Best Joe Vargas Podcasts (2025)

1
Micah Faustin Part 3 - Army Ranger, Global War on Terrorism Veteran, Business Owner 40:58

4M ago40:58

40:58

Send us a text Welcome to the 55th episode of the Remember My Name Podcast! This is the last of a three-part episode where I interview former Army Ranger Micah Faustin. For this episode, Micah talks about getting out of the military and how he coped with the loss of not only 3 teammates but his own brother and the emotion pain of what to do next. H…

1
Micah Faustin Part 1 - Army Ranger, Global War on Terrorism Veteran, Business Owner 1:00:11

4M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Send us a text This is part 1 of a three-part episode where I interview former Army Ranger Micah Faustin. For this first episode, Micah talks about growing up in a large family in the suburbs of Denver. After high school, he worked for a shooting range that helped plant the seed for his future in the Army. He was sent off to basic training and then…

1
Micah Faustin Part 2 - Army Ranger, Global War on Terrorism Veteran, Business Owner 1:24:07

4M ago1:24:07

1:24:07

Send us a text Welcome to the 54th episode of the Remember My Name Podcast! This is part 2 of a three-part episode where I interview former Army Ranger Micah Faustin. For this first episode, Micah talks about the history of the Army Rangers and how they became one of the premier special operations forces we know today. He also discusses his first d…

1
Before You Move Out of America, Consider Moving Toward Love w Sonya Renee Taylor 36:20

5M ago36:20

36:20

On this season finale of “America, Who Hurt You?” Sarah Jones sits down with New York Times bestselling author and activist, Sonya Renee Taylor to discuss why radical self love IS the moment. Yes, even in the face of oppressive systems and the current American Bro-ligarchy. Sonya reminds us that, in order to build the world we want to live in, we m…

1
The Only Way Out is Through (Community) w. Sophia Bush 42:16

5M ago42:16

42:16

In case the holiday season and heading into (project 🫠) 2025 is feeling like an emotional mixed bag, this week Sarah Jones sits down with actress, producer, and activist, Sophia Bush for her take on how to show up for change and healing both individually and collectively. After coming through a year of personal upheaval to find freedom on the other…

1
You Can’t Ban What’s Always Been Here: Islam in America w. Kashif Shaikh 38:09

5M ago38:09

38:09

Even with the most urgent issues facing the US as we head into (Project) 2025, our foreign policy on the Middle East and Islam are right at the top. And if you think it only affects people overseas, just ask Muslim Americans how the consequences play out stateside in their everyday lives. This week, host Sarah Jones talks to Kashif Shaikh, presiden…

1
It’s (Thanks)Giving Trauma w. Paul Scheer 44:07

5M ago44:07

44:07

If you need a pre-Thanksgiving pep talk, this is the episode for you. This week host Sarah Jones talks to Paul Scheer about his New York Times best seller Joyful Recollections of Trauma and how to both love your family AND still hold space for yourself. Whether you can’t swallow how your cousin voted or you’re stuffing (😬) down unacknowledged child…

1
Your Post-Election Rage Might Be Your New Bestie w. Dr. Jennifer Mullan 42:00

5M ago42:00

42:00

Politics got you rethinking your mental health? You’re not alone! In the aftermath of the election, some are considering therapy for the first time, while others may be wondering if their current therapeutic practices are really addressing the grief they’re experiencing. This week, Sarah Jones talks to psychologist and best-selling author of Decolo…

1
We WILL Make It Through... But First We Nap w. Ashley Allison and Maurice Mitchell 48:03

6M ago48:03

48:03

Well, we survived the election; now we just have to… keep going. This week, host Sarah Jones pushes through the exhaustion with CNN commentator Ashley Allison and national director of the Working Families Party Maurice Mitchell to break down what really happened. And more importantly what in the (literal?) hell is next, for all of us, but especiall…

1
No Person Is Illegal— Ask an Undocumented Citizen w. Jose Antonio Vargas 41:46

6M ago41:46

41:46

With the election a week away, polls show immigration is a top issue for voters even though most Americans have no idea how our immigration system actually works, or how much our society depends on the contributions of immigrants, both documented and not. This week, Sarah sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and founder of Define Americ…

