Brian Theis, blogging for the Break It Down ShowRead Brian Theis' blog about this and other similar episodes here
I’m not going to claim that technological advances and social media are supremely beneficial for mental health. The anxiety related to march of workforce automation, and social media bullying are both serious downfalls, but at the same time I think both have help to shine a destigmatizing light on mental health that just wasn’t there for previous generations. I know I probably spend too much time on Social Media and listen to too many podcasts, but those are the exact media where I see and hear these issues being destigmatized...
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Dealing With Our Apocalypse and Serving Mankind - John Krotec is such a fantastic dude. He's a walking idea and has a deep desire to help others. He has several endeavors to discuss: 1. GreenZone Hero a business directory that gathers businesses and clients that support freedom and veterans. 2. Straight Outta Combat Radio & Task Force Zen John's podcasts (which Pete A Turner produces) in which he focuses on the wisdom of combat veterans...and using zen principles to help us all find the healing we need. 3. John also is a speaker who uses the concept of Personal Apocalypse to identify how we can all work to get a bit better.
Here's Pete's latest episode of Straight Outta Combat Radio Here's the Freedom Episode of Straight Outta Combat Radio Haiku When you serve mankind By illustrating freedom We all get better Similar episodes: John Krotec Adam Korenman Stan Larimer John Krotec - Dealing With Our Apocalypse and Serving Mankind #podcast #taskforcezen #straighouttacombatradio #episode #greenzonehero #heroesmediagroup |
Transcription-
Jon Leon Guerrero 0:00
Hey, this is john Leon Guerrero. Joining us once again is a great ally of the show and just a great guy john grow tech. He's the founder of Green Zone hero, which is a directory of businesses supporting freedom. His Subscribers get a variety of digital tools to improve their businesses and their performance. businesses that are owned by or supporting a veterans active duty service people in their families. You can visit them at Green Zone hero calm. And you can email john directly at john at Green Zone hero calm.
Jon Leon Guerrero 0:00
Hey, this is john Leon Guerrero. Joining us once again is a great ally of the show and just a great guy john grow tech. He's the founder of Green Zone hero, which is a directory of businesses supporting freedom. His Subscribers get a variety of digital tools to improve their businesses and their performance. businesses that are owned by or supporting a veterans active duty service people in their families. You can visit them at Green Zone hero calm. And you can email john directly at john at Green Zone hero calm. He's also the founder of straight out of combat radio where he hosts the podcast that tells stories of combat veterans, their capabilities, their struggles and their victories. Pete's been on the show many times. We of course, are supporters of his missions. And we urge you all to listen in. As always, if you like what we're doing here, please give us a five star rating on iTunes and subscribe to the show. If you're listening on YouTube, please subscribe and hit that bell to get notifications when we put up new content. And let us know what you think. Leave comments. Tell us what you feel about the shows and your thoughts on what we're doing. In the meantime, please welcome our guest today sitting down with Pete and going really deep. Our friend john crow tech.
Joel Manzer 1:12
Lions rock productions.
Unknown Speaker 1:17
This is Jay Mohr and this is Jordan.
Unknown Speaker 1:19
Dexter from the naked Sebastia n youngsters, Rick moronic
Unknown Speaker 1:22
Dorito but this is Mitch Alexis and
Unknown Speaker 1:24
this is this goes back to
Gabby Reese 1:26
This is Gabby Reese
Rob Bell 1:27
This is Rob bell.
Jon Leon Guerrero 1:27
This is Jon Leon Guerrero
Pete Turner 1:28
and this is Pete a Turner.
John Krotec 1:33
Hi, this is John Krotec from Green Zone hero and straight out of combat radio. And I'm here today on the break it down show.
Niko Leon Guerrero 1:41
And now the breakdown show with john Leon Guerrero and Pete a Turner.
Pete Turner 1:48
Hey, john, so this is a fun thing. So you've been on my show before everybody should go check out that episode. It'll be in the show notes. We just actually recorded me for your show my second visit on yours. So we we cried during your episode because we love each other man
Unknown Speaker 2:04
and we care for each other. That's true. And you know, you caught me off guard there. But you know, I know that if I can cry on on the air with a with a buddy like you it's it's about as real as it gets. And you caught me off guard man, but expose my heart. So thank you for that.
Pete Turner 2:21
Well, you know, we need some of that stuff these days, because it's really easy to hate someone to call them a Nazi and and dismiss somebody for the rest of their lives. You know, I've had friends, a number of friends tell me that they've lost friends ever since. You know, President Trump has become president. And this is not an endorsement or an indictment of the President. But he definitely drives us all a little bit crazy. I do what I can man to make sure that I add joy into my conversations and try to spend time in fellowship with others. What do you do to stay? Well, how do you how do you invest in in the happier things for john?
Unknown Speaker 2:58
Well, thanks for the question. You know, I certainly don't break off friendships with people because they like somebody that I may not like, I can tell you that. I don't think that's a healthy behavior at all. I mean, that shows something far deeper. But, you know, the question is a great one. Because now in this age of post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries and concussive syndrome, you know, what self care is so very important to, to getting Well again, and I, you know, you mentioned tears. And I tell you, man, I'm 60 years old, and I am not a crybaby, but I've had lots of tears, the last couple of years since my traumatic brain injury back in 2012, which expose the childhood sexual assault that nobody likes to talk about. So a lot of prayer, a lot of networking with people like you and friends that have been through similar circumstances. I kind of smoke and joke about it now. But it's not funny. Since I came out, I've had many men and women and decision making physicians Tell me thank you for having the courage to talk about it, I think talking about it is a modus operandi. But by the way, when I was nine years old, and Uncle Billy's house, this happened to me and, you know, the sad fact is that that's pandemic, but, so a lot of prayer, a lot of reaching out to friends, some yoga is in there, I walk a lot, my wife and I spend a lot of time with our dog, when we have the time and, and then you know, trying to stay nutritionally sound. I'm very blessed guy, you know, my wife's from Virginia. And she learned at a very young age how to, you know, fry oysters and, and chicken and I get a home cooked meal, like every night, which is, she's a big time vegetable pusher. And that keeps me healthy, but the yoga and just trying to do things, trying to rewrite my story and all the negative beliefs that I've had about myself for so many years, over four decades. It takes work, and I'm willing to do the work, but those those kinds of things. Yeah, it's a long answer. But, you know, anytime that we can even like having the human element in the show, just you know, 1015 minutes ago, and get all teary eyed. And when you told me that, you know, being working with us, Australia, combat radio, how much it meant to you, because it helped to feed your family, and to give you a drive and a purpose. You know, Pete, I never looked at it like that man. But you, you struck a nerve. And I can say the same thing back at you, because you've given me so many great ideas, and you've given me purpose at times, in the conversations we've had over the last couple of years, how to just keep going and and I've had similar thoughts, you know, suicide ideation, and not that I would do it. But having a guy like you in the bunker with me, sharing stories and helping me to improve my game means the world to me as well.
Pete Turner 5:51
without hope, you know, I've started I've opened up on the suicidal ideation thing, because, you know, I can't fear it. It's, it's my ego getting away in the way of someone else's well being, you know, but everybody who I've talked to who's had your kind of reaction has has that reaction, because we have this same issue, whether they're civilian or military. You know, people have this problem where they're like, and especially, you know, as we hit our middle age now, you know, we understand that the number is going up dramatically. Like we have a problem with this in our in our peer group. So I don't want if I if my revealing it, if you talk to me about your sexual abuse, help someone go, Oh, my gosh, I'm not the only person, oh, wow, someone else feels like this every day, like I, there's literally days when I walk out of the door, and I don't know what it is. But when I walk out of the door, I feel impending doom. I'm lucky that right now, I have mechanisms to help me deal with that. And sometimes it's just muddle through that day. But I have a lot of tools and things set up so that I don't go any further than that. And then if I do continue to slide, I have fail safes below that, below that, so that I don't get into an action face. And that's why I'm like, I'm in no danger. But it doesn't mean that I don't deal with it every day. So telling that to someone, giving them potentially hope, you know, or providing them the opportunity to have their own hope. You know, I can't deny that to somebody, I just can't not because I'm afraid to reveal my, my frailty and my my affliction. I just I can't do it. I've got to let people know that. Yeah, well, I want to, I feel it all the time.
Unknown Speaker 7:36
Yeah, that's pretty powerful. You know, I know, like, I know that sexual assault is is a tough subject for people to talk about, you know, men and women. It's not a it's not a pleasant subject to say, but you know, even for a guy because guys don't talk about it. My introduction to post traumatic stress started, you know, before I was, you know, 11 years old, and you know, when I should have been trying to decide which baseball team I wanted to be on, you know, I was worried about affiliation, and gender, and is there something really wrong with me, and how does suck, you know, and because of the social stigma with that, guys, and a lot of ladies to just don't talk about it, you know, a lot of these high risk papers that I carried on through college, and even into the army with some of the hardcore drinking that we did, you know, it was all mass to hide the pain and, you know, back then, you know, 28 years old, I'm not going to go to Pete in the military and say, Hey, you know, by the way, buddy, you know, when I was this age, I was, you know, this happened to me, you know, people don't talk about and, and we need to talk more about the subjects of suicidal ideation. Because don't think for a minute the most people out there haven't thought about it at least one time in their life I and if they say they haven't, I would say to them, well, if you're comfortable with that answer, God bless you. Because then be comfortable. But But you know, what, if you if people are uncomfortable talking about a subject, it's probably because there's something that they're not addressing within themselves. And and I'm not here to point fingers. But let's admit it, we're human, we have frailties. You know, just because I'm a guy and I, you know, doesn't mean that I can't break down on the break it down show, it doesn't mean that I can't reveal something that's very personal to me, and, and if you smoke, and joke and laugh and point fingers, that that's on you, you know, I'm just trying to be real, and I'm trying to be authentic. And I'm trying to tell a story that may, like you said earlier, Pete, may be able to help at least one person. So if we can help one person on this interview today, that's dealing with suicide ideation, or, or sexual assault, I can assure you, you are not alone. No, because you have two army veterans right here that have collaborated on some pretty cool projects. But we have, we have those types of subjects floating around in our heads. And I know you personally, even though we haven't met yet, but I know that you really want to help people and doing this, we're helping each other in ourselves.
