<![CDATA[CARRY THE FLAG PODCAST]]>Welcome to the Carry The Flag Podcast, hosted by firefighter and founder Chris Maleta.

This podcast is about the people who carry something bigger than themselves. You don't have to be in the military or a first responder to carry the flag. You can be a teacher, nurse, firefighter, police officer, small business owner, parent, tradesman, or anyone who chooses responsibility, hard work, and service over comfort.

Each episode features inspiring conversations with extraordinary people sharing their stories of leadership, sacrifice, resilience, faith, family, entrepreneurship, fitness, and purpose. Together, we explore what it means to lead by example and leave the world better than we found it.

Carry The Flag isn't about politics. It's about responsibility.

So, who do you carry the flag for?

New episodes every week.

]]>https://www.carrytheflagusa.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:21:47 GMTFri, 03 Jul 2026 12:11:39 GMT60Chris Maleta<p>Welcome to the Carry The Flag Podcast, hosted by firefighter and founder Chris Maleta.</p><p>This podcast is about the people who carry something bigger than themselves. You don't have to be in the military or a first responder to carry the flag. You can be a teacher, nurse, firefighter, police officer, small business owner, parent, tradesman, or anyone who chooses responsibility, hard work, and service over comfort.</p><p>Each episode features inspiring conversations with extraordinary people sharing their stories of leadership, sacrifice, resilience, faith, family, entrepreneurship, fitness, and purpose. Together, we explore what it means to lead by example and leave the world better than we found it.</p><p>Carry The Flag isn't about politics. It's about responsibility.</p><p>So, who do you carry the flag for?</p><p>New episodes every week.</p>episodicChris Maletachrismaleta@carrytheflagusa.comno<![CDATA[Episode 9: 25 Years After 9/11: Anthony Mann Jr. & Michael Kravitz Carry the Flag to Ground Zero]]>Twenty-five years after September 11, Anthony Mann Jr. and Michael Kravitz carried the American flag through New York City to Ground Zero—not just to remember the tragedy of 9/11, but to remember the unity Americans felt in the days that followed.

In this episode of the Carry The Flag Podcast, Chris Maleta sits down with Anthony and Michael to talk about their September 12 Carry The Flag event and the stories behind it.

Anthony was standing on the Jersey City waterfront on September 11, 2001, when he witnessed both planes hit the Twin Towers. After the towers fell, he joined a group of construction workers on a police boat and crossed the river to help however he could.

It would take him nearly 20 years to return to Ground Zero.

Michael shares a different journey. After once weighing 295 pounds and being unable to run a mile, he changed his life through fitness and doing hard things. He eventually ran a barefoot 50K carrying the American flag and later carried it more than 100 miles to Independence Hall.

Together, Anthony and Michael helped organize a September 12 Carry The Flag event along the Hudson River to the World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial.

They talk about the people they met, the emotion of approaching Ground Zero, why the American flag shouldn't belong to one political side, and why they believe Americans have far more in common than we're sometimes led to believe.

This conversation is about remembering those we lost, honoring those who served, teaching the next generation what happened on September 11, and bringing Americans together again.

Because we made a promise:

Never Forget.

🇺🇸 ABOUT CARRY THE FLAG

Carry The Flag is about more than physically carrying an American flag.

It's about carrying responsibility for your family, your kids, your crew, your community, your country, and the people who come after us.

The American flag is the symbol. Responsibility is the mission.

Who do you carry the flag for?

Follow Carry The Flag:
Instagram: @carrytheflagusa
Website: carrytheflagusa.com

]]>a514d1a6-d7fc-47f3-aa34-45895c9377deTue, 13 Oct 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>Twenty-five years after September 11, Anthony Mann Jr. and Michael Kravitz carried the American flag through New York City to Ground Zero—not just to remember the tragedy of 9/11, but to remember the unity Americans felt in the days that followed.</p><p>In this episode of the Carry The Flag Podcast, Chris Maleta sits down with Anthony and Michael to talk about their September 12 Carry The Flag event and the stories behind it.</p><p>Anthony was standing on the Jersey City waterfront on September 11, 2001, when he witnessed both planes hit the Twin Towers. After the towers fell, he joined a group of construction workers on a police boat and crossed the river to help however he could.</p><p>It would take him nearly 20 years to return to Ground Zero.</p><p>Michael shares a different journey. After once weighing 295 pounds and being unable to run a mile, he changed his life through fitness and doing hard things. He eventually ran a barefoot 50K carrying the American flag and later carried it more than 100 miles to Independence Hall.</p><p>Together, Anthony and Michael helped organize a September 12 Carry The Flag event along the Hudson River to the World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial.</p><p>They talk about the people they met, the emotion of approaching Ground Zero, why the American flag shouldn't belong to one political side, and why they believe Americans have far more in common than we're sometimes led to believe.</p><p>This conversation is about remembering those we lost, honoring those who served, teaching the next generation what happened on September 11, and bringing Americans together again.</p><p>Because we made a promise:</p><p>Never Forget.</p><p>🇺🇸 ABOUT CARRY THE FLAG</p><p>Carry The Flag is about more than physically carrying an American flag.</p><p>It's about carrying responsibility for your family, your kids, your crew, your community, your country, and the people who come after us.</p><p>The American flag is the symbol. Responsibility is the mission.</p><p>Who do you carry the flag for?</p><p>Follow Carry The Flag:<br />Instagram: @carrytheflagusa<br />Website: carrytheflagusa.com</p>no00:47:1919Episode 9: 25 Years After 9/11: Anthony Mann Jr. & Michael Kravitz Carry the Flag to Ground Zerofull<![CDATA[Episode 8: Firefighter Challenge Competitor Gene Liford | Fitness & Brotherhood]]>Gene Liford is a firefighter, athlete, and Firefighter Challenge competitor who believes being ready for the job means holding yourself to a higher standard.

