Podcast Summary: Cleared Hot - Episode 380 with Tom Hruby and James Pomerantz

Release Date: March 31, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 380 of Cleared Hot, host Andy Stumpf welcomes two remarkable guests, Tom Hruby and James Pomerantz. Both veterans with extensive military backgrounds, they delve into their diverse careers, personal lives, and the collaborative creation of their novel, The Breacher's Playbook. This episode offers listeners an engaging exploration of resilience, transition, and the pursuit of new challenges beyond the military.

Guest Backgrounds

Tom Hruby

Tom Hruby's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. A decorated Navy SEAL, Tom served with SEAL Team 1 as a breacher. Before his military career, he was a professional MMA fighter and later pursued higher education at Northwestern University, where he walked on to play Division 1 football as a linebacker between the ages of 32 and 34. His multifaceted experiences highlight a relentless pursuit of personal growth and adaptability.

Notable Quote:

“[Tom] has a memory of that [military training]. I do not.” ([00:29])

James Pomerantz

James Pomerantz hails from Oak Lawn, a suburb of Chicago, and has navigated a life filled with diverse roles, including working in the bar industry and authoring several published works. Together with Tom, he co-authored The Breacher's Playbook, a fictional novel infused with authentic military experiences, reflecting their time in the SEALs.

Military Experiences and Training

BUDS and Hell Week

Both Tom and James share their rigorous experiences in BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training, emphasizing the mental and physical challenges they overcame. Andy highlights the misconception that military careers are the pinnacle of success, illustrating through his guests that life continues to offer new horizons even after such demanding roles.

Notable Quote:

“It's about how do I go find that? Who do I bring in?” ([27:07])

Balancing Time and Resilience

Andy discusses the importance of time management and mental resilience, drawing parallels between BUD/S training and entrepreneurial challenges. Tom and James recount specific instances from their training, such as the grueling tread test, demonstrating the critical role of mental fortitude in overcoming obstacles.

Notable Quote:

“Don’t worry about what day it is. Just make it to the next meal.” ([46:11])

Transition to Civilian Life

Personal Struggles and Growth

Transitioning from military to civilian life poses significant challenges, as shared by both guests. Andy reflects on his own difficulties during his divorce while serving, and James discusses reconciling his military past with his present life, including his role as a father and community member.

Parenting and Family Dynamics

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around parenting, where both Andy and James share insights into raising children with military backgrounds. They discuss the unique pressures of balancing family life with past military rigor, emphasizing open communication and adaptability.

Notable Quote:

“To my children, I’m the most resoundingly boring human being.” ([14:05])

Writing The Breacher's Playbook

Collaborative Process

Tom and James detail their collaborative efforts in writing The Breacher's Playbook. They outline their method of alternating between structured outlines and spontaneous storytelling, allowing the characters to evolve organically. This approach ensures the novel remains both authentic and engaging.

Research and Authenticity

The guests emphasize the importance of integrating real-life experiences into their fiction, drawing inspiration from their military backgrounds to create relatable and credible narratives. Tom mentions the meticulous research undertaken to portray accurate military operations and personal struggles.

Notable Quote:

“Everything that we went through in our lives, we had to go through to learn the lessons and the skills to get us through what we're doing right now.” ([15:04])

Reflections and Advice

Overcoming Self-Imposed Barriers

Andy encourages listeners to push beyond their comfort zones, highlighting that personal limitations are often self-imposed. Through his guests' stories, he illustrates that continuous pursuit of new challenges leads to personal and professional growth.

Leveraging Modern Tools

James and Tom discuss the impact of technology and resources like YouTube and AI in modern education and personal development. They explore how these tools can empower the next generation to learn and adapt more efficiently than previous generations.

Notable Quote:

“You just got to take the step and just go, go, go. You'll figure it out. The path will be laid out in front of you as you go.” ([140:31])

Conclusion and Closing Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Tom and James share their enthusiasm for ongoing and future projects, including additional books and community initiatives aimed at supporting veterans and their families. They stress the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the continuous pursuit of personal growth.

Notable Quote:

“Life's not static, so you have to move.” ([50:35])

Andy expresses his gratitude towards Tom and James for their candid discussions and inspiring stories, inviting them to return for future episodes to delve deeper into their experiences and projects.

Final Takeaways

• Resilience is Key: Overcoming significant challenges builds mental and physical fortitude.
• Adaptability Matters: Transitioning from structured environments like the military to civilian life requires flexibility and continuous learning.
• Collaboration Enhances Creativity: Working with others can lead to meaningful and authentic creative projects.
• Balancing Life: Effective time management and open communication are essential in balancing personal life with past professional demands.
• Embrace New Tools: Leveraging modern technology can enhance learning and personal development.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction of guests Tom Hruby and James Pomerantz ([00:29])
• Discussion on military training and personal challenges ([27:07], [46:11])
• Insights into parenting and family dynamics ([14:05])
• Collaborative writing process of The Breacher's Playbook ([15:04], [46:11])
• Reflections on overcoming barriers and leveraging technology ([140:31])

Recommended for: Military enthusiasts, veterans transitioning to civilian life, aspiring authors, and anyone interested in stories of resilience and personal growth.