The R & R podcast with Faction (Rise to Run)

In this unfiltered, no-holds-barred episode of Rise.Run., your favorite chaotic veteran host finally sits down with the one and only Zack “Uncaged” Roe Williams — entrepreneur, mentor, and living proof that pain is often the birthplace of purpose. What starts off as whiskey-fueled banter quickly spirals into a raw and powerful origin story, as Zack opens up about everything from being homeschooled and growing up as the oldest of five, to building a multimillion-dollar marketing career — only to get blindsided by personal betrayal that would break most men.
He shares how his childhood shaped his relentless mindset, what it really takes to break the mold of the W-2 lifestyle, and how starting a t-shirt company with friends turned into a full-blown movement. This is the beginning of a story so wild, it couldn’t possibly fit in one episode — so buckle up, because this is only part one.
⚡ Topics Covered:
How a homeschool misfit built a global brand from graphic tees
The dark reality behind Zack’s first marriage and brutal betrayal
The problem with the school system (and why ADHD was a clue, not a curse)
A near-fatal turning point that changed everything (coming soon in Part 2)
🎧 Strap in. This ride’s just getting started.

In this raw, hilarious, and thought-provoking episode, host Alan sits down with veteran, nurse, and proud Filipino J.R. Arce to dig into everything from cultural stereotypes and childhood trauma to the generational pursuit of the American dream.
They laugh (a lot) about the stereotype that every Filipino becomes a nurse, but also dive deep into the real reasons behind that cultural norm—family sacrifice, immigrant survival, and dreams passed down. J.R. shares his story of becoming a nurse through the Army ROTC program, serving around the world, transitioning into public affairs, and ultimately co-founding a marketing agency.
The conversation covers everything from Filipino nicknames and food, to raising kids in America, to pivoting careers after the military. Expect some spicy language, some unexpected inspiration, and a heavy dose of humor as two veterans shoot it straight on culture, purpose, and building something beyond the box they were put in.
Warning: Not for the easily offended, but definitely for those who like their truth served with lumpia and a side of laughter.

🎙️ Rise to Run Podcast – Episode 12: “Crayon Jokes, Marine Corps Culture, and the Rise of Taiwo”Guest: Victor De La Flor
In this wildly entertaining and unfiltered episode, host Alan—your favorite chaos-driven, probably-should-be-in-a-psych-ward veteran—welcomes Marine Corps veteran Victor De La Flor to the show. From the jump, it’s jokes, jabs, and genuine insight as the two vets unpack military culture, the mysterious origins of the infamous “crayon-eating Marine” stereotype, and the inside scoop on what it’s really like serving in today’s armed forces.
Victor brings sharp humor and real-life perspective to the mic, sharing how the crayon-eating joke went from obscure internet lore to edible merchandise—thanks to another Marine who turned the joke into a full-blown business. They also dig into the changing landscape of military ranks, how “Taiwo” became slang for Chief Warrant Officer, and the cultural quirks that make the Marine Corps one of a kind.
With stories from both their time in service and reflections on how things have shifted over the last decade, this episode delivers laughs, relatable moments, and a touch of old-school military wisdom. Whether you served, know someone who did, or just want a raw and ridiculous take on veteran life—you’re in for a damn good time.

🎙️ Rise to Run Podcast – Episode 11: “Career Chaos, Dogs, and Dutch Last Names”Guest: Leora Opstelten
In Episode 11 of Rise to Run, Alan is back with his trademark unfiltered energy, joined by the fierce and funny Leora Opstelten—a career counselor who’s made it her mission to help veterans navigate the often brutal transition out of military life. If you’re a vet who’s ever felt like civilian life is harder to crack than a secret mission, this one’s for you.
Leora brings both heart and humor to the conversation, as she and Alan dive into her journey from growing up in the shadow of Stanford University to finding her stride in Los Angeles. From escaping the chaos of high-stress law firms to falling into the world of recruiting, her path hasn’t been linear—but it’s been deeply impactful. Along the way, we hear about her stubborn and lovable pittie-shepherd-husky mix, who doubles as a service dog and emotional support queen, and why her Dutch last name might literally mean “on stilts.”
The episode goes off the rails in the best way possible—touching on everything from ancient Jewish pyramid labor conspiracies to what it’s like dating a Jewish Marine she met on JDate (yes, seriously). Alan and Leora’s banter is hilarious, real, and at times, surprisingly deep.
This episode is a rollercoaster of stories, laughs, and real talk that hits home for anyone who's ever had to start over, love a stubborn dog, or figure out what the hell to do after life throws you a curveball. Buckle up—it’s a good one.