In this episode of the Carry The Flag Podcast, Chris Maleta sits down with Gene to talk about competing in the Firefighter Challenge, one of the toughest competitions in the fire service.

Gene breaks down what it's like to race through the course in full firefighter gear—climbing the tower, hoisting hose, swinging the hammer, pulling a charged hose line, and finishing with a 165-pound dummy drag.

But this conversation goes far beyond competition.

Chris and Gene talk about firefighter fitness, training when you're uncomfortable, brotherhood in the fire service, pushing yourself against the clock, and why being physically prepared matters when someone is counting on you.

Gene also shares advice for people trying to become firefighters and why he believes firefighters should hold themselves to a higher standard.

For Gene, carrying the flag means being there for his family, being a good husband and father, honoring the firefighters who came before him, and setting an example for the next generation.

Follow Gene Liford:
Instagram: @gh_liford

Follow Carry The Flag:
Instagram: @carrytheflagusa
Website: carrytheflagusa.com

Who do you carry the flag for?

]]>992970a7-37ba-418e-a3e6-67046584b76eTue, 29 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>Gene Liford is a firefighter, athlete, and Firefighter Challenge competitor who believes being ready for the job means holding yourself to a higher standard.</p><p>In this episode of the Carry The Flag Podcast, Chris Maleta sits down with Gene to talk about competing in the Firefighter Challenge, one of the toughest competitions in the fire service.</p><p>Gene breaks down what it's like to race through the course in full firefighter gear—climbing the tower, hoisting hose, swinging the hammer, pulling a charged hose line, and finishing with a 165-pound dummy drag.</p><p>But this conversation goes far beyond competition.</p><p>Chris and Gene talk about firefighter fitness, training when you're uncomfortable, brotherhood in the fire service, pushing yourself against the clock, and why being physically prepared matters when someone is counting on you.</p><p>Gene also shares advice for people trying to become firefighters and why he believes firefighters should hold themselves to a higher standard.</p><p>For Gene, carrying the flag means being there for his family, being a good husband and father, honoring the firefighters who came before him, and setting an example for the next generation.</p><p>Follow Gene Liford:<br />Instagram: @gh_liford</p><p>Follow Carry The Flag:<br />Instagram: @carrytheflagusa<br />Website: carrytheflagusa.com</p><p>Who do you carry the flag for?</p>no01:08:0918Episode 8: Firefighter Challenge Competitor Gene Liford | Fitness & Brotherhoodfull<![CDATA[Episode 7: 875 Races Carrying the American Flag: Billy Richards]]>Billy Richards has carried the American flag through 875 races—but the reason why goes much deeper than running.

Billy is a Marine and Army veteran who struggled to find direction and purpose after leaving the military. Endurance racing gave him a new mission and eventually led him to begin carrying a 45-pound ruck and the American flag.

In this episode of the Carry The Flag Podcast, Billy sits down with Chris Maleta to talk about his time in the Marine Corps and Army, Special Forces training, serving with the 82nd Airborne, PTSD and mental health, extreme endurance racing, and finding purpose after military service.

Billy shares why the weight of his ruck represents the invisible weight many veterans and first responders carry, why the American flag belongs to every American, and why we can't allow other people's limitations to become our own.

Today, Billy continues pushing himself through ultramarathons, 100-mile races, and his mission to complete 50Ks across all 50 states while carrying a 45-pound ruck and the American flag in support of veterans.

This isn't just a story about endurance.

It's about purpose, service, responsibility, and continuing to put one foot in front of the other when life gets hard.

Follow Billy Richards:
Instagram: @billytheultrabeast

Follow Carry The Flag:
Instagram: @carrytheflagusa
Website: carrytheflagusa.com

Who do you carry the flag for?

