by Travis Partington | Feb 23, 2018 | Podcast
Part One: Who is Jodie?
Jodie, or Jody is a legendary figure for military men has been terrorizing servicemembers for years. You can click on this link — WayWord Radio – Jody to hear how this term came to be. I had been thinking about this for a while because a couple guys I know get really down during February. Also, in boot camp, some poor guy is getting his heart stomped on right now.
However, I was talking over this with my Marine Brother, Wesley Mullings, and he said, “What if Jody is Jodie?” What if Jody is a machine that can prevent fathers from seeing their kids. I thought about it about and said how about we do a series on this? Wes thought it over and here we go.
The one thing we want to make clear is this is not a monthly women bashing session. What we are looking at doing is offering support to Military and Veterans who are going through divorce, or are dealing with the battlefield that is family court. This goes for female service members too. If you are a female service member and are battling through this, we want to hear from you.
So who is Jody? For many guys it is the “other man”. The guy they got dumped for in boot camp. Jody is the guy that your kids call uncle or daddy when you get back from a Westpac Float. Oh yeah, smooth but unseen, he preys on unsuspecting wives and girlfriends while you are getting your ass kicked daily defending your country.
You find out Jody struck and your world comes to screeching halt. There are these feelings of rage, despair and helplessness. If you are a recruit in boot-camp it really sucks, but it happens in the fleet to active duty military all too often to ignore anymore.
Some of you may feel the need to do all kinds of things. Things that may seem like a good idea at the time, but in reality will make the situation worse. Wes said it best, “Keep your cool.” You need to talk to someone and get some help. This Jody Series is designed to give you tools to win at life and in family court.
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by Travis Partington | Feb 19, 2018 | Blog
Chad (L) & Mike (R) getting ready to face off
Saturday was go time for Michael Darrah. The Soldier, Army Ranger, husband and father said he was going to step into a ring having never done it before. He did.
I went to Warwick last night to check out Brawl for it All 5. There is some who would say that the boxing scene is dead. After last night, I think that there are some hard working talented athletes and trainers who made the trip worthwhile. These are dedicated, talented people.
Mike was the last card before the main event. He and Team Darrah came out to the “Lion Sleeps Tonight” with flags waving and the crowd loved it.
Speaking of crowd, all I saw was “Team Darrah” shirts and swag everywhere. A big shout out to Mike Smith, who worked behind the scenes to promote and sell tickets. Also it was cool to hang out with Matt D, who is considering following Michael’s footsteps. Good stuff.
Chad and Mike faced off and people around me were like, “Who is this guy?” I was like, “Mike has never fought before, ever…” People started to look at this fight differently.
I don’t know much about boxing. So I respect the hell out of the dedication and effort it takes to get into the ring much less go the distance. Putting my spin on the fight won’t count for much here. All I will say is after watching multiple boxers go down in the first or second round, it was bad ass to see Mike go all three rounds.
In the end, he lost the match by the scorecard, and like that it was over. I walked up to him and saw that he was literally covered in sweat and blood. Some people say it, some people sing it; however, here was a man who walked his talk. So while he didn’t win the match, I will never say that he was beaten.
You made all of us proud Michael. Glad to have met you and let’s train or go riding soon.
by Travis Partington | Feb 16, 2018 | Podcast
Episode 80 – Team Darrah
Mike and Shaun talking before the training session.
My producer, Sinista1 aka., Keith Hayes hits me up and says I want you to contact this guy who is fighting in a couple of weeks. Michael Darrah is an Army Airborne Ranger Veteran, and has a good story. TeamDarrah was getting ready for Brawl for it All, Saturday February 17th at the West Warwick Civic Center. Brawl for it All 5 – February 17th 2018. Family honor is at stake here, but also something more.
I got a hold of Michael and we set a meet. He wanted to introduce me to his instructor, Shaun Shubert. Shaun is the founder and owner of R.E.D S.E.A.L Martial Arts Company located in Lakeville, MA. (http://www.redsealma.com/). I like going mobile, so I was pumped to get there and check this all out.
The first thing I notice when I walk into Red Seal is there is not so much a wrapper on the floor of the gym. All the equipment is staged, cleaned up and ready to go. There are other places where I can’t say that at all. It tells me that the owner, and his students take care of gym.
