In episode 156 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Colonel Jason Herring, outgoing Wing Commander of the 621st Contingency Response Wing — the U.S. Air Force’s only wing solely focused on rapidly deploying teams to open airbases and respond to global crises.

With 26 years of service, Jason’s career has spanned from combat operations as a C-130 pilot to strategic leadership in irregular warfare at the Pentagon, culminating in command of one of the Air Force’s most agile and operationally critical units.

In this fascinating episode, Jason breaks down the mission of the 621st, the unique mindset needed for contingency response operations, and how his diverse leadership experiences have shaped his command philosophy. We explore the critical role of teamwork, trust, adaptability, and how to develop future leaders in an ever-changing world.

Packed with real-world lessons, inspiring stories, and practical takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in high-performance leadership, rapid mobility operations, and building resilient teams.

🎧 Listen now to discover how Colonel Herring’s approach to leadership and mission success can inspire you — whether you’re in the military, business, or facing life’s toughest challenges.

In episode 155 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Dr. Luis Luarca—an organizational psychologist, leadership expert, and former CFO with over 25 years of experience transforming businesses.

Luis blends his unique background in finance, human behaviour, and leadership psychology to reveal how ego, poor communication, and ignoring employees often hold businesses back. He shares actionable lessons from his consulting work with companies ranging from $5 million startups to $300 million giants, showing how empowering teams, listening to staff, and breaking outdated leadership mindsets lead to real results.

We dive into the modern leadership crisis, the misunderstood role of AI, why so many employees hate Mondays, and how to build resilient, high-performing organizations. Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring leader, or someone trying to improve workplace culture, this episode is packed with eye-opening takeaways you can apply today.

🎧 Listen now for a raw, practical guide to becoming a better leader—and building an organization your people actually want to work for.

In Episode 154 of the Talk4 Podcast, host Louis Skupien is joined by Christian Bruhn, a former Army Ranger and intelligence analyst who now runs "The Art of Time," a business focused on luxury watch trading and collection management.

Christian takes us through his transformation—from driving a Budweiser keg truck in Louisiana to deploying with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, then diving into entrepreneurship and building a trusted name in the luxury watch market.

We cover:

• His military background and lessons learned

• How he transitioned into entrepreneurship

• Watch industry tips, red flags, and best investments

• Brand-building advice

• The future of luxury watches in an AI-driven world

A powerful blend of military grit and business savvy, this episode is full of practical advice, motivation, and insights into what it takes to lead in high-pressure environments.

🎧 Listen now and discover why time is your most valuable asset.

In episode 153 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien is joined by Commander Trevor "Phantom" Merrell, Commander of the 25th Attack Group at Shaw AFB. With over 2,900 flight hours across platforms like the F-16 and MQ-9 Reaper, Phantom shares his extraordinary path through U.S. Air Force aviation and command.

From surviving a catastrophic F-16 ejection to developing ISR strategy in the Pentagon and commanding global RPA operations, Phantom offers a unique lens on modern warfare. He also dives deep into leadership, the importance of autonomy and purpose, and mentoring the next generation of warfighters.

Whether you're interested in Air Force careers, leadership development, ISR, or future combat tech, this is a must-listen.

In episode 152 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien welcomes astronaut and former Navy test pilot Susan Kilrain — one of only three women in history to pilot the Space Shuttle.

From flying F-14 Tomcats and serving as a Navy test pilot to conducting two missions aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, Susan’s journey is filled with grit, leadership, and determination. She opens up about breaking barriers in military aviation, the psychological impact of space travel, and her post-NASA mission to inspire others through public speaking, writing, and STEM outreach.

Susan also shares key leadership lessons learned in flight and space, discusses how to lead in crisis, and offers powerful advice on overcoming fear and self-doubt.

🎧 This episode is a must-listen for aviation lovers, aspiring astronauts, leaders, and anyone chasing ambitious dreams.

In Episode 151 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien is joined by General Thomas A. Bussiere, Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. With 40 years of distinguished service, Gen. Bussiere is responsible for overseeing the U.S. strategic bomber fleet and ICBMs, forming two-thirds of America’s nuclear triad.

In this powerful conversation, Gen. Bussiere shares his journey from fighter pilot to becoming one of the most pivotal leaders in U.S. military strategy. He breaks down the role of strategic deterrence, modernization of legacy systems like the B-52 and Minuteman III, and how new platforms like the B-21 and MH-139 Grey Wolf will shape the future. We explore the balance of readiness and innovation, leadership philosophies, global security threats, and the role of AI in 21st-century defense.

🎧 Don’t miss this rare and insightful look behind the scenes of America’s most critical defense command.

Episode 150 of the Talk4 Podcast features Colonel Nathan "Sheik" Malafa, Thunderbird #1 and the Commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. With over 3,500 fighter hours and nearly 850 in combat, Col Malafa brings unmatched experience, vision, and leadership.

In this extraordinary conversation, Col Malafa shares how an F-15 demo changed his life, how he rose through the ranks to fly the F-15E and F-35, and what it takes to lead the Thunderbirds through one of the most demanding flying missions in the world. Louis and Col Malafa explore lessons from combat, leadership in elite teams, the secret behind ultra-close formation flying, and how the Thunderbirds inspire the next generation of Airmen.

🎧 Don’t miss this epic milestone episode packed with real stories, hard-won lessons, and elite-level motivation.

In this powerful episode, Louis Skupien sits down with Rear Admiral Mark Sucato — a veteran strike fighter pilot, Top Gun graduate, and now the Commander of Navy Region Northwest. With over 30 years of service, he leads the Navy’s critical shore infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest, manages emerging technology integration, and mentors thousands across the fleet.

Mark discusses his childhood dream to fly, his path through the U.S. Naval Academy and Top Gun, and the leadership mindset that shaped his career. He shares battle-tested strategies for building high-performing teams, empowering junior innovators, and balancing new tech with mission success. A must-listen for anyone in leadership, tech, military, or mentorship.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify