Carlos Contreras on Resilience, Faith, and Building Success After Becoming a Green Beret | Security Halt! Podcast Ep. 451

Carlos Contreras on Resilience, Faith, and Building Success After Becoming a Green Beret | Security Halt! Podcast Ep. 451

Let us know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1113407/fan_mail/new] Security Halt’s Med Group - https://zcform.com/QA5Qs [https://zcform.com/QA5Qs] Click the link for a FREE consultation with My Med Team to see how we can help.    Success isn't an accident—it's built through discipline, consistency, and unwavering belief. In Episode 451 of the Security Halt! Podcast, host Deny Caballero sits down with Green Beret, entrepreneur, and leadership mentor Carlos Contreras to discuss one of the most inspiring journeys you'll hear. Born in Mexico and raised with humble beginnings, Carlos shares how determination, faith, and relentless hard work led him to become a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret before transitioning into entrepreneurship and leadership coaching. Throughout the conversation, Carlos explains why successful people don't rely on motivation—they build systems. He discusses overcoming criticism, embracing adversity, cultivating resilience, and creating a personal creed that keeps him focused regardless of life's challenges. Whether you're transitioning from the military, building a business, leading a team, or simply looking to become the best version of yourself, this episode is filled with practical wisdom that can help you reach your next level.   Chapters: 00:00 Meet Carlos Contreras: From Mexico to Green Beret 04:00 Humble Beginnings and the American Dream 09:57 Moving to the United States and Overcoming Adversity 19:59 Why Systems Beat Motivation Every Time 29:56 Transitioning From Special Forces to Entrepreneurship 40:06 Faith, Mental Discipline, and High Performance 49:56 Networking, Mentorship, and Building Your Circle 54:54 Creating a Personal Creed for Success 57:36 Final Advice for Leaders, Veterans, and Entrepreneurs   Sponsored by: Transcend Use my referral link to book a consultation for Peptide Therapy http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero [http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero] Pure Liberty Labs Use Code: SECURITY_HALT_10 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/ [https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/] Website: https://purelibertylabs.com/ [https://purelibertylabs.com/] PRECISION WELLNESS GROUP  Use code: Security Halt Podcast 25  Website: https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/ [https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/] WARRIOR RISING Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearewarriorrising/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/wearewarriorrising/?hl=en] Website: https://warriorrising.org/ [https://warriorrising.org/] Donate Today: https://warriorrising.org/?form=donate [https://warriorrising.org/?form=donate] SPECIAL FORCES FOUNDATION Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/ [https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/] Website: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/ [https://specialforcesfoundation.org/] Request Help: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/ [https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/]     Security Halt Media https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/ [https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/] Instagram: @securityhalt [https://www.instagram.com/securityhalt/] X: @SecurityHalt [https://twitter.com/SecurityHalt] Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod [https://www.tiktok.com/@security.halt.pod] LinkedIn: Deny Caballero [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denycaballero/]       Looking for custom handmade items, military memorabilia, or laser engraving? Contact Eric Gilgenast. Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main/ [https://www.instagram.com/haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main/] Website: https://www.hausgilgenastwoodworks.com/ [https://www.hausgilgenastwoodworks.com/] SOF Heritage Designs Custom belt Buckles. Of the Regiment for the Regiment SOF-HD.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofhdesigns/ [https://www.instagram.com/sofhdesigns/]   Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sechaltpodcast] Produced by Security Halt Media

James Hills on Veteran Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Building Tac Valve | Security Halt! Podcast Ep. 450

