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In this powerful episode of Not Special, Herb and Corrie sit down with Johnny Vargas, aka Viva La Vargas — U.S. Army NCO, viral content creator reaching 30–40 million views a month, and one of the most influential voices in the military community.

Johnny opens up about his rise from everyday soldier to one of the military’s most trusted online storytellers. He shares how he turned humor, truth, and authenticity into an online movement, all while balancing fatherhood, serving on active duty, earning his master’s degree, and advocating for troops and families who often feel unheard.

This episode goes deep — trauma, resilience, haters, leadership, viral growth strategy, and a Pentagon phone call that changed everything.

If you’re in the military, a veteran, a military spouse, a creator, or someone trying to overcome your past… this one will hit home.

⏱️ CLICKABLE TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Why Johnny says he’s not special
01:11 – Herb & Corrie introduce Johnny Vargas, aka Viva La Vargas
01:55 – How a burning car led him to join the Army
03:37 – Meeting the recruiter who changed his life
04:31 – Becoming the leader he wished he had
05:23 – Shipping out on New Year’s Day
05:41 – How his content career accidentally started
06:15 – MRT school, resilience, and early struggles online
06:48 – The viral skit that changed everything
08:02 – Stories that “don’t translate” to civilian life
09:00 – Balancing family, Army, school & creating
10:25 – The dinner plate life analogy
10:33 – Pursuing a master’s to become a Licensed Professional Counselor
11:20 – Why military families deserve more
12:17 – The “influencer” label & legal realities
12:33 – Coolest opportunities—celebs, events & impact
13:21 – Johnny opens up about surviving childhood sexual abuse
15:07 – The messages that change lives
15:47 – Mistakes, lessons & doing hard things
16:41 – Dealing with haters & turning critics into friends
18:03 – Story of the soldier who transformed his life
19:30 – Keyboard warriors & real-world courage
20:20 – Why people lash out & how to respond
20:43 – Tips for people who want to grow on social media
21:55 – Johnny’s formula: 3 videos/day for 365 days
23:04 – Authenticity - trends
24:17 – Meeting creators who aren’t who they pretend to be
24:49 – Being recognized in public
25:08 – Staying grounded with family & purpose
26:05 – Reaching 30–40 million people monthly
27:02 – Building trust with an audience
27:33 – Why he engages with supporters daily
28:02 – VA loans, helping service members build wealth
28:59 – Buying his first home as a specialist
29:17 – Educating troops on the VA loan
30:18 – Why he partnered with Veteran Lending Group
32:21 – The Army’s impact on his life
32:33 – Content dreams that came true
33:02 – Celebrity stories: Kevin Hart, Chef Rush & more
33:40 – Jocko’s team follows him
33:57 – Live TV moments with his kids watching
35:02 – Corrie’s hilarious Denzel Washington story
37:37 – Advocating for the overlooked: families & junior soldiers
41:20 – The “Barracks Batman” nickname
43:10 – The Fort Myer washer incident
45:05 – Pentagon phone call
47:36 – Meeting with senior leaders
48:28 – Standing his ground & advocating for troops

Connect with Liberty Speaks:
🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com
🔗 Follow on Instagram: @_ownyourjourney_

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In this insightful episode of Not Special, Herb and Corrie sit down with Nic Adams, former National Security Advisor to 2 Senators and one of the most sought-after voices on government dynamics, intelligence operations, and the hidden gears that make Washington move. Nic pulls back the curtain on what really happens on Capitol Hill—from political power plays to decision-making under pressure, intelligence failures, national security blind spots, and what the public never hears about behind closed doors.

This conversation goes far beyond politics. It’s about leadership, truth, and the reality of serving at the highest levels of government. Nic Adams reveals lessons that apply to decision-makers in any industry—how to think clearly when stakes are high, how to communicate under pressure, and how to navigate environments dominated by ego, secrecy, and competing agendas.

Whether you’re a policy nerd, a leadership junkie, or just fascinated by inner workings of Capitol Hill, this episode delivers a candid, unfiltered look inside the machine.

⏱️ Clickable Chapter Timestamps
0:00 – Intro: Meet Nic Adams
2:31 – Life Inside National Security
8:52 – Capitol Hill Power Dynamics
15:40 – What the Public Never Sees
22:18 – Leadership Under Crisis
31:03 – The Fractures Inside Government
40:22 – Nic’s Most Intense Moment on the Job
51:10 – The Future of U.S. National Security
57:45 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Connect with Liberty Speaks:
🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com
🔗 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ownyourjourney_

Support those that support us: Fire Department Coffee https://alnk.to/74xixOf

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#NationalSecurity #Leadership #CapitolHill

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Meet RJ Casey, the real-life Most Interesting Man in the World — Green Beret, Air Force Pararescueman, SpaceX astronaut-recovery specialist, Hollywood aerial safety consultant, and co-founder of Four Branches Bourbon.

