On this episode of the Battle Harder Podcast, Coach Rob sits down with JJ Pinter, Deputy Director at Team Red, White, and Blue (Team RWB)—West Point graduate, combat veteran, and one of the early builders who helped scale one of the most impactful veteran communities in the country.This conversation is about the real transition veterans face after service—identity, health, discipline, complacency, and why so many of us “let ourselves go” once the uniform comes off. JJ breaks down what Team RWB actually does (and what most people don’t understand about it): it’s not just a run club—it's a health and wellness community built to create connection through movement, accountability, and belonging.We also dive into the GWOT 100—a powerful 100-mile February challenge built around movement + storytelling from the Global War on Terror era, designed to build consistent habits and reconnect veterans to purpose and community.If you’re a veteran, supporter, or someone who needs a reset—this is your sign.Join the movement:Team RWB: teamrwb.orgGWOT 100: gwot100.orgDownload the Team RWB App (Apple/Google Play)If you got value from this episode:Like, subscribe, and share it with a veteran who needs community and momentum.Chapters (YouTube Timestamps)00:00 Intro: Welcome Warriors + Guest Overview01:10 JJ’s “why” for joining the Army03:05 Field Artillery on paper—real war in practice05:10 Transitioning out: identity, stability, and the National Guard bridge07:30 Why veterans let themselves go after service10:20 Resistance to complacency + competitiveness14:05 West Point: public ranking, pressure, and performance culture18:10 What Team Red, White, and Blue really is20:35 The mission: health and wellness as the foundation23:00 Who Team RWB is for (veterans + civilians)26:10 How JJ got involved + 14 years building the org29:00 What Team RWB does (and doesn’t do)31:45 GWOT 100: why it matters + the mission behind it36:10 How the GWOT 100 works (badges, mileage conversions, puzzle medal)41:10 Why consistency beats intensity (habit-building)44:20 How to volunteer + how to join Team RWB47:05 Non-negotiables: early mornings, reading, discipline52:10 The hard truth: ownership, entitlement, and personal responsibility56:20 Future initiatives + GWOT 100 kickoff “Thunder Run”58:40 Where to find Team RWB + final message
Negative self-talk is the silent killer most men never address.It’s not a lack of motivation.It’s not a discipline problem.It’s the unchecked inner voice running your identity, your behavior, and your future.
In this Battle Ready solo episode, Coach Rob breaks down how negative self-talk forms, why it keeps men stuck even when they want to change, and how to take control of the internal narrative before it controls you.You’ll learn:•
What negative self-talk actually is (and why it becomes identity)• The three most common destructive loops men fall into• Why your brain clings to familiar pain• How to interrupt the loop without fake positivity• A simple daily mental drill to retrain your mind• Why discipline silences the voice better than motivation ever willThis episode is for men who are tired of sabotaging themselves and are ready to build evidence instead of excuses.
