We are diving into listener-submitted questions that cover the gamut of life's toughest challenges:

Question 1: Heartbreak and Healing

We start with an emotionally charged question about dealing with the aftermath of a breakup after six years of a tumultuous relationship. How do you start the journey of self-improvement, setting boundaries, and finding the strength to move forward.

Question 2: SEAL Life Unveiled

Ever wondered what a Navy SEAL looks like off-duty? The myth versus reality of SEALs' everyday attire and habits. Plus, the demanding schedule of a BUD/S instructor and how they balance intense training with personal time.

Question 3: Black Belt Bliss

What's it like being married to a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt? What do you do in the event of a public confrontation, and the dynamics of a relationship where one partner is a martial arts expert.

Question 4: Conflict on the Commute

How to handle encounters with unstable individuals in public spaces. Drawing from a harrowing experience on a Philly train, what strategies to use for staying calm, assessing the situation, and knowing when to step in or step back.

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Josh grew up in Lincoln, Montana on the edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. At the age of 11 Josh’s baseball coach, Rick Dunkerley, began teaching him how to make knives. In the very beginning, Josh would go to Rick’s shop where he learned to remove stock blades under the guidance of Rick.

About a year later, Josh began putting a shop together at his home. Josh’s Dad gave him room to work in his equipment shop, and at the age of 12 Josh joined the American Bladesmith Society. Over the next few years Josh began forging and honing his craft. Josh turned 14 at the Eugene Oregon knife show where he met other incredible knife makers, all too willing to share their talents and knowledge with Josh.

At 15 years old, Josh passed the Journeyman bladesmith test in Atlanta, Georgia at the Blade Show. Josh became the youngest bladesmith to ever pass this test. The Journeyman test is a two part process. A test blade must be forged and heat treated with the capabilities to chop a 1” rope in half, 2- 2x4’s in half and then still shave hair. Once the cutting tests are done the blade must be able to bend 90 degrees in a vise without breaking. After passing the performance test the maker must present 5 knives to a panel of Mastersmith Judges. Each knife is examined closely to ensure the knife is made to the highest standard of craftsmanship. At the Journeyman level a maker is not expected to show perfection but is expected to show a sufficient level of craftsmanship expected from a professional bladesmith.

Josh continued to work on his craft and at the age of 19 he earned his Master Smith rating from the American Bladesmith Society. Josh was the youngest bladesmith to ever pass the Master Smith test.

In 2002 Josh moved to Frenchtown, Montana where he now calls home. Josh and his wife Jessica live on a beautiful piece of property near the Clark Fork river. They have 3 daughters and 1 son that are active in sports. Josh coaches the youth tackle football team and a youth girls basketball team. The Smith kids raise cattle and hogs in 4H in addition to their sports. Jessica is the customer service and fulfillment manager for MKC.

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1. The complex aftermath of escaping an abusive relationship, highlighting the ongoing struggle with PTSD and trauma. How do you support loved ones through their healing journey and address the challenges of co-parenting with an ex-partner?

2. Tattoos and their significance within the SEAL community.

3. Advice to a young SEAL officer embarking on his first deployment, drawing parallels between military and civilian life.

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Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/