Cleared Hot Episode 170 - Wil Willis

Wil Willis is a former Army Ranger and Pararescueman as well as a tv show host of military shows such as Special Ops Mission, and Triggers: Weapons That Changed the World. Most recently, he was the host of the History channel program Forged In Fire for seven seasons.
Willis was born into a military family and raised on a military base until his father's retirement in 1991. Willis enlisted in the United States Army after he graduated from high school in 1993, serving with the Army's 3rd Ranger Battalion on active duty from October 1993 until February 1998, then in active duty as an Air Force Pararescueman from June 1998 until March 2007.
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[@dorianpoling6591]

Let's start a petition to bring back an even better version of Spec Ops Mission with Wil Willis that show was amazing.

[@guyverxx]

100%

[@ssc1226]

He kicked ass on that show, for sure.

[@goonhoona8186]

Hell yeah. Amazing concept. With modern drone and camera tech, the show would be insanely badass.

[@dorianpoling6591]

@@goonhoona8186 exactly not to mention all the modern day operators that are popular that could make an appearance. It would be a hit.

[@dorianpoling6591]

@@ssc1226 Agreed a modernized version with him would be great he needs another TV show.

[@papabear328]

I thought that at the hour mark Will was going to shout "listeners, 1 hour has passed, you have 2 hours remaining..." 😁 ⚒🔩🔥🗡

[@gregmahatma6909]

elapsed 😆😅🤣😂

[@persaunna]

Missed opportunity for sure, but bless you @Mr.P for filling in.

[@josephboyle3320]

Wil Willis, wow never see a man so open and honest about himself, so much respect for this man, I salute you Sir

[@My2CentsYall]

He is a liar that assaulted a blk guy waiting for his friends. THen filed a false report that none of his fellow officers supported. NOT ONE! the system got him off.

[@enduser6996]

The honesty is great. So humbling. It’s a very rare quality to find

[@reclaimyourlifenow]

@@My2CentsYall How about you provide some documentation to back your claim.

[@My2CentsYall]

@@reclaimyourlifenow How about look at the footage. 1. where is the cigarrette he was smoking ... did it eat it. 2. no other officer was there to testify as to his claim. 3. you can clearly see in the footage from what footage that was taken who the aggressor was. Being a cop is good cover if you want to do evil. Because society need policing its the best cover. You can hunt people as a cop and as long as you can find a way to justifiy it in report your good to go especially if their are no witnesses.

[@stevestore5964]

@@My2CentsYall Footage? This is the Cleared Hot Podcast on KZbin. Episode 170. Have a good life on whatever planet you are on.

[@chadwickprice3761]

"The un-opened G.I. Joe" bit is some of the funniest stuff I have ever heard.

[@Powerbandm]

What a legend 😂

[@bluecollarboys6294]

Dude for real. Best comment in this section. Will will always be a badass, not just for his training, but for his honesty

[@carychurchill733]

I almost drove off the road when Wil said that, I was laughing so hard

[@underpaidtps]

@1:59:04 un-opened G.I. Joe

[@shinerbockdoc]

I LOLed while driving when I heard that!

[@samuelpek1998]

It's amazing that he's strong enough to talk about his mental health openly like this, very impressive man and enjoyed the podcast!

[@depbugg]

That was one of the most real podcasts I have ever heard. Not to bring up others but it seems that lately most are just the host talking on and on instead of guest. Bravo for selecting a topic and sitting back and letting guest just talk. Real men, real problems and real conversation. Great stuff Andy!

[@ironclad0331]

No joke right? Made me feel a little better knowing other people are coping with issues and doing great at life. This conversation rocked.

[@vacayooper4728]

@@ironclad0331 No shit, it was a great conversation.

[@dorianpoling6591]

One of your best podcast yet. This guy is a straight shooter and total humble bad ass. Miss watching Spec Ops mission lol

[@santhony74]

Was that the show where he would go against other former military guys with Sim rounds? That was a great show.

[@dorianpoling6591]

@@santhony74 Yes it was. It premiered for one season in 2009 on the Military Channel (now called A.H.C). Alot of people now adays are making fun of it but the truth in my opinion was back then there wasn't very many shows like that and they did a great job of depicting real life scenarios the best they could on a TV show. It was great and I wish Wil Willis would do more military documentary and TV shows he's very knowledgeable on multiple diffrent subjects.

[@santhony74]

@@dorianpoling6591 Agreed!

[@Crazyhops1111111111]

Thank you for letting the guest speak you're podcasting better than most.

