Description
Real Ones is a weekly podcast with Jon Bernthal that gives the microphone to some of the most interesting, authentic people living on the front lines of the big issues of our time. From cops to gang members, soldiers and doctors, activists and first responders, you’re going to hear from people who aren’t pushing any agenda other than honest, open dialogue. What transpires is informative, funny, and at times heartbreaking – delivered by people you’ll feel an immediate connection to.
Produced by: Dennis Stratton, Gareth Schweitzer, Jon Bernthal
Directed & Edited by: Elan Sobel
Episodes
- 2024 / 12 / 3Sir Byron Rodgers: 'A Warrior Without a War is Soulless'Former Marine and elite protection specialist Sir Byron Rodgers joins Jon to discuss his remarkable journey from surviving multiple IED explosions in Iraq to becoming one of the most respected figures in...
- 2024 / 11 / 6Agent Zero: Gilbert ArenasNBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas sits down with Jon for an honest conversation about his journey from second-round pick to NBA superstar. Arenas shares stories about his father's influence, the mental toughness...
- 2024 / 10 / 15Ashley Stock: Navigating the Loss of Her Daughter and Parenting Through GriefAshley Stock shares her family's journey after her daughter Stevie passed away from brain cancer. She talks about the decision to bring Stevie home for end-of-life care, how she and her husband told their...
- 2024 / 10 / 1Jamie Lee Curtis: Unfiltered on Hollywood, Healing, and Finding PerspectiveJamie Lee Curtis joins Jon Bernthal for a conversation that begins with Jamie discussing her role in the film "Borderlands," touching on the unusual character trait of objectum sexuality. The discussion then...
- 2024 / 9 / 17From Rookie Cop to 9/11 Hero: Will Jimeno's Incredible Journey | Real OnesJon Bernthal speaks with Will Jimeno, a former Port Authority police officer who survived being trapped for 13 hours under the World Trade Center rubble on September 11, 2001. Jimeno shares his extraordinary...
- 2024 / 9 / 3Dr. Nick Bernthal Returns | REAL ONESDr. Nick Bernthal, Jon's brother and orthopedic oncologist, returns to REAL ONES. This episode covers: Challenges of treating cancer patients and delivering difficult news How personal loss influences...
- 2024 / 8 / 20ECHOES: A Navy SEAL's 22 Year JourneyKevin Vance interviews Karl "Gus" Gustavson, a retired Navy SEAL with 22 years of service. Gustavson candidly discusses military brotherhood, sacrifice, and the transition to civilian life. This conversation...
- 2024 / 8 / 6Deborah Ann Woll on Keeping it Real in HollywoodDeborah Ann Woll talks candidly with Jon Bernthal about her journey in Hollywood. She discusses childhood bullying, the challenges of the entertainment industry, and maintaining authenticity as an actor. Woll...
- 2024 / 7 / 30Primo Paulie's Raw Journey of RedemptionIn this gripping episode of Real Ones, guest host Richard Cabral sits down with "Primo" Paulie for an unfiltered conversation about life on the streets of East LA, battling generational addiction, and finding...
- 2024 / 7 / 23From Gangs to Growth: Father Greg Boyle on Healing and Hope in a first look of RESILIENCE with Richard CabralJoin Richard Cabral as he sits down with Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, in this inspiring episode of RESILIENCE. Explore the transformative journey from gang life to community leadership,...
- 2024 / 7 / 9Lillo Brancato: Fame, Failure & Finding PurposeJon Bernthal sits down with Lillo Brancato, star of 'A Bronx Tale,' for a raw and unfiltered conversation about fame, addiction, and redemption. Brancato opens up about his meteoric rise to stardom, his...
- 2023 / 12 / 12Sean Penn on Art, Activism, and the Urgency of UkraineSean Penn shares his profound experiences from Ukraine, revealing the stark realities of war and the resilient spirit of its people. Penn and Bernthal delve into a deep conversation about the power of...
