Subject Matter Expert
Marty Skovlund Jr.
5.0from 8 ratings
- 18
- Episodes
- 8
- Ratings
- 2025
- First episode
About Subject Matter Expert
New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring people across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences.
- Publisher
- Marty Skovlund Jr.
- Category
- society & culture
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 26 Aug 2025
- Latest episode
- 13 Jan 2026
Latest episodes
18 episodes in the feed.
13 Jan 2026
99 Ways To Die—and How To Avoid Them | SME 018
Emergency physician Dr. Ashely Alker joins Subject Matter Expert to unpack her new book “99 Ways to Die”—a funny yet essential guide to the risks people actually face and how to avoid them. We cover everything from heart attacks and strokes to deadly infections and “butt stuff.” Dr. Alker offers practical advice, myth-busting first aid tips, and the early warning signs that should send you to the ER right now. We also talked about her time working in public health around the world, while Marty over-shared about all of his medical misadventures. Dr. Alker is an emergency medicine physician, medical communicator, and public-health advocate known for translating complex science into clear, actionable advice. Trained in molecular biology, public health, and emergency medicine, she has advised TV and film productions and delivered talks on how we misunderstand dying—and how to make smarter choices long before an ambulance is involved. “99 Ways to Die” distills years of experience in the ER into a practical field manual for everyday life. In this episode Why everyone is sick right now How declining vaccination rates are contributing to increased illness. The importance of engaging with the public to combat misinformation. Why preventable diseases are often overlooked in modern medicine. How Dr. Alker’s cultural experiences shaped her medical perspectives and practices. How medical television can effectively communicate health information. Dispelling medical myths Marty’s adventure with food poisoning in Mexico Buy Dr. Alker’s Book “99 Ways to Die: And How To Avoid Them” (https://a.co/d/b3Qnply ) Follow Dr. Alker on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/aalkermd/ ) Follow Dr. Alker on X (https://x.com/aalkermd ) Follow Dr. Alker on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@aalkermd ) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT%E2%81%A0)
6 Jan 2026
Railguns, Lightsabers, and the Future of Laser Warfare | SME 017
Laser Wars Jared Keller joins Subject Matter Expert to break down the world of military lasers—what works now, what’s still wishful thinking, and how these futuristic weapons fit into real counter-drone, ship defense, and air-to-air protection missions. We get practical on the financial ramifications of directed energy weapons, magazine depth against drone swarms, and the unsexy limits that matter (power, beam control, cooling, weather). We also hit current headlines, from shipboard lasers in contested waters to how realistic railguns are—and map out what to watch in outer space. Jared Keller is the writer behind Laser Wars, an up-and-coming Substack focused on directed-energy weapons and futuristic defense tech. A longtime national-security reporter and former managing editor at Task & Purpose and Military.com, he translates defense-industry claims into plain English, pressure-testing vendor hype against physics, logistics, and real-world concepts of operation. In this episode Lasers vs. drones: cost-per-shot and “infinite magazine” reality Where lasers actually slot in a layered air defense (EW + kinetic + DE) Ground, sea, and air use cases: what’s deployable vs. developmental Power & thermal management: the boring stuff that decides winners Law & escalation: dazzling optics, blinding bans, and gray-zone fights 12-month forecast: what capability becomes routine—and what remains hype Will we ever have a Star Wars-esque lightsaber?! Follow Jared Keller Read Jared’s Substack “Laser Wars” (https://www.laserwars.net/p/one-year-of-laser-wars%E2%81%A0%C2%A0) Follow Jared on X (https://x.com/iamjaredbkeller) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT%E2%81%A0)
30 Dec 2025
Laura Zerra on Surviving 'Naked and Afraid' & Life Off the Grid | SME 016
