Lifestyle #18

Courageous Through Life Transitions with Paul Thoma and Mike Brown

Today’s guests know a thing or two about courage. As former Naval Special Warfare operators, Paul Thoma and Mike Brown have faced some of the most intense training and high‑stakes situations imaginable. Yet it’s the transitions after their military service—the shifts in identity, purpose, and direction—that have challenged them in unexpected ways. Their story is one of grit, growth, and learning how to keep showing up—even when the mission changes—and the courage it takes to build a meaningful life.

The Real Soldiers Behind the Movie

In this episode, retired MSG Chris Spence, a former Army Green Beret, recounts his experiences covertly entering Afghanistan after 9/11. The actions of his Special Forces team inspired the book “Horse Soldiers” and film “12 Strong.” Spence’s iconic photo of a Horse Soldier is displayed in the Smithsonian Institute and influenced “America’s Response Monument” near the 9/11 Memorial. The discussion delves into the challenges faced by these heroes and their efforts to combat terrorism in Afghanistan. Join us to explore the stories of real-life heroes, learn what it was like going in on horseback into Afghanistan, the tough challenges they encountered in battling terrorism, and see how they overcame them.

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