1
Understanding Project 2025 Is the Ultimate "Black Job" w. Janai Nelson 42:13

6M ago42:13

42:13

Project 2025 may be the Heritage Foundation’s plan for next year, but its strategies are built to set equality back decades, especially for groups already dealing with America’s legacy of discrimination. This week, host Sarah Jones is joined by Janai Nelson, the President and Director Council of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, to break down Project 2…

1
Renewable Energy: How to Stay in the Climate Fight w. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson 33:24

7M ago33:24

33:24

This week on #AmericaWhoHurtYou, author and climate policy expert Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (@ayanaeliza ) is ringing the alarm about the climate crisis, but in a way that offers real solutions, including how to do our small part in practical ways AND hold the biggest climate culprits (hiii fossil fuel execs and paid for politicians!) accountable. Sp…

1
White Women for the Win? The Politics of America’s Biggest Voting Block w. Shannon Watts 39:30

7M ago39:30

39:30

Years of exit polls tell us that the outcome of this election may come down to white women who, at 40%, make up the majority of the entire electorate. But what can be done about the fact that white women have a track record of voting more conservatively in the majority of presidential elections since 1950, even when a fellow white woman was an opti…

1
Escape the Manosphere w. Liz Plank 37:42

7M ago37:42

37:42

Our second ever female candidate is running for the highest office in the land– and the gender divide among Americans is at an all time high. This week, host Sarah Jones talks with Liz Plank, (a.k.a. Feministabulous) about the murky waters dividing men and women, and how to bridge across them in time to save democracy. If you’re tired of running in…

1
Don White - Kendall County Constable, Involved in a Shooting, 23 Years of Service, Firearms Instructor 1:02:46

7M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

Send us a text Don White grew up in the hill country of Texas. After working in various capacities of engineering and construction, he had a desire to join the US Marine Corps. However, the love for his community won him over and he became a constable instead. Throughout Don's 23 year career, he made a difference in the lives of Kendall County and …

1
Who Deserves a Clean Slate? w. Sheena Meade 39:32

7M ago39:32

39:32

“Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time.” But how long after serving their prison sentence should we punish people? And in an economy fueled in large part by the prison industrial complex, what kind of crimes should warrant keeping a person unemployed, unhoused, and in a cycle of poverty? This week, host Sarah Jones talks to Sheena Meade, the …

1
How Well Is The Wellness Industry? w. Jameela Jamil 32:17

8M ago32:17

32:17

Supplements, and Gut Health, and Ozempic , Oh My! The wellness industry has no shortage of solutions for what ails us. But in a saturated market it feels nearly impossible to tell the fish oil from the snake oil—and whether the problem is really our physical health, or something much bigger…and more political. On this episode, host Sarah Jones talk…

1
How to Start (and Sustain) a Lifetime of Activism w. Jane Fonda 33:31

8M ago33:31

33:31

With our planet (and therefore everyone on it) in crisis, how do we keep our heads above rising sea levels while demanding a sustainable future…not just for billionaires with bunkers? This week, Sarah Jones asks Academy Award winner and climate activist Jane Fonda how she keeps up the good fight after decades of activism filled with both successes …

1
Who Cares About the "Care Economy"? w. Ai-jen Poo 33:19

8M ago33:19

33:19

This week Sarah and labor organizer, Ai-jen Poo, dive into the “care economy” and how we’re all part of it, even if we don’t know what it is You can follow Sarah Jones, see pod updates, and respond to AWHY prompts @yesimsarahjones on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Send your responses to our weekly prompts to [email protected] . This podcast was p…

1
Joe Vargas Sr. - Mexican Immigrant, Santa Ana's First Hispanic Police Officer, 36 Years of Service 1:05:01

8M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Send us a text As a teenager, Joe Vargas Sr. immigrated from Mexico to Orange County, CA and started his life there. After working various jobs, he learned English and received his high school diploma. He got a degree in Police Science and eventually joined Stranton PD after eventually ending up at Santa Ana PD. Being it's first Hispanic officer, h…

