Best Purple Royale Podcasts (2025)

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Stronger In Our Diversity 29:48

Play Pause

11d ago29:48

29:48

An Interactive Dialogue, on Movement Building & Strengthening, showing the importance of allyship in ensuring Holistic Inclusion of Trans & Intersex Lives. With voices from Stakeholders in Policy Reform and Community Development. Much gratitude to The Nebula Pulsar Fund & The Frida Young Feminist Fund for supporting our programming initiatives.…

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Iraqi Kid Leads Marines to Buried American Soldiers 1:55:19

2h ago1:55:19

1:55:19

Former U.S. Marine Michael Delery joins us on Urban Valor to share a powerful and haunting story from his time in Iraq. During the 2003 invasion, Mike’s unit was approached by a young Iraqi boy who led them to a shallow grave—revealing the remains of four missing American soldiers. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, Mike faced nonstop pressur…

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Army Combat Cameraman Captures the Horrors of War (Still Haunts Him) 1:11:28

8d ago1:11:28

1:11:28

This week on Urban Valor, we hear the extraordinary story of Army Staff Sergeant Robert Ham—a combat videographer whose job was to document war through the lens. Serving from 2007 to 2017, Robert captured footage most Americans will never see—graphic, haunting, and real. But it wasn’t until he reviewed the footage later that the emotional weight tr…

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Preview: Passport to Love 2025 17:06

11d ago17:06

17:06

In this episode I give a preivew for the Passport to Love lineup ofor this year and also give my thoughts on the casting fofr the new Holiday Touchdown movie. Variety article for Bills movie: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/hallmark-bills-movie-holland-roden-matthew-daddario-tony-danza-1236401449/ Reach out me at [email protected] To purchase…

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Love Club Moms: Jo (feat. my Mom!) 48:40

13d ago48:40

48:40

My mom is back to talk with me about Love Club Moms: Jo, the second movie in the Love Club Moms series starring Rebecca Dalton and Corey Sevier. Reach out me at [email protected] To purchase "Chasing Wind": https://amzn.to/3IGUI6g For other Hallmark movie reviews, be sure to check out the Dear Hallmark YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/…

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Purple Heart Marine Survives Car Bomb But Battles PTSD 1:32:35

14d ago1:32:35

1:32:35

Michael Allison is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who survived a devastating VBIED (vehicle-borne improvised explosive device) attack in Iraq—but his toughest battles came after the war. In this episode of Urban Valor, Michael opens up about the trauma that followed his deployment, including PTSD, addiction, and divorce. Born in Jamaica and raised in …

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Hats off to Love + Love in the Clouds 28:40

20d ago28:40

28:40

In this episode, we talk about the two latest movie Hallmark premiered for May for Moms. Books from the Reading Corner: The Politics of Love: https://a.co/d/iUQaCat Reroute: https://a.co/d/baTraWx Nightmare Virus: https://a.co/d/72r8adT The Little Bookshop by the Sea: https://a.co/d/cpMna8C Reach out me at [email protected] To purchase "Chasin…

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Marine Veteran Survives Fighting the Enemy Up Close in Fallujah 2:43:41

21d ago2:43:41

2:43:41

Marine veteran George Kite shares his account of close combat in Fallujah, the brutal realities of war, and the lifelong impact of PTSD in this week’s Urban Valor episode. From growing up poor in South Carolina—sometimes homeless—to enlisting on his 17th birthday, George’s journey is one of survival, grit, and raw honesty. He remembers the chaos of…

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Love Club Moms: Tory (featuring my Mom!) 43:17

27d ago43:17

43:17

For this special Mother's Day episode, I have the honot and pleasure of introducing to some and presenting to others, my mother: Ms. Brenda Alston. In this episode, we talk about some of her favorite Hallmark movies (and men!) and what she thought of the first movie in the Love Club Moms collection. To purchase "Chasing Wind": https://amzn.to/3IGUI…

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Navy Vet Survives Near-Death Knife Attack - "He stabbed me in the back and cut my spinal cord" 1:20:00

29d ago1:20:00

1:20:00

Navy Veteran Jesse Swalley shares his story of survival after a brutal knife attack left him paralyzed. Raised in the San Fernando Valley, Jesse enlisted in the U.S. Navy seeking a better life and served as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate from 1980 to 1986. After navigating the dangers of the flight deck and the challenges of military life, Jesse face…

