Episodes
Vincent "Rocco" Vargas is an actor, producer, and writer, known for Range 15, the MBest11x YouTube channel and the Vinny Roc podcast. Rocco went on to serve three combat deployments with the 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Vargas also served as an infantry Drill Sergeant. He then left active duty and entered the reserves with the rank of Sergeant First Class. After leaving active duty, Vargas worked in special operations as a medic with the Arizona Department of Corrections and...
Published 03/21/23
At the age of 17, Chris was charged with a crime, convicted, and sentenced to natural life in prison. It was during times of isolation that he decided to not only to turn his life around, but to make a difference in the lives of people who currently live in poverty-stricken communities similar to his childhood surroundings. After serving 16 years in prison Chis has returned to society a changed man, dedicated to social entrepreneurship.  Visit Chris's web site to learn more and to purchase...
Published 03/09/23
Sarah invites Real Ones to record from her home in Los Angeles. The conversation topics range from Sarah's friendship and collaborations with Jon's late cousin Adam, the experience of starting a podcast during the pandemic, approaching art and comedy in such sensitive times, and they even have time to debate the merits of taking a nap. Follow Sarah on Twitter or Instagram and listen to her podcast -- Welcome to the Sarah Silverman Podcast Join Real Ones on Patreon OR FOLLOW US on  YouTube +...
Published 03/03/23
Richard Fierro was on a night out with family and friends when an active shooter opened fire at a nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people. Richard is one of two men that stopped the gunmen and prevented further damage.    Links for more information on how to support the victims of the tragedy: Atrevida Beer Co Donation Link Tree Donate to a verified fundraiser page to help all the victims--  Check out the GoFundMe “Central Hub” for more information on how to help Join Real...
Published 02/22/23
Rabbi Mordecai Finley is all three. Raised in Compton, Finley found his purpose and mission through the Marine Corps. Today, he's a black belt in Jiu Jitsu and one of the most sought-after spiritual counselors in Los Angeles. The Rabbi joined us to talk about his childhood, the Marines, antisemitism, and how he helps people of all ages solve conflicts and find peace in their lives. Join Real Ones on Patreon OR FOLLOW US on  YouTube + Instagram + Tik Tok @jonnybernthal on Instagram and...
Published 02/10/23
Today, Omari Hardwick needs no introduction, but getting to this point wasn't easy. Omari is open about the pain of his football career ending, his struggle to make it as an actor, and the challenges Hollywood presents along the way - and how it all made him stronger. Omari and Jon met on the movie SHOT CALLER and have been friends ever since.  Follow Omari on Instagram Join Real Ones on Patreon OR FOLLOW US on  YouTube + Instagram + Tik Tok @jonnybernthal on Instagram and Twitter Sunwarrior...
Published 02/02/23
If you're a true sports fan - or you're raising young athletes - you'll love Jon's conversation with Eric Singletary, who has turned the small Washington DC school he and Jon attended into a high school basketball powerhouse that sends players to the NBA. In an era where social media and overzealous parenting are taking the joy out of youth sports, Eric demonstrates how integrity and success can coexist in coaching, restoring players' love of the game.  Join Real Ones on Patreon OR FOLLOW US...
Published 01/25/23
George Christie was the longest-serving president of the Ventura, California chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. He was a leader in the organization for over three decades and was instrumental in helping to shape the club's public image. He left the organization in 2011 and has since become an advocate for motorcycle safety and an author.  In the episode George talks with Jon about the war between the Hells Angels and the Mongols, hanging out with rock stars like Jerry Garcia, what...
Published 01/18/23
Today, Jose Gonzalez is a a successful producer, artist, and storyteller. But 8 years ago, he was finishing a 19 year sentence in various correctional facilities including Calipatria State Prison. Jose joined us to tell his incredible story - from his childhood, through his imprisonment, to becoming the best father and man he can be - which includes passionate advocacy for criminal justice reform. Join Real Ones on Patreon OR FOLLOW US on  YouTube + Instagram + Tik Tok @jonnybernthal on...
Published 01/10/23
Norman and Jon reunite on the heels of Jon introducing his friend at the unveiling of Norman's Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The old friends tell Walking Dead stories, explain their true relationship with acting, determine who is the better athlete and reveal why they just like each other so damn much. Join Real Ones on Patreon OR FOLLOW US on  YouTube + Instagram + Tik Tok @jonnybernthal on Instagram and Twitter  Sunwarrior is a proud sponsor of Real Ones - visit...
Published 01/04/23
The compilation includes moments from the episodes listed below. Time stamps are below to jump to specific episode excerpts, or click on the guest to jump to the full episode-- Kevin Vance - 00:10 Kurt Angle - 08:00 Nick Bernthal - 13:26 Anthony Maggio - 18:30 Rich & Ricardo Wilson - 24:05 Jerry & Bojangles - 29:35 Natalie Randolph- 34:57 Jay Dobyns - 40:22 Richard Cabral - 47:11 Shia LaBeouf - 51:18 Sarah Wayne Callies - 56:51 Tyler Grey/Gareth Schweitzer - 1:04:36 D...
