The Better Broken Podcast | Wil Willis (Full Episode)

Wil Willis is not only a very accomplished soldier having completed some of the worlds toughest training such as Ranger Indoctrination Program, Ranger School, Dive School, Free Fall School, AirForce Pararescueman training. He is also widely known for his roles as the host of shows like Forged in Fire, Triggers and Special Ops Missions.
It was an absolute honor to sit down with this man. Enjoy.
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Our content is NOT intended as professional advice. We are not medical or legal professionals, any advice received and or acted upon from this channel should be done so at your own risk. We do not encourage anyone to emulate the food challenges we conduct or the consumption of alcohol. The FNG Academy LLC insists that no one recreate or reenact any stunts, or challenges seen on this channel
Opinion Disclaimer. The views and opinions expressed by The FNG Academy KZbin Channel, including all program participants, are solely their own current opinions regarding events and are based on their own perspective and opinion - it is the opinion and perspective of the interviewees. Such views, opinions, and/or perspectives are intended to convey a life story, are based on recollections about events in their lives on which conflicting memories may exist, and are not intended to malign any individual, religion, ethnic group, or company.

[@FNGACADEMY]

Pre-Sales to my new book "Better Broken" now live! Thank you guys for the support! www.amazon.com/Better-Broken-Hidden-Advantage-Challenging/dp/1637743866/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3NAU9V1M5950D&keywords=better+broken&qid=1698437331&sprefix=better+broken%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-7

[@nidiabee1191]

Thank you for letting Will speak and not interrupting constantly with your own input. Makes it much more enjoyable and the flow is natural. Great Content. ❤

[@Kris-USAF]

Excellent point! either the editing was perfect or he did a fantastic job letting Wil complete his thoughts because those thoughts he shared were all about leadership and core values. Making connecting points and tying in those stories takes time to have the users see that and it was great, one of the best interviews I have seen in a long time

[@IndependantResearch]

Wil talking about sadness being different than depression or anything else is spot on and the first time I have heard anyone with a platform put that out there.

[@Atmatan]

When common and obvious, well known facts win internet points 🤦

[@robertK3371]

Absolutely, on my 4th tour in Afghanistan we were hit by an IED. My driver passed away. My gunner lost his leg. I suffer from a TBI and a host of other ailments. And when Will talked about being sad it really resonated with me. Thank you. God bless

[@donovanchapman424]

Will bringing back our Dive School scuffle by name hahaha!!! Hang in there brother, and wish you happiness forward. Great job Sean!!

[@FNGACADEMY]

thanks brother!

[@donovanchapman424]

Most welcome brother🙏

[@peter_2a]

What a pleasure to hear you two on a podcast together. Wil is hilarious, and has some seriously incredible wisdom that he's garnered over the years. Keep it up Buck, appreciate what you do🤙

[@FNGACADEMY]

appreciate it!

[@Kris-USAF]

I think that was the PJ/special forces in him, a true authentic nature and seemly good leader which is what the show is missing now.

[@neon0501]

Will getting to say it how it is was very refreshing. So many men feel the same way. It does seem like more and more we are being asked to compromise, and that can be soul shattering at times.

[@Atmatan]

You and will both sound like you watch too much fight club without any self awareness at what the film was actually telling you.

[@triune_blades]

This was absolutely incredible. I love hearing guys that have truly put in the work talk about their experiences and what made them who they are. I know SF guys don't look at themselves as heroes, but to see my fellow service members go through do much and still come out on top, it means the world to me. It gives me hope and it inspires me to be better, to be more than I ever thought I could be. The military isn't for everyone. If you can get through it and be a better person at the end, great. But, if you can get through it, and are able to make others better as well, you've accomplished so much more. Lifting others up is a selfless act. If it's done in the right way and with the right motivation, it automatically lifts you up. It's not supposed to be a selfish act. Guys like Buck and Wil(others like them) prove this by how they served and how they're still giving back without the uniform. You guys are true patriots. You're MY heroes. God bless you all.

