**Shoot Me Straight Podcast | Andy Symonds – The Story Behind *Man in the Arena* & AI’s Role in Writing** Welcome to the *Shoot Me Straight* podcast, hosted by Eddie Gallagher and Dave Fields. Despite their diverse backgrounds—Eddie, a former Navy SEAL, and Dave, an entrepreneur and former addiction counselor—they share a commitment to authentic living. Each week, they engage with guests from all walks of life, sharing incredible stories and real, unfiltered conversations. ### **In This Episode:** Eddie and Dave sit down with **Andy Symonds**, an **author, father, and the ghostwriter behind Eddie’s book, *Man in the Arena***. This episode dives deep into the **behind-the-scenes process of writing the book**, from the time and dedication it took to craft Eddie’s story to the challenges of turning real-life experiences into a compelling narrative. Andy also shares his thoughts on **AI’s role in writing**—where it’s useful, where it falls short, and whether it can ever replace the human touch in storytelling. Links:https://ballastbooks.com### **Key Takeaways:** ✅ The journey of writing *Man in the Arena* ✅ How long the book took to complete and the challenges along the way ✅ What it’s like to ghostwrite and bring someone else’s story to life ✅ Andy’s perspective on **AI in book writing**—is it a tool or a threat? ✅ The importance of authenticity and human experience in storytelling ### **Connect with Us:** 🌎 **Website:** [https://www.shootmestraight.net/](https://www.shootmestraight.net/) 📸 **Instagram:** [@shootmestraight](https://www.instagram.com/shootmestraight/) 🎙 **Listen on Apple Podcasts:** [Shoot Me Straight with Dave & Eddie](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-me-straight-with-dave-eddie/id1658833992) 🎧 **Listen on Spotify:** [Shoot Me Straight with Dave & Eddie](https://open.spotify.com/show/02NvrnRFXemVPnh5Cxs56F) ### **Don’t Forget to Subscribe!** If you enjoyed this episode, hit **LIKE**, drop a **COMMENT**, and **SUBSCRIBE** for more raw and inspiring conversations. #ShootMeStraight #AndySymonds #ManInTheArena #EddieGallagher #Podcast #RealConversations #MilitaryStories #BookWriting #Ghostwriting #AIWriting #ArtificialIntelligence #Storytelling #VeteranStories

**Shoot Me Straight Podcast | Nick D Gullo – Mastering Health, Strength & the Zen Mindset** Welcome to **Shoot Me Straight**, the podcast where we cut through the noise and bring you **pure gold**! This episode is packed with insights as we sit down with **Nick D Gullo (@nickdgullo)**—a true renaissance man who refuses to live in a box. From **Martial Arts and wellness** to **gaining muscle and peak performance**, this conversation is loaded with actionable takeaways. Nick’s journey is anything but ordinary. He’s a **published author, media host, podcaster, and meditation coach** who also happens to restore vintage motorcycles, act on television, and write Sci-Fi novels. With an MBA and law degree from Tulane, plus a background in creative writing, he’s explored it all—blending **science, strength, and storytelling** like no other. In this episode, we dive deep into: 🔥 The keys to **building muscle and staying healthy** 🧘‍♂️ The **Zen approach to fitness and mental clarity** 📚 The philosophy behind **The Zen Protocol** 🏆 Lessons from **martial arts, creative pursuits, and high-performance living** Nick’s experience has been featured in **Vice, Maxim, and Details**, and his knowledge is second to none. If you’re looking for **practical strategies to elevate your mind and body**, this episode is for you. 🎙️ **Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and drop a comment!** Let us know your biggest takeaway from this episode. #ShootMeStraight #NickDGullo #Podcast #Health #Fitness #MuscleGain #ZenMindset #MartialArts #Wellness #Meditation #StrengthTraining #PeakPerformance #SciFi #TheZenProtocol

We’re back with **Part 2** of our powerful conversation with **Jonathan Howard**! 🎙️ In this episode, **David Fields & Eddie Gallagher** continue their deep dive into Jonathan’s incredible journey—from joining the military to overcoming adversity and stepping into leadership. He opens up about the **hardest lessons he’s learned**, the **realities of military leadership**, and how he built the **resilience to push forward** in the face of obstacles. 🚀 **In Part 2, You’ll Learn:** ✅ How to lead under pressure and adapt in high-stakes situations ✅ The biggest lessons Jonathan took from his military experience ✅ How personal growth and resilience shape true success If you haven’t watched **Part 1**, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6d_I0YSmA4&t=2sThis episode is packed with wisdom, raw experiences, and insights that apply far beyond the military. **Don’t miss it!** 🔔 **Subscribe for more expert stories and insights!** 🎧 **Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more!** 📲 **Follow us on social media for updates!** #Podcast #Leadership #Success #MilitaryExperience #Resilience #WinYourYear