Pete Turner 10:04
Yeah, and I guess one of the things that I tried to do is I try to connect with people, I've got a pretty big network of people. It's, it's wide. So it's not dense in a particular region. But you know, I've got people in Florida like you, I've got people in Alabama, and Texas, and, you know, Utah, Missoula, Montana. So I've got people all over the place. And I do my best to poke and check in because, you know, it helps me but it also helps them and it's just, it just enriches my life. So I do spend a lot of time in fellowship with people that I love and care about. And that has always been the case for me. But the purpose now behind it has changed. And it's more about well being a combined well being for the people that I interact with. And I don't have time to do with everybody I want. But I do make a concerted effort to reach out and do that you seem to connect with a lot of people. It's just by design that you're doing this or how you talk about your, because you're always networking, engaging with new people, I'm always amazed at who you get for your show, shred combat radio, and I just I get to hear the interview. So it's fantastic.
Unknown Speaker 11:13
Well, thank you for that. And I watch guys like you, and I appreciate you know, I don't know, I didn't know anything about podcasts, you know, up until about a year and a half ago, what I've learned from you, it's been phenomenal. You know, it gets back to something that we talked about on previous episodes. And first of all, I feel very privileged that you would even take the time to have me on your show. And you know, 500 guests, I feel very honored when I say that it's not just blowing smoke when I say something I needed. And you know, I to be part of your library of other human beings that have similar stories or stories that may be more interesting, maybe less, I don't know, but they're all stories that need to be told. And you as the, you know, I keep thinking of, you know, Pete Turner, the Pied Piper of the podcast, you know, and he's not just leading us down the primrose path, he's giving us real value. And he's allowing us a platform for us to be human and for us to tell our stories. And don't think for one second that that being part of the social network like that, in the podcast world, it's so important. And not only do you elevate the podcast game, if you will, but you but you, you you, you elevate the condition of the planet. And And that's not just bunk. That's a reality, because you're making, you're allowing people an opportunity to connect, which is what we try to do on a fan of combat radio. And just like you, we've been able to elicit some very good content. And in that content, realize that the human condition affects all of us, you know. And, you know, we went we each got a cup of coffee. What's interesting to me going, man, but but, you know, it's been getting what is there 8 billion people on the planet, and they're saying 75% of the people on this planet have been traumatized at least once. And trauma doesn't have to be disfigurement from an IED explosion, right? It can be being bullied your whole life, or it can be a divorce or financial ruin. And the thing is, is that if you're not dealing with it, and you asked this question, Pete and you know what, how do you self care, dealing with it as part of the self care admitting it, and talking about it. And so the show is instrumental not only in the story about what it is they're doing with their lives, but if they have an issue that they want to talk about, that is so powerful, man. Yeah, he the break it down show, and our show its data combat is and this isn't an infomercial, we're not here to, you know, to grill, you know, hot dogs, this is a reality check. These shows make the world a better place. Storytelling is a college degree. Or the early human beings used to sit in their caves, tell stories, they did paintings, you so I can't see you at home. They're in your den, painting buffaloes and everything and how you, but you certainly can sit there and have a podcast show. You're doing the same thing that that early mankind did, and telling the stories of what this life is all about. Yeah, so that's pretty cool. And even though it's the techno age, I get that. You come from a long line of storytellers. And I'm part of that too. So I'm feeling pretty good about that.
Pete Turner 14:26
Good, man. I love it. Do you think because DNA is such a big part of who we are and how we react to the environment? Do you think that if you go far enough back that, you know, our caveman ancestor our Australopithecus was the guy who was painting on those on those walls? Like
Unknown Speaker 14:45
he had a little bit he had, didn't he something like, Yeah,
Pete Turner 14:48
but we do you think that there's like a DNA base to this where we don't mind that like, like, we live in artists in life, right. And so I would like to make more money and do better and better every year at this, but I'm okay. with whatever I get financially, I'll figure it out. As long as it's enough, which I'm almost there. But I get to live this wonderful life as a storyteller now. I'm enriched in so many ways. I'll give you an example. Last week, Jim de Felice before he came on the show, and that show probably will come out right about the time this one does. He sent me his newest book that he wrote with a guy who was and he's still alive, his guy. His name is Ray, he was a medic at D day in the first wave. And then he said, Jim sent me his book, my friend, EO, and Jim was at my friend before the show. And so like, you know, here's how you monetize a podcast. I have a friend named Jim. He writes books. And I get to have him on my show, and he sends me his book, that's, that's got value, that I wouldn't trade for 50 bucks.
Unknown Speaker 15:57
Well, that's real. You know, you asked the question, is it the genetic live? My answer to you, it's DS, and this is why I believe that to be true, because it's science, you know, it's been proven throughout all the years, you know, first of all human beings are social animals, and everybody whether they will say it or not, we all want acceptance. We're all part of this herd mentality, whether maybe not the herd mentality, which we know it's a different thing. But we're part of this of the human race. And many of us if we were to break it down here on the break it down so many of us, many of us, we want to tell our stories, we want to be accepted by the rest of the people in the tribe, which is kind of cliche at times these days, but because, you know, we don't look at as as our human connectedness as being tribes, but at one time, we were all part of a tribe. And we all had a story. And we had a place in that tribe. And it's still somewhat the same. We've been split up because of technology. But it's all about access. Thats people want to tell their story, and you're giving them and we're giving them a platform to do that. So I think it is DNA. And everybody's story. You know, it to me, it's interesting, because we always find a connection, you know, something that you raised earlier in our in our thought process, you know, we talked about the animosity that's out there and how fragmented everybody is how much fingerpointing is going on. And, you know, you might like the San Francisco 40. Niners? Yeah, right. And I like the Pittsburgh Steelers. Okay. And you and I could go to fisticuffs, on which team is better, we might even remember games. Well, that play did this. And this play did this. And we might flip each other often, and get and storm off. And in that diatribe in that interaction, what we have lost is the fact you know, our anger is blinded us. We've lost the fact that we both love the sport of American football. Yeah. And so if we get just take a deep breath, listen to these stories, find that connection and used to say this to me, there's like a sweet spot. And every time I interview somebody, there's like 10 or 15 minutes where I can just get the real juice of what's going on. And that's what we're all looking for, we're looking for that connectedness with that person becomes so transparent. They tell you things they thought they would never tell you. Yeah, but you've given them that opportunity. Because first of all, they trust you. And that's a big part of these podcast interviews. And second of all, your interviews on a breakdown show aren't just blowing smoke, you know, it's good quality product, and you have had some phenomenal people, a book artists and you know, veterans and people was that anyhow, phenomenal. I'm happy to be here. I know you get me going, man, I just know.
Pete Turner 18:49
Well, that's the point, right is to get you going, you know, you talking about this elevation of the of the conversation and and when they when that guest takes off. And I was thinking you you know, one of the things that makes the show unique is a lot of people that have a conversation to chat, but they're not looking for that moment, they're there, they're having a conversation, when I hear you do it too, because I edit your shows. But when I hear that thing, and I circle back, and I get into it, and I get that person to crack open, and they get lost in the moment, those are moments that not everybody has the capability to create in their life, whether they're just too damn busy, you know, they get their kids with all their activities, and they gotta fix the door that they've been meaning to fix. And, you know, and, and, and, and so it's like, I'm able to give them some of that stuff. Like one of my favorite things about my buddy Paul, who I did the hot tub show with, when he and I have conversations obsessed with other people that we used to work with. There were such high level conversations, you were learning so much, and you were stretching, and you were trying to keep up with what was going on, but also contributing and doing the same thing to the people around you. Like I cannot get enough of these kind of conversations is that's one of the reasons why I have really smart people on the show. because it forces me to learn about quantum mechanics, you know, in quantum physics, I think that that gives the audience something in that they don't get to have those kind of conversations that have another gear. You know, they talk, they're in a coffee class, they talk about whatever they talk about, and it stays fairly pedestrian. But these conversations really with real deep thinkers that find a new gear, I can't get enough of them.
