Episode 139 - Jason and Jessica Silva

Jason Silva is a retired Navy SEAL who served for 27 years in the United States Navy. He completed BUD/s (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training in 1992 and then went on to become a Special Forces Qualified Medic at Fort Sam Houston, TX and a paramedic in South Central Las Angeles, CA with the Las Angeles Fire Department. He served at SEAL Team 5, Naval Special Warfare Development Group, and Special Operations Command North, completing 17 combat deployments throughout the world. His awards include the Silver Star, 3 Bronze Stars with Valor, the Purple Heart, and 2 Defense Meritorious Service Medals, among many others. Jason has a passion for woodworking and spends his free time crafting pieces of art in his mountain woodshop in Colorado.
Jessica Silva has been in the first responder world for most of her career, beginning as an EMT in San Jose and San Diego. After a military relocation, she became a 9-11 dispatcher for the city of Virginia Beach and then as a Community Corrections Officer for domestic violence offenders. In 2011 she started volunteering with a Wilderness Search and Rescue Team and shortly thereafter began training as a K9 handler. In addition to raising two children and riding out 14 post 9/11 deployments, she served as the Ombudsman for several years, was part of the shaping of resiliency programs for Special Forces spouses and families, and is the author of a children's book about military deployments.

[@brandondaniels9471]

Of all of the people Joe Rogan said needed to start a podcast, Andy and Jocko are the only guys I actually listen to 😁

[@JR-ju3kj]

I'd have to agree with that.I also enjoy listening to the podcasts of past JRE guests like Tim Ferriss and Sam Harris,too.

[@zeroday6403]

I mainly listen to Andy because I think he might be bi sexuuaahl.

[@caseyosborn875]

Same here

[@andymacdougal]

Brandon Daniels word

[@BostonsF1nest]

I wish Alex Honnold did

[@yup4792]

Get Terry Huoin and Jason Silva in the same podcast !!! That be awesome!!!

[@ruanjacobs9900]

Holy shit. 2:44 40 Is a good moment. Andy is humble as hell but Jason sets the record straight. Dude operated at the highest level. This coming from somone who spent 18 years in Development group serving in multiple squadrons including Black.Facts are facts.

[@BostonsF1nest]

Idk what’s more impressive the fact that he spent 18 years at devgru and 15 at gold squadron or that she is still with him after all those deployments ... guy was probably home 2 weeks out of the year lol. Shit is insane.

[@ajacks764]

I honestly heard some of there brothers look after the wife for them while on deployment. No jealousy just checks in takes care of house and other needs if seriously needed. Which I can respect

[@BostonsF1nest]

A jacks do you mean like actual brother or navy seal brother? I mean yea sure I bet family helps out from time to time and I’m sure other wives are a big help too but I highly doubt it’s some unspoken rule that either of those two forms of brothers are picking up the slack while the husband is away... especially if they live in either San Diego or VA

[@ajacks764]

I mean people in the same units that’s not deployed. Obviously not all do it. But I guess some even have sex with the wives so they won’t go looking for others while gone. Maybe it’s not true. I don’t know.

[@abishekjoshua4617]

It was nice to hear that short excerpt on Adam Brown. The book "Fearless" is one of my All-time favorite and is based on his life. I have always wandered if Andy and Adam ever crossed paths since they were both members of Gold Squadron.

[@nickelliott7327]

When I say I say I cried reading the last like 60-70 pages of that book is an understatement. I balled like a baby. Adam Browns story is one of the most awe inspiring stories anyone will ever read.

[@LifeRuiner59]

Thanks for the quality content Andy! 🙏

[@mrgood1cor13]

This was awesome to see you both go back and forth about the "good ole days." Love the stories and the honesty. Could have watched this for 2 more hrs.

[@karagraham9124]

Loved hearing the different experience of events from both the military and the family side.

[@asquirrelnamedgravy9619]

Best episode so far. Thank you!

[@drunknnirish]

This might be your best one yet Andy! Also thank you so much for bringing light to mental health!

