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Liberty Risk is where real conversation meets real impact.
Each week, we sit down with veterans, operators, entrepreneurs, and everyday legends to talk about the moments that shape a life - the victories, the failures, and the lessons that come from living all-in.
Our listeners come for authenticity and stay for the connection. They’re here for stories that challenge, inspire, and remind them what it means to take risks and live with purpose.
Liberty Risk is more than a podcast. It’s a crew of people who share values of grit, freedom, and curiosity. They show up every week, share what they hear, and carry the spirit of these conversations into their own lives.
Pull up a chair and join the conversation - this is where the good stories live.
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NEW EPISODES EVERY FRIDAY
Ep. 82 | Cody Hightower from "Platoon Daddy" - Part 1
Cody Hightower, better known by his Instagram page Platoon Daddy, joins the Liberty Risk boys for Part 1 of a two-part episode covering his wild 20-year career in the U.S. Army, and the journey of what's next.
From dropping out of college, partying his ass off, and working construction to enlisting in the infantry at the height of the Global War on Terror, Cody takes us through two decades of combat deployments, personal growth, life-changing experiences, and plenty of military shenanigans.
We get into the comic mix of humor, frustration, commaraderie and danger that is Army life at Fort Benning, deploying to Iraq with a Stryker brigade, getting blown up three times, and surviving the frozen wasteland of Alaska. Along the way, Cody shares stories about getting jumped outside a bar, being stranded at a stripper's house in subzero temperatures, and a fellow soldier who ended up involved in a bizarre murder case.
Things only get crazier as we get into airborne operations in Australia, partying with Australian Commandos, getting kicked out of a training exercise at Fort Irwin, and the absolute nightmare of Army recruiting duty. Cody also shares an incredible encounter with Medal of Honor recipient Sammy L. Davis, the real-life inspiration behind Forrest Gump.
From the infantry to the 82nd Airborne, it's a wild ride through 20 years of military service, combat, brotherhood, personal transformation, and the experiences & conversations that shape who we become. Of course, there's no shortage of laughs, dark humor, and the kind of stories you can only get from guys who've lived it.
This is Part 1. Stay tuned for Part 2 on Monday, where we get into life after the Army, building the Platoon Daddy brand, mental health, and psychedelic treatments including ibogaine and ayahuasca.
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MEET YOUR LIBERTY RISK HOSTS
Ryan Williams
MEET RYAN
Ryan Williams spent 10 years in the SEAL Teams, then 8 as a civilian Instructor in the SEAL training pipeline (SQT).
During that time Ryan started his journey into entrepreneurship, launching his first clothing brand in 2007. Over the last 18 years, Ryan has worked behind the scenes with hundreds of brands & businesses.
Currently his companies, Industry Threadworks, and Archive 3PL, produce and fulfill apparel for a variety of brands.
Kevin Kent
MEET KEVIN
Chief Special Warfare Operator Kevin Kent (BUD/S Class 200) spent 21 years in the SEAL Teams, mostly with Team 5, completing 9 combat deployments across war zones while racking up a medal haul that’d make a North Korean general jealous - though he somehow dodged the Good Conduct Medal (red stripes say it all).
After retiring, Kevin pivoted to Hollywood as an actor, stuntman, weapons trainer, and military advisor on productions like Fast X, Netflix’s Obliterated, and Jack Ryan.
He founded K-Squared Productions, directed award-winning short films, and runs high-risk executive protection gigs when he's not behind a camera. Based in San Diego, he’s a proud husband of 22 years and father to three grown kids - still thriving in the chaos, just with better lighting.
Nick Betts
MEET NICK
With 47 months in combat as a sniper and a degree from the Los Angeles Film School, he bridges the worlds of warfare and storytelling.
His career spans global operations with the CIA, State Department, and DoD, followed by over 15 years in marketing and creative leadership.
From helicopters to film sets, he's built a reputation on precision, adaptability, and a relentless drive to get the shot - whether behind a rifle or a camera.