In this brutally honest and deeply heartfelt episode of Rise to Run, host Alan welcomes longtime friend David Oltman for a no-holds-barred conversation about life’s highs, lows, and everything in between. David shares his journey growing up on a Minnesota hobby farm, facing a tough childhood, and learning financial survival skills at an early age. From flipping hay bales to losing jobs during the 2008 recession, his path wasn’t easy—but it was real.
David opens up about losing some of the closest people in his life, including his brother, best friend, and mentor, and how those experiences shaped his perspective and purpose. Through laughter, military banter, and painful memories, he walks us through how those dark moments helped him build his own insurance agency and a life of meaning. The conversation dives deep into grief, grit, fatherhood, and the responsibility of being a leader both at home and in business.
Whether you’re in a tough season or on the verge of a breakthrough, this episode is for you. David’s story is proof that it’s okay to not have it all figured out—just don’t stop moving forward.
Press play. Because someone’s story might just be the thing that changes yours.
 
 

Precision, Purpose, and the Power of Brotherhood
In this emotionally raw and powerfully transparent episode, the host welcomes Julian, founder of Precision Wraps, to share a deeply personal and transformational story. From struggling through a painful childhood, addiction, and life-threatening moments to finding redemption, brotherhood, and purpose, Julian’s journey unfolds in real time with honesty, grit, and humor.
As the episode begins, the two veterans poke fun at their warm Florida weather while the rest of their Uncaged brothers freeze up north, setting a lighthearted tone before diving deep. Julian opens up about his early life in Ohio, his struggles with addiction, and the pivotal moment that sparked change: seeing a photo of his premature son while coming off an eight-day meth bender. From there, he recounts how he got clean, left everything behind, and took a leap of faith by starting his business with just $300 and a borrowed garage.
The conversation evolves into themes of self-worth, faith, fatherhood, and healing. Julian reflects on his relationship with his wife, Michelle, their hardships, and the grace she's shown him through it all. He credits the Uncaged community for helping him break cycles, rewrite his identity, and become a better man, husband, and father.
Together, they talk about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who hold you accountable, the healing power of telling your story, and building a legacy of strength and love. Julian’s vulnerability shines as he shares how close he came to ending his life, and how a quiet spiritual moment and the support of his community pulled him back.
By the end, Julian shares his vision for the next chapter: renewing his vows, showing up for his kids, building a half-million-dollar company, and giving time back to his family. This episode is not just about business or resilience — it’s about brotherhood, belief, and becoming the man you were always meant to be.
If you're struggling, this one’s for you.