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Mental Health, Strengthening Solidarity. 24:38

1M ago24:38

24:38

A Movement Strengthening Dialogue, expressing the need for Mental Health, to increase empowerment and solidarity, amidst, the growing anti-gender movement. Which has been threatening the well-being and existence of Trans & Intersex persons. Born this way. Proven by Science, Biology & Reality.Supported by The Nebula Pulsar Fund & The FRIDA Young Fem…

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Marine’s In-Depth Account of the Bloodiest Battle of Iraq War 2:37:14

1M ago2:37:14

2:37:14

Marine veteran Sam Williams reveals the brutal reality of close-quarters combat during the Iraq War, including the infamous Second Battle of Fallujah. In this Urban Valor episode, Sam shares his experiences from the frontlines of Iraq, where he and his unit were forced to retreat from Mosul after engaging a hostile crowd and later thrown into the b…

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Journey to You 33:09

1M ago33:09

33:09

We have come to that time--the closing of Spring into Love. This year, we are closing the Spring into Love lineup with the DaySpring movie that premiered over the Easter holiday: Journey to You, starring Erin Cahill nad Erik Valdez. Mix in a little consipriacy theory along with some new candle scents and you have one cozy chat with a friend who lov…

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Soldier Tasked with Pulling Mangled Bodies Out of Truck in Afghanistan 1:06:42

1M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

In this week’s episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with U.S. Army veteran Denny Giamazzo, who was raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, Denny faced unspeakable abuse—abandoned by his drug-addicted mother, burned with cigarettes, and left alone for days as a young child. After entering foster care, he found brief moments of hope, but the scars of his …

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Hearts Around the Table: Kiki's Fourth Ingredient 42:02

2M ago42:02

42:02

In this episode, there are a lot of tangental moments that involve a May preview, YouTube vs podcast, and Chicken Sisters, but I promise that we eventually talk about Kiki’s Fourth Ingredient…and it fits in with all of our tangents. To purchase "Chasing Wind": https://amzn.to/3IGUI6g For other Hallmark movie reviews, be sure to check out the Dear H…

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Army Officer Survives Afghanistan But Fights New War at Home 1:38:18

2M ago1:38:18

1:38:18

Army veteran George Hayworth faced war in Afghanistan—but his toughest battle came after returning home. In this week’s episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with George, a former U.S. Army Artillery Officer, who opens up about his life before, during, and after combat. From his service with the 101st Airborne Division to struggling with identity, ad…

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Hearts Around the Table: Josh's Third Serving 41:42

2M ago41:42

41:42

In this episode, I talk about the news of Hallmark’s new reality TV push and touch on the latest Spring into Love movie. To purchase "Chasing Wind": https://amzn.to/3IGUI6g For other Hallmark movie reviews, be sure to check out the Dear Hallmark YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe7R8-e6d13cee5QMo_Oltw Dear Hallmark's Instagram: htt…

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Marine’s Dreams Crushed After Passing Sniper & MARSOC Tests 1:51:43

2M ago1:51:43

1:51:43

This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with U.S. Marine Rob Martinez, whose unbelievable story of perseverance through Scout Sniper and MARSOC selection is inspiring and heartbreaking. Raised in Kissimmee, Florida, Rob enlisted in the Marine Corps after a rough start in life. Originally signed up as a Motor Transport Mechanic, Rob’s ambition never s…

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Hearts Around the Table: Shari's Second Act 26:46

2M ago26:46

26:46

In this episode, we talk about some Hallmark news that has come to us within the last week as well as talk about the next movie in the Hearts Around the Table collection: Shari’s Second Act. To purchase "Chasing Wind": https://amzn.to/3IGUI6g For other Hallmark movie reviews, be sure to check out the Dear Hallmark YouTube channel: https://www.youtu…

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Royal Marine Ambushed, Blown Up, & Nearly Kidnapped By Al Qaeda 2:26:23

2M ago2:26:23

2:26:23

Retired Royal Marine Commando Lee West joins us on Urban Valor to recount the moments when he was nearly kidnapped by Al Qaeda at a checkpoint in Baghdad. Lee served from 2003 to 2020, rising to the rank of Color Sergeant, and brings a firsthand account of frontline combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. During his second deployment to Afghanistan, Lee wa…

