Cleared Hot Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Cleared Hot
• Host: Andy Stumpf
• Episode: Full Auto Friday - March 21, 2025
• Release Date: March 21, 2025
• Description: Andy Stumpf shares his diverse experiences—from military service and jet piloting to mountain climbing and fitness coaching. On his journey of seeking discomfort and embracing fear, Andy engages with organizations and leaders, constantly exploring the unknown.

Introduction

In this solo episode of Full Auto Friday, host Andy Stumpf embarks on a traditional Q&A session, reflecting on past collaborations and teasing future guest appearances. He humorously anticipates the types of questions he might receive, dismissing childhood antics and setting the stage for deeper, more meaningful discussions.

Q&A Session

Question 1: Concerns About National Sovereignty and Annexation Rhetoric

Timestamp: Approximately 10:15

A listener from Canada expresses deep concerns regarding perceived American rhetoric about the annexation of Canada. They highlight fears about diminishing freedoms, increasing cartel influence, and the uncontrolled flow of fentanyl across borders. The listener emphasizes Canada's sovereignty and questions whether, in addressing America's internal issues like gun violence and suppressed protests, the U.S. would consider relinquishing its sovereignty to external powers promising solutions.

Andy’s Response: Andy begins by addressing his past remarks jokingly referring to Canada as the "51st state," clarifying that these comments were made in jest and stemmed from genuine admiration for Canada. He emphasizes the strength and beauty of Canada, noting his personal connections and experiences that underline his respect for the country.

Andy dismisses the notion of actual annexation, labeling the rhetoric as "ridiculous" and lacking substantial backing. He differentiates the northern U.S.-Canada border from the heavily fortified southern border, underscoring the open and less surveilled nature of the northern frontier. Addressing the fentanyl crisis, he acknowledges the severity and shares insights from his show "Change Agents with Ironclad," revealing that fentanyl flow is a significant issue affecting both sides of the border.

He concludes by reassuring listeners that the idea of annexing Canada lacks serious intent and is more of hyperbolic rhetoric without actionable plans. Andy advocates for mutual respect and sovereignty, asserting that both nations have their own sets of challenges to address independently.

Notable Quotes:

• "Nobody's trying to take over Canada. Man, you guys are awesome." [10:45]
• "The southern border I used to live literally in... Very different borders. It's much more open." [11:30]

Question 2: Supporting a Friend with PTSD

Timestamp: Approximately 25:20

A listener seeks advice on how to support a long-term friend who is a police officer struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Despite attending various programs, the friend is finding it increasingly difficult, and the listener fears overwhelming them with support while genuinely wanting to help.

Andy’s Response: Andy emphasizes the importance of recognizing PTSD as a natural and understandable response to trauma, particularly for those in high-stress roles like law enforcement. He distinguishes between normal post-traumatic stress and debilitating disorders that occur when individuals cannot process their experiences effectively.

Andy advocates for active, compassionate support without the necessity of sharing identical experiences. He condemns the notion that one must have endured the same trauma to offer meaningful assistance, stating, "Fuck off with that. That is such a bullshit excuse from somebody to say, well, how are they going to even understand what it is that I'm going through." [27:00]

He advises the listener to maintain consistent communication, express genuine concern, and assist in connecting the friend with professional resources and support networks. Andy underscores that while one cannot force someone to seek help, persistent and heartfelt support can make a significant difference.

Notable Quotes:

• "Nobody can force somebody to get the help that they need. You can support them, you can tell them how much you worried about them." [26:15]
• "People can argue with me about that one if they want, but the second amendment is what protects the first and all other amendments." [Contextually related to broader freedoms discussed.]

Question 3: Enlisting in the Army and Facing Mortality

Timestamp: Approximately 45:50

A 19-year-old man contemplating enlistment in the infantry grapples with accepting his own mortality. While motivated by a sense of duty and excitement, he fears that the possibility of death might hinder his performance and commitment to the role. He inquires how Andy's outlook on life evolved when he became ready to die.

Andy’s Response: Andy offers a comprehensive perspective, urging against adopting a mindset of being "ready to die." He distinguishes between taking calculated risks and irrationally gambling with one’s life. Drawing from his own experiences in high-risk activities like wingsuit base jumping, Andy emphasizes the importance of risk management, meticulous training, and a dedicated approach to one’s craft to minimize dangers.

He recounts a personal combat experience, illustrating the stark reality of fear and trauma, contrasting it with cinematic portrayals of calmness in the face of death. Andy asserts that maintaining control over fear is crucial, as it serves as a protective mechanism rather than a paralyzing force.

Andy advises the enlistee to immerse himself fully in training, seek mentorship, and continuously hone his skills to build confidence and competence. He emphasizes that fear is natural and should be managed, not eliminated, ensuring that it does not impede performance or decision-making in critical moments.

Notable Quotes:

• "The role of the military is not to die for your country, it's to make some other motherfucker die for their country." [46:30]
• "You need to figure out every possible way to make sure that you don't die." [48:10]
• "I don't want to die. I know I'm going to die. I want to live every day I possibly can with Leah and my kids." [49:55]

Fear of Death and Personal Reflections

Timestamp: Approximately 55:00

Andy delves deeper into the concept of fear, particularly the fear of death, discussing its rational and irrational aspects. He explains that fear is a natural response designed to protect individuals from harm, acting as a feedback mechanism to assess risks.

Using examples from his hobbies and military experiences, Andy illustrates how controlled fear can aid in survival and effective decision-making. He recounts his traumatic experience of being shot in Iraq, highlighting the raw fear and pain he endured, countering any glorified notions of combat heroism.

Andy stresses that while one can never entirely eliminate the fear of death, managing it through preparation, training, and mental resilience is essential. He encourages embracing fear as a tool rather than an obstacle, allowing it to inform safer and more calculated actions.

Notable Quotes:

• "Fear is a great feedback mechanism." [55:30]
• "You cannot allow fear to control you because... that's actually going to drastically decrease the risk." [56:15]
• "I was absolutely terrified. It was terrifying. It sucked. It hurt." [58:20]

Conclusion

Andy wraps up the episode by reiterating the paramount importance of preparation, support, and resilience in the face of fear and traumatic experiences. He emphasizes living a fulfilling life by embracing challenges and managing fears constructively. While maintaining his signature candid and raw style, Andy leaves listeners with actionable insights on handling profound personal and societal issues.

Notable Mentions:

• AG1 Sponsorship: Early in the episode, Andy discusses the benefits of AG1 for health and wellness, advocating for its simplicity and effectiveness in supplementing daily nutrition. (Skipped detailed advertisement per instructions.)
• David Protein Bars Sponsorship: Later, he endorses David protein bars, highlighting their high protein content and low-calorie count as ideal for maintaining dietary discipline. (Skipped detailed advertisement per instructions.)

Final Thoughts: This episode of Cleared Hot offers listeners a blend of personal anecdotes, thoughtful responses to complex questions, and practical advice on managing fear, supporting friends, and preparing for high-stress roles. Andy Stumpf's genuine approach and depth of experience provide valuable insights for those navigating their own challenges or seeking understanding on broader societal issues.