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The Jedburgh Podcast

The Jedburgh Podcast

Hosted by Fran Racioppi

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Episodes

241

Latest episode

Jul 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Jedburgh Podcast empowers leaders to achieve success on their journey to transform themselves and their organizations. Creator, Host and Special Forces Green Beret Fran Racioppi interviews the world’s most prominent visionaries, drivers of change, and those dedicated to winning. Each episode is an in-depth discussion with trailblazers who’ve earned success through a dedication to talent development, preparation, introspection, and the drive to get things done. Our conversation will empower listeners to define success and operate at an elite level, regardless of the task at hand. In May 1943 the Allied Forces determined a new type of leader was required to win World War II. Operation Jedburgh parachuted three-man teams deep behind enemy lines to win no matter the challenge. Jedburghs lived by the mantra “how you prepare today, determines success tomorrow.” Today's leaders are no different. Fran speaks with leaders in public service, business, athletics, and academics about their personal leadership stories of success, failure, and the road to continuous improvement. Our discussions focus on the character traits of elite performance used by Special Operations Forces to recruit, assess, select and retain elite performers. Through this lens, we show listeners that success in any field must be earned every day. We strive for each listener to take valuable lessons learned and concrete action steps to improve themselves, their teams, and their organizations. Although developed and used by US Special Operations Forces, these characteristics are inherently applicable to building resilient and successful organizations in any sector or industry, as well as in the betterment of our personal and professional lives. The Nine Characteristics of Elite Performance: -Drive: G rowth mindset, be better than yesterday, continuous self-improvement -Resiliency: Perseverance in the face of challenges -Adaptability: Adjust one’s behavior to the situation -Humility: Recognize that you do not have all the answers; a willing learner maintains accurate self-awareness -Integrity: Understand what is legal and correct and align actions and words to both -Effective Intelligence: apply one’s experience and knowledge to the situation -Team Ability: Prioritize organizational needs ahead of oneself, work as a cohesive unit -Curiosity: Exploring the unknown, questioning the status quo in pursuit of better -Emotional Strength: Emotional control in stressful situations brings calm to chaos Fran Racioppi is the Founder & CEO of FRsix where he leads operations in critical infrastructure projects. He served 13 years in the US Army Special Forces as a Green Beret. Fran is passionate about building the world's best leaders and the impact our special operators have in service and beyond. He holds a BA from Boston University in Broadcast Journalism and an MBA from NYU Stern, as well as the security industry's highest accreditation as a Certified Protection Professional. The Jedburgh Podcast is an official program of the Green Beret Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to supporting U.S. Army Special Forces Soldiers and their families. The Foundation provides emergency and ongoing support across five pillars: Casualty Support, Health and Wellness, Transition, Family Support, and Gold Star and Surviving Families. Learn more at https://greenberetfoundation.org/the-jedburgh-podcast/ . Join our Jedburgh Team to reach your dreams!

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July 9, 2026Episode 2021 hr 10 min