If you’re done fighting your mind alone, Operation Relentless exists for men ready to rebuild discipline, structure, and identity from the inside out.Link is in the bio.You were built to rise.Stay locked in.Stay Battle Ready
00:00 – The Silent Killer: Negative Self-Talk
00:45 – Why This Isn’t a Motivation Problem
01:40 – How Negative Thoughts Become Identity
03:00 – Why Your Brain Repeats the Same Loop
04:15 – The 3 Most Common Self-Talk Traps in Men
06:10 – Why Positivity Doesn’t Work
07:00 – How to Interrupt the Inner Voice
08:15 – The Daily Mental Training Drill
09:20 – Discipline, Evidence, and Final Takeaway
Army combat veteran Scott DeLuzio deployed to Afghanistan — at the same time as his younger brother.Only one of them came home.In this episode, Scott breaks down what most men never talk about: the moment grief turns into survivor’s guilt, how anger and isolation quietly take over, and why the transition out of uniform can feel like losing your identity overnight. He also shares the turning point that forced him to get help, why therapy became a long-game decision (not a quick fix), and how he rebuilt purpose through fitness, fatherhood, and creating the Drive On Podcast to help other veterans who were silently drowning.If you’re a veteran, first responder, or man carrying weight you don’t talk about—this conversation will hit you in the gut, but it will also give you a path forward.⚔️ OPERATION RELENTLESS (CALL TO ACTION)If you’re tired of surviving and you’re ready to rebuild your discipline, identity, fitness, and purpose—Apply for Operation Relentless (90-Day Comeback Plan) → Link in bio🔗 CONNECT WITH SCOTTWebsite / Podcast Hub: driveonpodcast.comBook: Surviving Son (Amazon)GWOT Memorial Foundation: gwotmemorialfoundation.orgCHAPTERS00:00 — Cold Open: “Only one of us came home”00:20 — Who is Scott DeLuzio + why this story matters01:30 — Why Scott joined after 9/11 (and why he didn’t go officer)04:10 — Deploying while his brother is deployed too06:45 — The day Scott finds out his brother was KIA09:40 — Survivor’s guilt: “I failed my job as the older brother”13:05 — Anger, numbness, and the spiral after loss16:30 — Why Scott got out (injury, mindset, and not being the leader he needed to be)21:10 — Identity loss after service: the “light switch” moment26:00 — Refusing help at first (and why that’s common)30:20 — The turning point: “I don’t like who I’m becoming”35:10 — Therapy, healing, and what actually helped over time40:00 — Fitness as protection, purpose, and longevity44:30 — Why Scott started the Drive On Podcast49:10 — Surviving Son: why he wrote the book and who it’s for54:20 — Would he do it all again? (powerful answer)58:10 — The GWOT Memorial Foundation mission1:01:20 — Scott’s definition of Turning Pain Into Progress1:03:00 — Final message to veterans who are struggling
Born with full sight and diagnosed at nine years old with a rare degenerative eye disease, Laura Bratton lost nearly all her vision by the end of high school. Panic attacks. Depression. Identity collapse.But she refused to let blindness define her.In this powerful conversation, Laura shares how she rebuilt her life through grit, gratitude, community, and the courage to accept a new normal. From losing her vision as a teenager to becoming a professional speaker who helps organizations navigate change, Laura’s story is proof that purpose is still possible — even when life looks nothing like you imagined.If you're facing transition, uncertainty, or a battle you didn’t choose… this episode is for you.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 — Cold Open00:18 — Who is Laura Bratton01:20 — Diagnosed at 9: The beginning of vision loss05:05 — The day she realized she couldn’t see the board09:12 — Panic attacks, denial, and depression13:45 — How her parents modeled strength and normalcy19:10 — Friendships, support, and navigating high school23:50 — Why community matters for healing28:40 — Accepting a new normal33:15 — Receiving her first guide dog38:20 — College, independence, and majoring in psychology42:55 — Pursuing a Master of Divinity47:30 — Faith, spirituality, and emotional healing51:12 — Living without sight in a sighted world55:03 — Grit + Gratitude: Her framework for navigating change59:10 — What she teaches on stage01:04:22 — Advice for anyone with a disability or major life change01:09:10 — Laura’s definition of Turning Pain Into ProgressIf this episode hit you…If you’re navigating your own battle and need structure, discipline, and a community that pushes you forward—👉 Apply for Operation Relentless — Your 90-Day Comeback Planhttp://www.battleharder.com/relentlessYou weren’t built to break.You were built to rise.🔗 CONNECT WITH LAURA BRATTONBook: Harnessing Courage
You’ve faced battles most men will never understand. But here, we don’t run from adversity — we weaponize it.
Welcome to the Battle Harder Podcast: where warriors, veterans, survivors, and leaders learn the tools to turn pain into progress.
In today’s episode, Coach Rob sits down with Tommy Richardson — former Marine, former Navy SEAL, Westside Barbell athlete, author, speaker, and elite-level strength coach.
This conversation is a masterclass on:
🔥 What it actually takes to become relentless
– Going through BUD/S at age 30
– Surviving hell week
– The mindset that refuses to die
🔥 Failing forward & overcoming suicidal darkness
Tommy opens up about childhood trauma, bullying, and the moment he nearly ended his life — and how faith, discipline, and purpose rebuilt him into the man he is today.