In this episode of Not Special, RJ takes us on an unbelievable journey through Special Operations, crash-site rescues in Colombia, astronaut recovery missions with SpaceX, behind-the-scenes stories from blockbuster movies like Inception, Dunkirk, and Extraction 2, and the origin story of veteran-founded brand Brigands.

If you're into military special operations, Hollywood stunt work, space exploration, or veteran entrepreneurship, this is an episode you cannot skip.

⏱️ Clickable Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Why RJ Casey is the Most Interesting Man in the World
00:15 – Childhood in Cold War Europe & the spirit of adventure
03:45 – Sports, travel, and growing up without cell phones
05:08 – Becoming a Green Beret (and why the Guard/Reserve path was unique)
07:00 – Working with 5th Group, 7th Group & Special Operations
07:40 – Becoming an Air Force Pararescueman (PJ)
09:50 – Choosing PJ life: short deployments & elite medical training
11:50 – The intensity of PJ training & why it’s considered the hardest pipeline
14:10 – The three skills that guarantee Special Operations contracting work
15:30 – Explaining crash sites & the Colombia FARC rescue mission
17:30 – Hostages, executions & five-year captivity: the real story
18:40 – How astronaut recovery works for SpaceX
20:00 – Building the modern Astronaut Rescue & Medical Program
23:10 – Hollywood entry: Ranger School → We Were Soldiers
24:45 – Almost landing a speaking role, choosing Paris instead
27:00 – Christian Bale, late nights, and the truth behind his “on-set audio”
28:40 – Working with stunt legends like Tom Struthers
29:30 – Behind the scenes of Inception & Dark Knight Rises
32:00 – Dunkirk: flying behind WWII Spitfires for aerial safety
34:10 – Why the stunt crew won major awards
35:20 – Upcoming film: Alone at Dawn (John Chapman / Roberts Ridge)
36:50 – Adam Driver & Anne Hathaway joining the cast
39:20 – Filming “Eden” in the Galápagos
41:00 – Brigands origin story & Ranger Battalion roots
43:00 – Service before self: the meaning behind Brigands
45:00 – Closing reflections

Connect with Liberty Speaks:
🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com
🔗 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ownyourjourney_

Support those that support us: Fire Department Coffee https://alnk.to/74xixOf

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#GreenBeret #AirForcePJ #SpecialOperations #HollywoodStunts

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From combat zones to camera crews — this is the incredible story of Mark Kershaw, an Army veteran who turned battlefield lessons into cinematic storytelling.

In this episode of Not Special, Herb and Corrie Thompson sit down with Mark to explore his journey from struggling student to soldier, from firefights in Afghanistan to finding purpose through film.

Mark opens up about:

· Growing up lost and finding direction in the Army

· Life as an airborne infantryman and the near-fatal ambush that shaped his perspective

· The transition from warfighter to creator — how producing movies became therapy and purpose

· Why veterans bring a unique intensity, leadership, and storytelling skill to Hollywood

· The importance of grit, fear of failure, and finding identity beyond the uniform

This isn’t just a story about survival — it’s about reinvention. Mark’s honesty, humor, and humility remind us that sometimes the toughest missions come after the military.

🕒 Chapters (SEO + engagement focused)

00:00 – “Why I’m Not Special”
01:30 – Growing Up Undisciplined and Searching for Purpose
03:30 – Enlisting After 9/11: A Decision That Changed Everything
06:00 – Lessons from Basic Training and Early Failures
11:00 – Airborne School: From PLFs to Pain
16:00 – Deployment to Iraq: Leadership Under Fire
19:00 – Joining the 82nd Airborne and the Pursuit of Excellence
22:00 – Afghanistan: The Firefight That Defined a Leader
28:00 – Tragedy, Brotherhood, and Survival
41:00 – Life After Combat: Finding New Purpose
43:00 – The Transition: From Military to Movie Production
46:00 – Producing Indie Films: Grit Meets Creativity
50:00 – Veterans in Film: Real Stories, Real Emotion
52:00 – Lessons on Grit, Leadership, and Authentic Storytelling

Connect with Liberty Speaks:
🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com
🔗 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ownyourjourney_

Support those that support us: Fire Department Coffee https://alnk.to/74xixOf

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share if you found this conversation valuable. Your support helps us bring more stories of resilience, leadership, and freedom to light.

#VeteranStories #GritAndResilience #MilitaryToMovies

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In this powerful episode of Not Special, Herb and Corrie Thompson sit down with Shawn Dawley — former Air Force pilot, Harvard National Security Fellow, and professional keynote speaker — to talk about leadership, fear, failure, and finding purpose.