#202: Earned Never Given - 20th Sergeant Major Of The Marine Corps Carlos Ruiz

The title United States Marine is earned…never given. For over 250 years the Marine Corps has been front and center in the defense of America and our allies. But as technology and the battlefield have changed, the character and standard that define a Marine have never wavered.From the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA, Fran Racioppi sat down with Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th senior enlisted leader of the United States Marine Corps, to discuss what it takes to serve in one of the world's most respected fighting forces.Drawing on decades of service, SMMC Ruiz explains why the Marine Corps' greatest weapon system has never been its aircraft, landing craft or tanks, but the individual Marine. We explore how the Corps develops leaders by instilling discipline, accountability, resilience, and a deep understanding of the history and traditions that connect today's Marines to generations who came before them.Our conversation also examines how the Marine Corps is preparing for today’s battlefield from large-scale combat operations and force modernization to their role in littoral defense. The SMMC also shares his top priorities; improving quality of life for every Marine, investing in the physical and mental readiness of the Corps and preparing Marines for civilian life when the uniform comes off. From strengthening partnerships with industry, to building programs to train Marines in the trades, SMMC Ruiz remains as dedicated to the Marines whose service is ending as those who are getting off the bus. America has changed a lot in 250 years, but the unabashed mission of the United States Marine Corps to fight and win our nation’s wars has not.A special thanks to the National Museum of the Marine Corps for hosting our conversation and reminding every American that for Marines “Uncommon Valor Is A Common Virtue.”HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Introduction2:18 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast2:54 What It Means To Be A US Marine7:04 Marine Corps Standard10:04 Combat Readiness15:41 Shifting from GWOT20:00 Marine Corps Culture26:24 Replacing the ASVAB30:11 Recruiting Marines34:38 Retaining Marines38:02 Transitioning Marines1:00:44 Barracks 20301:05:53 Daily HabitsQUOTES“What makes the Marines great is your brother or sister next to you will pick you up and you’ll keep moving forward.”“The promise is that we will make you better.”“You’ll get an 80% solution that you can pivot anywhere.”“What are we going to put in the Marines’ hands?”“They’re not pieces of furniture.”“Why not invest in the human in the beginning?”“The Marine Corps will decide.”“What kind of Marine are you building that is going to be talented and capable enough to arrive at the same moment that the technology is coming?”“You can’t sell the Marine Corps. It’s too big.”“Reinlisting Marines two years at a time is how we’re gaining retention.”“We can help transition Marines better.”“We’re good enough to keep what we want. We should be good enough to take care of the other ones as well.”“That’s how you grow. Doing hard things.”“We’re done trying to defend why the conditions are the way they are.”“You can’t have beautiful, fancy, state-of-the-art gear and a crappy place to sleep.”“If you can attempt to every day get to know somebody a little better, you can only move your platoon standard to higher levels because people trust you.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars.Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

June 27, 2026Episode 20121 min

#201: Coaching America's Best - Army West Point Head Coach Joe Alberici and Naval Academy Head Coach Joe Amplo

For one day, the rivalry shifts from the battlefield to the lacrosse field. Green Berets. Navy SEALs. America's most elite special operations forces compete with the same intensity, discipline, and commitment to excellence that defines their military careers. But when the final whistle blows, the score becomes secondary to the brotherhood.Live from the 2nd Annual Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi sat down with Army Head Coach Joe Alberici and Navy Head Coach Joe Amplo just hours before the teams took the field. While the rivalry between Army and Navy is one of the greatest traditions in sports, both coaches know the game has always represented something much bigger than winning. Every practice, every workout, and every lesson on the lacrosse field is preparing young men and women to lead under pressure, overcome adversity, and serve their country with honor.Our conversation examines how service academy athletics develops leaders ready to fight and win our nation’s wars. Coach Alberici and Coach Amplo explain why competition, accountability, and resilience are not just traits of great athletes - they are the same qualities required to lead in combat.As kickoff approaches, the focus shifts from strategy to mindset. Compete relentlessly. Trust your training. Focus on the next play. Because whether it's on the lacrosse field, on a Special Forces ODA or SEAL platoon, success is built on discipline, accountability, and teammates who refuse to let each other fail.Army and Navy compete to make each other better because one day these young men and women will stand together in defense of America. Highlights:0:00 Introduction2:02 Welcome to the Stars & Stripes Classic2:39 Preparing for the Game5:34 Playing at USMA & USN14:01 Ownership & Accountability17:03 Pregame MessageQuotes:“The excitement and desire to be a part of this again from the community was incredible.”“My number one job is to keep you from yourself.”“I have such a love, respect, and aberration for a young person just to be looking at these academies.”“Both of our institutions uncover the best version of the human being that’s inside.”“They have to be good humans who contribute to society because even their military service is going to end at some point.”“You’re always looking to mentor.”“Great leaders hold themselves to the higher standard as consistent as they possibly can.”“The best leaders hold each other and others to that standard consistently.” “Each day we tell a young man we’re trying to build you a masterpiece.”“Before you hold others accountable, you got to hold yourself accountable.”“Go back to the basics.”“Let’s just make sure we’re getting onto the next play.”The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars.Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