[@JohnRodriguez-si9si]

Although I Myself will NEVER, EVER, apologize for having earned the Title of MARINE, serving from 1987 to 1991, having earned the Title of RANGER and being a More Elite Soldier with 3d Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment ( USASOC), within the Army ,from 1993 to 1998, will always be a capstone of My Military Career, and from one Dual Service Veteran ( USMC and US Army) to another ( Wil Willis, US Army and US Air Force) , I Myself give Respect. Thank You, Sean " Buck " Rogers and Wil Willis, for both of Your Military Service, and ,this inspiring and edifying interview. 🇺🇸🇺🇲🪖🪂💣💥🔥🇺🇸🇺🇲

[@malindadenlinger882]

Thank you for your service 🇺🇸

[@ericcorrell798]

Alcatraz was real, Wil was hard and a great ranger, didn’t ruin my career still graduated ranger school, jump master , LRSL , and chasing bike bundles off back of aircraft running with NVGs and cool sheeit

[@Manuswitchcraft]

Never have I ever sat through an entire podcast of this topic. I've seen shorts or highlights of other creators but that's It. A short of this episode appeared in my feed and I couldn't stop until I heard the entire episode. That was amazing thank you for this wonderful, entertaining and enlightening conversation. Keep it coming

[@SteveBurksMusic]

Loved that Special Ops Mission episode when he got flanked. Integrity. 💯

[@martinscreative]

Awesome to have you in the podcast game Sean, this was a super chill episode that I sat through nonstop. I remember Will on Spec Ops Mission and the particular episode he got smoked and it's awesome to know that he was instrumental in making that episode see the light of day. It shows a high degree of integrity. Over the years, I've enjoyed all the shows he's been on. Love all of your FNG stuff too, no question. Great job!

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

1:00:17 Totally concur. When Wil left Forged in Fire it was like the Integrity left with it.

[@jamescrumpler8384]

Man i have a new respect for Will he is down to earth just like you are and i didn't realize how freaking hilarious he is! "This is going to piss some people off but if you wasn't in the ranger battalion then fu$k you" 😅😅

[@cooler675]

Thank you Sean and Will for this interview!!! Will I'm a fan of your work on SpecOps and couldn't understand why it didn't come back because there's never be a show like, thank you and I hope it's not the last we get to see of Whiskey Whiskey!!!!

[@DaxOrien]

I love the brutal honesty about Dave Baker. I met the guy once at a con. He had a table (good square footage kind) where he was "custom" assembling some blades. I thought I recognized him a bit at first, and I was more than interested in getting a sword (didn't, but wanted to.) Approach, forget exactly how it starts, but I know I somehow ask about his expertise in learning how to construct them, and my naive self received this answer that I just thought was a shut down but in retrospect, Wil here brings up in spades: "You see Deadliest Warriors with the katana splitting a bullet (he was selling katanas there)? Mine split the bullet." And he kind of scoffed. I recognized him then. As a fan of DW, I kind of felt bad about not remembering him when I saw the many episodes he was in. I asked him questions about the katanas he had and which type/weight/length was considered optimal and stuff like that because I figured he was an expert in the weapons he created based on the information the shows presented. This is where the Wil stuff REALLY shows me hindsight is 20/20. Dave couldn't answer without a bit of snark and scoff. "If you practice, you'll know." So, not only is that kind of rude but it loses him a sale because he's not even trying to sell one at this point; he's sort of not getting that he could suggest a starter blade style and he knew I already had a katana I found just a little too heavy for my liking so he could've easily sold me something lighter. No, it seems like I was bothering him. So, in retrospect, as I was saying, Wil explains that Dave isn't an expert and really does make props. Which makes a lot of sense with how nice the baseline recreation weapons the contestants see in the show look. They are nice and pretty, but I now have serious doubts on the actual ability of those weapons. His own Beat the Judge stuff looked far less pretty than the other work normally presented and he was busting out those things fairly quickly already. It just makes you question everything he does on the show. Ben seems nice, though. Doug is obviously the most Not Smith but Competent at his Part in that he knows how a soldier or warrior would likely wield weapons presented to him. That's why he is awesome at the precision stuff. Jay seems like he would likely be incredibly bitter over something stupid so I wouldn't likely be his friend lol But for certain I can say that I'm not a Dave Baker fan anymore.

