Bear Handlon spent seven and a half years in the SEAL Teams before founding Born Primitive in his garage. Today it’s a global brand built on American values and service. In this episode, Bear joins Ryan “Birdman” Parrott to talk about faith, leadership, and how he turned a side hustle into a mission for veterans everywhere.
We discuss the Veterans Day campaign where Born Primitive and Black Rifle Coffee pledge all profits to erase veteran medical debt—an effort that has already forgiven over $11 million in bills for 5,800 veterans.
Topics include:
– Bootstrapping and brand building after service
– Creating a business with values and impact
– Charity, leadership, and faith
– Lessons from the SEAL Teams applied to life and business
Guest: Bear Handlon (@bearhandlon | @bornprimitive | bornprimitive.com)
Host: Ryan “Birdman” Parrott (@frogmanfridayshow)
Connect with Ryan “Birdman” Parrott:
Instagram.com/frogmanfridayshow | Facebook.com/frogmanfridayshow | Threads.com/frogmanfridayshow | x.com/FrogFridayShow
Sponsored by Transcend: Optimize your health with the best peptide and hormone therapy. Visit transcendcompany.com/birdman
to get started.
Listen, follow, and share for more authentic conversations with America’s elite operators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.
Nate Brown served six years as a Navy SEAL before becoming a firefighter, paramedic, and founder of The Coming Home Project—a nonprofit helping veterans and first responders heal through plant-based and psychedelic therapy.
In this conversation with Ryan “Birdman” Parrott, Nate opens up about his painful transition out of the teams, his journey through trauma, and the life-changing experience that inspired him to help others reconnect with themselves.
They talk about:
Visit thecominghomeproject.org
to donate, get involved, or apply for a program.
EP 108 – Frogman Friday Show with Ryan “Birdman” Parrott features Deny Caballero: retired Green Beret Warrant Officer, founder of Security Halt Media, and a voice for resilience after service.
Deny opens up about:
This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about life after Special Forces—and how Deny found a new mission in content, community, and being a present husband and father.
👉 Learn more: securityhalt.com
👉 Follow Deny: @danny_tanner_jr
| @security_halt_media
In this powerful episode of Frogman Friday, Anthony Dyer—better known as Uncle Tito—shares his 21-year journey as a U.S. Air Force Tech Sergeant in the 16th Special Operations Squadron. From the skies of Afghanistan to the struggles of transition, Anthony tells the story behind his service, his darkest battles, and how he fought to reclaim purpose.
We cover:
• Life as an AC-130 gunship aerial gunner
• Providing close air support to special operations on the ground
• Losing identity after service and battling alcohol
• Writing Moon Child to heal—and to help others
• Why storytelling matters for the next generation of veterans
• Family, faith, and building a future beyond the uniform
Anthony’s book, “Moon Child: The Roots and Wings of a U.S. Air Force Combat Special Missions Aviator”, is available on Amazon and traitmarkermedia.com.
🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear the truth behind sacrifice, survival, and resilience.
Follow Ryan “Birdman” Parrott: Instagram.com/frogmanfridayshow | Facebook.com/frogmanfridayshow | Threads.com/frogmanfridayshow | x.com/FrogFridayShow
Brought to you by Transcend – Optimize your health with peptide and hormone therapy at transcendcompany.com/birdman.
In this episode of Frogman Friday, Ryan “Birdman” Parrott sits down with Anthony “Staz” Stazicker, British SBS veteran, co-founder of ThruDark, and author of The Hard Road Will Take You Home.
Staz opens up about his 13-year career in the Royal Marines and SBS, the challenges of transition, and how he turned lessons from special operations into building one of the fastest-growing performance brands in the world. He also breaks down Mission Everest—the audacious expedition that saw him and his team summit and return from Mount Everest in under seven days—all while raising money for veteran and children’s charities.
From service to entrepreneurship, fatherhood to endurance, this is an inside look at what it means to “endeavor through adversity.”
Joey Nobody returns to Frogman Friday with raw, unfiltered stories from decades in the tattoo world. From his early days hustling in New York to becoming one of the most sought-after artists for military units and operators, Joey shares the chaos, danger, and creativity that shaped his life. In this episode, he and Ryan “Birdman” Parrott dive into the wild west of tattoo culture, SEAL community ink, iconic designs, and the healing power of art.
Follow Joey at Warpaint Actual on Facebook and Instagram or visit warpaintactual.com.
