TARGETED Podcast

What really happened during John Chapman’s final stand at Roberts Ridge? For more than two decades, the Battle of Roberts Ridge, Navy SEAL operations, and Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman’s heroic actions have been the subject of intense debate. In this episode of Targeted Podcast, host Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Atlas Aultman sits down with Rob, an Air Force Special Operations veteran who was aboard the AC-130 Spectre gunship during the deadly battle on Takur Ghar in Afghanistan in March 2002. Rob shares his firsthand account of what the gunship crew witnessed, what their sensors revealed, and why the story of Medal of Honor recipient Master Sergeant John Chapman continues to generate controversy. Inside this episode: What the AC-130 crew actually witnessed during John Chapman’s final battle. Why the famous Roberts Ridge combat footage is being challenged. The controversy surrounding Bunker One and the enemy positions. What happened when the Navy SEAL team broke contact. Why communication failures prevented immediate close air support. The mysterious strobe light observed near Chapman’s position. How the original gunship footage was recovered and reconstructed. The eyewitness statements submitted during the Medal of Honor review. Why the question of whether Chapman was left behind remains so emotionally charged. The untold sacrifices of Air Force Special Operations personnel. This conversation also explores the psychological realities of combat, the brotherhood of military service, and the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Rob describes events from his position aboard the aircraft, offering a rare firsthand perspective on one of the most closely examined battles in modern U.S. Special Operations history. Was John Chapman abandoned? What did the gunship crew see? And what does the surviving evidence reveal? Listen to this powerful conversation and decide what questions still deserve answers. JOIN THE TARGETED INNER CIRCLE We’re continuing this conversation with additional material about Roberts Ridge, the Medal of Honor process, and the questions surrounding John Chapman’s final battle. We have content specifically for our inner circle, join us by requesting access via email to [email protected] CHAPTERS: 01 - John Chapman and the disputed Roberts Ridge footage 02 - What really happened at Bunker One? 03 - The AC-130 crew watches the firefight unfold 04 - Why radio communication failed 05 - Fourteen minutes of intense combat 06 - The Navy SEAL team breaks contact 07 - When the gunship crew realized something was wrong 08 - Gun malfunctions and delayed air support 09 - The mysterious strobe near Chapman’s position 10 - Eyewitness evidence in the Medal of Honor review 11 - How the missing combat footage was recovered 12 - The Navy SEAL controversy: Was Chapman left behind? 13 - 33:54 - Remembering fallen Air Force Special Operations heroes 14 - The continuing Roberts Ridge conversation ABOUT TARGETED PODCAST Hosted by retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, two-time Bronze Star recipient, international bestselling author, and TEDx speaker Atlas Aultman, Targeted Podcast brings firsthand accounts from military veterans, elite performers, and leaders who have faced extraordinary challenges. Subscribe for conversations about Special Operations, leadership, resilience, military history, and the mindset required to perform under pressure. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Instagram: @RobODizo DISCUSSION QUESTION What do you believe is the most important unanswered question about John Chapman’s final stand at Roberts Ridge? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments as we honor the courage and sacrifice of everyone involved. #JohnChapman #RobertsRidge #MedalOfHonor GUEST APPLICATIONS: [email protected] Share this with someone who would love it. Aim for excellence AND stay on target, thank-you for tuning into TARGETED Podcast.

What really happened during John Chapman’s final battle at Roberts Ridge? For the first time on Targeted Podcast, retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant **Rob Harrison** shares his firsthand account from aboard an AC-130H Spectre gunship during one of the most intense battles in U.S. Special Operations history. On March 4, 2002, Air Force Combat Controller **John Chapman** and a team of Navy SEALs became involved in a desperate battle on a frozen Afghan mountaintop during Operation Anaconda. While the fight unfolded on the ground, Rob Harrison and his crew aboard **GRIM 32** watched from above, coordinated communications, and faced extraordinary decisions under pressure. In this exclusive conversation with retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Joshua ”Atlas” Aultman, Harrison describes what he witnessed, what the crew knew at the time, and why some decisions surrounding the Battle of Roberts Ridge remain controversial. **In this episode:** - What the AC-130 crew witnessed during John Chapman’s final mission - The emergency Mayday call that changed everything - Navy SEALs, Combat Controllers, and the Battle of Takur Ghar - Why the landing zone decision mattered - How a deadly friendly-fire incident affected the following night’s mission - Why communication failures can become life-or-death situations - What military leadership looks like when everything goes wrong - The difference between firsthand experience and the stories told afterward This isn’t just a military history interview. It’s a conversation about **courage, accountability, brotherhood, leadership, and the cost of decisions made under fire.** Whether you’re interested in Navy SEALs, Air Force Special Operations, military history, combat leadership, or the mindset required to perform under extreme pressure, this episode offers a rare perspective from someone who was there. **Want the full extended interview?** This public episode is an edited version of a longer conversation. Contact the Targeted Podcast team at [email protected] to ask about access. Chapters: 1 Rob Harrison: The AC-130 Gunship Witness 2 The Mayday Call That Changed the Mission 3 John Chapman and the Navy SEAL Team 4 What Happened to Neil Roberts? 5 The AC-130 View of Roberts Ridge 6 The Landing Zone Decision 7 John Chapman’s Advance Under Fire 8 Why the Gunship Couldn’t Immediately Engage 9 The Friendly-Fire Tragedy Before Roberts Ridge 10 How the Rules of Engagement Changed 11 Who Made the Critical Decisions? 12 The Full Roberts Ridge Interview **ABOUT TARGETED PODCAST** Hosted by retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, TEDx speaker, and international bestselling author Joshua ”Atlas” Aultman, Targeted Podcast explores leadership, resilience, mental toughness, discipline, and the experiences that forge stronger men. Subscribe for real conversations with combat veterans, elite performers, athletes, and leaders who understand what it takes to perform when it matters most. #JohnChapman #RobertsRidge #NavySEALs #AC130 #TargetedPodcast

