ProtonVPN for 70% off: Click hereEpisode 4255  │  October 22, 2026Retired Army intelligence officer Sam Shoemate: “My mission in life is to support those folks who defend us.”WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERSScott Kesterson talks with Sam Shoemate, the retired Army intelligence officer known online as TerminalCWO, about speaking up for troops during the COVID years and what it cost him. Shoemate describes the pressure from commanders, the fallout from his Shawn Ryan Show appearance, and why he nearly walked away. He also explains how prayer now drives his work, and how he holds hope in what he calls a spiritual fight.KEY QUESTIONS ADDRESSED— Why did a military intelligence officer start publishing what troops told him?— What happened to Sam Shoemate after the Shawn Ryan Show episode on the Las Vegas Cybertruck bomber’s email?— How does Shoemate keep hope while working in a fight he calls spiritual?ABOUT BARDSFMBardsFM is a daily independent podcast covering faith, liberty, history, and information warfare. Hosted by Scott Kesterson — combat veteran, documentary filmmaker, and rancher. Over 4,200 episodes and 51 million downloads. New episodes every weekday. bards.fmThis episode was researched and produced under the Spatial Terra Intelligence Methodology (STIM v5) with AI-assisted research synthesis at a 70/30 human/AI authorship ratio, fully disclosed.BardsFM’s faith archive includes hundreds of episodes on prayer, scripture, and walking the Way of Christ — available free in the full episode catalog.DOWNLOADSCitizen's Guide - Community Organizing Against Data Centers: click hereCitizen's Guide - Auditing Automatic License Plate Readers: click hereCitizen's Guide - Auditing Your State's Driver License Data: click hereAFFILIATE LINKSProtonVPN for 70% off: Click hereBards Nation Health Store: www.bardsnationhealth.comMYPillow promo code: BARDS>> Go to https://www.mypillow.com/bards and use the promo code BARDS or... Call 1-800-975-2939. EMPShield protect your vehicles and home. Promo code BARDS: Click hereTreadlite Broadforks...best garden tool EVER. Promo code BARDS26: TreadliteBroadforks.comEnviroKlenz Air Purification, promo code BARDS to save 10%: www.enviroklenz.comFounders Bible 20% discount code: BARDS>>> TheFoundersBible.comWindblown Media 20% Discount with promo code BARDS: windblownmedia.comWhite Oak Pastures Grassfed Meats, Get $20 off any order $150 or more. Promo Code BARDS: www.whiteoakpastures.com/BARDSMission Darkness Faraday Bags and RF Shielding. Promo code BARDS: Click here*BardsFM may earn a commission from the links above at no additional cost to you.Music provided by Brian Kahanek: https://www.briankahanek.com/DONATIONS:If you wish to support this podcast directly you can donate here...DONATE: Click hereMAILING ADDRESS:Xpedition Cafe, LLCAttn. Scott Kesterson591 E Central Ave, #740Sutherlin, OR  97479