Let us know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1113407/fan_mail/new] Security Halt’s Med Group - https://zcform.com/QA5Qs [https://zcform.com/QA5Qs] Click the link for a FREE consultation with My Med Team to see how we can help.    How should military experience shape leadership in America? What separates successful entrepreneurs from everyone else? According to retired Green Beret and inventor James Hills, it's not luck—it's persistence. In Episode 450 of the Security Halt! Podcast, Deny Caballero welcomes back James Hills for an in-depth discussion on entrepreneurship, innovation, product development, and what it really takes to build a successful business after military service. James shares the evolution of Tac Valve, lessons learned from manufacturing, fundraising, branding, and networking, while offering practical advice for veteran entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of launching a startup. The conversation also explores sustainability, emerging technologies, advanced materials, and why solving real-world problems is the foundation of every successful business. Whether you're building your first company or looking to scale an existing business, this episode delivers actionable lessons from someone who has successfully brought multiple products to market. Listen now. Follow the show. Share this with the veteran or entrepreneur who needs to hear it.   Chapters: 00:00 Meet James Hills: Green Beret, Inventor, and Entrepreneur 01:09 Launching Tac Valve and Building a Startup 02:04 Disrupting the Water Bottle Industry Through Innovation 03:19 Travel, Perspective, and Entrepreneurial Inspiration 05:35 Where Great Business Ideas Come From 07:31 Raising Capital and Building a Powerful Brand 09:24 Manufacturing Challenges Every Startup Faces 11:24 Building a Network of Mentors and Advisors 13:44 Strategic Partnerships That Accelerate Growth 15:05 Overcoming Setbacks and Staying Focused 17:43 Why Networking Opens More Doors Than Marketing 20:34 The Power of Authentic Human Connection 22:14 Marketing, Sponsorships, and Brand Awareness 24:01 Industry Events Every Entrepreneur Should Attend 25:46 Breaking Into the Defense Industry 28:20 Supporting Veterans Through Business 30:52 What's Next for Tac Valve 33:29 Sustainable Innovation and Environmental Impact 36:50 Stem Cells, Recovery, and High Performance 38:31 Advanced Materials Changing Product Design 40:57 Why Great Teams Build Great Companies 43:52 Lessons Learned From the Entrepreneurial Journey 45:11 Advice for Every Veteran Entrepreneur 46:45 Giving Back and Building Community 47:35 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks   Sponsored by: Transcend Use my referral link to book a consultation for Peptide Therapy http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero [http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero] Pure Liberty Labs Use Code: SECURITY_HALT_10 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/ [https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/] Website: https://purelibertylabs.com/ [https://purelibertylabs.com/] PRECISION WELLNESS GROUP  Use code: Security Halt Podcast 25  Website: https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/ [https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/] WARRIOR RISING Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearewarriorrising/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/wearewarriorrising/?hl=en] Website: https://warriorrising.org/ [https://warriorrising.org/] Donate Today: https://warriorrising.org/?form=donate [https://warriorrising.org/?form=donate] SPECIAL FORCES FOUNDATION Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/ [https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/] Website: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/ [https://specialforcesfoundation.org/] Request Help: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/ [https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/]       Security Halt Media https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/ [https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/] Instagram: @securityhalt [https://www.instagram.com/securityhalt/] X: @SecurityHalt [https://twitter.com/SecurityHalt] Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod [https://www.tiktok.com/@security.halt.pod] LinkedIn: Deny Caballero [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denycaballero/] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sechaltpodcast] Produced by Security Halt Media

Joe Kent on Military Service, American Foreign Policy, and the Future of Leadership | Security Halt! Podcast Ep. 449