- 2023 / 11 / 30Shadows of Conflict: An Israeli Soldier's PerspectiveJon engages in a profound conversation with a faceless and voice-modulated Israeli IDF soldier. The episode traverses through diverse themes - from the influence of upbringing on one’s values, the...
- 2023 / 11 / 30Call to Arms: Ex-Special Forces Soldier on Vacation in Israel during October 7th Terrorist AttacksJoin Jon Bernthal in a profound and eye-opening conversation with an ex-special forces soldier who found himself in an extraordinary situation. While vacationing in Israel, this soldier's trip took an...
- 2023 / 11 / 13Zach Skow's Mission to Connect Rescues with InmatesDive into the transformative journey of Zack Skow, founder of Marley's Mutts and the Positive Change program. This initiative pairs rescue dogs facing euthanasia with inmates in a comprehensive canine...
- 2023 / 10 / 25From Afghanistan's Perils to Tennessee's Promise: the Story of Travis & RomJoin Jon in this episode as he sits down with Travis Ervin, a former US Marine, and Mohammed "Rom" Hamdard, an Afghan interpreter. Dive deep into their incredible journey from the war-torn streets of...
- 2023 / 10 / 11Soldier of Salvation: Jeremy Locke's Drive to Make a DifferenceDive deep into an emotional roller-coaster with Jeremy Locke as he recounts his experiences from war zones to the heart-wrenching stories of children in distress. Jeremy is the Founder and Chief of Special...
- 2023 / 9 / 26"Defy the Norm" with Cody AlfordCody is a former Marine Raider & Scout Sniper who was on the frontlines of the Battle of Fallujah. Cody discusses the concept of "normal" and how it's a societal construct that keeps individuals in a haze,...
- 2023 / 9 / 12Big Shun Unfiltered: A Raw Conversation about Life, Karma, and Family"There's either not enough of me, or there is too much" - Big Shun Jon visits Shreveport to sit down with his longtime friend Big Shun for an intimate and raw conversation about the struggles of karma the...
- 2023 / 8 / 29David Ayer & Jon Bernthal: Unfiltered Truths of Hollywood & LifeJoin a candid conversation between Jon and the quintessential "real one", David Ayer. From the gritty streets of Los Angeles to the intense sets of "Fury" and "The Tax Collector", discover how Ayer's...
- 2023 / 8 / 16Mel Chancey talks Motorcycle Club Rivalries & the Path to RedemptionJoin Jon as he dives deep into the life of Mel Chancey, exploring club rivalries, unwritten rules, and the key moments that paved the path toward redemption. From tense confrontations to heartfelt...
- 2023 / 8 / 1Living a double life: Lou Valoze discusses the duality of undercover life with Jon BernthalJon sits down with Lou Valoze, a former undercover agent, to explore the thrilling and often morally complex world of undercover work. Lou shares his journey from a directionless young man to a determined DEA...
- 2023 / 7 / 18Resilience Under Fire: Navy SEAL Jason Redman's Journey from Combat to RecoveryJoin us for a gripping new episode of 'Real Ones with Jon Bernthal' with guest Jason Redman, a decorated Navy SEAL who faced the unimaginable on the battlefield. Listen to Jason's inspiring journey from the...
- 2023 / 5 / 24Larry Hagner is the founder of The Dad Edge and host of The Dad Edge PodcastLarry Hagner is the founder of The Dad Edge and host of The Dad Edge Podcast. He and Jon discuss Larry’s story, fatherhood, how he came to found The Dad Edge, and masculinity in today’s world. FOLLOW...
- 2023 / 5 / 11Conejo & Bojangles discuss growing up in different LA neighborhoodsConejo & Bojangles both grew up in Los Angeles, and met acting in David Ayer's "The Tax Collector". Conejo's next album “The Reset” drops this Summer 2023 under his new Sony/Orchard Deal. Follow Conejo on...
- 2023 / 4 / 26Nora McInerny is an author, host of the podcast "Terrible, Thanks for Asking" & co-founder of "Hot Young Widows Club", a non-profit organizationNora McInerny is host of “Terrible, Thanks for Asking” a podcast where she brings guests on to talk about their difficult and challenging life experiences in a candid and real way. Nora is also the author of...