Unknown Speaker 20:31
No, you're absolutely right. You know, and one thing that there's a lot of different issues here you bring the light Pete one of them is authenticity, and transparency, and trust, you know, it all has to do with trust. And don't think for one second, that people aren't listening, because your show you don't do 500 interviews and nobody listens to it. I mean, come on, let's just, let's get real here. But the reality of that is, is that you give people an opportunity to do what to be human. Yeah, and one thing that you've managed to do, why you're on the forefront of this whole podcast thing, it's been around for a few years, but you have been able to bring a humanistic, nobody can do what you do, you know, with these interviews, it takes a special person to interview another human being, but you've allowed people the opportunity to to be human. And when when somebody you know, you learn to trust in the battlefields of Iraq, you know, talking to al Qaeda people, when you can get somebody from Al Qaeda to like you, or to have trust in you that this is a piece of cake. And you have managed to make a very large cake, and you just continue to put more icing on as you as you bring more and more people to the show, not only in people being interviewed, but in your listenership. And that is a tremendous value, I would have to say that the break it down show is a is a pioneer in humanity, of the digital age in the digital age. And, and you know, I see a lot of shows get recognition, and that's great. And I'm so happy for them. But at the same time, I've listened to some other shows. And I'm like, Am I missing something here? And I'm not gonna say anything. But but you know what I'm saying it, your show has an element of reality. You make reality TV shows, look, anyhow, yeah, you're a real Pete. And that's why I love what you do. And that's why we've been working together. And you're and you allow people to be human. So, you know, the break it down, show humanity in the digital age, you know, I can see that. Now that should be the mark key, you know, but but that's that's the beauty of what you do, man. And it's greatly appreciate it on this side, for sure.
Pete Turner 22:38
Yeah, john does a great job of coming up with marketing ideas. He talks about his if you look if you follow him on any of the social media, and you should, you'll learn about like, what's your Apocalypse, and all these other concepts that comes with taskforce zen, which is another show that he's working on developing, and we've had a few a few episodes come out, you're looking at bigger things, you're trying to change paradigms. You talk about that all the time. So let's talk about that. Talk about Task Force and and what you what you think it's going to be. I mean, obviously, it's one thing as you know, it's one thing to say you're going to start a show, it's another thing to actually get that thing tuned and running, you know, because it just it takes a lot of time and capacity. So talk about Task Force and and the whole paradigm shift you think is possible with it?
Unknown Speaker 23:25
Well, thank you for that question. You know, we're working on line it up, it's a matter of fact, lining up more people that have you next week for Task Force. And, you know, here we are in the 21st digital age, and I'm looking at you, we're on a zoom call, you know, we have audio going and you're recording this. And, you know, what I see is our ability, because of where our hearts lie is our ability to build this network. And what we want to do with task or sin is create a global network, where we introduce healers with people that seek healing, but we also create an educational element. So we can educate people on a massive scale about modalities, some of which we mentioned earlier, to me Task Force, and is is another project to me that will benefit humanity at 50,000 feet. I've been very blessed to have a lot of people behind the scenes helping with that you included but we're going to add to that. And so, you know, the what's your apocalypse is a personal healing journey, calling it human prop therapy, it's still in development, too. But I basically come out on stage dressed in post apocalyptic clothing, that's what sexual assault traumatic brain injury good to me. I mean, you literally can't see anything I look like Mad Max. Yeah. And the The first thing I do is I lay down the weapon, everything that I have every Prop, every bit of clothing is a negative behavior or a negative thought process. So when I lay the weapon down and say, Hey, you know what, you're not at war with humanity, you're at war with yourself. And then when I take the goggles off, you know, look at yourself in the mirror, you know, when they take off the respirator, it's breathe, and as I stripped myself down, sounds kind of funny. But I'm wearing a one piece body suit of the human musculature. And then again, you mentioned self care. And then I get dressed again,
Jon Leon Guerrero 25:12
this episode of the breaking down show is brought to you by lions rock productions, that's us. We publish, evaluate and develop podcasts just like this one, consult others to build their own and create associated content and content marketing strategies.
Pete Turner 25:26
So if you're launching or expanding your social media presence, your business or your personal brand, or if you just want to take your media presence to the next level,
Jon Leon Guerrero 25:34
reach out to us on Twitter, at Pete a Turner, or at john LG 69, I
Pete Turner 25:39
had to break it down show,
Jon Leon Guerrero 25:40
there's 1000 ways to get ahold of us. Now enjoy the show.
Unknown Speaker 25:44
And then again, you mentioned self care, and then I get dressed again. And each article of clothing or you know accoutrement is some type of positive behavior or positive addiction, you can have positive addictions. So that is just that's a human healing project, human crop therapy, still in development, but I look at that to be something hopefully will take hold. And I'll be able to travel around with people and help them in that regard on personal healing. But, you know, the medium of these digital tools, and podcasting to me, is the best type of tool for people like us that like that, you know, we really like the human connection. And in our, in our desire to connect more. And this is why I love the show and people you have on it, we become disconnected. What you've allowed us to do Pete with your show, as you've allowed us to take those thoughts of disconnection. And to really connect, yeah, because I don't know where you can listen to a show with two grown men want to combat veteran one and one a veteran and I don't know where two grown men can get it can talk about how much they mean to each other and have some tears over it. And not feel that hey, you know, those guys are for real, you can can't fake stuff like that. And you know what, there you go. The break it down show, we're real.
Pete Turner 27:07
Love it
John Krotec 27:08
is pretty simple. We're real.
Pete Turner 27:09
You know, we're real things we also do is we bring on people who are PhDs or experts in some way, and we elevate their message. So they write this paper and they write the book. And yeah, they get some traction. But there's so much more in there. Like, if you take an idea, those hundred thousand words it takes to write a book. It's a linear thought process. There's so much context and side stories and anecdotes, I love bringing those guys on to have them really flesh out what their idea is, and really get into it and give them scenarios and have them tell us what they think about it. When you have experts on the show, you have all kinds of like financial people, and these guys are all veterans. So what are you looking for? What are you trying to find with with all of your expert type people?
Unknown Speaker 27:58
Thank you for that question. You know, I said, like you told me like the very beginning before we started working with each other look for the sweet spot. And I can think I remember I said something. I said what do you mean by that? You know, make them feel comfortable enough where they trust you and they will open up and they'll tell you that so what I look for people that are making, you know, but you know what, but everybody's making a difference, because even some of the privates that we've had, you know, Chris Vestal with slippers of life, you know, was blown upside down in an IED? And what when he finally came out of the haze, a sliver of light was coming through the dust. Yeah, they said it was almost prosthetic, you know, here's the sliver of life. And it gave me a hope to crawl out of the, you know, the mire? And and to answer that question is I really am looking for the person being interviewed to, to, to relate, in a human way that gives people hope. And so we use the concept of honoring freedom and honoring the wisdom as the glue that holds it all together, what blew me away when you edited the last episode, where you went in, you took like a dozen of our prior episodes. And you took that one question. And when you pieced it together in such a coherent manner, like you did, yeah, I never, I never realized how the concept of freedom and what that means means so many different things to different people. And there's no still, you know, I look for people with the willingness to tell their story and to leave a message of hope. So somewhere, somewhere, somebody's out there listening, doesn't matter where they're at, can connect with that. Yeah, I, you know, you know, we're real.
Pete Turner 29:42
Alright, so let's spend some time here that freedom episode, you know, we had that idea. We talked about it, I put it together. And I was really happy with with how the freedom stories worked together in in a sequence. I'm glad that that came across. When you heard that though, what do you I mean, you you had you ask these questions, these people told these things to you. But when you have it in this new context, what did you pull out from that? I mean, what did you hear besides just the definitions?
Unknown Speaker 30:11
Nice question. Thank you, you know, I, I pulled out that everybody's different. And we've all got a story to tell. And freedom is a responsibility, and means different things to different people. And something that you talked about earlier was about tolerance, and what it made me realize, you know, there you go, man. There's your mantra about tolerance. You know, what it made me realize is that, gosh, these are some really decent human beings with different experiences. For me, we all love freedom, but we all have a different perception of it. And I can't wait to you. I know it takes some effort, you know, but there's proof positive of how the professional kind of work that Pete Turner does, but you know, I can't wait to hear the other eight or nine or 10 episodes. So we have those all compile, compile with freedom so, so powerful and and just made me realize that holy cow, I live in a pretty fantastic country. And and you started out that episode, which was even cool. You started out with the British? Yeah, I'm a combat veteran. And his analogy was, you know, it's like being a parent in a cage. You know, freedom means you can stay in the cage if you want to fly out. And then we actually ended I think, with tolerance and you about freedom, but in between, there's all these awesome definitions of freedom. That was a really cool episode. That was a and I know you had fun doing it, because he told me
Pete Turner 31:34
Yeah, yeah, it was it was great to do because should definitely check it out. strata combat radio is the freedom episode. And actually, if you'll allow it, I'll, I'll feature it on my episode on my show, so people can go and click on it. And and and go to because I think it's a great treatment on a half hour on what freedom is, at least in these 10 or so cases. And I'll I'll share it with these guys, because it is such a great, it is a great message. And I love the concept of freedom being a responsibility. Yes, it's an unalienable right, but you have to care for it. And that's not going to be as easy as you want. It's just like charity work. Sometimes when I do in service work, I don't want to do it, I would rather do something else, I'd rather take a nap. But I get up and I go do that thing. Even if it's just making an appearance or, you know, supporting someone else's doing something bigger, you know, you go out and you do that, because charity is hard work has to be otherwise. Everybody would fucking do it. You know?
