Cleared Hot Episode 187 - Wesley Morgan

Wesley Morgan is a freelance journalist in Washington, DC, Iraq and Afghanistan, contributing stories to The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Atlantic and other publications. He recently published a book titled The Hardest Place, the American Military Adrift in Afghanistan's Pech Valley.
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[@dannycalder1638]

I almost dismissed this particular episode. What a mistake that would have been. Great amount of info. Excellent content

[@firacingast]

Lots of people dismiss the episodes that aren't with other operators. I used to do that too, but after giving them a shot they're often just as high quality of interviews. Andy is a genuinely incredible podcaster.

[@darrendickinson5222]

@@firacingast we chunk

[@scrap-iron9561]

Legitamitely one of THE best interviews. I loved this episode. Fantastic work.

[@watauva13]

You gotta have him back, he’s a very knowledgeable guy. Great conversation

[@stefankunter6375]

One of your best podcast ever … he‘s a very smart person

[@IronMilkMan]

Cleared Hot Podcast is like a hidden gem, Keep grinding Andy love the recent episodes and old ones for that matter and badass shirt got one the other day immediately hit a workout in it.

[@simenandersen3262]

A journalist with the bravery of a soldier, and a retired soldier with the interviewing skills of a world class journalist. Fantastic podcast!

[@devinwright7828]

Just bought the book. Absolutely fascinating conversation, Andy. Wish this was a couple hours longer.

[@crystalchandler6742]

Agree, i could have listened longer

[@BostonsF1nest]

Wes was on The Team House podcast a few months ago. He goes into more detail about the history of the conflict in the Pech Valley. If you enjoyed this I would 100% go listen to that.

[@chair2930]

Morning Stumpfers!

[@patrickhooton1917]

He looks like Patton Oswalt that I can actually listen to

[@JR-ju3kj]

He's definitely a lot braver and tougher than Patton Oswald.

[@k98_zock_tv47]

The american phrase: "...the 30.000 foot view to get a picture..." I hear often in podcasts was gladly not achieved here. I really felt now in a 3.000 foot view and got great detail out of this interview. Higly interesting!

[@dill316TV]

Look at the way that Wesley listens… A true journalist through and through

[@timjohnson8725]

I remember playing with the GI Joe aircraft carrier..... With He-Man at the helm and Mr potato Head looking on with a decapitated Barbie needing rescue who is tied up with the stretch Armstrong who is protected by Teddy ruxpin...lol

[@maxchristensen4742]

Awesome set up man

[@JR-ju3kj]

Nice! I never had barbies or Teddy Ruxpin but I had a lot of toys. I loved G.I. Joe! And He-Man,The Real Ghostbusters and Thundercats,just to name a few! It's interesting,all the experts agree that toys are an important part of childhood development! I have a lot of collectibles as an adult to this day.But I don't play with them,though! Ha! Ha! I treat the collectibles more like how someone collecting art would treat fine art.

[@tpmc12]

@@JR-ju3kj that guy has the same name as my childhood best friend and while I don't remember doing this, it sounds like something we would have done. If so, the barbies were his sister's.

[@JR-ju3kj]

@@tpmc12It's interesting because that actually got me thinking about something. I've heard some people make the argument that boys should play with dolls.The way I grew up,playing with dolls was just not something boys did,hence me not having any barbies. But I've heard some people give some pretty reasonable and logical reasons for why both genders should play with dolls as children. Different people feel differently about it,which is to be expected.

[@BostonsF1nest]

With LEGO IED’s scattered throughout the house

[@willbutler6261]

This is hands down my favorite podcast!

[@SgtBama]

So cool to hear all of this. I served in the Pech in 2009-2010.

[@decoservices]

I had a similar thought as another commenter below about dismissing this. Glad I did not. Great podcast… very informative, thank you.

[@dr.johnnyfever9194]

This episode is in the top 10. Thanks to both of you! I did buy his book.

