Podcast Episode Summary

Mick Unplugged

Episode: Protect & Serve: From Counterterrorism to Anti-Trafficking with Jeff Tiegs
Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Jeff Tiegs
Date: March 16, 2026

Episode Overview

In this riveting episode, Mick Hunt welcomes Jeff Tiegs—a distinguished military veteran with over 25 years of counterterrorism and special operations experience, now focused on anti-human trafficking efforts. The conversation explores the evolution of purpose, from battlefield missions to the grassroots fight against sex trafficking in the U.S. Emphasizing faith, modern leadership, and personal ‘because,’ the episode delivers practical and inspiring insights for anyone seeking to lead with impact.

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. Discovering Purpose: The "Because" (04:06)

• Main Insight: Jeff’s core driving force goes beyond surface motivators; it’s rooted in his identity as a “protector.”
• Quote:

  “I am a protector. That’s what God put me on this planet to do. That’s who I am.”
  — Jeff Tiegs (04:28)

• Jeff reflects on the sacrifices he made, particularly time away from family in unwinnable wars, leading him to clarify his sense of duty.
• Influenced by personal faith, real-life losses, and soul searching.
• Stories of resonance: Maria Coffey’s book on mountaineering loss and a chance encounter with Charlie Rose’s interview with a ballerina shaped his realization about living by calling and embracing identity.

2. Transition from Counterterrorism to Anti-Human Trafficking (14:42)

• Jeff’s decision to continue serving post-military emerged from a mix of purpose and fear of losing his identity.
• Notable moment: Recognition that the skills honed against terrorists (understanding the enemy, reading patterns) directly apply to dismantling sex trafficking networks.

3. Understanding the Enemy—Parallels Between Terrorists and Traffickers (19:07)

• Quote:

  “Are pimping and trafficking the same? Are pimps and traffickers the same? The answer is yes. Evil people do evil things and there are patterns and processes they use.”
  — Jeff Tiegs (19:19)

• Jeff draws striking parallels between fighting insurgents and fighting traffickers—pointing out shared manipulation tactics, exploitation of vulnerabilities, and operating methods.
• Emphasizes the relentless adaptability of predators and the need for a continual, evolving understanding of oneself and one’s adversaries.

4. The Reality and Complexity of Human Trafficking in the U.S. (19:46)

• Jeff challenges the public’s misconceptions about the scale and nature of trafficking, highlighting how predators exploit universal human needs: love, self-esteem, belonging.
• Metaphor: Predators like mountain lions—“They identify the weakness… We all have vulnerabilities, sometimes it’s passing, and sometimes it lasts a season.” (21:47)
• Stresses that traffickers are already present “in your house”—media, games, social platforms.

5. Skull Games: Harnessing Technology to Combat Trafficking (26:18)

• Skull Games operates on the “tip of the iceberg.” Their focus: scouring escort ads, identifying trafficking indicators, and supporting law enforcement in rescuing victims.
  • Uses tools like open-source intelligence (OSINT)
  • Triages cases where intervention is most likely to succeed
• Quote:

  “It’s as easy as ordering a pizza… You go to an escort site… It’s basically a drop-down menu.”
  — Jeff Tiegs (27:00)

• Highlights heartbreaking patterns: victims often coerced into family-like relationships with their traffickers; emotional manipulation is as strong as physical.

6. The Control Mechanisms of Traffickers (35:25)

• Predators use relationships—“sister wives” and “daddy” dynamics—as tools of coercion.
• Leverage the most valuable things in a person’s life, including children, to maintain control.
• Quote:

  “If she doesn’t do what the trafficker wants… he can beat one of those other girls. That is really the control.”
  — Jeff Tiegs (35:42)

• The criminal “economy” is vast and adaptive; Skull Games aims at the visible, commercial side while acknowledging there is far more hidden harm below the surface.