[@TingTingalingy]

That's too bad that your meet with him left a bad taste in your mouth. Though it is fair considering your experience. I personally like him, though I'm an aloof individual myself, sometimes coming across as staunch or rude, even though I don't mean it. Dave's blades are tested before the tests, majority DO pass, though not all. I can say from meeting Dave as well and hanging out with him, he's like a gruff guy of the days gone by. A good comparison is the book store guy in the movie never ending story(if you haven't seen it, it's easily searched, and is the beginning of the movie). Dave is skilled though none the less.

[@DaxOrien]

@@TingTingalingy He is fine at making things. I don't doubt that particular skill, but attitude goes a long way. Knowing your level of expertise also should be important. This is why out of all the experts, Ben gets my most seal of approval in terms of construction for the sole sake of him having competed several times before even becoming a judge. Unless there was some backdoor stuff there, I will always find Ben and Doug the best part of the judge's panel. Maybe Dave was annoyed at so many weebs at the con; who knows? All I do know for certain is that *I* wasn't rude and didn't warrant that. That being said, I haven't stopped watching the show and I'll continue to watch the show until it's end. It's interesting and seeing parts of the process is always illuminating.

[@dookcurruff9047]

jesus ur parasocial

[@TingTingalingy]

@@DaxOrien something to keep in mind is Jay is the one with the Master title, not Ben. Ben is very good though nonetheless. I'm going to say Dave is just annoyed in general. He's a loner when it comes down to it, his Facebook though can be quite hateful and nasty. Was a bummer to see

[@jacemiddleton3053]

Such a fan of Wil. His discipline is insane and I Fkn needed it in my life. I needed that intensity to get my edge back. Love listening at work. Keep it up man

[@DaddyWhiskey]

This was all around perfect. I’ve been a fan of wil since that spec op mission show so this just was an easy watch. The conversation, topics, and letting it ride was great and just wanted more. Granted it might have gone off the rails for many but I would have been there for it all. Keep it and I hope more like this are in the future.

[@Bellicose0311]

Will is the man. I’ll never forget doing the ranger roll for the first time when he put that on KZbin and being like “holy crap this actually works” lol. Cool dude

[@NigelEharis]

So grateful I found this. Thank you both.

[@Tren_triplet3]

Def need to do more of this content, Will has always been a huge role model, keep making great content man!

[@cled3600]

Excellent episode. Like, really really good. That's the formula: an interesting guest with an informed host asking pertinent, deep questions. Very well done, Sean. Very, very well done. Thank you for this.

[@bubbaballer88]

Sean, coming from a virtual nobody (but someone who watches a lot of these podcasts), you should do more. You're quite a talented interviewer and would love to catch more of these conversations. Just today, listened to Tyler Grey and this one. Keep it up, brother!

[@jt.8144]

Long Live "Special Ops Mission" . Good days back then!!

[@robertK3371]

Thank you very much for this episode.

[@khanhngo5979]

Love to see Will start his own podcast ❤❤❤

[@alchemicalsoul]

This dude is literally a GI Joe character come to life. Brilliant episode. 🖖🏾

[@Atmatan]

Except he never served

[@alchemicalsoul]

@@Atmatan Don't know why you consider that meaningful to my comment but okay.

[@Atmatan]

@@alchemicalsoul Even cartoon characters have more combat experience. I felt what I said had pretty obvious implications, I'm sorry it went so far over your head.

[@alchemicalsoul]

@@Atmatan You're at home, keyboard bangin' and trying to flex on a KZbin comment section. I'm sorry you dislike yourself that much you have to posture against strangers. But hey, here we are.

[@alchemicalsoul]

@@Atmatan Think about that. You're challenging someone's military combat experience virtually. That's what your shadow self informed your ego was going to be tonight's lick to get some sense of positive self esteem. Unfortunate this is where we are in society.

