# Service Above Self: A Memorial Day Tribute to the Heroes Who Defended Our Freedom Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/mick-unplugged-6799861/service-above-self-a-memorial-day-tribute-to-the-heroes-who-defended-our-freedom Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/mick-unplugged-6799861/service-above-self-a-memorial-day-tribute-to-the-heroes-who-defended-our-freedom.md Podcast: [Mick Unplugged](https://stenobird.com/podcast/mick-unplugged-6799861) Published: 2026-05-25T10:00:00+00:00 Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/YAP8267908699.mp3 Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/YAP8267908699.mp3 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/mick-unplugged-6799861/episodes/service-above-self-a-memorial-day-tribute-to-the-heroes-who-defended-our-freedom Duration seconds: 3531 ## Resource You don't rise to the occasion, you rise or fall to your level of preparation. This Memorial Day episode features reflections from figures like Chef Robert Irvine and Michelle Mace-Curren on military service and leadership. Delve into the deep driving forces behind dedication and self-sacrifice, exploring the critical role of preparation in overcoming impossible challenges. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - Chef Robert Irvine's mission to help those lost - The reason behind a 30-year Air Force veteran's call for help - Why micromanaging doesn't constitute leadership - 4 principles for building strong, loyal teams - The significance of 1% of the US population serving in the military QUOTES THAT HIT "Because there are people out there that need my help." - Memorial Day  "If you're worried about something right now that your worry will not affect, you're wasting your energy." - Memorial Day  "My because is simply because we're temporary." - Memorial Day  CHAPTERS 00:03 Mick Unplugged: Your Because 00:46 Chef Irvine's Because: Helping Others 02:12 Tough Love and Relatability 05:48 Overcoming Impossible: Start with Chapter One 07:29 Empathetic Leadership: Beyond Micromanagement 10:51 Military Service: A Daughter-in-Law's Journey 17:03 My Because: A Free Nation 22:43 Robert J. Ono's Because: Family 28:02 Bin Laden Raid: The 90-Minute Flight 32:31 Preparation: Master the Basics 33:23 CZ Lopez: Purpose and Misfortunes 43:17 Michelle Mace-Curren: Legacy and Leadership QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS Q: What does Chef Robert Irvine consider his "because"? A: Chef Robert Irvine says his "because" is that there are people out there who need his help, and he uses his platform for the betterment of others who are less fortunate. Q: How does Michelle Mace-Curren define her "because"… ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/mick-unplugged-6799861/episodes/service-above-self-a-memorial-day-tribute-to-the-heroes-who-defended-our-freedom/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/mick-unplugged-6799861/service-above-self-a-memorial-day-tribute-to-the-heroes-who-defended-our-freedom.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.