The Team House

Stephanie Rotolo joins us to talk about her path from Mortuary Affairs and MP work to joining the Cultural Support Team program and deploying to Afghanistan with Special Operations Forces. She breaks down CST selection, working with Afghan female tactical platoons, going out on missions with ODAs, and how those experiences shaped her later work in Civil Affairs across West Africa.
Find Stephanie here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-r-d-rotolo-1b01641a6?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name
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original airdate - 7/21/23

Frank retired from ATF in 2014 after 25 years of service, most of it as a Supervisory Special Agent focused on complex investigations and undercover operations. He personally infiltrated three outlaw motorcycle gangs and supported undercover operations targeting the Outlaws MC, Hells Angels MC, Pagans MC, Warlocks MC, and others while also serving in leadership roles across ATF, OCDETF, HIDTA, and the Undercover Branch in Washington, D.C. He later advised USSOCOM, DoD, DIA, and Special Operations Forces on signature reduction, cover, and law enforcement support for domestic training operations.

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We break down the latest Iran deal rumors, the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon, and whether any new agreement can realistically improve on the JCPOA. We also dig into broader U.S. foreign policy failures, the risks around Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, and the national security implications of Anthropic, AI export controls, and the emerging AI arms race.
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Taamir Ransome joins The Team House to discuss his path from the 82nd Airborne to EOD, the 75th Ranger Regiment, and eventually Delta Force, including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. He also opens up about getting blown up repeatedly, the toll of the job, writing Mind of a Soldier, and the brutal reality of transitioning out of the military after a career in special operations.
Grab Taamir's book "Mind of a Soldier: 34 Laws for the War After the War" here -- https://a.co/06Xoy11w
https://www.linkedin.com/in/taamir-ransome-b8442391
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Mike Yeagley joins me to break down how mobile devices, ad tech, commercial location data, and data brokers create major OPSEC risks for service members, case officers, and anyone working in national security. He explains how adversaries can buy or exploit pattern-of-life data, why privacy settings often don’t go far enough, and what the future of tradecraft looks like in an age of ubiquitous technical surveillance.
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Mick Mulroy and Jonathan Hackett break down the latest on the Iran war, including the stalled ceasefire talks, the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Israel and Hezbollah, sanctions, and whether the U.S. air campaign has created more strategic problems than it solved. They also dig into Israeli spying concerns, the ODNI shakeup after Tulsi Gabbard’s exit, and how Russia and Iran are using gaming platforms, crypto, cyber, AI, and new tech to reshape modern intelligence work.
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Former Army officer and CIA operations officer Delbert Roll joins us to discuss his path from Third Special Forces Group to the Agency, including joining CIA just before 9/11 and working counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan. He breaks down CIA training, running sources, building targeting packages against al-Qaeda, working with JSOC and indigenous forces, and the realities of protecting assets in the field.
The episode also covers covert action, counterintelligence, counter-WMD work, teaching at the Farm, CIA bureaucracy, writing after retirement, and the bizarre CIA gold bar scandal.
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In this in-depth interview, former Green Beret Mike Taylor shares his expert insights on the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East, focusing on Iran, Hezbollah, and U.S. strategies. We explore historical context, regime change tactics, and potential paths forward for peace and stability.
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The guys break down the still-unresolved Iran ceasefire talks, the Strait of Hormuz crisis, possible sanctions relief, and whether the U.S. is about to reward Tehran just to return to the status quo. They also dig into nuclear inspections, Iran’s hardliners, Israel’s push deeper into Lebanon, Hezbollah’s drone threat, and the political bind Trump now faces.
The episode also covers the CIA executive arrested with gold bars, cash, and luxury watches, plus the proposed NDAA language that could deepen U.S.-Israel military and technology integration.
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The guys break down the still-unresolved Iran ceasefire talks, the Strait of Hormuz crisis, possible sanctions relief, and whether the U.S. is about to reward Tehran just to return to the status quo. They also dig into nuclear inspections, Iran’s hardliners, Israel’s push deeper into Lebanon, Hezbollah’s drone threat, and the political bind Trump now faces.
The episode also covers the CIA executive arrested with gold bars, cash, and luxury watches, plus the proposed NDAA language that could deepen U.S.-Israel military and technology integration.
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Former British Foreign Office official Chris Merritt joins us to discuss his time as a diplomat in Iraq, Gaza, and Jerusalem, including Basra’s deteriorating security situation, Iranian-backed militias, Hamas, the Fatah split, and the realities of doing diplomacy in war zones. He also breaks down how those experiences shaped his later work as a trauma psychologist and spy novelist, including Committed and his new book Octagon.
Grab Chris' new book here:⬇️
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Chris' other books:⬇️
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Jack Murphy, Sean Naylor, and Zach Dorfman break down the hidden world of JSOC non-official cover operatives — the military’s version of deep-cover spies — and reveal how elite units conducted clandestine missions in places like Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Iran. The episode dives into secret front companies, undercover tradecraft, failed training exercises, and why modern surveillance and AI may be making human espionage obsolete.
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Find Zach Dorfman here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-dorfman-1a64608
https://x.com/zachsdorfman
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The guys break down the proposed Iran ceasefire extension, the Strait of Hormuz crisis, frozen assets, sanctions relief, and whether the war actually left the U.S. or the Iranian people better off. They also dig into Gulf security concerns, Israel and Hezbollah, the political backlash from Iran hawks, and what the conflict means for U.S. military posture in the Pacific.
The episode then shifts to Cuba, Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation, the future of ODNI, and Russia’s massive strike on Kyiv — including Ukraine’s air defense performance, Russian hypersonic weapons, and the lack of a strong U.S. respo...

