The Soldier Fund Podcast

017 | Know What You Don't Know

This conversation gets underneath the surface of what draws a man into Special Forces—and what it actually takes to stay there. It moves past the mythology and into something far more grounded: the internal wiring required to operate in uncertainty, to manage yourself when no one is giving feedback, and to make decisions that don’t always end in clean outcomes. In this episode, Ben sits down with a retired National Guard Special Forces medic whose path was anything but scripted. From Ranger Regiment to 20th Group, from combat deployments to a life-altering diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, his story traces the arc from capability to limitation—and what it means to hold onto identity when circumstances change. For those in the formation, those approaching transition, or those simply trying to understand what real resilience looks like, this conversation offers something worth sitting with. It doesn’t simplify the cost of this life. But it does make clear that what is formed in it doesn’t disappear when the uniform comes off. If you want to understand the mindset behind the tab—and what remains when it’s gone—this is a conversation worth your time. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

016 | What Not to Do

In this episode, Ben sits down with a National Guard Special Forces Master Sergeant with over 20 years in the Army and seven combat deployments. They talk about what it actually feels like when it gets real — the first firefight, improvised armor, insurgency warfare, and the quiet reality of putting your hands on a wounded man and hoping he makes it. But this conversation isn’t about glory. It’s about reputation. It’s about brotherhood. It’s about what it means to “free the oppressed.” And it’s about something most civilians never consider: On the battlefield — and in life — survival often comes down to knowing what not to do. They discuss: The moment a young soldier realizes combat won’t prove his manhood Why Green Berets care more about credibility than recognition The sacred trust inside an ODA team room The difficulty of leaving the team after years of war Why aging inside Special Forces is a conversation we’re not having enough How the lessons of warfare translate directly into fatherhood and civilian life This is a conversation about violence — but not for violence’s sake. It’s about responsibility. About protecting others. About carrying something forward for the next generation. And about understanding that a man’s purpose is never about himself — it’s about the team. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

015 | In Waves & War // A Response

In this episode of The Soldier Fund Podcast, Ben Derrick sits down with Jordan Jones for a candid response to the Netflix documentary In Waves and War and the conversation it has sparked inside the Special Operations community. Together, they explore why the film resonates so deeply with operators—and why awareness alone is not enough. Drawing from lived experience, the conversation exposes the hidden costs of repeated deployments, combat exposure, and the long transition between war and home. Jordan speaks openly about identity loss, family strain, unresolved trauma, and the internal conflicts many operators carry long after service. The episode challenges civilian assumptions about what “coming home” actually looks like and highlights how linear narratives fail to capture the reality of post-service life. The discussion also addresses the growing attention around psychedelic-assisted therapies, including ibogaine. While acknowledging their potential, Ben and Jordan caution against viewing them as standalone solutions, emphasizing the need for continued care, community, and sustainable lifestyle change. Ultimately, this episode calls for a more comprehensive approach to soldier wellness—one that moves beyond symptom management and toward long-term resilience, purpose, and support. It’s an invitation for soldiers to know they’re not alone, and for civilians to engage with deeper understanding and responsibility. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

014 | Back on Mission

After a long and unexpected break, Ben returns to share why the TSF Podcast went quiet this year—and why it’s coming back stronger. In this candid update, he reflects on the health crisis that forced him to slow down, the lessons learned along the way, and what’s ahead for The Soldier Fund. Ben previews an upcoming December conversation with Jordan Jones on In Waves and War, the realities facing National Guard Special Forces, and the major deployment preparing to launch in early 2026. He also shares how listeners can support the Fund’s end-of-year effort to stand with the soldiers and families of 2nd Battalion as they step into a demanding year. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.

013 | Every Day and Every Night [Part Two]

Ben Derrick hosts a podcast discussing the experiences of CSM Jeff Dawson who transitioned from an ODA to an administrative role. CSM, who served from 1981 to 2004, emphasizes the emotional challenges of leaving a team and the importance of maintaining a sense of purpose. He highlights the need for accountability, the concept of "skirting the gray," and the significance of mental health support. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced by National Guard Special Forces, the importance of public education about their contributions, and the role of nonprofit organizations in supporting them. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your support makes a difference.