[@benjivilla970]

I was just thinking that this episode too. Lotta hosts just neeeeed to be heard

[@bluecollarboys6294]

Definitely. Andy really has the potential to become one of the best on YT.

[@gregmahatma6909]

I dont know if Andy had that many chances to interject lol

[@lildoeflamingo984]

This guy is like a Real Life Jon Bernthal Character 💯💯😂

[@mattmackey1082]

The punisher checks under his bed for wil Willis The willyman

[@shidder_mutt]

Bernthals a fake tough guy who paints his nails.

[@lildoeflamingo984]

@@shidder_mutt That's why I said "Real Life"....

[@ianhinkle2863]

hahaha so true. he should be the next one

[@AQUAPHREESH193]

@@DJgoon12 lol fighting often means you’re hard even for normal standards?

[@smn475]

As I'm listening to this I just keep hearing Ray Liota in the back of my mind saying "as far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a Ranger."

[@codygreene9067]

Interestingly enough, the guy Ray Liotta plays in Goodfellas, Henry Hill was a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne.

[@Fireoncityy]

Isn't this the ranger roll guy? 😂

[@ArtyFire118]

It is indeed

[@riffedwood5597]

This guy is responsible for me knocking the wind out of my wife! Hahaha still never figured out how to do it and she won’t let me try again

[@ArtyFire118]

@@riffedwood5597 Fuck, my wife tried it on me. She got it down but knocked the wind out of me!

[@Fireoncityy]

@@riffedwood5597 lmfao😂 oops

[@mr.tall-man1573]

7.3 million views and I've never seen that! Thank you! LOL

[@RealBrianRogers]

Andy, this one was on a Joe Rogan level but better

[@napaindian62]

I was just thinking how much more I enjoyed this interview than any recent rogan podcast. Andy did a great job of listening and directing the conversation when needed. Really impressed.

[@cavscout62]

What a fucking insult to Andy. Damn.

[@mariahbonner5320]

Can't wait for part two. This was one of the best you've done Andy!

[@doubleasblog]

Wil Willis is like the Matthew McConaughey if SF. Great interview

[@Nitro_Joe]

I listen to a lot of podcasts while I’m driving. This conversation was amazing. Wil Willis is too open and honest for most production houses. I’m not especially interested in military things; however, I love real life. Wil Willis is real life. I can’t believe KZbin recommended this video. This guy is a grown man.

[@bubbaballer88]

This has been one of the best Cleared Hot episodes...bar none!

[@tflo3482]

I legitimately needed to hear this podcast at the point where I find myself in this journey. I would love a part 2!

[@matthewmoore856]

This is The Best Podcast I have ever listened to. Thanks for having Will on!

[@MartyCantrell]

I have listened to this podcast 3 times. Every so often I watch it again. I really can't wait until round 2.

[@joshuawagy]

Amazing Mr. Willis is so open with his past. A lot of people go through similar child hood issues and it's incredible how different people turn out. Thank you for your service!

[@jaredswabby3560]

Wil’s brutal honesty and self awareness is refreshing! Thank you both for your tremendous service!

[@we_build_it]

This was a good episode, I enjoyed hearing will Willis unhinged opinion of forged in fire and also learning more about him. It was a pleasure to have met will when I was a competitor on FiF it is very true that you are judged now on how you did on forged in fire and that’s silly. Wills encouragement after asking me to leave the forge after the final weapon testing, reminds me from time to time to keep pushing on. After watching this and listening to some of what he’s gone through I have gained a deeper and greater respect for him. Good luck will.

[@TeSoad90]

what is FIF and can you explain this more?

[@we_build_it]

@@TeSoad90 its a tv show on history channel - Forged in Fire. 4 Competitors build knives , and other historical and fictional weapons in competition with each other. The judges determine the winner.

[@firstnamelastname9444]

Hell yeah, I’ve been waiting for this since you mentioned him on Free Range American!!!

[@gregmahatma6909]

same

[@joesavant5490]

Love how candid and honest Wil is. I look forward to seeing his future endeavors.

[@fortnitejesus2108]

Without a doubt my favorite episode! Been out of the community for 8 years and it was like old times hearing you two talk. Feel like I could have listened to another 3 hours. Thank you

[@heatherhillman9605]

I am thankful to Andy for having Wil on the podcast. I never thought I would find someone who mirrored my personality as much as Wil does.

[@jeffcopenhaver2217]

That was by far the best interview I’ve watched in a helluva long time 👍🏻

[@benjaminnielsen4288]

This was a great episode! Mr. Wil Willis seems so humble and down to earth, sarcastic yet serious, and upfront and honest. The planet could use some more guys like him these days. Shout out to Air Force Special Tactics.... Solid troops. You guys rock!