Let us know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1113407/fan_mail/new] Security Halt’s Med Group - https://zcform.com/QA5Qs [https://zcform.com/QA5Qs] Click the link for a FREE consultation with My Med Team to see how we can help.    How should military experience shape leadership in America? In Episode 449 of the Security Halt! Podcast, Deny Caballero sits down with former Green Beret, combat veteran, and public servant Joe Kent for a wide-ranging discussion on military service, leadership, American foreign policy, civic responsibility, and the role veterans can play in shaping the nation's future. Drawing from years of service in Special Operations and his experience in public life, Joe shares his perspective on strategic decision-making, the challenges facing America, the importance of personal integrity, and why critical thinking has never been more important. The conversation also explores faith, resilience, the influence of foreign interests on policy, and why informed citizens remain the foundation of a strong republic. Whether you're interested in national security, leadership, or the role veterans play beyond the battlefield, this episode provides thoughtful insights into some of today's most important issues.   Listen now. Follow the show. Share this with the veteran or entrepreneur who needs to hear it.   Chapters: 00:00 Leadership, Transparency, and Why Integrity Matters 01:11 Why Joe Kent Left the Trump Administration 03:08 What Really Happens Inside Government Decision-Making 06:07 The Special Operations Mindset: Debate Creates Better Leaders 08:44 War Gaming, Strategy, and Defining the End State 12:04 Israel, Foreign Policy, and America's National Interests 17:46 Why Joe Kent Chose to Walk Away 21:54 Veterans React: Public Support and Political Criticism 24:42 What's Next for Joe Kent? 29:06 How Money, PACs, and Lobbyists Influence Politics 34:43 What Power Does the President Actually Have? 40:33 Defense Spending, National Priorities, and America First 44:15 Classified Information, Declassification, and Intelligence Reform 50:48 Critical Thinking in the Age of AI and Social Media 52:23 Faith, Purpose, and Life After Military Service 56:37 Joe Kent's Vision for the Future 57:33 Where to Follow Joe Kent   Sponsored by: Transcend Use my referral link to book a consultation for Peptide Therapy http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero [http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero] Pure Liberty Labs Use Code: SECURITY_HALT_10 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/ [https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/] Website: https://purelibertylabs.com/ [https://purelibertylabs.com/] PRECISION WELLNESS GROUP  Use code: Security Halt Podcast 25  Website: https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/ [https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/] WARRIOR RISING Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearewarriorrising/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/wearewarriorrising/?hl=en] Website: https://warriorrising.org/ [https://warriorrising.org/] Donate Today: https://warriorrising.org/?form=donate [https://warriorrising.org/?form=donate] SPECIAL FORCES FOUNDATION Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/ [https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/] Website: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/ [https://specialforcesfoundation.org/] Request Help: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/ [https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/]       Security Halt Media https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/ [https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/] Instagram: @securityhalt [https://www.instagram.com/securityhalt/] X: @SecurityHalt [https://twitter.com/SecurityHalt] Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod [https://www.tiktok.com/@security.halt.pod] LinkedIn: Deny Caballero [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denycaballero/]       Looking for custom handmade items, military memorabilia, or laser engraving? Contact Eric Gilgenast. Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main/ [https://www.instagram.com/haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main/] Website: https://www.hausgilgenastwoodworks.com/ [https://www.hausgilgenastwoodworks.com/] SOF Heritage Designs Custom belt Buckles. Of the Regiment for the Regiment SOF-HD.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofhdesigns/ [https://www.instagram.com/sofhdesigns/] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sechaltpodcast] Produced by Security Halt Media

Sean Abrusci on Veteran Entrepreneurship, Purpose-Driven Business, and Building Abrusci’s Coffee | Security Halt! Podcast Ep. 448

Let us know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1113407/fan_mail/new] Security Halt’s Med Group - https://zcform.com/QA5Qs [https://zcform.com/QA5Qs] Click the link for a FREE consultation with My Med Team to see how we can help.    What if your business could change lives beyond the products it sells? In Episode 448 of the Security Halt! Podcast, Deny Caballero sits down with Marine Corps veteran and entrepreneur Sean Abrusci, founder of Abrusci’s Coffee, to discuss how purpose, service, and entrepreneurship can continue long after military service ends. Sean shares his journey from serving in the Marine Corps to building a coffee company with a mission far greater than selling coffee. By partnering with nonprofits and supporting organizations that serve veterans and communities around the world, he has built a business model centered on impact rather than profit alone.   Together, Deny and Sean discuss military transition, finding purpose after service, Warrior Rising, nonprofit partnerships, and how veterans can build businesses that create meaningful change. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or searching for your next mission after the military, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration.   Listen now. Follow the show. Share this with the veteran or entrepreneur who needs to hear it.   Chapters: 00:00 Intro – Meet Sean Abruscis of Abruscis Coffee 01:00 Why Sean Joined the Marine Corps 03:15 Conquering Self-Doubt and Military Challenges 04:20 Boot Camp and Earning the Eagle, Globe & Anchor 06:00 Preparing for War During the Afghanistan Surge 08:15 Life in the Fleet and Learning from Combat Veterans 10:00 Leadership Lessons and Brotherhood in the Marines 13:10 Deployment to Sangin, Afghanistan 16:00 Camp Leatherneck and the Reality of Combat 19:30 IEDs, Complacency, and Staying Alive 23:50 Second Deployment and the Transition to a Peacetime Marine Corps 27:00 Leaving the Marines and Finding a New Mission 29:00 Losing Friends to Veteran Suicide 30:15 The Amazon Trip That Changed Everything 33:00 Discovering Purpose Beyond Military Service 35:30 How Coffee Became a Mission Instead of Just a Business 37:15 Building Community Through Coffee and Supporting Nonprofits 40:00 Why Relationships Beat Resumes in Business 41:20 How Warrior Rising Helped Build Abruscis Coffee 46:15 Warrior Rising's Veteran Entrepreneur Pitch Competition 49:30 Why Veteran Entrepreneurs Need Community 52:00 Advice for Veterans Starting a Business 53:30 Where to Find Abruscis Coffee 54:10 Final Thoughts on Purpose, Service, and Life After the Military   Sponsored by: Transcend Use my referral link to book a consultation for Peptide Therapy http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero [http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero] Pure Liberty Labs Use Code: SECURITY_HALT_10 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/ [https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/] Website: https://purelibertylabs.com/ [https://purelibertylabs.com/] PRECISION WELLNESS GROUP  Use code: Security Halt Podcast 25  Website: https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/ [https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/] WARRIOR RISING Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearewarriorrising/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/wearewarriorrising/?hl=en] Website: https://warriorrising.org/ [https://warriorrising.org/] Donate Today: https://warriorrising.org/?form=donate [https://warriorrising.org/?form=donate] SPECIAL FORCES FOUNDATION Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/ [https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/] Website: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/ [https://specialforcesfoundation.org/] Request Help: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/ [https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/]       Security Halt Media https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/ [https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/] Instagram: @securityhalt [https://www.instagram.com/securityhalt/] X: @SecurityHalt [https://twitter.com/SecurityHalt] Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod [https://www.tiktok.com/@security.halt.pod] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sechaltpodcast] Produced by Security Halt Media