1
Let's Get This (Third) Party Started w. Maurice Mitchell 44:19

8M ago44:19

44:19

In a world defined by voters fed up with the binary options of our two-party system, is there a third way that’s not…delulu? In this episode, Sarah talks with Maurice Mitchell, the national director of The Working Families Party, about how to build a robust third party without ignoring the very real math problem third party candidates can pose in A…

1
The Unbearable Whiteness of Being w. Jonathan Metzl 41:17

9M ago41:17

41:17

Ok, white people, how y’all doing? Cause the data is in, and the answer for some of you seems to be… not great. In this episode, Sarah is joined by Jonathan Metzl, a researcher who investigates the impact of right-wing health care and gun control policies on their white supporters. Jonathan’s books Dying of Whiteness and What We’ve Become reveal th…

1
Debating Trans Rights? Maybe Talk to Trans People... w. Laverne Cox 36:53

9M ago36:53

36:53

The debate about trans rights is everywhere, from sports headlines to school board politics, but the people shouting the loudest are almost never trans folks themselves and often don’t even know any trans folks. So now more than ever, we all need to show up for our trans siblings. In this episode, Sarah Jones is joined by the incomparable actress a…

1
Tom White - USAF B-52 Radar Navigator, Cold War, Desert Storm 1:18:17

9M ago1:18:17

1:18:17

Send us a text Coming from a strong military family, Tom entered the Air Force just after the Vietnam War ended. Now, the US military could concentrate all it's attention on it's biggest threat, the Soviet Union. Tom's first assignment was in northern Maine, one of the last lines of defense during the Cold War. He then was sent to various other bas…

1
Harriet Tubman Would Never, with W. Kamau Bell 39:40

9M ago39:40

39:40

In this episode, host Sarah Jones is joined by comedian, author, and “political provocateur” W. Kamau Bell to talk about the struggles and contradictions of living in America, especially as a Black man. “My joke is that whenever I think about am I going too far, the ghost of Harriet Tubman shows up and is like, Oh, is it hard to Tweet? Is it hard t…

1
BONUS: Meet the Host — or Should We Say Hosts… 22:56

9M ago22:56

22:56

The hosts of America, Who Hurt You? are all trapped in the Tony-winning brain of Sarah Jones, who over the years has created a multiracial, multi-generational cast of characters based on her own family and friends (who weirdly still talk to her). In this bonus episode, she reveals more than she ever has about her own story, and why this personal an…

1
Are You There, God? w. Krista Tippett 38:54

9M ago38:54

38:54

America allegedly observes a separation of church and state, but if you’ve bought anything with a U.S. dollar, pledged allegiance to the flag, or just lived through an election season, you know it’s more complicated than that. In this episode, Sarah talks with On Being host Krista Tippett about her own religious journey, her “hellfire and brimstone…

1
Coming Soon: America, Who Hurt You? 1:24

10M ago1:24

1:24

Our country has always been a hot mess. But now, between political rage, climate crises and social-media polarization, it’s quite literally on fire. This low-key mid-apocalyptic moment has raised a question for Tony-award-winning Sarah Jones and her many characters: America, Who Hurt You? You can follow Sarah Jones, see pod updates, and respond to …

1
Freeman White - USMC Korean War Veteran, Purple Heart 41:02

1y ago41:02

41:02

Send us a text Born in North Texas, Freeman was too young to participate in WWII with his 5 older brothers. However, he always wanted to fight as a Marine and planned on joining up when the time came. That time was in June 1950 at the outbreak of the Korean War. After basic and combat training, Freeman made a trip across the Pacific with the 3rd Ba…

1
Roger Combs - Vietnam War Helicopter Pilot, Two Star General, 40 Years of Service 37:20

1+ y ago37:20

37:20

Send us a text Roger was a simple farmer from northwest Missouri until the Vietnam War broke out. He then faithfully served his country as a CH-46 (similar to the Chinook) combat helicopter pilot. After his time in the Marine Corps and Army during Vietnam, Roger joined the Missouri Air National Guard and served his community as a judge. His militar…