[@matthewwhitt9398]

I was 18 when I joined the Marines in 1997. I had good mentors growing up but I needed the discipline. I spent 8 years (4 more due to 9/11) and it provided direction. I could have done 12 more but after my time I realized I wanted to finish college and while I loved the marines, I wanted something different. My dad was a Vietnam vet from the 82nd Airborne. His father was in Patton’s 3rd Army. It’s funny how complex our relationships can be with our fathers. We all have different experiences and I’m glad I have mine. I enjoyed listening to this episode.

[@benjaminrees6560]

What a good dude. Listening him talk about his childhood and the forgiveness and understanding he has is mind blowing. It’s pretty humbling to listen to people like this, who o we come serious adversity to become good people. Thanks for being transparent and honest man.

[@Kymberlee_W]

I'll be the first to admit that quite often it's a whole lot less about forgiveness than our capacity to push things aside and either grey rock or just not rock that boat at all. I'll give you something to think about: have a watch of the first hour as he spoke about his, obviously painful, childhood. He twitched & fidgeted, played with his rings, shifted in his seat, and clutched at his own arms. Whether these were self soothing movements or just outlets for all that emotion, I can't say. What I can say, is that during the second half of the show, he calms down, he's slower, more deliberate, and far more in control as he speaks of his adult career (and life he has control over vs the previous hour when he was speaking about a time he had zero control). Personally, I think the difference is pretty marked but I know what to look for in adults who were abused as children, how they deal with it, and how it manifests.

[@tjjohnson210]

@@Kymberlee_W Very perceptive and thank you for pointing out what we all instinctively pick up on. It tells me child abuse is no excuse for crime and there is something seriously wrong with you if you voted for Biden!

[@OscarGolf21]

Amazing podcast! I'm glad Wil spoke on BPD. My wife is a certified DBT therapist and has mentioned this illness before. It was awesome to hear it discussed on this platform.

[@Wile_E._Wolf]

Appreciate you talking about BPD and your childhood Wil. I had similar experiences as a kid, also grew up to join the Australian Army and served in SOF as a Commando. I've since left and have recently been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder after so many issues without ever really understanding why. Much respect to you mate. Cheers.

[@johnmcnabb4854]

One of the best Podcasts to date. Honest talk, and Andy just letting him talk was fantastic. Humble and awesome👊🏼

[@Traineddelta]

Can't wait for Wil to come back! Been a fan of his for a long time. My father used to do the Canadian equivalent of PJs in our Air Force called Search And Rescue Technicians or SARTech. They do everything PJs do except combat SAR, they do SAR within Canada and on humanitarian missions. They even share the same motto; he always said that PJs were an amazing bunch of guys and he always loved working with them. Respect to all the PJs out there. These things we do that others may live.

[@haroldjoabuspp]

What a story of pain and truth. I appreciate Mr. Willis for sharing and cleared hot for posting. Inspiring

[@ebolily]

I thoroughly enjoyed this podcast, & would definitely listen to it again. Wow, what an incredible human being. I appreciate the full disclosure when sharing your experiences with us. You've really lived life to the fullest. Man, what a solid individual. Thank you for your service!

[@thebunnisher109]

“Why would you want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane?” “Have you looked around? This is not a perfectly good airplane.”

[@codygreene9067]

Never understood that phrase when I went airborne. “Perfectly good” is not the phrase I’d use to describe any of the planes or helicopters I jumped out of.

[@kabilah1]

Thank you both for this episode.

[@fsufit]

Definitely in the top 5 best guests list for Cleared Hot. Really enjoyed hearing Wil's story and his delivery on this podcast.

[@lemmingt6207]

Dude i loved "spec ops mission" maybe im the only one. 🤷‍♂️🤣

[@MrBojangles2020]

Na dont let people fool you that show was the shit! Everyone now is too cool to admit they probably watched more then 1 episode lol

[@fishngiggles5272]

I thought it was super cool too

[@Jus10andru]

Whiskey Whiskey. Lol

[@madhousemilitia82]

Loved the show! WHISKEY! WHISKEY!

[@Dwightaroundyolips]

I thought it was the shit

[@rondelk8725]

Thank you for this honest conversation Wil. I appreciated your input on those Forged in Fire Shows, Thank you for your integrity...

[@adriennemccue]

We all miss Wil, he was a big part of the show for me and my husband. I can see him doing anything. Vets, mental health! make it happen, producers!

