Podcast
Lesser Known Operators
Hosted by Nicholas Allen · EN
Lesser Known Operators is my attempt to sit down and interview as many of the military's Special Operations Forces also known as "Operators" as I possibly can. There are a lot of really great "Operators" out there that no one has ever heard about. I want to go in to their experiences and learn some more about the best there are in our military.
29episodes
Episodes
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119 - Aaron Blaine on Wild Ops Box: Teaching Parents and Children Real World Skills
Feb 2701:36:50Tap to summarizeEpisode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroup Wild Ops Box Website Nicholas Allen hosts Aaron Blaine on "Lesser Known Operators," where they discuss Aaron's Wild Ops Box, a subscription service aimed at reconnecting families through outdoor adventures. They explore the importance of teaching real-world skills and emotional intelligence, emphasizing the value of nature and community. The conversation touches on personal growth, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the significance of legacy projects. Aaron shares insights on balancing modern life with outdoor experiences, aiming to inspire others to engage with nature. The episode concludes with reflections on personal fulfillment and the impact of meaningful connections.
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118 - Christian Dahl on Red Side Tactics and Survival University
Feb 2401:50:04Tap to summarizeEpisode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroup Get your Gym Supplements at Alpha Elite Performance Website Use Code LKO15 to save 15% at checkout. Instagram – @red_side_tactics Instagram – @thesurvivaluniversity In this episode, Christian 'Chris' Dahl, a retired Green Beret and former Special Forces officer, shares insights from his military career, leadership lessons, and his passion for motorcycle racing. Discover the realities of special operations, leadership dynamics, and how personal resilience and team spirit drive success. In this engaging interview, Chris Dahl shares his journey from military service to motocross, survival training, and community building. Discover insights on injury prevention, the importance of authenticity in social media, and the evolving narrative of special forces.
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117 - Chris Cathers Continuing Legacy with Brothers Keeper Veteran Foundation
Feb 2002:38:50Tap to summarizeInstagram Post BK Veterans Foundation Website From Jenn Cathers, With the deepest heartbreak, Christopher Nicholas Cathers, passed away on February 18, 2026, shortly before 6:00 a.m. Chris was a warrior — a Green Beret, veteran advocate, and the most selfless, loyal, and compassionate man I have ever known. He was oriented the entire time and chose to keep fighting, even to his final breath. Surrounded by close friends and family, we prayed over him, told him we loved him, and that it was okay to let go. He held on… until I played our wedding song, “Prayed for You” by Matt Stell. At the very end of the song, he passed.
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117 - Chris Cathers Continuing Legacy with Brothers Keeper Veteran Foundation
Feb 2002:38:50Tap to summarizeInstagram PostBK Veterans Foundation WebsiteFrom Jenn Cathers,With the deepest heartbreak, Christopher Nicholas Cathers, passed away on February 18, 2026, shortly before 6:00 a.m.Chris was a warrior — a Green Beret, veteran advocate, and the most selfless, loyal, and compassionate man I have ever known. He was oriented the entire time and chose to keep fighting, even to his final breath. Surrounded by close friends and family, we prayed over him, told him we loved him, and that it was okay to let go.He held on… until I played our wedding song, “Prayed for You” by Matt Stell.At the very end of the song, he passed.
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116 - Four Branches Bourbon founder Rick Franco on Spirits, Service, and Global Response
Feb 1701:58:13Tap to summarizeEpisode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroupGet your Gym Supplements at Alpha Elite Performance Website Use Code LKO15 to save 15% at checkout.Instagram – @fourbranchesbourbon Four Branches Bourbon WebsiteIn this conversation, Nicholas Allen and Rick Franco discuss the founding of Four Branches Bourbon, a company created by veterans to address the issues of alcohol use and mental health within the military community. They explore the importance of sobriety, the impact of suicide on veterans, and the mission of their company to promote responsible drinking through the message of 'sip to remember.' Franco shares personal stories of loss and the motivation behind their business, emphasizing the need for community support and giving back to organizations that help veterans. In this conversation, Rick Franco discusses his experiences with the Global Response Staff (GRS), the chaotic environment of military contracting post-9/11, and the evolution of military operations. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community support for veterans transitioning to civilian life, as well as the generational differences that can create disconnects in understanding. Franco also shares insights on personal accomplishments, the creation of Four Branches Bourbon, and the significance of storytelling in connecting with others and honoring military service.
