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Artwork for Combat Story

Combat Story

AJ Pasciuti
Afghanistan
Iraq
Russia
Vietnam War
CIA
Fallujah
Ukraine
PTSD
Iraq War
Combat Experience
Marine Corps
Navy Seals
Special Forces
F-15e Strike Eagle
China
Leadership
United States Marine Corps
Mental Health
Taliban
Camaraderie

Combat Story is a podcast built on honest conversations with the men and women who lived it. These are not scripted interviews or highlight reels. They are real accounts from veterans across generations, including infantry, special operations, pilots, JTACs, and more, sharing what it was like to operate in high-stakes environments where decisions carried real consequences. Each conversation explor... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes226Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistorySocial SciencesScience

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Artwork for Combat Story

Latest Episodes

How does a West Point graduate and Army Ranger go from military service to winning The Apprentice and building one of the most successful veteran-focused venture capital firms in America?

In this episode of Combat Story, AJ Pasciuti sits down with ... more

What happens after the uniform comes off?

In this episode of Combat Story, AJ Pasciuti sits down with Army combat veteran, firefighter, MMA fighter, and author James McDevitt for one of the most honest conversations we've had about service, trauma,... more

YouTube

Today on Combat Story, we hear the story of Joshua "Josh" Shores β€” Marine infantry combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient, former Marine Raider, retired firefighter, entrepreneur, and author of Counting on Death: A Marine Infantryman's Journey from t... more

YouTube

Before Vietnam became the war America remembers, James Lyle Steele was already in it. In Episode 1 of Reconnaissance Man, "Good Morning, Vietnam," Steele takes us into the earliest days of America's involvement in the war, when the mission was still ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Joshua Shores
Marine Infantry Combat Veteran, Purple Heart recipient, former Marine Raider, author
Counting on Death (author)
Episode: "We Thought We Were Going to Die Every Night" | Ramadi Veteran Story With Marin Raider Joshua Shores
James Lyle Steele
Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, Force Reconnaissance Team veteran
U.S. Marine Corps (retired)
Episode: He Was in Vietnam Before the War Began | Reconnaissance Man Ep. 1
Mark Grdovic
Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, Green Beret, author of Those Who Faced Death
U.S. Army Special Forces
Episode: The Secret War Before Iraq | Green Berets, Kurdish Fighters, and the Northern Front
Jeremy Rebmann
FBI special agent and FBI SWAT sniper, author of Send Me, Chronicles of an FBI Sniper
FBI
Episode: FBI SWAT Sniper: The Shot That Saved His Team | Jeremy Rebmann
Alexander Lemons
Former US Marine scout sniper; co-author of War Body
US Marine Corps, War Body collaboration
Episode: Marine Scout Sniper Alexander Lemons on Iraq, Hidden Wounds, and the Real Cost of War | Combat Story
Isaac Lee
Lieutenant Colonel USMC (Retired), CH-53 pilot and author
United States Marine Corps
Episode: The CH-53 Mission to Recover a Downed Night Stalker Helicopter | Ret. Lt. Col Isaac G. Lee
Randall Parks
Retired Marine with 20 years of service and Chief Organizer of 0321 Day
Marine Corps
Episode: 0321 Day Special Edition | Marine Recon Brotherhood, Gold Star Retreat, MRF & The "Recondo Hundo"
Matt Cavanaugh
Retired United States Army Lieutenant Colonel, combat veteran, author of 'Best Scar Wins'.
National Kidney Donation Organization
Episode: Service Beyond War: Combat, Kidney Donation, and Endurance with Matt Cavanaugh
Todd Opalski
Legendary Marine and Special Operations Leader
Episode: Invite to the Battle of Fallujah II Dauntless Courage Premiere on Combat Story with Ryan and AJ

Host

AJ Pasciuti
Host of Combat Story

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 3.7k ratings
  • Truly exceptional

    Been listening to this channel for a while now and love it. Being a British army veteran, having served 25 years and recently left, these interviews rest my soul. The questioning allows the guest to open up in a way other podcasts must envy. The best interview so far for me, was Ryan’s Dad. Heard a lot about his father and his Vietnam helicopter tour, as he’s often referenced, but the interview was something which needed to be heard and didn’t disappoint.

