Retired Master Sergeant Darrell Utt joins us to share the brutal realities and hard-earned wisdom from his time leading Green Berets through one of the deadliest rotations of the Iraq War. From the backwoods of West Virginia to the chaos of Baghdad, Darrell walks us through his path of service, sacrifice, and leadership—and how he turned those lessons into the book Grit to Glory. We also reflect on the tragic loss of a fellow veterans and the responsibility we all share to check in on our brothers and sisters-in-arms.

Resources & Links:

• 📘 Darrell Utt’s book Grit to Glory

• Green Beret Foundation

  Woody Williams Foundation

  We Fight Monsters

• 💼 Cadence Wealth Partners – Nick O’Kelly☕️Polestar Coffee

  MSG (ret.) Jarion Halbinsengibbs Award Citation

  SFC Lindsay Award Citation

  CPT Chaney Award Citation

  
  

• Guest Info – Darrell Utt:
  Master Sergeant (Ret.) Darrell Utt embodies a lifetime of excellence and extraordinary service. Raised in Huntington, West Virginia, he rose through the ranks to join the elite Green Berets, leading high-risk missions in some of the world’s most hostile environments. Known for his sharp tactical mind and calm, disciplined leadership, Darrell has inspired those around him through his humility, unity-focused leadership, and unwavering commitment to the mission. He continues to mentor the next generation of soldiers and Special Forces candidates, passing on hard-earned lessons rooted in courage, loyalty, duty, and selfless service. Among his many accolades are five Bronze Star Medals—including one with valor for heroism in Baghdad in 2006—as well as the Larry Thorne Award for best operational detachment in the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the Robert T. Frederick Award for military excellence. Darrell retired from the U.S. Army in January 2017 and now lives in Denton County, Texas, with his wife

  Standout Quotes:

  • “Courage is contagious. Calm breeds calm.”

  • “We’re here now. Let’s go kill these motherf***ers.”

  • “Even the strongest warriors carry scars.”

  • “Sometimes all someone needs is a reason to push one more day.”

  
  

We’re shifting the podcast to an every-other-week release schedule. Here’s why, and what you can expect going forward. Plus, we share a few quick previews of what’s coming—some powerful conversations are on the horizon.

We love doing this, and we’re in it for the long haul. If you want to support the show, the best way is to share your favorite episode with someone, leave a rating, and if you’ve got a minute—drop a written review. It helps more than you know.

Resources & Links:

• Cadence Wealth Partners – Nick O’Kelly: https://www.cadencewealthpartners.com/nickokelly

• Polestar Coffee: https://www.drinkpolestar.com

If you’re into this—and you’re a veteran, active duty service member, first responder, or just someone who likes honest conversations—check out our full-length episodes of Alone and Unafraid. You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts, and visit our site at aloneandunafraid.org.

TMFK! shares his deeply personal journey from burnout and suicidal ideation to beginning the healing and clarity through psychedelic therapy. After leaving a toxic work environment and sinking into a dark depression, he was introduced to Ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT—two powerful psychedelic compounds offered legally through The Mission Within, a veteran-focused retreat in Mexico.

This isn’t just another trip story. It’s a story of emotional excavation, spiritual awakening, and the release of generational trauma. TMFK! takes listeners through every step of the process—from his resistance and ego battles to profound realizations and encounters with what he believes to be God. Backed by a team of medical professionals and fellow veterans, this experience didn't just change him—it rebooted him.

This episode is a must-listen for veterans, first responders, and anyone feeling stuck in the trauma cycle. If traditional therapies haven't worked, this conversation could be your signal to try something different.

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