Unknown Speaker 32:41
You got that? Right. You know, it's kind of interesting that you say it that way, because it's true. And you know, and when you start to hear how other people feel about freedom, it really gives it a different slant, you know, we, we take a lot for granted, you know, I was a small business owner for 23 years. And you know, this, and I climbed mountains in the Andes for a little over 12 years, and people would come into the store, and we sold hardcore gear and clothing for travel. And most people in the United States that most people that have not traveled, believe that the rest of the world lives like we do. Well, I got news for you, if you haven't been outside the country, even in some of the developed nations, it's not like we live here in the state, right. And so the whole concept of freedom is such a legacy that, you know, some people that they didn't just write the Constitution, it was well thought out means a lot. And if you read it on its interpretation, there's something truly special about the United States of America. And I personally, am very proud to say that I'm an American, I'm Croatian and Irish descent. And if anybody has any reason to be mad at the Brits, for the Serbs, it's absolutely me being but but I don't, and because of my ancestors, taking the chance to come here with nothing. And then to me these values that America has, leads me to believe that anybody that comes here with the right mindset, can be and whatever they want to be. And that's important for for us to be able to use the mediums we have to tell that story. And you do it with breakdown show. And, you know, it's all about connection. And I just I love it, you know, and the more I talked to guys like you, you guys, you know, you've been on many Pete tours that there's only one but you motivate the heck out. We do this different you. You were asking, you're asking like adding crickets here or motorcycle sound here are burning fire here. And and and it all adds to the quality of the show. Yeah, that's that's, that's pretty significant to you know, it's not just two guys sitting around a campfire talking about nonsense. Yeah, it's real relevant things that people want to hear.
Pete Turner 34:53
I got I got a couple questions for you. I'm curious what you think, as a guy that runs a show? What's freedom mean to you?
John Krotec 35:06
Well, you know, freedom means to me is a responsibility. To me freedom means that I've been given an opportunity to carry on a legacy. And as somebody that wore the uniform of the United States Army, you know, I'm not a combat veteran, you know, let me qualify that. But we were trained up and ready to go. And you know, I did raise my right hand, it was my choice, my decision. One of the reasons I did it, because I thought if I didn't do it now, and when, and I don't think that I could be a citizen without knowing that I gave back somehow, and I did my military service. It may not be to everybody, you know, maybe you go and you give to your local Salvation Army, or somehow you give back to the community or many other organizations out there that make America stronger I have freedom means a legacy to carry on and a responsibility to use the skill sets that I've been blessed with, from a much higher power to make it to make it even better than I found it. And if we can, as friends and as business associates, and just people, human beings and Americans that have worn the uniform, if we can help others to, to understand what freedom means to us, then we've done our job. And honestly, the United States is here to stay. We need to keep it strong. And that's why we use green zone hero as a business networking tool to give people tools that appreciate freedom, and opportunity to elevate their own companies. I think that if we can keep America strong through storytelling, and through helping businesses that actually care about freedom, then we're doing our job. And I'm so you know, you and I would be on point. And you know, be great to be on point with you because we are but when we come back, we reconnoiter we have all this Intel that we've gathered and how can we go out and do it better?
Pete Turner 36:57
When you talk to all these incredible veterans that you do on your show, you gather a lot of wisdom. I know you gather combat wisdom, what do you want people to know about combat veterans, by the way, for all my friends listening, I'm stealing the back end of john show right now and doing it to him.
John Krotec 37:15
So you always do this to me, man. You know, I? I'm going to say, you know, you caught me off guard here, man, I'm going to say that combat veterans regardless of what we read in the papers and in media, because there's always that question, well, was he in the military OSD, a Marine, they the ones that get picked on the most and it's the army. Yeah. And for some reason, you know, that the Navy and the Air Force gets really left alone. But, you know, we're not broken. And I shouldn't say we, but but combat veterans are not broken. And what's interesting is I'd rather hat, I would rather consider hiring a 25 year old IE five, that maybe had 11 million dollars of government issued equipment, you know, under his tutelage, and six or seven, you know, combat soldiers, that 25 year old, the five who's coming home, he has skill sets that that guy coming out of college, with all due respect, I have a college degree. Yeah, I didn't know anything coming out of college, book work. And I love college, you know, go Go get your education, don't let me pull it. But I would rather hire or take a look at that 25 year old combat veteran. Yeah. And his skill sets before somebody that's coming out, that hasn't really been on the ground yet. So they're not broken. They're an incredible America, our combat veterans, to me are America's greatest legacy. Because they are the heart and soul of what we're all about. They are men and women who reached down and grabbed them, and held up the right hand and sworn oath to defend the constitution, United States of America, which you and I hold near and dear to our hearts. And that means means a lot when those people do that they're in a special brother and sisterhood that you don't find anywhere else. And I can talk to a combat veteran or even a veteran from Korea or War Two, or the Vietnam War, any of these deployments we've had over the last 16 years plus, and there is a common bond that will forever be there. Just because we wore the uniform because we did it probably for very similar reasons. combat veterans are not broken, consider them as being part of your team. And if you train them, and you take the time, and you shed light on what their attributes are, you are going to hire somebody for your organization that is just going to make it be that much better. I could use some acronyms here. But you know, I want to keep it clean. Okay, they can elevate your company more than you'll ever imagine. Just take the time with them and look at them, and respect their position. They're human beings just like all of us, just with a different slant on life.
Pete Turner 40:02
Yeah, I love it. I love it. What's Uh, what's your mantra?
Unknown Speaker 40:09
Man, you're getting me today rather than my, my mindset. My mantra is this. And again, I think I made this one up a few years back when I was working with volunteers and my community. polarization only works in sunglasses. Okay, it does not work in sustainable communities doesn't work in sustainable organizations, groups, nonprofits, businesses, it just doesn't work. Ladies and gentlemen, polarization is the worst thing that we can have. As the human race, I love debate. I love having differences of opinion. But when it forces somebody to say, you know, Pete, you're not my friend anymore, because you like Trump, or whatever. When it does that. been, it's been it's been a, it's an ill will to the society. So I would say look at a way to respect each other, and, and allow that person the opportunity, because it's they're given right to be able to voice their opinion. And don't pass judgment, label them because they feel differently than you do. You know, you're just as valuable and important, and so is your position. And there's why my position is better than yours, is just not fair. And it leads to more problems. And it's worth
Pete Turner 41:34
like, so tell us really quick about what Green Zone hero is for those out there who have small businesses because there's plenty of them, so they can be involved with what you're trying to do.
Unknown Speaker 41:45
Thank you, Pete. You know, Green Zone hero is a biz online business network of companies that honor freedom, by supporting veterans active duty military and their families. And they do it few different ways special pricing, or they hire veterans or their veteran owned or they give to veteran nonprofits. But we're a b2b business, we give them actual tools. We don't just take money and run. We give you a manifesto, we give you a best practices manual, you get digital tools with URL links, you get digital logos, community outreach tools. It has been a blessing to see how many companies in America, there's 28 million, we have over 750, which means we got a long way to go. But but there are still companies out there that think that freedom means a lot of these companies have stepped up to the plate. They've spent the money with us, many of them have renewed, they continue to join we just got Chattahoochee, Harley Davidson up in Columbus, Georgia. Nice. Right there. Fort right next to Fort Benning. They didn't even hesitate. Yeah. And so we're allowing companies to not only talk the talk about freedom, but if you really support freedom, then join us tell the rest of the world the great things that you do to help support those very men and women that allow you and me the opportunity to have a conversation and relative peace and safety. It's a long answer, but we're making an inroad. You know, Harley Davidson is one of our biggest supporters. horse head provisions. Sam asked music. By the way, Sam ash his father fought at the Battle of the balls. Wow. That's an incredible, incredible fact. And, you know, we got mission barbecue. I mean, those if you haven't been to a mission BBQ is an East Coast company. Yeah. Every day at noon. They say the Pledge of Allegiance. Everybody in the restaurant stands up. They it just goes silent.
Pete Turner 43:39
I'm offended.
John Krotec 43:40
No, yeah, well, yeah, yeah, I'm going to kneel or not kneel. But yeah, but the thing is, is that when I when they get done doing that, if you're ever there, it's a special treat. It makes that brisket, which is my favorite mission barbecue meal, but it makes that food taste so much better. And I know that I'm at home, because here's a company that has a core value that I resonate with. Sure. And you know, like we mentioned, Tabasco sauce, you know, been around like 130 plus years on in every Island, you know, companies like that. They are the very heart and soul of America. And what we want to do is we want to not only, you know, Harley Davidson didn't need us, but they knew it was the right thing to do. Then when they did join us, you know, 75 plus dealerships across America. In fact, we're going to be up in Dothan Alabama, doing some interviews with some combat veterans at the Harley Davidson dealership there. I know, you're gonna be doing some work in Missouri. Yeah. But imagine if we can tell all these stories. You know, through these podcasts and through our company. Yeah,
Pete Turner 44:45
yeah, I love it. I love it. Well, listen, I appreciate you coming on and sharing this time with me. It's just great to be able to have this relationship and tell these stories. And I just, you know, I get to hear the show, in its raw form. And you have so many insightful people. And the vast majority of them say, Get ahold of me, I'm prepared to help you. And I don't know a lot of shows that have people of that caliber on all the time. Yes, by my book, these people are saying something different. They're saying, here's my email, here's how you get ahold of me. Get ahold of me, and I'll help you. I will, I will connect you to someone, I will be your mentor. I'll put you in my mastermind group. All the time on john show. These incredible people that are highly successful are offering help. That's incredible, man, you're doing great work.