    Keep the great work guys. πŸ’ͺ🏼

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bash Bailey
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Rapid Fire Comedy Tour

    I listen to Combat Story regularly and this was one of the most engaging episodes I have yet to listen to. Keep up the great work and convey my best wishes to Michael.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rocklike1
    United Statesa month ago
  • Change title to β€œThe life and times of a soldier who was also involved in combat”

    Once the narration and dialogue arrives at an actual β€œCombat Story” it is a great podcast. But in the interval there is banter that should be left on the cutting room floor instead of being included in the podcast. It is fine that the narrator has connections with so many guests, but we really don’t need to hear about it. Many times the podcast is 3/4 finished before real combat is actually described.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    M.P. Barry
    United States2 months ago
  • Saturday afternoon weekly listen

    I enjoy the episodes and the regular releases every Saturday. I have been a weekly listener since the summer of 2023. Recently it seems like the episodes are edited to remove the conversation between Ryan/AJ and the interviewee. Bring back the longer episodes with more conversation. Also, the recent addition of sound bites are not value added. The content alone from these combat warriors is more than enough for the listener.

    Keep it going! I’m just trying to share some feedback.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BrianD.03
    United States7 months ago
  • Thank you Ryan

    What an amazing show you have built. You have done a great job over the years and we appreciate it. Good luck with your future endeavors. AJ will definitely kill it. Keep up the good work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    high pressure distributor
    United States8 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise deep, candid conversations and high production quality.
Engaging, authentic storytelling from veterans; interviews feel intimate and respectful.
Mixed feedback on pacing and occasional use of background music; episodes still valued for firsthand military insights.
Consistently strong listener connection and sense of community among veterans and allies.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#92
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#188
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#240
Canada/History
Apple Podcasts
#174
Australia/History
Apple Podcasts
#84
New Zealand/History
Apple Podcasts
#138
Finland/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The 35-Hour B-52 Mission That Launched Desert Storm | Secret Squirrel with Col. Trey Morris
Q: What drew you to the Air Force?
Trey Morris explains that his heritage and family history in military aviation inspired him to join the Air Force.
From the Streets, to Service, to Stand-Up: Michael D'Angelo's Military Comedy Mission
Q: What led you to the idea to eventually raise your right hand and join the Marine Corps?
Michael shares that his tumultuous childhood, characterized by instability and chaos, pushed him to seek structure and purpose, which he found in the Marine Corps.
Combat Story (Ep 36): Mark Wales | Australian SAS | Troop Commander | TV Personality | Author | Entrepreneur | Kill Kapture
Q: How did you transition from military to civilian life?
Mark shares his journey into education at Wharton and starting his own brand, while reflecting on the challenges of leaving military life behind.
Combat Story (Ep 36): Mark Wales | Australian SAS | Troop Commander | TV Personality | Author | Entrepreneur | Kill Kapture
Q: What do you consider your biggest takeaway from your combat experiences?
Mark emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and teamwork in overcoming challenges during combat.
Combat Story (Ep 36): Mark Wales | Australian SAS | Troop Commander | TV Personality | Author | Entrepreneur | Kill Kapture
Q: What was your training experience like in the Australian Army?
Mark describes the rigorous training pipeline, including officer training and the selection process for the SAS, emphasizing the balance of mental and physical challenges involved.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Combat Story

What is Combat Story about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on intimate, long-form conversations with veterans from infantry, special operations, pilots, and other high-stakes roles. Episodes explore how each guest entered service, the defining moments of combat, and the lasting impact on life after leaving the military. Listeners get a candid look at leadership under pressure, the ethics of warfare, trauma and resilience, and the human side of extraordinary experiences, told through personal storytelling rather than scripted summaries. The format often blends hard-earned tactical insights with reflections on community, mentorship, and the ongoing work of preserving these memories for future generations. A standout aspect is the depth and trust built in interview style, which tends... more

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How many listeners does Combat Story get?

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How many subscribers and views does Combat Story have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Combat Story?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Combat Story:

1. The Team House
2. Mike Drop
3. Tier1 Podcast
4. Cleared Hot - Powered By BRCC
5. Change Agents with Andy Stumpf

How many episodes of Combat Story are there?

Combat Story launched 6 years ago and published 226 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Combat Story?

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What guests have appeared on Combat Story?

Recent guests on Combat Story include:

1. Joshua Shores
2. James Lyle Steele
3. Mark Grdovic
4. Jeremy Rebmann
5. Alexander Lemons
6. Isaac Lee
7. Randall Parks
8. Matt Cavanaugh

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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