[@garywildfong472]

Love it. Straight talk. I was in SAC as a medic. Keep going.

[@Hitched14]

Keep up the great content Buck! Very entertaining!

[@FNGACADEMY]

Appreciate it!

[@dustinpaik]

1:17:31 mad respect wil. thanks for the interview guys

[@williamflowers9435]

Triggers: Weapons that changed the World was a great show!

[@juicev25]

Loved that show!

[@juicev25]

Great show guys! I loved his “Triggers” show.

[@Trav_Can]

Wil Willis is great.

[@Flyingcircustailwheel]

Damn I loved watching his show when I was a kid.

[@knutbaardsen6437]

Thank you. Finally clarification of not only who Will is and how show biz is a septic tank of morals but what makes him tick as a man and a reason to never watch FinF again.

[@whlnmchl]

Really cool interview hope to see more of both of you!

[@TheNoMoMrNiceGuy]

Awesome guyz - great discussion

[@Kris-USAF]

I really enjoy Forged in Fire and I was extremely disappointed that the show removed Wil as the host. Grady is good too and I think he is doing well but what I find to be interesting is they have scripted his role and seem to be coaching him to act and behave like Wil. Also, during this interview Wil brought up a good point I saw in the show and that was encouragement of others. You saw that in the show several times, and its not just about when a person is going to quit, that words are used for encouragement but also how they are used. Wil, had that encouragement power of a solid leader and how I would expect a fellow Airman would have. I was not a PJ but I was in the Air Force and those kinds of leaders stand out, those are the ones to gravitate to. Its too bad that the show's producers did not understand that. It's makes the viewer base apricate the show and it makes it seem more authentic, warm, but a real challenge at the same time. I hope he make it in that industry, and I hope that he is able to continue to being authentic while being entertaining at the same time. He is one of the few folks whom I would love to meet in person, and chat with given we worked in the same place/environment. The show is still interesting and there is still value for some education there but its not the same with Wil being gone, and hearing his input on this I have even less of a desire to make an effort to watch the show. Thank you, and I would like to thank Wil for doing this interview, thank you for sticking to being authentic while maintaining your values.

[@johnmcjunkin4613]

Great interview with such an amazing guest.

[@FNGACADEMY]

thank you!

[@theramblingmoore-on]

Loved this on Spotify when I listened the week it dropped; just adding this like&comment to help you guys out with your algorithm and analytics. I don't want you guys thinking that we're not interested in this new format and content, because I gotta imagine a lot of people are going to do the same as me to boost the channel. Keep it comin guys, I love seeing the evolution of this channel since I first stumbled across it back in fall '21, and I'm pretty sure the only content I've missed (including Spotify) are a few Beers and Breakdowns where you watch a movie I haven't gotten around to seeing yet haha

[@robwright8949]

It's always refreshing hearing someone swear. Maybe I'm weird, but people who casually drop f bombs in the conversation feels like an organic conversation. I don't trust people who don't swear

[@srsmedic8285]

Fuck yeah.. I agree

[@ericjones9471]

Lol! Wil is great! Love "Special Ops Mission"!

[@SSGfishbob]

Huge fan. Dont stay down long man. I would love to see you do your own show your way. Loved Spec OPS Mission and would be cool to see you do it your way, with no compromise.

[@tpzkiller]

Oh nice thanks for the podcast Sean ! It's always so interesting having to listen to these story ! Can i suggest one thing ? It would be very helpfull if we had timestamps on the video, so we can comeback to some chapter

[@josephKillinas]

Hell yeah sean keep these coming every week brother

[@blazegulizack]

The sf medic course is called SOCM then they go on to SFMS

[@jasonpatel6562]

I feel that can learn a lot from Will willis. Would be amazing if he started his own KZbin channel.

[@JayDubb3BCT]

Sean getting some big boy names on here! Keep on keeping on Sean and Team! much love & respect Gents! 🇺🇲🤘🏼

[@stevehilts4159]

Great interview!

