What happens when your ability to focus is the only thing keeping you alive? In today’s gripping episode, Marcus Arredondo talks with Courtney Buck, a former Army bomb technician turned global health and policy expert, whose story moves from the battlefield to boardrooms. Courtney shares what it’s like to disarm explosives under extreme pressure, why development aid is more than just charity, and how raising kids to avoid labels is his most meaningful mission yet. You’ll hear jaw-dropping stories, honest reflections, and insights that challenge how we think about risk, purpose, and public service.

Courtney Buck is a U.S. Army veteran, former EOD technician, and founder of Courtney Buck Investments. After serving in Afghanistan disarming roadside bombs, he moved into roles with USAID and the CDC, working on global health and foreign policy. Now based in Florida with his wife and four kids, Courtney focuses on real estate investment and raising a family rooted in curiosity, courage, and resilience.

Episode highlights:
[0:00] Intro
[2:49] Who is Courtney Buck?
[6:39] What USAID really does
[11:17] China’s growing influence in Africa
[17:36] Fallout from USAID closure
[20:56] Becoming an EOD technician
[26:52] The reality of disarming bombs
[31:28] Finding peace in chaos
[41:19] Lessons for raising resilient kids
[44:51] Inside the CDC before and during COVID
[49:06] How disease spreads globally
[51:18] Why U.S. response was so hard
[53:58] People Vs. Public health messaging
[55:47] Grace for leaders in crisis
[59:02] Outro