Podcast Summary: The Antihero Podcast - Episode: Special Forces Medic

Release Date: July 21, 2025

Introduction

In this special episode of The Antihero Podcast, hosts Brent Tucker and Tyler are joined by their old friend and guest, Chris Eisenhower. Chris brings a wealth of experience as a Special Forces (SF) Medic, and the trio delves deep into military training, deployments, medical careers within the SF, and the critical importance of mental health and neuroplasticity.

Reconnecting and Shared History (00:00 - 11:39)

The episode kicks off with Brent and Tyler reminiscing about their shared past in the Special Forces, highlighting their journey through selection and training. They reflect on the camaraderie and challenges faced together.

Brent Tucker [00:50]: "An appropriate level of inappropriateness. Something happens in my family tonight. The Delta Force isn't coming to rescue my, my family might get like it is. First responders that are, that are going to save my, my family."

Chris introduces himself, detailing his transition from Delta Force to a Physician Assistant (PA) role within a Special Forces battalion.

Chris Eisenhower [11:19]: "We were not Green Berets together. Aspiring Green beret together. Just hoping for our chance to go to selection."

Military Training and Selection Stories (11:40 - 30:08)

Chris shares his challenging experience during the Special Forces selection process, including a mishap with his vision correction that temporarily booted him from training.

Chris Eisenhower [13:07]: "I went to jump school. Do my first jump. Glasses fly off my face, made like I hit the ground. Can't see a thing. Nothing. I'm like, oh, how am I gonna get off this DZ?"

The conversation moves to anecdotes about life in the barracks, interactions with sergeants, and the rigorous demands of Special Forces training.

Brent Tucker [26:12]: "They are part of the Alpha company. It's a team of warriors."

Deployments and Operational Insights (30:09 - 50:00)

Chris recounts his deployments to Afghanistan, detailing his roles and the intense operational environments he operated in. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and adaptability in combat situations.

Chris Eisenhower [35:25]: "They are the nicest guys you'll ever meet. Like, we'll do anything for you. Get shirt off your back."

The discussion touches on the dynamics of Special Forces units, leadership roles, and the personal growth experienced through these high-stress missions.

Transition to Medical Roles and PA Training (50:01 - 72:21)

Transitioning from combat roles to medical positions, Chris explains his journey into becoming a PA. He highlights the rigorous academic and clinical training required, drawing parallels between military discipline and medical expertise.

Chris Eisenhower [67:57]: "The Army's PA program is a phenomenal program, but it takes everything that sucks about the army and everything that sucks about college and puts it in one thing."

Brent shares his experiences with hormone therapy, discussing the impact of testosterone levels on mental and physical health.

Brent Tucker [86:11]: "I know you're going through it, so let's talk about that life."

Mental Health, Neuroplasticity, and Innovative Treatments (72:22 - 123:04)

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to mental health, discussing the prevalence of PTSD, TBI, and the stigma surrounding seeking help. Chris introduces the concept of neuroplasticity and its role in healing trauma through innovative treatments like ketamine therapy.

Chris Eisenhower [80:05]: "Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life."

The hosts delve into the use of ketamine as a treatment for PTSD, explaining its mechanism in inducing a hyper neuroplastic state to facilitate effective therapy.

Chris Eisenhower [90:01]: "We're inducing this conscious sedation. You're just like if you went to the dentist and you consciously sedated to take your wisdom teeth out or whatever. Same thing."

Brent and Chris discuss the challenges of modern mental health issues exacerbated by social media, reduced human connection, and societal pressures. They advocate for a more integrated approach to behavioral health, combining traditional therapy with biochemical interventions.

Brent Tucker [95:37]: "Most men need to suck it up. But maybe another bad example of it, which is this, when someone fat comes in, what they're looking for is everything else other than what their problem is."

Personal Stories and Reflections (123:05 - 133:48)

The conversation turns personal as Brent shares his struggles with low testosterone and its effects on his wellbeing. Chris provides insights from his practice, emphasizing the importance of balanced hormone levels for mental and physical health.

Brent Tucker [98:33]: "I was completely miserable due to low testosterone."

Chris elaborates on the interconnectedness of various health factors, such as vitamin D, K2, and cholesterol, and how modern diets have impacted overall health.

Chris Eisenhower [107:03]: "Our food in the United States is garbage. It's absolute hot garbage."

Their dialogue underscores the significance of understanding and managing one's health proactively to maintain peak performance and mental resilience.

Innovations in Medical Practice and Community Support (133:49 - 134:09)

In the concluding remarks, Chris introduces his medical practice, Emerald Medical, and discusses ongoing initiatives like Operation Field Trip, which provides free ketamine and behavioral health treatments for veterans and first responders.

Chris Eisenhower [116:03]: "Any vet or first responder that shows up, we will give them ketamine treatments and behavioral health treatments for free."

Brent expresses his admiration and support for Chris's endeavors, highlighting the positive impact of such initiatives on the community.

Brent Tucker [134:05]: "I love what you're doing, Chris. Man, I couldn't be more proud of you."

Conclusion

This episode of The Antihero Podcast offers an unfiltered and in-depth exploration of the life of a Special Forces Medic, the challenges of military training and deployments, and the critical intersection between military service and medical practice. Brent, Tyler, and Chris provide valuable insights into mental health, innovative treatments, and the importance of community support, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in the realities of military medicine and the pursuit of holistic health.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Brent Tucker [00:50]: "An appropriate level of inappropriateness. Something happens in my family tonight. The Delta Force isn't coming to rescue my, my family might get like it is. First responders that are, that are going to save my, my family."

• Chris Eisenhower [11:19]: "We were not Green Berets together. Aspiring Green beret together. Just hoping for our chance to go to selection."

• Chris Eisenhower [13:07]: "I went to jump school. Do my first jump. Glasses fly off my face, made like I hit the ground. Can't see a thing."

• Brent Tucker [26:12]: "They are part of the Alpha company. It's a team of warriors."

• Chris Eisenhower [35:25]: "They are the nicest guys you'll ever meet. Like, we'll do anything for you. Get shirt off your back."

• Brent Tucker [86:11]: "I know you're going through it, so let's talk about that life."

• Chris Eisenhower [80:05]: "Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life."

• Chris Eisenhower [90:01]: "We're inducing this conscious sedation. You're just like if you went to the dentist and you consciously sedated to take your wisdom teeth out or whatever. Same thing."

• Brent Tucker [95:37]: "Most men need to suck it up. But maybe another bad example of it..."

• Brent Tucker [98:33]: "I was completely miserable due to low testosterone."

• Chris Eisenhower [107:03]: "Our food in the United States is garbage. It's absolute hot garbage."

• Chris Eisenhower [116:03]: "Any vet or first responder that shows up, we will give them ketamine treatments and behavioral health treatments for free."

• Brent Tucker [134:05]: "I love what you're doing, Chris. Man, I couldn't be more proud of you."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the key discussions and personal insights shared by the hosts and their guest. Whether you're a veteran, first responder, or someone interested in the complexities of military medicine and mental health, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable insights.