[@danielhughes8516]

This is my favorite show so far, and I've enjoyed all of them. Thank you!

[@texasgirl8674]

Happy Monday morning to me! Thanks for a new podcast! I love them all. And love your new sponsor!

[@reneamcghee1966]

Powerful episode. One of my favorites.

[@imagetf]

Wow! Hands down one of the BEST episodes of Cleared Hot! Great job Andy!!

[@laughingape7149]

Gonna be a great Monday morning!!!

[@chrismiles8225]

Very hard and incredible to listen to at the same time. It pulled at some things.

[@jasoncyrbok5520]

outstanding podcast Andy! Thanks to you, Jason and Jessica!

[@scottmiller5148]

Much respect for mentioning/being an advocate for mental health awareness. Not enough people are doing this. THANK YOU, sir!

[@deadboys007]

This one was one of the most insightful and honest podcasts..thanks for the conversation

[@jonathan2416]

Beautiful couple. All three of you are amazing !!

[@loyc.8137]

One of the best episodes!

[@JMB2023]

Staggered by this one in a good way. Thank you so much Andy. Keep them coming like this. And definitely Perm it. Literally no downside and you will not regret it. Or if it motivates you more, are you too scared to perm it? Bring it on. Crimped hot.

[@gunnar4554]

Thanks, Andy.

[@andymacdougal]

First thing, Jessica is an Angel and should be a mentor to ALL military wives. Jason, nothing but mad respect to you for your sacrifices. Thanks to you both for all of your sacrifices. Truly enjoyed this podcast.

[@ot5122]

Yeah. Especially when she rats out command members to the command for any arrests they didn’t hear about. I’m sure that goes over well.

[@jimgallo6909]

@@ot5122 if you don't get arrested, you don't need to worry about those issues

[@andyj2597]

Brilliant episode. I really like how you can pull back a layer and show that men that do what you do are human with failings too. And there’s no question, get the perm.

[@EMartin70]

Jessica and Jason you are pretty amazing yourselves. Thank you

[@erikbondarenko5304]

Such phenomenal ppl, I love how as soon as her phone rang she instantly left and went to answer, that’s a badass

[@EMartin70]

Great podcast. Glad Jessica and Jason tooted your horn for you, you are humble. Keep it coming. Thanks

[@volcomfreak111]

18 years at DG what a chad

[@206pappy]

Great couple and a great conversation. The Perminator. Yeah, that might stick.

[@jamesallen2659]

A fascinating and insightful episode. The part about work always suffering last really resonated with me. I was head of legal for a company as my marriage collapsed around me, and all my energy and focus continued to go into doing the best job I could do every day

[@brianwittrupjensen5188]

wow what a podcast 10/10 thank you Andy, Jason and Jessica

[@thetazman666]

Audience appreciates putting your inner self out there. I only wish we we better at taking care on mental health issues

[@YourCouchsucks]

Great podcast Thank you! After a 30+ year career in various first responder jobs, I always said I wanted to have a "mindless task" retirement job. The dream was being the lawn mowing guy at a golf course. Sixpack on the seat and someone to tell me when its lunchtime....

[@CarlosEduardo-jg7nm]

I loved this interview

[@robbomas]

Just starting but loving this convo. Unbelievable how tough these guys are - talking about horrific things that happened to them, losing teammates etc - casual and matter of fact as you like. The rough men that keep the rest of us sleeping peacefully at night. Thank God for them

[@JR-ju3kj]

Indeed. I think this is one of the best episodes Andy's ever done for the podcast. Andy,Jason Silva and all of the other guys like them are remarkable and tough men that I have nothing but great respect and appreciation for. But when Jason Silva said that his sister asked him if he's ever killed anyone and that until they were able to get past it,it got weird between them for a while after he answered her that yes he has and that he's killed more than five people,he should have just said yes,he's killed people but they were all bad- like how Arnold Schwarzenegger's character answered in the movie True Lies when his wife asked him if he's ever killed anyone.Obviously,that's just a movie and the line was played for laughs,anyways and this is real life but I genuinely think that that's actually a legitimately good answer to give if you're a service member and someone close to you asks that question(IF you feel like answering it and if they can handle hearing the answer). Maybe it wouldn't have made a difference to his sister whether or not the people he killed in combat were bad but I think it's VERY important to make that distinction. Just like how Jocko Willink said that he always told his guys when they were in Iraq to make sure that the people they were killing were bad.