]]>3040ab9c-cf33-4bb5-844f-c55e56c211e3Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:43:01 GMT<p>Billy Richards has carried the American flag through 875 races—but the reason why goes much deeper than running.</p><p></p><p>Billy is a Marine and Army veteran who struggled to find direction and purpose after leaving the military. Endurance racing gave him a new mission and eventually led him to begin carrying a 45-pound ruck and the American flag.</p><p></p><p>In this episode of the Carry The Flag Podcast, Billy sits down with Chris Maleta to talk about his time in the Marine Corps and Army, Special Forces training, serving with the 82nd Airborne, PTSD and mental health, extreme endurance racing, and finding purpose after military service.</p><p>Billy shares why the weight of his ruck represents the invisible weight many veterans and first responders carry, why the American flag belongs to every American, and why we can't allow other people's limitations to become our own.</p><p></p><p>Today, Billy continues pushing himself through ultramarathons, 100-mile races, and his mission to complete 50Ks across all 50 states while carrying a 45-pound ruck and the American flag in support of veterans.</p><p>This isn't just a story about endurance.</p><p></p><p>It's about purpose, service, responsibility, and continuing to put one foot in front of the other when life gets hard.</p><p></p><p>Follow Billy Richards:<br />Instagram: @billytheultrabeast</p><p></p><p>Follow Carry The Flag:<br />Instagram: @carrytheflagusa<br />Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://carrytheflagusa.com" target="_blank">carrytheflagusa.com</a></p><p></p><p>Who do you carry the flag for?</p>no01:20:4017Episode 7: 875 Races Carrying the American Flag: Billy Richardsfull<![CDATA[Episode 6: From MMA Fighter to Building Rockwell: Johnny Riche on Business & Branding]]>What does it take to build a brand people actually believe in?

In this episode of the Carry The Flag Podcast, Chris Maleta sits down with Johnny Riche of Rockwell Watches and Rockwell Sunglasses to talk about entrepreneurship, branding, MMA, action sports, patriotism, community, and the wild journey behind the Rockwell brand.

Johnny's story is anything but normal.

Before helping build Rockwell, Johnny competed in combat sports and eventually found himself doing stunt work with the Thrillbillies in the world surrounding Nitro Circus. Since then, Rockwell has built its brand through action sports, UFC and MMA, Monster Jam, motocross, Supercross, athletes, live events, military members, police officers, firefighters, and communities across America.

But this episode isn't just about watches and sunglasses.

It's about how you build a brand that actually means something.

Johnny breaks down why authenticity matters, how to find your audience, why a small group of true supporters can be more valuable than millions of followers, and why entrepreneurs can't be afraid to take the first step.

We also get into some incredible stories from Johnny's life—including stunt injuries, Tito Ortiz, Conor McGregor, the Diesel Brothers, Monster Trucks, UFC events, action sports, and what happens behind the scenes when you're building a business.

In this episode:

• Building Rockwell Watches and Rockwell Sunglasses
• How to build an authentic brand
• Entrepreneurship and starting a business
• Finding your "why" as a business owner
• Marketing and growing a lifestyle brand
• MMA and combat sports
• Johnny's crazy stunt career
• Nitro Circus and the Thrillbillies
• Monster Jam and Rockwell monster trucks
• UFC, Tito Ortiz and Conor McGregor stories
• The Diesel Brothers connection
• Building relationships through live events
• Why true fans matter more than follower counts
• Supporting military, police, firefighters and first responders
• Building a patriotic American brand
• Dealing with criticism and negativity
• Following your passion
• Building a team you can trust
• Why you should never be afraid to take the first step

Johnny's biggest message is simple:

Be true to who you are. Don't compromise. Stand for what you believe in.

That's exactly what the Carry The Flag Podcast is about.

This show isn't just about people physically carrying the American flag. It's about the people carrying responsibility for their families, businesses, communities, teams, and the next generation.

🇺🇸 Who do you carry the flag for?

Subscribe to the Carry The Flag Podcast for conversations about leadership, hard work, entrepreneurship, military service, first responders, American values, responsibility, resilience, and people carrying something bigger than themselves.