Mike arrived and we said our hellos. I was looking forward to meeting him. I had been following some of his progress on Facebook and he wasn’t what I would consider the typical fighter. He had just started this, was in my age range, and time to prepare was short. My initial impression was changed when I watched Shaun put him through his paces. This was different than some TV shows I watched about fighting. There wasn’t any yelling or screaming, just a student and instructor working together. I got tired just watching him train. Mike is a beast! I think that he really lives the Army Ranger way….
After the session, Mike and Shaun sat down to give me some background on why Michael was fighting and Shaun’s approach to training students. There is a lot more to Michael’s story, and I hope to get to talk to him again. For now, check out the podcast, and take the drive to West Warrick Saturday February 17th.
If you are looking for a different type of fight training, then get with Shaun at Red Seal Martial Arts Company. He trains all ages and types of students. I can’t wait to see #TeamDarrah roll heavy. I kidded Michael about being in the Army, but we all know Rangers Lead the Way.
This is just the warm up……
155 Millennium Circle, Lakeville, MA 02347 – (774) 259-9258
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by Travis Partington | Feb 9, 2018 | Podcast
Shout Out
Marantz Microphone
Shout to Erick in Minnesota who let me know how the new microphone setup is working out. It is microphone that is designed for voice over and podcasting. I connect to my Zoom H6, and I am excited that two episodes later I am not having to spend so much time messing around with my level in post.
Eventually, I will have the this connected to the ZOOM H6, and have it hooked directly to the PC. This will reduce the number of steps to take it from the Zoom to the PC for post production. I am glad I went with this setup.
Question of the Week
I was asked, “Did you watch the SuperBowl?” I did not. I wanted to watch the SuperBowl but I couldn’t bring myself to do it after what happened with AMVETS and the NFL rejecting their ad that asked people to #PleaseStand. If I want to watch football I think there are other options for me than the NFL
My Military Story – Part 6
I talked about first phase in boot camp. I remember drill, PT, drill, knowledge, PT, drill, knowledge, more PT and drill all the time. First phase was all about getting used to military life, marching with a rifle and learning the basics.
I remember getting more shots in the first four weeks of boot camp than my entire life to that point. It is no wonder I loathe going to the doctor.
We were taught everything from how to shower and wash our clothes to rank structure and every part of my M16A2. Every minute of our lives was controlled and by 10 PM, we didn’t have any energy to get in trouble. All we wanted to do was sleep. First phase came and went, and one of the memories that came back to me was guys getting sent home for popping on their drug tests. Ouch…….. Talk to you all next week.
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by Travis Partington | Feb 2, 2018 | Podcast
Episode 78 – #PleaseStand with John Hoellwarth
Public Relations Officer for AMVETS
All AMVETS asked was to #PleaseStand
I am going to say it right now. I wanted to watch the Super Bowl. I am not a Patriots or Eagles Fan, but I thought that the NFL realized what a mistake it was getting to this point so I was going to watch if for nothing else than to see what the NFL would do for the Star Spangled Banner. To see if the NFL Players and by extension our country could honor our flag and what it stood for without any disrespect or protest would be a good way to maybe start healing…..
Silly me….
January 23rd, The Washington Post reported that the NFL rejected a submission from AMVETS for their SuperBowl Program.
Washington Post Article – NFL Rejects AMVETS Super Bowl Ad
I couldn’t believe it. This story caught fire see the FoxNews Interview.
I couldn’t believe it. One name in the mix was John Hoellwarth. He is the National Director of Communications for AMVETS. He was the lead for the ad you see on the left.
I wanted to talk with him because he was close to this. Also when we started talking I thought it was cool that he served in the Marine Corps in Yuma, AZ right around the time I did.
Now you will hear about John’s experience in the Marine Corps and how this came together for the NFL ad. Once I really thought about what was done around AMVETS not getting to run their ad in the Super Bowl program, I decided that I would not be watching the SuperBowl. I have most likely watched my last NFL game. There are other options in sports that support our military and respect our flag.
I appreciated John talking with me and I am looking forward to him coming back on Oscar Mike Radio. He is a success story and I hope you enjoyed this podcast. As our time drew to a close I knew I wanted to make a statement.
I stand with AMVETS and our military. #PleaseStand
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