The Protectors® Podcast
The Protectors® Podcast is where powerful stories ignite purpose. Hosted by Jason Piccolo—a retired federal agent, former U.S. Army Infantry Captain (Iraq 2006), and author—the show explores the human side of courage, resilience, and leadership.
More than a podcast about service, it’s a platform for storytelling that empowers. Each episode highlights personal journeys of adversity, sacrifice, redemption, and triumph—revealing the mindset, discipline, and heart behind extraordinary lives. From frontline professionals to bestselling authors and acclaimed actors, the conversations uncover how real experiences inspire the stories that move us—and how storytelling itself becomes a force for strength and transformation.
Past guests include Sean Patrick Flanery, Andrews & Wilson, Mark Greaney, Stephen Hunter, Remi Adeleke, Florent Groberg, Clint Emerson, and Travis Mills—voices that inspire listeners to lead with courage, live with purpose, and tell their own stories boldly.
The Protectors® Podcast
#135 | Matt Hesse | FitOps Founder
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Matt Hesse joined The Protectors to discuss FitOps, building a program to empower veterans, teaming up with John Cena, and tons of other great topics. Thanks Matt!
Matt Hesse & FitOps: FitOps Foundation was founded by Army Veteran Matt Hesse, the CEO of Performix and an Army veteran. Through his professional life, he has built brands that put customers at the center, where they are surrounded by innovation to become their best selves. FitOps is the philanthropic extension of that work, focused on helping his fellow veterans find stability, success and community in the fitness industry.
About Fit Ops: FitOps was founded on the belief that fitness is transformative to every aspect of our lives. To be humble and hungry for success in being our physical best is a mindset that can be brought into both personal and professional relationships.
We don’t believe that any service member starts from scratch professionally when they enter civilian life--in fact, quite the opposite. FitOps is specifically designed to build on the fitness and leadership experience that veterans gained during their time in the service. The result is Certified Veteran Fitness Operatives (CVFOs) who guide themselves and their clients on a path toward being their personal best--in fitness and in life.
Fit Ops on the web: https://fitops.org/
Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo
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