Ruben Ayala on Black Ops, Special Operations History, and Preserving the Legacy of America's Quiet Professionals | Security Halt! Podcast Ep. 447

Let us know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1113407/fan_mail/new] Security Halt’s Med Group - https://zcform.com/QA5Qs [https://zcform.com/QA5Qs] Click the link for a FREE consultation with My Med Team to see how we can help. In Episode 447 of the Security Halt! Podcast, Deny Caballero sits down with Ruben Ayala, founder of Black Ops, to discuss a mission far bigger than a documentary. Together, they explore the importance of preserving the untold stories of minority Special Operations veterans, ensuring their sacrifices, leadership, and contributions become part of America's permanent historical record. Ruben shares the incredible journey of building Black Ops—from an idea sparked by one powerful moment into a national movement that includes a documentary series, an upcoming book, youth mentorship initiatives, and advocacy for greater recognition of overlooked heroes. This conversation is about more than military history. It's about leadership, representation, legacy, and inspiring future generations to understand that excellence knows no race, ethnicity, or background.   Listen now. Follow the show. Share this with the veteran or entrepreneur who needs to hear it.   Chapters: 00:00 The Impact of Connection and Teamwork 03:11 The Birth of Black Ops: A Vision Realized 06:00 Amplifying Untold Stories 08:53 Mentorship and Youth Empowerment 12:03 The Journey of Writing a Book 14:57 Leadership Lessons from the Shadows 17:57 Breaking Stereotypes and Myths 21:04 The Importance of Representation 23:59 Creating a Legacy Through Service 37:10 Guiding the Next Generation 38:39 Staying True to Your Mission 40:56 The Thrill of Free Fall 43:11 Bittersweet Memories and Life Lessons 52:25 Inspiring Stories of Transformation 01:00:51 The Importance of Legacy and Mentorship     Sponsored by: Transcend Use my referral link to book a consultation for Peptide Therapy http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero [http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero] Pure Liberty Labs Use Code: SECURITY_HALT_10 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/ [https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/] Website: https://purelibertylabs.com/ [https://purelibertylabs.com/] PRECISION WELLNESS GROUP  Use code: Security Halt Podcast 25  Website: https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/ [https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/] WARRIOR RISING Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearewarriorrising/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/wearewarriorrising/?hl=en] Website: https://warriorrising.org/ [https://warriorrising.org/] Donate Today: https://warriorrising.org/?form=donate [https://warriorrising.org/?form=donate] SPECIAL FORCES FOUNDATION Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/ [https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/] Website: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/ [https://specialforcesfoundation.org/] Request Help: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/ [https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/]       Security Halt Media https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/ [https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/] Instagram: @securityhalt [https://www.instagram.com/securityhalt/] X: @SecurityHalt [https://twitter.com/SecurityHalt] Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod [https://www.tiktok.com/@security.halt.pod] LinkedIn: Deny Caballero [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denycaballero/]       Looking for custom handmade items, military memorabilia, or laser engraving? Contact Eric Gilgenast. Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main/ [https://www.instagram.com/haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main/] Website: https://www.hausgilgenastwoodworks.com/ [https://www.hausgilgenastwoodworks.com/] SOF Heritage Designs Custom belt Buckles. Of the Regiment for the Regiment SOF-HD.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofhdesigns/ [https://www.instagram.com/sofhdesigns/] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sechaltpodcast] Produced by Security Halt Media