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115 - Big Jon Mclaughlin from 1st Special Forces Group
Feb 1301:51:49Tap to summarizeEpisode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroupGet your Gym Supplements at Alpha Elite Performance Website Use Code LKO15 to save 15% at checkout.In this episode of Lesser Known Operators, host Nicholas Allen speaks with Jon McLaughlin, a former Special Forces operator, about his transition to civilian life, the challenges of mental health, and the importance of finding purpose after service. They discuss the impact of hormone therapy on well-being, experiences with the VA healthcare system, and the evolving concept of the 'quiet professional' in the military. Jon shares his journey into plumbing, his passion for running, and reflections on military injuries, emphasizing the need for adaptation in modern military culture. In this conversation, Jon McLaughlin and Nicholas Allen discuss the evolution of military training and technology, the impact of social media on military representation, and the importance of legacy and connection within the military community. They reflect on the significance of maintaining the spirit of the regiment, the role of technology in modern military operations, and the balance between professionalism and visibility. The discussion also touches on the importance of mentorship, community support, and the need for quality over quantity in recruitment. They emphasize the value of memories, the challenges of navigating change in military culture, and the importance of mental health awareness. Ultimately, they highlight the journey of self-improvement and the power of connection and support within the military community.
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114 - Airman First Class Christian Bellmore's Story from his Mother Samantha Mecke
Feb 1001:17:11Tap to summarizeEpisode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroupGet your Gym Supplements at Alpha Elite Performance Website Use Code LKO15 to save 15% at checkout.Instagram – @pines_path_collectiveIn this heartfelt conversation, Samantha Mecke shares the story of her son, Christian Bellmore, who tragically passed away while serving in the Air Force. Samantha discusses the challenges she faced with the military medical system, the investigation into her son's death, and her ongoing mission to advocate for service members through her foundation, the Pines Path Collective. She emphasizes the importance of community support, accountability in healthcare, and the need for service members to advocate for their own health. Samantha's journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of loss and the strength found in sharing one's story.
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113 - JTFK9s & Keith Holland on Saving Lives One Dog at a Time
Feb 602:01:23Tap to summarizeEpisode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroupGet your Gym Supplements at Alpha Elite Performance Website Use Code LKO15 to save 15% at checkout.Instagram – @jtfk9sIn this episode of "Lesser Known Operators," host Nicholas Allen welcomes Keith Holland, founder of JTF Canine, to discuss the transformative power of service dogs for veterans and law enforcement officers. The conversation delves into Keith's journey from a Green Beret in the 3rd Special Forces Group to establishing a nonprofit that trains service dogs to detect cortisol levels and prevent PTSD attacks. Keith shares personal anecdotes about the healing bond between humans and dogs, emphasizing the importance of purpose and community in recovery. The episode highlights the unique training process of JTF Canine and the impact of these service dogs on the lives of their handlers.
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112 - Special Forces Trust: Same Mission, Stronger Name with Cameron Davis & Nelson Young
Feb 301:18:55Tap to summarizeEpisode Sponsor: Precision Wellness GroupInstagram – @precisionwellnessgroupSpecial Forces Trust: Special Forces Trust WebsiteInstagram – @specialforcestrustGet your gym supplements at Alpha Elite PerformanceUse code LKO15 at checkout to save 15%In this conversation, Nicholas Allen speaks with Cameron Davis and Nelson Young from the Special Forces Trust about the organization's mission, recent name change, and various programs aimed at supporting Special Forces members and their families. They discuss the importance of trust, community collaboration, and mental health initiatives, particularly the Beyond the Battlefield program, which provides mental health support to service members and their families. The conversation emphasizes the need for early intervention, the significance of anonymity in seeking help, and the Trust's commitment to being a lifelong resource for the military community.
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110 - Tyr Symank: Quiet Professionals, Loud Problems — Leadership Inside Special Forces
Jan 1902:06:10Tap to summarizeEpisode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroupGet your Gym Supplements at Alpha Elite Performance Website Use Code LKO15 to save 15% at checkout.Instagram – @redleader_standingbyInstagram – @406mvpMT Vet Program WebsiteIn this episode of "Lesser Known Operators," host Nicholas Allen welcomes Tyr Symank, a Sergeant Major in the 19th Special Forces Group. The conversation dives into the complexities of being a quiet professional in the military, discussing the balance between maintaining a low profile and promoting the community. Tyr shares his experiences with the Montana Vet Program, which offers therapeutic adventure trips for veterans, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and healing. The discussion also touches on the evolution of military culture, the challenges of social media, and the need for change within the Special Forces community, particularly regarding leadership and training practices. Tyr reflects on the internal dynamics of Special Forces, noting that the biggest enemy often comes from within, as infighting and elitism can hinder progress. He shares personal anecdotes about his journey through the ranks, the challenges of leadership, and the importance of building rapport with both peers and conventional forces. The episode concludes with a call for a more open dialogue about the realities of military life and the need for a shift in how the Special Forces are perceived and operate in the modern era. In this episode, Nicholas Allen and Tyr Symank delve into the complexities of leadership and mental health within the Special Forces community. They discuss the importance of effective communication and the need for leaders to be aware of their influence on future generations. Tyr emphasizes the necessity of focusing on the well-being of personnel over equipment, advocating for mental health support at all levels of command. The conversation also touches on the challenges of task saturation and the need for flexibility in operations, highlighting the importance of trust and empowerment within teams. As they explore the cultural stigma surrounding mental health, both speakers share personal experiences and insights on how to foster a supportive environment for service members.
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