🔥 Masculinity, strength, and becoming a dangerous but controlled man
– Why modern men are softer than ever
– Why fitness, discipline, and faith matter
– Why purpose is the cure for depression
– Why fathers MUST be strong for their families
🔥 The real reason veterans struggle after service
And the blueprint men need to navigate identity loss, purpose collapse, and the civilian transition.
🔥 Training, powerlifting, and bulletproofing the body
Tommy breaks down Westside conjugate for longevity, injury-proofing, and optimizing performance into your 40s and 50s.
This episode will hit men in the gut — and give them hope, direction, and a roadmap out of the darkness.
00:00 – Welcome to the Battle Harder Podcast
00:22 – Why Tommy Richardson’s Story Matters
01:10 – Marines → Navy SEAL: The Path of a Relentless Mindset
03:40 – Going Through BUD/S at Age 30
06:12 – Hell Week, Injuries & Refusing to Quit
08:45 – Brotherhood, Marcus Luttrell & Early Training Days
12:30 – Identity, Purpose & Failure as a Ladder to Success
15:05 – The Darkest Moment: Suicidal Thoughts at Fourteen
17:18 – Trauma, Bullying & the Making of a Warrior
20:44 – Leaving the Military & Losing Your Tribe
23:10 – Why Veterans Struggle in Civilian Life
25:02 – Masculinity, Purpose & Becoming a Dangerous but Controlled Man
27:40 – Fitness as Therapy: Why Strong Bodies Build Strong Minds
30:55 – Westside Barbell, Conjugate Training & Bulletproofing the Body
34:20 – Training Over 40: Injury Prevention, Longevity, and Strength
37:08 – The Truth About Fat Loss, Walking, and Daily Discipline
39:12 – Coaching Men: Purpose, Accountability & Identity
42:05 – Why Society is Softer & What Men Must Do Now
45:22 – Strength, Faith & Spiritual Toughness
48:10 – What Every Man Needs to Hear Today
50:01 – Tommy Richardson’s Final Message to Veterans
51:40 – Coach Rob’s Closing Words: Pain → Progress
52:30 – Apply for Operation Relentless (CTA)
Website: divinesavagery.com
Email: tommy@divinesavagery.com
Instagram: @divinesavagery • @raise.your.horn
LinkedIn: Tommy Richardson
If this episode lit a fire under you…
If you’re tired of surviving…
If you’re ready to rebuild purpose, discipline, fitness, and identity…
Apply for Operation Relentless
Your 90-day comeback plan →http://www.battleharder.com/relentless
Because you weren’t built to break.
You were built to rise.
Marine Corps veteran and speaker Max Dutton was minutes away from ending his life.
Gun in hand. Empty. Done.
But one quiet whisper—“Give it one more day”—changed everything.
In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Max opens up about the moment he almost pulled the trigger, the spiritual awakening that rebuilt his identity, and the personal battles that shaped him into the man he is today.
We talk about:
— Suicide, silence, and the lies men tell themselves
— Alcohol, destruction, and the identity collapse
— The call from God that changed everything
— Building purpose after rock bottom
— Coaching, speaking, and the mission to serve
— Marriage, redemption, and learning to lead your life again
If you’ve been in the dark, stuck, lost, or questioning why you’re still here…
This episode is for you.
Use these EXACT timestamps once you place them during your edit.