June 19, 2026Episode 20031 min

#200: We Play To Win - US Army West Point Director of Athletics Tom Theodorakis

The United States Military Academy at West Point is the foundation of the US Army. Along the cliffs, through the halls, and on the fields America’s best and brightest are trained to lead not just soldiers, but America. But behind the tradition and pageantry, West Point understands that athletics of any level create disciplined warriors prepared to lead in any situation. In this episode, Fran Racioppi sat down with Tom Theodorakis, Director of Athletics at West Point, to discuss how one of the most respected athletic programs in the country directly supports the mission of the United States Military Academy and helps develop the next generation of Army leaders.With more than 30 Division I programs and over 1,200 cadet-athletes, Tom explains what makes Army West Point different from every other program in college athletics. Cadet-athletes are not just balancing Division 1 sports and rigorous academics; they are simultaneously preparing to become officers in the United States Army where they will lead soldiers and shape national security strategy for decades to come.We discuss the demanding reality of being a cadet-athlete, the recruiting process, and what it takes to attract elite competitors to an institution built around service before self.Tom also addresses the realities behind funding Army athletics, correcting the misconception that the program is fully government funded, and explaining how external support and partnerships help sustain the mission of Army West Point Athletics.Finally, we discuss the opportunities available to cadet-athletes after graduation, including pathways to world-class and professional athletics, and most importantly serving as officers in the United States Army.Highlights0:00 Introduction2:09 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast3:43 Athletic Director Responsibility6:01 Recruiting Athletes to West Point8:31 Competing at the D1 Level11:14 Funding Athletics12:06 NIL Impact13:08 Defining Sustainability14:04 West Point Cadet-Athlete Experience18:18 West Point Pro Athletes19:58 Coaching Cadet-Athletes22:54 Creating Warriors25:26 Defining Success26:50 Cadet to LieutenantQuotes:“It’s very humbling and also a tremendous responsibility .”“We want to win. If we’re going to keep score we want to win.”“That atmosphere of winning is something that’s paramount.”“We need to continue to just recruit and put ourselves on the biggest stage possible.”“We want to make sure to create the best area, the best resources for our athletes to just grow.”“The idea is that when someone comes here, they say ‘they care about athletics.’”“We need to continue to be innovative.”“We sell not the transactional experience, but it’s the transformational experience.”“What are we doing now to make sure we’re in a good position in the future?”“This place is about challenging our athletes.”“Every cadet here is an athlete.”“The key word here is ‘path.’”“You have to fully embrace this place and love this institution.”“You got to win too. Results matter.”“These are all things athletics can teach you on the field.”“There’s so many things that we do here at West Point that now more than ever help us.”“That’s the best part of the job.”The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars.Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

June 12, 2026Episode 19948 min

#199: America's Contingency Corps - XVIII Airborne Corps Commanding General Lieutenant General Gregory Anderson