What happens when a legendary fighter realizes that fighting was never who he really was? UFC legend Mark Kerr, “The Smashing Machine,” joins Atlas Aultman on Targeted Podcast for a powerful conversation about MMA, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the psychology of fighting, addiction, mental health, and finding purpose after fame. Mark Kerr reveals a side of professional fighting that few athletes openly discuss: the addictive feeling of breaking an opponent’s will. He explains the intense psychological transformation that occurred when he entered the ring and why it took him more than a decade to separate his identity from his fighting career. But this interview goes far beyond the UFC. Mark shares personal stories about his experiences with Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, and director Benny Safdie during the making and promotion of The Smashing Machine. He explains what makes The Rock different behind the scenes, including the extraordinary ability to give someone his complete attention, even when surrounded by hundreds of people. In this episode: - Mark Kerr’s untold perspective on the dark psychology of MMA - Why winning and breaking an opponent’s will can become addictive - What Dwayne Johnson is really like away from the cameras - The unique superpowers of Emily Blunt, Benny Safdie, and The Rock - The emotional challenges of retiring from professional fighting - Why money, fame, championships, and material success didn’t bring fulfillment - Mental health, emotional vulnerability, and personal transformation - Mark Kerr’s wellness mission through Live Absolute Wellness - His upcoming book, The Healing Machine - Why human connection matters more than recognition or wealth - Finding your identity after leaving the military, professional sports, or a high-pressure career - “Fighting is what I did. It’s not who I am.” — Mark Kerr Whether you’re a UFC fan, an athlete moving out of competition, a military veteran, an entrepreneur, or a man searching for greater purpose, this conversation offers lessons about resilience, identity, and what it really means to be strong. CONNECT WITH MARK KERR Instagram: @MarkKerrTSM Website: https://absoulute-wellness.com/ Learn more about Mark’s wellness work through his official social channels. Watch for announcements about his upcoming book, The Healing Machine. ABOUT TARGETED PODCAST Hosted by Atlas Aultman, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author of Rule of 3 – How Elite Leaders Win. Targeted Podcast features conversations with elite performers, fighters, military leaders, entrepreneurs, and people who have overcome extraordinary adversity. Our mission: Help men become stronger mentally, physically, and personally. Subscribe to Targeted Podcast for real conversations about leadership, resilience, masculinity, mental toughness, and personal growth. MORE: - Mark Kerr on Fame, Millions, and Feeling Empty - Why Human Connection Changed His Life - Mark Kerr’s Personal Stories About Dwayne Johnson - Emily Blunt, Benny Safdie, and Their Superpowers - Dwayne Johnson’s Real Superpower Revealed - The Dark Psychology of MMA Fighting - Mark Kerr: I Was Addicted to Breaking Their Will - The Healing Machine — Mark Kerr’s New Book - Finding Identity After Leaving the UFC - Why Fighting Was Never Who Mark Kerr Really Was - Final Lessons on Resilience and Purpose DISCOUNTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY: https://gravity-force.com - best electrolytes, discount code: ATLAS15 https://leaders-kit.com - leadership, management, media consultations https://blackeaglecustoms.us/collections/targeted-podcast - Merch https://www.getfightscrub.com - all-natural disinfectant, code: FIGHTSCRUBATLAS ****INNER CIRCLE INVITE**** Message us at [email protected] to join our smaller community, it’s FREE and you’ll get exclusive access to interviews we don’t publish.