00:00 — Cold Open: “Give it one more day…”
00:18 — Episode Statement: Who is Max Dutton
01:02 — Max hits rock bottom
05:40 — The moment he almost pulled the trigger
10:12 — Walking into church for the first time in a long time
13:45 — The spiritual awakening that changed everything
18:30 — Building a new foundation after destruction
22:18 — Marriage, honesty, and accountability
28:04 — From self-destruction to service
32:50 — How Max found coaching and speaking
38:27 — Battling identity and rebuilding purpose
45:03 — The biggest lies men tell themselves
53:10 — The message Max wants every listener to hear
Most men don’t fail because their goals are too big — they fail because their identity is too small.In this Battle Ready Series episode, Coach Rob breaks down the one shift that changes everything:Stop trying to “change your life” and start changing who you believe you are.You’ll learn:Why motivation never sticksHow your identity sabotages your habitsThe 3-step identity shift framework Coach Rob uses in Operation RelentlessHow to build discipline through identity-based actionThe hidden psychological reason you keep falling offThe mindset shift that separates men who transform from men who quitPlus — Coach Rob shares the exact exercise that helped him rebuild his own life after depression, injury, and losing his sense of purpose.🔥 FREE DOWNLOAD: Grab your BattleFitted Blueprint Journal to track your new identity, break autopilot, and build real discipline.👉 battleharder.com/LOCKEDINIf you’re ready to become the man who follows through, this episode is the blueprint.
You've faced battles most never fought. Pain. Trauma. Chaos.
But here—on The Battle Harder Podcast—we turn pain into progress.
Today, Coach Rob sits down with Melissa Hepner, LCSW, author, creator of The Emotionally Unavailable Podcast, and a survivor of some of the darkest childhood experiences imaginable:
✔ Every form of abuse
✔ Addicted parents
✔ Being bounced between homes
✔ Losing her father at 15
✔ Losing her mother young
✔ Hitting her lowest point in adulthood
✔ Considering ending her life…
✔ And fighting her way back toward peace, self-love, and purpose
This conversation goes deep into emotional regulation, trauma, shame, healing, parenting wounds, generational cycles, and the moment Melissa decided she wouldn’t die—she would change.
This episode is a roadmap for anyone who feels hopeless, broken, or stuck in the past.
If you're battling in silence…
If you're carrying old wounds…
If you’re trying to break the cycle…
This conversation will hit your soul.
Subscribe for real, raw comeback stories every week.
🔗 Connect with Melissa:
Instagram: @melissa.hepner
Podcast: Emotionally Unavailable
🔗 Connect with Coach Rob:
BattleHarder.com
Instagram: @battlefitted (pending update)
00:00 – Battle Harder Intro
00:28 – Welcome Melissa Hepner
02:05 – Growing up in chaos: abuse, addiction & instability
06:10 – Memories, survival & the childhood that shaped everything
11:45 – How trauma shows up in the teenage years
15:25 – Losing her dad at 15: grief, confusion & survival mode
19:52 – Losing her mom young & finding closure
25:30 – Early adulthood: anger, shame, and emotional dysregulation
30:12 – The breaking point: “My family would be better off without me”
34:26 – The moment she set a date to die… and what changed
39:40 – Learning coping skills, tools & emotional regulation
44:02 – Nervous system, overthinking, shame & trauma wiring
48:55 – Coach Rob’s story of emotional regulation & anger
54:40 – Quieting the noise: Melissa’s three-part healing framework
01:00:20 – Understanding triggers, somatic cues & body awareness
01:05:18 – Why taking action is the key to healing
01:07:50 – The Emotionally Unavailable Podcast & Melissa’s mission
01:11:30 – Where to find Melissa + her workbooks
01:13:10 – Melissa’s definition of “Turning Pain into Progress”
01:16:10 – Coach Rob’s final thoughts
01:18:30 – Battle Harder Outro
