Delta Force | 1st SFOD-D Operator | Sniper | Ranger Battalion | MusiCorps | Derek Nadalini

Today we hear the Combat Story of Derek Nadalini, who spent decades in the Army with both Ranger Battalion and 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta, better known as The Unit. This is one of the most interesting interviews we’ve ever done.

Derek deployed countless times beginning in Afghanistan in 2002 and conducted HVT
operations, hostage rescue (including the rescue of Roy Hallums
execute singleton missions.

After leaving the service, Derek went through a painful and long process to manage traumatic
brain injury (TBI). Despite those challenges, he would go on to help sell the company Spatial
Networks (earning what he aptly refers to as his “Business Ranger tab”), became a certified life
and wellness coach providing pro bono support to Veterans, and is now the Director of Outreach and Development at MusiCorps, which is a music rehabilitation program
that helps wounded warriors play music and recover their lives.

Derek is easily one of the most accomplished people we’ve had on the podcast and I hope you enjoy this funny but also very personal experience and highs and lows of the elite as much as I did.

Find Derek Online:

Find Ryan Online:
- Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes:
0:00 - Intro
0:31 - Guest Introduction (Derek Nadalini)
2:07 - Interview begins
6:41 - Growing up with a father who is a Vietnam combat veteran.
13:38 - Early musical influences
21:17 - How music and creativity are useful in the service
23:28 - Choosing to join the military and why the Army
31:06 - Where were you on 9/11?
35;57 - Leaving The Battalion and becoming a member of General Dell Dailey's staff in Afghanistan
41:10 - Experiences while in a coveted General Staff position
and story of leadership lessons learned
49:46 - Balancing OTC with having a family
54:16 - Roy Hallums rescue mission
1:02:00 - Combat Story - a weapon malfunction
1:09:26 - funny story of launching first grenade in combat
1:14:43 - Why selection is so tough and how the training show up later
1:16:21 - Most dangerous ops doing low visibility work as a singleton
1:22:32 - Discovering a traumatic brain injury. (TBI)
1:38:32 - Life in the private sector and missing the mission
1:42:53 - Going to Berkelee and starting MusicCorps
1:55:46 - Tattoos
1:57:31 - What did you carry into combat?
1:59:02 - Would you do it again?
2:01:23 - Listener comments and shout outs

This video covers the following subjects:

- 1st SFOD-D Operator
- Delta Force
- Sniper Ranger Battalion
- MusiCorps
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Derek Nadalini

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[Probably_tryna_sleep]

This is easily one of the best podcasts in existence, where each episode is consistently entertaining and informative. Ryan's skill in interviewing and leaving no figurative stone unturned in questioning just makes for great content. All that being said, as a guitarist, this jamroom is outstanding. That gold top les paul is beautiful

[rezzyn]

Ryan - I'm active duty in the 101st and I've listened to ~75% of your episodes. This one may be my favorite. The Delta guys are obviously all of our idols here and this guy is great to listen to. It amazes me how the most badass dudes on earth don't "act badass" all the time. Would love to see you have him back again some time. Wish you all the best and thanks for your service.

[davidc]

Thank you, Ryan. To me, the greatest byproduct of podcasting is giving these Delta heroes an outlet to tell their stories. I served in the 80's(USMC) and you NEVER heard about the exploits of these warriors. 30-40 years later I am so grateful these guys are willing to tell their stories. They are the BEST America has to offer. The bravest of the brave.

[aarone]

Delta Force interviews are immediate clicks. This channel is the best, he seems to have the most UNIT interviews. I just wish Chris Valley could be interviewed. Look him up.

[kenbrovost]

No s*** but you and Shawn Ryan have some of the best and most informative podcasts and, it seems like you're genuinely passionate about getting the stories out and how to help people when they come home

It's really refreshing

[gordonjohnston]

There is a warmth to it, it’s very cleaver the way the colour and infinity pool seamlessly merge into the sea. Love it

[brianwhiting]

This has become one of my favorite podcasts, incredible stories being told!

[lancet.]

Ryan, your interviewing skills are getting better and better! Keep up the great work!

[calbro]

Thank you, Ryan.
I have the honor of calling Derek a friend; he’s the best MAN I know.
Thank you to all of our men and women who have served/are serving today 🇺🇸

[BadActor-]

Ryan's Compassion Is Epic As Always.... A Couple Of Class Acts Here....

[DocRega]

God Bless Derek for continuing to bring TBI to the forefront! So many of us suffer and it’s so different for each. Getting blown up is absolutely no fun and than having to deal with the aftermath with cognitive issues drives many to suicide.
God Bless you Ryan for giving us Veterans a platform! It helps to talk about these things.

[johnqpublic]

Delta Force Operator AND Guitar Dad? Hell yeah

[markbennett]

As someone who's known Derek since he was Daly and McChrystal's driver, it was hard knowing what he has gone through and can say that he is one of the most incredible people I've ever had the honor of knowing and working with. He has been the person that even someone who was in country but a non-combat veterans like me can easily talk too

[jimmyconway]

another great one ryan. so cool your son works on this project with you and maintains his little slice of the pie! im still enjoying the time where my boys basically make every task more difficult but itll be pretty sweet when we can work together.
keep up good work

[rightwinggunnut]

This guy is fkn awesome. I could listen to him all day.

[SteveFletcher-ur]

This interview was absolutely incredible.
Thank you so much and I love our vets. So Motivational.
Thank you all for protecting our country.

[garretdozier]

Powerful testimony! Keep up the great work Ryan!🙏

[guitarplayingandstuff]

Just discovered your channel listening to BRCC and I am very impressed by your professionalism with each guest and your ability to stay on topic while making it enjoyable to listen to, is simply astonishing.

[MarkSRetired]

Ryan gets more out of a guest than 99.9% of all other hosts. Keep these #CombatStories coming.

[joesgotya]

Whoa! This dude went from A Squadron to the Units premier Reconnaissance Cell aka “G Squadron”. This one of the hardest areas of the Unit to get into, made up of mostly older senior guys. They take on the more clandestine missions often operating in areas and countries where if they get into trouble, there is no QRF or back up coming to get them. They’re almost completely on their own.