What happens when one of the most feared fighters in UFC history discovers that his greatest battle isn’t inside the cage? In Part 1 of this exclusive two-part Targeted Podcast interview, UFC Hall of Famer Mark ”The Smashing Machine” Kerr joins retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Atlas Aultman for a powerful conversation about the hidden cost of fighting, addiction, sobriety, mental health, and rebuilding life after professional sports. Known for his legendary career in the UFC and PRIDE Fighting Championships, Mark Kerr became the subject of the groundbreaking documentary The Smashing Machine, later inspiring the feature film starring Dwayne ”The Rock” Johnson. But behind the victories, the fame, and the image of an unstoppable fighter was a man fighting battles the public couldn’t see. In this conversation, Mark shares how years of competition affected his life, why he struggled with addiction, what eight years of sobriety have taught him, and how he’s working to help other retired MMA fighters. IN THIS EPISODE: The untold story behind The Smashing Machine documentary Mark Kerr’s relationship with filmmaker John Greenhalgh How addiction and the pressure to perform affected his career The moment Mark finally opened up about his struggles His experience with brain mapping, TMS, and neurological treatments Why mental health matters for UFC fighters and military veterans How mountain biking became part of his recovery journey Working with Dwayne ”The Rock” Johnson on The Smashing Machine His vision for bringing retired UFC fighters together Why sharing your struggles can give someone else the courage to speak WATCH PART 2 Next week, OR, REQUEST THE LINK This is Part 1 of our two-part conversation with Mark Kerr. Want to continue the interview or request access to the full conversation? 📩 Email [email protected] with the subject line: MARK KERR FULL EPISODE We’ll help you get the link to continue watching and connect you to other amazing FULL EPISODES with UFC, MLB, Strongmen, celebrities, and other champions. ABOUT TARGETED PODCAST Hosted by retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, international bestselling author, and leadership speaker Atlas Aultman, Targeted Podcast explores the mindset, discipline, resilience, and decisions that shape extraordinary lives. Through conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, entrepreneurs, and remarkable individuals, Targeted helps you develop the strength to overcome adversity and take control of your future. Subscribe for real conversations about mental toughness, personal development, leadership, and what it takes to win in life. ****CONNECT WITH MARK KERR**** Instagram: @markkerrtsm Absoulute Wellness: https://absoulute-wellness.com/ Upcoming book: *The Healing Machine* (availability to be announced) ****CONNECT WITH ATLAS AULTMAN**** Website: https://leaders-kit.com Instagram: @atlas_aultman ****GET INTO OUR INNER CIRCLE:**** Email: [email protected] DISCLAIMER: This episode discusses addiction, neurological health, and treatments from Mark Kerr’s personal experience. The conversation is not medical advice. Treatment experiences and outcomes vary. #MarkKerr #TheSmashingMachine #UFC #TargetedPodcast #DwayneJohnson DISCOUNTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY: https://gravity-force.com - best electrolytes, discount code: ATLAS15 https://www.buckedup.com - creatine+ 20% discount: ATLAS25 https://leaders-kit.com - leadership, management, media consultations https://blackeaglecustoms.us/collections/targeted-podcast - Merch https://www.getfightscrub.com - all natural disinfectant, code: FIGHTSCRUBATLAS GUEST APPLICATIONS: [email protected] Share this with someone who would love it. Aim for excellence AND stay on target, thank-you for tuning into TARGETED Podcast.

Jojo “$moke” Griffin is a rising MMA star fighter who always finishes a fight and keeps a relentless training schedule with one goal: UFC. In this episode of Targeted with Atlas Aultman, Jojo SMOKE Griffin opens up about his journey from a small California town to becoming one of the most exciting MMA prospects to watch. He talks about training multiple times a day at Red Hawk Academy, preparing for his professional MMA debut, studying fighters when everyone else is relaxing, and developing the mindset required to step into a cage believing you cannot be broken. But this conversation goes much deeper than fighting. Jojo discusses his faith in God, growing up in a Catholic family, losing his opportunity to play college football during COVID, discovering MMA, and how his first loss inside the cage ultimately became one of the most important moments of his career. He also explains the psychology of fighting, entering a flow state, dealing with fear and negative thoughts, visualization, gratitude, sacrifice, film study, adapting during a fight, and why he believes the mind often quits before the body does. Jojo’s philosophy is simple: “Don’t let anyone break your spirit.” This is a conversation about MMA—but it’s also about what happens when a young man becomes completely committed to mastering his craft. In this episode: • Jojo “Smoke” Griffin’s MMA journey • Training with UFC fighters and shooting with Badger Asher • 100% finish rate • Preparing for his professional MMA debut • Training at Red Hawk Academy • The transition from football to MMA • How losing changed his mindset • Faith, God, risk, and opportunity • Training two to three times per day • Film study and gaining an advantage over opponents • Developing an MMA flow state • Mental preparation before entering the cage • Why gratitude is part of his training • Turning setbacks into fuel • His goal of reaching the UFC • Why “the scars make the man” • The mentality of becoming impossible to break Targeted is hosted by Atlas Aultman and features conversations about leadership, resilience, mindset, performance, adversity, and the people willing to do difficult things in pursuit of excellence. Subscribe for more conversations with fighters, veterans, leaders, athletes, authors, and high performers. Aim for excellence. Stay on target. LINKS: https://www.instagram.com/jojomma/ https://redhawkacademyaz.com/ https://www.guntvshows.com/ DISCOUNTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY: https://gravity-force.com - best electrolytes, discount code: ATLAS15 https://www.buckedup.com - creatine+ 20% discount: ATLAS25 https://leaders-kit.com - leadership, management, media consultations https://blackeaglecustoms.us/collections/targeted-podcast - Merch https://www.getfightscrub.com - all natural disinfectant, code: FIGHTSCRUBATLAS GUEST APPLICATIONS: [email protected] Share this with someone who you know would like it. Aim for excellence AND stay on target, thank-you for tuning into TARGETED Podcast.