Veterans Day Special 🇺🇸Today, Coach Rob sits down with Rand Timmerman, a Vietnam veteran, retired Marine JAG officer, attorney, and author of A Spiritual Passage. This is one of the most powerful and honest conversations to ever hit the Battle Harder Podcast.Rand opens up about combat in Vietnam, the trauma of coming home, and the long battle with alcoholism and PTSD that followed. He also shares his comeback story — finding faith, helping others through AA, and hiking 1,863 miles of the Appalachian Trail in his seventies.This episode is about more than war. It’s about resilience, brotherhood, and finding purpose after the uniform.In this conversation:Combat stories and surviving the unimaginableHow Vietnam vets were treated when they came homeNightmares, rage, and the turning point toward sobrietyThe power of faith and service to othersWhy fitness and purpose keep you aliveHiking the Appalachian Trail at 72 years oldLiving a life of service and helping other men find hope🎧 Available on: battleharder.com | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube📘 A Spiritual Passage by Rand Timmerman — available on Amazon#veteransday #BattleHarderPodcast #TurningPainIntoProgress #WarriorMindset #VeteranStrong⏱️ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Battle Harder Intro01:10 – Introducing Vietnam Veteran Rand Timmerman03:20 – Enlisting in 1966 and heading to Vietnam05:00 – Becoming a Mustang Officer and Marine JAG07:15 – The chaos of combat and surviving under fire10:45 – Coming home: stigma, rage, and a first-class surprise13:30 – The mental aftermath and early signs of trauma16:20 – Nightmares, flashbacks, and alcohol as escape21:10 – Why veterans chase adrenaline after war24:30 – Breaking point: the night that changed everything27:00 – Finding sobriety and faith31:00 – Hiking 1,863 miles of the Appalachian Trail at 7234:15 – Lessons from the trail and brotherhood37:30 – How service to others keeps you grounded40:00 – Why veterans lose their identity after service43:45 – Rebuilding discipline and health48:00 – The role of gratitude and purpose in healing52:10 – Writing A Spiritual Passage and helping others heal56:20 – Why connection matters as we age59:00 – Advice for men struggling with addiction or trauma1:03:30 – Definition of “Turning Pain Into Progress”1:05:15 – Final thoughts and gratitude
You’ve faced battles most never fought — pain, struggle, adversity — but here, we use that as fuel.In this Battle Ready episode of the Battle Harder Podcast, Coach Rob shares how gratitude under fire became the mindset shift that saved his life.This isn’t about being thankful when life is good — it’s about finding gratitude when everything’s collapsing.When your marriage, your health, or your mission falls apart, gratitude becomes your weapon, not your weakness.Coach Rob opens up about hitting rock bottom, battling back pain, rebuilding his purpose, and using gratitude to shift from victim to victor.If you’ve ever felt stuck, broken, or lost — this episode will help you reframe your pain, rebuild your mindset, and start fighting forward again.You’ll Learn:🔥 How gratitude transforms pain into purpose🔥 The mindset shift from victim to warrior🔥 3 gratitude questions that rewire your focus🔥 Why gratitude is your armor under fireBattle Ready Exercise:1️⃣ One thing you lost that taught you something2️⃣ One thing you still have you’ve been taking for granted3️⃣ One action you can take today to show gratitudeTimestamps:00:00 Intro01:00 What is Gratitude Under Fire02:00 Rock Bottom and Perspective06:00 From Victim to Victor10:00 The Power of Gratitude Under Pressure14:00 3 Gratitude Prompts to Rebuild Your Mindset18:00 Closing MessageConnect with Coach Rob:🌐 battleharder.com🎥 YouTube: @BattleHarderPodcast🎧 Spotify / Apple Podcasts: Battle Harder Podcast📲 Instagram: @battlefittedIf today’s message hit home, share it with another warrior.Turning pain into progress isn’t a slogan — it’s a way of life.#BattleHarderPodcast #GratitudeUnderFire #TurningPainIntoProgress #MindsetShift #Resilience #Motivation #PersonalDevelopment #MentalHealth
