The Protectors® Podcast
The Protectors® Podcast is where powerful stories ignite purpose. Hosted by Jason Piccolo—a retired federal agent, former U.S. Army Infantry Captain (Iraq 2006), and author—the show explores the human side of courage, resilience, and leadership.
More than a podcast about service, it’s a platform for storytelling that empowers. Each episode highlights personal journeys of adversity, sacrifice, redemption, and triumph—revealing the mindset, discipline, and heart behind extraordinary lives. From frontline professionals to bestselling authors and acclaimed actors, the conversations uncover how real experiences inspire the stories that move us—and how storytelling itself becomes a force for strength and transformation.
Past guests include Sean Patrick Flanery, Andrews & Wilson, Mark Greaney, Stephen Hunter, Remi Adeleke, Florent Groberg, Clint Emerson, and Travis Mills—voices that inspire listeners to lead with courage, live with purpose, and tell their own stories boldly.
The Protectors® Podcast
#75 | Aaron Hale | E.O.D Fudge
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Very honored to have Aaron Hale join The Protectors to talk about his business, E.O.D. Fudge, his marathon running, and the incredible story of how he built a life with his wife McKayla. Listen in…
From their story: When Aaron could not see or hear: “McKayla with no other way to communicate, began a method where she would draw words into the palm of his hand, one single letter at a time. "The road to recovery was slow, and I had no idea how serious it was until we realized Aaron lost his hearing," McKayla says.”
About Aaron: After six years as an expert EOD Technician in the military, Aaron Hale became blind the moment an unseen IED exploded in his face in Afghanistan in December of 2011. In the years that followed, Aaron rehabilitated himself to an extent most sighted people would envy – running marathons, climbing mountains, and even solo white water kayaking.
About E.O.D. Fudge; (the letters standing for Extra Ordinary Delights), the name not only serving as a nod to the years Aaron spent as an EOD Tech in the military but to the perfectionism with which he approached that former position. "I want to be the best at what I do," Aaron states, "and E.O.D. Fudge to be the best fudge in the world." Now with cochlear implants to help him hear, Aaron, along with the help of McKayla’s extensive experience in branding and business development, are setting their goals high, with plans in the works for a commercial kitchen and partnerships with big name distributors.
Aaron also supports Building Homes for Heroes.
#eodconfections #buildinghomesforheroes #actionsspeaklouder #firstresponders #firstrespondersrock #gratitude #veteran #protectorspodcast #operationgratitude
Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo
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