wrap up another great run of episodes. Seth and Bill are joined by good buddies Jon Parshall and Shawn Bergstrom as the foursome goes through some of your questions to wrap up the season. Radar directed naval gunfire, Admiral Ernest King, oral histories, racism in the Paci…

1
Surrender aboard USS Missouri: The End of World War II with Jon Parshall - Episode 441 1:34:04

1M ago1:34:04

1:34:04

This week Seth, Bill, and third amigo Jon Parshall wrap up the Pacific war with the surrender ceremony aboard the battleship USS Missouri. The conversation doesn't start there, however. The guys get into the details of the early occupation, how American troops got to Japan, how many, how often, and all the stipulations in between. Before we get to …

1
Founders in Focus Part 1: Jeff Cole, Doug Bernauer + Topher Haddad (Recorded @ Manifest: Demo Day) 27:24

1M ago27:24

27:24

Today's episode of Building the Base is part one of our "Founders in Focus" series, recorded at Manifest: Demo Day where 34 companies from across the defense industrial base demoed their disruptive tech. Hosts Hondo and Lauren caught up with some of the most dynamic founders: Jeff Cole from Hidden Level, Doug Bernauer from Radiant, and Topher Hadda…

1
Japan's Decision to Surrender with Jon Parshall - Episode 440 1:41:10

1M ago1:41:10

1:41:10

This week Seth, Bill and amigo Jon Parshall take a deep dive into Japan's decision to surrender and all the intrigue that goes with it. You probably think that after the atomic bomb on Nagasaki Japan just threw in the towel and it was over right? Wrong. It was NOT that easy--no way. You will not want to miss this absolutely fascinating episode as t…

1
The Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with Jon Parshall-Episode 439 1:55:13

2M ago1:55:13

1:55:13

This week Seth, Bill and good buddy Jon Parshall, take an in-depth look at the two atomic bombing missions that helped end World War II. The guys go into the deep details of the mission to Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and the complete mess of a mission to Nagasaki on August 9, 1945 by taking you through each mission in high detail.#wwii #wwiihistory…

1
What Were the Alternatives to Dropping the Bomb? with Jon Parshall Episode 438 1:13:31

2M ago1:13:31

1:13:31

This week Seth, Bill and good buddy Jon Parshall take a look at the moral decision to drop the atomic bombs. Was there a viable alternative? Why did we drop the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Did the dropping the bombs help end the war? Did the bombs save lives? All these questions and more are answered on this very important episode.…

1
Indy-Maru: the Final Mission of USS Indianapolis-Episode 437 1:50:15

2M ago1:50:15

1:50:15

This week Bill and Seth take a deep look at the final mission of one of the most storied warships in naval history, USS Indianapolis. Bill goes through each and every step of Indy's final mission, destroying myths and highlighting the many survivors he came to know as friends. You don't want to miss this one as our Captain dishes on his favorite sh…

1
Rapid Acquisition: Scaling Culture and Capabilities with Melissa Johnson, USSOCOM 37:19

2M ago37:19

37:19

In this episode of Building the Base, Melissa "Mojo" Johnson, Acquisition Executive at US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), offers a candid look into the world of military acquisition, drawing from her extensive experience with the Air Force's Rapid Capabilities Office and SOCOM. Five key takeaways from today's episode: To drive organizational …

1
US Submarine Special Operations off WWII-Episode 436 1:18:51

2M ago1:18:51

1:18:51

This week Seth and Bill take a look at United States Navy submarine special operations in the Pacific during World War II. Beginning during the fall of the Philippines in 1942, American subs carried in ammunition and supplies while simultaneously ferrying out military and civilian personnel. Until October 1944, submarine special ops in the Philippi…

1
Halsey's Carrier Raids on Kure Naval Harbor with Jon Parshall-Episode 435 1:46:07

3M ago1:46:07

1:46:07

This week Seth and guest co-host Jon Parshall (Bill had tech issues) dig into the final major US Naval action of World War II. In July 1945, Admiral William F. Halsey brings his 3rd Fleet to the very shores of Japan to destroy infrastructure, shipping, airfields, ad the remnants of the once mighty Imperial Japanese Navy. Over a period of two days, …

1
Driving Comprehensive Defense Acquisition Reform with Eric Lofgren 43:32

3M ago43:32

43:32

In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren and Hondo sit down with Eric Lofgren, a professional staff member on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Eric provides an insider's perspective on the need for comprehensive acquisition reform. He discusses his unexpected path to this role, initially joining a defense contractor before becoming deeply i…