Connect with Ryan "Birdman" Parrott:
Instagram.com/frogmanfridayshow
Facebook.com/frogmanfridayshow
Threads.com/frogmanfridayshow
x.com/FrogFridayShow
Sponsored by Transcend: Optimize your health with the best peptide and hormone therapy. Visit transcendcompany.com/birdman to start your wellness transformation.
This week on Frogman Friday, Ryan “Birdman” Parrott talks with Joey Nobody, the legendary tattoo artist whose work has become part of Navy SEAL culture. From his upbringing in New York and early days in the underground tattoo world to becoming the go-to artist for special operations warriors, Joey’s story is one of grit, creativity, and community.
He shares how art led him into tattooing, how he helped design platoon and squadron emblems, his friendships with operators and celebrities like Tom Hardy, and his commitment to honoring fallen heroes through Warpaint Actual. Joey’s craft has gone far beyond ink—it’s become part of military history.
Connect with Joey Nobody at warpaintactual.com
and Cleveland Street Tattoo in Virginia Beach.
Follow Frogman Friday
Instagram: @frogmanfridayshow
Facebook: facebook.com/frogmanfridayshow
Threads: threads.com/frogmanfridayshow
X: x.com/FrogFridayShow
Sponsored by Transcend
Optimize your health with Transcend peptides and hormone therapy at transcendcompany.com/birdman
Ryan “Birdman” Parrott welcomes Holland Romero, retired Navy SEAL Senior Chief with 24 years of service. Holland reveals how he first discovered the SEAL Teams, what it took to survive BUD/S, and the lessons he carried from the Teams into civilian life.
He explains the founding of Legacy Forge Mindset, a mentorship and leadership company designed to help executives, athletes, and organizations build resilience, sharpen decision-making under pressure, and create lasting cultural change. Holland also opens up about faith, family, and why servant leadership defines true success.
Available on iTunes, Spotify, and iHeart.
Connect with Holland Romero: LFmindset.com | Instagram: @Hman211 | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/holland-romero211
Connect with Ryan "Birdman" Parrott: Instagram.com/frogmanfridayshow | Facebook.com/frogmanfridayshow | Threads.com/frogmanfridayshow | x.com/FrogFridayShow
Sponsored by Transcend: Optimize your health with the best peptide and hormone therapy. Visit transcendcompany.com/birdman to begin your wellness transformation today.
In this landmark 102nd episode of Frogman Friday, Ryan “Birdman” Parrott sits down with SEAC David Isom, the senior enlisted advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the highest-ranking enlisted service member in the U.S. Armed Forces.
From his beginnings as a surfer in North Carolina to becoming a Navy SEAL and ultimately serving as SEAC, David Isom shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, resilience, and the importance of service. Together, they dive into:
His journey from the fleet Navy to BUD/S and the SEAL Teams
The rescue of Jessica Lynch and the power of joint operations
The role of SEAC and why it matters for today’s force
Challenges facing enlisted service members and families
Lessons on finding your “why” and building a culture of purpose
This episode is more than a military story—it’s about leadership, sacrifice, and service that inspires across every walk of life.
Connect with Ryan "Birdman" Parrott:
Instagram.com/frogmanfridayshow
Facebook.com/frogmanfridayshow
Threads.com/frogmanfridayshow
x.com/FrogFridayShow
Follow SEAC David Isom & The Joint Staff:
Facebook.com/SEAC.JCS | Instagram.com/official_seac | LinkedIn.com/in/office-of-the-seac
Facebook.com/TheJointStaff | Instagram.com/thejointstaff | LinkedIn.com/company/thejointstaff | Twitter.com/thejointstaff | YouTube.com/thejointstaff
Sponsored by Transcend: Optimize your health with the best peptide and hormone therapy. Transcend puts your health first so you can live more and worry less. Visit transcendcompany.com/birdman to begin your wellness transformation today.
Don’t Miss Out: Like, share, and subscribe to Frogman Friday so you never miss an episode featuring extraordinary individuals making a difference in the Special Operations community.
Available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart.
Ryan “Birdman” Parrott welcomes Hector Delgado, a Navy SEAL with 29 years of combined enlisted and officer service, active duty and reserve. Hector retired as a Lieutenant Commander and Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations. He’s the founder of Trident Warfare, creating custom apparel for military units, veterans, and first responders, with proceeds supporting veteran nonprofits.