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Purple Label Hallmark Movies (Non-Holiday) 32:19

2M ago32:19

32:19

In this episode, I am telling you what I would consider my top shelf, Purple Label Hallmark movies. These are movies that I consider the best of the best of what Hallmark has to offer. To purchase "Chasing Wind": https://amzn.to/3IGUI6g For other Hallmark movie reviews, be sure to check out the Dear Hallmark YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com…

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8. The “D word”, sorry business and smoking ceremonies 29:46

2M ago29:46

29:46

Discussing end-of-life care can be very challenging—what words should you use? Can you call someone by their name? In this episode, the Specialists discuss the language to use before and after someone passes away, and the policies and procedures regarding sorry business and smoking ceremonies. This is Ask the Specialist, and in our podcast, the Spe…

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9. “Skin and kin” and culturally safe communication at end of life 21:44

2M ago21:44

21:44

Have you ever wondered how to handle end-of-life talks with First Nations peoples? In this episode, the Specialists explore how "skin and kin" defines family roles and responsibilities—and why the decision-maker isn’t always the “next of kin” as described on a hospital form. This is Ask the Specialist, and in our podcast, the Specialists are First …

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10. Supporting families and pain medication at end of life 25:17

2M ago25:17

25:17

Learn how kinship roles shape who can visit a loved one—and why absence can be a sign of deep respect. Discover why some families might fear pain medication, and why the right setting for end-of-life care discussions isn’t always a hospital room. Providing care that is both clinically and culturally safe starts with understanding these perspectives…

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Empowered & Making A Difference 25:12

2M ago25:12

25:12

The month of March, is special! We get to celebrate International WomXns Month as well as Trans Visibility! We are so excited to publish this empowering Purple Royale Podcast episode, a dialogue discussing the need for improved livelihoods, decent work, equality, equity as well as family support. Supported by The Nebula Pulsar Fund, The FRIDA Young…

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Royal-ish + Hearts Around the Table: Jenna's First Love 32:15

2M ago32:15

32:15

While spring is officially here, we need to close out our Royal Era properly by talking about “Royal-ish” and doing a small ranking of the three royal movies we received. Only then, can we talk about this first Spring into Love movie of the Hearts Around the Table collection: Jenna’s First Love, starring Ashley Newbrough and Steve Lund. Spring read…

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Marines Face Brutal Combat in Iraq's Bloodiest Warzones 2:19:22

2M ago2:19:22

2:19:22

In this gripping episode of Urban Valor, we feature Marine Captain Jason Angell, who shares his firsthand experiences from the Iraq War, including brutal combat in Ramadi and Hit. From relentless firefights to life-or-death situations, Jason takes us deep into the chaos of urban warfare, the unwavering courage of Marines, and the brotherhood that k…

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The Reluctant Royal 36:31

2M ago36:31

36:31

I’m late but I’m here! Let’s talk about The Reluctant Royal and do a Spring into Love Preview. Books Mentioned in Reader’s Corner: “A Stranger’s Game” by Colleen Coble: https://a.co/d/fawvKJG “Cast the First Stone” by David Warren Green: https://a.co/d/dPBEFC0 “The Trouble with Love” by Toni Shiloh; https://a.co/d/d7jbU0Z “The Light on Halsey Stree…

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Hardcore South-Central LA Gangster Rises to Retired Navy Master Chief 59:43

3M ago59:43

59:43

From the violent streets of South Central LA to the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Navy...this is the incredible true story of Raul Ramos. Drawn into gang life at just 11 years old, Raul had gang tattoos on his face by 13 and was living in one of the most dangerous environments in America. But at 18, he made a life-changing decision: joining the…

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Army Paratroopers Viciously Fight Taliban Trying to Overrun Their Position 2:31:03

3M ago2:31:03

2:31:03

This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with Army Veteran Danny Szczakowski, a former Airborne Infantry paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. From enduring a challenging childhood in Hereford, Texas, to facing intense combat in Afghanistan, Danny's story is one of resilience and sacrifice. In this episode, he recounts multiple gunfights agains…

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Sisterhood Inc + The Royal We 41:57

