90 episodes

Humility. Honesty. Action. A unique look into the everyday challenges that life and military service ultimately brings to both active duty military members and veterans. Join us as not your average veterans Mike, Raf, and Melon dive into some of life’s hardest questions, challenges, and situations as they open up their lives and personal experiences and dissect them in a way that can bring out the best version of ourselves, and help leave the negative in the rearview mirror. From training and deployments, to family and friends; this is a discussion you do not want to miss.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE OPERATOR Heroes Media Group

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 48 Ratings

Humility. Honesty. Action. A unique look into the everyday challenges that life and military service ultimately brings to both active duty military members and veterans. Join us as not your average veterans Mike, Raf, and Melon dive into some of life’s hardest questions, challenges, and situations as they open up their lives and personal experiences and dissect them in a way that can bring out the best version of ourselves, and help leave the negative in the rearview mirror. From training and deployments, to family and friends; this is a discussion you do not want to miss.

    NYAO, Ep: 090 – The Final Episode – Pushing Back Chaos

    NYAO, Ep: 090 – The Final Episode – Pushing Back Chaos

    As for all things that have a beginning, they must also have an end. This week, we are proud to put the “final” stamp on our NYAO podcast journey after 90 straight weeks. 90 straight weeks of our core pillars of humility, honesty, and action. Sharing stories and lessons of failure, victory, and everything in between.
    Throughout our time, Mike, Melon, and Raf have gone through a substantial amount of growth. Learning to speak to one another and access new levels of emotional intelligence, communication, and significance. You, our listeners, have only added to that vine with your shared stories and experiences. We have been happy and honored to have you along the trail with us.
    In this episode you will hear the teams final thoughts on the 90 week journey, what it means to them, and what is ahead.    There will also be new details on the future as the trio will evolve and relaunch 01 June 2022 with their new brand and title:
    “Pushing Back Chaos”
    W/ Melon, Mike, and Raf
    Watch out for advertisements on FB, IG, Twitter, Linked In, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Heroes Media Group in the coming weeks!
    Cheers and thank you from the NYAO Podcast team! We’ll see you soon!
     
    Very Respectfully,
    Mike
    Paul “Melon” McFAdden
    Raf “Tio” Espinosa

    • 57 min
    NYAO, Ep: 089 – Our journey in review

    NYAO, Ep: 089 – Our journey in review

    It’s always great to take stock of where you have been- this is one of the most important parts of determining where you are now, and helps refocus on the journey ahead.
    Raf opens this episode revealing where he is now in life. Sharing the house he dreamed of with his extended family, and about to embark on a 10 day trip that will culminate with him completing his type rating and certification in his airline job. These initially only existed in his mind, but over the course of our series, our audience has witnessed his journey, as he went about creating the life of his dreams from possibility to actuality.
    Your team then take the time to go over some of their standout episodes- a difficult task after nearly 90 episodes over 20 months. We only release conversations that we feel reflect who we are and support our aim of attempting to push back the chaos, along side you, our audience.
    It can be rare sometimes to find a space or a group where men share honestly and deeply. We opened our podcast series with a conversation right from the heart- about our biggest setbacks. This set the stage for how our subsequent episodes flowed and the show unfolded. Big topics, attempting to remain authentic and to normalize men discussing life while having a few laughs.
    We have been blessed with amazing guests- too many to mention in this short summary, but together we remember a few that left lasting impressions on us, and about whom we received a lot of feedback.
    Your team finish with a major reveal about an opportunity they see ahead of them.
     
    Let us know about some of your favorite episodes, topics and guests. Maybe a story touched you, or you were motivated by a guest. Maybe there was a favorite story that still makes you laugh.
     