1
My Confession to You 1:18

1+ y ago1:18

1:18

Send us a text This is not an official episode, it is a confession. Although my last episode was uploaded in June 2023, I have been hard at work improving the RMN podcast! If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please contact me at: [email protected] Dave White

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Alwyn Cashe - Drill Instructor, Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran, Medal of Honor Recipient 14:40

2y ago14:40

14:40

Send us a text Cashe entered Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 as a veteran infantryman who had served since the late 1980s. As a platoon sergeant, he always put his men first. This mindset and mantra would be seen in 2005 when Sergeant First Class Cashe proved his caliber. If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please cont…

1
Megan McClung - USMC Public Affairs Officer, Athlete, Inspiration to All 14:17

2y ago14:17

14:17

Send us a text Megan was destined to follow in the footsteps of her family's strong military tradition. Working as a public affairs officer in the USMC, she advised military officials on how to relay information to the media. During a month of intense violence in December of 2006, Megan was among the 119 soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq. If yo…

1
South Africa's Special Task Force 27:50

2y ago27:50

27:50

Send us a text South Africa is breathtaking but don't be deceived. It is one of most crime-riddled countries in the world. Homicides, armed robberies and kidnappings are among the highest of any industrialized nations that are not at war. The only law enforcement agency that can match the violence of the criminals is the Special Task Force. Formed …

1
Robert L. Norton - B-24 Gunner, POW 13:35

2y ago13:35

13:35

Send us a text Growing up in central Georgia, Norton joined the Army Air Corps because of their good barracks and nice food. After being stationed in Italy, the B-24 he was flying in was shot down during his 2nd bombing mission over Austria. Robert would then spend the next 6 months in a grueling POW camp in Northeastern Poland. With the advancing …

1
Zach Templeton and Scott Hinshaw - Colorado State Troopers 10:52

2y ago10:52

10:52

Send us a text Colorado State Troopers Templeton and Hinshaw were helping a farmer secure his load when a truck slammed into them. Sadly, Templeton would lose his life. However, Hinshaw's story continued. Learn about the grueling road to physical recovery, the looming reality of post traumatic stress and the ultimate victory of forgiveness that wou…

1
Jeremy S. Bitner - US Army Veteran, SWAT Member, Family Man 9:11

2y ago9:11

9:11

Send us a text After serving in the US Army, Bitner entered into Law Enforcement. He distinguished himself as a role model to fellow officers, keeping violent offenders off the streets of Englewood, CO. He was also a family man with 2 young children. His name will always be remembered for his service to his community and his country. If you have an…

1
John F. Cummings - B-24 Bombardier, Operation Tidal Wave Survivor, Distinguished Service Cross Recipient 14:07

2y ago14:07

14:07

Send us a text Born in Denver, CO to Irish immigrants, John entered WWII during the early stages of the European theater as a B-24 Liberator bombardier. His squadron busied itself with bombing campaigns across North Africa and the Middle East. John also took part in Operation Tidal Wave against Axis oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania and miraculous…

1
The French GIGN 42:09

2+ y ago42:09

42:09

Send us a text The GIGN is one of the most successful, secretive and hardest special operation's forces to join in the world. On average, their operators participate in one mission every week. Be prepared to be amazed at the capabilities, training and stories of these men in black who can enter from the air, land and sea, hit their targets and leav…

1
Roy Benavidez - Orphaned at a Young Age, Mine Blast Survivor, Green Beret, Medal of Honor Recipient 17:47

2+ y ago17:47

17:47

Send us a text Born into poverty and experiencing tragedy early in life, Roy Benavidez was destined to become a statistic like many of his friends. However, with the instruction and examples of his grandfather and uncle, Roy rose beyond his deficits. He achieved a life-long dream, only to be met with a situation that would have made most people qui…

1
Randy Shughart and Gary Gordan - Participants in Operation Gothic Serpent, Delta Force Snipers, First Medal of Honor Recipients Since Vietnam 9:35