“Naked and Afraid” star Laura Zerra joins Subject Matter Expert to talk about what real survival looks like, far beyond the TV edits. We dive into her most challenging moments on “Naked and Afraid” and “Naked and Afraid XL,” the mindset that carries you when calories run out, and the fieldcraft that actually keeps you alive. Laura also opens up about her early years hitchhiking and hopping freight trains, how solo travel sharpened her threat assessment and people-reading skills, and why trusting your gut is crucial to survival in the backcountry or on the road. A professional survivalist, author, and all-around outdoorswoman, Laura Zerra is known for multiple seasons of Discovery’s “Naked and Afraid” franchise, long solo stints living off the land, and teaching primitive skills from friction fire and stone tools to wild foods and shelter craft. She writes, guides, and films expeditions that blend practical fieldcraft with mental toughness and respect for the wild. In this episode The reality of life on “Naked and Afraid” Solo travel lessons from hitchhiking and freight hopping The survival priorities that never change Women in survival: myths vs reality Living off the grid in Montana Read Laura’s Book, A Modern Guide to Knifemaking (https://a.co/d/7ktFpwA ) Follow Laura on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/laurazerra/ ) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT%E2%81%A0)
23 Dec 2025
Inside the Secret World of Special Operations Intelligence | SME 015
Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Charles “Charlie” Faint joins Subject Matter Expert for a wide-ranging conversation about turning intelligence into action for special operations, building leaders who perform under pressure, and reading the world’s most volatile flashpoints. We unpack how SOF integrates intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance with decision-making at speed, what “good” leadership looks like when stakes are high, and how to read Indo-Pacific gray-zone clashes, Israel–Gaza dynamics, and Venezuela tensions without the hype. Charlie is a former Infantry and Military Intelligence officer with 27+ years of service and seven combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Charlie served with 5th Special Forces Group, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, and JSOC. He later taught at West Point (Modern War Institute), has advanced degrees, including an M.A. in International Relations, and leads veteran-focused projects such as The Havok Journal and the Second Mission Foundation. His work sits at the intersection of operations, strategy, and leader development. In this episode How SOF actually fuses intel with combat operations The targeting method that changed the War on Terror Trust, standards, and moral courage in the military Indo-Pacific alliances, gray-zone coercion, and deterrence signals Middle East escalation indicators between Israel–Hamas–Hezbollah Venezuela and how it may be more than meets the eye Read The Havok Journal: https://havokjournal.com/ (https://havokjournal.com/) Follow The Havok Journal on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/havokjournal/ (https://www.instagram.com/havokjournal/) Check out The Second Mission Foundation: https://secondmissionfoundation.org/ (https://secondmissionfoundation.org/) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT%E2%81%A0)
16 Dec 2025
ElkShape's Dan Staton On Fitness, Hunting, and Life | SME 014
Bowhunter and fitness coach Dan Staton—founder of ElkShape—joins Subject Matter Expert to break down what it really takes to perform in the mountains, from year-round preparation to getting your mind right during a hunt. We get into mental rehearsal, prioritizing family, and the most challenging hunts he’s ever endured. Dan also reflects on why his mantra, “separation in the preparation,” continues to win on every tough hunt. Dan is a lifelong bowhunter, performance coach, and the creator of ElkShape, where he’s trained thousands of hunters through camps, online programs, and a popular YouTube channel. He holds a master’s degree in exercise physiology, previously owned and coached at a CrossFit gym, and has competed as a CrossFit athlete. Today, he blends science-based training, disciplined fieldcraft, and faith and family priorities to help hunters prepare with purpose. Follow ElkShape on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/elkshape/ ) Follow ElkShape on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/elkshape )
2 Dec 2025
Combat Veteran Exposes the Brutal Reality Hiding Behind D-Day's Famous Beaches | SME 013