1
Parade of Destruction-The Naval Bombardments of Japan 1945-Episode 434 1:15:04

3M ago1:15:04

1:15:04

This week Seth and Bill take a look at an oft-forgotten, but strategically important, episode of the Pacific War. In July 1945, Admiral William F. Halsey took his mighty 3rd Fleet to the very shores of Japan. Sending his carriers into the harbors and towns to wreak havoc, Halsey then detached his surface forces, specifically his battleships, to she…

1
Uncle Charlie: Admiral Charles A. Lockwood-Episode 433 1:40:20

3M ago1:40:20

1:40:20

This week Seth and Bill take an in-depth look at one of the most important, yet oft-forgotten, figures of the Pacific War--Admiral Charles A. Lockwood. Under Lockwood's direction, the US Navy's Silent Service submarine force went from a frustrating start to sinking almost everything afloat that flew a Japanese flag. Lockwood's planning and executio…

1
Bipartisan Breakthroughs: Rep. Pat Ryan, House Defense Modernization Caucus 22:09

3M ago22:09

22:09

In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18). Rep. Ryan represents a diverse district of 800,000 in upstate New York, which includes his alma mater, West Point. An Iraq war veteran, Rep. Ryan transitioned from active duty, to defense tech, to Congress, where he now champions defense…

1
Next-Gen Defense: AI on the Frontlines with Thomas Robinson, COO Domino Data Lab 27:00

3M ago27:00

27:00

This episode of Building the Base features an interview with Thomas Robinson, Chief Operating Officer of Domino Data Lab, who has an interesting background in finance and a strong passion for contributing to national security. Hosted by Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts, the conversation dives into Thomas’s transition from a hedge fund to defense tech…

1
Questions and answers about the PTO Round 3 with Jon Parshall-Episode 432 1:56:24

3M ago1:56:24

1:56:24

This week Seth, Bill, good buddy Jon Parshall and US Army retired Major Shawn Bergstrom wrap up the Q&A sessions with this final round. The guys roll on from last week's episode and keep going as we answer more of your amazing questions. This is the final Q&A of this grouping. Next week, we move back to the war.…

1
Defending Against the Drone Threat: Counter-UAS Applications with Andy Lowery, CEO Epirus 24:08

3M ago24:08

24:08

In this episode of Building the Base, Andy Lowery, CEO of Epirus, discusses his journey from his days as a Navy reactor operator to leading a counter-UAS high-power microwave (HPM) system company. Epirus' HPM technology, which uses electromagnetic pulses to disable drones, has been tested successfully by the Army for over 15 months. Lowery emphasiz…

1
We Answer More of Your Questions, With Drinks and Jon Parshall-Episode 431 1:57:50

3M ago1:57:50

1:57:50

This week Seth, Bill and third amigo Jon Parshall are again joined by US Army retired Major Shawn Bergstrom as the guys wade through more of your questions, this time with drinks in hand. Less of a Q&A and more of a bull session, this episode, and next week's were extremely fun. We hope you like it too.…

1
Looking Ahead: National Security in a New Administration with Nadia Schadlow and Stephen Rodriguez 30:51

3M ago30:51

30:51

This episode of Building the Base features a discussion with Nadia Schadlow, a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, and Stephen Rodriguez, an investor in the defense tech space who is leading The Atlantic Council's work on Software-Defined Warfare. Nadia and Stephen have extensive backgrounds in national security: Nadia spent many years at the De…

1
We Answer Your Questions on the PTO with Jon Parshall - Episode 430 2:39:05

4M ago2:39:05

2:39:05

This week Seth and Bill welcome good buddy Jon Parshall as the trio tackles your listener questions. Our guest emcee is retired US Army Major Shawn Bergstrom, who was with us on our Q&A's last season and will be with us for this series of Q&A's and next season's CBI material. Thanks for the great questions, we hope you guys enjoy the product. We ha…

1
Incentivizing Defense Innovation: Rep. Adam Smith, Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee 22:51

4M ago22:51

22:51

In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with Rep. Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, to discuss the critical role of innovation and competition in modernizing the defense industrial base. Ranking Member Smith reflects on his political journey from growing up in SeaTac, Washington,…