[@jimgallo6909]

This is simply an amazing podcast and a great listen. 18 years in Devgru is not a joke, what a story

[@raywilliams4963]

First, thank you for your service!! I gotta be honest, this has been on of the best podcasts (except Jocko interviewing Jonny Kim) that I have heard. Thank you for it!!! Keep them coming.

[@Tony_at_the_point]

Jason, thank you for having this conversation and having the courage to have it posted. Super cool!

[@Glee73]

another great podcast.

[@internet_internet]

This one was great!

[@juanbarrientes6326]

Thanks Andy! What an awesome podcast! This hit home as I was a child of a Vietnam Vet who suffered from alcoholism...after 5 tours in Vietnam his self medicating tendencies played havoc with our family. . Many of the topics and things you and Jason "unpacked" explain and puts into perspective the concerns and issues that plague our warrior class. It is never an easy conversation but one that HAS to be held for healing, growth and understanding. I chose a different path...I entered Law Enforcement and my experiences though not totally comparable, certainly changed my "world view". I cannot imagine the things that combat vets have seen and done...just like those outside my circle of knowledge and experiences cannot understand the things We in LE experience....but the common bond is that of service. The other commonality is the ones we hurt on the way in the name of service. There is always a tab that needs paid....if you ever wonder if you and your brothers ever make a difference...trust me you do...especially post combat. There is always another battle...usually within. Be safe

[@zandarpatterson3056]

Agreed

[@gunnar4554]

Fantastic conversation. Just watched the whole thing. Great openness and honesty from Jason & Jessica. Clearly with his drinking there is a lot there he'd rather not lay bare to an unknown audience, but I think a lot of people will take value from it, and it's just refreshing to hear such an honest, raw, authentic dialogue, even if the occupation has nothing to do with me. Thanks. (Same goes for you Andy of course but I listen every week to you).

[@stacywolbeck9118]

Love the Flag Andy...this is a kick ass interview!

[@muriloninja]

This was an exceptional podcast Butter Bars Stumpf!

[@wildbillkelso4733]

Top notch show

[@HB-kp6rl]

Great episode. Cannot say this enough. This is monumental and amazing. Riding around looking for IEDs is a guessing game a best. It’s a 50/50 chance something will go completely wrong or not. But we couldn’t choose that fight most of the time. It happened. And these podcast help me out tremendously. Thank you Edit: i want to see these guys again in 1 years. They’re great

[@EMartin70]

Thank you.

[@jorgecamacho4331]

Great episode!

[@Gbeats559]

Awesome!

[@AAA97391]

She has Stewie hollering " mom mama mama" as her ringtone for her son @ 2:07:27.... That's hilarious lmao

[@dadomac3805]

Amazing talk yall!! Patriot warriors.

[@joeblow1282]

Love hearing more about Adam. Thanks for another great one here

[@juancamilobarberanduran5529]

amazing podcast!

[@Bingobangoer]

I don't know if you read these Andy but this is probably the best podcast yet.

[@judefuselier]

Thanks Andy! Perm-It!

[@subicjeff626]

Great podcast episode!

[@jmethos]

I always suspected that Andy was more than just average during his Team days. Nice to have it confirmed!

[@egres234]

Humbleness personified!

[@frederikfoldager7192]

When was that said in the podcast?

[@LyrelltheDark]

@@frederikfoldager7192 Not in this podcast but in a video he did a few weeks ago with a company called... Blackhawk I think it was.

[@DeplorableBitterClinger]

"rocket surgery" has long been one of my favorite phrases.

[@gaylordpantamime]

POWERFUL

[@18ipmg]

Good stuff.