[@williamflowers9435]

From my own experience, the difference between sad/depressed and clinical depression is what’s causing it… if something really bad happens to you or a loved one, it’s 100% natural to be sad. With Depression, there wasn’t really a reason but I felt devastated/unmotivated/lost. Took a few months to shake that feeling but exercise and staying active helped. The second time, I recognized what was happening and began taking St. John’s Wort and long walks almost immediately and it didn’t last as long (2mths vs 5mths roughly). I wouldn’t recommend prescription antidepressants b/c I’ve seen it do more harm than good in a bunch of people. YMMV. St. John’s Wort had zero side effects although it’s supposed to make you sensitive to sunlight. I’m 3/4 Scottish so I have pale ass skin anyway. Just my opinion/experience

[@kennedyfinancialsolutions]

Grade A material here boys. Great job.

[@TrevDri]

The smartest thing to do if you want to go special operation off the street is to sign an 11x option 40 contract. It’s the only one that won’t absolutely punish you for immensely for failing. You’re still an airborne infantryman

[@alchemicalsoul]

My son found this out with an Opt 40. Made it to the day of RASP class up, and got dropped. Not quite as harsh as those who left a unit for the attempt. Heartbreaking nonetheless.

[@jaxpatriot904]

I totally thought he was tim kennedy back when he was doing his special ops tv show lol

[@Allyndaar1982]

I loved FIF when Wil was hosting. But the show did start to lose me. Even before Wil left. I started really questioning some of the judges’ decisions. But I always accept what I see as I always presume others know something I don’t. Hearing Wil speak about the politics of TV, even vaguely, makes a lot of sense given how the show has changed and my feelings toward it. 😕

[@robertl.4265]

Buck, get your hands on some ‘Chattanooga Whiskey 91 Proof’. Small company. It amazing history and great bourbon!

[@Michaelpeifer-ti8hp]

My dad was in the 160th and he told me about how fun the dunker simulator was.

[@marcusmcclain5433]

He was also on rescue warriors part 6.

[@ruready4ou2rock]

I’m new around here. In the future would you mind having the guest state where we can find them on social media? Great information though! Keep it up.

[@mrscary3105]

I miss Special Ops Mission, and him in Forged In Fire (The show is not the same without him... I wish he would come back)

[@bsimon9427]

i need to have a drink with Wil, we share the same mindset lol

[@TheOnion12]

Give Wild Turkey Rare Breed a try. It’s really good and pretty easy to find.

[@blakejarvis5302]

" im a screen writer" lol dude has one credit for a short film, i love how alot of former special forces, seals, and rangers all think they are experts in everything

[@4395tjh]

You should interview Nick Koumalatsos next. Former Marine Recon and Marine Raider. He's also an instructor for The Project, whose founder you interviewed as well.

[@jollypirate23]

I didn't realize Wil Willis had never deployed. Scrolled Ranger and PJ with no combat deployments has to hurt so much. It's like being the best NFL player and never going to the Super Bowl.

[@jake5773]

I've heard him describe himself as the most qualified unopened GI Joe that's ever existed.

[@pyeitme508]

Noice broadcast video 👏

[@cpanss]

Add time stamps, and make more shorts, great work!

[@yasha4929]

Cool guy. Like the guy

[@YouMadBudArchived]

Are you in need of a editor for shorts/reels? Is there an email I can contact you on to discuss it?

[@PepperDog76]

Love both these dudes. Not in a weird way… but it was a perfect interview; Sean just let Will talk and knew when when and how to keep him talking. Will seems like a great dude and it baffles the mind how the machine didn’t deploy someone with his knowledge and skill until I remember how the machine works. And how the machine breaks the best and brightest. Awesome content, per usual.

[@Atmatan]

Homophobe still too caught up in toxic masculinity to show another man love? Please, pray elaborate on the 'weird' way one shows love. I can wait.

[@Frisco_Schills]

I was like - this is how Buck sees himself in the mirror.