1
The Exoneration of Captain McVay (USS Indianapolis) 1:06:34

4M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

In this episode, Bill speaks at the Brevard Veteran's Memorial about his involvement in the exoneration of Captain Charles B. McVay III, USN. McVay had been court-martialed in December 1945 following the sinking of the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) the prior August. He was exonerated by act of Congress in May 2001.…

1
Answering the Call: Hon. Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering 22:24

4M ago22:24

22:24

In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with the Honorable Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. Ms. Shyu discusses her transition from industry to government, highlighting her role in accelerating technological innovation within the Department of Defense (DoD). She outlines her e…

1
Pacific Command Review 1944-45 with Jon Parshall - Episode 428 1:36:40

4M ago1:36:40

1:36:40

This week Seth and Bill welcome back the third amigo, Jon Parshall, as the trio dive into Allied and Japanese commander's performances in 1944 and 1945. Halsey, Spruance, MacArthur, Mitscher, McCain, LeMay, Hansell, Bruce, Burke, Rupertus, Yamashita, Iwabuchi, Nakagawa and others are reviewed by the guys in this totally off-the-cuff discussion. The…

1
Christmas in the Pacific Theater and the Homefront 1941-45 1:15:52

4M ago1:15:52

1:15:52

In this special episode, Seth and Bill take a look at Christmastime in the Pacific theater and the American homefront during the war years. The guys go through specific times in November and December 41-45 and, as usual, blow apart some of the myths of the home front and get into what the holidays were really like for the men overseas.…

1
"Co-opetition" in Defense with Teresa Carlson, President, General Catalyst Institute 41:58

5M ago41:58

41:58

In this episode of Building The Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula sit down with Teresa Carlson, founding president of General Catalyst Institute. Drawing from her extensive experience leading public sector teams at AWS and Microsoft, Carlson shares invaluable insights on building successful government-technology partnerships, the evolution of cl…

1
USS Laffey:The Ship that Would Not Die-Episode 427 1:25:06

5M ago1:25:06

1:25:06

This week Seth and Bill take a look at the legendary story of USS Laffey (DD-724) and her epic struggle for survival at radar picket station number 1 off Okinawa on April 16, 1945. The guys go into their usual deep dive as they explore the men and the action of Laffey's ordeal. Truly, one of the most heroic and legendary stories to come out of the …

1
USS Hugh W. Hadley and USS Evans at Radar Picket Station 15-Episode 426 1:22:14

5M ago1:22:14

1:22:14

This week Seth and Bill take a look at one of the legendary stories of the kamikaze scourge during the Naval campaign for Okinawa--the saga of the destroyers USS Hugh W. Hadley and USS Evans and their support ships at Radar Picket Station 15. On May 11, 1945, the American ships at Radar Picket 15 endured an almost unbelievable attack by 156 Japanes…

1
Gina Sims, Director of DoD SBIR/STTR Program 33:49

5M ago33:49

33:49

In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts speak with Gina Sims, Director of the DoD's SBIR/STTR office, about revolutionizing defense innovation. Sims shares her journey from Air Force acquisition to leading the $3 billion small business innovation program, discussing how she's breaking down barriers for new entrants, str…

1
Kikusui - Kamikazes off Okinawa with Jon Parshall 1:54:49

5M ago1:54:49

1:54:49

This week Seth and Bill welcome back good buddy Jon Parshall to talk about the massive Japanese kamikaze attacks unleashed on the US and British Pacific fleets off Okinawa from April 6-June 1945. The guys go into detail on some of the bigger raids and the smaller ones too, and talk about the fatal attack on USS Bunker Hill in which Arleigh Burke ea…

1
Get Us Your Questions for Audience Q&A! 4:22

5M ago4:22

4:22

Hey guys, just a quick drop-in to remind you to send us your questions for the Q&A. This time it will be Bill and I as well as our good buddy Jon Parshall. Send us your questions at:unauthorizedpacificpodcast @gmail.com Drop Dead Date is Friday 13 December.By Captain William Toti, USN (Ret)

1
Thomas "Shotgun" Browning, performing the duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Mission Capabilities (ASD(MC)) OUSD(R&E) 38:43

5M ago38:43

38:43

In this episode of Building the Base, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts chat with Thomas "Shotgun" Browning, currently performing the duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Mission Capabilities, to share insights on modernizing defense technology acquisition. Drawing from his experience as a fighter pilot and DARPA innovator, Browning disc…