In this episode of The Battle Harder Podcast, Coach Rob sits down with Navy SEAL veteran, professional fighter, and entrepreneur Mitch Aguiar — founder of Massive Supplements, Violent Hippie, and Adopt a Cop BJJ — for one of the most real conversations on mindset, freedom, and resilience you’ll ever hear.Mitch opens up about his time in the SEALs, the lessons that built his mental toughness, and how he turned his pain into purpose through business, fitness, and service. From losing millions to rebuilding his mission, this episode is a masterclass in discipline, truth, and self-leadership.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Intro: The Battle Harder Mission00:27 – Meet Mitch Aguiar: SEAL, Fighter, and Entrepreneur02:50 – Why He Joined the Navy05:12 – Surviving BUD/S & Finding Mental Toughness07:34 – Always Be Challenging Yourself09:59 – The Power of Pain and Discomfort12:22 – Leaving the SEAL Teams & Finding Freedom18:17 – From T-Shirts to $3.4M in Sales21:22 – The Viral Fasting Challenge23:47 – Speaking Out During COVID & Losing It All28:33 – How the Shutdowns Changed Everything33:25 – The Truth About Fitness, Health, and Mindset35:47 – Discipline, Self-Respect & Modern Weakness40:38 – Food Addiction, Fasting, and Focus47:52 – How to Build Real Discipline50:15 – Fasting as a Reset & Mental Recalibration52:40 – Why Everyone Should Train Jiu-Jitsu57:34 – Therapy on the Mats: What Jiu-Jitsu Teaches You1:00:00 – Life Coaching, Effort & Accountability1:07:11 – Adopt A Cop BJJ: Serving Those Who Serve1:09:38 – Support the Mission & Final Reflections1:10:25 – Mitch’s Definition of Turning Pain Into Progress1:12:51 – Outro: Stay Locked In, Stay Ready⚔️ CONNECT WITH MITCH AGUIARInstagram → @mitch_aguiarSupplements → masfsupplements.comCharity → adoptacopbjj.org🎙️ CONNECT WITH COACH ROBWebsite → battlefittedbrand.comInstagram → @battlefittedJoin the mission—turn your pain into progress.🔥 CALL TO ACTIONIf this episode fired you up, share it with a friend, subscribe, and comment your biggest takeaway.Ready to rebuild your purpose, fitness, and discipline?👉 Head to BattleFittedBrand.com and lock in your first mission.
Social media isn’t just entertainment—it’s shaping attention, identity, and resilience.Today, Coach Rob sits down with Dr. Stephen Mateka, a board-certified child & adolescent psychiatrist working in inpatient care, to break down what he’s seeing on the front lines:
isolation, self-diagnosis from TikTok, and the dopamine loop that keeps kids scrolling.We cover:When a kid is actually ready for a phone—and how to set guardrails that stickThe comparison trap, curated realities, and identity-seeking onlineADHD/autism “self-diagnoses” vs. clinical reality (and how pros tell the difference)AI “companions”—why constant validation feels good and stunts growthConversation frameworks that keep teens talking instead of shutting downClear expectations, monitoring, and follow-through (without turning into Big Brother)Content note:
We mention depression and suicide.
If you’re in the U.S. and need help, call or text 988.
Resources:Dr. Stephen Mateka linkedin.com/in/stephen-mateka-d-o-865843146AACAP “Facts for Families”
https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/Layout/FFF_Guide-01.aspxIf this helped, share it with one parent.
Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple—and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway.
Failure hurts — but it’s also your greatest feedback. In this solo Battle Ready session, Coach Rob talks about divorce, losing his gym, walking away from law enforcement, and hitting rock bottom more than once… only to rebuild stronger every time. This is your guide to turning defeat into discipline and pain into power.
