Episode 416 - Dan Ellis - The journey to rebuild after losing the brand he spent a lifetime building
Today's episodes are some of my favorites. I hate stories of just wavetops, and I love stories about people who refuse to give up on what they believe and have built. Don't sleep on this episode; there is much to be gained and learned. Dan Ellis has been making performance footwear for 35+ years, starting his shoe-making career at Saucony, where he worked at their factory in Maine, learning each step in the shoe-making process. He went on to work for Adidas and Reebok, making specialized shoes for multiple Olympic and professional athletes. In 2005, DEVCOM (aka "Natick Labs") asked Dan to work with the Navy SEALs to develop a suite of boots, which turned into the brand OTB Boots. One elite unit nicknamed him "Bootmaker to the Good Guys", which is used today as a tagline for the OTB Boot Brand. Today's Sponsors: Montana Knife Company: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com LMNT: https://www.drinklmnt.com/clearedhot
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Full Auto Friday - 11/14/2025
Originally, this was a traditional Q & A episode, and then at the beginning of the last question, young Michael decided to just walk into the room and crash the show. I suppose it is a mix of Full Auto Friday and a Negligent Discharge Friday. Here is what we covered: -How do I know when it is time to just give up on life? -I need sleep aids at night. How can I still be prepared for a home invasion? -Thoughts on hormone replacement clinics -Struggling with identity and self-worth Enjoy! Today's sponsors: Spartan Forge: https://www.spartanforge.ai Pique: Get 20% off + a FREE rechargeable frother and glass beaker with your first purchase with my link https://Piquelife.com/CLEAREDHOT Pre-order my book Drownproof here!! - https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/drownproof-9781250379610/
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Episode 415 - Bear Handlon - A Navy SEAL on a mission to erase 25 Million in Medical Debt
Bear served 7 years as a Naval officer in the Special Operations community as a Navy SEAL. He founded Born Primitive in his garage in 2014, the same year he earned his commission. Bear balanced being active duty while building what would become a global brand with zero outside funding. Prior to his service, Bear played Division I football at Yale University and also competed at the CrossFit Games. Bear became hell bent on creating Born Primitive Tactical after seeing the shortfalls in the gear he was being issued as an operator, while also seeing many apparel brands in this industry that did not actually support those who serve. Born Primitive: https://bornprimitive.com/ Today's Sponsors: Black Rifle Coffee: https://www.blackriflecoffee.com LMNT: https://www.drinklmnt.com/clearedhot
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Full Auto Friday - 11/7/2025
Traditional and straightforward today, a simple Q and A to round out the week. Of course, I only picked controversial and divisive topics, oh wait, not even close. I did actually cover: - Does anyone actually use a pistol with a suppressor? - How do I prepare my husband for the reality of kids? - Anxiety from work is crushing me. I need some help finding options - It's falling apart between my wife and I. I could use some help Enjoy Today's Sponsors: AG1: Go to https://drinkag1.com/clearedhot to get a FREE Frother with your first purchase of AGZ. Helix: Go to https://www.helixsleep.com/CLEAREDHOT for 27% Off Sitewide.
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Episode 414 - Chad Wittman - What do you do when life falls apart?
In addition to being a global executive and leadership strategist who has led $400M+ businesses at adidas and Reebok, driven global rebrands, and coached leaders from chaos and crisis to clarity and confidence, resulting in major transformation, Chad is a friend of 15 years. We met sitting at the negotiating table between CrossFit and Reebok, and then spent the next few years managing the newly minted relationship from each respective brand. Chad is now the Cofounder of ACTIV8, which helps teams reduce friction, build trust, and perform at their highest potential. https://chad.activ8myidentity.com/ Today's Sponsors: Montana Knife Company: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com LMNT: https://www.drinklmnt.com/clearedhot
It is safe to say that I have wandered a bit. I served in the military, flew some jets, jumped out of most, climbed mountains (I jumped off of them too), taught fitness, owned a gym, and have spent the last few years speaking to organizations and leaders. It has been a journey, and in all honesty, I have no idea where it is going. I seek the things that make me uncomfortable. I move towards things that scare me. I think you should too
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