1
The Divine Wind-Origins and Deployment of the Kamikaze-With Jon Parshall-Episode 424 1:37:18

5M ago1:37:18

1:37:18

This week Seth, Bill and, good buddy Jon Parshall delve into the origin and deployment of the Kamikaze. The guys take a look at the tactic's origins, which date as far back as Pearl Harbor, and really dive deep into how, exactly, did the Japanese get to that point. Digging deeper, the team gets into the whole myth that every Kamikaze pilot was a vo…

1
Operation Ten-Ichi-Go: Death of Yamato with Jon Parshall - Episode 423 2:14:58

6M ago2:14:58

2:14:58

This week Seth, Bill and good buddy Jon Parshall tackle the story of the Japanese battleship Yamato and her final sortie. The team gets into the beginnings of the operation and how the idea was formed in the heads of the upper echelons of the Imperial Japanese Navy, and then get deep into the dissension within the ranks of those assigned to take pa…

1
PSA for Captain Toti's ministry for active duty, reservists, and veterans, "No Greater Love" 8:44

6M ago8:44

8:44

A few months ago, Captain Toti began a Christian ministry for active duty, reservists, and veterans locally in Brevard County, Florida. He started this ministry because he saw a need in the local veteran community. It meets every Monday night at the Church at Viera in Viera, Florida.Interested active duty, reservists, veterans, and their spouses ca…

1
Captain Toti tours the USS Cod Submarine Memorial in Cleveland Ohio - Episode 420 1:21:16

6M ago1:21:16

1:21:16

Bill takes a tour of the USS Cod (SS-224) in July 2024. Many thanks to Paul Farace and the entire USS Cod crew.Bill authored "From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership"By Paul Farace, William Toti

1
Audience Generated Q&A Session coming soon and Notes about the show's future 14:04

6M ago14:04

14:04

Hey guys. This is a short PSA (nothing is short when Bill and I start talking) about another audience-generated Q&A session. This time, Bill and I will be joined by our good buddy Jon Parshall as we field your questions about the Pacific war. We also briefly discuss the show's future and other topics top of mind. Send us your questions now at:unaut…

1
Gotterdamerung: The End on Okinawa- with Jon Parshall-Episode 421 1:47:12

6M ago1:47:12

1:47:12

This week Seth, Bill and good buddy Jon Parshall examine the last month of the ground campaign on Okinawa. in this episode, the guys discuss the Japanese withdrawal from the Shuri Line, the attempted American pursuit as well as the final American push south which results in the final American amphibious landing of World War II on the Oroku Peninsul…

1
Tracy Frost and Dr. Kate Sixt, DoD Research and Engineering OUSD 31:35

6M ago31:35

31:35

In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with Tracy Frost, Director of Technology Industrial Innovation Base, and Dr. Kate Sixt, Principal Director for Biotechnology at the Department of Defense. The conversation explores the revolutionary intersection of biotechnology and national security, diving into how the …

1
The Marines on Okinawa:Sugar Loaf Hill, and Beyond--Okinawa Part 3 with Jon Parshall - Episode 420 2:05:57

6M ago2:05:57

2:05:57

This week Seth and Bill and good buddy Jon Parshall get into the US Marine Corps side of the campaign ashore for Okinawa. The team begins their coverage, fittingly, at the beginning of the month of May 1945 and talk about the situation as it stands ashore at the beginning of the month before getting into the early fighting against the Awacha Pocket…

1
The Invasion of Okinawa: Cactus, Kakazu, and Hacksaw Ridge with Jon Parshall - Episode 419 2:21:01

7M ago2:21:01

2:21:01

This week Seth and Bill welcome back good buddy Jon Parshall and the three amigos take on the US Army's portion of the early fight for Okinawa. the guys break down the slugfest at Cactus Ride, Kakazu Ridge, and Hacksaw Ridge, digging into the stories of the heroics at each location diving into the stories of Medal of Honor recipients, Desmond Doss,…

1
Jason Rathje, Director Office of Strategic Capital - DoD 36:49

7M ago36:49

36:49

In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome back Jason Rathje, Director of the Department of Defense's Office of Strategic Capital (OSC), as the first-ever repeat guest. Jason shares his personal journey from an early passion for technology and innovation to leading OSC’s groundbreaking efforts. He highlights the pr…

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United States Special Operations Command Podcasts

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