Tango Alpha Lima Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

"I felt like a waste of life, getting on a boat with my best friends." That realization on a deep sea fishing trip led Eric Tansey from a surfer lifestyle straight into the Army where he became a paratrooper. But his story doesn't end there.

After serving his country, Tansey became a police officer in one of Raleigh’s toughest districts, turned his craziest police stories into a published book, Pig Latin; appeared in “Office Joe,” a comedy series about veteran office life; and now does the “Failure to Stop” podcast and stand-up comedy.

This episode is equal parts inspiring, hilarious and proof that the most unexpected paths can lead to the most interesting lives.

Other topics in this Tango Alpha Lima episode include Veterans Day themes like sharing your military story and supporting veteran-owned businesses.

Veterans Day Deals & Discounts

Office Joe

Learn more about the Army/Navy Game

Eric Tansey author page

Failure to Stop podcast

Pig Latin: A Seriously Funny True Story of a Former Police Officer

Join the USA250 Challenge

Reddit Rabbit Hole: Veterans Stories

Veteran Owned Businesses

VA VETBIZ

PBS After Action

Military veterans and military family members are guiding the concept and design for the memorial that will honor and remember all involved in the Global War on Terrorism.

The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial Foundation is welcoming input into the design of the memorial from service members, GWOT veterans, their families, Gold Star Families, and others.

This is the final episode in “Welcome Home,” the initial six-part special podcast series produced by The American Legion. It focuses on the GWOT memorial in Washington, D.C., that will serve as a special place of honor and remembrance. Check back in the spring of 2026 for the next installment.

Former Army 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper Doug Evans has landed on a niche for affordable health and wellness.

After losing both parents and witnessing his aunt's double amputation due to preventable disease, Evans had his "come to cucumber moment" and transformed his life through nutrition.

Now the founder and CEO of The Sprouting Company and bestselling author of The Sprout Book, Evans reveals how anyone can grow the most nutrient-dense food on the planet right in their kitchen — for under a dollar per serving.

Learn how sprouting works, why sprouts are up to 100 times more nutrient-dense than regular vegetables, and how this ancient practice is helping modern families eat fresh, healthy food without soil, sunshine, or fertilizer. 

Other topics in this episode include the Army-Navy Game, PBS “After Action,” the Department of Defense or Department of War, and more.

The American Legion and the Army Navy Game

The Sprouting Company

The Sprout Book

After Action on PBS

After Action Website

History of the Department of War

Legion Rider writes song about ALR

Ride with the Wind by Dick Cole

ASK US ANYTHING
We answer questions about eligibilty for membership

THE INTERVIEW
Our guest is Brad Hibbard, Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and America’s VetDogs Chief Strategy Officer. Brad works with a dedicated group of Assistance Dog Instructors who provide Guide Dogs and Service dogs for civilians, first responders and U.S. Military veterans throughout the United States and Canada.

Brad talks about what goes into selecting and training a service dog, discusses the difference between service dogs and emotional support dogs, ADA rules and more.

SCUTTLEBUTT
Legionnaires, veterans, receive Royal Caribbean treatment during on-board salute.
Making Arrangements: planning ahead for your funeral
Celebrity Veteran: Pop art icon Roy Lichtenstein

Special Guest: Brad Hibbard.

Links:

• Watch video of this episode on YouTube
• Join The American Legion
• 11 things you need to know about the LEGION Act | The American Legion
• Membership: Frequently Asked Questions | The American Legion
• Contact a Membership Liaison | The American Legion
• The American Legion and Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans for Legionnaires | Wellcare
• Service Dogs for Veterans Charity in NY - America's VetDogs
• Prison Puppy Program - America's VetDogs
• Service Dog Application
• Training Tuesday January 2024: Be The One - Empowering Veterans Through Service Animals on Vimeo
• Travel with a Service Dog - America's VetDogs
• America's VetDogs -Donate Now
• Be the One | The American Legion
• Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Honors Veterans | Legiontown U.S.A.
• Home - My HealtheVet - My HealtheVet
• Funeral FAQs
• What to Do Before a Veteran Dies | Brochures & Publications | The American Legion
• Who Was Roy Lichtenstein and Why Was He So Important?