[@FreedmansKetsugo]

This was and is a great interview. Thank you for doing it. I was wondering why Mr Wil Willis was not on Forged in Fire and now I know. I wish him the best in every thing he decides to do. And thank him for his service.. and thank you for your service. God Bless. with much Respect...

[@tripplej6053]

Incredible story Wil. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for the appreciation of your dad. Thank you for being bigger than you were set up to be.

[@jeanphare7726]

Thank you, Wil for the DBT shout-out. It is a very under-rated approach to growth when members have these personality traits. Maybe someday small unit commanders will understand how to interact with their service members with borderline traits. Courage and respect.

[@TheSurvivorjunkie]

I love forged in fire. This was the first time I got to hear who will Willis really is. I've seen all of his shows. It's refreshing to hear someone be honest with who they are. This was 3 hours or so but was easy to sit through.

[@jakerutherford9204]

"We've been at this for over three hours man, where can people find you?" 37mins later...

[@edwardwells7236]

Excellent show. Thanks for airing this episode.

[@Halligan515]

This was a fantastic episode! It has to be in my top five favorites of any of the podcasts that I watch to to date, for so many reasons. It definitely did not feel like 3.5 hours!

[@fitnessfrank83]

Long time Willis fan boy and follower. Special mission Ops! We need that show back!

[@xander7139]

This dude was one of the main reasons why I enlisted after he did the special ops show damn he’s cool

[@andrewmoran627]

This went far different than I was expecting!!! And I’m so glad it did!

[@MrDean-qs4ud]

This podcast episode does in fact “keeel”.

[@papabear328]

🙏 😂

[@mikeu.s.n.9099]

It will cut

[@LordPerique]

Came here hoping to find this comment, was not disappointed

[@BirdDawg1]

Nice

[@tiperik99]

Great interview!! One of my favorites. As a paramedic and from Northern Cal I get this dude.

[@ecldinc]

Best episode ever. Thanks to both of you.

[@IndagatorAD4]

I can relate Wil! Great conversation and thank you both from now until the end. Oos!

[@jasons4882]

This was a phenomenal episode, the content and stories that Wil told were on another level. These types of episodes are the reason I started listening to Cleared Hot. I can't wait for Andy to have Wil back and talk about more stuff.

[@tazmo2004]

Great show. Thanks Andy and Wil. Opened my eyes on a few things.

[@MudSlingar]

Andy, Wil, great conversations. I just re-watched this episode and thoroughly enjoyed it just as much as the first time around. Keep up the great content.

[@17sgt]

Will Willis, you are more humble than you realize. Your story resonated alot for me. I appreciate your openness and honesty. Thanks

[@marktownsend7361]

One of the best interviews i have ever watched and listened too PEROID !!!! Outstanding gentleman !!!!

[@ghostdiv7sion194]

Wil is awesome! I remember fondly of Special Ops Mission, man and watching it as a kid. Whiskey Whiskey Out! 😎

[@HardcountsAdventures]

What a great interview. I didn’t even know who this guy was until I listened to this interview but to hear his honesty is refreshing.

[@mattmorse6849]

Only knew this guy from the forge. Such a deep and introspective guy. Wasn’t ready for this conversation. So much respect.

[@garybellish3908]

Thank you gentlemen for sharing and more importantly thank you for your service.

[@stevesaldarriaga9148]

This man's way of thinking is awesome I think we could all learn from him thanx dude

[@spencerp7331]

This is one of my favorite interviews! I really loved this one Andy.

[@superkool7]

Absolutely one of my top 3 favorite episodes. This was amazing! Thank you both for making my days just a little better while listening on my commutes!!

[@Langelinel]

What were your other 2? :D

[@zixuanchun5273]

After all he went through, he still has a super positive vibe! People who remain positive in spite of how much they got screwed.. ❤️❤️❤️

[@chadjones445]

Wil Willis is a good dude. I always remember Spec Ops. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@3dprotoplanet948]

Outstanding podcast. I only clicked because I am a forged in fire fan and never saw Wil outside the show. A very raw and honest conversation that touched on a lot of interesting issues.

[@JH-hx2cl]

his enlistment / recruiter story is so spot on. This PJ is hilarious. "How many times have you smoked weed?" "Once" "When was the last time you were high?" "...Yesterday."

[@bsimon9427]

loved 100% of this. please have him on again!

[@LevonsWound]

nice podcast, props to Andy for being a gracious host, listening and helping to move the conversation along.