Modern warfare is no longer defined by who has the biggest force, but by who can adapt the fastest. The battlefield is changing in real time through artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities, and the speed of information. But even in the most advanced operating environments, victory still comes down to disciplined leaders, trusted teams, and soldiers prepared to make decisions under pressure when everything is on the line.The responsibility for America’s rapid response to any crisis belongs to the Army’s XVIII Airborne Corps.From their headquarters at Fort Bragg, NC, Fran Racioppi sat down with Lieutenant General Greg Anderson, Commanding General of the XVIII Airborne Corps, to discuss how he is preparing America’s Contingency Corps for combat in an increasingly dangerous world.Leading more than 80,000 soldiers across the 3rd Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division, 82nd Airborne Division, and 101st Airborne Division, and other subordinate commands, LTG Anderson explains how the Corps balances readiness, speed, and innovation while maintaining the fundamentals that have always defined military success.Our conversation explores the role of Noncommissioned Officer, the importance of mastering the basics, and why leadership development remains America’s greatest asymmetric advantage. We also discuss the integration of conventional and special operations forces, the concept of compound warfare, and the difference between interoperability and true integration on the battlefield.LTG Anderson breaks down the Corps’ push toward innovation through initiatives like the Joint Innovation Outpost and experimental exercises that incorporate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making into operational planning. But even as technology changes warfare, he makes one thing clear; there must always be a human in the loop.Highlights0:00 Introduction2:17 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast4:01 The role of XVIII Airborne Corps9:57 Empowering NCOs14:58 Joint Innovation Outpost19:00 Speeding the Acquisition Timeline22:53 Keeping A Human in the Loop25:41 Integration vs Interoperability29:13 Guiding the Tactical Level Leader32:48 Compound Warfare Today37:22 Generational Warfighting Differences42:00 The XVIII Airborne Corps Formation45:04 Daily HabitsQuotes“What operational problems do they expect us to solve for them?”“If I’ve got a strong team…we’ll typically prevail.”“Certainly what I’ve learned of any value has come from non-commissioned officers that raised me up.”“The role of the non-commissioned officer is to become the technical tactical experts in the application of violence at the tactical level.”“What are we doing to get the NCO corps to that point where they are the Army?”“How do we use advanced computing to allow us to make decisions more informed and faster than our opponents?”“The advantage of war fighting is not replacing humans with machine decision making. It’s now creating superhumans that are enabled by it.”“Interoperability is our ability to work together in an efficient, effective manner.”“Compound Warfare is the blending of regular and irregular capabilities to create a host of dilemmas for your enemy.”“You’ll never be able to tell that tactical level leader when things are going to change and shift if you haven’t done the operational level rigor.”“My role as the general is not to solve the problem or be the hero that comes in, but to think and understand the problem we’re trying to solve.”The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars.Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

June 4, 2026Episode 19816 min

#198: One Last Last Trip To Vegas - Major Jeff Toczylowski's Letter To Family And Friends

Some people don’t just pass through your life. They leave a mark that stays with you long after they’re gone. Not because of what they did in a single moment, but because of how they lived every day, how they showed up for people, and how they made others feel.From the 2nd Annual Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi sat down with Pam Patton and Tom Schneider to honor the life of Major Jeff Toczylowski, a Green Beret whose impact on the people around him is still felt nearly two decades later. A letter Jeff left to his family and friends in the event of his death defines the character of a Green Beret; a warrior and a man who cared more about others than himself. Jeff’s last wish…take everyone to Vegas to celebrate his life.Today, his legacy lives on through the annual memorial golf outing in his honor, now approaching its 20th year. What started as a way to cope with loss has become something much bigger. A reunion. A celebration. A community built around a single person who continues to be the common thread connecting hundreds of people who gather not to mourn, but to celebrate a life well lived.Join the Green Beret Foundation and all of Toz’s family and friends this August 1st, at the Five Ponds Golf Course in Warminster, PA to celebrate his service and support all Green Berets past, present and future.HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Introduction1:48 Welcome to the Stars & Stripes Classic2:27 Who was MAJ Jeff Toczylowski5:47 The 20th Annual Memorial Golf Tournament8:51 Vegas Time13:19 Honoring Toz’s LegacyQUOTES“He literally lived every day like it was his last…to the fullest.”“He impacted a lot of people.”“It really is like a reunion.”“The celebration of life is really why everybody comes back.”“It changed him forever.”“No matter what’s going on in life, be good to the people around you and live each day to the fullest because today could be it.”The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars.Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

