SOFcast Special Episode: “Moments That Matter” — Medal of Honor Panel at SOF Week 2025
🎙️ In this extraordinary SOFcast episode, we step away from the studio and onto the stage of SOF Week 2025, a premier joint conference co-hosted by U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the Global SOF Foundation.Recorded live in Tampa, this powerful panel titled “Moments That Matter” features three living SOF recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor:Sergeant Major Pat Payne, U.S. Army RangerMaster Sergeant Earl Plumlee, U.S. Army Green BeretCommand Sergeant Major Matt Williams, U.S. Army Green BeretModerated by SOFcast host Matt Parrish, the conversation goes far beyond battlefield heroics. The panelists reflect on the defining moments that shaped their leadership, the burden and responsibility of the Medal, the foundation of trust within elite teams, and the enduring importance of character, resilience, and mentorship. They didn’t seek recognition. They simply answered the call when it mattered most.This is a rare opportunity to witness living history — and to hear from warriors who continue to lead and inspire, long after the fight.Lean in. Learn. Share this with someone who needs it.#SOFcast #MedalOfHonor #QuietProfessionals #SOFWeek2025 #USSOCOM #GlobalSOF #MomentsThatMatter #SpecialOperations #ARSOF #USASOC #specialforces #ranger #greenberet #VeteranVoices
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1:01:58
S6 E5 - Rob Zackery — Calling the Fight, Building the Team
🎙️ From calling in airstrikes with Green Berets and Rangers to leading Airmen across the globe, Rob Zackery’s career as an Air Force TACP is one of purpose, adaptability, and impact. In this episode, Rob shares what it takes to step into any team room and earn trust — not by rank or reputation, but by performance.He reflects on his early combat deployments, including Afghanistan in 2001, the push-pull of old-school and new-school warfighting, and how humanity often shows up in the unlikeliest places. As he climbed the ranks, Rob talks about shifting from trigger-puller to team builder, what real leadership requires, and why creating the right environment matters more than any title.Now a leadership consultant and advocate for underserved youth, veterans, and incarcerated populations, Rob continues to serve — by investing in people, one conversation at a time.Earn trust. Share lessons. Lead with purpose. Listen now.#SOFcast #QuietProfessionals #TACP #Leadership #SpecialOperations #VeteranVoices #HumanMoreThanHardware
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1:07:44
S6 E4 - Jariko Denman - Standards, Legacy, and Life Beyond the Regiment
SOFcast | Season 6, Episode 4: Jariko Denman — Standards, Legacy, and Life Beyond the Regiment🎙️ From being “the demon cadre” at RIP to advising Hollywood directors and embedded reporting in Kabul, Ranger veteran Jariko Denman brings unapologetic honesty and hard-won wisdom to SOFcast. In this wide-ranging episode, Jariko shares what made him choose the Ranger Regiment, how strong leadership shaped his path, and why the right first team can make or break a career.He opens up about the pressure of sustaining elite standards, the toll of years at war, and the challenge of transitioning to civilian life. Whether discussing hazing, mental health, or finding freedom through creative work, Jariko reminds us that service is hard for a reason — and life after it can still be forged with purpose.This is a story about legacy, growth, and continuing to earn it, even when the uniform comes off. Earn your place. Then pass it on. Listen now.#SOFcast #RangerRegiment #QuietProfessionals #VeteranVoices #PostMilitaryLife #Leadership #SpecialOperations
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1:17:15
S6 E3 - Nick Lavery - Choosing to Fight Forward
SOFcast | Season 6, Episode 3: Nick Lavery — Choosing to Fight Forward🎙️ Few stories embody the spirit of SOF like Nick Lavery’s.The first Green Beret to return to combat as an above-the-knee amputee, Nick shares his incredible journey of resilience, mindset, and service — and how his fight didn’t end with recovery. Now an author, speaker, and mentor to warriors and leaders across the country, Nick talks about legacy, leadership, and why choosing to get better every single day is the real victory.From the team room to the sidelines of pro sports teams, Nick’s mission is clear: empower others to build their own path to excellence.Pain is inevitable. Progress is a choice. Listen now.#SOFcast #USSOCOM #QuietProfessionals #Resilience #Leadership #ObjectiveSecure
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1:05:16
S6 E2 - Melissa Johnson - Accelerating Innovation for SOF
SOFcast | Season 6, Episode 2: Melissa Johnson — Accelerating Innovation for SOF🎙️ How do you rapidly deliver cutting-edge gear and tech to the world’s most agile warriors?USSOCOM Acquisition Executive Melissa Johnson joins SOFcast to pull back the curtain on how her team connects the team room to the tech world — fielding solutions faster, smarter, and closer to the fight.From counter-UAS breakthroughs to partnering with small businesses and startups, Melissa explains why investing in relationships and removing bureaucracy is key to giving SOF operators the decisive edge.This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the SOF enterprise, the defense industry, or anyone who believes speed and innovation save lives.Accelerate the mission. Field the future. Listen now.#SOFcast #USSOCOM #SpecialOperations #Acquisition #Innovation #QuietProfessionals
SOFcast is the official podcast of U.S. Special Operations Command. Listen to members of America's elite special operations forces discuss leadership, overcoming challenges, and current issues for the force. Hear from special operations personnel like Navy SEALs, Army Green Berets, Army Rangers, Marine Raiders, Air Force Special Operators, pilots, medics, communicators, and more!
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