Josh Carson: From Navy Service to Winery Owner | Ep. 11

Why They Walked 22 Kilometers This Memorial Day

In this special episode of RealTOC, host Cameron Hardin joins the Shepherd's Men Memorial Day walk, accompanied by MilVets, as we honor service members. On this recent Memorial Day walk, starting at Reformation Brewery in Canton, GA and concluding at Reformation Brewery in Woodstock, GA, we capture the spirit of the day as participants carried American flags, fostering meaningful conversations about the true purpose of the holiday. This episode is for anyone interested in local community remembrance efforts and veteran support events. Throughout the route, the focus remained on solidarity and reflection. By walking together, the group highlights the importance of keeping the memory of fallen service members alive. You will see how a simple trek between two local breweries can serve as a powerful act of unity and respect for those who sacrificed everything. How do you choose to honor Memorial Day in your own hometown? Let us know in the comments. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/] TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast] Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc] Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://realtoc.com] Connect with Shepard's Men: https://www.shepherdsmen.com/ [https://www.shepherdsmen.com/] Connect with MilVet: https://milvetcommunity.org/ [https://milvetcommunity.org/] Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bIczd7] Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/auto-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=auto_insurance]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6] Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/start/?desc=zerodown&src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_loans]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0] Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/home-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_insurance]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH] Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/best-credit-cards-veterans/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=credit_cards]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4cY013P] Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2170331/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0] 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2124191/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe [https://bit.ly/3PglBqe] #VeteranSupport #MilVet #ShepardsMen

Restoring Boots and Vietnam Memories with Gary Mandigo | Ep. 14

Refurbishing Cowboy Boots, Vietnam Era Service & Life Lessons with Gary Mandigo In this compelling episode, host Cameron Hardin sits down with Gary Mandigo to dive into his unique world of refurbishing vintage cowboy boots. Gary walks us through his meticulous process, from sourcing unique materials online and sanitizing them in direct sunlight to applying creative, custom touches like gold-plated bottoms and artistic leather dyes for his "Gary Wayne Studio" brand. Beyond the workshop, Gary shares powerful, intimate stories from his life. He recounts his journey into the Air Force in 1972 to avoid the draft during the Vietnam era, reflections on military camaraderie, and his experiences working near notable figures like General Risner. Gary also opens up about his personal struggles, including memory challenges and past relationships, offering profound wisdom on the importance of human connection in a digital age. He challenges younger generations to step away from screens, prioritize genuine conversation, and find purpose through faith and community. This conversation is a fascinating blend of practical craftsmanship, raw history, and deep philosophical insights. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/] TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast] Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc] Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://realtoc.com] Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bIczd7] Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/auto-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=auto_insurance]⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6] Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/start/?desc=zerodown&src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_loans]⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0] Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/home-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_insurance]⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH] Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/best-credit-cards-veterans/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=credit_cards]⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4cY013P] Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2170331/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0] 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2124191/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe [https://bit.ly/3PglBqe] #CowboyBoots #MilitaryHistory #VeteranStories

How to Build Wealth After the Military | Ep. 13

In this powerful episode of RealTOC, host Cameron Hardin sits down with Chad Armstrong for an unfiltered look at his remarkable life journey. From being a bullied teenager who turned to kickboxing for survival, to navigating the complexities of military service, contracting in Iraq, and training Ugandan forces, Chad’s story is one of profound resilience. Beyond the combat and training, Chad shares the harsh reality of transitioning from the military to civilian life, the struggles of the National Guard, and his experience dealing with abandonment and mental health challenges after 15 years of service. Now, as a dedicated financial advisor and founder of ACE Veteran Consulting, Chad is on a mission to fill the gaps he experienced himself. He provides invaluable insights into VA claims, tax benefits, and the importance of advocating for veteran well-being. Whether you’re a veteran, active duty, or someone overcoming your own obstacles, Chad’s story of turning adversity into purpose is an inspiration. Tune in for lessons on leadership, resilience, and finding your identity after service. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/] TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast] Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc] Website: ⁠⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠⁠ [http://realtoc.com] Connect with Chad Armstrong: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aceveteranconsulting [https://www.facebook.com/aceveteranconsulting] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadjarmstrong/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadjarmstrong/] Website: https://aceveteranconsulting.com/ [https://aceveteranconsulting.com/] Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bIczd7] Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/auto-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=auto_insurance]⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6] Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/start/?desc=zerodown&src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_loans]⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0] Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/home-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_insurance]⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH] Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/best-credit-cards-veterans/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=credit_cards]⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4cY013P] Special thanks to Full Throttle Fitness: https://fullthrottlemma.com/ https://fullthrottlemma.com/ [https://fullthrottlemma.com/] Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2170331/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0] 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2124191/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe [https://bit.ly/3PglBqe] #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #ResilienceJourney