Former CIA targeting officer Brittany Butler joins us to discuss her path from a small town in Georgia to the CIA, where she helped build target packages against extremist networks in Iraq and Afghanistan. She breaks down what targeting officers actually do, the realities of working with detainees and liaison partners, and how the fight evolved from AQI toward ISIS and Taliban senior leadership.
Brittany also talks about burnout, leaving the agency to focus on family, her work supporting Afghan women, and how those experiences shaped her spy novels The Syndicate Spy and The Patriot’s Daughter.
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Gary Linderer is the publisher of Behind the Lines, a magazine that specializes in US military special operations. He served in Vietnam with the LRPs of the 101st Airborne Division, earning two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star with V device (for valor), the Army Commendation Medal with V device, and two Purple Hearts.

Gary's books :
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gary-A.-Linderer/author/B001KHOOIG?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=5aa1b86d-83f3-4258-adc1-41fa9c021663

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In this episode, Dee and Marc Polymeropoulos analyze recent geopolitical events including the China Summit, Iran tensions, and the new US counterterrorism strategy. They explore the implications of diplomatic moves, military actions, and strategic failures, offering insights into current US foreign policy and military operations.
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World War II Pacific veteran Arthur Lewis joins us to look back on a remarkable life, from growing up in Brooklyn and training on classified Navy radar systems to serving aboard LSM-238 during the Iwo Jima campaign. He shares firsthand memories of the landing force, Japanese prisoners, ship damage, mine sweeping after the war, and the humanity he witnessed in the middle of combat.
Arthur also discusses his postwar life at UCLA, working on early airborne radar at Hughes Aircraft, becoming a lawyer, arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court, and reflecting on it all at 100 years old.
...