2+ y ago9:35

9:35

Send us a text This episode covers the actions of two US Army heroes. Randy Shughart and Gary Gordan were Delta Force snipers during the Somalian uprising in 1993. After a second Black Hawk helicopter went down and the rescue squad was heavily engaged in fire fights, the two operators were finally given permission to insert on the ground to fight o…

1
USAF Combat Control 29:22

2+ y ago29:22

29:22

Send us a text The US Air Force is known for flying, however, there are 2 known ground-based special operations units: Pararescue and Combat Control. In this episode, I highlight Combat Controllers. Also known as CCTs, these men operate along-side other US military special ops groups to bring in fire from above, control air traffic above targets, r…

1
Jason Dunham - NY Native, USMC Iraqi Freedom Veteran, Medal of Honor Recipient 10:35

2+ y ago10:35

10:35

Send us a text Dunham was destined to be a Marine. A native of upstate New York, he joined the Corps in 2000. After serving in security at a Naval ship yard, he was deployed to Iraq in 2004. During a foot patrol, his actions would place him in the pages of history. If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please contact me …

1
Celena Hollis - Single mom, Denver Police Officer, Inspiration to all 5:44

2+ y ago5:44

5:44

Send us a text Denver Police Officer Celena Hollis served in law enforcement for a total of 11 years in 2 different states before she was gunned down in 2012 while working security for a concert. She was involved in many charity works that helped keep kids out of gangs and encouraged young women. She left behind a 12 year old daughter and memories …

1
MACVSOG 45:44

2+ y ago45:44

45:44

Send us a text The MACVSOG or SOG was a black ops group that was developed by the US military and only existed during the Vietnam War. It was made up of operators from every branch of the military but was mostly composed of US Army Green Berets, also known as Special Forces. These elite warriors returned to the states with the horrific memories and…

1
Olen Grant - B-17 Waist Gunner, Plane Crash Survivor, Mortally Wounded, POW 18:44

2+ y ago18:44

18:44

Send us a text Born in Arkansas, the son of a WWI veteran, Reb joined the Army Air Corps straight out of high school so he wouldn't be drafted into the infantry. After some time as a weapon's inspector, he was transferred to the 384th bomb group as a B-17 gunner. While deployed to England, Reb and the 384th were sent to France and Germany for sever…

1
New Zealand Special Air Service 51:20

3y ago51:20

51:20

Send us a text Fashioned after the British SAS, the NZSAS is one of the oldest surviving special operations groups in the world. They have participated in almost every major international conflict since the mid-1950s. They have grown with the times and have modernized themselves to become one of the top tier 1 spec-ops groups. This episode goes ins…

1
Matthew Axelson - Navy SEAL, Navy Cross Recipient, Operation Red Wings 7:46

3y ago7:46

7:46

Send us a text As a native of California, Matt pursued a career in the US Navy after college graduation. He entered the elite Navy SEALS and was stationed in Hawaii before deploying to Afghanistan in 2005. In June of that same year, he was part of a four-man reconnaissance team that was compromised by locals who alerted the enemy. Outnumbered 50 to…

1
George H. W. Bush - Youngest Navy Pilot, Plane Crash Survivor, Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient, Future US President 9:02

3y ago9:02

9:02

Send us a text George was one of the youngest aviators in the US Navy towards the end of WWII. His squadron was responsible for destroying important Japanese communications to prepare for the US invasion of main-land Japan. His heroics during the war would fashion him into a man who would one day begin his career in politics and lead the United Sta…

1
Michael Murphy - Navy SEAL Officer, Operation Red Wings, Medal of Honor Recipient 9:07

3y ago9:07

9:07

Send us a text Destined to become a lawyer, Mike "The Protector" Murphy instead set his sites on joining the elite US Navy SEALS. After several deployments to the Middle East, Murph ended up in Afghanistan at the height of Operation Enduring Freedom. In command of a 4-man recon team, Murphy would make his way into the pages of history with his fina…

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