Unknown Speaker 45:36
And so are you Pete, thank you for that. Appreciate that a great deal. You know, we you know, we're keeping it real, like your show. And I my bit of advice to anybody out there. You know, I know it's tough in the digital age to figure out who's real and who's not real. But keep going. You know, just keep going keep you know, you don't know who that next relationship is going to turn you on to or how that's going to turn out. But there are people out there like Pete Turner and myself. And truly, I'm glad you pointed that out. Like all the people that were there that are real, they're authentic, real transparent. They have stories to tell and they really want to help. So yeah, it's real.
Pete Turner 46:12
Man. Well, thank you so much, everybody. This is john Krotec
Hey, this is john Leon Guerrero. Joining us once again is a great ally of the show and just a great guy john grow tech. He's the founder of Green Zone hero, which is a directory of businesses supporting freedom. His Subscribers get a variety of digital tools to improve their businesses and their performance. businesses that are owned by or supporting a veterans active duty service people in their families. You can visit them at Green Zone hero calm. And you can email john directly at john at Green Zone hero calm. He's also the founder of straight out of combat radio where he hosts the podcast that tells stories of combat veterans, their capabilities, their struggles and their victories. Pete's been on the show many times. We of course, are supporters of his missions. And we urge you all to listen in. As always, if you like what we're doing here, please give us a five star rating on iTunes and subscribe to the show. If you're listening on YouTube, please subscribe and hit that bell to get notifications when we put up new content. And let us know what you think. Leave comments. Tell us what you feel about the shows and your thoughts on what we're doing. In the meantime, please welcome our guest today sitting down with Pete and going really deep. Our friend john crow tech.
Joel Manzer 1:12
Lions rock productions.
Unknown Speaker 1:17
This is Jay Mohr and this is Jordan.
Unknown Speaker 1:19
Dexter from the naked Sebastia n youngsters, Rick moronic
Unknown Speaker 1:22
Dorito but this is Mitch Alexis and
Unknown Speaker 1:24
this is this goes back to
Gabby Reese 1:26
This is Gabby Reese
Rob Bell 1:27
This is Rob bell.
Jon Leon Guerrero 1:27
This is Jon Leon Guerrero
Pete Turner 1:28
and this is Pete a Turner.
John Krotec 1:33
Hi, this is John Krotec from Green Zone hero and straight out of combat radio. And I'm here today on the break it down show.
Niko Leon Guerrero 1:41
And now the breakdown show with john Leon Guerrero and Pete a Turner.
Pete Turner 1:48
Hey, john, so this is a fun thing. So you've been on my show before everybody should go check out that episode. It'll be in the show notes. We just actually recorded me for your show my second visit on yours. So we we cried during your episode because we love each other man
Unknown Speaker 2:04
and we care for each other. That's true. And you know, you caught me off guard there. But you know, I know that if I can cry on on the air with a with a buddy like you it's it's about as real as it gets. And you caught me off guard man, but expose my heart. So thank you for that.
Pete Turner 2:21
Well, you know, we need some of that stuff these days, because it's really easy to hate someone to call them a Nazi and and dismiss somebody for the rest of their lives. You know, I've had friends, a number of friends tell me that they've lost friends ever since. You know, President Trump has become president. And this is not an endorsement or an indictment of the President. But he definitely drives us all a little bit crazy. I do what I can man to make sure that I add joy into my conversations and try to spend time in fellowship with others. What do you do to stay? Well, how do you how do you invest in in the happier things for john?
Unknown Speaker 2:58
Well, thanks for the question. You know, I certainly don't break off friendships with people because they like somebody that I may not like, I can tell you that. I don't think that's a healthy behavior at all. I mean, that shows something far deeper. But, you know, the question is a great one. Because now in this age of post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries and concussive syndrome, you know, what self care is so very important to, to getting Well again, and I, you know, you mentioned tears. And I tell you, man, I'm 60 years old, and I am not a crybaby, but I've had lots of tears, the last couple of years since my traumatic brain injury back in 2012, which expose the childhood sexual assault that nobody likes to talk about. So a lot of prayer, a lot of networking with people like you and friends that have been through similar circumstances. I kind of smoke and joke about it now. But it's not funny. Since I came out, I've had many men and women and decision making physicians Tell me thank you for having the courage to talk about it, I think talking about it is a modus operandi. But by the way, when I was nine years old, and Uncle Billy's house, this happened to me and, you know, the sad fact is that that's pandemic, but, so a lot of prayer, a lot of reaching out to friends, some yoga is in there, I walk a lot, my wife and I spend a lot of time with our dog, when we have the time and, and then you know, trying to stay nutritionally sound. I'm very blessed guy, you know, my wife's from Virginia. And she learned at a very young age how to, you know, fry oysters and, and chicken and I get a home cooked meal, like every night, which is, she's a big time vegetable pusher. And that keeps me healthy, but the yoga and just trying to do things, trying to rewrite my story and all the negative beliefs that I've had about myself for so many years, over four decades. It takes work, and I'm willing to do the work, but those those kinds of things. Yeah, it's a long answer. But, you know, anytime that we can even like having the human element in the show, just you know, 1015 minutes ago, and get all teary eyed. And when you told me that, you know, being working with us, Australia, combat radio, how much it meant to you, because it helped to feed your family, and to give you a drive and a purpose. You know, Pete, I never looked at it like that man. But you, you struck a nerve. And I can say the same thing back at you, because you've given me so many great ideas, and you've given me purpose at times, in the conversations we've had over the last couple of years, how to just keep going and and I've had similar thoughts, you know, suicide ideation, and not that I would do it. But having a guy like you in the bunker with me, sharing stories and helping me to improve my game means the world to me as well.
Pete Turner 5:51
without hope, you know, I've started I've opened up on the suicidal ideation thing, because, you know, I can't fear it. It's, it's my ego getting away in the way of someone else's well being, you know, but everybody who I've talked to who's had your kind of reaction has has that reaction, because we have this same issue, whether they're civilian or military. You know, people have this problem where they're like, and especially, you know, as we hit our middle age now, you know, we understand that the number is going up dramatically. Like we have a problem with this in our in our peer group. So I don't want if I if my revealing it, if you talk to me about your sexual abuse, help someone go, Oh, my gosh, I'm not the only person, oh, wow, someone else feels like this every day, like I, there's literally days when I walk out of the door, and I don't know what it is. But when I walk out of the door, I feel impending doom. I'm lucky that right now, I have mechanisms to help me deal with that. And sometimes it's just muddle through that day. But I have a lot of tools and things set up so that I don't go any further than that. And then if I do continue to slide, I have fail safes below that, below that, so that I don't get into an action face. And that's why I'm like, I'm in no danger. But it doesn't mean that I don't deal with it every day. So telling that to someone, giving them potentially hope, you know, or providing them the opportunity to have their own hope. You know, I can't deny that to somebody, I just can't not because I'm afraid to reveal my, my frailty and my my affliction. I just I can't do it. I've got to let people know that. Yeah, well, I want to, I feel it all the time.
Unknown Speaker 7:36
Yeah, that's pretty powerful. You know, I know, like, I know that sexual assault is is a tough subject for people to talk about, you know, men and women. It's not a it's not a pleasant subject to say, but you know, even for a guy because guys don't talk about it. My introduction to post traumatic stress started, you know, before I was, you know, 11 years old, and you know, when I should have been trying to decide which baseball team I wanted to be on, you know, I was worried about affiliation, and gender, and is there something really wrong with me, and how does suck, you know, and because of the social stigma with that, guys, and a lot of ladies to just don't talk about it, you know, a lot of these high risk papers that I carried on through college, and even into the army with some of the hardcore drinking that we did, you know, it was all mass to hide the pain and, you know, back then, you know, 28 years old, I'm not going to go to Pete in the military and say, Hey, you know, by the way, buddy, you know, when I was this age, I was, you know, this happened to me, you know, people don't talk about and, and we need to talk more about the subjects of suicidal ideation. Because don't think for a minute the most people out there haven't thought about it at least one time in their life I and if they say they haven't, I would say to them, well, if you're comfortable with that answer, God bless you. Because then be comfortable. But But you know, what, if you if people are uncomfortable talking about a subject, it's probably because there's something that they're not addressing within themselves. And and I'm not here to point fingers. But let's admit it, we're human, we have frailties. You know, just because I'm a guy and I, you know, doesn't mean that I can't break down on the break it down show, it doesn't mean that I can't reveal something that's very personal to me, and, and if you smoke, and joke and laugh and point fingers, that that's on you, you know, I'm just trying to be real, and I'm trying to be authentic. And I'm trying to tell a story that may, like you said earlier, Pete, may be able to help at least one person. So if we can help one person on this interview today, that's dealing with suicide ideation, or, or sexual assault, I can assure you, you are not alone. No, because you have two army veterans right here that have collaborated on some pretty cool projects. But we have, we have those types of subjects floating around in our heads. And I know you personally, even though we haven't met yet, but I know that you really want to help people and doing this, we're helping each other in ourselves.