#CarryTheFlag #JohnnyRiche #RockwellWatches #Entrepreneurship #Business #Branding #MMA #AmericanMade #Leadership #Podcast

]]>726574a8-6e82-4b4a-bbdf-fb00d390cf1dTue, 01 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>What does it take to build a brand people actually believe in?</p><p>In this episode of the Carry The Flag Podcast, Chris Maleta sits down with <b>Johnny Riche of Rockwell Watches and Rockwell Sunglasses</b> to talk about entrepreneurship, branding, MMA, action sports, patriotism, community, and the wild journey behind the Rockwell brand.</p><p>Johnny's story is anything but normal.</p><p>Before helping build Rockwell, Johnny competed in combat sports and eventually found himself doing stunt work with the Thrillbillies in the world surrounding Nitro Circus. Since then, Rockwell has built its brand through action sports, UFC and MMA, Monster Jam, motocross, Supercross, athletes, live events, military members, police officers, firefighters, and communities across America.</p><p>But this episode isn't just about watches and sunglasses.</p><p>It's about how you build a brand that actually means something.</p><p>Johnny breaks down why authenticity matters, how to find your audience, why a small group of true supporters can be more valuable than millions of followers, and why entrepreneurs can't be afraid to take the first step.</p><p>We also get into some incredible stories from Johnny's life—including stunt injuries, Tito Ortiz, Conor McGregor, the Diesel Brothers, Monster Trucks, UFC events, action sports, and what happens behind the scenes when you're building a business.</p><p>In this episode:</p><p>• Building Rockwell Watches and Rockwell Sunglasses<br />• How to build an authentic brand<br />• Entrepreneurship and starting a business<br />• Finding your "why" as a business owner<br />• Marketing and growing a lifestyle brand<br />• MMA and combat sports<br />• Johnny's crazy stunt career<br />• Nitro Circus and the Thrillbillies<br />• Monster Jam and Rockwell monster trucks<br />• UFC, Tito Ortiz and Conor McGregor stories<br />• The Diesel Brothers connection<br />• Building relationships through live events<br />• Why true fans matter more than follower counts<br />• Supporting military, police, firefighters and first responders<br />• Building a patriotic American brand<br />• Dealing with criticism and negativity<br />• Following your passion<br />• Building a team you can trust<br />• Why you should never be afraid to take the first step</p><p>Johnny's biggest message is simple:</p><p><b>Be true to who you are. Don't compromise. Stand for what you believe in.</b></p><p>That's exactly what the Carry The Flag Podcast is about.</p><p>This show isn't just about people physically carrying the American flag. It's about the people carrying responsibility for their families, businesses, communities, teams, and the next generation.</p><p>🇺🇸 <b>Who do you carry the flag for?</b></p><p>Subscribe to the Carry The Flag Podcast for conversations about leadership, hard work, entrepreneurship, military service, first responders, American values, responsibility, resilience, and people carrying something bigger than themselves.</p><p>#CarryTheFlag #JohnnyRiche #RockwellWatches #Entrepreneurship #Business #Branding #MMA #AmericanMade #Leadership #Podcast</p>no01:14:5216Episode 6: From MMA Fighter to Building Rockwell: Johnny Riche on Business & Brandingfull<![CDATA[Episode 5: Shot in the Head in Afghanistan: Green Beret Kyle Steiner's Story]]>What happens when a 20-year-old soldier goes from failing Special Forces selection to fighting in one of the most dangerous places in Afghanistan, getting shot in the head, being called KIA over the radio, surviving, and eventually becoming a Green Beret?

In this episode of the Carry The Flag Podcast, Chris Maleta sits down with Kyle Steiner, a recently retired U.S. Army Green Beret, husband, father, and founder of Operator Mindset.

Kyle served with the 173rd Airborne in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley during the deployment featured in the documentaries Restrepo and Korengal.

During a firefight, Kyle was shot in the head. Everything went black. When his hearing returned, he could hear his own battle roster number being called over the radio as KIA.

But Kyle wasn’t dead.

He survived.

And that’s only part of his story.

Before the Korengal Valley, Kyle failed Special Forces selection. Looking back, he says that failure was one of the best things that ever happened to him. It forced him to grow and become a better soldier and leader.

After 15 months at OP Restrepo, Kyle returned to Special Forces selection as a different man. This time he made it and went on to spend roughly 17 years in Special Operations.

But this conversation is about much more than combat.

After more than two decades in the military, Kyle’s mission has changed.

Today, he’s focused on being a husband, raising his children, and helping other men become better fathers and leaders.

We talk about leadership, discipline, failure, fatherhood, raising strong kids in soft times, Operator Mindset, Frontline Fathers, and what it means to lead from the front.

One of Kyle’s biggest beliefs is simple:

Effort over outcome.

He doesn’t teach his kids that they always have to win. He teaches them to give their best effort and become the hardest workers in the room.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Failing Special Forces selection
• The Korengal Valley and OP Restrepo
• Restrepo and Korengal
• Being shot in the head and called KIA
• Brotherhood in combat
• Becoming a Green Beret
• Leadership under pressure
• Effort over outcome
• Transitioning out of the military
• Operator Mindset and Frontline Fathers
• Raising strong kids in soft times
• Fatherhood, discipline, purpose, and legacy

This episode is a reminder that the mission may change, but the responsibility doesn’t.

Sometimes carrying the flag means serving beside your brothers. Sometimes it means leading a team. And sometimes it means coming home and leading your family.