[@JC-11111]

I can't believe I just listened to this entire thing! Love ya, Wil! 🙏❤️🇺🇸

[@levelzerohero]

"Unopened GI Joe"🤣🤣 Such a legend and really fun to listen to Definitely one of my favorite podcasts thus far

[@adampovis2831]

I met him in person at Camp Pendleton during training and he is the best dude. So knowledgeable of everything. Good dude.

[@LeonardMichaelis]

What an amazing interview. I love Will. And I remember when he did that Mission series that it was my first time to see how some of those situations are handled from a SpecOps perspective.

[@toliverreano4390]

Willis's stories had me dying throughout the whole interview 🤣💀

[@v-0448]

Will Willis is a damn treasure, love this dude.

[@adamsmith6389]

Great episode! Really enjoyed the stories, well delivered :) I have only seen you do a combat/grappling warm up, leg & arm grab roll, into a buddy carry casevac! I specifically thought you taught an exceptional class. I never served in Regiment, but some of my MACP Instructors were NCO's there. Very similar delivery styles. Great honest talk. Painted a basement while listening, lol. I did 10 years active duty Infantry & 2 1/2 contracting. 97'-2007. Ohhh the transition stories lol!!! Thanks for the great episode fellas!

[@zombiefleshcult2124]

Honestly an amazing Episode, Wil's honesty about his life and mistakes is something rarely seen. I would love to see him back on the Podcast.

[@BirdDawg1]

Ya me too, he was the most open guest I have seen yet.

[@VaguelyAmusing]

Andy, this was probably one of the Best (Show's) Pod cast, I've ever watched...Thank you for what you do...

[@ascentoffroad]

Great interview. It’s refreshing to listen to someone that’s not afraid to hold back the truth

[@markstephens1525]

That was Great with Will. I related with several things he shared ... Thanks Andy you do a excellent job and always have great guests.. Cheers Brother!

[@jbcrunchy]

Awesome podcast. Wil is such a cool, interesting and vivacious individual. So much wisdom and self knowledge he was throwing out there. Kudos for having him on. Badass to be either a Ranger or PJ, but to be both in one military career is wild.

[@MikeB12800]

Shit! He’s not going back to the Forge! Not the same without him!

[@oKryme101o]

Wil, bring that spec ops show back!!!! You could have so many guests come on and do it now!

[@csoh90]

"those things are kicking your ass." that was hilarious. Wil is a riot, loved this.

[@lcasperwsv]

Will Willis is a great guy to listen to he really makes the stories so good

[@Justin_GFM]

When I was a little kid, Triggers was one of my favorite shows. Glad to see that he's still doing good

[@rowan2242]

Best Podcast Ever! Wil Willis is awesome. Need more honest conversations from people just like this.

[@jengunter7446]

I've laughed so hard throughout this one. Excellence at its finest, gentlemen.

[@wyldewest278]

Yaaaassss!!!! I freakin love Wil Willis. Such a beast. Loved Special Ops Mission

[@ka-bar5060]

What a great episode. I love Wil even more now, and I respect his reasons for leaving the show even though my wife and I miss him on it. I wish him all the best in life. Real talk!

[@realRainz]

The "Jesus survival" shtick was rather unexpected and epic )))

[@themadmonk6379]

Time stamp?

[@martinwochner3622]

@@themadmonk6379 2:33:48

[@samhishmeh568]

Great podcast Andy. Watched every minute. Wil is a super honest dude talking about many struggles.

[@tjjohnson210]

Never before in my life has someone kept my attention for almost 4 hours straight. This is the best, most interesting, and for lack of more descriptive words I'll say honest segment of one's experience I have ever witnessed. Excellent Podcast! It has triggered me to reflect back on my own life, some mistakes, and even statements I've made. Like Get off youtube, facebook, and twitter. They each have their place and purpose just as long as you seek the truth and don't believe in the bullshit. Too many people allow themselves to be deceived with other people's opinions. I view Wil Willis as a truth seeker for himself in which his integrity stems from. This is a man whose opinion I would consider strongly and most likely value. I can't say that about very many people any more.

[@seanwhite304]

I remember this dude from the Military Channel. He had his own show . This is a pipe swinging bad ass for sure .

[@jerrythomas463]

Anybody that can shoot standing unsupported and split 2 bullets on the blade of a kabar is epic level badass. And he was a PJ.

[@steverobertson1729]

Yeah, thats part of why he was so good on Forged. He had hosting experience. The new host seems clueless😕

[@Paleoman]

Love this guy Willis. Full on straight shooter. I could listen to him for hours. Great ethics, especially re hosting the knife show. Your show, podcast.......5 stars out of 5 possible you have a great rapport with your guests.