Shawn shares his raw and inspiring journey: from enlisting in the Air Force at 17 and failing speech class… to flying C-130s, leading through 9/11, and ultimately becoming a sought-after leadership and neuroscience-based speaker.

He opens up about what it really means to lead with empathy, how to overcome self-doubt, and why emotional awareness is essential for every leader. Shawn’s message: you are enough — capable, ready, and worthy.

Whether you’re a veteran transitioning to business, an aspiring speaker, or someone striving to grow as a leader, this conversation delivers hard-earned wisdom you’ll want to revisit.

00:00 – What Makes Shawn Dawley “Not Special”
Finding purpose, faith, and self-worth in an ordinary life.
01:30 – From Enlisting at 17 to Air Force Pilot
How failure and mentorship turned a struggling student into a leader in the sky.
05:30 – Leadership Lessons from the Cockpit
Military discipline, pressure, and the universal truths of leadership.
08:30 – From Fear of Speaking to Keynote Stages
How Shawn failed speech class — and learned to inspire thousands.
13:00 – Neuroscience of Leadership & Emotional Intelligence
Understanding how the brain and emotions shape every decision.
17:30 – Ambition, Growth & Enjoying the Moment
Why true leadership means being present where you are.
21:00 – “You Are Enough” — A Leader’s Most Powerful Lesson
Overcoming self-doubt and comparison in a world of constant competition.
24:00 – Love, Family & What Really Matters
Why success means nothing without connection, gratitude, and humility.
27:00 – Final Reflections: Leading with Heart and Purpose
Shawn’s timeless message on leadership, life, and legacy.

Connect with Liberty Speaks:
🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com
🔗 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ownyourjourney_

Support those that support us: Fire Department Coffee https://alnk.to/74xixOf

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share if you found this conversation valuable. Your support helps us bring more stories of resilience, leadership, and freedom to light.

#Leadership #KeynoteSpeaking #VeteranStories

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What happens when a Hollywood stuntwoman—used to face real danger—turns it into a platform to help others overcome fear and speak with confidence?

In this powerful episode of Not Special, hosts Herb & Corrie Thompson sit down with Hannah Betts for a full-throttle conversation about:
Her wildest stunt moments in Hollywood
Why fear is a tool, not the enemy
Turning nerves into stage presence for keynote speaking
The mindset & performance habits that build unshakable confidence
How to apply stunt-industry lessons to everyday leadership, public speaking and life transitions

Whether you’re stepping onto a stage for the first time, chasing a big career change, or simply fighting self-doubt, this episode delivers real stories + practical tools to help you turn fear into fuel.

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👉 If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow & turn on notifications so you don’t miss future conversations about leadership, mindset, service & success.
💬 Drop a comment below: What fear are you ready to face? What’s your next stage?
📲 Share this video with someone who needs to hear: “Yes—you can speak up, step out, and own your story.”

Connect with Liberty Speaks:
🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com
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Support those that support us: Fire Department Coffee https://alnk.to/74xixOf

#OvercomingFear #KeynoteSpeaker #MotivationalSpeaker #FearIntoFuel

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What happens when the U.S. Army meets innovation, technology, and influencer culture? In this episode of Not Special, hosts Herb and Corrie Thompson sit down with Colonel Kris Saling, a leader in Army talent management and innovation, to explore how the military is embracing change in a digital world.

From AI-driven talent management to the Army’s influencer and creative reserve programs, COL Saling reveals how innovation, adaptability, and authenticity are reshaping recruiting, retention, and leadership. She shares insights on building “micro-insurgencies” for transformation inside bureaucracies, surviving innovation pushback, and the importance of curiosity in leadership.

Whether you’re in the military, tech, or corporate innovation, this episode delivers lessons on leadership, culture change, and digital storytelling—from one of the Army’s most forward-thinking minds.

Connect with Liberty Speaks:
🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com
🔗 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ownyourjourney_

Support those that support us: Fire Department Coffee https://alnk.to/74xixOf

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share if you found this conversation valuable. Your support helps us bring more stories of resilience, leadership, and freedom to light.

#MilitaryInnovation #LeadershipPodcast #ArmyInfluencers #WomenInLeadership

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Commander Kirk Lippold, captain of the USS Cole, shares his powerful story of leadership, sacrifice, and resilience after the 2000 terrorist attack. Hosted by Herb & Corrie Thompson, this episode of Not Special: A Liberty Speaks Show reveals lessons in courage, duty, and the true cost of freedom. 🇺🇸

Connect with Liberty Speaks:
🌐 Website: www.libertyspeaks.com
🔗 Follow on Instagram: / _ownyourjourney_

Support those that support us: Fire Department Coffee https://alnk.to/74xixOf

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share if you found this conversation valuable. Your support helps us bring more stories of resilience, leadership, and freedom to light.

#USSCole #Leadership #Veterans #MilitaryStories