Author Geraint Jones joins Subject Matter Expert to take us inside the research behind his World War II nonfiction: ”Voices of Victory” and “The D-Day Tapes,” as well as his novels about Roman Legionnaires. We dig into how his work collected World War II oral histories, what veterans remembered from D-Day beyond the beaches, and the small details like terrain, logistics, and the damn mosquitoes that separate myth from reality. Then we jump centuries back: Roman tactics, the life of a legionnaire, and how archaeology, ancient literature, and his own experiences as a combat veteran shape the stories on his pages. A British combat veteran turned New York Times bestselling author, Geraint Jones served as an infantryman and later worked as a security contractor before writing full-time. His books span WWII oral history, gritty Roman warfare, and contemporary soldier memoirs. Follow Geraint on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/grjbooks/ ) Read Geraint’s book “D-Day: The Unheard Tapes” (https://a.co/d/j2cwzb3 ) Read Geraint’s book “Voices of Victory” (https://a.co/d/cdyKwKh ) Read Geraint’s book “Brothers in Arms” (https://a.co/d/5egAuGC ) Read Geraint’s book “Siege” (https://a.co/d/2paUfmD ) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT%E2%81%A0)
18 Nov 2025
How a Navy Fuel Leak Poisoned Hawaii’s Water, and What’s Happening Across the Pacific | SME 012
Award-winning Journalist Kevin Knodell joins Subject Matter Expert to unpack how a Navy fuel leak contaminated drinking water in Hawaii, detailing what residents lived through, what accountability looks like now, and how that crisis connects to the wider Pacific. Kevin takes us on-the-water with the U.S. Coast Guard and partner nations fighting illegal fishing, how patrols work in the Pacific, and what is real and what is hype concerning Chinese aggression. Kevin Knodell is a Hawaii-based reporter known for deep field work across the Pacific and the Middle East. He has embedded with the U.S. Coast Guard throughout the South Pacific and covered Hawaii’s military fuel water pollution crisis for Honolulu Star-Advertiser; his work highlights how decisions made far away shape daily life on the islands. He has previously written for The Daily Beast, Foreign Policy Magazine, Playboy, The Nib, Coffee or Die Magazine, Vice and others. He is the co-author of the graphic novels “Machete Squad” and “The 'Stan.” In this episode: Hawaii’s Red Hill water crisis and Navy accountability How patrols actually work on Pacific fisheries enforcement How illegal fishing can be a canary-in-the-coal mine for other illegal activity How U.S.–China competition is impacting the world What it was like reporting in the Middle East Follow Kevin Knodell Follow Kevin on Instagram (Award-winning Journalist Kevin Knodell joins Subject Matter Expert to unpack how a Navy fuel leak contaminated drinking water in Hawaii, detailing what residents lived through, what accountability looks like now, and how that crisis connects to the wider Pacific. Kevin takes us on-the-water with the U.S. Coast Guard and partner nations fighting illegal fishing, how patrols work in the Pacific, and what is real and what is hype concerning Chinese aggression. Kevin Knodell is a Hawaii-based reporter known for deep field work across the Pacific and the Middle East. He has embedded with the U.S. Coast Guard throughout the South Pacific and covered Hawaii’s military fuel water pollution crisis for Honolulu Star-Advertiser; his work highlights how decisions made far away shape daily life on the islands. He has previously written for The Daily Beast, Foreign Policy Magazine, Playboy, The Nib, Coffee or Die Magazine, Vice and others. He is the co-author of the graphic novels “Machete Squad” and “The ) Read Kevin’s Reporting (https://muckrack.com/kevin-knodell ) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT%E2%81%A0)
11 Nov 2025
The Battle for Roberts Ridge: A Ranger's Harrowing Account | SME 011
Eric Stebner is a retired U.S. Army Ranger who received a Silver Star for his actions during the Battle of Takur Ghar, also known as “Roberts Ridge.” In a Veterans Day special, Stebner joins Subject Matter Expert for a candid conversation about courage, loss, leadership, and life after war. He gives a ground-level account of the fight on that 10,000-foot Afghan peak, remembers his best friend Bradley Crose, and reflects on the men who didn’t come home. We also talk about the culture of the 75th Ranger Regiment before and during the Global War on Terror, what keeps soldiers alive in combat, and what it means to come home and keep leading. Master Sergeant (Ret.) Eric Stebner is a decorated Army Ranger with a Silver Star for his actions on Takur Ghar and a long career in the 75th Ranger Regiment. He served across the Global War on Terror and later