    Paul “Melon” McFadden
    NotYourAveragePaul@gmail.com
    Raf “Tio” Espinosa
    NotYourAverageRaf@gmail.com
    Mike
    NotYourAverageMike77@gmail.com
     
     
    SPOTIFY:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/6cQyL6nPDxPNFz4p8RN5PQ?si=Pm-chuufQGSYdcflJ5Xq0Q
     
    APPLE PODCASTS:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-operator/id1522297477

    • 1 hr 5 min
    NYAO, Ep: 088 – Conforming

    NYAO, Ep: 088 – Conforming

    As a follow-up to last week’s episode on being authentic, we must acknowledge that while being genuine, it is important to understand what we are attempting to be a part of. Whether it be a relationship, a work environment, a political party, or within a family.
    In order to conform, one must accept and understand the positives and negatives that may come along with the decision, as all others do. Throughout this process, people in the world have the right to change and evolve. Sometimes for the better, and sometimes for the worst. As Mike says, “Sometimes you just have to call a spade a spade.”
    Conforming can bring unity, identity, teamwork, power, and friendships. On the flipside, it can also bring blind loyalty, abuse of power, censorship, non-authenticity, and divisiveness. It is important for us to always evaluate our own morals, standards, and character and assess whether or not the groups we are part of stand for and reflect those exact key pillars. Whether you are brand new to the environment, or a veteran of 20 years, we should always strive to be the voice of reason in all aspects and hold the standards for the greater good.
    Do you have some examples of both good and bad instances in which conforming came into effect? Was it addressed? How was it resolved? We’d love to hear your responses.
     
    Paul “Melon” McFadden
    NotYourAveragePaul@gmail.com
     
    Raf “Tio” Espinosa
    NotYourAverageRaf@gmail.com
     
    Mike
    NotYourAverageMike77@gmail.com
     
    SPOTIFY:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/6cQyL6nPDxPNFz4p8RN5PQ?si=Pm-chuufQGSYdcflJ5Xq0Q
     
    APPLE PODCASTS:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-operator/id1522297477

    • 57 min
    NYAO, Ep: 087 – The Cost of being Authentic

    NYAO, Ep: 087 – The Cost of being Authentic

    “This above all: to thine own self be true
    And it must follow, as the night the day
    Thou canst not then be false to any man”
    – William Shakespeare, Hamlet
     
    People often speak of being “Authentic”. What does it mean? How does this play out in life? Authenticity, in the context of this episode, is defined as the degree to which our actions are aligned with our values and desires- especially when there is pressure to behave differently. How closely are being true to ourselves?
    With some people, we know that we can really be our true selves. We can bring everything we have to the table. We know them, and they know us down to the ground. We have true freedom and full self-expression in these relationships. We feel alive.
    In other situations, we repress our thoughts or feelings under a layer. We are “inauthentic”. We have a loss of full self-expression. There are ways of being or topics we can’t touch. We feel fake or repressed.
    Clearing these relationships up takes honesty and the willingness to take responsibility for letting things slide. As Raf says, sometimes we “need to put the ugly baby on the table”. Which is Melon’s new favourite English phrase.
    In this conversation, you’ll hear examples of work and personal relationships where a straight conversation took place, and authenticity was restored. Your hosts distinguish between authenticity and being an ass. You can be straight and kind. You can clear up a past error and end with no negative charge in the space between you and the other person.
    In all cases, you can at least get any skeletons out of your closet and out of your future. You can remove the mask and know you aren’t faking it with that person anymore.
    Let us know of a time when you have restored a relationship and experienced being authentic. Try having a conversation with this aim this week- let us know how it goes.
     
     
    Paul “Melon” McFadden
    NotYourAveragePaul@gmail.com
    Raf “Tio” Espinosa
    NotYourAverageRaf@gmail.com
    Mike
    NotYourAverageMike77@gmail.com
     
     
    SPOTIFY:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/6cQyL6nPDxPNFz4p8RN5PQ?si=Pm-chuufQGSYdcflJ5Xq0Q
     
    APPLE PODCASTS:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-operator/id1522297477
     
     