Published 12/30/22
Julian Edelman spent 12 seasons with the New England Patriots after playing quarterback at Kent State in Ohio. Edelman is a three-time Super Bowl winner, and was named MVP of Super Bowl LIII. Today he co-hosts weekly talk show "Inside the NFL" and video podcast "Games with Names”. Join Real Ones on Patreon OR FOLLOW US on  YouTube + Instagram + Tik Tok @jonnybernthal on Instagram and Twitter
Published 12/21/22
Marine Sergeant Richard McKinney built a bomb to blow up the local Mosque in his hometown of Muncie, Indiana where today “Mac” has converted to Islam, and is a proud member of the local Muslim community.  Join Real Ones on Patreon    FOLLOW REAL ONES | YouTube | Instagram | Tik Tok FOLLOW JON BERNTHAL | Instagram | Twitter
Published 12/15/22
Sammy Horowitz is a stuntman, playwright/screenwriter and actor from Chicago. Sammy was a member of a predominantly Latino street gang and spent 8 years, 7 months, and 15 days in prison. After prison Sammy spent time as a bouncer, stick up artist, M.M.A. fighter, and eventually a full-time professional boxer who competed in prize fights all over the country. He eventually found the  entertainment industry, first as a stuntman hustling his way to find work and fight for his due, and eventually...
Published 12/07/22
Nick Koumalatsos is is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, podcast host, and producer. After getting into trouble as an adolescent, Nick joined the Marine Corps in 2000 and went on to serve for 12 years. He deployed all around the globe supporting the war on terror, serving with 2D Force Reconnaissance, 3rd Reconnaissance Bn, and as a Marine Raider with 2D Raider Bn, Marine Special Operations Command. Jon talks to Nick about his experiences in special forces, his evolution as a father, and the...
Published 11/23/22
Maurice "Peanut" King and Thomas "Joe Dancer" Ricks were two of the biggest kingpins in Baltimore history. Peanut was the strategist and brains of the operation; Joe Dancer was his trusted enforcer. The duo operated a massively successful, illegal, and violent business within Baltimore's storied heroin trade. In 1983 they were both both charged with an 848 - conducting a continual criminal enterprise - also known as the "Kingpin Charge" and reserved only for the most powerful and far-reaching...
Published 11/16/22
Wali is a retired decorated Canadian Soldier considered to be one of the world's best snipers. When the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began, Wali left his family and lucrative career as a computer programmer in Quebec to serve as a Volunteer Sniper for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Sniper Wali's website.  JOIN REAL ONES ON PATREON  Instagram: @realones_podcast TikTok: @realonesjonbernthal  YouTube channel: Real Ones with Jon Bernthal 
Published 11/02/22
Richard Cabral is an actor, producer, and writer best known for playing Johnny 'Coco' Cruz on FX's MAYANS. He was also nominated for an Emmy for playing Hector Tontz on AMERICAN CRIME.  Richard and Jon recently did a reading of DOG DAY AFTERNOON, written by Stephen Adly Guirgis, at the Ojai Playwright's Conference. Check out Richard's newest venture TEPITO COFFEE. Watch the full episode on Patreon  Richard Cabral on Instagram  Real Ones on Instagram | TikTok | YouTube  Jon Bernthal on...
Published 10/25/22
Mikhail discusses some of the latest and especially atrocious developments in Russia/Ukraine conflict.
Published 10/18/22
Wes Moore is a U.S. Army combat veteran who led soldiers in combat with the 82nd Airborne Division, a Rhodes Scholar, former small business owner, and former CEO of one of the nation’s largest anti-poverty organizations. He is the Democratic nominee for Maryland governor for the Nov. 8 election. Learn more at www.wesmoore.com For episodes a week early and exclusive content join - Real Ones on Patreon FOLLOW REAL ONES YouTube | Instagram | Tik Tok FOLLOW JON BERNTHAL Instagram | Twitter
Published 10/13/22
Brett May and Alex Zapien are serving Life Without Parole (LWOP) at Calipatria State Prison – a maximum security facility in the remote California Desert, 40 miles from the Mexican border. We had a unique opportunity to go inside Calipatria to discuss their early lives, the horrible mistakes they made, and their search for redemption during 20 years of incarceration – including the leadership roles they have taken in driving peace inside the prison as well as new programs like Words Uncaged,...
Published 09/29/22
Lena Dunham is an American writer, director, actress, and producer. She is known as the creator, writer, and star of the HBO television series GIRLS. Lena and Jon worked together on her recently released film SHARP STICK. For episodes a week early and exclusive content join - Real Ones on Patreon FOLLOW REAL ONES YouTube | Instagram | Tik Tok FOLLOW JON BERNTHAL Instagram | Twitter
Published 09/21/22
Baratunde Thurston is an author, activist, and comedian.  Gareth Schweitzer is one of my oldest and closest friends who has been a successful journalist and entrepreneur.  We get into our childhood experience in DC, policing, race and the workplace. For episodes a week early and exclusive content join - Real Ones on Patreon  FOLLOW REAL ONES  YouTube | Instagram | Tik Tok FOLLOW JON BERNTHAL Instagram | Twitter 
Published 09/15/22
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of or have committed acts of domestic violence, please consider reaching out to the following organizations or consulting the following resources: The National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/ The National Coalition against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/ The National Center on Domestic & Sexual Violence: http://www.ncdsv.org/ Join - Real Ones on Patreon 
Published 08/31/22
Bamm is one of the most beloved, feared, and respected people in the history of Shreveport, Louisiana. He grew up in The Bottoms, a once legendary and vibrant neighborhood known for music, wild celebration, and tragic violence. The Bottoms was ultimately wiped off the face of the earth by the federal government. Bamm and the rest of the notorious Bottoms Boyz gang were sent to decades in prison.  Bamm was recently released from the Super Max in Florence, Colorado where he spent over 30 years...
Published 08/26/22