[@hardenpt2522]

How did he act in The King of Queens and be a war time journalist!? This dude is the real deal. Great pod cast🤙

[@Flyshooter2]

Fighting on behalf of any side of Islam is failed policy. IMHO, of course.

[@johnturkal7243]

An extremely pragmatic, detailed, and well informed discussion by two SMEs. Phenomenal.

[@AKsusan907]

Absolutely incredible interview! Definitely clarified some questions…connected some dots. Thank you

[@iainabshier]

I'd love to see Wesley on as a reoccurring guest. Such an amazing wealth of knowledge.

[@codelta2]

I lost it with the very first sentence of the advertisement 😂😂🤣

[@d.j.ashley]

Top 5 episode for me. Academia and the Press always make for a more broad yet informed discussion.

[@BostonsF1nest]

This guy was on The Team House a few months ago and he laid out a ton of information. It’s one of those podcasts you have to go back and rewatch a couple times because there’s so much there. Great stuff

[@d.j.ashley]

@@BostonsF1nest I'll definitely check it out. Thanks man!!

[@TheOutlawMan]

Academia and the Press work to deliberately misinform you every day.

[@d.j.ashley]

@@TheOutlawMan Thanks youtube guy

[@PeretzkiStudios]

This is one of the best podcasts. Great job on having Wesley Morgan on.

[@bamarocky191]

Amazing Podcast! I love the stories behind the story. This guy knew his stuff. We need more of these! Side note, would you be against doing a podcast with Justin Legg? That guy has an amazing can't quit story.

[@brandonkamakaris5018]

Man… now I have another book to read… dammit!

[@tonysilvernagel5566]

Give this man a tenured professorship at a university. Extremely interesting. I was a platoon leader in Afghanistan in 2009, so I was captivated!

[@chrisschilling9432]

Excellent podcast. Wesley Morgan had me hooked on every word. You could tell he was very very knowledgeable, very interesting guest. Great work!

[@mkne2451]

I got lucky growing up next to AFBs. Constantly seeing military birds flying overhead for training. Atta boy to all the men and women in our military.

[@dvmnarkos3591]

Awesome episode! I hope you'll get Chuck Pressburg as a guest sometime, speaking of AWG. They really don't get enough recognition for their efforts.

[@FuryOfCalderon]

Excellent conversation, couldn't stop listening.

[@davelong3350]

Fantastic episode!! What a cool dude. Very bright, interesting and clearly has titanium balls. Amazing.

[@Mr_Bob_Loblaw]

Super f***in interesting. That reporter communicates on a level I’ve rarely ever encountered.

[@patcavanaugh4941]

Awesome interview with a really interesting guest. Looking forward to reading his book. Thanks for the good work.

[@paddymike5559]

I bought the book after watching this episode and was blown away. What a great read i couldn't put it down.

[@GATOR_MCLUSKY]

remember more hig members , chechan and a vast variety of fighters comein through fro pakistan

[@Tom-zu9ge]

This was such an interesting podcast. I would not have minded if it had gone on for an additional 3 hours...

[@justincredubil]

Patton Oswald's brother is fascinating!

[@JMB2023]

Very excited for this one - an incredible chronicler of our recent history.

[@corygodfrey7881]

What an intelligent, humble speaker. Thanks Andy!

[@willihen]

Awesome book. Wright another please

[@tylerblalack6684]

Bought the audiobook because of this. Thanks

[@patrickbarnes5524]

bought the book after hearing this

[@donpizzo8963]

His recall is incredible. This is like listening to an audio book.

[@craigswenson]

Hey Andy, I love your podcast. I have a request, would you please try to get Rob Oneil on the podcast? Thanks Craig

[@marcuskurasz9165]

I doubt it. I don’t think he’s very fond of Rob O’Neil

[@JReyUhhh]

Another great podcast fck ya!

[@tokyosan7906]

Does anyone else think this dude resembles Patton Oswalt? He's very interesting guy, super podcast.

