Month: August 2023

A Conversation on Civilizations and Civilizational Cycles with Daniel Hood (Ep. 50)

A Conversation on Civilizations and Civilizational Cycles with Daniel Hood (Ep. 50)

What do ancient Rome, the 2008 financial crisis, and geopolitics all have in common?

Want to know?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh sits down with Daniel Hood, a multifaceted thought leader on civilizational cycles and geopolitics, to explore the cyclic nature of societies and their implications on today’s global landscape. 

This riveting interview brings together elements of history, psychology, and real-world geopolitics to dissect the state of Western civilization and its far-reaching impact on finance, business, and policy-making.

Brent and Daniel discuss:

  • The rise and fall of civilizations, with a particular focus on the parallels between ancient Rome and today’s Western society
  • A look at the Western powers, notably the U.S. and the UK, in dealing with Russia and how it could lead to broader geopolitical consequences
  • The implications of outsourcing vital industries, especially how it strategically weakens the West’s position against rising powers like China
  • The role of behavior and temperament when it comes to different civilizations and societies
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Daniel Hood:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Daniel Hood is a scholar in history and finance with a unique perspective on the mechanics of civilization. His first introduction to geopolitics began with military service in the renowned Parachute Regiment, formed by Winston Churchill himself. After serving during a pivotal era, Daniel transitioned into the world of finance, where he worked as an investment advisor right around the turbulence of the 2008 global financial crisis. He has also lived and worked in Israel, adding a third dimension to his understanding of civilizational cycles. 

With experiences spanning from 9/11 to the Middle East conflicts, Daniel brings a multi-disciplinary approach to his studies that explores the cyclical nature of civilizations. He is currently writing books that aim to decode the intricate mechanics of societal rise and fall.

Startling Border Revelations with Todd Bensman (Ep. 49)

Startling Border Revelations with Todd Bensman (Ep. 49)

With immigration constantly being a major topic and new strategies being rolled out, it can be confusing to try and understand everything that is happening. 

What are the regulations surrounding immigration, and how are the new strategies impacting potential immigrants? 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh speaks with Todd Bensman, renowned author, investigative journalist, and Texas-based Senior National Security Fellow for the Center for Immigration Studies. Todd dives into the United States border situation while breaking down what’s coming out of Washington.

Todd also explains the tactics the administration is using and the surge in individuals crossing the border in the US and around the world. 

Todd discusses:

  • How the administration is looking to control the American border
  • How is the administration handling abuse, trafficking, and drug issues at the border
  • What are the potential consequences of unchecked immigration
  • How could the country handle the influx of people crossing the border
  • The reality of different nations around the world when it comes to immigration 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Todd Bensman:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Todd Bensman is an acclaimed newspaper reporter and magazine writer who transitioned to a career as a national security intelligence professional for the Texas Department of Public Safety and then returned to the journalism trade. He currently serves as the Texas-based Senior National Security Fellow for the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), a Washington, D.C. policy institute for which he writes, lectures, and grants media interviews about the nexus between immigration and national security.

Todd has testified before Congress as an expert witness and regularly appears on radio and television outlets for his national security and border security expertise.

A Navy SEALs Entrepreneurial Journey with Mack Alexander (Ep. 48)

A Navy SEALs Entrepreneurial Journey with Mack Alexander (Ep. 48)

Transitioning from the Navy SEALs to a civilian can be physically and emotionally hard. 

For some, finding a passion can help bring them a sense of peace and create a path toward their next phase in life.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Mack Alexander, the founder and CEO of Macks Belts™ and a retired Navy SEAL. Mack reveals his journey from a Navy SEAL to a business owner while diving into the life lessons he learned as a Navy SEAL, how they translated into his daily life, and how he helps others (like him) through his business. 

Mack discusses:

  • Why he decided to join the Navy SEALs
  • How his experience with the Navy SEALs impacted his motivation and perseverance
  • The financial and personal struggles he faced after returning home from duty
  • How he started selling dog collars and grew that business into a belt company
  • Why he markets his products on LinkedIn instead of other social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook
  • And more!

Connect with Mack Alexander:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Mack Alexander serves as the CEO, Owner, and Founder of Macks Belts, headquartered in Tampa, FL. The company specializes in steel and leather manufacturing and is one of the largest producers of American-made belts. Previously, Mack served as a Navy SEAL Assaulter and Breacher deploying to Africa and Yemen. He retired early after sustaining a major TBI while deployed. He is devoted to supporting all who have served and has been an advocate for many military, first responder, and law enforcement charities and is an official partner and advisor to Support Our Troops®.

Trailblazers: Jamil Coury’s Journey in Ultrarunning and Business (Ep. 47)

Trailblazers: Jamil Coury’s Journey in Ultrarunning and Business (Ep. 47)

Organizing large events is already a task, but what about outdoor events? Have you thought about what it looks like to plan them out?

From public versus private properties as well as uncontrollable factors such as weather, these are some of the items outdoor event planners need to be aware of when planning marathons, for example. 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Jamil Coury, the CEO and founder of Aravaipa Running. Jamil dives into the world of trail running and entrepreneurship while revealing what it really looks like to organize substantial outdoor events.

Jamil discusses:

  • His experience in building Aravaipa Running, an outdoor event-planning business
  • The logistics behind organizing trail-running events
  • The risks involved with outdoor events and the importance of flexibility
  • Ways his business grew despite the shutdowns of the pandemic
  • Risk management tools and insurance coverage when it comes to planning outdoor events 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Jamil Coury:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Jamil Coury started running ultramarathons in 2005 and instantly fell in love with the sport. He took over the direction of the Javelina Jundred in 2008 and started Aravaipa Running in 2009. Jamil has been competing in ultras around the world since and is currently on a quest to finish five loops at the Barkley Marathons.