mentored the next generation of Rangers—he was my platoon sergeant when I arrived at 1st Ranger Battalion in 2006. He’s known for calm leadership under fire, a relentless focus on team over self, and for honoring fallen servicemembers like Bradley Crose through his efforts with 4VR RIP. In this episode A firsthand account of Takur Ghar/Roberts Ridge Remembering Bradley Crose and the Rangers who fell Ranger culture, training, and the habits that matter in combat Leadership lessons from the Ranger Regiment Veterans Day reflections and life after service Support Veterans Learn more about 4VR RIP (https://4vrrip.org/ ) Follow 4VR RIP on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/4vr_rip/ ) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT%E2%81%A0)
4 Nov 2025
Mapping Malign Networks: Inside Real OSINT Cases | SME 010
Open-source intelligence (OSINT) expert Justen Charters joins Subject Matter Expert to break down how influence campaigns actually spread online and how investigators trace Chinese-aligned networks across platforms. We get practical on dark-web scams and fraud pipelines, triaging deepfakes and coordinated campaigns in real time, geolocation verification, and cyber cases that shape the world we live in. We also hit ethics, from doxxing red lines to how new platform rules shape what evidence you can collect. Justen Charters is the founder of Unchartered, a digital investigations and training firm specializing in uncovering hard-to-find data and identifying key risks related to individuals and organizations. He is a former journalist who is now a veteran OSINT practitioner whose career began covering ISIS and Iran before expanding into fraud, extremism, and foreign influence. He builds workflows to track malign networks across languages, platforms, and borders. Follow Justen on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/justen-charters-1b99a953%E2%81%A0) Follow Justen on X (https://x.com/JustenCharters%E2%81%A0%C2%A0) Check out Justen’s company Unchartered (https://www.unchartered.info/%E2%81%A0) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT%E2%81%A0)
28 Oct 2025
The Surprising History of Halloween w/ Jack Mandaville | SME 009
It’s Halloween week on Subject Matter Expert, featuring the host of Jacked History, Jack Mandaville! In this episode we dive into dark and curious corners of history: animals on trial at the Salem witch trials, the real origins of trick-or-treating, the legend of the Headless Horseman, whether San Antonio’s Menger Hotel earns its “most haunted” rep, and the true stories behind a few truly grim figures: Vlad the Impaler, Elizabeth Báthory, and Carl Panzram. We also run a rapid-fire “Wrong Answers Only” round for laughs and get Jack’s hottest history take (you’ll probably be offended). Jack Mandaville is a writer, producer, Marine Corps combat veteran, and the host of Jacked History, a fast-growing YouTube channel where he unpacks strange, hilarious, and interesting stories from the past with a dose of sarcasm and comedy. If you like sharp history with personality, go check out Jacked History on YouTube or Spotify and subscribe to support the show. Subscribe to Jacked History (https://www.youtube.com/@JackedHistory) Follow Jack Mandaville on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jackmandaville/) Follow Jack Mandaville on X (https://x.com/jackmandaville) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT%E2%81%A0)
21 Oct 2025
What's Happening in Africa? Humanitarian Explains How Girls are at Risk | SME 008
War pushes families to the edge—and recent aid cuts make hard choices even harder in war-ravaged regions of Africa. ChildVoice CEO Nathan Mandsager joins Subject Matter Expert to explain what aid reductions mean for girls at risk in places like Sudan, Nigeria, eastern DRC, South Sudan, and the Sahel—and what actually lowers danger on the ground. We dig into what is really happening on the ground in Africa, the realities of ration cuts, how to deliver trauma-informed care, and how a faith-forward approach can help heal, and even prevent future conflict. Who is Nathan Mandsager? Nathan is the CEO of ChildVoice, working as a humanitarian focused on women and children refugees of war. With over 20 years of humanitarian experience, he is focused on practical protection for war-affected women and children—counseling, education, career training, and survivor-centered recovery across East and Central Africa. Learn more about ChildVoice (https://childvoice.org/why) Donate to support ChildVoice's mission (https://childvoice.org/makeadonation) Follow ChildVoice on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/childvoice/) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT%E2%81%A0)