[@huntingarete9214]

Great guest Andy. I think you just started a mini run on Wesley's book. You have to get Wesley back on to talk about the Brereton report and a have a Aussie SAS Trooper on too. Ben Roberts Smith, VC Recipient, is currently suing for defamation with the Australian Nine Media Corporation. He has a character reference from Brendan Nelson, Head of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, stating he is the most respected, admired and revered Australian soldier in over fifty years. There is no one is Australia that will do that discussion justice without any biases. The Victoria Cross is the equivalent to the US Medal of Honor.

[@BostonsF1nest]

7:32

[@TriggerSD2001]

Wooooo

[@austinalexander9086]

Good morning stumpfers.

[@bearbear8495]

Walked through those fields it sucked

[@MichaelPCarr10]

Better than Joe Rogan

[@leonardjanda6181]

The guest is a VERY WELL spoken individual, and knowledgeable, love ❤️ the channel. Happy Independence Day🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@unluckytourist]

This episode was fascinating. Would have loved more. Maybe Evan Wright. Though that would be good with a sorta-roundtable with Savage Actual given their history.

[@josephvega3763]

This is badass

[@MrCHUCKY7]

Andy, Great Episode. Here is an Ideal Guest for an Up Coming Episode. Todd Opalski Marine Scout Sniper Marine Mustang Officer Force Recon Delta Force Zen Commando

[@crystalchandler6742]

i could listen to Mr. Morgan all day

[@budgibson185]

Glad I didn’t skip this for the Tilt one… dang, dude was a modern day Sean Flynn

[@gman52712]

Andy:'We need to talk about something important.' Me:' Andy plz no-' Andy:' Shaving your balls.'

[@codylowrey6955]

where the fuck is michael at

[@bzer100]

Andy and Wes, thank your for such a great episode. Andy, is there any chance you could get Dan Kearney on the podcast? Restrepo, the documentary, was extremely impactful on me, helping me better understand the difficulties of what soldiers faced in Afghanistan. I would love to hear from Dan Kearney, how his life and the lives of his men evolved 13 years on.

[@josephsuperfisky1147]

What an awesome podcast, so informative, I will definitely get this for my friends and relatives who fought in the Korengal ! Thanks again Andy , Your the Man ! Peace Fly Roguesolohntr

[@ai-baking-f1]

What a great job they both did! It is so interesting to watch that now after the withdrawal from Afghanistan - they talk about the mess unfolding and about to unfold. It was so interesting to hear his broad perspective. Have to get the book.

[@HB-kp6rl]

I remember all the medevacs coming into Jalabad one july morning in the summer of 2008. They were full of torn up 173rd paratroopers from the battle of Wanat.

[@christianvillada2091]

Crazy I’ve been seeing the number 187 for over a week now. Not a superstitious person by any means, but what a coincidence. Great episode, one of the best!

[@alexlong1662]

I cycle through CHP, Vigilance Elite and MikeDrop….really enjoy the content and hope it continues for as long as you enjoy doing it.

[@ssc1226]

Why aren’t journalists embedding with troops anymore? Because they have demonstrated that they would rather provide a sensational headline than the truth, even if it costs the service member their life. Just look at their treatment of LE stateside.

[@judefuselier]

Patton Oswalt!! I had no idea he was so prolific in his media engagements. Really though, this gentleman was a pleasure to listen to. The exchange between the two of you was pretty good!

[@terrybaca4095]

Most fascinating episode. Especially what's happened since. His recall of dates and figures are amazing!

[@chrismiles8225]

Oh sorry... I'm an HVAC tech so that's why I'm listening when possible. 😆

[@justinkey11]

This dude is FUCKING FASCINATING! Great podcast!

[@scienz0220]

This is a good one. I'm wearing my cleared hot t shirt for this occasion

[@codelta2]

Any idea what the microphone that andy uses is?

