In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Fugit — former Army attack helicopter pilot, CIA Directorate of Operations officer, and host of Combat Story and Restricted Handling for an inside look at a life spent on the front lines of America’s wars and intelligence operations.
Ryan shares raw and insightful stories from his time flying AH-64 Apache helicopters in Afghanistan and from his years conducting global operations with the CIA’s Directorate of Operations. From the intensity of combat to the complexity of modern intelligence work, Ryan reflects on the lessons, challenges, and defining moments that shaped his approach to leadership, resilience, and purpose.
We also discuss his transition from public service to leading trust and safety investigations in Silicon Valley, and how his experiences inform his mission to protect people from harm in the digital age. Ryan has now created the Restricted Handling podcast featuring daily, curated insights and news on Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East and more with weekly deep dives with Ryan and former CIA legends about what's going on in the world of geopolitics, international security, and military and intelligence operations. Subscribe for FREE daily insights at www.restrictedhandling.com.
🎙️ About Ryan Fugit:
Ryan is the creator and host of Combat Story, a podcast that captures the firsthand accounts of combat veterans, and Restricted Handling, which explores authoritarian activity and international security through conversations with world-class experts. Check out the Retricted Handling podcast at www.restrictedhandling.com
🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with military veterans, intelligence professionals, and leaders shaping the future of national security.
Find AJ Online:
📸Instagram: / ajpasciuti
📘 LinkedIn: / angelo-pasciuti
🔗Personal Website & Book Pre-Order (“Darkhorse”): https://www.ajpasciuti.com/
👉Combat Story Podcast (Part 1 – USMC Sniper & Force Recon in Fallujah):
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4aqn
👉Combat Story Podcast (Part 2 – Sniper vs Sniper Battle):
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast
👉Urban Valor Facebook Feature:
/ 602000529075284
👉DVIDS Video on Infantry Marine Course:
https://www.nationalguard.mil/Leaders
Find Ryan Online:
🎙️ Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory
🔗Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats
🛒 Email ryan@combatstory.com
📸 Instagram @combatstory / combatstory
📘 Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
Check out the Retricted Handling podcast at www.restrictedhandling.com
📖 Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial
✔ Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
01:53 Introduction
08:12 The Impact of 9/11
17:04 Choosing the Aviation Path
26:37 The Competitive World of Aviation
30:02 Imposter Syndrome and Military Service
37:05 Pop Culture Influences
44:22 First Unit Assignment
44:56 Early Days in the Cavalry Unit
46:09 The Battle of March 23, 2003
48:00 Life in Germany and the Desire to Deploy
50:01 First Deployment to Afghanistan
54:25 Challenges of Command and Crew Rest
59:00 Navigating Leadership and Combat Decisions
01:23:26 Reflecting on a Tragic Incident
01:24:40 Sponsor Message: Protect Your Privacy with Delete Me
01:26:07 Making Tough Decisions in the Military
01:28:44 Transitioning to Civilian Life and the CIA
01:34:38 Starting a Podcast: Inspiration and Challenges
01:52:13 Highs, Lows, and Laughs of Podcasting
02:03:01 Future Plans and New Ventures