 
🎙 Podcast Summary – Rise to Run with Host Alan Davis & Guest Wiley "The Mind Ninja" McArthur
In this powerful, no-holds-barred episode of Rise to Run, your favorite unhinged veteran and host, Alan Davis, welcomes longtime friend and transformation expert Wiley McArthur, known in many circles as The Mind Ninja. The two dive deep into the mind, the subconscious, trauma, and why most people are addicted to their own pain without even knowing it.
Wiley shares his journey from being the oldest of seven and overlooked in his own childhood, to suffering a workplace injury that shifted his career path, to discovering his true passion: helping people rapidly overcome mental roadblocks using NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and hypnotherapy. His company, Skip Therapy, offers an unconventional but effective way to bypass years of traditional therapy and finally release trauma — without reliving it.
Alan and Wiley tackle everything from parenting through pain, addiction replacement, subconscious programming, and the power of dark humor as a coping mechanism. Wiley explains how we often go back to trauma as our younger selves, forgetting to bring the strong, healed versions of who we are now. They discuss how to rewrite these stories, why your internal language matters, and how self-talk can either build you up or completely dismantle your potential.
Key Takeaways:
You don’t need to relive trauma to heal — you just need the learning from it.
Your subconscious moves as fast as your biggest goal — set massive ones.
Self-talk is more powerful than we realize — stop being your own worst enemy.
Boundaries, habits, and your circle matter more than motivation.
Real change starts when you stop blaming others and take full ownership.
Final Wisdom from Wiley:“Create a legacy goal so big, your unconscious has no choice but to run at full speed to achieve it.”
Connect with Wiley "The Mind Ninja" McArthur:
Instagram & TikTok: @themindninja
Book: 52 Mind Hacks with The Mind Ninja
Coming Soon: www.skiptherapy.com

In this unfiltered and candid episode of Rise to Run, host Alan Davis sits down with Army veteran and entrepreneur Annette Whittenberger. Annette shares her journey from a rebellious childhood to military service, deployment experiences, and the struggles of transitioning out of the Army after 17 years. They dive into topics like mental health in the military, the stigma surrounding seeking help, and the challenges of reintegration after service. Annette also opens up about her post-military career, from launching a business and writing books to becoming the Editor-in-Chief of Veteran Lifestyle Magazine and advocating for veteran wellness.
This episode is packed with real talk, raw moments, and insights into the veteran experience that you won’t hear anywhere else. If you're a veteran, military family member, or just someone who wants to understand the reality behind the uniform, this conversation is for you.
🎙️ Highlights:✅ The unexpected struggles of transitioning from military life✅ Mental health challenges & breaking the stigma✅ How Annette found purpose through writing, speaking, and advocacy✅ The importance of finding the right community after service
🔥 "Do what sets your soul on fire—no matter what anyone tells you." – Annette Wittenberger
Tune in now for an episode filled with honesty, humor, and inspiration! 🎧🔗 #VeteranStories #MentalHealthMatters #RiseToRunPodcast

In this episode of Rise to Run, the host kicks things off with humor and a warm welcome, introducing guest Gabrielle Pickens, a Navy veteran with an inspiring journey.
 
The conversation dives into her military experience, the role of alcohol in service culture, and her personal journey to sobriety—547 days strong and counting. Gabrielle shares how alcohol is deeply embedded in American culture, from the military to social life, and how a DUI post-service became a wake-up call that led her to a life-changing realization.
 
Through candid storytelling, she reflects on her transition from active duty to civilian life, the challenges of adapting, and how she found her way into PR and entertainment. The discussion expands into resilience, breaking generational mindsets, and navigating societal expectations, especially as a minority woman.
 
Gabrielle’s journey is one of ambition, focus, and the power of self-belief. Whether you're a veteran, entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking motivation, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and unfiltered real talk. Tune in to hear a raw and uplifting conversation about growth, purpose, and taking control of your own narrative.
 
Thanks for listening.

Welcome to The Rise Podcast with your unfiltered host, Alan Davis! This is the show where real conversations meet real problems because you never know whose story might help you along your own journey. We laugh, we share, we inspire, and most importantly, we keep it raw and authentic.
In this episode, Alan sits down with Frank Manteau, Marine veteran and CEO of Mill Treats, a company that took a long-standing military joke and turned it into reality—edible crayons for Marines! They dive into Frank’s journey, from growing up in small-town Ohio and joining the Marine Corps to navigating life after service and launching a business that keeps the camaraderie alive.
Expect plenty of laughs, military banter, and deep insights into the transition from service to civilian life, overcoming challenges, and staying connected to the brotherhood. Whether you’re a veteran, active duty, or just love a good story of resilience and innovation, this episode has something for you.
Buckle up, grab a cup of shut the f** up* coffee, and enjoy the ride! 🎙️🔥