3M ago41:57

41:57

It’s a two-for-one as we close out Loveuary and step into our royal duties for March. In this episode, not onlyn do I give my reviews, but I also share some Hallmark news. To purchase "Chasing Wind": https://amzn.to/3IGUI6g For other Hallmark movie reviews, be sure to check out the Dear Hallmark YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe7…

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Marine Combat Vet Exposes the Military’s Biggest Betrayal! 45:51

3M ago45:51

45:51

This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with Marine veteran Andrew Higgins, who shares the brutal reality of military transition. After enlisting as an 0311 Rifleman, Andrew deployed to Afghanistan, where he faced life-threatening situations and the psychological conditioning of becoming a warfighter. Now a Readjustment Counselor and licensed Marriag…

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Trans & Intersex Health Matters 31:47

3M ago31:47

31:47

Given the Executive Orders from the Trump Administration, withholding essential services such as inclusive, non-discriminatory healthcare, the Trans and Intersex community, has been affected as well. Among other key, vulnerable and marginalized communities in various countries, Zimbabwe included.The right to Healthcare, is a basic human right for a…

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Marines Recover Fallen Comrade Dragged and Hung in Town Square 58:52

3M ago58:52

58:52

Marine veteran Chris Mansfield shares his story of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, where he and his unit were tasked with a harrowing mission: recovering Sgt. Fernando Padilla-Ramirez, a fallen Marine who was captured, dragged through the streets, and hung in the town center of Nasiriyah before being buried in a landfill. In this episode of Urban Valor,…

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The Groomsmen Trilogy 28:03

3M ago28:03

28:03

It's about time we talk about this group of movies that premiered in October 2024 on Hallmark+. To purchase "Chasing Wind": https://amzn.to/3IGUI6g For other Hallmark movie reviews, be sure to check out the Dear Hallmark YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe7R8-e6d13cee5QMo_Oltw Dear Hallmark's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/de…

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The Wish Swap + Return to Office 39:12

3M ago39:12

39:12

It's time to talk about two of our newest Loveuary movie, but not without previewing some March movies and talking about my favorite Valentine's movies! Which Valentine's movies are your favorite? Crown Chats with Hayley: https://youtu.be/wXjiXRGOnGk?si=0PlGjkBgA3iPBmYS "Meet Me in the Margins" by Melissa Ferguson: https://a.co/d/ckxrnt3 To purchas…

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Special Ops Medic Rescues Mom and Child Crushed by 110-ft Tree 1:24:04

4M ago1:24:04

1:24:04

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Rory Farrell, a retired Navy Special Operations Corpsman (2004-2024), who shares his journey through the military and beyond. Growing up in Colchester, CT, Rory was deeply impacted by 9/11, which inspired him to enlist in the Navy. He pursued the Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman pipeline, undergoin…

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Marine Survives Bloody Fallujah Mile and Ramadi’s Deadliest Streets 59:13

4M ago59:13

59:13

Marine Veteran Brian Mendez takes us inside the brutal battles of Fallujah and Ramadi, sharing his experiences fighting through the Fallujah Mile, one of the deadliest combat zones of the Iraq War. In this episode of Urban Valor, Brian reflects on the mental and emotional toll of war, his battle with PTSD, and how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became his sav…

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Marine's Life-Altering Betrayal by His Recruiter 1:41:56

4M ago1:41:56

1:41:56

In this week’s Urban Valor episode, we feature Marine veteran Michael D’Angelo, a Las Vegas native who overcame a turbulent upbringing marked by homelessness and family struggles. Michael shares his journey from running the streets to enlisting in the Marine Corps as a Machine Gunner. He opens up about how a recruiter’s deception left him in the Re…

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The Perfect Setting 28:38

4M ago28:38

28:38

Our last Hallmark passport stamp is courtesy of Belgium as we learn the ins and outs of jewelry design in "The Perfect Setting." Books mentioned: If you want o get Brick House Cafe: https://www.carlalaureano.com/ Three Missing Days: https://a.co/d/crpccg1 It's All Relative: https://a.co/d/46kzjfu Lowcountry Lost: https://a.co/d/0xaQkPw My Phony Val…

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Marine Prevents Tragedy by Disarming Fellow Comrade in Crisis 59:41