[@charliemike13]

Woodwork is pretty darn cool. Probably neither here nor there, but cool story... My cousin is an engineer and invented a couple things for military aircraft for enhanced performance of some sort and he was able to retire at 30yrs old and got into woodwork and loves it.

[@cvro828]

Just found these podcasts, they make me (in a way) regret not joining the military. I was perfect for it had recruiters all over me in HS, turned out I wasn't a citizen at that time(long story) so they wouldn't take me. I decided to have babies to do my part but every day respect the hell out of all that have served so I can have babies. On son #3 now, thank you to all that have served that made my and my children's lives free to do so.

[@gregvilla3837]

She is really strong 💪

[@ZionZah]

2:00:17 I did not expect that warcry at all! Amazing interview

[@1346crecy]

What a lovely couple.

[@thejackdog]

IRT spending a long time at the same command, I was able to spend 10 years in San Antonio, by switching between shore duty, surface direct support and then subsurface direct support.

[@JonBoyG]

Amazing Podcast as always. I would also like to see Eddie Penney on. His Podcast with Mike Ritland was interesting but I think you could get into it a little deeper with him. Also, how about getting a Brit on the show? Mark Billingham or Colin Maclachlan would be insanely good. Both ex 22SAS who have had decorated careers in Spec Ops. Colin’s story is particularly fascinating.

[@echoromeo384]

Rest easy, Adam Brown, til valhalla brother.

[@alexmiloo9227]

Jessica is a keeper

[@isaacfiesta7270]

Super humble badass legit good shit! Very cool podcast!!! That’s a cool mofo and much respect to his wife and their kids!!!

[@moshekudary6069]

Great cast.....would love to see Kevin Holland on here. Ex Devgru and CAG

[@EnabledShooter]

It's better to be from a broken home than in a broken home.

[@charliemike13]

Just went to City of Rocks! Amazing! Save the dog sneaking up behind me and biting me and then the family taking off. Put holes in my new pants. Didn’t even have a chance to earn the holes on the climb yet!

[@elizabethdayrit4733]

She is right. I came here from a different country. My husband was not SF, but he deployed often from 6-8-12 months at a time. But I work outside the home, did volunteer job with Red Cross, Navy Relief. I joined 5 bowling leagues and played Raquetball almost every day after work. I have a separate life from my husband and had friends outside military life. Living on a military base is something that I miss. I knew most of my neighbors, and when I needed help, they were always there. But when he retired, it was hard adjusting to civilian life and job for him. But I already have a job at the bank and civilian friends. My husband just had a hard time.

[@HarriG00SE]

Jason should link up with a good producer and start a woodworking channel!

[@cagrangersealninja3720]

Would like to see Eddie Penney on the podcast

[@andymacdougal]

Oh yeah

[@BostonsF1nest]

I wanna see Eddie and Shawn Ryan at the same time

[@bartonr62001]

Your wife is a 100% real mother and wife, no question. Iraq vet hear. And my wife has been by my side the whole time!!

[@theengineer9910]

Omg he quoted leeroy jenkins what a classic meme

[@Jenufir]

My dad died three years ago, tomorrow. My dad was never military, he was a crop duster for 38 years. Also had his instrument and multi engine. We flew everywhere when we (my siblings) were kids, basically. I never gave a single fuck. I knew he spent 12 hours a day flying, I flew fields with him when I was young, left my stomach at most of them, but I didn't understand just how dangerous his job was and how bad ass he really was to manage to stay alive doing it for that many years. I also learned from my mother that my dad taught himself to fly listening to audio books. Who does that?? Why didn't I know this 30 fucking years ago?? I wish now that I had peppered him with questions, or became a pilot like he wanted me to. I'm GLAD you're making these types of videos, so that your children and your guest's children from your shared career can see in real time just how much you loved your job and what that life of many years meant to you, so that they don't have to look back in retrospect and regret not knowing that part of their dad(s).

[@dennisseger6717]

Love Jessica’s t shirt- strong lady

[@gator5566]

What does it say

[@dennisseger6717]

Underestimate me- It’ll be fun. With a picture of Wonder Woman on the shirt- but Jessica’s picture would have worked too🇺🇸

[@MrZangerZone]

If you close your eyes, Jason sounds like a chill Norm McDonald.

