Tuxes & Tomahawks Podcast

Episode 76: Dr. Richard Hughbank (MAJ U.S. Army Retired)

Episode 76 | How Homegrown Terrorists Are Created with Dr. Richard J. Hughbank (Major, U.S. Army Retired) What turns an ordinary American into a terrorist? In Episode 76 of Tuxes & Tomahawks, I sit down with Dr. Richard J. Hughbank, retired U.S. Army Major, terrorism expert, author, professor, former military police officer, and someone who personally shaped my leadership journey as my Squadron Commander for CS-18 at the United States Air Force Academy. Dr. Hughbank's groundbreaking book, "The Dynamics of Terror and Creation of Homegrown Terrorists: Volume 1, Second Edition," pulls back the curtain on how radicalization really happens inside the United States. Not through sudden ideology shifts. Not through foreign influence alone. Through a slow, human process rooted in fractured identity, emotional vulnerability, social pressure, narrative manipulation, and moral disengagement. This episode explores his powerful Fracture-to-Fusion Radicalization Model (FFRM), a framework that maps the step by step journey from personal fracture to full ideological fusion where violence becomes acceptable. He also introduces the FFRM Terrorist Variant (FFRM-TV), showing how this same pathway fuels extremist violence across ideologies, cultures, ages, and backgrounds. We break down: • Why terrorism is a human process, not just an ideological one • How identity fractures create openings for radicalization • The role of grievance, belonging, online communities, and emotional manipulation • How ordinary people are gradually conditioned toward violence • Real-world case studies, including the ISIS-inspired 2015 Garland, Texas attack • Why most prevention efforts fail by focusing too late in the process • How early intervention can disrupt radicalization before it turns deadly This conversation challenges the common narrative that terrorism is something that happens "over there." Dr. Hughbank makes it clear that the most dangerous radicalization often happens right here at home, quietly, over time, within communities that never see it coming. This isn't theory. This isn't politics. This is the reality of how extremism is built. If you care about national security, community safety, free societies, or understanding the real roots of violence, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode 75: "AG" CEO of Toehold

Rugged individualism is not a slogan. It is a responsibility. This episode exemplifies what real American leadership and innovation actually look like. In Episode 75, I sit down with AG, CEO of Toehold, to talk about building from nothing, leading through uncertainty, and taking ownership when the stakes are real. This conversation is about the kind of leadership that does not wait for permission, does not hide behind excuses, and does not fold under pressure. American innovation was never born from comfort or consensus. It was built by people willing to take risks, solve real problems, and stand first when others hesitated. AG's story is a case study in that mindset. Create value. Take responsibility. Leave something stronger behind.No hype. No shortcuts. Just grit, accountability, and leadership the way it used to be done. Episode 75 is live.

Episode 74: Blake Jones

Blake Jones, a Catholic student and leader in Turning Point USA at Colorado State University, experienced hostile reactions while writing Bible verses with chalk on a public plaza during a campus protest. He says he was harassed and spat on by another student amid ideological clashes. This episode unpacks faith, free speech, ideological conflict on campus, and what this moment says about modern college culture.

Adam DeRito For Congress | Colorado's 8th District

Adam DeRito has worn many uniforms in service to others. He has served as an Army Reserve officer, an intelligence analyst deployed to the Middle East, a firefighter and first responder, an oil and gas professional working to protect America's energy security, a Colorado farmer who understands the struggles facing rural families, and a substitute Catholic school teacher dedicated to forming the next generation of young Americans. Every chapter of Adam's life has been shaped by responsibility and fortified by resilience. Colorado's 8th District is facing real challenges. Energy uncertainty, pressure on local farms, rising costs, overloaded roads, veterans who cannot access care, and a political class that has forgotten who they work for. Adam is stepping forward to restore accountability, revive our local economy, support our agricultural communities, defend our energy workers, and stand firmly with the families who call District 8 home. With an introduction from Aaron Love, one of America's most respected Pararescuemen, this campaign launch is a call to action for all who believe in service, truth, and courage. Together we can save Colorado's 8th District and build a future worthy of the people who live here. Join Team DeRito and be part of a movement grounded in service to solutions. Learn More: www.deritoforcongress.com [https://www.deritoforcongress.com] Follow the Campaign: X: @DeRito4Congress Instagram: @DeRitoForCongress Facebook: DeRito For Congress #TeamDeRito #CO08 #VeteransForDeRito #EnergyStrong #FarmersForDeRito #ServiceToSolutions #DeRitoForCongress

Episode 73: Christopher Hill

🎙 *Episode 73 — Christopher Hill: Redefining Travel Through Luxury and Purpose* In this transformative episode of *Tuxes & Tomahawks**, we're joined by **Christopher Hill**, the visionary founder behind **Hands Up Holidays* and **Impact Destinations**, two groundbreaking travel brands that merge **luxury experiences with meaningful philanthropy**. Based in New Zealand with his wife, two boys, and their dog Zola, Christopher serves a largely US-based clientele who are seeking more than just another vacation. His mission is to reshape the way people travel — blending high-end comfort with hands-on opportunities to create lasting impact in communities around the world. We explore: * 🌍 How Christopher built a **global movement that fuses luxury travel with service and purpose**. * 🧠 The inspiration behind launching *Hands Up Holidays* and **Impact Destinations**, and how he turned a personal calling into a thriving international enterprise. * ✈️ Real stories of travelers who combined **volunteering with unforgettable adventures**, changing both their lives and the lives of those they served. * 🧭 Why modern travelers are increasingly seeking *transformational experiences* rather than just destinations. * 💡 How purposeful travel can inspire leadership, empathy, and a broader sense of global responsibility. Christopher's work reminds us that **true luxury isn't just about where you stay — it's about the legacy you leave behind**. His story is a powerful example of entrepreneurship guided by values, and a call to action for anyone looking to make their journeys matter. 🔗 *Listen now* on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows. #TuxesAndTomahawks [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/tuxesandtomahawks] #LuxuryTravel [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/luxurytravel] #Philanthropy [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/philanthropy] #PurposeDrivenTravel [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/purposedriventravel] #ImpactDestinations [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/impactdestinations] #HandsUpHolidays [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/handsupholidays] #Leadership [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/leadership] #GlobalCitizenship [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/globalcitizenship] #Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcast] #ChristopherHill [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/christopherhill]