- 2023 / 4 / 4Pete DavidsonJon asks Pete about the evolution of his comedy, how Lorne Michaels helped Pete thrive as the youngest SNL cast member in history, and learns about Pete's new show "Bupkis", premiering May 4th on...
- 2023 / 3 / 21Vincent "Rocco" Vargas is an actor, writer and content creator who served on three combat deployments with the 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger RegimentVincent "Rocco" Vargas is an actor, producer, and writer, known for Range 15, the MBest11x YouTube channel and the Vinny Roc podcast. Rocco went on to serve three combat deployments with the 2nd Ranger...
- 2023 / 3 / 9Chris Wilson began to develop the “Master Plan” for his future while serving a life sentenceAt the age of 17, Chris was charged with a crime, convicted, and sentenced to natural life in prison. It was during times of isolation that he decided to not only to turn his life around, but to make a...
- 2023 / 2 / 22Army Veteran Richard Fierro disarmed an active shooter in a Colorado night clubRichard Fierro was on a night out with family and friends when an active shooter opened fire at a nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people. Richard is one of two men that stopped the gunmen and...
- 2023 / 2 / 10A Marine, a Rabbi, and a Martial Artist - Mordecai FinleyRabbi Mordecai Finley is all three. Raised in Compton, Finley found his purpose and mission through the Marine Corps. Today, he's a black belt in Jiu Jitsu and one of the most sought-after spiritual...
- 2023 / 2 / 2Omari HardwickToday, Omari Hardwick needs no introduction, but getting to this point wasn't easy. Omari is open about the pain of his football career ending, his struggle to make it as an actor, and the challenges...
- 2023 / 1 / 25Eric Singletary, transformative high school basketball coachIf you're a true sports fan - or you're raising young athletes - you'll love Jon's conversation with Eric Singletary, who has turned the small Washington DC school he and Jon attended into a high school...
- 2023 / 1 / 18George Christie, the longest-serving president of the Ventura, California chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle ClubGeorge Christie was the longest-serving president of the Ventura, California chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. He was a leader in the organization for over three decades and was instrumental in...
- 2023 / 1 / 10Jose Gonzales started a 19 year prison sentence in California at the age of 16Today, Jose Gonzalez is a a successful producer, artist, and storyteller. But 8 years ago, he was finishing a 19 year sentence in various correctional facilities including Calipatria State Prison. Jose joined...
- 2022 / 12 / 30Real Ones 2022: memorable episode momentsThe compilation includes moments from the episodes listed below. Time stamps are below to jump to specific episode excerpts, or click on the guest to jump to the full episode-- Kevin Vance - 00:10 Kurt Angle...
- 2022 / 12 / 21Julian Edelman: "My whole life I was always a practice player"Julian Edelman spent 12 seasons with the New England Patriots after playing quarterback at Kent State in Ohio. Edelman is a three-time Super Bowl winner, and was named MVP of Super Bowl LIII. Today he...
- 2022 / 12 / 15Richard McKinney’s journey from the brink of unspeakable evil to a life dedicated to peace and understandingMarine Sergeant Richard McKinney built a bomb to blow up the local Mosque in his hometown of Muncie, Indiana where today “Mac” has converted to Islam, and is a proud member of the local Muslim...
- 2022 / 12 / 7Sammy Horowitz: fighter, stuntman, screenwriterSammy Horowitz is a stuntman, playwright/screenwriter and actor from Chicago. Sammy was a member of a predominantly Latino street gang and spent 8 years, 7 months, and 15 days in prison. After prison Sammy...
- 2022 / 11 / 23Marine Raider Nick KoumalatsosNick Koumalatsos is is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, podcast host, and producer. After getting into trouble as an adolescent, Nick joined the Marine Corps in 2000 and went on to serve for 12 years. He...
- 2022 / 11 / 16Legendary Baltimore kingpins Maurice "Peanut" King and Thomas "Joe Dancer" RicksMaurice "Peanut" King and Thomas "Joe Dancer" Ricks were two of the biggest kingpins in Baltimore history. Peanut was the strategist and brains of the operation; Joe Dancer was his trusted enforcer. The duo...