14 Oct 2025
War Correspondent Explains How She Survived Taliban-Controlled Afghanistan | SME 007
War correspondent Hollie McKay takes us inside Afghanistan during and after the fall of Afghanistan in 2021, where she was reporting on the ground with little to no safety net. We dig into what life is like for frontline reporters, how life as a conflict journalist can be complicated, and the ethical and safety calculus of reporting in active conflict zones like Iraq, Syria, Ukraine, and Myanmar. McKay also talks about the long lasting effects of human atrocities in places closer to home, like Mexico. Hollie McKay is an award-winning war reporter and author of “Only Cry for the Living: Memos from Inside the ISIS Battlefield” and other books. She has reported all over the world, from Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, and Ukraine to Myanmar and Mexico with a focus on civilians, accountability, and ground truth. Follow Hollie’s work on Substack: https://holliesmckay.substack.com/ (https://holliesmckay.substack.com/) Buy Hollie’s book “Only Cry for the Living: Memos from Inside the ISIS Battlefield”: https://a.co/d/hx8N8Bu (https://a.co/d/hx8N8Bu) Buy Hollie’s book “Afghanistan: The End of the US Footprint and the Rise of the Taliban Rule”: https://a.co/d/iwhfGMo (https://a.co/d/iwhfGMo) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT%E2%81%A0)
7 Oct 2025
Astrophysicist Avi Loeb Explains 3I/ATLAS, UAPs, and Potential for Alien Life | SME 006
Harvard professor Avi Loeb joins Marty Skovlund Jr. to unpack the newest interstellar visitor, 3I/ATLAS, and to draw a hard line between extraordinary claims and extraordinary evidence on UAPs. We get specific on what’s actually observed for 3I/ATLAS, how it compares with prior interstellar detections, and the kind of sensors, data, and public transparency that would move the needle on UAP research. We also talk about why bold science—done rigorously—still pays dividends for science, culture, and technology. Avi Loeb was the longest serving chair of Harvard’s Department of Astronomy, the founding lead of the Galileo Project, and bestselling author of nine books, including “Extraterrestrial” and “Interstellar.” He holds a PhD in Physics, was a long-term member of the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton, and authored over a thousand scientific papers (with h-index of 131 and i10-index of 614) on a wide range of topics, including black holes, the first stars, the search for extraterrestrial life and the future of the Universe. Follow Avi’s work on Medium (https://avi-loeb.medium.com/ ): Buy Avi’s book “Interstellar” (https://a.co/d/bpQXWjd ) Buy Avi’s book “Extraterestrial” (https://a.co/d/7pNGBBd ) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT%E2%81%A0)
30 Sept 2025
Rifle Expert Explains Silencers, Q Honey Badger, 8.6 BLK, and the Future of Quiet Guns | SME 005
Marty Skovlund Jr. sits down with tactical hippy Jay Pelletier of Q, LLC for a wide-open, engineering-driven conversation about modern firearms and sound suppression. We dig into the design thinking behind Q’s "Honey Badger" and "The Fix" bolt action, then get practical about silencers and why innovation doesn't necessarily require reinventing the wheel. Jay also breaks down the goals of 8.6 Blackout (8.6mm BLK)—heavy rounds with fast twist rates, and real-world performance—plus what consumers routinely get wrong about all of the above. Jay’s a proud New Englander raised in southern Maine who has spent nearly a decade in the firearms industry (including years at SIG SAUER) before joining Q in 2019, where he leads consumer education and appears across Q’s media staples like King of the Bush and the Live Q or Die podcast—while jokingly serving as “Owner, CEO, Sales Intern, and Janitorial Liaison.” We also hit a book segment on Jack Carr’s new novel Cry Havoc, and how Jack is best in class at what he does. If you care about innovation in firearms, the realities of silencer use, and where 8.6 BLK is headed, this episode is for you. Follow Jay on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/datboijayp/) Follow Q, LLC on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/unpossible_by_q/) Find out more about Q, LLC here (https://liveqordie.com/) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT%E2%81%A0)
16 Sept 2025
‘Inside the Cartel’ Author Explains How Undercover FBI Agent Infiltrated a Narco Empire | SME 004