[@NYC98]

If I remember correctly, he once said that he uses the same mics that Joe Rogan uses which is the Shure SM7B mic.

[@ClearedHotPodcast]

That is correct. Great mics

[@riffedwood5597]

@@ClearedHotPodcast stop reading comments Andy. Make sure you’re connecting it to a preamp with phantom power and not straight into an audio interface, or that your interface has a preamp built in with phantom power

[@codelta2]

@@NYC98 Thanks for the reply Jacob!

[@codelta2]

@@ClearedHotPodcast Thanks Andy! Great episode btw! All the best

[@chrismiles8225]

So because of heat/humidity I'm listening as I can. Still listening now. This is great. I feel like I'm watching a movie that I can't turn away from. 👍💯🇺🇲

[@kalbcorp]

You hard work shows through your podcasts.. Keep up the good work sir

[@southernappalachianrecon]

I joined the Marines in the summer of 2010. Hell of a time in my life.

[@marine919]

Wesley Morgan's book explains the reality of Afghanistan's Pech Valley factions the CIA and Military had to work with, even the Taliban, unbelievable. The military should put this book on the required reading list and drop the CRT craziness.

[@Mandykiss4500]

Um, you do know that CRT Mania is just a load of bullshit made up by Fox News & Elected Republicans using it thinking it will help them get re-elected? There is a reason why Fox News is labeled ENTERTAINMENT officially ( read Court documents)…NOT NEWS!

[@JesusChrist2000BC]

@@Mandykiss4500 CRT is absolutely not "made up by FOX news". Even Generals like Mark Milley and a Navy Admiral said they were pushing it. Quit watching CNN.

[@GATOR_MCLUSKY]

hes smart guy i spoke to him give me my times in 02 and some photos great dude

[@brendanvolz3871]

Great interview as always and fascinating information. Cleared Hot always delivers #andy is a stud👌

[@sierraactual4310]

that shirt is dopeee

[@riffedwood5597]

Blue and yellow short sleeve flannel, hell yeah! Go chargers! (San Diego not LA)

[@pigroper5]

I am holding out for the lawnmower 5.0 to shave my sac.

[@TacticalXRays]

Pech is the german Word for bad luck..go figure

[@andrewkuhlmann8356]

This has become extremely informative given recent events in Afghanistan.

[@MikeHunt-rw4gf]

Algorithm.

[@aearnest]

wow. what an amazing podcast. all of that info from memory.

[@MichaelPCarr10]

Just ordered your book Great plug Andy Been looking for some Kunar

[@BSaunders3754]

Wow, what a great recent history lesson. A lot of stuff I never even thought about.

[@corywatterson7560]

Even had the footlocker and a BAR for Joe , the big ones.

[@MrCashewkitty]

Algo

[@maxchristensen4742]

Awesome episode as per usual interesting POV of Iraq and Afghanistan

[@brianjordan8990]

Really enjoyed this episode. Definitely watch it.

[@anthonyledington3143]

3/4th id 1/8inf 2008 mosul.

[@amandachairez6634]

I loved this so much! I'm obsessed with our military and history as well!

[@doggie7602]

This was a very well balanced podcast, i really enjoy the chemistry between the two.

[@dragoonsquadren1056]

I was skeptical but pleasantly surprised.

[@andershaggstrom3945]

Such a gem of a podcast. Great job to both you guys.

[@CFairNH]

Great insight and a terrific interview, thanks for posting

[@mikewinter7697]

Very interesting shit!!! Another great podcast!

[@jmethos]

That was so interesting! I could listen to him more for sure!

[@jeffcraghead2304]

Thank you gentlemen for such a great episode! Wesley, I read the Long War Journal before going over in 2006 and tried to keep up with what was going on over there after we came home in 2007. Prior to listening to this podcast and another one you did recently, it was very difficult to figure out what our strategy had been and how to make sense of it all. Thank you for giving me some much needed clarity that I have needed for a long time. Andy, great interview and keep up the good work!