David Carmichael joins us to discuss his memoir Gray Man: A Life Lived Under the Radar, tracing his life from growing up in missionary communities across West Africa to surviving abusive boarding schools and eventually finding his way into the U.S. Army. He breaks down his path through 5th Special Forces Group, the old Q Course, Somalia, HUMINT work, Korea, and the mindset that shaped a career spent largely out of the spotlight.
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The guys break down the latest chaos in the Iran war, from the shaky “ceasefire” and Strait of Hormuz tanker stops to drone strikes, air defense gaps, and the global economic fallout. They also dig into the reported Israeli base in Iraq, covert action options, whether the U.S. goal is a non-nuclear Iran or regime change, and how China and Russia could exploit the crisis.
The episode also covers Ukraine’s growing edge against Russia, drone warfare lessons the West still needs to absorb, and Iran’s internet control through “white SIM cards” and regime-monitored access.
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Former Navy SEAL Joe Taverner joins us to discuss his career from joining the Navy before 9/11 to deployments in the Philippines, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the fight against ISIS. He breaks down hunting Abu Sayyaf in Zamboanga, working with Polish GROM in Baghdad, the Battle of Najaf, and the 2016 Battle of Tel Skuf where Charlie Keating was killed in action.
This episode also covers leadership after loss, how the SEAL Teams evolved during the GWOT, and Joe’s current work in directed energy weapons, laser defense, and counter-drone technology.
https://www.aureliussystems.com/
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Former NSA and CIA analyst Alma Katsu joins us to discuss her career in intelligence, from the analog era of NSA and early hacking programs to CIA work on social media, disinformation, and emerging technology. She also breaks down how real intelligence work differs from Hollywood spy fiction, and how her experiences shaped novels like Black Vault and her upcoming book on Havana Syndrome.
This episode also digs into Iraq War planning, the failure of Phase Four strategy, AI, propaganda, tech regulation, and the challenges women faced inside the intelligence community.
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This episode features a deep discussion on current geopolitical tensions, military strategies, and U.S. foreign policy, with insights from experts on Iran, NATO, and U.S. military operations. The conversation covers recent military actions, legislative challenges, and regional alliances, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of global security.
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Combat veteran Ryan O'Leary joins us to discuss his journey from the Army National Guard to fighting alongside Kurdish forces against ISIS in Iraq, working with Iranian Kurdish insurgent groups, and later experiencing the war in Ukraine firsthand. Ryan breaks down the realities of insurgency warfare, Kurdish resistance movements, and why modern conflicts are being transformed by drones, surveillance, and battlefield transparency.
This episode also dives into the future of warfare, the limits of regime change, corruption inside war zones, and what Western militaries still fail to understand about modern combat.

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original airdate 11/4/22

Chad McCoy served in the Air Force for over 22 years, 18 of which with the 24th STS. (24th Special Tactics Squadron). Chad has been on 17 deployments the majority of which with JSOC and earned the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. 

Check out Chad here:
Foxtrot3
http://Foxtrot3.com
LifeLine Rescue Tools 
https://lifelinerescuetools.com/
Firestorm Labs
https://www.launchfirestorm.com/

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00:00 — Start 
01:20 — Growing up in Hawaii and chasing the special operations dream
08:30 — Pararescue history: Korea, Vietn...

We break down the latest on the Iran conflict, the stalled diplomacy, and why the Strait of Hormuz has become Tehran’s most powerful bargaining chip. We dig into whether the U.S. or Israel would actually resume military operations, how Iran’s internal power struggle is shifting toward harder IRGC control, and what that means for any future nuclear deal.
This episode also covers the War Powers Act, covert action options, Hezbollah’s future in Lebanon, and why Washington may be heading toward a long and painful strategic stalemate.
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Former British intelligence officer Julian Fisher joins us to break down the real world of espionage, from MI6 tradecraft and denied-area operations to private intelligence work across Africa and conflict zones like Congo and Sierra Leone. He shares how intelligence officers build cover, recruit allies, and survive dangerous situations where a single decision can mean life or death.
Grab Julien's book here:
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https://julesfisher.com/
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/julian-fisher-67161920?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name
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original airdate 4/1/24
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Jeff Man is a respected Information Security expert, advisor, evangelist, and co-host on Paul’s Security Weekly and Tribe of Hackers. He is currently serving in a Consulting/Advisory role for Online Business Systems. Jeff had over 37 years of experience working in all aspects of computer, network, and information security, including cryptography, risk management, vulnerability analysis, compliance assessment, forensic analysis and penetration testing. He is a certified NSA Cryptanalyst and he previously held security research, management and product development roles with the National Security Agency...

This episode features a deep discussion on the current geopolitical tensions, focusing on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and US foreign policy strategies. Experts analyze military, diplomatic, and economic aspects, providing insights into potential outcomes and strategic considerations.
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MACV-SOG veteran Ed Wolcoff joins us to share firsthand stories from some of the most dangerous covert missions of the Vietnam War, operating deep behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia. He breaks down what it was really like leading recon teams under constant threat, from brutal ambushes and chaotic extractions to the realities of high-casualty operations.
This episode also digs into the hard lessons of SOG—what went wrong, what worked, and what modern warfare still gets wrong about special operations.