[@BigStrick02]

Did they address why Willis served 10+ years during the GWOT and never deployed?

[@markstokes7110]

imagine being trained to be a mechanic and never being able to work on a car..........thats what its like for an SF soldier who doesnt get to see combat. It cant be sugar coated, some of us just plain missed out. Is what it is.

[@anthonyjuric5996]

Great show and much respect to Will, but to be fair failing military training is part of Goggins’ story. He left the Air Force, gained a lot of weight and hated his life, then went back into service. This time with the Navy and the SEALs after initially failing out of the PJ pipeline

[@logresmentotum7065]

10min in, and he knows. Thanks. Drop line if NCR. No BS. Just OH+.

[@williamflowers9435]

1:11:14 sounds like Wil was just sketching out his TWD spin-off series

[@CertifiedSunset]

It's so nice Buck let Markiplier on his podcast

[@JMan77]

One day I will grow up to be as cool as Wil (im 46 though, so i may not make it - i do play D&D twice a month! LOL)

[@wicksfarm4895]

Compromise well same here in Canada i am an ex ppcli, airborne regiment,jtf2, and now in Canada we have a woke army ,also Whisky whisky is a warrior and a real operator ,

[@cwalser544]

My mom was in the Army, she went for Ranger Training and got up to E4. She's a bad bitch.

[@furthurondown]

dirt medicine.. you said it!

[@elvispelvis5891]

I´M GOING TO RANGER SCHOOL!

[@SonOfGalactus]

the answer to most problems is but a tree line away. nice, Ben said it like seconds after I originally posted this...

[@roper959]

I miss special ops mission

[@vanessa-8375]

Interview Sean Strickland - he had a terrible childhood to become a UFC title contender.

[@THEEStickyxbootz]

Idk if you like scotch, but if you haven't, you should give GlenAllachie 12 year or Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve a try.

[@jeffmathias3222]

I watched two Forged in fires with out Will and it just wasn't the same without him. I no longer watch it

[@Creasybear75]

My God, I like his work but the word humility is not in this man's vocabulary

[@frogman7202]

With out will I fell off forged in fire I knew he had that dog in’em before I knew his military history 🫡

[@Creasybear75]

Hey wait a minute, it's no secret that David Goggins quit in-doc, it's in his book it's one of the things he regrets the most he's said it publicly. I don't like or agree with some of the shit that man says but I definitely don't think that you should bring up something as if it's a secret he's trying to keep from everyone. I think that's definitely out of school and other character for you Sean, if you don't know the man's whole story, then You know you shouldn't be speaking on it.

[@williamflowers9435]

“Somehow…” 🤨

[@douglasalfseike3867]

If I sit and cross my arms with a crazy a*s gaze! What will it get me? For real? I'm not feeling joy! No joy joy! It feels like the command to shoot the berm to qualify! Say what?

[@bertlee20]

Jefferson Reserve, The Duke Spirits

[@Tater793]

Old forrester 1920 prohibition

[@jake5773]

Will really doesn't like Dave Baker, lol.

[@djcruiselover3827]

I’m going to say he doesn’t like Dave Baker very much

[@tigerclaw3388]

Alright, dude's awesome, but I'll call him on the "Medicine skills" Ectopic pregnancy based off medical history? Maybe it's just because I'm a paramedic, but that's like... a school book answer. lol

[@josegonzalezsegura2380]

With all due respect… i thought it was “someone else’s” potcast. I enjoyed it anyway

[@danilonunez3831]

This was really good. UNTIL you starting coming for goggins. You say you’re not the kind of person who doesn’t talk about things that you’re not an expert on. But then start talking about goggins quitting PJ indoc. Yes he did. He’s so open about that. That’s not a secret. If you actually read his book or even listened to him you would know that’s part of his story that he talks about all the thine.

[@s1urry381]

I loved that show Spec Ops Mission.

[@ogghostprepper9138]

Bottled poison. Hell of a sad way to start an interview.

[@Atmatan]

bUt wHiSkeY iS mAnlY 🤡