You don’t have to physically carry an American flag to Carry The Flag.

You carry it through how you lead, serve, raise your family, and show up when people are counting on you.

Who do you carry the flag for?

CONNECT WITH KYLE STEINER

Website:
operatedifferent.com

Instagram:
instagram.com/realkylesteiner

Facebook:
Search “Real Kyle Steiner”

Frontline Fathers:
Search “Frontline Fathers” on Facebook

FOLLOW CARRY THE FLAG

Website:
carrytheflagusa.com

Instagram:
instagram.com/carrytheflagusa

YouTube:
youtube.com/@carrytheflagusa

If this episode means something to you, follow the Carry The Flag Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear Kyle’s story.

]]>64c8b2fc-31bb-499f-bf71-3d47fe066ce9Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:40:26 GMT<p>What happens when a 20-year-old soldier goes from failing Special Forces selection to fighting in one of the most dangerous places in Afghanistan, getting shot in the head, being called KIA over the radio, surviving, and eventually becoming a Green Beret?</p><p>In this episode of the Carry The Flag Podcast, Chris Maleta sits down with Kyle Steiner, a recently retired U.S. Army Green Beret, husband, father, and founder of Operator Mindset.</p><p>Kyle served with the 173rd Airborne in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley during the deployment featured in the documentaries Restrepo and Korengal.</p><p>During a firefight, Kyle was shot in the head. Everything went black. When his hearing returned, he could hear his own battle roster number being called over the radio as KIA.</p><p>But Kyle wasn’t dead.</p><p>He survived.</p><p>And that’s only part of his story.</p><p>Before the Korengal Valley, Kyle failed Special Forces selection. Looking back, he says that failure was one of the best things that ever happened to him. It forced him to grow and become a better soldier and leader.</p><p>After 15 months at OP Restrepo, Kyle returned to Special Forces selection as a different man. This time he made it and went on to spend roughly 17 years in Special Operations.</p><p>But this conversation is about much more than combat.</p><p>After more than two decades in the military, Kyle’s mission has changed.</p><p>Today, he’s focused on being a husband, raising his children, and helping other men become better fathers and leaders.</p><p>We talk about leadership, discipline, failure, fatherhood, raising strong kids in soft times, Operator Mindset, Frontline Fathers, and what it means to lead from the front.</p><p>One of Kyle’s biggest beliefs is simple:</p><p>Effort over outcome.</p><p>He doesn’t teach his kids that they always have to win. He teaches them to give their best effort and become the hardest workers in the room.</p><p>In this episode, we talk about:</p><p>• Failing Special Forces selection<br />• The Korengal Valley and OP Restrepo<br />• Restrepo and Korengal<br />• Being shot in the head and called KIA<br />• Brotherhood in combat<br />• Becoming a Green Beret<br />• Leadership under pressure<br />• Effort over outcome<br />• Transitioning out of the military<br />• Operator Mindset and Frontline Fathers<br />• Raising strong kids in soft times<br />• Fatherhood, discipline, purpose, and legacy</p><p>This episode is a reminder that the mission may change, but the responsibility doesn’t.</p><p>Sometimes carrying the flag means serving beside your brothers. Sometimes it means leading a team. And sometimes it means coming home and leading your family.</p><p>You don’t have to physically carry an American flag to Carry The Flag.</p><p>You carry it through how you lead, serve, raise your family, and show up when people are counting on you.</p><p>Who do you carry the flag for?</p><p>CONNECT WITH KYLE STEINER</p><p>Website:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://operatedifferent.com" target="_blank">operatedifferent.com</a></p><p>Instagram:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://instagram.com/realkylesteiner" target="_blank">instagram.com/realkylesteiner</a></p><p>Facebook:<br />Search “Real Kyle Steiner”</p><p>Frontline Fathers:<br />Search “Frontline Fathers” on Facebook</p><p>FOLLOW CARRY THE FLAG</p><p>Website:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://carrytheflagusa.com" target="_blank">carrytheflagusa.com</a></p><p>Instagram:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://instagram.com/carrytheflagusa" target="_blank">instagram.com/carrytheflagusa</a></p><p>YouTube:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://youtube.com/@carrytheflagusa" target="_blank">youtube.com/@carrytheflagusa</a></p><p>If this episode means something to you, follow the Carry The Flag Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear Kyle’s story.</p>no01:42:3615Episode 5: Shot in the Head in Afghanistan: Green Beret Kyle Steiner's Storyfull<![CDATA[Episode 4: Freedom Games Founder Justin Smith: Honoring the Fallen Through Fitness]]>What if fitness could become a way to honor those who gave everything for our freedom?

In this episode of the Carry The Flag Podcast, Chris Maleta sits down with Justin Smith, owner of CrossFit Greenwood and founder of the Freedom Games, an annual CrossFit competition that has become one of the most meaningful fitness events in the country.