Journalist and author Ian Frisch joins Marty Skovlund Jr. to take us through his new book “Inside the Cartel: How an Undercover FBI Agent Smuggled Cocaine, Laundered Cash, and Dismantled a Colombian Narco-Empire.” This true story is about FBI Special Agent Martin “Manny” Suarez, who spent years undercover infiltrating Colombian narcos. We dig into how Suarez earned trust, smuggled cocaine to keep his cover viable, and followed the money through the Black Market Peso Exchange (BMPE) to expose laundering pipelines that touched blue-chip companies and global finance. This conversation lands amid major policy shifts: In 2025, the U.S. created a process to designate international cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, and shortly after designated eight cartels. We unpack what that “reclassification” means for law enforcement, banks, and cross-border trade—plus the real-world cost of living a double life. Follow Ian on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ian_frisch/ ) Follow Ian on X ( https://x.com/IanFrisch) Buy Inside the Cartel (https://www.harpercollins.com/products/inside-the-cartel-martin-suarezian-frisch?variant=42859015208994) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT%E2%81%A0)
9 Sept 2025
AFSOC Pilot Explains How Ukrainian Drones are Changing Warfare Forever | SME 003
Former Air Force special operations pilot, war correspondent, and current drone-warfare expert Nolan Peterson joined Marty Skovlund Jr. to explain how Ukraine’s drone war reshaped the modern battlefield—from FPV drones and electronic warfare to the operator tradecraft that exploits wind, terrain, and “radio shadows.” He walked Marty through how naval drones (USVs) helped push Russia’s Black Sea Fleet away from Crimea, protected grain routes near Odesa, and even contributed to reports of Russian troops surrendering to drones.Nolan also covered lessons for the U.S.: why counter-UAS can’t just live on bases, why civilian infrastructure (airports, power plants) need micro-layered defenses, and why some sites require non-kinetic options that won’t disrupt aviation or comms. Plus, Nolan shared his field notes on China and Tibet from India’s border, his Himalaya trek, meeting the Dalai Lama, and why drones + AI are the big unknown right now.Note: This episode drops in the wake of the Pentagon’s newly announced Joint Interagency Task Force 401, which aims to accelerate counter-drone (C-UAS) capabilities.You can follow Nolan on X. (https://x.com/nolanwpeterson) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT%E2%81%A0)
2 Sept 2025
CIA Case Officer Explains How Russia, China & AI are Creating New Cold War | SME 002
From the fall of the Berlin Wall to today’s “New Cold War,” former CIA case officer Doug Patteson joins Marty Skovlund Jr. to break down how Russia and China run spies in the AI era, HUMINT vs AI, Russia’s illegals, China’s LinkedIn trap, and corporate espionage. He also discusses tips for the every day person to be more aware and defend against exploitation. Follow Doug on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/texasspydad/ (https://www.instagram.com/texasspydad/) Learn more about the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation: https://jamesfoleyfoundation.org/ (https://jamesfoleyfoundation.org/) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT%E2%81%A0)
26 Aug 2025
The Brutal Reality of Being a First Responder | SME 001
What’s life as a paramedic really like? Joshua Skovlund is an Army Ranger-turned-paramedic-turned-journalist who reveals the unvarnished ground truth about what first responders endure in EMS. From brutal 911 calls, overdoses, burnout, split-second decisions, to what the media misses—this episode hits hard. From urban emergencies in Minneapolis to working at a fire department in New Hampshire, Josh shares tactics he's used on scene, tough triage decisions, the human cost of saving lives, and how he thinks we can fix America’s EMS system. Follow Josh on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/joshua_skovlund/?hl=en) New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertShow/) Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SubjectMatterExpertClips) Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterexpertshow/) Follow Marty on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/martythewriter/) Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War (https://a.co/d/dYA1Odj) Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror (https://a.co/d/erYU4dT)
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