May 27, 2026Episode 19759 min

#197: The Evolution Of The Green Beret NCO - CSM(R) Rob Abernethy

Green Berets are built over time. Special Operations Truth #3: SOF cannot be mass produced. America’s most elite warriors are developed through experience, through leadership, and through the responsibility of developing others. This is the job of the Special Forces Noncommissioned Officer.In this episode, Fran Racioppi sat down with retired Command Sergeant Major Rob Abernethy to dissect the evolution of the Green Beret NCO, and their officer counterparts, to show how that development shapes the effectiveness of Army Special Operations and national strategy.CSM Abernethy served nearly four decades in the Army and across special operations from a junior 18E communications sergeant, to the Command Sergeant Major of US Army Special Operations Command and United States European Command. Rob breaks down the role of the NCO as the backbone of the Regiment, the importance of regional alignment in building partner forces, and where Special Forces fits into military strategy from the pre-9/11 period, through the Global War on Terror and into today’s Large Scale Combat Operations.We also explore the rapid evolution of technology and the challenge of integrating new tools without losing the fundamentals of leadership and warfighting. From artificial intelligence to modern battlefield systems, Rob emphasizes that technology must support the force, not replace the mindset that defines it.Finally, after retiring as one of the longest serving Green Berets in the Army, CSM Abernethy shares his perspective on transition after service and his current role continuing to develop soldiers through his work at AUSA.This is a conversation about leadership, evolution, and the responsibility to prepare the next generation of Green Berets for the fight ahead.HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Introduction2:00 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast5:20 From junior to senior NCO on an ODA15:31 Role of the Team Sergeant18:52 The culture of a Special Forces team25:02 Importance of Regional Alignment32:08 Bridging the generation gap43:14 American Military Technological Advantage49:00 Biggest Threat to America52:18 Remembering ServiceQUOTES“The average age on the teams was much older.”“Nobody says, ‘Hey, I’m going to join the Army and my goal is to be a sucky soldier.’”“The Team Sergeant is one of the most critical parts of the team.”“Over time, what you do is build confidence with the team.”“The Officer’s success is really the Team’s success and the Team’s success is based on the Officer.”“Our confidence as a Team Sergeant needs to be projected through the team leader.”“You have to have a lot of confidence in the team you’re selecting.”“The administrative stuff makes a difference.”“The little things absolutely matter.”“The more astute you are to the environment in which you’re going to operate, the better you’re going to be.”“In the next 10 years, it’s going to be phenomenal what we actually bring to the battlefield because AI is going to make us that much better.”“The Department of War is crushing the acquisition process now.”“Our relationship with our NATO allies has been strong and needed, and still will be needed.”“One thing that stayed consistent was my desire to be good, to be an expert, and lead by example.”The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars.Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

May 14, 2026Episode 19636 min

#196: Iran, Military Housing & Unifying Congress - Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

The conditions service members live in directly affect Military readiness and national security. It’s the responsibility of Congress to authorize military funding to ensure the warfighter has what they need in combat and at home. Every decision impacts the strength of the force and their families.In this episode, Fran Racioppi sat down with Representative Mike Levin, who serves California’s 49th District and sits on the House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs to discuss the policies and decisions shaping today’s military bases. From investments in infrastructure at Camp Pendleton to broader oversight of Veterans Affairs, Congressman Levin outlines why improving living conditions, facilities, and support systems is essential to maintaining a ready and capable force.Our conversation explores the responsibility of leadership to develop a culture where reporting substandard conditions is encouraged. We also discuss the broader role of Congress in overseeing military operations, and the importance of transparency, strategy, and accountability when American forces are deployed.Congressman Levin shares his perspective on the war with Iran, his views on the need for checks and balances, and the growing divide that has made bipartisan governance more difficult. He emphasizes that strong institutions require leaders willing to put mission over politics and to ensure that the constitutional framework guiding military action is upheld.This is a conversation about leadership, accountability, and the systems that support those who serve. It is about ensuring readiness not just on the battlefield, but across the entire force.Highlights:0:00 Introduction1:53 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast3:19 California’s 49th District6:34 Improving Military Housing14:25 Status of the Iran War19:37 Is Iran A Direct Threat To The US?22:08 Iran’s State Sponsorship of Terrorism25:20 Negotiating with Iran28:41 Bridging the GapQuotes:“It is imperative that we treat our veterans and military families with absolute respect.”“We’ve got real issues with barracks.”“We’re not looking for the Ritz Carlton. We’re just looking for a decent place.”“The average member of the military needs a decent place where they can live.”“The challenge is the lack of clarity about what they’re being asked to do.” “They didn’t brief us on what the plan was going to be.”“It’s a war that is unauthorized. It is a war without a clear exit plan.”“What damage have we done to our allies around the world? A lot.”“We know less today than we did before the war began.”“The question is whether or not the military has actually made it a worse problem or has it actually ameliorated the problem.”“The Iranians have been a horrible regime.”“I don’t think the President has enough people around him telling him what he needs to hear, not what he wants to hear.”“Use of military force should be last resort always.”“I am personally never going to see the other side as my enemy. I see them as my political opponent.”“Running the United States is not an easy challenge.”The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars.Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.The opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of guests and host Fran Racioppi. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy, nor does Green Beret Foundation endorse any political candidate or any political party.