[@tylerbeiser4922]

I knew his voice sounded familiar

[@ot5122]

With a lisp.....

[@nicklepsch4960]

I need to hear which brand washing machine Andy had...and not buy that brand lol...mentioned a few times o we the years...jk Andy..another solid podcast ..can not exactly relate to your stories but as humans there’s a lateral relation...thru identification and process things can get better...appreciate the time

[@benpage2505]

Late comment, sorry. Love this episode. Was Jason with Ed and the team during the hostage rescue?

[@jeremycaraway950]

I wonder when Andy will talk about the callen situation although I don't believe it. Enjoyed the podcast.

[@mikelee7876]

AWESOME SHOW ANDY YOU'RE THE BEST if i was rich id sponser you

[@ess1072]

This is such a great podcost with some amazing people. Jessica is the Alfa in this group, she is such a strong person. Thank you for sharing EVERYTHING in this podcost, the good and the bad.

[@ess1072]

@dave c you should see my homework 😁

[@crownlands7246]

Born under a lucky 🌟 with a wife who stuck around, kudos

[@vicstr4981]

When does he talks about his actions in Black Squadron?

[@wtfisgoingonhere1076]

Don’t ever stop talking about mental health!

[@dontbeshythompson5782]

Jessica is good to go!

[@susiea3097]

Great podcast. From listening to a lot of these it seems there was a lack of medical and psychological help within the military,, hoping this has changed with the length of current warfare.

[@amymenjivar3489]

Susie A They mentioned the great stuff at NICoE at Walter Reed. People asking for psychological help worry if it will impact their security clearance/their career ..especially drug or alcohol. But, there are groups working to end stigma and have safe guards in place/work on policies for people to be able to ask for help. This is another interesting group www.pdhealth.mil/

[@EMartin70]

That's awesome

[@satisfiedcustomer]

Eddie Penney was on the deployment with where Mike, Nate and Louie passed he's spoken about it before. He also knew Adam Brown. It was interesting hearing Adam speak about Adam. It's quiet amazing hearing these stories and getting a sense of how small the DEVGRU community actually is where so many of the guys cross paths.

[@arn6376]

Savage podcast. So fucking good

[@BostonsF1nest]

18 fuckin years at a squadron ... holy shit

[@nickelliott7327]

When he talks about being in black squadron at around 1:44:00. He says he was burnt. Does he mean burnt out? Or burnt like cover blown since he was with black and I’m sure they all had cover identities just to say the least.

[@trezn0r601]

burnt out as in mentally exhausted

[@ZenCenterUpaya]

Burnt as in his cover was blown

[@Ph0enext]

Biggest takeaway was Silva calling bullshit on Andy’s steadfast claims of being “average”. Respect the humility, but it’s nice to know what’s really going on.

[@JM-wg9vz]

I've listened to it entirely and must have missed it. What does he day exactly?

[@Ph0enext]

jacob M fast forward to 2:44:40. You can tell these guys don’t make a habit of complimenting each other like that. It was a cool exchange from one of his peers.

[@adammound1982]

@@Ph0enext so true I can tell hes being very honest

[@KiwiAntz56]

Black squadron 👀

[@mindmusclemobility]

Andy, do you or Jason know about either of the teams that encountered the giant in Afghanistan?

[@sauljahboi5965]

They were supposedly National Guard SF. I don't personally believe the story but Danny Romero from 19th SFG is the only candidate for KIA that lines up with the story.

[@Boljarin]

Can anyone help me? I've been trying to find a moment in one of Andy's podcasts where he mentioned what Seals do when they are pinned down. Basically that when the pressure is on you that you should go on the offensive/be aggressive. I can't find it for the live of me! Could also be him being interviewed. It was fascinating.

[@Creapture]

The one with jocko, i think it was on jocko's podcast when he was training with jockos guys at north island.

[@Chaos31]

heavy breathing ASMR over top of the interview lol.