Now Director of Development for the Navy SEAL Museum, Hector is dedicated to preserving SEAL history, honoring the fallen, and connecting charities to better serve the SOF community. Hear his stories from SEAL Teams 2, 4, and 18, missions in Ramadi, Iraq, and South America, and his vision for empowering veterans through collaboration.
Visit TridentWarfare.com (code: honorvets) and NavySEALMuseum.org to learn more.
Connect with Hector Delgado:
Instagram.com/tridentwarfare
Facebook.com/frogmansretreat
x.com/tridentwar
Linkedin.com/in/hector-delgado
Connect with Ryan "Birdman" Parrott:
Instagram.com/frogmanfridayshow
Facebook.com/frogmanfridayshow
Threads.com/frogmanfridayshow
x.com/FrogFridayShow
Sponsored by Transcend: Optimize your health with the best peptide and hormone therapy. Transcend puts your health first so you can live more and worry less. Visit transcendcompany.com/birdman to begin your wellness transformation today.
Don't Miss Out: If you found this episode insightful, please like, share, and subscribe to the Frogman Friday show. Hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode featuring extraordinary individuals making a difference in the Special Operations community, including Navy SEALs.
Episode 100 brings it back to where it all started!
Jason Torey is a retired Navy SEAL Master Chief, co-founder of QLAD, and the man who gave Ryan Parrott the nickname “Birdman” after an IED blast in Iraq. He has been a leader, mentor, and force for mission clarity from the battlefield to the boardroom.
In this episode, Jason shares what he learned from 26 years in the Teams and how he carried that into the world of tech and cybersecurity. He breaks down how QLAD is securing data while it is being used, not just in transit or at rest. The conversation digs into foreign supply chain threats, national defense, leadership without ego, and how to build something that actually protects what matters.
Jason also reflects on his father’s legacy as a Vietnam combat veteran and the quiet strength that shaped his life.
Learn more: www.qlad.com
Jason Torey on Instagram: @toreyjason
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasontorey
QLAD on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/qlad
QLAD on X: _QLAD_
Connect with Birdman:
Facebook.com/frogmanfridayshow
Threads.com/frogmanfridayshow
x.com/FrogFridayShow
Instagram: @frogmanfridayshow
Sponsored by Transcend: transcendcompany.com/birdman
Sponsored by Transcend: Optimize your health with the best peptide and hormone therapy. Transcend puts your health first so you can live more and worry less. Visit transcendcompany.com/birdman to begin your wellness transformation today.
Don't Miss Out: If you found this episode insightful, please like, share, and subscribe to the Frogman Friday show. Hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode featuring extraordinary individuals making a difference in the Special Operations community, including Navy SEALs.
Nick Norris is a former Navy SEAL Officer who served 10 years active, four years reserve. In this episode, he joins Ryan “Birdman” Parrott to talk about surviving combat, stepping into entrepreneurship, and how psychedelic-assisted therapy changed his life. Nick opens up about grief, discipline, and love—and how these forces shape his work with veterans and his company, RANGE SD.
Together, they dig into spiritual transformation, doing hard things, honoring fallen teammates, and why being a better dad is the most important mission he’s ever accepted.
Follow Nick on Instagram: @nick_norris1981Learn more at: rangesd.com
Connect with Ryan "Birdman" Parrott:Instagram: @frogmanfridayshowFacebook: facebook.com/frogmanfridayshowThreads: threads.com/frogmanfridayshowX: x.com/FrogFridayShow
Sponsored by Transcend
Optimize your health with world-class peptide and hormone therapy. Visit transcendcompany.com/birdman to begin your transformation.
Alex Rogers served 12 years as a Navy SEAL. He deployed with Team 3, ran training command in Virginia Beach, and helped build up the next generation of warriors. After service, he launched Look for Work—a custom fightwear company rooted in the same discipline he brought to the Teams.
In this episode, AROG shares how jiu-jitsu helped him stay grounded, how entrepreneurship kept him sharp, and why his father and grandfathers remain his biggest influences. He unpacks the process of building his company from a spare room to outfitting gyms and fighters across the country. From first sales to super fights, every lesson came from showing up, staying humble, and putting in the work.
Visit: https://lfwcc.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lfwclothingco
Personal IG: https://instagram.com/arog14
Facebook: https://mobile.facebook.com/alex.rogers.959298/
Connect with host Ryan “Birdman” Parrott:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/frogmanfridayshow
Facebook: https://facebook.com/frogmanfridayshow
Threads: https://threads.net/@frogmanfridayshow
X: https://x.com/FrogFridayShow
Sponsored by Transcend. Start your health journey at https://transcendcompany.com/birdman
Like, share, and follow Frogman Friday for more conversations with warriors, leaders, and builders.