May 1, 2026Episode 19553 min

#195: Setting The Record Straight - Secretary Of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins

There is a steady stream of headlines shaping how Veterans view the Department of Veterans Affairs. Disability benefits are being cut. The VA is being privatized. Programs are disappearing. That is the narrative. But is it the reality?In a social media environment driven by clicks, likes, and engagement, information spreads fast, and too often no one stops to ask whether it is actually true. When it comes to healthcare, benefits, and the systems Veterans rely on, the facts matter.In this episode, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins joins Fran Racioppi to address those concerns directly and bring clarity to what is actually happening inside the VA. This is not a surface level conversation. It’s a direct response to the questions Veterans are asking right now.We break down the proposed disability rating regulation enforcement that rocked the Veteran community, what it was intended to do, how it was misinterpreted, and why it was withdrawn within days. We discuss the rollout of the VA’s electronic health record modernization, what’s working, what still needs to improve, and how it will impact care moving forward.Secretary Collins also addresses the reality of community care and the claims surrounding privatization, clarifying how the VA will always deliver and fund care for Veterans. We talk about workforce challenges, hiring, and the responsibility to ensure Veterans are receiving timely and effective support with a right-sized VA staffing level.The conversation also focuses on one of the most critical issues facing the Veteran community: suicide prevention. With the majority of Veterans not currently engaged with the VA, the approach must evolve. Outreach must expand, accountability must increase, and programs must show measurable results.Finally, we cover housing stability through VA home loan programs and the responsibility to ensure Veterans have real options to maintain their homes, but also understand they have a personal responsibility for the financial decisions they make.This conversation is about clarity and accountability. Because at the end of the day, the mission is simple - deliver results for Veterans.Highlights0:00 Introduction2:31 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast3:31 Dispelling Disability Rating Misconceptions10:43 Running A Wartime VA16:24 Electronic Health Record Modernization20:09 Is the VA Privatizing Healthcare?27:51 VA Employee Moral34:22 Cutting the VASP Program39:06 Preventing Fraud43:13 Veteran Suicide PreventionQuotes“No one that already had a disability rating was ever going to lose anything.”“I take full responsibility.”“Nobody’s getting judged differently.”“We’re the largest integrated healthcare system in the country. We don’t act like it.”“There’s no plan for privatization.”“80% of all new doctors go through the VA in some form.”“Privatization is thrown around to scare employees and veterans.”“We’re never going to privatize. Definitely not under my watch. And there’s no mechanism to privatize.”“There are people invested in a broken system.”“I have to compete for doctors and nurses with every hospital in the country.”“Our problem was we had too many people in the wrong places.”“What are you doing that’s stupid?”“60% of death by suicide by Veterans have not had any contact with the VA.”“The VA many times was more concerned about itself than we were about actually finding metrics for the veteran.” “Capitol Hill has become more driven by the five minute YouTube clip.”The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars.Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

April 24, 2026Episode 19455 min

#194: Small Business Is Big Business - US Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs

