The Antihero Podcast - Squadcast (Live) 06/26/2025

Release Date: June 27, 2025

Introduction

The Antihero Podcast kicked off its live Squadcast episode with host Brent welcoming listeners to another engaging Thursday night session. The studio was bustling with personalities, including Jonathan Howard, a former Air Force JTAC turned real estate entrepreneur, alongside regular contributors Madden, Drew, and Tyler. The episode promised a mix of behind-the-scenes insights, personal stories, and spirited discussions.

Guest Spotlight: Jonathan Howard on Stem Cell Treatments

Jonathan Howard shared his transformative journey from serving as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) in the Air Force to becoming a real estate mogul. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around his recent stem cell treatments aimed at alleviating long-term pain.

• Stem Cell Therapy Details:
  Jonathan mentioned undergoing stem cell injections for his neck, back, shoulders, and elbows in Tijuana, Mexico.
  “After the first week, my back pain was gone,” he revealed at [02:42].

• Miracle Hope Foundation:
  Jonathan gave a heartfelt shout-out to the Miracle Hope Foundation based in Nashville, Tennessee, which assists veterans in securing sponsorships for stem cell treatments.
  “They try to find sponsors to pay for your stem cell treatment,” he explained at [03:24].

• Impact on Quality of Life:
  He emphasized the rapid improvement in his pain levels, highlighting the effectiveness of the treatments.
  “I had a tear in each shoulder. I didn't even know until I went there,” he noted at [02:55].

Controversial Topics: Critique of Tim Kennedy and Liver King

A heated segment unfolded as the hosts delved into controversies surrounding Tim Kennedy and Liver King.

• Tim Kennedy's Reputation:
  Drew questioned the integrity of Tim Kennedy, suggesting a lack of authentic military valor.
  “We have seen videos... it was so painful watching Tim try to explain,” Drew commented at [07:56].

• Liver King's Downfall:
  The discussion shifted to Liver King, focusing on his erratic behavior and legal troubles.
  “He's lost his mind. Stem cells ain't going to fix him,” John remarked at [07:58].

• Community Backlash:
  The hosts highlighted the negative reception within the veteran community towards these figures, emphasizing accountability and authenticity.

Humorous Interactions and Pranks

The podcast didn't shy away from humor, sharing anecdotes and playful banter among the hosts and guests.

• Prank Stories:
  Drew recounted a memorable prank involving stem cells, which left him temporarily "handicapped."
  “They said, you’re not going to be able to do anything. I was basically handicapped,” he laughed at [05:34].

• Funny Moments on Air:
  Brent and Tyler shared laughs over past episodes, including a notorious moment from an Eddie Gallagher live segment where uncontrollable laughter took over.
  “The whole first 30 minutes... just us laughing,” Drew detailed at [37:53].

Community Engagement: Audience Questions and Super Chats

Engaging with their audience, the hosts addressed numerous questions and comments, ranging from military tactics to personal opinions on current events.

• Tier One Units Comparison:
  Drew asserted the superiority of the US Delta Force over other international special units, citing training and operational efficiency.
  “The best in the world is the US Delta Force. No one is on par with us,” he declared at [12:04].

• Stolen Valor and Integrity:
  A significant portion of the dialogue focused on combating stolen valor, particularly critiquing Tim Kennedy's embellished military accolades.
  “I'll tear it now. I love Trump... nothing ever seems to back us up,” Brent expressed frustration at [10:04].

• Humanitarian Efforts and Military Operations:
  Discussions included the roles of special forces in humanitarian missions, with references to past operations like Operation Blue Ridge.
  “TK did not help us at all,” John criticized regarding Tim Kennedy’s involvement during Hurricane Helene at [177:49].

Awards and Military Recognition Debate

A passionate debate arose around the legitimacy and distribution of military awards, questioning the criteria and potential biases in awarding honors like the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

• Valor vs. Duty:
  Drew emphasized that valorous actions should be recognized regardless of rank or role within the military.
  “Valor is valor regardless of who does it,” he asserted at [166:14].

• Political Influence on Awards:
  John criticized the politicization of military awards, highlighting discrepancies in recognition across different branches and ranks.
  “Leadership gets involved... they downgrade these guys awards,” he argued at [71:05].

• Purple Heart for PTSD:
  The hosts debated whether conditions like combat PTSD should merit recognition in the form of a Purple Heart, with differing opinions on mental health acknowledgments in the military.
  “PTSD is for the weak-minded. You don’t get anything extra for it,” Drew stated firmly at [168:49].

Closing Remarks and Future Plans

As the episode drew to a close, the hosts expressed gratitude towards their listeners and teased future content.

• Merchandise and Charity:
  John showcased new merchandise, including T-shirts and coffee mugs, promoting sales to support military charities.
  “Every dollar you spend... supports military charities,” he mentioned enthusiastically at [153:11].

• Upcoming Episodes:
  Teasers included discussions on significant military events, stories from special forces veterans, and in-depth analyses of controversial figures like Tim Kennedy.
  “Watch Monday's episode where Pete Blaber gives a ground force commander's perspective,” Drew encouraged at [167:44].

• Community and Support:
  The hosts reiterated their commitment to supporting veterans and fostering a community that values truth and integrity.
  “Thank you for staying late. Another great Thursday night,” Drew concluded at [189:07].

Notable Quotes

1. Jonathan Howard on Stem Cells:
   “After the first week, my back pain was gone.”
   [02:42]

2. Drew Critiquing Tim Kennedy:
   “Shit, I can see it now because at first I was like, you know, I thought he was kind of douchey...”
   [113:19]

3. Brent on Valor Awards:
   “Valor is valor regardless of who does it.”
   [166:14]

4. John on Political Influence:
   “Leadership gets involved... they downgrade these guys awards.”
   [71:05]

5. Drew on Community Accountability:
   “We can't all be quarterbacks. We need other players on the team.”
   [35:01]

Conclusion

This episode of The Antihero Podcast offered a blend of personal narratives, critical discussions on military integrity, and lighthearted interactions. With insightful critiques of prominent figures and a strong emphasis on authenticity and support for veterans, the hosts continued to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue and community engagement.

For those interested in military operations, special forces dynamics, and candid conversations about veterans' experiences, this episode is a must-listen.

Note: This summary omits advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the podcast guidelines.