It's A Blast Podcast

Congressman Rick Crawford: From EOD To Capitol Hill

Representative Rick Crawford discusses his military background, particularly his experience as an EOD technician, and how it has shaped his career in Congress. He emphasizes the importance of supporting veterans, addressing issues like traumatic brain injury and veteran suicide, and highlights the establishment and growth of the EOD caucus. Representative Crawford also shares insights on the camaraderie within the EOD community and the need for continued advocacy for EOD personnel in the military.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT   Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!

Military Libraries with Paula Laurita

Mike sits down with Paula Laurita, the Command Librarian for Army Materials Command, to discuss the significance of Military Libraries Week and the extensive resources provided by the MWR Library System. They explore the various services available to military families, including educational resources, free subscriptions to magazines and newspapers, and the role of libraries in supporting service members and their families. Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT   Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!

Staff Wars, Social Media and the Army: Josh Green AKA OnexPunchXDad

In this conversation, Mike sits down with Josh Green, known as One Punch Dad, to discuss his unique journey from aspiring musician and actor to a warrant officer in the Army. They explore the challenges and surprises of military life, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of social media on his career. Josh shares insights on creating relatable content that resonates with fellow service members and reflects on his experiences in the Army, ultimately expressing gratitude for the path he has taken and the joy he finds in his work.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT   Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!

From Marine to Hollywood and Beyond with James LaPorta

In this episode, Mike sits down with James LaPorta, a verification producer for CBS and former Marine, to discuss his journey from military service to journalism. They explore the realities of combat, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and the impact of trauma. James shares his experiences in Afghanistan, the struggles of returning home, and how he found purpose in journalism. He also discusses the importance of veterans in the media and his role as a military advisor for television shows. The conversation highlights the complexities of identity, healing, and the power of community in times of crisis.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT   Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!

Leveraging Social Media: Tyler Butterworth

I sat down with digital media creator and Soldier, Tyler Butterworth, to talk about his time in the Army National Guard, and how he got into creating content on Social Media. His content is hilarious, but it was great to sit down and have serious conversation about the Army, and his personal life. Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT   Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!