What’s up warriors — Coach Rob here. Today I sit down with Nina Perez (author, speaker, and host of Straight Talk No Sugar Added) to unpack a raw, faith-fueled comeback story: surviving abuse and homelessness, escaping a near-death domestic violence situation, and rebuilding a life of purpose.We get tactical on breaking the depression and anxiety loop, the power of words (“life and death is in the tongue”), surrender vs. control, boundaries and burnout, and why community beats isolation — especially for men.If you’ve been stuck in negative self-talk, doom-scrolling, or isolation, this conversation gives you a path: reframe, choose life, train daily, and find your tribe.What You’ll LearnHow to stop repeating the pain of your past with daily reframesWhy surrender (not quitting) is the turning pointThe anti-burnout play: “No” is a complete sentenceCommunity over isolation (and how men can rebuild tribe)Gratitude, breath work, and mental fitness as non-negotiablesChapters0:00 Teaser and why this episode matters0:52 Coach Rob’s pre-roll2:05 Nina’s backstory: trauma, survival, faith12:40 Breaking the anxiety and depression loop21:30 The power of words and reframing30:10 Men, isolation, and rebuilding community39:45 Boundaries, burnout, and saying “no”48:00 Daily training: gratitude, breath work, fitness56:10 Pain to Progress: Nina’s definition1:01:00 Final takeaways and next stepsConnect with NinaWebsite: ninaperez.comPodcast: Straight Talk No Sugar AddedBook: Hit Me With Your Best Shot (available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble)New Series: Battle ReadyShort, tactical solo episodes (15–20 min).Start here: Episode 1 — Information Overload.Support the MissionSubscribe on YouTube / Spotify / Apple PodcastsShare this episode with a friend who needs itOfficial Battle Harder merch:https://www.battleharder.comBook Coach Rob for speaking or guest appearances: https://www.battleharder.com
He’s active-duty Marine Corps. He’s a husband and father. He’s also the award-winning author behind Crow From the Shadow, Billy Dipper’s Time to Shine, and Horse the Horsefly. Major Olalu “Lou” Ogunyemi sits down with Coach Rob to talk Marine Corps grit, why real leaders lead last, how to father with presence, and the power of turning pain into purpose.We cover the myth of lone-wolf masculinity, surviving separations and deployments, morning routines that anchor your mind (spiritual, mental, emotional, physical), mentoring kids who’ve been written off, and Lou’s new leadership book Lead Last: 21 Counterintuitive Principles for Becoming an Effective Leader.If you’re a veteran, first responder, parent, or anyone rebuilding, this one’s for you.Guest: Major Olalu “Lou” Ogunyemi — U.S. Marine Corps officer, founder of Parent-Child-Connect, children’s authorBooks and Resources: parent-child-connect.com • Amazon and Barnes & Noble (search Olalu Ogunyemi)Timestamps00:00 Cold open and intro02:08 Why a top student chose the Marine Corps08:55 Failing forward at OCS and learning to lead15:42 Marriage, deployment, and coming home well22:30 Fatherhood: boxing gloves on conflict and one-on-one time30:40 Morning ritual: spiritual, mental, emotional, physical36:10 From boot camp to childrens books (Crow, Billy Dipper, Horse)45:05 Mentoring the kids in the back of the classroom52:20 Lead Last: 21 counterintuitive leadership principles58:50 Definition of Pain to Progress1:01:30 Coach Rob’s closeKey takeawaysLead last: elevate your people, take the shots, give away the creditRig the day to win: lock in your spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical reps before sunriseMentorship beats labels: see the kid, not the behaviorFamily first: communicate openly, keep the gloves on, and protect the culture at homeReframe pain: what happened for you is more important than what happened to youConnect with LouWebsite and blog: parent-child-connect.comYouVersion Bible plans: see websiteBooks: Amazon or Barnes & Noble (search Olalu Ogunyemi)Connect with Coach Rob and the Battle Harder PodcastPodcast, coaching, apparel: battlefittedbrand.comInstagram, TikTok, and YouTube: @battlefitted
Confidence isn’t built in the mirror — it’s built in the trenches of consistency. In this Battle Ready Series episode, Coach Rob breaks down how to rebuild trust with yourself when your confidence has hit rock bottom.
From broken promises to lost momentum, this is the wake-up call every warrior needs. You’ll learn why confidence isn’t about being loud or cocky — it’s about keeping promises to yourself, one small win at a time.
Coach Rob walks you through the 3 core steps to rebuilding confidence:
1️⃣ Stack small wins daily – Start with promises you can keep.
2️⃣ Eliminate negotiations – Stop arguing with your weaker self.
3️⃣ Keep private promises before you go public – Do it for you, not for validation.
This episode is a reminder that motivation is temporary, but integrity lasts forever. Real confidence is earned through repetition, discipline, and quiet follow-through — not hype.
🎯 Your Mission for the Week:
Write down three promises — one for your body, one for your mind, and one for your discipline. Keep them for 7 days straight. No misses. No excuses. That’s how you rebuild trust.
If this hit home, share it with a friend who needs to hear it.
Let’s turn pain into progress and stay Battle Ready.