Justin shares his incredible journey from coaching college basketball to taking a leap of faith and opening CrossFit Greenwood with little more than a dream and the courage to pursue it. What started as a passion for coaching and helping others eventually grew into something much bigger: a community built around leadership, sacrifice, service, and remembering America's fallen heroes.

The Freedom Games isn't just another CrossFit competition.

Every year, athletes from across the country come together to honor a fallen service member, hear their story, meet their family, and remember the true cost of freedom. It's a weekend that reminds us fitness isn't just about becoming stronger physically—it's about becoming stronger as leaders, teammates, and Americans.

In this conversation, Justin shares:
• Why he left a successful coaching career to chase his dream.
• How CrossFit Greenwood was built from the ground up.
• The leap of faith that changed his life.
• The story behind the Freedom Games.
• Why honoring fallen heroes is at the heart of the competition.
• The importance of community, leadership, and service.
• Lessons from entrepreneurship and building a purpose-driven business.
• What it truly means to carry something bigger than yourself.

Whether you're a CrossFit athlete, veteran, first responder, business owner, coach, or someone looking for purpose and motivation, this episode will challenge you to think beyond yourself and ask how you're serving the people around you.

At Carry The Flag, we believe you don't have to physically carry a flag to carry the flag.

You carry it by how you lead.

How you serve.

How you show up for your family.

How you honor those who came before you.

And how you choose responsibility every single day.

Learn More About the Freedom Games

Website:
https://thefreedomgames.com

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/freedomgames

CrossFit Greenwood:
https://crossfitgreenwood.com

Follow Carry The Flag

Website:
https://carrytheflagusa.com

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@carrytheflagusa

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/carrytheflagusa

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe to the Carry The Flag Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes in hard work, service, leadership, and honoring those who made our freedom possible.

Who do you carry the flag for?

]]>e18a37bc-607d-4908-a17d-efd60e55b2b3Tue, 04 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>What if fitness could become a way to honor those who gave everything for our freedom?</p><p>In this episode of the Carry The Flag Podcast, Chris Maleta sits down with Justin Smith, owner of CrossFit Greenwood and founder of the Freedom Games, an annual CrossFit competition that has become one of the most meaningful fitness events in the country.</p><p>Justin shares his incredible journey from coaching college basketball to taking a leap of faith and opening CrossFit Greenwood with little more than a dream and the courage to pursue it. What started as a passion for coaching and helping others eventually grew into something much bigger: a community built around leadership, sacrifice, service, and remembering America's fallen heroes.</p><p>The Freedom Games isn't just another CrossFit competition.</p><p>Every year, athletes from across the country come together to honor a fallen service member, hear their story, meet their family, and remember the true cost of freedom. It's a weekend that reminds us fitness isn't just about becoming stronger physically—it's about becoming stronger as leaders, teammates, and Americans.</p><p>In this conversation, Justin shares:<br />• Why he left a successful coaching career to chase his dream.<br />• How CrossFit Greenwood was built from the ground up.<br />• The leap of faith that changed his life.<br />• The story behind the Freedom Games.<br />• Why honoring fallen heroes is at the heart of the competition.<br />• The importance of community, leadership, and service.<br />• Lessons from entrepreneurship and building a purpose-driven business.<br />• What it truly means to carry something bigger than yourself.</p><p>Whether you're a CrossFit athlete, veteran, first responder, business owner, coach, or someone looking for purpose and motivation, this episode will challenge you to think beyond yourself and ask how you're serving the people around you.</p><p>At Carry The Flag, we believe you don't have to physically carry a flag to carry the flag.</p><p>You carry it by how you lead.</p><p>How you serve.</p><p>How you show up for your family.</p><p>How you honor those who came before you.</p><p>And how you choose responsibility every single day.</p><p>Learn More About the Freedom Games</p><p>Website:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thefreedomgames.com" target="_blank">https://thefreedomgames.com</a></p><p>Instagram:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/freedomgames" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/freedomgames</a></p><p>CrossFit Greenwood:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://crossfitgreenwood.com" target="_blank">https://crossfitgreenwood.com</a></p><p>Follow Carry The Flag</p><p>Website:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://carrytheflagusa.com" target="_blank">https://carrytheflagusa.com</a></p><p>YouTube:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@carrytheflagusa" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@carrytheflagusa</a></p><p>Instagram:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/carrytheflagusa" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/carrytheflagusa</a></p><p>If this episode inspired you, please subscribe to the Carry The Flag Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes in hard work, service, leadership, and honoring those who made our freedom possible.</p><p>Who do you carry the flag for?</p>no00:35:4514Episode 4: Freedom Games Founder Justin Smith: Honoring the Fallen Through Fitnessfull<![CDATA[Episode 3: Army Combat Veteran & Mother | Cass Glaspey on Hope After Her Son Was Hit by a Truck]]>What would you do if your entire world changed in an instant?

