Episode 155: Kelton Johnsen

Episode 155: Kelton Johnsen

Kelton Johnsen is a former Army Ranger and medically retired SSG who served in the 75th Ranger Regiment/ 1st Ranger Battalion. After his military career, he became a student at the University of Chicago with plans of furthering his education. He is a living kidney donor, and hopes to use his experiences from his military service, school, and life to keep growing and helping others where he can. 4 COMBAT TOURS: 2 each Iraq, 2 each Afghanistan

Episode 154: Byron Davenport

Part survival story, part love letter: a Gulf War veteran, shaped by an abusive father and a mother lost to MS, confronts trauma, vowing to spread his mother's love and smile around the world.

Episode 153 Christopher Choate

COL CHRISTOPHER CHOATE: CALLSIGN: "COYOTE"Coyote is a decorated retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with an extraordinary career spanning four decades of military and civilian federal service with a distinguished background in military aviation and strategic planning. A seasoned Weapon Systems Officer, he flew both the legendary F-4 Phantom and the advanced F-15E Strike Eagle, embodying the precision and expertise that define the tactical air forces of the United States.Throughout his distinguished military career, Coyote occupied critical roles that directly impacted national defense strategy. As a Strategic Planner at the Pentagon, he was instrumental in developing leading-edge national defense strategies and laid the groundwork for a warfighting construct to be implemented by the nation. His technical expertise—fortified by a Master’s in Systems Management and a Bachelor’s in Engineering Technology—enabled him to make significant contributions to operational testing and the development of joint doctrine, particularly during the revolutionary integration of unmanned aircraft systems into modern military operations.In his post-military life, Coyote remains as dynamic and driven as during his service years. An avid long-distance runner, he has completed over ten marathons and fifty half marathons. Alongside his wife of forty-two years, he embraces travel and cherishes moments with their two grown sons and daughter-in-law. With a touch of humor, he admits to “spending the children’s inheritance” on cruise ships bound for tropical and warm destinations.As an author, Coyote brings his wealth of military and strategic experience to his current literary pursuits. His writing is characterized by a direct, incisive style punctuated with dry humor and satirical wit. With a passionate commitment to critiquing contemporary social dynamics, he writes with the goal of challenging what he perceives as ideological trends threatening Western cultural foundations. His work is marked by a provocative examination of societal shifts, delivering commentary with the same strategic precision he once applied to military operations.Beyond his writing and running, Coyote represents a bridge between generations—a living testament to service, adaptability, and continuous personal growth. His life story is a compelling narrative of dedication, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to understanding and shaping the world around him.

Episode 152: Larry Brant

Experienced and compassionate minister, chaplain, and victim advocate with over 30 years of civilian and military pastoral service. Provides holistic spiritual care and counseling to diverse populations, including veterans and their families. Skilled in crisis management, grief counseling, teaching, trauma-informed care, interfaith ministry, and ethical leadership.QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARYSpiritual Care and Counseling: 16 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain and 25 years in civilian ministry. Provides pastoral care, counseling, and guidance to all. Conducts worship services, religious rites, memorials, and interfaith observances.Program Development and Training: Designs and implements programs such as Sexual Assault Prevention and Response training and Building Spiritual Strength. Teaches and mentors chaplains, clergy, and staff. Conducts classes, workshops, and seminars on discipleship, moral injury, resilience, and pastoral care.Crisis Response and Intervention: Leads Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) debriefings. Provides immediate pastoral care during emergencies and traumatic events. Offers steady spiritual presence during high-stress situations.Leadership and Advisory: Serves as trusted advisor to commanders and staff on ethics, morale, and spiritual well-being. Partners with healthcare providers, law enforcement, and leadership teams. Promotes inclusion and religious freedom.

Episode 150: Christohper Rivers

Christopher Rivers is a former US Army officer and combat veteran who enlisted at 17 and served in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics with a focus on Nuclear Engineering, as well as master’s degrees in Public Policy and Foreign Service from Georgetown University. Following his military service, Rivers worked as a policy advisor and problem-solver at the US Department of State and later in the private sector, helping organizations navigate complex operational and strategic challenges. His career spans national security, diplomacy, corporate problem-solving, and candidacy for statewide political office—giving him a unique perspective on how power is exercised across institutions. You Shouldn’t Have to Kill to Get Ahead is his first book.