Pete Turner 10:04
Yeah, and I guess one of the things that I tried to do is I try to connect with people, I've got a pretty big network of people. It's, it's wide. So it's not dense in a particular region. But you know, I've got people in Florida like you, I've got people in Alabama, and Texas, and, you know, Utah, Missoula, Montana. So I've got people all over the place. And I do my best to poke and check in because, you know, it helps me but it also helps them and it's just, it just enriches my life. So I do spend a lot of time in fellowship with people that I love and care about. And that has always been the case for me. But the purpose now behind it has changed. And it's more about well being a combined well being for the people that I interact with. And I don't have time to do with everybody I want. But I do make a concerted effort to reach out and do that you seem to connect with a lot of people. It's just by design that you're doing this or how you talk about your, because you're always networking, engaging with new people, I'm always amazed at who you get for your show, shred combat radio, and I just I get to hear the interview. So it's fantastic.
Unknown Speaker 11:13
Well, thank you for that. And I watch guys like you, and I appreciate you know, I don't know, I didn't know anything about podcasts, you know, up until about a year and a half ago, what I've learned from you, it's been phenomenal. You know, it gets back to something that we talked about on previous episodes. And first of all, I feel very privileged that you would even take the time to have me on your show. And you know, 500 guests, I feel very honored when I say that it's not just blowing smoke when I say something I needed. And you know, I to be part of your library of other human beings that have similar stories or stories that may be more interesting, maybe less, I don't know, but they're all stories that need to be told. And you as the, you know, I keep thinking of, you know, Pete Turner, the Pied Piper of the podcast, you know, and he's not just leading us down the primrose path, he's giving us real value. And he's allowing us a platform for us to be human and for us to tell our stories. And don't think for one second that that being part of the social network like that, in the podcast world, it's so important. And not only do you elevate the podcast game, if you will, but you but you, you you, you elevate the condition of the planet. And And that's not just bunk. That's a reality, because you're making, you're allowing people an opportunity to connect, which is what we try to do on a fan of combat radio. And just like you, we've been able to elicit some very good content. And in that content, realize that the human condition affects all of us, you know. And, you know, we went we each got a cup of coffee. What's interesting to me going, man, but but, you know, it's been getting what is there 8 billion people on the planet, and they're saying 75% of the people on this planet have been traumatized at least once. And trauma doesn't have to be disfigurement from an IED explosion, right? It can be being bullied your whole life, or it can be a divorce or financial ruin. And the thing is, is that if you're not dealing with it, and you asked this question, Pete and you know what, how do you self care, dealing with it as part of the self care admitting it, and talking about it. And so the show is instrumental not only in the story about what it is they're doing with their lives, but if they have an issue that they want to talk about, that is so powerful, man. Yeah, he the break it down show, and our show its data combat is and this isn't an infomercial, we're not here to, you know, to grill, you know, hot dogs, this is a reality check. These shows make the world a better place. Storytelling is a college degree. Or the early human beings used to sit in their caves, tell stories, they did paintings, you so I can't see you at home. They're in your den, painting buffaloes and everything and how you, but you certainly can sit there and have a podcast show. You're doing the same thing that that early mankind did, and telling the stories of what this life is all about. Yeah, so that's pretty cool. And even though it's the techno age, I get that. You come from a long line of storytellers. And I'm part of that too. So I'm feeling pretty good about that.
Pete Turner 14:26
Good, man. I love it. Do you think because DNA is such a big part of who we are and how we react to the environment? Do you think that if you go far enough back that, you know, our caveman ancestor our Australopithecus was the guy who was painting on those on those walls? Like
Unknown Speaker 14:45
he had a little bit he had, didn't he something like, Yeah,
Pete Turner 14:48
but we do you think that there's like a DNA base to this where we don't mind that like, like, we live in artists in life, right. And so I would like to make more money and do better and better every year at this, but I'm okay. with whatever I get financially, I'll figure it out. As long as it's enough, which I'm almost there. But I get to live this wonderful life as a storyteller now. I'm enriched in so many ways. I'll give you an example. Last week, Jim de Felice before he came on the show, and that show probably will come out right about the time this one does. He sent me his newest book that he wrote with a guy who was and he's still alive, his guy. His name is Ray, he was a medic at D day in the first wave. And then he said, Jim sent me his book, my friend, EO, and Jim was at my friend before the show. And so like, you know, here's how you monetize a podcast. I have a friend named Jim. He writes books. And I get to have him on my show, and he sends me his book, that's, that's got value, that I wouldn't trade for 50 bucks.
Unknown Speaker 15:57
Well, that's real. You know, you asked the question, is it the genetic live? My answer to you, it's DS, and this is why I believe that to be true, because it's science, you know, it's been proven throughout all the years, you know, first of all human beings are social animals, and everybody whether they will say it or not, we all want acceptance. We're all part of this herd mentality, whether maybe not the herd mentality, which we know it's a different thing. But we're part of this of the human race. And many of us if we were to break it down here on the break it down so many of us, many of us, we want to tell our stories, we want to be accepted by the rest of the people in the tribe, which is kind of cliche at times these days, but because, you know, we don't look at as as our human connectedness as being tribes, but at one time, we were all part of a tribe. And we all had a story. And we had a place in that tribe. And it's still somewhat the same. We've been split up because of technology. But it's all about access. Thats people want to tell their story, and you're giving them and we're giving them a platform to do that. So I think it is DNA. And everybody's story. You know, it to me, it's interesting, because we always find a connection, you know, something that you raised earlier in our in our thought process, you know, we talked about the animosity that's out there and how fragmented everybody is how much fingerpointing is going on. And, you know, you might like the San Francisco 40. Niners? Yeah, right. And I like the Pittsburgh Steelers. Okay. And you and I could go to fisticuffs, on which team is better, we might even remember games. Well, that play did this. And this play did this. And we might flip each other often, and get and storm off. And in that diatribe in that interaction, what we have lost is the fact you know, our anger is blinded us. We've lost the fact that we both love the sport of American football. Yeah. And so if we get just take a deep breath, listen to these stories, find that connection and used to say this to me, there's like a sweet spot. And every time I interview somebody, there's like 10 or 15 minutes where I can just get the real juice of what's going on. And that's what we're all looking for, we're looking for that connectedness with that person becomes so transparent. They tell you things they thought they would never tell you. Yeah, but you've given them that opportunity. Because first of all, they trust you. And that's a big part of these podcast interviews. And second of all, your interviews on a breakdown show aren't just blowing smoke, you know, it's good quality product, and you have had some phenomenal people, a book artists and you know, veterans and people was that anyhow, phenomenal. I'm happy to be here. I know you get me going, man, I just know.
Pete Turner 18:49
Well, that's the point, right is to get you going, you know, you talking about this elevation of the of the conversation and and when they when that guest takes off. And I was thinking you you know, one of the things that makes the show unique is a lot of people that have a conversation to chat, but they're not looking for that moment, they're there, they're having a conversation, when I hear you do it too, because I edit your shows. But when I hear that thing, and I circle back, and I get into it, and I get that person to crack open, and they get lost in the moment, those are moments that not everybody has the capability to create in their life, whether they're just too damn busy, you know, they get their kids with all their activities, and they gotta fix the door that they've been meaning to fix. And, you know, and, and, and, and so it's like, I'm able to give them some of that stuff. Like one of my favorite things about my buddy Paul, who I did the hot tub show with, when he and I have conversations obsessed with other people that we used to work with. There were such high level conversations, you were learning so much, and you were stretching, and you were trying to keep up with what was going on, but also contributing and doing the same thing to the people around you. Like I cannot get enough of these kind of conversations is that's one of the reasons why I have really smart people on the show. because it forces me to learn about quantum mechanics, you know, in quantum physics, I think that that gives the audience something in that they don't get to have those kind of conversations that have another gear. You know, they talk, they're in a coffee class, they talk about whatever they talk about, and it stays fairly pedestrian. But these conversations really with real deep thinkers that find a new gear, I can't get enough of them.
Unknown Speaker 20:31
No, you're absolutely right. You know, and one thing that there's a lot of different issues here you bring the light Pete one of them is authenticity, and transparency, and trust, you know, it all has to do with trust. And don't think for one second, that people aren't listening, because your show you don't do 500 interviews and nobody listens to it. I mean, come on, let's just, let's get real here. But the reality of that is, is that you give people an opportunity to do what to be human. Yeah, and one thing that you've managed to do, why you're on the forefront of this whole podcast thing, it's been around for a few years, but you have been able to bring a humanistic, nobody can do what you do, you know, with these interviews, it takes a special person to interview another human being, but you've allowed people the opportunity to to be human. And when when somebody you know, you learn to trust in the battlefields of Iraq, you know, talking to al Qaeda people, when you can get somebody from Al Qaeda to like you, or to have trust in you that this is a piece of cake. And you have managed to make a very large cake, and you just continue to put more icing on as you as you bring more and more people to the show, not only in people being interviewed, but in your listenership. And that is a tremendous value, I would have to say that the break it down show is a is a pioneer in humanity, of the digital age in the digital age. And, and you know, I see a lot of shows get recognition, and that's great. And I'm so happy for them. But at the same time, I've listened to some other shows. And I'm like, Am I missing something here? And I'm not gonna say anything. But but you know what I'm saying it, your show has an element of reality. You make reality TV shows, look, anyhow, yeah, you're a real Pete. And that's why I love what you do. And that's why we've been working together. And you're and you allow people to be human. So, you know, the break it down, show humanity in the digital age, you know, I can see that. Now that should be the mark key, you know, but but that's that's the beauty of what you do, man. And it's greatly appreciate it on this side, for sure.