99% of all US businesses and almost 46% of American employees are, or work for, a small business. Although a small business is defined as having less than 500 employees, American small businesses are responsible for over 88% of net job growth. That means that America's economy, and the world's economy, rest on the backs of small businesses.  The Small Business Administration plays a critical role in the success of small businesses; including those owned and operated by American Veterans. From business planning, strategy design, funding and specialty certification programs the SBA is one of the primary pillars creating and supporting economic impact.In this episode, Fran Racioppi sat down with Bill Briggs, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, to break down the SBA’s 3C’s and a D: Capital, Counseling, Contracting and Disaster. Deputy Administrator Briggs explained the real challenges business owners face, especially around cash flow, capital access, and navigating competitive marketplaces. He shared the history of the SBA and its grounding in the Small Business Act of 1953, when the post war period identified that small businesses are not only important to the global economy, but they are crucial to America’s national defense. 200,000 service members transition each year from the military into the civilian sector. Some will start businesses as entrepreneurs. Others will enter the workforce. All will need counseling, support and a system designed to give Veterans access to opportunity and the chance to succeed post service. Finally,  we address how the SBA is improving accountability, cracking down on fraud, and ensuring programs are delivering real results for those they are designed to support.Highlights0:00 Introduction2:16 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast4:01 Small biz is big biz4:57 SBA Team8:13 Access to Capital11:58 Counseling Resources16:14 Access to Contracts22:01 Disaster Loans25:33 The Formation of the SBA27:16 Made in America Loans29:54 Working Families Tax Cut Bill33:10 Stopping Fraud35:51 Importance of Service39:08 Boots to Business52:02 Daily HabitsQuotes“We’re taking it to the next level in terms of right sizing, streamlining, and improving the overall performance of the agency because the mission is so important.”“Access to capital is one of the top three issues that are always facing small businesses.”“What we’re trying to do under this administrator and this President is trying to improve our systems to scale and deploy more capital effectively with our lending partners and investors.”“I always say to people you have to have that education before you walk in to try to get that loan.”“Your job is to compete to solve the mission, not to say ‘I’m a certification, I deserve something.’”“Having a competitive, innovative national small business ecosystem is not only part of our economic security but our national security.”“We’re trying to bring back American manufacturing .”“Our priorities are manufacturing, critical technology, and food production and technology.”“Our economic agenda is centered on fair trade, tax cuts, deregulation, and energy dominance.”“There’s something for everyone in the Working Families Tax Cut Bill.”“We have a zero tolerance policy for fraud.”“The day you start your business is not the day you get paid.”“We’re overhauling how we deliver our boots to business.”The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars.Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

April 14, 2026Episode 19330 min

#193: Progressive Traumatic Brain Injury - Silver Star Spouse Bianca Baldwin and Silver Star Mother Fran Wesseling

Service is an honor and a burden carried by more than just those who don the Green Beret. Service is borne by the family that stands in the shadows every step of the way. Through training, deployments, uncertainty, the highest highs and the lowest lows, it’s the family that waits for their Green Beret to return. From the 2nd Annual Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi sat down with Bianca Baldwin and Fran Wesseling, the spouse and mother of Major Darren Baldwin; a Green Beret who came home from combat, but was never the same. Darren’s journey began at the United States Military Academy, where he played lacrosse and built the foundation of discipline, teamwork, and commitment that would carry him into Special Forces. During a deployment, Darren was forced to return home early due to what initially seemed like minor health issues. Further evaluation revealed lesions on his brain, marking the beginning of a long and uncertain fight. Diagnosed with Progressive Traumatic Brain Injury, Bianca and Fran answered a family’s hardest call to service. They shared with me the critical role a family plays in the success of a Green Beret, why strength is important, and how caregiving gives hope to the wounded and their loved ones. Darren passed away from his combat-related illness, and to honor his life, Bianca and Fran carry forward his legacy through the MAJ(R) Darren Baldwin Silver Star Families Support Fund and through the support of the Green Beret Foundation, ensuring that other families will never fight alone.This episode is about the service of a family during, and after that of their Green Beret. HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Introduction1:51 Welcome to the Stars & Stripes Classic3:38 Who was MAJ Darren Baldwin10:14 Silver Star Families Fund15:02 Progressive Traumatic Brain Injury22:20 Resources AvailableQUOTES“Both of my boys slept with a lacrosse stick.”“He had a dedication and grit that goes beyond most.”“Ultimately deeply grateful that his legacy and memory lives on.”“It was like trying to make a right of a wrong.”“That’s kind of how our story started and my story as a caregiver.”“I was always his wife but became his 24/7 caregiver.”“The vast majority of people, including the military, don’t even know what Silver Star families are.”“The fund provides all kinds of medical equipment and new technologies.”“It’s difficult and thankless work to be a caregiver.”The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars.Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

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