Podcast Summary: The Tudor Dixon Podcast - "Honoring the Fallen: A Memorial Day Conversation with Chad Connolly"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Description: Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics, and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
• Episode: The Tudor Dixon Podcast: Honoring the Fallen: A Memorial Day Conversation with Chad Conley
• Release Date: May 26, 2025

Introduction and Guest Background

Tudor Dixon opens the episode by acknowledging Memorial Day, emphasizing it as a day to honor the freedoms secured by those who made the ultimate sacrifice. He introduces Chad Connolly, a former Green Beret and Army Master Sergeant with 20 years of service, including multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Chad is the founder of 50 for the Fallen, an organization dedicated to honoring fallen soldiers and supporting mental health among veterans.

“This is Memorial Day, so what are you guys thankful for on Memorial Day?”
[00:35] Lisa Booth (Tudor Dixon)

Personal Journey and Founding of 50 for the Fallen

Chad Connolly shares his personal story, highlighting a pivotal moment in May 2020. Amidst the chaos of the George Floyd protests and the onset of COVID-19, Chad experienced a series of suicides within his special operations unit. Seeking solace, he embarked on a 50-mile walk to say goodbye to fallen friends, which became the catalyst for founding 50 for the Fallen.

“I walked it on my own that day and just did it. And that's where it started.”
[03:02] Chad Connolly

Mission and Impact of 50 for the Fallen

Chad explains that 50 for the Fallen organizes nationwide events where participants engage in long-distance walks or runs. These events are designed to provide a structured environment for participants to connect, share their struggles, and find support. The organization emphasizes the importance of community in addressing mental health issues and preventing suicides among veterans and first responders.

“It's just you and the people with you, and that connection opens up.”
[05:19] Chad Connolly

Memorial Day Events and Emotional Connections

The conversation delves into specific Memorial Day events organized by 50 for the Fallen. Chad recounts the 2022 Memorial Day event in Washington, D.C., where participants walked from Walter Reed to Mount Vernon and finished at Arlington. These events are not only tributes to fallen soldiers but also opportunities for participants to process their emotions and honor their comrades.

“There were a lot of tears, a lot of I miss you. A lot of talking to our friends who aren't there.”
[12:09] Chad Connolly

Addressing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Chad emphasizes the critical role of 50 for the Fallen in suicide prevention. He shares statistics and personal anecdotes about individuals who have reached out for help during and after events. The organization collaborates with Resiliency Brain Health in Capell, Texas, to provide comprehensive mental health support to participants.

“We have stopped four suicides on our rucks.”
[13:45] Chad Connolly

Partnerships and Community Engagement

Spartan Race Partnership

Chad discusses his role as the head of military engagement for Spartan Race, where he works to integrate veterans into the community through fitness and shared challenges. This partnership aims to keep veterans engaged, fit, and connected, fostering a supportive environment that extends beyond military service.

“If you're fit and you bring your family out, you guys do an event together, you feel better, better moments make days make for a better life.”
[25:33] Chad Connolly

XXXY Clothing Collaboration

Chad also highlights his partnership with XXXY, a clothing company that supports 50 for the Fallen. A percentage of sales from XXXY merchandise goes directly to providing therapy and support for veterans through 50 for the Fallen.

“A percentage of what you purchase from there is going to go to us and send veterans to therapy.”
[37:58] Chad Connolly

Political and Social Discussions

The conversation touches on contemporary social issues, particularly the inclusion of transgender individuals in women’s sports. Chad and Tudor discuss their perspectives, emphasizing the importance of maintaining traditional values and ensuring fair competition in sports.

“Have that we fought so hard, you know, as a nation for Title IX and actually give girls a voice and let them go out there.”
[26:14] Chad Connolly

“Be the best girl you can be, be the best boy you can be, and then be the best person you can be.”
[29:50] Chad Connolly

Closing Remarks and Call to Action

In the closing segment, Chad reiterates the mission of 50 for the Fallen and encourages listeners to support the organization through participation in events or purchasing merchandise. He emphasizes the ongoing need for community support and mental health resources for veterans and first responders.

“If you join a ruck, you're a part of us forever. At any point, you can reach out and say, hey, I need help.”
[37:05] Chad Connolly

“If you need anything, go to 50ftf.org give us a look. Reach out to me. Chad50ftf.org I’ll give you my email.”
[37:58] Chad Connolly

Conclusion

Tudor Dixon wraps up the episode by thanking Chad Connolly for his service and dedication to honoring fallen soldiers and supporting their mental health needs. Listeners are encouraged to visit the 50 for the Fallen website and consider supporting their mission.

“Chad Connelly, thank you so much for being on.”
[39:51] Tudor Dixon

Key Takeaways:

• 50 for the Fallen was founded by Chad Connolly as a response to mental health struggles and suicides within the military community.
• The organization hosts long-distance walks and runs to honor fallen soldiers and provide a supportive environment for participants.
• Mental health and suicide prevention are central to the mission, with partnerships like Resiliency Brain Health enhancing their support services.
• Community engagement through partnerships with Spartan Race and XXXY clothing strengthens the network of support for veterans.
• The podcast also addresses social and political issues, advocating for traditional values and fair practices in sports.

Notable Quotes:

• “I walked it on my own that day and just did it. And that's where it started.”
  [03:02] Chad Connolly

• “We have stopped four suicides on our rucks.”
  [13:45] Chad Connolly

• “Be the best girl you can be, be the best boy you can be, and then be the best person you can be.”
  [29:50] Chad Connolly

Resources:

• 50 for the Fallen Website: 50ftf.org
• XXXY Clothing Collaboration: [Link through podcast mentions]
• Resiliency Brain Health: Capell, Texas
• Spartan Race Military Engagement: Global presence with 44 countries

This episode provides an in-depth look at Chad Connolly's motivations and the impactful work of 50 for the Fallen, blending personal anecdotes with broader discussions on mental health and social issues. It's a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and the ongoing need for community support and understanding.