The Morning Formation Podcast
Hosted by KP Phillips—a U.S. Army combat veteran, former law enforcement officer, and seasoned instructor in tactics, firearms, and combatives—The Formation Podcast is built on the core pillars of Survivability, Situational Awareness, and the mindset to Adapt & Overcome. Drawing from over two decades of real-world experience in combat zones and high-risk environments, KP leads authentic conversations with warriors, protectors, and everyday individuals who’ve faced adversity head-on. This podcast is more than content—it's a movement for those who understand that the fight begins before the event. Through storytelling, lived experience, and expert insight, The Formation Podcast equips its listeners with the mindset, tools, and awareness to remain vigilant and prepared—whether on the battlefield, in the streets, or in everyday life.
Episodes
We sit down with Joshua “JMach” Mach to talk burnout, identity after service, and how honest conversations can save a life. From raising resilient kids to setting standards in mentorship and sobriety, we unpack what it means to lead at home and in the community.
• asking twice to get real answers
• social media masks versus real burnout
• redefining success around family and service
• boundar...
We trace a raw, hopeful route from burnout and impostor syndrome to practical community, women veterans’ needs, and real-world resources that work. Jenna shares why “moderate” matters, how to face trolls, and what it takes to turn service into daily service.
• bridging service, leadership, transition, and civilian readiness
• creative work vs burnout and boundaries
• impostor syndrome as a sign o...
We trace the unresolved death of Heather Turner through verifiable facts, while exploring how a military spouse-turned-host balances advocacy, intuition and family life. Along the way we talk stress, functional medicine, compound grief and why facts must lead feelings.
• military life rhythms and finding stability during moves
• origins of the podcast and pivot into true crime
• how a suspect nar...
Leo Fuentes, Marine Corps veteran and attorney, shares his journey launching a personal injury law firm and the challenges of building from scratch in a competitive field.
• Transitioning from enlisted Marine to law school graduate to law firm owner
• Continuing jiu-jitsu training while building professional career
• Military experience providing foundation for entrepreneurial mindset
• Impo...
The military influencer community faces challenging questions about authenticity and service in light of recent Parade Deck controversy. I explain why I've maintained independence and chosen to align only with organizations like Act Now Education that share my values.
• Parade Deck organization has gathered numerous military podcasters under one umbrella
• Recent allegations have led to dissolve...
A combat veteran shares his perspective on America's growing political division and makes an impassioned plea for unity following recent political violence. Drawing from military experience and personal sacrifice, he argues that service to others provides meaning in life while highlighting the dangers of forming opinions solely from social media.
• Growing up as a military dependent with frequent mo...
SFC Alexander Stewart returns to share insights on leadership, resilience, and mental health advocacy, exploring how military experience shapes character and the universal lessons we can learn from service.
• Stewart is preparing for a 22-mile ruck march for Hick Strong, a nonprofit providing free counseling for service members
• Failure should be viewed as an opportunity to grow rather than a reason...
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Hasara shares his extraordinary experiences from 24 years in the Air Force as a KC-135 aerial refueling pilot, revealing how tanker missions form the backbone of modern combat operations while offering profound leadership lessons.
• Childhood dreams sparked by watching aircraft at LAX led to a career flying the KC-135 tanker despite facing discouragement from teachers and counselo...
Army Veteran Sumeya Gibril shares her powerful story of founding Rise Above, Be Relentless Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting military sexual trauma survivors through healing, mentorship, and empowerment.
• Experienced childhood sexual trauma and domestic violence from ages 6-11 before migrating to America
• Started the foundation after witnessing how military sexual assault victims were...
We dive deep into the powerful mission of Last Dram Standing, a nonprofit using whiskey as a vehicle to build community and honor fallen service members. Corey shares his journey from combat veteran to nonprofit founder and how he's turning personal pain into purpose through meaningful connection.
• Founded during COVID when Corey was seeking community after military service
• Uses whiskey not a...
Maurice P. Kerry shares his transformative journey from Marine Corps combat veteran to accomplished actor, highlighting how military resilience prepared him for Hollywood's challenges and rejection.
• Combat veteran who served in Iraq in 2004 as a welder, building armor and turrets for military vehicles
• Experienced homelessness after military service before rebuilding his life and career
•...
Marine Corps veteran Leo Fuentes shares his journey from enlisting at 18 to becoming a California attorney, showcasing how military leadership skills transfer to civilian success in the legal profession.
• Choosing military service as an escape from neighborhood gang violence and a path toward creating a better future
• Gaining leadership experience at just 19 years old, managing troops much older th...
Sergeant First Class Alexander Stewart shares his powerful journey as a combat veteran serving on three different fronts while becoming a mental health advocate and author. His raw account reveals how witnessing 9/11 as a child sparked his military service and how he's now channeling combat experiences into helping others facing invisible wounds.
• Inspired to enlist after witnessing the impact of 9...
We explore the transformative journey of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with black belt Mike Medina and competitor Juno Lucero, delving into how this martial art shapes character, builds mental resilience, and provides purpose beyond the mats.
• Juno shares his background growing up in New Mexico and how Mike introduced him to jiu-jitsu at a young age
• Both guests recount street fight stories and how martial a...
Josh (aka Jobbaloon) shares the unexpected journey from obscurity to viral comedy sensation through his street pranks and the challenges of content creation without monetization. His hilarious approach of asking strangers to pretend they're fans of his show before revealing unexpected twists creates genuine reactions that have garnered millions of views.
• Started the Jobbaloon Show after working wi...
Struggling with low energy, poor sleep, or diminishing physical performance? You're not alone. In this eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Matt Schaefer, a former Division I football player turned medical provider, and Yuan, the clinical manager at Ultimate Male Clinic, to unpack the realities of testosterone replacement therapy and modern approaches to men's health.
Matt brings a unique ...
Former UCLA wide receiver Kam Brown shares his journey from growing up as the son of Super Bowl MVP Larry Brown to carving out his own path in college football and beyond. His story reveals profound insights about grit, faith, and determination that extend far beyond the gridiron.
• Growing up in Texas football culture, playing since age four but never feeling forced into the sport
• Choosing UCLA fo...
BJJ Black Belt Mike Medina and Rising star Blue Belt Nate Crisler share their extraordinary journeys through trauma and resilience, revealing how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu transformed their lives from surviving childhood violence to building community through martial arts.
• Mike survived being shot in a drive-by shooting at age 11 in Taos, New Mexico
• Nate lost his father at age 9 and moved frequently du...
Tanner Gresham, former Army West Point pitcher now in the Philadelphia Phillies minor league system, shares his remarkable journey of resilience and determination through baseball, military service, and recovery from Tommy John surgery.
• Son of a minor league baseball player who reached AAA level and briefly made the majors
• Chose West Point for its prestigious education and post-graduation opportu...
Erin Whitehead, a brain health expert and CEO of Ambitious AF, shares her journey from surviving a traumatic car accident to coaching Navy SEALs on mastering attention through neurobiology.
• Survived a car crash in 2007 where another driver attempted suicide, leaving Erin with a traumatic brain injury
• Made a spiritual promise after her near-death experience that took a decade to fulfill
• Left...
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