Pete Turner 22:38
Yeah, john does a great job of coming up with marketing ideas. He talks about his if you look if you follow him on any of the social media, and you should, you'll learn about like, what's your Apocalypse, and all these other concepts that comes with taskforce zen, which is another show that he's working on developing, and we've had a few a few episodes come out, you're looking at bigger things, you're trying to change paradigms. You talk about that all the time. So let's talk about that. Talk about Task Force and and what you what you think it's going to be. I mean, obviously, it's one thing as you know, it's one thing to say you're going to start a show, it's another thing to actually get that thing tuned and running, you know, because it just it takes a lot of time and capacity. So talk about Task Force and and the whole paradigm shift you think is possible with it?
Unknown Speaker 23:25
Well, thank you for that question. You know, we're working on line it up, it's a matter of fact, lining up more people that have you next week for Task Force. And, you know, here we are in the 21st digital age, and I'm looking at you, we're on a zoom call, you know, we have audio going and you're recording this. And, you know, what I see is our ability, because of where our hearts lie is our ability to build this network. And what we want to do with task or sin is create a global network, where we introduce healers with people that seek healing, but we also create an educational element. So we can educate people on a massive scale about modalities, some of which we mentioned earlier, to me Task Force, and is is another project to me that will benefit humanity at 50,000 feet. I've been very blessed to have a lot of people behind the scenes helping with that you included but we're going to add to that. And so, you know, the what's your apocalypse is a personal healing journey, calling it human prop therapy, it's still in development, too. But I basically come out on stage dressed in post apocalyptic clothing, that's what sexual assault traumatic brain injury good to me. I mean, you literally can't see anything I look like Mad Max. Yeah. And the The first thing I do is I lay down the weapon, everything that I have every Prop, every bit of clothing is a negative behavior or a negative thought process. So when I lay the weapon down and say, Hey, you know what, you're not at war with humanity, you're at war with yourself. And then when I take the goggles off, you know, look at yourself in the mirror, you know, when they take off the respirator, it's breathe, and as I stripped myself down, sounds kind of funny. But I'm wearing a one piece body suit of the human musculature. And then again, you mentioned self care. And then I get dressed again,
Jon Leon Guerrero 25:12
this episode of the breaking down show is brought to you by lions rock productions, that's us. We publish, evaluate and develop podcasts just like this one, consult others to build their own and create associated content and content marketing strategies.
Pete Turner 25:26
So if you're launching or expanding your social media presence, your business or your personal brand, or if you just want to take your media presence to the next level,
Jon Leon Guerrero 25:34
reach out to us on Twitter, at Pete a Turner, or at john LG 69, I
Pete Turner 25:39
had to break it down show,
Jon Leon Guerrero 25:40
there's 1000 ways to get ahold of us. Now enjoy the show.
Unknown Speaker 25:44
And then again, you mentioned self care, and then I get dressed again. And each article of clothing or you know accoutrement is some type of positive behavior or positive addiction, you can have positive addictions. So that is just that's a human healing project, human crop therapy, still in development, but I look at that to be something hopefully will take hold. And I'll be able to travel around with people and help them in that regard on personal healing. But, you know, the medium of these digital tools, and podcasting to me, is the best type of tool for people like us that like that, you know, we really like the human connection. And in our, in our desire to connect more. And this is why I love the show and people you have on it, we become disconnected. What you've allowed us to do Pete with your show, as you've allowed us to take those thoughts of disconnection. And to really connect, yeah, because I don't know where you can listen to a show with two grown men want to combat veteran one and one a veteran and I don't know where two grown men can get it can talk about how much they mean to each other and have some tears over it. And not feel that hey, you know, those guys are for real, you can can't fake stuff like that. And you know what, there you go. The break it down show, we're real.
Pete Turner 27:07
Love it
John Krotec 27:08
is pretty simple. We're real.
Pete Turner 27:09
You know, we're real things we also do is we bring on people who are PhDs or experts in some way, and we elevate their message. So they write this paper and they write the book. And yeah, they get some traction. But there's so much more in there. Like, if you take an idea, those hundred thousand words it takes to write a book. It's a linear thought process. There's so much context and side stories and anecdotes, I love bringing those guys on to have them really flesh out what their idea is, and really get into it and give them scenarios and have them tell us what they think about it. When you have experts on the show, you have all kinds of like financial people, and these guys are all veterans. So what are you looking for? What are you trying to find with with all of your expert type people?
Unknown Speaker 27:58
Thank you for that question. You know, I said, like you told me like the very beginning before we started working with each other look for the sweet spot. And I can think I remember I said something. I said what do you mean by that? You know, make them feel comfortable enough where they trust you and they will open up and they'll tell you that so what I look for people that are making, you know, but you know what, but everybody's making a difference, because even some of the privates that we've had, you know, Chris Vestal with slippers of life, you know, was blown upside down in an IED? And what when he finally came out of the haze, a sliver of light was coming through the dust. Yeah, they said it was almost prosthetic, you know, here's the sliver of life. And it gave me a hope to crawl out of the, you know, the mire? And and to answer that question is I really am looking for the person being interviewed to, to, to relate, in a human way that gives people hope. And so we use the concept of honoring freedom and honoring the wisdom as the glue that holds it all together, what blew me away when you edited the last episode, where you went in, you took like a dozen of our prior episodes. And you took that one question. And when you pieced it together in such a coherent manner, like you did, yeah, I never, I never realized how the concept of freedom and what that means means so many different things to different people. And there's no still, you know, I look for people with the willingness to tell their story and to leave a message of hope. So somewhere, somewhere, somebody's out there listening, doesn't matter where they're at, can connect with that. Yeah, I, you know, you know, we're real.
Pete Turner 29:42
Alright, so let's spend some time here that freedom episode, you know, we had that idea. We talked about it, I put it together. And I was really happy with with how the freedom stories worked together in in a sequence. I'm glad that that came across. When you heard that though, what do you I mean, you you had you ask these questions, these people told these things to you. But when you have it in this new context, what did you pull out from that? I mean, what did you hear besides just the definitions?
Unknown Speaker 30:11
Nice question. Thank you, you know, I, I pulled out that everybody's different. And we've all got a story to tell. And freedom is a responsibility, and means different things to different people. And something that you talked about earlier was about tolerance, and what it made me realize, you know, there you go, man. There's your mantra about tolerance. You know, what it made me realize is that, gosh, these are some really decent human beings with different experiences. For me, we all love freedom, but we all have a different perception of it. And I can't wait to you. I know it takes some effort, you know, but there's proof positive of how the professional kind of work that Pete Turner does, but you know, I can't wait to hear the other eight or nine or 10 episodes. So we have those all compile, compile with freedom so, so powerful and and just made me realize that holy cow, I live in a pretty fantastic country. And and you started out that episode, which was even cool. You started out with the British? Yeah, I'm a combat veteran. And his analogy was, you know, it's like being a parent in a cage. You know, freedom means you can stay in the cage if you want to fly out. And then we actually ended I think, with tolerance and you about freedom, but in between, there's all these awesome definitions of freedom. That was a really cool episode. That was a and I know you had fun doing it, because he told me
Pete Turner 31:34
Yeah, yeah, it was it was great to do because should definitely check it out. strata combat radio is the freedom episode. And actually, if you'll allow it, I'll, I'll feature it on my episode on my show, so people can go and click on it. And and and go to because I think it's a great treatment on a half hour on what freedom is, at least in these 10 or so cases. And I'll I'll share it with these guys, because it is such a great, it is a great message. And I love the concept of freedom being a responsibility. Yes, it's an unalienable right, but you have to care for it. And that's not going to be as easy as you want. It's just like charity work. Sometimes when I do in service work, I don't want to do it, I would rather do something else, I'd rather take a nap. But I get up and I go do that thing. Even if it's just making an appearance or, you know, supporting someone else's doing something bigger, you know, you go out and you do that, because charity is hard work has to be otherwise. Everybody would fucking do it. You know?
Unknown Speaker 32:41
You got that? Right. You know, it's kind of interesting that you say it that way, because it's true. And you know, and when you start to hear how other people feel about freedom, it really gives it a different slant, you know, we, we take a lot for granted, you know, I was a small business owner for 23 years. And you know, this, and I climbed mountains in the Andes for a little over 12 years, and people would come into the store, and we sold hardcore gear and clothing for travel. And most people in the United States that most people that have not traveled, believe that the rest of the world lives like we do. Well, I got news for you, if you haven't been outside the country, even in some of the developed nations, it's not like we live here in the state, right. And so the whole concept of freedom is such a legacy that, you know, some people that they didn't just write the Constitution, it was well thought out means a lot. And if you read it on its interpretation, there's something truly special about the United States of America. And I personally, am very proud to say that I'm an American, I'm Croatian and Irish descent. And if anybody has any reason to be mad at the Brits, for the Serbs, it's absolutely me being but but I don't, and because of my ancestors, taking the chance to come here with nothing. And then to me these values that America has, leads me to believe that anybody that comes here with the right mindset, can be and whatever they want to be. And that's important for for us to be able to use the mediums we have to tell that story. And you do it with breakdown show. And, you know, it's all about connection. And I just I love it, you know, and the more I talked to guys like you, you guys, you know, you've been on many Pete tours that there's only one but you motivate the heck out. We do this different you. You were asking, you're asking like adding crickets here or motorcycle sound here are burning fire here. And and and it all adds to the quality of the show. Yeah, that's that's, that's pretty significant to you know, it's not just two guys sitting around a campfire talking about nonsense. Yeah, it's real relevant things that people want to hear.