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This episode explores the future of warfare, focusing on drone technology, countermeasures, AI ethics, and innovative military strategies. Guests with special operations backgrounds discuss current challenges and solutions in modern combat, emphasizing rapid innovation and technological adaptation.
Lobo Institute:
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This episode covers the latest developments in Middle Eastern geopolitics, including Iran-US negotiations, the potential naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and the implications of recent military and diplomatic actions. Experts analyze the strategic, legal, and economic aspects of these complex issues, providing insights into future scenarios.

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Former CIA case officer Sean Wiswesser joins Jack Murphy to break down the hidden world of Russian espionage, from Cold War tradecraft and sleeper agents to sabotage operations unfolding across Europe today. Sean also shares stories from his own career handling Russian assets, offering a rare look at how intelligence work actually happens in denied areas.
This episode digs into why Russia still views the U.S. as its primary adversary, how corruption shapes the Kremlin’s security services, and what the West still gets wrong about Putin’s long-running shadow war.
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This episode features a dynamic discussion on the recent ceasefire in the Middle East, strategic communications, and the geopolitical implications of the conflict. Experts analyze the military, diplomatic, and information warfare aspects, providing insights into future developments. This episode features an in-depth discussion on military logistics, geopolitical strategies, and current international conflicts, with insights from military experts and analysts. We explore the realities of troop movements, ceasefire negotiations, and the implications of recent diplomatic developments.
00:00 Introduction and Context of the Ceasefire
02:42 The Dynamics of the Ceasefire and Regional Reactions
08:26 The Role of Key Players and Historical Context<...

This episode breaks down the dramatic rescue of a downed F-15 pilot inside Iran and what it reveals about modern warfare, intelligence, and risk. The panel digs into how the operation unfolded, the role of CIA and JSOC, and the bigger question—whether the U.S. has a real strategy as the conflict escalates. From tactical success to strategic uncertainty, this is a clear-eyed look at what comes next.
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Dan Meally shares his journey from a chaotic early career in the British Army to deploying in Iraq, where tactical successes often clashed with strategic failure. He later recounts fighting ISIS alongside Kurdish forces in Syria, offering a raw look at modern combat, unit culture, and the realities on the ground. The conversation also explores the long-term impact of war and the challenges of coming home.
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In this episode, Nick Trickett, an energy market expert, discusses the current geopolitical and economic impacts of the ongoing energy crisis, including oil, natural gas, and renewable energy trends, and their implications for global markets and US policy.
Find Nick here:
https://sictransitiongloria.substack.com/
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-trickett-54b41634
https://x.com/ntrickett16
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A fast-moving breakdown of the expanding war with Iran, including U.S. and Israeli strikes, the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, and what a possible ground operation could look like. The discussion covers whether tactical military success is translating into strategic gains, the risks of escalation, and the political and military decision-making driving the conflict.
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This episode features in-depth discussions with journalists Ed Darack and Ross Schneiderman on Operation Red Wings, exploring the mission's planning, execution, and the myths surrounding it. Gain insights into military decision-making, communication failures, and the importance of accurate reporting. This in-depth interview with Ed Darack and Ross Schneiderman unpacks the complexities, myths, and realities of Operation Red Wings, exploring the tactical details, misperceptions, and lessons learned from this pivotal military event.
Ed's website
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Politico article
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A deep dive into the escalating conflict with Iran, breaking down the military actions, economic fallout, and the growing risk of a wider regional war. The panel examines whether the U.S. has a coherent strategy—or if tactical success is masking a potential strategic failure. From oil markets to potential ground operations, this episode unpacks what happens next and why it matters.
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We sit down with Josh Bates to discuss his experience as a Marine infantry officer during the invasion of Iraq, from the initial push north to the chaos of Baghdad after the regime collapsed. He breaks down the realities of urban combat, leadership under pressure, and the breakdown of order that fueled the early insurgency. We also discuss how those experiences shaped his career and led to writing The Baghdad Shuffle.
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