Kierre Smith spent 12 years as a Navy SWCC—Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman—operating fast boats and heavy weapons in special operations. But after years of service and sacrifice, the hardest mission came post-transition. In this episode, Kierre shares his powerful story of faith, family, and forging a new purpose through NBD Motorsports, a veteran-owned suspension and automotive shop based in Virginia Beach.
From surviving a childhood drowning to finding Christ, from working on 64 Impalas to lifting RVs by hand, Kierre proves that grit, faith, and integrity still matter. He opens up about founding NBD Motorsports in 2017, why he believes customer education matters, and how his business brings honesty back to vehicle service.
Website: https://nbdmotorsports.com
Instagram (Business): https://www.instagram.com/nbdmotorsports
Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/westcoast_K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NBDVB
Veteran-owned. Faith-driven. Family-first.
Connect with Ryan "Birdman" Parrott:
Instagram.com/frogmanfridayshow
Facebook.com/frogmanfridayshow
Threads.com/frogmanfridayshow
x.com/FrogFridayShow
Sponsored by Transcend: Optimize your health with the best peptide and hormone therapy. Transcend puts your health first so you can live more and worry less. Visit transcendcompany.com/birdman to begin your wellness transformation today.
Don't Miss Out: If you found this episode insightful, please like, share, and subscribe to the Frogman Friday show. Hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode featuring extraordinary individuals making a difference in the Special Operations community, including Navy SEALs.
In this powerful episode of Frogman Friday, Ryan “Birdman” Parrott sits down with retired Navy SEAL Dave Swarts to explore his transformative journey from 20 years of service to building a new mission around community, cooking, and firearms training.
Dave opens up about his difficult transition from the SEAL Teams, including the emotional toll of post-service life, family challenges, and legal uncertainty. But through the storm, he forged three impactful ventures:
✅ Trident Table Foundation – a nonprofit using food and fellowship to strengthen veteran and Gold Star families
✅ Dirty Frogs – his hilarious and heartfelt seasoning and catering brand
✅ Red Watch – tactical firearms training run by elite operators for civilians, law enforcement, and military
🔥 Whether you're a vet, civilian, first responder, or just love food, this episode is a must-listen for those seeking purpose, protection, and real-world healing.
Tyler Grey joins Ryan “Birdman” Parrott for a powerful discussion about military service, trauma, and finding purpose beyond the uniform. Tyler shares his experience as a Special Operations veteran, actor, and author of Forged in Chaos: A Warrior’s Origin Story. He opens up about his childhood struggles, the identity crisis many veterans face, and his unique theory of LTSD—Lack of Traumatic Stress Disorder.
This conversation tackles deep topics including addiction, emotional healing, and self-worth, offering a fresh perspective on what’s often misunderstood in the veteran and first responder communities. Tyler also shares the personal story behind his book, his acting career, and the importance of quiet—not silent—professionalism.
A must-listen for anyone navigating trauma, identity, or major life transitions.
Connect with Tyler Grey:
Instagram.com/tyleragrey
Linkedin.com/in/tyleragrey/
facebook.com/forgedinchaosbook
www.TylerAGrey.com
Connect with Ryan "Birdman" Parrott:
Instagram.com/frogmanfridayshow
Facebook.com/frogmanfridayshow
Threads.com/frogmanfridayshow
x.com/FrogFridayShow
Sponsored by Transcend: Optimize your health with the best peptide and hormone therapy. Transcend puts your health first so you can live more and worry less. Visit transcendcompany.com/birdman to begin your wellness transformation today.
Don't Miss Out: If you found this episode insightful, please like, share, and subscribe to the Frogman Friday show. Hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode featuring extraordinary individuals making a difference in the Special Operations community, including Navy SEALs.
Anthony Rivera, Navy SEAL turned entrepreneur, sits down with Ryan “Birdman” Parrott to talk about what really happens when the uniform comes off. He built Vetavise after battling the VA system himself and now helps other veterans navigate their own journey.
This episode covers the daily grind of transition, the power of direct communication, and how faith, family, and therapy can keep veterans grounded and growing. Anthony doesn’t hold back. The conversation is focused, real, and packed with value.