Calm in the chaos. That’s how hospice executive and author Emily describes leadership—and life—after escaping a toxic relationship during COVID. In this conversation, Coach Rob and Emily go deep on emotional intelligence, faith used as control, rebuilding self-trust, and writing as a path to purpose.
In this episode you’ll learn:How to spot when “faith” is being used to manipulate your choicesWhat being a hospice leader teaches you about presence, pressure, and peopleWhy leaving isn’t failure—it’s choosing a futurePractical EI tools for staying steady under nonstop stressHow journaling and authorship help reclaim identity after trauma
What do you do when life blindsides you—literally? For Michael Lang, it meant turning pain, loss, and setbacks into a global mission. After nearly losing his sight, battling ADHD, and spiraling through rebellion, depression, and financial ruin, Michael rose up to create a breakthrough hearing device that’s changing lives across the world.In this raw conversation, Michael shares how tragedy shaped his path, why obsession can be both a superpower and a struggle, and how his invention is giving seniors, veterans, children, and the visually impaired a new way to hear and connect with the world.We dive deep into:
⚔️ Growing up with loss, cultural expectations, and broken family dynamics
⚔️ The dark seasons that nearly cost him everything
⚔️ How ADHD fueled his creativity and obsession to build something revolutionary
⚔️ Lessons in business, resilience, and why investing in yourself is non-negotiable
⚔️ The product that could redefine accessibility for millionsIf you’ve ever felt knocked down, discounted, or stuck in darkness—Michael’s story proves you can fight back, rebuild, and turn your pain into purpose.
👉 Follow Michael at theinnerflow.com and on Instagram @theflowgroup.
👉 Subscribe to The Battle Harder Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, or iHeartRadio so you never miss a story that could shift your perspective.
How many times have you said: “I’ll start when I’m ready… I’ll launch when it’s perfect… I’ll wait until I feel more confident”?Here’s the truth: you’ll never feel ready. And waiting for the “perfect” time is the fastest way to kill your dream.In this episode of the Battle Ready Series, Coach Rob breaks down why perfectionism is just fear in disguise, how it paralyzes your progress, and the exact weapons you can use to break free, take messy action, and move forward.⚔️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The 3 truths of perfectionism: procrastination, fear of judgment, and missed repsWhy readiness is an illusion and perfection is a lieThe 70% Rule: launch it when it’s good enough and improve with repsWhy failing forward fast gives you the data you needWhy consistency beats perfection every single time⚡ Your Action Challenge:Write down ONE thing you’ve been putting off because it’s “not perfect.” Then, ask yourself: What’s the smallest step I can take TODAY to launch it at 70%? Take the leap. Messy action is greaterthan no action.🎙 Subscribe to the Battle Harder Podcast for all 25 Battle Ready episodes.🔥 Grab the Battle Plan Journal → BattleFittedBrand.com📲 Follow Coach Rob on Instagram TikTok → @BattleFittedNo Retreat. No Surrender.It’s time to get Battle Ready.
From Asshole to Awesome: The Power of Fundamentals with Ernest Wood | Battle Harder PodcastWhat happens when you finally get sick of your own excuses?
In this episode, Coach Rob sits down with Ernest Wood—Navy Submarine Veteran, men’s coach, podcaster, and author of Asshole to Awesome: Journey to Joy and Happiness.
Ernest’s story is raw, real, and proof that no matter how low you go, you can climb back up.
From being raised by a 14-year-old single mother, begging for food, and becoming a father the same week he got caught stealing—to hitting rock bottom before the Navy forced him to face his reflection—Ernest shares the hard lessons that changed everything.
We dive into:The road rage incident that became his turning pointHow toxic comparison at work became fuel for growthThe fundamental habits that erased 80–90% of his strugglesWhy discomfort, gratitude, and forgiveness are non-negotiables for transformation🔥
If you’ve ever felt stuck in your past or overwhelmed by your present, Ernest’s no-fluff approach will show you how mastering the basics—your health, mindset, and empathy—can turn pain into progress and put you back in control of your life.
👉 If Ernest’s story fired you up, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to the Battle Harder Podcast, drop a review, and join us every week as we turn pain into progress and build warriors of life together.