In this powerful episode of the Carry The Flag Podcast, Chris Maleta sits down with Cassie Glaspey—an Army combat veteran, founder of Mother RUCKer, and mother to Bryson, whose life changed forever after he was struck by a truck and suffered catastrophic brain injuries.

Cassie opens up about military service, PTSD, motherhood, faith, and what it takes to keep moving forward when life gives you every reason to quit. Instead of allowing tragedy to define her family, she chose to turn pain into purpose, helping Bryson fight his way back while inspiring others through nature, movement, community, and hope.

This isn't just a conversation about surviving hardship.

It's about choosing hope.

Choosing resilience.

Choosing to keep showing up.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How military service shaped Cassie's life.
• The day everything changed for her family.
• Bryson's incredible journey toward recovery.
• How faith, nature, and movement became part of their healing.
• Why community matters during life's hardest seasons.
• What it truly means to Carry The Flag.

If this conversation encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs hope today.

❤️ Support Cassie & Bryson

📖 Bryson & Cassie's Children's Book – Life Is a Dance
https://a.co/d/0bG3qYfG

❤️ Bryson's Healing Support Fund
http://spot.fund/zd9mkfvsc

🌿 Mother RUCKer
https://keeponruckin.org

🇺🇸 Follow Carry The Flag

🌐 Website
https://carrytheflagusa.com

📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/carrytheflagusa

🎥 YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@carrytheflagusa

Remember...

You don't have to physically carry a flag to carry the flag.

You carry it by how you lead your family.

How you serve your community.

How you show up when nobody is watching.

Who do you carry the flag for?

]]>4f90e0a6-a0aa-41af-b903-7609d958619cTue, 28 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p><b>What would you do if your entire world changed in an instant?</b></p><p>In this powerful episode of the <b>Carry The Flag Podcast</b>, Chris Maleta sits down with <b>Cassie Glaspey</b>—an Army combat veteran, founder of <b>Mother RUCKer</b>, and mother to Bryson, whose life changed forever after he was struck by a truck and suffered catastrophic brain injuries.</p><p>Cassie opens up about military service, PTSD, motherhood, faith, and what it takes to keep moving forward when life gives you every reason to quit. Instead of allowing tragedy to define her family, she chose to turn pain into purpose, helping Bryson fight his way back while inspiring others through nature, movement, community, and hope.</p><p>This isn't just a conversation about surviving hardship.</p><p>It's about choosing hope.</p><p>Choosing resilience.</p><p>Choosing to keep showing up.</p><h3>In this episode, you'll learn:</h3><p>• How military service shaped Cassie's life.<br />• The day everything changed for her family.<br />• Bryson's incredible journey toward recovery.<br />• How faith, nature, and movement became part of their healing.<br />• Why community matters during life's hardest seasons.<br />• What it truly means to <b>Carry The Flag</b>.</p><p>If this conversation encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs hope today.</p><hr /><h2>❤️ Support Cassie &amp; Bryson</h2><p>📖 <b>Bryson &amp; Cassie's Children's Book – <i>Life Is a Dance</i></b><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://a.co/d/0bG3qYfG" target="_blank">https://a.co/d/0bG3qYfG</a></p><p>❤️ <b>Bryson's Healing Support Fund</b><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://spot.fund/zd9mkfvsc" target="_blank">http://spot.fund/zd9mkfvsc</a></p><p>🌿 <b>Mother RUCKer</b><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://keeponruckin.org" target="_blank">https://keeponruckin.org</a></p><hr /><h2>🇺🇸 Follow Carry The Flag</h2><p>🌐 Website<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://carrytheflagusa.com" target="_blank">https://carrytheflagusa.com</a></p><p>📸 Instagram<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/carrytheflagusa" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/carrytheflagusa</a></p><p>🎥 YouTube<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@carrytheflagusa" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@carrytheflagusa</a></p><hr /><p><b>Remember...</b></p><p>You don't have to physically carry a flag to carry the flag.</p><p>You carry it by how you lead your family.</p><p>How you serve your community.</p><p>How you show up when nobody is watching.</p><p><b>Who do you carry the flag for?</b></p>no01:13:0113Episode 3: Army Combat Veteran & Mother | Cass Glaspey on Hope After Her Son Was Hit by a Truckfull<![CDATA[Episode 2: Army Ranger Turned Firefighter | Dylan Curtis on Finding Your Tribe]]>In Episode 2 of the Carry The Flag Podcast, Chris Maleta sits down with Army Ranger, firefighter, entrepreneur, and Brigands Co. founder Dylan Curtis for a powerful conversation about leadership, service, resilience, and finding your tribe.