- 2022 / 11 / 2Inside the mind of "the world's deadliest sniper": from the front lines in Ukraine with Sniper WaliWali is a retired decorated Canadian Soldier considered to be one of the world's best snipers. When the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began, Wali left his family and lucrative career as a computer...
- 2022 / 10 / 25Richard Cabral is an actor, producer and writer from East LARichard Cabral is an actor, producer, and writer best known for playing Johnny 'Coco' Cruz on FX's MAYANS. He was also nominated for an Emmy for playing Hector Tontz on AMERICAN CRIME. Richard and Jon...
- 2022 / 10 / 18Mikhail gives Jon an update on Russia/Ukraine from inside RussiaMikhail discusses some of the latest and especially atrocious developments in Russia/Ukraine conflict.
- 2022 / 10 / 13Author, soldier, scholar and future Governor Wes MooreWes Moore is a U.S. Army combat veteran who led soldiers in combat with the 82nd Airborne Division, a Rhodes Scholar, former small business owner, and former CEO of one of the nation’s largest anti-poverty...
- 2022 / 9 / 29Inmates at Calipatria Brett May & Alex Zapien discuss being an LWOP (life without the possibility of parole)Brett May and Alex Zapien are serving Life Without Parole (LWOP) at Calipatria State Prison – a maximum security facility in the remote California Desert, 40 miles from the Mexican border. We had a unique...
- 2022 / 9 / 21Lena Dunham, artistLena Dunham is an American writer, director, actress, and producer. She is known as the creator, writer, and star of the HBO television series GIRLS. Lena and Jon worked together on her recently released film...
- 2022 / 9 / 15Baratunde Thurston & Gareth SchweitzerBaratunde Thurston is an author, activist, and comedian. Gareth Schweitzer is one of my oldest and closest friends who has been a successful journalist and entrepreneur. We get into our childhood...
- 2022 / 8 / 31Shia LeBeoufIf you or anyone you know has been a victim of or have committed acts of domestic violence, please consider reaching out to the following organizations or consulting the following resources: The National...
- 2022 / 8 / 26Shreveport legend Sebastian "Bamm Bamm" Richardson & producer Sean AllenBamm is one of the most beloved, feared, and respected people in the history of Shreveport, Louisiana. He grew up in The Bottoms, a once legendary and vibrant neighborhood known for music, wild celebration,...
- 2022 / 8 / 18Sarah Wayne Callies, actorSarah and Jon met on the set of The Walking Dead and have remained close friends ever since. They both sat down to discuss their time working together. You can follow Sarah on Instagram at --...
- 2022 / 8 / 10LAPD legends Robert Deamer & Jeff Norat discuss South Central in the 90s with Jon BernthalJon sits down with LAPD legends Robert Deamer and Jeff Norat to discuss the state of policing, South Central in the 90s, and the importance of being community minded. Get episodes a week early and...
- 2022 / 8 / 3Tyler Grey, former Army Ranger and Delta ForceTyler Grey grew up in Bakersfield, California, joined the army in 1998 and quickly advanced from training into the 75th Ranger Regiment, 2nd Battalion, spending most of his time there as a Sniper. He spent...
- 2022 / 7 / 27Kevin Vance and Mark Schlegel discuss leadership in law enforcement and the militaryRetired special forces soldier Kevin Vance and retired LA Sheriff Mark Schlegel dive into the challenges facing law enforcement today, and the importance of leadership. Get episodes a week early and...
- 2022 / 7 / 20Retired special agent Jay Dobyns spent 2 years undercover with the Hells AngelsJay Dobyns is a retired special agent and veteran undercover operative with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), New York Times Best-Selling author, public speaker,...
- 2022 / 6 / 3Carl "Booger" Townley & Alfred "Goat" BrownCarl Townley is a retired Caddo Parish Lieutenant. Jon met Carl over a decade ago while researching and shooting a film in Shreveport, LA. Alfred "Goat" Brown is one of the most beloved, feared, and...
