How to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone and Become a Better Leader | Leadership Lessons from Skydiving

From Baptist Pastor to FBI SWAT Operator | Inside Counterterrorism, Interrogations & High-Risk Tactics

What does it take to go from preaching sermons to leading high-risk FBI tactical operations? In this powerful episode of Spirits and Stories, Donald Dunn sits down with Eric Robinson — former FBI Special Agent, 15-year SWAT operator, and national security investigator — to unpack what really happens behind the scenes in counterterrorism, civil rights investigations, tactical entries, and high-stakes interrogations. Eric shares: • His unexpected transition from Baptist pastor to FBI agent • How FBI investigations actually work behind the curtain • The truth about domestic vs. international terrorism threats • What SWAT operations look like in real life (not Hollywood) • The psychology behind interrogating violent offenders • Why rapport-building beats torture every time • The emotional toll of crimes against children cases • The evolution of surround-and-call-out tactical methods • The mindset required to operate in high-risk environments We also dive into the story behind his upcoming book, Irreverent (working title: Preacher to Breacher) — a raw, honest look at faith, federal law enforcement, leadership, and identity. If you’re interested in the FBI, SWAT tactics, counterterrorism, law enforcement leadership, military transition, or the psychology of interrogation, this episode will challenge what you think you know. 🎙 Hosted by Donald Dunn 📚 Book release coming Fall Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, federal agents, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping America. Links referenced in this episode: 1. amazon.com [https://amazon.com] 2. weavinginfluence.com [https://weavinginfluence.com]

Marine Veteran Creates the World’s First Energized Pain Reliever | From Combat to CEO

What happens when a United States Marine decides pain and fatigue aren’t “just part of getting older”? In this powerful episode of Spirits and Stories, host Donald Dunn sits down with Marine veteran and entrepreneur Lee Ettinger — a former Special Operations qualified service member who transitioned from the battlefield to business. After years of pushing through injuries, inflammation, and energy crashes, Lee refused to accept the status quo. Instead, he spent nearly a decade researching natural compounds and scientific studies to develop what he calls the world’s first energized pain reliever — Power Plus Pain Aid. This conversation goes beyond business. It’s about: • Reinventing yourself after the military • Overcoming physical breakdown at fifty • The science behind natural pain relief • Why most energy drinks do more harm than good • The brutal reality of manufacturing and distribution • COVID’s impact on small businesses • And what resilience really looks like after service If you’re a veteran, entrepreneur, athlete, or someone fighting fatigue and chronic pain — this episode will hit home. Watch now and discover how one Marine turned frustration into innovation. Learn more about Power Plus: DrinkPowerPlus.com [DrinkPowerPlus.com] Links referenced in this episode: 1. drink powerplus.com [https://drinkpowerplus.com] Companies mentioned in this episode: 1. Power plus 2. Jocko Willick 3. Conundrum

How Do You Lead a Remote Team Effectively? Practical Leadership Skills That Actually Work - The Real Leadership Brief

How do you successfully lead a remote team without losing connection, culture, or performance? In this episode of The Real Leadership Brief, Donald Dunn sits down with engineering leader Limor Bergman-Gross to break down practical leadership strategies that work in today’s remote and hybrid workforce. From performance reviews and hiring for culture fit to giving constructive feedback using the SBI framework (Situation-Behavior-Impact), this conversation covers real-world tools leaders can apply immediately. They also explore how to ask better questions, reduce bias, manage remote employees effectively, and build high-performing teams without face-to-face interaction. If you’re a manager, executive, transitioning veteran, or professional navigating leadership in a changing workforce, this episode will give you actionable insights to grow your influence and improve team performance. Listen now to learn how intentional leadership drives results — even from a distance.

How to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone and Become a Better Leader | Leadership Lessons from Skydiving

What does skydiving have to do with leadership? In this powerful episode of Spirits and Stories, Donald Dunn sits down with leadership coach and engineering executive Joe to explore how stepping outside your comfort zone transforms the way you lead, think, and grow. With over 650 skydives and years of experience building high-performance teams in mission-critical environments, Joe shares practical leadership lessons on: 1. How to overcome fear and take calculated risks 2. Why growth mindset beats achievement mindset 3. How to reduce risk without becoming paralyzed 4. The importance of defining your “why” in leadership 5. How young leaders today are reshaping the future 6. Why awareness and perspective matter more than ever Whether you're a business owner, executive, veteran transitioning to civilian life, or someone feeling stuck in your professional growth, this episode offers actionable insights you can apply immediately. Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about courage, clarity, and consistency. If you’re ready to level up your leadership skills, navigate uncertainty with confidence, and push beyond self-imposed limits, this conversation is for you. If you like podcasts that help improve peoples lives and filled with story telling, Check out https://barracksmedia.com/network [https://barracksmedia.com/network] Links referenced in this episode: 1. wyserwithjoe.com [https://wyserwithjoe.com] 2. linkedin.com/in/wyserwithjoe [https://linkedin.com/in/wyserwithjoe] 3. instagram.com/wyserwithjoe [https://instagram.com/wyserwithjoe] 4. https://barracksmedia.com [https://barracksmedia.com] 5. https://barracksmedia.com/network [https://barracksmedia.com/network]

What Is It Really Like to Drive 8,000 Miles Across Africa With Your Family? | Barry Maughan’s Memoir Beneath the African Sun

What does it take to drive nearly eight thousand miles the length of Africa — without GPS, cell phones, or modern safety nets? In this powerful episode of Spirits and Stories, Donald Dunn sits down with adventurer, journalist, and memoirist Barry Maughan, who recounts his extraordinary journey from Alexandria, Egypt to Cape Agulhas, South Africa — alongside his wife and their one-year-old son. Long before digital maps and electronic “tethers,” Barry navigated jungle washouts, desert crossings, political coups, malaria, mechanical breakdowns, and life-changing encounters across fifteen African countries. His journey wasn’t about bravado — it was about preparation, humility, and meeting people with respect. In this episode, we explore: 1. What Africa was like before modern travel technology 2. How serendipity shaped a life-changing expedition 3. Lessons in courage, resilience, and human connection 4. Covering political upheaval and drought as a foreign correspondent 5. The “oneness of love” moment that defined the entire journey 6. Why travel reduces fear and builds understanding Barry shares how this experience shaped his children’s worldview, his journalism career with Voice of America, and ultimately his memoir Beneath the African Sun. This conversation is not just about travel. It’s about perspective. It’s about humanity. It’s about what happens when you step beyond fear. If you’ve ever wondered: 1. Is Africa safe to travel? 2. What was overland travel like before GPS? 3. How does extreme travel change a family? 4. What life lessons come from long-distance adventure? This episode answers those questions — and more. Listen in, feel the journey, and discover why Barry says Africa gave him more than he ever expected. Links referenced in this episode: 1. barrymaughan.com [https://barrymaughan.com] Find top podcasts at https://barracksmedia.com/network [https://barracksmedia.com/network] Mentioned in this episode: Listen on Apple [https://spirits-and-stories-with.captivate.fm/spirits]