Key Themes:
Veteran transition, VA support, Vetavise tools, mental clarity, family after service, accountability, veteran entrepreneurship
Connect with Anthony Rivera / Vetavise:
www.vetavise.com
linkedin.com/company/vetavise
youtube.com/@Vetavise
x.com/Vetavise
Connect with Ryan "Birdman" Parrott:
instagram.com/frogmanfridayshow
facebook.com/frogmanfridayshow
threads.com/frogmanfridayshow
x.com/FrogFridayShow
Sponsored by Transcend
Start your wellness journey with top-tier peptide and hormone therapy. Go to transcendcompany.com/birdman and take control of your health.
Don’t Miss Out
Follow and share the Frogman Friday Show. Each episode delivers purpose-driven stories from the Special Operations world and beyond.
In this episode, Ryan “Birdman” Parrott sits down with Mike Toussaint, retired Senior Chief Petty Officer and founder of Setpoint K9 Training. Mike opens up about his transition from military service to civilian life and the mission behind his dog training company.
They dive into the critical role dogs play in law enforcement and tactical operations, the intense training required for both handlers and canines, and the legacy of Mike’s heroic dog, Remco. From battlefield experience to building a successful business, Mike shares powerful lessons on leadership, trust, and the future of tactical canine programs.
Chapters
00:00 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
04:15 The Journey of Set Point Canine Training
09:17 Training Dogs for Tactical Operations
11:52 Integrating Dogs into Law Enforcement Teams
15:57 Selecting the Right Dog Handler
21:21 The Story of Remco and the Importance of Canine Partners
27:55 Preparing for the Unexpected
29:09 The Importance of Training and Muscle Memory
31:26 Building a Strong Dog Handler Partnership
32:29 The Commitment of Protection Dog Ownership
34:23 Understanding the Responsibilities of Protection Dogs
36:01 Future Goals for Set Point K9
37:59 The Vision for a Training Facility
40:13 The Need for Tactical Training in Law Enforcement
41:55 The Role of Dogs in Law Enforcement
43:52 Heroes and Their Stories
Connect with Mike Toussaint:
Instagram.com/setpointk9
facebook.com/Setpointk9
www.Setpointk9.com
Connect with Ryan "Birdman" Parrott:
Instagram.com/frogmanfridayshow
Facebook.com/frogmanfridayshow
Threads.com/frogmanfridayshow
x.com/FrogFridayShow
Sponsored by Transcend: Optimize your health with the best peptide and hormone therapy. Transcend puts your health first so you can live more and worry less. Visit transcendcompany.com/birdman to begin your wellness transformation today.
Don't Miss Out: If you found this episode insightful, please like, share, and subscribe to the Frogman Friday show. Hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode featuring extraordinary individuals making a difference in the Special Operations community, including Navy SEALs.
Former Green Beret and current firefighter Zack Garner joins Ryan "Birdman" Parrott to talk about “Ride the Divide 2025,” a 2,600-mile unsupported cycling journey from Canada to Mexico. From surviving 40 surgeries and a near-death infection to becoming a voice for veterans' recovery, Zack opens up about rediscovering purpose after service. Learn how he’s raising funds and awareness for Task Force Dagger and Bird's Eye View Project, two nonprofits changing lives in the Special Operations and First Responder communities.
🔥 Topics covered: overcoming injury, rediscovering mission, the power of endurance sports, veteran support, and how you can follow Zack’s live tracker and support his cause.
🎯 Donate to support the mission: https://giving.classy.org/campaign/601310/donate
🔗 Follow Task Force Dagger:
Instagram: @taskforcedaggerfoundation
Facebook: Task Force Dagger Foundation
Website: https://www.taskforcedagger.org
The Human Performance Challenge
KICKING OFF JUNE 1ST
This is your moment to move the mission forward. The Human Performance Challenge was created to bridge the funding gap for Human Performance Project 7X — and we’re just $90,000 away from unleashing three years of work to the public. We’re talking about simple, actionable tools to take your health into your own hands — one day at a time.
The Rules
You must complete the workout:
Max Lunges (2 min)
Max Push-ups (2 min)
Max Squats (2 min)
2-mile run – best effort
Snap a post-workout selfie, post to social, and tag:
@birdseyeviewproject
#HumanPerformanceChallenge
Donate $10 to Birds Eye View Project to support Veterans and First Responder
https://birdseyeviewproject.givingfuel.com/human-performance-challenge
Call out a friend — and the cycle continues.
Each challenger has 24 hours to complete the mission and hand off their coin.