    • 55 min
    NYAO, Ep: 086 – The Invasion of Ukraine

    NYAO, Ep: 086 – The Invasion of Ukraine

    This week, the boys felt compelled to talk about a somber topic; the invasion of Ukraine. On the eve of the 5th day of the Russian invasion, the guys felt it was important to try and focus on many of the inspiring and positive stories that have been propagating the news from the front lines. Stories of leadership and sacrifice. Strong men and women making difficult decisions to save their country and families, while forging ahead to hold off invading forces. They share their thoughts on the inspiring true tales of the famous Ukrainian boxing champions, the Klitschko Brothers, who have left their life of luxury to defend their native lands. Similarly, President Zelensky is celebrated for his ability to rise to the occasion as a war time leader. They run some parallels from their former experiences while serving in various combat theaters overseas. All three make an effort to funnel their current frustration with anecdotal talking points on how we can all glean fundamental importances that would massively benefit our society here in the Western First World to avoid the destruction of peace as we’re witnessing in Ukraine.. Clear cut examples by the individuals in Ukraine fighting for their lives. Fundamental importances such as, making every effort to never dehumanize any opponent. Striving to be an absolute dangerous monster, but controlled and harnessed as a sheepdog, rather than a tyrant. Finally, they want to remind everyone that no one ever wins in a war, not even the victors.
    Please share your thoughts about this episode and more importantly, we hope this encourages our listeners to spend some time thinking about what you can do to support Ukraine in their fight for survival as a sovereign nation.  We encourage all of our listeners to reach out to us with your own stories. We love reading your insights, feedback, and how we can add more value to your day
    Paul “Melon” McFadden
    NotYourAveragePaul@gmail.com
    Raf “Tio” Espinosa
    NotYourAverageRaf@gmail.com
    Mike
    NotYourAverageMike77@gmail.com
     
    SPOTIFY:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/6cQyL6nPDxPNFz4p8RN5PQ?si=Pm-chuufQGSYdcflJ5Xq0Q
     
    APPLE PODCASTS:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-operator/id1522297477

    • 58 min
    NYAO, Ep: 085 – Unindoctrination

    NYAO, Ep: 085 – Unindoctrination

    This week, the boys were inspired to talk about the many layered approaches that have historically proved fruitful for transitioning veterans, as well as themselves in establishing bonds similar to their time in service. More pointedly, they discussed  how to shift your mind and processes to ensure a positively gained experience as you leave your old (military) tribe, and venture out to find your new (civilian) tribe.
    They had a deep discussion on some of the catastrophic results that can come from dissociating from our evolutionary deep rooted inclination to be an intrinsic member in communal life. Largely, having others depend on you, as much as you depend on them, as is commonly experienced in high stressed, high risk tight knit organizations like the military, law enforcement, and alike.
    Mike spends some time warning that a significant number of veterans are unfortunately setting themselves up for downfalls by having an expectation of entitlement that more often diminishes the core life skills developed through unique hardships and challenges experienced in a combat environment.
    Melon highlights that injecting yourself into a sport you love is a great opportunity to cultivate those bonds we’re seeking, but also play a massive role in mental health rehabilitation.
    Raf shares anecdotal stories he heard on a recent podcast and how humanity’s mental health,  and its ability to deal with trauma reaches the apex when the individual is surrounded by a close knit tribe, are not just coincidentally related, but necessary and backed by countless studies.
    Please share your thoughts about this episode and more importantly, we hope this encourages our listeners to spend some time thinking about what works best for them to unindoctrinate from an old organization while successfully cultivating strong ties with a new one whose’ contrasts are stark. We encourage all of our listeners to reach out to us with your own stories. We love reading your insights, feedback, and how we can add more value to your day.
    Paul “Melon” McFadden
    NotYourAveragePaul@gmail.com
    Raf “Tio” Espinosa
    NotYourAverageRaf@gmail.com
    Mike
    NotYourAverageMike77@gmail.com
     
    SPOTIFY:
     
    https://open.spotify.com/show/6cQyL6nPDxPNFz4p8RN5PQ?si=Pm-chuufQGSYdcflJ5Xq0Q
     
    APPLE PODCASTS:
     
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-operator/id1522297477

    • 53 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
48 Ratings

48 Ratings

brendaruiz91 ,

I love it

I’ve been listening to the podcast since November of 2020 , I’m hooked !
They share their life experience with the audience and make you feel like you’re sitting there with them . I love how they interact with each other, I laugh constantly.
This really makes you think about the way you want to be as a leader , family member and friend . I hope this keeps going for a long time ! I really enjoy you guys !

Cdick1998 ,

Amazing Podcast!

All of the guys on the podcast are awesome! They talk about real world stuff. It’s all about becoming better people everyday and working towards constant self improvement. I get so much out of it weekly and I always can’t wait for the next episode!

Blocke! ,

Nitty gritty. Best in the biz

I love this show! I’m not huge on podcasts, but I can’t stop listening to these shows! My friend Brady posted it on Facebook and now I’m hooked. This is one of the most entertaining shows that keeps my attention like no other. Good work and I can’t wait for more shows! Keep up the awesome work.

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