BECOMING THE PROTAGONIST. Dr. Joshua Appel recalls his journey to becoming an elite PJ in the Air Force, his path to becoming an ER doctor, his connection to the Murph Challenge, and the incredible rescue of Lone Survivor Marcus Lutrell. 

About Josh: Appel served active duty from 1994-99 as a pararescue specialist in emergency medical tactics, as well as combat and survival skills, continuing on with the United States Air Force Combat Search and Rescue Squadron as a reservist throughout medical school. The rescue team that recovered lone survivor, Marcus Luttrell, was led by Appel.

Josh and the MURPH (from the Fit at Midlife site) : Hero WOD’s are usually programmed and set up in gyms, and it is a great opportunity to commemorate these heroes to instill and retell the stories of heroism and sacrifice. Murph was first registered on CrossFit’s Main Site on August 18th, 2005. No one can tell when exactly it became a tradition for gyms to program Murph on Memorial Day. But in 2007, Josh Appel, an Air Force pararescue jumper who headed the team that jumped to save LT. Murphy’s team, took the concept to his gym, Albany CrossFit, and the rest of the CrossFit community did the same. Ten years later, it’s an honorable tradition for gyms to close on Memorial Day, working only Murph as their workout, often accompanied by a barbecue or other community bonding event. #lonesurvivor #murphchallenge #becomingtheprotagonist

Aaron Lohman is an incredible influence;  having dramatically changed his life over the past several years.  Aaron is on top of his game with helping others and adapting to continuous changes.    Aaron has spent a career in law enforcement and moved to the front lines of helping officers with mental and physical health issues.  

"When people have no wins to celebrate, they celebrate other people's losses" - Aaron

Marcus not only is a "monster to bad guys", he teaches others to be a monster to bad guys.   We dive deep into Marcus' background and how he became a sought after instructor.   

From Marcus: With over four decades of martial arts experience, including three decades instructing self defense and personal fitness and two decades working nightclub security, I've become a respected expert in responding to and de-escalating violent situations.

During the past ten years, I've had the privilege of travelling the globe, certifying men and women in over 20 countries to become Krav Maga instructors, conducting instructional seminars, and rank testing . I'm the only non-Israeli on the international Krav Maga federation instructors team. Currently, I'm teaching “mentality and movement™️", providing students the tools to survive and thrive during violent encounters.

https://marcustorgerson.com/

Aaron Williamson is a professional fitness coach and trainer, USMC veteran, and actor.  Aaron's client list runs from Dwayne Johnson to Josh Brolin to Jamie Foxx.  Aaron is the creator of the Intense 90 program which has seen some incredible results.  

“Enlisting in the Marine Corps out of high school saved my life. I was a broken kid with no direction. It taught me strength, courage, and mental fortitude.” - Aaron