4M ago59:41

59:41

In this powerful Urban Valor episode, Marine veteran Chris Skinner shares his gripping story of courage and quick thinking that prevented a potential tragedy. Serving in the U.S. Marines as a Combat Logistics Specialist from 2016 to 2022, Chris recalls his most pivotal moment—disarming a fellow Marine who was on the brink of taking his life. Throug…

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Our Safety. A Priority. 18:56

4M ago18:56

18:56

An Interactive Dialogue, on Movement Building & Strengthening, when it comes to the Safety & Security of Trans & Intersex Lives In Zimbabwe. Featuring Voices from the Community, as well as, Law Enforcement Officials. With statistics from the Purple Royale, Safety & Security, Nationwide Research. Special thanks to the Victim Friendly Unit Police Dep…

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My Argentine Heart 24:50

4M ago24:50

24:50

It's time to get our Hallmark passport stamped in Argentina as we talk about "My Argentine Heart". Hallmark Mysteries and More Spencer Sisters episode: https://youtu.be/A5xvL1XDuHg?si=Y41-FWbMbooJdGaw Hallmark Mysteries and More Gourmet Detective episode: https://youtu.be/qCceOHVv9A4?si=3mA3UiH_xnRwhaEc Hallmarkies 2024 Non-Christmas Hallmark Movie…

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Army Special Forces Green Beret Medic Endures Multiple Brushes with Death 2:41:21

4M ago2:41:21

2:41:21

In this gripping episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with U.S. Army Green Beret and Special Forces Medic, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jacek “Jack” Waliszewski. A political refugee from Poland, Jack’s life was shaped by his father’s role in co-founding the Solidarity Movement, one of the most successful anti-communist revolutions in history. Jack takes …

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Polar Opposites 35:40

5M ago35:40

35:40

We're officially halfway through our Winter Escape lineup as we talk about "Polar Opposites" starring Rhiannon Fish and Markian Tarasiuk. I also touch on some major Hallmark news as well as talk about some of my favorite Hallmark winter movies. Variety article: https://variety.com/2025/biz/news/hallmark-lisa-hamilton-daly-lawsuit-age-discrimination…

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Marine Veteran Reveals the Silent Deadly Battle Within Service 39:08

5M ago39:08

39:08

In this Urban Valor episode, we sit down with Kristine Phanthavilay, a former U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant (E6) and Motor Transport Mechanic (2006-2010). Born and raised in San Diego, CA, Kristine joined the Marine Corps after struggling in college, looking for something more. She shares what it was like growing up as a first-generation American from…

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Love of the Irish 20:34

5M ago20:34

20:34

Happy New Year! There will be no breaks in January this year, so let’s kick the premiere episode of Season 5 off with talking about the first Winter Escape movie, “Love of The Irish.” In addition to the review, I talk about a recent interview a Hallmark actor did on a fellow podcast, and a new incentive that Hallmark+ is bringing to their platform.…

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What It Really Takes to Survive Navy SEAL Hell Week (And Why Most Fail) 2:30:36

5M ago2:30:36

2:30:36

This episode of Urban Valor highlights the incredible life of U.S. Navy SEAL veteran Johnny Collins. Growing up in Sykesville, Maryland, Johnny overcame personal challenges, including his parents' divorce, to pursue his dream of becoming a SEAL. Enduring six grueling BUD/S classes and three Hell Weeks, he demonstrated determination to earn the cove…

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Army Units Collide in Blue-on-Blue Firefight & MRAP Crash in Iraq 2:03:53

5M ago2:03:53

2:03:53

This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with Army Veteran Daniel Perez. Born in Riverside, CA, Daniel grew up in a challenging childhood marked by his parents' separation and lack of supervision. His early years were consumed by fighting, drug use, and being expelled from high school. Motivated by stories of Iraqi sniper "Juba," Daniel enlisted in th…

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First Sergeant Reveals Brutal Truth Behind Training Marine Recruits 1:12:03

5M ago1:12:03

1:12:03

In this week’s Urban Valor episode, retired Marine First Sergeant Mark Wheatley shares gripping stories from his 24 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps (1975–1999). Born at Kirtland Air Force Base, Mark grew up in a military family but broke tradition by joining the Marines instead of the Air Force. Mark reveals truths about his time as a Dri…