Cleared Hot – Full Auto Friday (8/29/2025): Episode Summary

Overview Andy Stumpf hosts a solo Q&A on this Full Auto Friday episode, digging deep into questions from listeners about current events, authenticity and trust in the veteran community, his personal growth, and reflections on authority, decision-making, and character. The conversation is candid, nuanced, and laced with Andy’s signature self-deprecating humor and no-nonsense style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Jiu-Jitsu Camp & Upcoming Events

[01:30–04:00]

• Andy recounts his recent experiences at a Henry Akins Jiu-Jitsu seminar in California and the Origin camp in Maine.
• Stresses the uniqueness and value of these immersive camps: “It’s like drinking from a fire hose…thousands of square feet of mats, countless high-end instructors. As much rolling as you want, take as much time off as you want.” (Andy, 02:08)
• Encourages listeners interested in the Origin experience to act fast: “It sells out fast—that’s the point of me telling you this. I don’t have any tie…they’re not a sponsor…it’s just a really cool week.” (Andy, 03:25)

Listener Q&A Segment

1. Line in the Sand: Speaking Out on Political Issues

[10:00–35:00]

• Question: What is Andy’s “line in the sand” before he speaks out against the current administration? Is deploying American troops in cities enough of a line?

• Andy’s Answer:

  • He resists being pigeonholed as a one-issue or dogmatic commentator.
  • Describes his approach as “calling balls and strikes,” evaluating actions impartially, regardless of administration.
  • Vocal criticism of January 6th events—holds multiple parties responsible, not just one political side.
  • Candid on personal influence: “I don’t think I am in any place to try to defend our democracy. That’s just where I land on that.” (Andy, 19:50)
  • On flag-burning: Andy deeply values the flag but opposes criminalizing its burning, citing First Amendment importance: “As much as I care about it, I don’t have the right to prohibit somebody else...from expressing themselves in that manner if they choose to.” (Andy, 23:45)
  • On National Guard in cities: Explains deployment roles (LA and DC); acknowledges the complexity and nuance of real-world leadership decisions; admits discomfort with optics but points out checks and balances are still operating.
  • Encourages listeners to imagine themselves in the decision-maker’s seat and realize the conundrums leaders face.

  Memorable Quote:
  “Freedom of expression is not freedom of consequences. People who are out there…you might be protected by the First Amendment from a government action. How many times have people lost their jobs, had modifications in their social circles…? I would rather have people act like a fool publicly…than do that stuff in the shadows.” — Andy [24:40]

2. Trust and Authenticity Among Veterans

[40:00–53:00]

• Question: In light of recent revelations about veterans exaggerating or falsifying their service, how can people determine who is trustworthy?

• Andy’s Answer:

  • Discusses the impact of accounts like the AntiHero podcast and Valhalla VFT in exposing falsehoods.
  • Admits it’s a widespread problem and that it deeply erodes trust between the civilian world and veterans.
  • Gives advice for listeners:
    • Do your own research (“Be slow to put your faith in online personalities.”) [45:00]
    • Remain skeptical of anyone—himself included—on social media.
    • Even careful research can be flawed or manipulated; sometimes the truth only surfaces over time.
  • Acknowledges his past mistakes and emphasizes personal accountability (“Plenty of examples of me saying dumb stuff…But I also don’t take stuff offline either because I’m okay with people seeing my mistakes.” [46:40])
  • The most “legitimate” people often say less: “The peacock who is out there strutting their stuff…there’s almost always something behind the curtain there.” [51:00]
  • This skepticism goes beyond the military—applies to personal life as well.

  Memorable Quote:
  “Be slow to hire and quick to fire—maybe that works well with military influencers as well, people on social media. It’s the best I can do for you. I wish I had a templated answer. It’s murky out there at best.” — Andy [52:20]

3. Personal Evolution & Youthful Mistakes

[53:00–61:30]

• Question: What was Andy like as a teenager, and how did his mentality/demeanor change post-military?

• Andy’s Answer:

  • Humble assessment: “Aggressively average at sports…Academically disappointing, just under a 2.0 GPA.” [54:00]
  • Reflects on being a “real smartass,” quick-mouthed, and deeply insecure as a young man: “That is something I have struggled with my entire life. I still struggle with being insecure—am I good enough, am I capable enough?” [59:00]
  • The military’s biggest influence: Emotional control, logical thinking under pressure; but it didn’t fundamentally change who he was—a process of maturation that still continues.
  • Regrets, apologies: Admits feeling shame for actions as a young man but always tries to apologize when facing those from his past.
  • Encourages men approaching middle age to reflect honestly on who they were and what drove their growth.

  Memorable Quote:
  “I’m closer to 50 now, and I look back at myself as a young man, and it’s embarrassing…But I don’t know if I was capable of not being an idiot in that moment.” — Andy [58:10]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “People tune in who don’t necessarily agree with what I have to say—I like that. Here’s some food for thought: I don’t always agree with what I say, either.” — Andy [11:20]
• “Checks and balances are, in fact, working in our government right now…That’s exactly the way it should be working.” — Andy [26:35]
• “Having some time away from those situations, it’s very easy for me to point to those people in my life throughout phases…But now, objectively, I missed a ticker tape parade of red flags.” — Andy [50:10]
• On BUDS and boot camp: “BUDS I don’t think changed me as a person either…Years in that community did because of constant reinforcement and application of the standard.” — Andy [60:10]

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Time | |----------------------------------|-----------| | Jiu-Jitsu Camp Recap | 01:30–04:00| | “Line in the Sand / Politics” Q&A| 10:00–35:00| | National Guard / Civil Unrest | 31:00–35:00| | Trust, Integrity & Stolen Valor | 40:00–53:00| | Andy’s Teenage Self & Growth | 53:00–61:30|

Tone & Style

Andy is forthright, self-deprecating, and intellectually curious throughout. He frequently urges listeners not to take his word as gospel, but rather to embrace skepticism, research, and humility in all things. He punctuates heavy discussions with humor and real talk, never shying away from his own flaws.

Summary Takeaway:
This episode is an introspective look at leadership, influence, and self-examination—both within society and the self. Andy encourages critical thinking, rejects easy answers, and reminds listeners that the work of self-improvement and integrity is ongoing, messy, and absolutely essential.