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
#151 | Tom Spooner | Warriors Heart
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Tom Spooner joined The Protectors to talk about his military career, how he became involved with Warriors Heart, stigma, and tons of other great topics. I am a solid proponent of Warriors Heart’s mission, during our conversation I discuss the loss of my brother to the effects of addiction and understand firsthand how hard it is to find the right fit for those struggling with addiction, especially those in The Protector community. Please check out Warriors Heart and share their message. Thank you, Tom.
This episode brought to you by Combat Flags, use code Protectors for 10% off. @combat_flags
About Tom: Former Special Forces and Warriors Heart Co-Founder Tom Spooner’s service to our nation in the U.S. Army spanned nearly 21 years (1990-2011), who is now dedicated to healing his fellow warriors struggling with chemical dependencies, PTSD, mild TBI (which he also faced after a combat injury) and other recurring issues. His career included time in the 82nd Airborne, as a Green Beret in the US Army’s 7th Special Forces Group and, ultimately, in the US Army’s 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment Delta as an Operator. Spooner joined forces with successful treatment providers Josh and Lisa Lannon to open Warriors Heart in 2016. Warriors Heart is the first and ONLY accredited treatment program in the U.S. for “warriors only” (military, veterans and first responders) that helps American Warriors struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and other reoccurring issues. Tom built a "training program" approach to residential treatment that helps our protectors overcome the stigma and shame of asking for help. Warriors Heart is a 543-acre ranch outside San Antonio, Texas, that is the opposite of a hospital. Since retiring from the military in 2011, Tom has successfully enabled thousands of military and law enforcement personnel to acknowledge their struggles, seek treatment, and understand that they are not alone.
Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo
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