Detailed Summary of Unsubscribe Podcast Episode 185: "This Operation Was Legitimately Insane ft. Griff - Veteran's Month"

Release Date: November 4, 2024

Introduction to Veterans Month

In Episode 185 of the Unsubscribe Podcast, hosts Eli Doubletap, Brandon Herrera, Donut Operator, and guest Griff honor Veterans Month by dedicating the entire November to celebrating and supporting the men and women who have served in the military. Eli introduces the episode with a heartfelt message and outlines the podcast's initiatives for the month:

Eli Doubletap [00:18]: "Welcome to the Unsubscribe Podcast. It is Veterans Day month, and we have something for this month... 100% of proceeds from these shirts are going to three veteran nonprofits."

Veterans Month Initiatives and Fundraising

Eli details the podcast's fundraising efforts aimed at supporting veteran nonprofits. The team has launched two specific shirts—"Undiagnosed" and "I'm Dead Inside"—with all proceeds benefiting selected veteran-focused organizations. Eli emphasizes the importance of these initiatives in providing support and a voice to veterans who may struggle with seeking help:

Eli Doubletap [00:18]: "We make a difference. It is helping people and giving people a voice that they might struggle with the idea of therapy or asking for help because it's not easy."

Griff's Military Background and Experiences

Griff, a veteran and the founder of Combat Flip Flops, shares his intense military experiences, providing listeners with a firsthand account of his deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. He narrates Operation Winter Strike, highlighting it as one of the few instances where all three Ranger battalions were deployed simultaneously to the same high-altitude region during winter:

Griff [09:16]: "It's called Operation Winter Strike, and it's one of two times in history where all three Ranger battalions were deployed to the same area at the same time."

Griff recounts the challenges faced, including harsh weather conditions, operational logistics, and the ever-present danger of combat. His stories paint a vivid picture of the stress and camaraderie inherent in military life:

Griff [12:18]: "And so, like, they put on armor and like knee pads and everything else have to get out the right time. And I got you some Hawaiian brass knuckles... What you really don't understand is that they're going to have a whole bunch of like chain machine gun fire."

Combat Flip Flops: From Military Necessity to Business Success

Transitioning from his military tales, Griff discusses the inception and mission of Combat Flip Flops. The company was born out of a need for durable, combat-ready footwear that could withstand the rigors of military operations while offering comfort for everyday wear. Griff explains how the brand collaborates with veterans and supports various initiatives:

Griff [35:39]: "We're just putting people to work, we're putting girls in school, we're clearing landmines, we're helping veterans. Anytime you buy our product, good happens."

Brandon Herrera adds his personal endorsement, highlighting his long-term support and satisfaction with the product:

Brandon Herrera [26:14]: "I've been wearing your stuff for maybe five years. It is a great product."

Business Partnerships and Collaborations

The episode delves into the collaborative efforts between the podcast team and Combat Flip Flops. Eli and Griff discuss the intricacies of product development, ensuring that each pair of flip flops not only meets tactical needs but also appeals to a broader audience:

Eli Doubletap [35:39]: "What you really don't understand is that they're going to have a whole bunch of like chain machine gun fire and or 2.75 rockets and or a 500 pound bomb."

Griff emphasizes the quality and durability of their products, attributing their success to the unwavering support from their community and partners.

Humor and Camaraderie: Coping Mechanisms in the Military

Throughout Griff's narratives, the importance of humor and camaraderie emerges as a vital coping mechanism for dealing with the stresses of military life. The hosts share anecdotes illustrating how laughter and strong bonds among soldiers help mitigate the harsh realities of combat:

Griff [99:50]: "The dark humor, it gets us through. People just don't understand it unless you've been there."

This theme underscores the resilience and mental fortitude required to survive and thrive in high-pressure environments.

Supporting Veterans Beyond the Service

The conversation also touches on the broader implications of supporting veterans post-service. Eli stresses the need for continuous support systems to aid veterans in their transition to civilian life, emphasizing mental health and community integration:

Eli Doubletap [46:39]: "We're putting people to work, we're putting girls in school, we're clearing landmines, we're helping veterans anytime you buy our product, good happens."

Griff echoes this sentiment, highlighting how their business model inherently supports veterans through employment and philanthropic efforts.

Conclusion and Final Remarks

As the episode concludes, Griff shares more personal stories from his deployments, reinforcing the episode's central themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring spirit of veterans. The hosts express their deep appreciation for Griff's service and contributions, both in the military and through Combat Flip Flops:

Eli Doubletap [00:22:07]: "Thank you from the bottom of all our hearts... enjoy this episode because, holy moly, it's freaking dope."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Eli Doubletap [00:18]: "100% of proceeds from these shirts are going to three veteran nonprofits."
• Eli Doubletap [02:00]: "We want to make a change so it's easier and more normal to ask for help."
• Griff [09:16]: "It's called Operation Winter Strike, and it's one of two times in history where all three Ranger battalions were deployed to the same area at the same time."
• Griff [12:18]: "They put on armor and like knee pads and everything else have to get out the right time. And I got you some Hawaiian brass knuckles."
• Griff [35:39]: "We're putting people to work, we're putting girls in school, we're clearing landmines, we're helping veterans."
• Brandon Herrera [26:14]: "I've been wearing your stuff for maybe five years. It is a great product."
• Griff [99:50]: "The dark humor, it gets us through. People just don't understand it unless you've been there."
• Eli Doubletap [46:39]: "We're putting people to work, we're putting girls in school, we're clearing landmines, we're helping veterans anytime you buy our product, good happens."
• Eli Doubletap [00:22:07]: "Thank you from the bottom of all our hearts... enjoy this episode because, holy moly, it's freaking dope."

Final Thoughts

Episode 185 of the Unsubscribe Podcast serves as a profound tribute to veterans, intertwining gripping military narratives with entrepreneurial ventures dedicated to supporting the veteran community. Through Griff's compelling stories and the hosts' unwavering support, the episode not only entertains but also educates listeners on the significance of Veterans Month and the enduring impact of military service.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been omitted to focus solely on the episode's key discussions and narratives.