Dylan shares his journey from serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment to becoming a firefighter and building a community that supports veterans, first responders, and anyone committed to living a life of purpose. Together, Chris and Dylan discuss the challenges of transitioning out of the military, the importance of brotherhood and community, mental health, PTSD, leadership, and why the mission to serve never truly ends.

Whether you're a veteran, firefighter, first responder, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for purpose and strong leadership principles, this episode is packed with honest stories and lessons that apply far beyond the military.

In this episode:
• Dylan's journey from Army Ranger to firefighter
• Life in the 75th Ranger Regiment
• Transitioning from military to civilian life
• Leadership lessons from the military and fire service
• Building Brigands Co. and creating a community
• PTSD, mental health, and supporting first responders
• Why finding your tribe matters
• What it truly means to continue serving others

Carry The Flag isn't about politics—it's about responsibility, service, and leading by example.

Who do you carry the flag for?

]]>a84c9f95-17c2-488f-b575-8196914716cfTue, 14 Jul 2026 11:10:55 GMT<p>In Episode 2 of the Carry The Flag Podcast, Chris Maleta sits down with Army Ranger, firefighter, entrepreneur, and Brigands Co. founder Dylan Curtis for a powerful conversation about leadership, service, resilience, and finding your tribe.</p><p>Dylan shares his journey from serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment to becoming a firefighter and building a community that supports veterans, first responders, and anyone committed to living a life of purpose. Together, Chris and Dylan discuss the challenges of transitioning out of the military, the importance of brotherhood and community, mental health, PTSD, leadership, and why the mission to serve never truly ends.</p><p>Whether you're a veteran, firefighter, first responder, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for purpose and strong leadership principles, this episode is packed with honest stories and lessons that apply far beyond the military.</p><p>In this episode:<br />• Dylan's journey from Army Ranger to firefighter<br />• Life in the 75th Ranger Regiment<br />• Transitioning from military to civilian life<br />• Leadership lessons from the military and fire service<br />• Building Brigands Co. and creating a community<br />• PTSD, mental health, and supporting first responders<br />• Why finding your tribe matters<br />• What it truly means to continue serving others</p><p>Carry The Flag isn't about politics—it's about responsibility, service, and leading by example.</p><p>Who do you carry the flag for?</p>no01:05:4512Episode 2: Army Ranger Turned Firefighter | Dylan Curtis on Finding Your Tribefull<![CDATA[Episode 1: Firefighter Chris Maleta | The Story Behind Carry The Flag]]>In the very first episode of the Carry The Flag Podcast, firefighter and founder Chris Maleta shares the story behind the movement and the question that changed his life:

"Who's going to carry the flag?"

What began as a conversation at the fire station became a mission to inspire people to lead by example, serve others, and carry something bigger than themselves.

Chris shares his journey from growing up in a small Kansas town to becoming a firefighter, entrepreneur, and founder of Carry The Flag. He opens up about the defining moments that shaped the movement, the stories that convinced him it was bigger than a clothing brand, and why he believes ordinary people are the backbone of America.

In this episode, you'll hear:
• The true story behind Carry The Flag
• How one firefighter's challenge changed everything
• The meaning of "Who do you carry the flag for?"
• Lessons from the fire service, family, and entrepreneurship
• Why Carry The Flag is a movement—not just a brand
• What's next for the podcast and the community

Whether you're a firefighter, veteran, first responder, parent, business owner, teacher, or someone striving to make a difference, this episode is a reminder that leadership begins with responsibility.

Who do you carry the flag for?

]]>90a436e2-31e5-4285-a647-c9f04ac87601Fri, 03 Jul 2026 12:15:19 GMT<p>In the very first episode of the Carry The Flag Podcast, firefighter and founder Chris Maleta shares the story behind the movement and the question that changed his life:</p><p><b>"Who's going to carry the flag?"</b></p><p>What began as a conversation at the fire station became a mission to inspire people to lead by example, serve others, and carry something bigger than themselves.</p><p>Chris shares his journey from growing up in a small Kansas town to becoming a firefighter, entrepreneur, and founder of Carry The Flag. He opens up about the defining moments that shaped the movement, the stories that convinced him it was bigger than a clothing brand, and why he believes ordinary people are the backbone of America.</p><p>In this episode, you'll hear:<br />• The true story behind Carry The Flag<br />• How one firefighter's challenge changed everything<br />• The meaning of "Who do you carry the flag for?"<br />• Lessons from the fire service, family, and entrepreneurship<br />• Why Carry The Flag is a movement—not just a brand<br />• What's next for the podcast and the community</p><p>Whether you're a firefighter, veteran, first responder, parent, business owner, teacher, or someone striving to make a difference, this episode is a reminder that leadership begins with responsibility.</p><p>Who do you carry the flag for?</p>no00:48:0511Episode 1: Firefighter Chris Maleta | The Story Behind Carry The Flagfull