Stroke Survivor to Team USA: Jamie’s Incredible Adaptive Golf Journey | RealTOC Ep. 12

In this episode, host Cameron Hardin sits down with Jamie Scrubas, a U.S. Navy veteran whose life changed in an instant when he suffered a massive stroke while playing golf. Jamie takes us through the harrowing moments of losing his mobility, the grueling days of intensive rehab at the Shepherd Center, and the stubborn determination that fueled his refusal to accept a "never walk again" prognosis. Jamie’s story isn't just about survival; it’s about a profound rehabilitation of the soul. From serving 26 years in the Navy and Navy Reserves to battling the pressures of recruiting duty, he opens up about the lifestyle hurdles that led to his health crisis and the radical changes he made to reclaim his life. Today, Jamie is back on the green, not just as a player, but as a coach for visually impaired golfers and children on the spectrum. We wrap up with his most exciting chapter yet: representing the USA in the Cairns Cup, the adaptive golf version of the Ryder Cup. Jamie’s message is clear: you are exactly where you are supposed to be, and there is always a way forward. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast [https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc [https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc] Website: RealTOC.com [http://realtoc.com] Disability Golf: www.TheCairnsCup.com Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: https://bit.ly/4bIczd7 Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates: https://veteran.com/lp/auto-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=auto_insurancehttps://bit.ly/4rCwuA6 [https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6] Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan): https://veteran.com/start/?desc=zerodown&src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_loanshttps://bit.ly/4bi5pO0 [https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0] Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save: https://veteran.com/lp/home-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_insurancehttps://bit.ly/3PfSFyH [https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH] Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans: https://veteran.com/best-credit-cards-veterans/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=credit_cardshttps://bit.ly/4cY013P [https://bit.ly/4cY013P] Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30): https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2170331/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtochttps://bit.ly/4sNxNx0 [https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0] 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30): https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2124191/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtochttps://bit.ly/3PglBqe [https://bit.ly/3PglBqe] #AdaptiveGolf #StrokeRecovery #VeteranStories

Josh Carson: From Navy Service to Winery Owner | Ep. 11

What happens when a Navy Avionics Technician decides to trade helicopter maintenance for winemaking? Meet Joshua Carson, the founder of Broken Anchor Winery in Acworth, Georgia. In this episode, host Cameron Hardin joins Josh as he takes us behind the scenes of his 12-year journey from hobbyist to professional vintner, cashing out his 401k to build a community hub that is anything but a traditional "stuffy" winery. Josh breaks down his unique winemaking philosophy, using minimal oak to let the Georgia grapes shine, and shares the hilarious (and slightly chaotic) reality of running a small-batch winery, from hand-corking bottles when the pneumatic machine fails to the story behind their famous "Unicorn Tears" label. We also dive into his life in the Navy, from the dangerous flight decks of the USS Truman to the monotony of deployment care packages. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a veteran, or an aspiring entrepreneur, Josh’s story of grit, community support, and "the Bud Light of wine" is proof that you can build something incredible right in your own backyard. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/] TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast] Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast] YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc] Website: ⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠ [http://realtoc.com] Connect with Josh: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenanchorwinery/ [https://www.instagram.com/brokenanchorwinery/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrokenAnchor1 [https://www.facebook.com/TheBrokenAnchor1] Website: https://brokenanchorwine.com/ [https://brokenanchorwine.com/] Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bIczd7] Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/auto-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=auto_insurance]⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6] Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/start/?desc=zerodown&src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_loans]⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0] Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/home-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_insurance]⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH] Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/best-credit-cards-veterans/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=credit_cards]⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4cY013P] Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2170331/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0] 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2124191/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe [https://bit.ly/3PglBqe] #VeteranOwned #VeteranStories #USNavy