7. On Heroism: Launching the Book “Where Have All the Heroes Gone?” (37:57)

• Jeff discusses the intent behind his book blending battlefield, biblical, and deeply personal stories.
• Motivation: To offer relatable, actionable visions of heroism—not just in soldiers, but in everyday people.
• Quote:

  “Where have all the heroes gone? They’re right here. They’re everywhere… Everyone—you can be a hero. It comes with commitment, integrity, selfless service.”
  — Jeff Tiegs (43:50)

• The book’s style evolved after feedback from diverse readers, aiming to inspire practical courage in young men and women.
• Heroes among us: many go unnoticed, including those quietly serving or supporting loved ones.

8. Biblical Insights and New Thinking on Masculinity & Leadership (48:39)

• Jeff explores themes from Genesis, reframing the “first sin” as Adam’s apathy—he failed to protect Eve.
• Challenges listeners, especially young men, to recognize the “dragon” in their own lives and step up as protectors.
• Memorable segment:

  “A man stood next to his wife as she was approached by a dragon… and he did nothing. We have been trying to right that wrong ever since.”
  — Jeff Tiegs (51:36)

9. Looking Ahead: Words Create Worlds (47:10, 54:12)

• Jeff previews his next book, exploring “the ten words” God used in creation, their significance in guiding purpose.
• Discusses the power of narrative, myth, and what it means to lead with intention.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I am a protector. That's what God put me on this planet to do. And I see my roles in that continuing until the day I move on to the next phase.”
  — Jeff Tiegs (04:28)

• “War is such a valid option to make huge changes in the world and to make life better for people. We just haven't been using it that way of late.”
  — Jeff Tiegs (10:26)

• On tech in the fight against trafficking:

  “We hunt escort ads to identify who the girls are that are being sold and who the traffickers are that are selling those girls… It’s as easy as ordering a pizza.”
  — Jeff Tiegs (27:00)

• “If your children are on social media, [the predators] are there… they’re already there.”
  — Jeff Tiegs (22:55)

• On heroism:

  “Because you can run fast or you can jump high, or you can punch someone really hard in the face doesn't necessarily make you a hero. You can be heroic, but I wish we were telling more stories of these heroes among us.”
  — Jeff Tiegs (43:48)

• “Men were on this earth to slay dragons.”
  — Jeff Tiegs (54:59)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:08 — Episode intro and welcome to Jeff Tiegs
• 04:06 — Jeff’s “because”: Embracing the role of protector
• 06:11–14:42 — Pivotal moments in Jeff’s career and spiritual journey
• 15:24 — Bridging military counterterrorism & counter-trafficking
• 19:07 — Understanding traffickers/parallel to insurgency
• 19:46–25:43 — Anatomy of trafficking, exploitation of young people
• 26:18–36:28 — Skull Games & technology-enabled anti-trafficking work
• 37:57 — On the book “Where Have All the Heroes Gone?” and redefining heroism
• 48:35–54:59 — Upcoming book, biblical thought experiments, and dragon-slayers

Tone & Style Highlights

• Direct, thoughtful, and at times philosophical—balancing military candor with spiritual reflection.
• Both men speak with genuine warmth, honesty, and a call-to-action intensity.
• Jeff’s storytelling is anecdotal and immersive, blending personal history with practical insight.

Takeaways for Listeners

• Developing purpose (“because”) transforms both personal and professional life.
• Heroism is found in relentless, quiet acts of love and service as much as in dramatic moments of valor.
• The fight against trafficking is vast, ever-evolving, and demands the practical application of leadership, technology, and compassion.
• Every individual—especially young men—should consider what dragons they are called to face and who or what they are meant to protect.

Links & Resources

• Jeff Tiegs’s book: Where Have All the Heroes Gone?
• More about Jeff: jeffteaguesbook.com
• Skull Games: skullgames.io (not linked in the transcript, but commonly found in real context)

Your ‘because’ is your superpower. Go unleash it and go slay dragons.