A BRAVO ZULU to Fred Brock American Legion Post 828 in San Antonio, Texas for support of youth in their community.

THE INTERVIEW
After being severly injured while serving in Afghanistan in 2005, doctors gave Israel Del Toro a 20% chance of survival. Israel not only survived, but endured years of skin grafts, surgeries and brutal physical therapy and in 2010 became the first 100% disabled veteran to re-enlist in the Air Force.

Israel shares his incredible story of survivial and resilience, his role in the emergence of Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, the his experiences through adaptive sports

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For veterans and servicemembers facing food insecurity, there are resources available to help.
We share some resources, as well as celebrate Legion posts who are actively combating food insecurity.

Special Guest: Israel Del Toro.

Links:

• Watch video of this episode on YouTube
• Join The American Legion
• Fred Brock Post 828, H-E-B place New Shoes on Students during MLK Weekend | Legiontown U.S.A.
• The American Legion and Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans for Legionnaires | Wellcare
• Israel Del Toro, Jr. | "Stay Strong Finish Strong"
• Center for the Intrepid
• Operation Comfort
• USO Warrior and Family Centers · United Service Organizations
• Amazon.com: A Patriot's Promise: Protecting My Brothers, Fighting for My Life, and Keeping My Word: 9781250283740: Del Toro Jr., Senior Master Sergeant (Ret.) Israel "DT", Heyer, T. L.: Books
• A Patriot's Promise by Senior Master Sergeant (Ret.) Israel "DT" Del Toro Jr., T. L. Heyer - Audiobook - Audible.com
• Find a Service Officer
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Food and Nutrition Service
• Stronghold Food Pantry | Military Families
• Be the One | The American Legion

Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman has mastered the art of getting through tough times. His resilience has inspired thousands, and through his company, SOF Spoken, he has provided inspirational coaching to share his methods for leadership, teamwork and overcoming adversity for businesses, first responders, sports teams, and government organizations.

In this episode of the Be The One podcast, Jason talks about overcoming the military mindset of toughness to end the stigma of asking for mental health assistance, and the importance of seeking out the mulitple treatment options to find the best fit. He also talks about the importance of studying the effects and finding treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury.

Special Guest: Jason Redman.

Links:

• Watch video of this episode on YouTube
• Amazon.com: The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader: 9780062208316: Redman, Jason, Bruning, John: Books
• Sign on the Door Poster - Signed by Jason Redman - Get Off The X
• Overcome - Signed Hard Cover - Get Off The X
• Homepage | Concussion Legacy Foundation
• Amazon.com: Touching the Dragon: And Other Techniques for Surviving Life's Wars: 9780451494689: Hatch, James, D'Andrea, Christian: Books
• Why Psychedelics? | Stanford Psychedelic Science Group | Stanford Medicine
• Home - Jason Redman
• Saving lives of veterans, their families, and communities with the Columbia Protocol | The American Legion

_In this special series we celebrate Women's History Month and honor the service of women veterans and their contributions to American military history. _

In this final episode of our series, we honor Shoshana Johnson, the first Black woman POW in U.S. history. Her story is often overshadowed by media attention given to others, but her determination and resilience is inspirational.

We also recognize the contributions of other women who took advantage of ever-expanding roles for women in the modern military to carve out careers and rise to leadership positions.

COLD WAR
Rear Adm. Grace Hopper
Adm. Sandra L. Stosz
Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught
Maj. Gen. Jeanne M. Holm

GULF WAR
Col. Rhonda Cornum
Cmdr. Darlene Iskra
Col. Martha McSally
Sgt. Maj. Michele S. Jones
Vice Adm. Vivien Crea

GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM
Hon. Tammy Duckworth
Lt. Col. Nicole Malachowski
Capt. Kristen Griest
Maj. Gen. Tammy S. Smith
Adm. Michelle J. Howard
Lt. Gen. Nina M. Armagno

Links:

