In this powerful episode of the Tango Tango podcast, host Lloyd Knight sits down with Pat McNamara, a retired Delta Force operator, small business owner, creator of Basic Dude Stuff, and the ultimate champion of resilience. Mac opens up about his journey from elite military operations to navigating darkness after service, revealing the deeply personal story behind his second lease on life.

Listeners get a raw look at the highs and lows of Pat’s career, from failing Special Forces training to becoming one of the top performers in Delta. But the most gripping moments come after the battlefield, when he’s living in a bonus room above his garage, caring for his kids, and battling depression and burnout. It was a moment with his son and a screech owl that sparked the turnaround, and a single run that helped him remember who he was.

This isn’t just a story about combat. It’s a story of fatherhood, recovery, discipline, and the choice to grow. From surviving a towed parachute jump to creating a children’s show rooted in curiosity and wonder, Pat’s journey is a lesson in how warriors heal, rebuild, and give back.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:16) Meeting Rebecca and getting a second lease on life

(04:25) Growing up in Connecticut and love for the outdoors

(06:24) Wrestling, discipline, and turning around high school

(09:02) Joining the Army and choosing Special Forces

(10:30) The Q Course and failing first phase

(14:00) Training in weapons and unconventional warfare

(17:02) Parachute school and surviving a towed jump injury

(23:18) Returning to training and pushing through setbacks

(27:00) Spying on the Soviet army during the Cold War

(30:42) Trying out for Delta and breaking his ankle

(33:30) Leveling up and self-governance in Delta

(36:00) Missions in Bosnia and the mindset of preparation

(39:43) Retiring to care for his kids

(41:00) Transitioning, depression, and personal breakdown

(44:00) The turning point with his son and a screech owl

(46:21) Reclaiming discipline with a 6AM run

(50:00) Cop's life-changing advice and moving forward

(52:00) Reconnecting with Rebecca

(53:15) Battling chronic illness and finding natural healing

(57:30) Why Mac embraced social media and stayed authentic

(58:50) Creating Basic Dude Stuff and building a kids' show

(01:02:30) Inspiring kids through curiosity and nature

(01:07:32) Muscle cars, craftsmanship, and honoring legacy

(01:13:23) Building a multifaceted business post-military

(01:16:03) Invader Coffee and the power of quality over gimmicks

(01:17:22) Mac’s advice for struggling veterans

Additional Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Tango Tango: https://supplychainnow.com/program/tango-tango
• Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
• Connect with Lloyd Knight: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydknight
• Connect with Pat McNamara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mcnamara-267aa819/
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
• Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

Tango Tango is proudly sponsored by Supply Chain Now. For...