Nic McKinley is an entrepreneur, former military special operator, and ex-CIA operative who founded and led two multimillion-dollar tech companies. A pioneer in building technical solutions to protect society from predators, Nic is passionate about solving society's most pressing issues through cost-effective technical solutions. Nic grew up in Montana but left to join US military special operations as a US Air Force Pararescueman. After more than a decade in Pararescue, Nic worked in private intelligence start-ups before being recruited into a specialized unit at the Central Intelligence Agency that provided unique capabilities and expertise in response to the critical operational needs of the Intelligence Community. With 30 combat deployments under his belt in both Special Operations and the CIA, Nic experienced the power of technology during the Global War on Terror and set out to use his skills and training with that experience to combat modern slavery. In 2014, Nic founded DeliverFund, the only donor-funded solution to human trafficking that delivers proprietary data and technology to law enforcement, allowing them to take down human traffickers effectively. Along with DeliverFund, Nic founded a venture capital-backed software company and has a technology leadership consulting practice. Despite being dubbed "The Real Jack Ryan" by VICE Media, Nic's most important role is as a husband and father leading his family in a life of service and adventure in Montana. When he is not in his office, Nic can be found on a lake, on the ski slopes, camping, climbing vertical rock or ice in the mountains, with his nose in a book learning something new, or spending downtime with his extraordinary wife. Nic holds multiple degrees, one of which is a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Harvard University. The Noah Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KP8h2RchhM Safeguard App: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6448926293?pt=125436411&ct=ClearedHot&mt=8 Montana Knife Company: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/ LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/?

Have we arrived at a time when ISIS is now in our country?

Will the terrorist attack and murder in New Orleans be a one-off or the new normal?

What can people who are concerned about future attacks do?

It's time to take a hard look in the mirror, accept the reality of our situation, and then act accordingly.

Today's show sponsors:

Pique LIfe:

Get 20% off + a FREE rechargeable frother and glass beaker with your first purchase with my link:

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Timeline:

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Robbie Kroger is the founder of Blood Origins.

Born and raised in South Africa and now calling the United States home, Robbie has dedicated his life to shedding light on the real “why” behind hunting. Far from the stereotypes and controversies that often cloud the topic, Robbie’s mission is to show that hunting isn’t just about taking an animal’s life—it’s about giving back, building community, and connecting deeply with nature.

Drawing on his background as a scientist and conservationist, Robbie weaves personal stories and powerful insights that challenge the status quo. Hear firsthand how Blood Origins began—an initiative fueled by reverence for heritage and a desire to tell the untold stories of hunters, families, and communities worldwide. Robbie’s perspective will reframe your thoughts on hunting and its place in modern conservation, from protecting wildlife habitats to understanding the roots that run through generations.

This conversation transcends politics and touches on the heart of what it means to be human: our responsibility to each other, to the land, and to the legacy we leave behind. This is hunting as you’ve never heard it before—raw, real, and undeniably powerful. Strap in and get ready to have your assumptions challenged in the best way possible.

https://bloodorigins.org/

Thank you to everyone who has joined us for 2024. Micheal and I offer this last Friday episode of the year as our parting gift.

As usual, I have no idea where these are going and we covered everything from flat earth to whether or not cheese is the best snack to eat while contemplating your place in the known universe. Enjoy, see you all next year!!

Nick Palmisciano is a United States Military Academy graduate of West Point and Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business MBA Program. He served six years as an infantry officer before moving into the business world, creating the successful marketing firm Diesel Jack Media, and Ranger Up, which grew to prominence as the first military lifestyle brand. He is the co-author of Tim Kennedy's Book - Scars and Stripes, and the creator of the new series Office Joe. Austin Von Letkemann, known as “MandatoryFunDay,” 1st Lt. is currently a platoon leader assigned to Alpha Company, 303rd Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion, 504th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade. Von Letkemann creatively uses his free time to make parody videos that apprise the humor of day-to-day military operations, while simultaneously connecting civilians to the everyday life of a service member. Watch Office Joe Here:

https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Office-Joe/0Q7Q14CQ5IGEU91Z3M4OU6Z7B2

We have arrived at our final Q and A for the year. Here are the 3 questions I tackled for today:

1. A recent college graduate struggling in a difficult job while supporting a loved one seeks advice on staying focused and laying the groundwork to start a business.

2. A father of four, soon to welcome his fifth child, grapples with the decision to move for his children's needs while trying to preserve his teenage daughter's trust and happiness.

3. A young man asks for help mending his fractured relationship with his brother and navigating the tension between his dream of military service and his parent's expectations.

Enjoy

Shane Claytor was a Navy Corpsman and an Iraq War Veteran. After the military, he dedicated his life to being an ICU nurse, working off and on for the VA for 8 years, including during COVID-19. While working for the VA, he was "disciplined" for speaking out when the COVID-19 pandemic began. He has worked as a travel nurse at 6 different hospitals, interfacing with various hospital operational systems. Shane is passionate about getting the word out to change the VA healthcare system. He is now working as a business consultant and developing an app to help families and loved ones make decisions during the hospitalization process and end-of-life decision making.

Normally scheduled Friday Q and A for today: 1. A third-generation California mason asks for wisdom on raising exceptional humans in an ever-changing world, balancing freedom, discipline, and moral grounding for his 3-year-old son. 2. A military service member seeks advice on self-defense, family protection, and the first steps into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to combat bullies and cultivate confidence beyond a professional use-of-force course. 3. A 19-year-old South African, navigating a new life in the U.S., struggles with toxic friendships and loyalty. He questions how to set boundaries while preserving his values and finding a balance between putting others first and prioritizing personal growth. Enjoy