- 2022 / 5 / 27Richard "Wack Baby" Wilson & Ricardo WilsonRichard "Wack Baby" Wilson is a local Shreveport legend who runs the WackShack food truck; home of the WackPack. Ricardo Wilson is Richard’s son. Jon met the Wilson’s during his time in Shreveport....
- 2022 / 5 / 20Carl "Booger" Townley, Tony Gerbine, & Andres "Dre" SeverinoCarl Townley is a retired Caddo Parish Lieutenant. Tony Gerbine worked with Carl on a multi-agency narcotics task force. Jon met Carl over a decade ago while researching and shooting a film in Shreveport, LA...
- 2022 / 5 / 13Alfred "Goat" Brown & Sebastian "Bamm Bamm" RichardsonIn the next few episodes I’m bringing you to Shreveport Louisiana. Over the last ten years the folks down there have become my family, the city has become my heart. Goat and Bamm are two of the most beloved,...
- 2022 / 5 / 6Jerry Ballesteros & Donte "Bojangles" JohnsonJerry Ballesteros is a retired Senior Lead, and CRASH Officer for the LAPD who patrolled Newton division in the 90s. He’s a community-first policeman who gets respect by leading with respect. Today he...
- 2022 / 4 / 29Kevin VanceKevin Vance is a retired US Military Veteran and is currently a firefighter and first responder. Kevin and Jon met while Kevin was consulting on the film Fury. Jon Bernthal Social YouTube:...
- 2022 / 4 / 22George PelecanosGeorge Pelecanos is an author, and TV/Film writer and producer. He is the co-creator of The Wire, one of the greatest TV shows of all time. George is also an accomplished author, having written numerous...
- 2022 / 4 / 15Veterans Empowered To Protect African Wildlife founder Ryan TateVETPAW is a group of US veterans committed to protecting and training park rangers to combat poaching on the ground in Africa. Instagram: https://instagram.com/vetpaw?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Website:...
- 2022 / 4 / 8Carey HartCarey Hart is one of the all time greatest freestyle motocross competitors, famous for flipping a 250cc motorcycle. He is also the founder of Indian Motorcycle, and Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co. Carey...
- 2022 / 4 / 1MikhailMikhail is my friend on the ground in Moscow. He adds an invaluable perspective about life and his firsthand experience and opinion from on the ground as Russia invades the Ukraine and corrupts the free flow...
- 2022 / 3 / 25Michael BlochMichael Bloch is a civil rights attorney who sued the organizers of the "Unite The Right" rally in Charlottesville and won a $20 million judgement against them. He also happens to be a childhood friend of...
- 2022 / 3 / 18Ralph "H" Horton & Andre "Dre" SeverinoAndre “Dre” Severino and Ralph “H” Horton are Baltimore police officers who run The Silverback Chronicles Podcast. Jon met Dre and H on the set of HBO's upcoming mini series We Own This City. The Silverback...
- 2022 / 3 / 11Natalie RandolphNatalie Randolph is the current director of equity, justice and inclusion at The Sidwell Friends School in DC. After an All American Track & Field career at The University of Virginia, she played professional...
- 2022 / 3 / 4Kurt AngleKurt Angle is an Olympic and World Champion heavyweight wrestler, and a WWE legend. He's also Jon's uncle-in-law. Jon Bernthal Social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/realoneswithjonbernthal Instagram:...
- 2022 / 2 / 25Nick BernthalNick Bernthal is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon who specializes in Oncology at UCLA. He is also Jon's younger brother. Jon Bernthal Social YouTube:...
- 2022 / 2 / 18Anthony MaggioTony Maggio is a police officer who patrols Baltimore’s East Side; the same neighborhood where he was raised. He's revered by everyone on the force as well as the community he patrols because he takes his job...
- 2022 / 2 / 18D WatkinsD Watkins is a writer and professor at the University of Baltimore, and is currently the editor at large for Salon.com. D grew up in the heart of Baltimore’s drug game and has made it his life’s work to...