The Pinelander

Episode 115: Physical, Mental, & Spiritual Health. February 7, 2025

In Pineland, we recognize to be effective at irregular warfare, one must be physically, mentally and spiritually prepared. Obesity is a significant issue, and according to recent statistics, about 42% of American adults are obese. Jason Dougherty (Be A Boxer) joins Paul & Mike around the campfire to discuss fitness, nutrition and provide some great advice to improving overall health. Enjoy.

Episode 114: What to Expect in 2025. January 3, 2025

An intelligence summary (INTSUM) is a product that is developed to gain insight into what is happening on the macro level by closely analyzing multiple, smaller, isolated events. It is used in various contexts, including military, government, business, and even economics. Today, Paul & Mike welcome NC Scout back into the G-Base to help develop an INTSUM for fellow Pinelanders, and "pick his brain" to get an idea of what we ought to expect as we progress through 2025. Enjoy.

Episode 113: Jeep Show. December 26, 2024

"Morale is when your hands and feet keep on working when your head says it can't be done." As we close out 2024, Robert O'Connor, author of Jeep Show, joins Paul & Mike around the campfire to remember and pay homage to the bravery and sacrifice of the greatest generation during this eightieth anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge; the last major German offensive campaign on the Western Front during World War II. Robert reminds us of the importance of morale and the unsung heroes of the Special Services whose job was to entertain our boys in uniform. Enjoy the holidays, remember those less fortunate, and most of all, keep your head up and morale high.    

Episode 112: COIN in Afghanistan : Lessons Relearned. November 15, 2024

Often times, Americans lose focus on the fundamental reason why our government is engaged in a particular foreign military campaign. After all, the last time the U.S. military was actually tasked with defending our own soil was probably seventy-five years ago in 1950 during the Jayuya Uprising in Puerto Rico. Since that minor irritant, America's foreign policy has been mostly a result of the machinations of imperialistic neo-cons and enriching the military industrial complex rather than actually liberating the oppressed or making the world a safer place to engage in commerce. Afghanistan turned out to be just one more fools' errand and provides plenty of lessons learned on what not to do the next time Washington D.C. decides to spend America's blood and treasure. Enjoy the discussion.

Episode 111: Counterinsurgency: The Vietnam Experience. November 4, 2024

Security in the G-Base has been reduced during this cool fall night as Guerrillas sit around in groups enjoying small campfires spread throughout the camp. Like everyone else, Paul & Mike sit around their own fire in the center of the base and discuss lessons learned from the Vietnam War. Enjoy.

Episode 110: An Old Way Forward. October 19, 2024

Marcus Aurelius advises, "Retreat into your inner sanctuary. Here, away from strain and distraction, you are free to observe the world and your reactions objectively." Today, Jason Dougherty joins Paul & Mike around the campfire to encourage us to seek ancient wisdom, perform our civic duty as men, and focus on the things that are most important in life.

Episode 109: Biblical Marriage. October 2, 2024

Long before the creation of government and religion, God oversaw the very first wedding ceremony. The modern practice of a father giving away his daughter at a wedding reflects God's action in Eden (Gen 2:22-24). A husband and a wife, the family, is the building block of any society. Today, Paul & Mike discuss biblical marriage and our difficulty in "becoming one flesh" with the other half.

Episode 108: Frag Out with Scott Kinder. September 14, 2024

This time of year, in Pineland, if things are calm and quiet, one can hear the faint sound of someone blowing the Shofar in the distance. Today, we’re honored to have Scott Kinder, author of Frag Out! join Paul & Mike in the G Base to remind us of the reason for the sound we hear. It means it’s time to: 1) Get MAD, 2) Get ORGANIZED, and 3) Get INTO THE FIGHT!  Being a warrior doesn’t end when we take off the uniform; it’s a lifelong responsibility and privilege. It’s who we are, and what we are meant to be and do. Enjoy the episode.

Episode 107: Poolside Chat with Ivan Raiklin. August 30, 2024

Even in the midst of a decades long counterinsurgency (COIN) struggle to supplant American Marxists from the seats of power, one must take a break every now and then to enjoy family and friends. Today, fellow Pinelander, and freedom fighter, LTC(Ret) Ivan Raiklin joins Paul & Mike for a poolside chat on current events and provides his intelligence summary (INTSUM) of the battlefield.   

Episode 106: The Church in Africa: Inexorable Victory. August 16, 2024

Africa is no stranger to conflict, conquest, and calamity. But at the same time, it's also a continent full of opportunity and hope for a better future. If good is to prevail over evil, it will rely heavily on brave evangelicals who serve on the front lines delivering the Good News and providing much needed services. Today Paul & Mike attempt to make commo with a few of these brave men to hear directly from them and receive a SITREP (situation report) on how things are going and what's needed for victory. Haleluyah!