• Watch video of this episode on YouTube
• Join The American Legion
• Former Iraq War POW Shoshana Johnson living ‘good life’ - El Paso Matters
• American Veteran | POW Shoshana Johnson’s Story | PBS - YouTube
• Acknowledging Change | American Vet. Shoshana Johnson - YouTube
• Shoshana Johnson - Recipient -
• Shoshana Johnson - Wikipedia

ASK US ANYTHING: How to find an accredited American Legion Service Officer

THE INTERVIEW
During his 20-plus year career, retired Navy SEAL Commander, Rich Diviney helped SEALs perform faster, longer, and better, especially in high-stress environments. After he retired, he used some of the same tools to develop the Attributes Method and now works as a speaker, facilitator, and consultant, to train business, athletic, and military leaders.  Diviney shares how his 42 attributes can be used to improve individual and team performance.

THE SCUTTLEBUTT
DARPA deploying tech solution to solve military overseas voting headaches
Buckets and Pockets - Navy rolls out new Uniform Policy
How to name a helicopter

Special Guest: Rich Diviney.

Links:

• Watch video of this episode on YouTube
• Find a Service Officer
• The American Legion and Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans for Legionnaires | Wellcare
• Discover Your Attributes
• Buy the Book
• A new way to measure trust between leaders and team members
• Huberman Lab
• Troops aim to be made ‘first-class voters’ with new DARPA tech
• Finally, sailors can put hands in their pockets under policy update
• Why US Army Helicopters Are Named After Native Americans
• Be the One | The American Legion

_In this special series we celebrate Women's History Month and honor the service of women veterans and their contributions to American military history. _

In this episode, we honor U.S. Air Force Col. Allison Black for her historic role as the first female AC-130H Spectre navigator to open fire on enemy targets in combat. Dubbed the "Angel of Death," Black's story exemplifies the courage and resilience of women in the military – especially those in combat roles.

We also recognize the contributions of other women who emerged as trailblazers during the Cold War era, when policies began to change and women increasingly held administrative, technical and medical positions within the military.

KOREAN WAR
Anna May Hays
Eileen Collins
Capt. Della H. Raney
Col. Ruth A. Lucas

VIETNAM WAR
Mary Therese Klinker
Adm. Michelle J. Howard
Diane Carlson Evans
Maj. Gen. Marcelite J. Harris

Links:

• Watch video of this episode on YouTube
• Allison Black Biography
• Col. Allison Black announces retirement after 32 years in Air Force
• DVIDS - News - Welcome Col. Allison Black: 1st SOW change of command ceremony
• They called her 'The Angel of Death' | The American Legion — They called her 'The Angel of Death'
• The Taliban surrendered after hearing this female airman's voice (and getting hit with high explosives) | We Are The Mighty
• Hurlburt Field - Wikipedia

NEWS YOU CAN USE
VA extends access for toxic exposure

INTERVIEW
Dr. Laurie Marbas is an Air Force veteran and a double board-certified family medicine and lifestyle medicine physician, who has been utilizing food as medicine since 2012. She offers a science-based approach to living healthier and longer, which she calls a "wellness journey."

SCUTTLEBUTT
High on crack with a rocket launcher...what could go wrong?
2024 is "Year of the Warrior" in Texas
Deep dive into Reddit with Navy Seals (not SEALS)

Special Guest: Dr. Laurie Marbas.

Links:

• Watch video of this episode on YouTube
• VA secretary: Department taking several steps to deter claim sharks  | The American Legion
• (2) The American Legion's 2024 Commander's Call - YouTube
• The American Legion and Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans for Legionnaires | Wellcare
• Home | Dr. Marbas
• Amazon.com : the china study
• Home - American College of Lifestyle Medicine
• TIL the "6" in SEAL Team 6 was added to throw off the Russians during the Cold War. They wanted Russian intelligence to think five more teams of equal caliber were deployed. : r/todayilearned
• Marine Mammal Program - NIWC Pacific
• (2) The Day of the Dolphin (1973) Original Trailer [FHD] - YouTube
• Rocket launcher seized inside car at Red Roof Inn in Sutton
• Post 21 declares 2024 to be the Year of the Warrior! | Legiontown U.S.A.