Pete Turner 34:53
I got I got a couple questions for you. I'm curious what you think, as a guy that runs a show? What's freedom mean to you?
John Krotec 35:06
Well, you know, freedom means to me is a responsibility. To me freedom means that I've been given an opportunity to carry on a legacy. And as somebody that wore the uniform of the United States Army, you know, I'm not a combat veteran, you know, let me qualify that. But we were trained up and ready to go. And you know, I did raise my right hand, it was my choice, my decision. One of the reasons I did it, because I thought if I didn't do it now, and when, and I don't think that I could be a citizen without knowing that I gave back somehow, and I did my military service. It may not be to everybody, you know, maybe you go and you give to your local Salvation Army, or somehow you give back to the community or many other organizations out there that make America stronger I have freedom means a legacy to carry on and a responsibility to use the skill sets that I've been blessed with, from a much higher power to make it to make it even better than I found it. And if we can, as friends and as business associates, and just people, human beings and Americans that have worn the uniform, if we can help others to, to understand what freedom means to us, then we've done our job. And honestly, the United States is here to stay. We need to keep it strong. And that's why we use green zone hero as a business networking tool to give people tools that appreciate freedom, and opportunity to elevate their own companies. I think that if we can keep America strong through storytelling, and through helping businesses that actually care about freedom, then we're doing our job. And I'm so you know, you and I would be on point. And you know, be great to be on point with you because we are but when we come back, we reconnoiter we have all this Intel that we've gathered and how can we go out and do it better?
Pete Turner 36:57
When you talk to all these incredible veterans that you do on your show, you gather a lot of wisdom. I know you gather combat wisdom, what do you want people to know about combat veterans, by the way, for all my friends listening, I'm stealing the back end of john show right now and doing it to him.
John Krotec 37:15
So you always do this to me, man. You know, I? I'm going to say, you know, you caught me off guard here, man, I'm going to say that combat veterans regardless of what we read in the papers and in media, because there's always that question, well, was he in the military OSD, a Marine, they the ones that get picked on the most and it's the army. Yeah. And for some reason, you know, that the Navy and the Air Force gets really left alone. But, you know, we're not broken. And I shouldn't say we, but but combat veterans are not broken. And what's interesting is I'd rather hat, I would rather consider hiring a 25 year old IE five, that maybe had 11 million dollars of government issued equipment, you know, under his tutelage, and six or seven, you know, combat soldiers, that 25 year old, the five who's coming home, he has skill sets that that guy coming out of college, with all due respect, I have a college degree. Yeah, I didn't know anything coming out of college, book work. And I love college, you know, go Go get your education, don't let me pull it. But I would rather hire or take a look at that 25 year old combat veteran. Yeah. And his skill sets before somebody that's coming out, that hasn't really been on the ground yet. So they're not broken. They're an incredible America, our combat veterans, to me are America's greatest legacy. Because they are the heart and soul of what we're all about. They are men and women who reached down and grabbed them, and held up the right hand and sworn oath to defend the constitution, United States of America, which you and I hold near and dear to our hearts. And that means means a lot when those people do that they're in a special brother and sisterhood that you don't find anywhere else. And I can talk to a combat veteran or even a veteran from Korea or War Two, or the Vietnam War, any of these deployments we've had over the last 16 years plus, and there is a common bond that will forever be there. Just because we wore the uniform because we did it probably for very similar reasons. combat veterans are not broken, consider them as being part of your team. And if you train them, and you take the time, and you shed light on what their attributes are, you are going to hire somebody for your organization that is just going to make it be that much better. I could use some acronyms here. But you know, I want to keep it clean. Okay, they can elevate your company more than you'll ever imagine. Just take the time with them and look at them, and respect their position. They're human beings just like all of us, just with a different slant on life.
Pete Turner 40:02
Yeah, I love it. I love it. What's Uh, what's your mantra?
Unknown Speaker 40:09
Man, you're getting me today rather than my, my mindset. My mantra is this. And again, I think I made this one up a few years back when I was working with volunteers and my community. polarization only works in sunglasses. Okay, it does not work in sustainable communities doesn't work in sustainable organizations, groups, nonprofits, businesses, it just doesn't work. Ladies and gentlemen, polarization is the worst thing that we can have. As the human race, I love debate. I love having differences of opinion. But when it forces somebody to say, you know, Pete, you're not my friend anymore, because you like Trump, or whatever. When it does that. been, it's been it's been a, it's an ill will to the society. So I would say look at a way to respect each other, and, and allow that person the opportunity, because it's they're given right to be able to voice their opinion. And don't pass judgment, label them because they feel differently than you do. You know, you're just as valuable and important, and so is your position. And there's why my position is better than yours, is just not fair. And it leads to more problems. And it's worth
Pete Turner 41:34
like, so tell us really quick about what Green Zone hero is for those out there who have small businesses because there's plenty of them, so they can be involved with what you're trying to do.
Unknown Speaker 41:45
Thank you, Pete. You know, Green Zone hero is a biz online business network of companies that honor freedom, by supporting veterans active duty military and their families. And they do it few different ways special pricing, or they hire veterans or their veteran owned or they give to veteran nonprofits. But we're a b2b business, we give them actual tools. We don't just take money and run. We give you a manifesto, we give you a best practices manual, you get digital tools with URL links, you get digital logos, community outreach tools. It has been a blessing to see how many companies in America, there's 28 million, we have over 750, which means we got a long way to go. But but there are still companies out there that think that freedom means a lot of these companies have stepped up to the plate. They've spent the money with us, many of them have renewed, they continue to join we just got Chattahoochee, Harley Davidson up in Columbus, Georgia. Nice. Right there. Fort right next to Fort Benning. They didn't even hesitate. Yeah. And so we're allowing companies to not only talk the talk about freedom, but if you really support freedom, then join us tell the rest of the world the great things that you do to help support those very men and women that allow you and me the opportunity to have a conversation and relative peace and safety. It's a long answer, but we're making an inroad. You know, Harley Davidson is one of our biggest supporters. horse head provisions. Sam asked music. By the way, Sam ash his father fought at the Battle of the balls. Wow. That's an incredible, incredible fact. And, you know, we got mission barbecue. I mean, those if you haven't been to a mission BBQ is an East Coast company. Yeah. Every day at noon. They say the Pledge of Allegiance. Everybody in the restaurant stands up. They it just goes silent.
Pete Turner 43:39
I'm offended.
John Krotec 43:40
No, yeah, well, yeah, yeah, I'm going to kneel or not kneel. But yeah, but the thing is, is that when I when they get done doing that, if you're ever there, it's a special treat. It makes that brisket, which is my favorite mission barbecue meal, but it makes that food taste so much better. And I know that I'm at home, because here's a company that has a core value that I resonate with. Sure. And you know, like we mentioned, Tabasco sauce, you know, been around like 130 plus years on in every Island, you know, companies like that. They are the very heart and soul of America. And what we want to do is we want to not only, you know, Harley Davidson didn't need us, but they knew it was the right thing to do. Then when they did join us, you know, 75 plus dealerships across America. In fact, we're going to be up in Dothan Alabama, doing some interviews with some combat veterans at the Harley Davidson dealership there. I know, you're gonna be doing some work in Missouri. Yeah. But imagine if we can tell all these stories. You know, through these podcasts and through our company. Yeah,
Pete Turner 44:45
yeah, I love it. I love it. Well, listen, I appreciate you coming on and sharing this time with me. It's just great to be able to have this relationship and tell these stories. And I just, you know, I get to hear the show, in its raw form. And you have so many insightful people. And the vast majority of them say, Get ahold of me, I'm prepared to help you. And I don't know a lot of shows that have people of that caliber on all the time. Yes, by my book, these people are saying something different. They're saying, here's my email, here's how you get ahold of me. Get ahold of me, and I'll help you. I will, I will connect you to someone, I will be your mentor. I'll put you in my mastermind group. All the time on john show. These incredible people that are highly successful are offering help. That's incredible, man, you're doing great work.
Unknown Speaker 45:36
And so are you Pete, thank you for that. Appreciate that a great deal. You know, we you know, we're keeping it real, like your show. And I my bit of advice to anybody out there. You know, I know it's tough in the digital age to figure out who's real and who's not real. But keep going. You know, just keep going keep you know, you don't know who that next relationship is going to turn you on to or how that's going to turn out. But there are people out there like Pete Turner and myself. And truly, I'm glad you pointed that out. Like all the people that were there that are real, they're authentic, real transparent. They have stories to tell and they really want to help. So yeah, it's real.
Pete Turner 46:12
Man. Well, thank you so much, everybody. This is john Krotec
