Making Motivation With Dr. Drill

One family's account of a bucket list vacation interrupted by the violence of the October 7 attacks.

In October of 2024, my cousin and I went on a bucket-list journey to the high desert of Utah and Zion National Park. The experience was life-changing. Here is our official debrief, recorded while driving back from a day trip to the Catskills.

The play-by-play of my October 2024 trip to the beautiful, Zion National Park.

I have conducted many podcasts with Devildogs from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion 6th Marines. When leadership comes up and I inevitably ask who was among the most influential and squared away individuals, a handful of names come up. Judd Baker is always at the top of the list. During my four year enlistment, I was fortunate to serve among some tremendous individuals but I must concur that then, Sgt/SSgt Baker was a PT stud, highly motivating, stern but fair and the epitome of leadership-by-example - he exemplified the kind of Marine we all wanted to be. This podcast is to reflect on Baker’s time in service and determine the nature vs nurture of things; what inspired him to inspire others to such a degree? Who inspired him? How does one cultivate such character and pay it forward? And ultimately, how can more people live their best lives and make a positive impact in what sometimes seems like a cold cruel world? Since retirement from the USMC, JD has successfully extrapolated his service to the civilian se

Jon Martin is a former US Marine and outdoors enthusiast. In this podcast, we discuss the similarities and differences between humping a pack in the Marine Corps and the civilian sector. There is a lot to discuss and we get quite philosophical in this podcast. Over the past several years, Jon has literally stepped up his game, to the point that he hits the trail as often as his schedule permits and has become very active with local hiking groups. Jon even accompanied his daughter on parts of an AT thru-hike she was doing. In 2025, Jon will be embarking on his own thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches 2198 miles, through 14 states! It will take him 3-4 months to complete this journey. This was a great conversation with an outstanding human being.

Alfred Bari is a former Marine infantryman and native of New Hampshire. Bari was a radioman in 3rd platoon, C Company, 1st Bn 6th Marines between 1993-1997. Following honorable discharge, Bari spent 20 years working as a butcher and loved it. He has also been a pro wrestling fan forever and once aspired to join Killer Kowalski's wrestling school but was sidelined by injuries. His wrestling handle was to be the Italian Tank! His finishing move would have been a bear hug. Alfred currently lives in New Hampshire with his wife and daughter. He is full of gratitude for his many experiences and the love of family and his Marine brothers. The Italian Tank's outlook on life is very refreshing, I love this guy.

Kris Giuranna is a former active duty Marine Sergeant (2003 - 2012). He served in the primary MOS of 0341, infantry mortarman and security forces. Sgt G deployed to Afghanistan 04-05, Iraq 06, Iraq 07-08: was awarded 2 combat action ribbons and myriad personal and unit citations including Joint Service Commendation Medal and Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Kris and I have discussed the “work hard, play hard” nature of the military, whereby especially in the infantry, young men train for or actually deploy to combat and any opportunity to blow off steam and otherwise cut loose is welcome. Some of the best times of our lives as Marines were spent drinking and carrying on with our brothers in the bar or barracks. Indeed, the Marine Corps actually came to being in a bar down in Philadelphia called Tun Tavern. So it is essentially tradition for Marines to kick ass and drink like fish and most all of us did our best to fit that mold. But while enjoying our off-time and sucking down a few beers with our br

Karen Carey is an accomplished interior designer, award winning photographer, and published author. She is the owner of Karen Carey Design Studio in Montgomery County PA. Prior to opening the design firm, Karen owned a portrait photography business for 20+ years. She's won several prestigious national photography awards, has been published in numerous magazines, created and launched a greeting card line at the National Stationery Show in NYC and has appeared on the hit TV show Flea Market Flip. Her expertise in business opened up opportunities for Karen to share her wisdom in the form of writing, teaching and speaking on her three favorite topics; leadership, vision and purpose. Karen has two grown children ages 22 and 28 and has been married to her highschool sweetheart for 30 years. She was a Division1 Basketball scholarship recipient at Drexel University ('87-'90) and more recently (2018) held the state/regional RPS Powerlifting record at age 49.

Patrick McKernan grew up in Norristown, PA. His grandfather, father and uncle were all police officers. His father was also a United States Marine who served in WWII. Upon high school graduation, Pat enlisted in the Marines much to his father's chagrin, as the War in Vietnam was underway. Pat soon shipped down to Parris Island and completed his infantry training and then flew off to Danang, where he served in an Intelligence capacity for 13 months. Upon returning home from Vietnam, Pat was honorably discharged from the service and would soon follow in his paternal footsteps, signing on as a Whitpain Police Officer and later, with the Lansdale PD. Pat is currently enjoying retirement but never strays far from service, as he keeps in touch with his fellow service personnel and plays a role with the Valley Forge Memorial and other veterans organizations. This is the service story of Pat McKernan. Semper Fi, Marine!

Joe Daly has served his country and community for 57 years! Born in West Philadelphia, Joe enlisted in the Marine Corps upon high school graduation and was soon on the ground in Vietnam, serving as a machine gunner with Echo Company 2/7. He served two tours in Vietnam, earning a battlefield promotion to Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and a Purple Heart. Upon Honorable Discharge, Joe signed up as a police officer in Lower Marion and has served at every level, working up the ranks to Chief of Police at Lower Marion and subsequently, Springfield, PA. Chief Daly's resume couldn't be more impressive but predictably, he is very humble as he provides credit to the many motivators he served with along the way, especially his family. This conversation was among my favorites to date. Joe's story provides much insight and is very inspiring. Thank you for your service, Joe. Semper Fi!

Doug Ross is a Renaissance Man of sorts, boasting a variety of talents. He is a former collegiate wrestler and wrestling coach, teacher and now retiree. But at 76 years of age, the physical strength and spirit this man possesses exceeds that of most people half his age. Doug can perform pullups, pushups, squats and other bodyweight exercises with ease and was recently disciplined for knocking out tricep dips at the top of the pool ladder at his retirement center clubhouse.In this conversation, Doug shares his wisdom about strength through sport, the importance of the mental picture and how to maintain resilience throughout life. The man is truly an inspiration.

Sgt. Rick Swehla was the Platoon Guide of 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion 6th Marines between 1993-1995. He was squared away, stern but fair and the epitome of leadership-by-example - exemplifying the kind of Marine we all wanted to be. Under “Sgt. Swehla’s” leadership, along with SSgt Cobbs and Lt Cooper, our platoon trained our asses off, working up for a deployment to the Mediterranean with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Force (MEU) aboard the USS Ponce.

Joe McCarthy is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1957 at the age of 16, after being turned away from the Army for being too young. Joe served in 2nd Recon Battalion and later an artillery unit. In this episode of Making Motivation, PFC McCarthy tells his service story, which continues to the present. Semper Fi, Joe!