From Warriors to Wisdom: A Conversation with Tim Kennedy and Derek Wolfe
Former NFL champion Derek Wolfe sits down with Tim Kennedy, an active Special Forces Master Sergeant, sniper, and former MMA fighter, for a wide-ranging discussion about service, sacrifice, and the state of America. Their conversation offers unique insights from two elite performers who’ve reached the pinnacle of their respective fields.
Kennedy, who has completed three combat deployments and approximately 25 additional military missions over two decades, brings a wealth of experience from both the battlefield and the octagon. His transition between military service and professional fighting demonstrates an extraordinary level of versatility and dedication that few can match.

Transition from Competition into Retirement
Both Derek and Tim discuss knowing when to step away from their competitive careers. Kennedy shares his philosophy about leaving MMA, explaining that he wasn’t interested in fighting merely for the sake of fighting. “If I didn’t have a path to be a world champion, I didn’t want to fight to fight,” he reflects, noting how he’d witnessed too many peers continue well past their prime, damaging both their families and their long-term health in the process. Derek relates to this sentiment from his NFL experience, describing how he’d seen fellow players stay too long in the game, their cognitive abilities noticeably declining as CTE took its toll. His decision to retire after ten years and a Super Bowl victory stemmed from this awareness, choosing family and health over the allure of continuing in professional football.
Kennedy has put his energies into his new company, Sheepdog Response. The organization focuses on teaching Americans essential self-defense skills, including shooting, situational awareness, and combat techniques. Kennedy emphasizes that these programs aren’t about fostering fear but rather about building confidence and capability in an increasingly uncertain world.

Both men share a passion for hunting and outdoor skills, with Kennedy describing his comprehensive hunting instruction program. The course covers everything from ethical harvesting and species identification to land navigation and equipment selection. This systematic approach to teaching hunting mirrors the methodical training both men received in their respective professional careers.
The discussion takes a serious turn when addressing current events, particularly the Afghanistan withdrawal. Kennedy, drawing from his military expertise, shares his firsthand experience in the evacuation efforts. He emphasizes the complexity of the situation and the dedication of those involved in helping thousands of people escape. Using what he calls “Hanlon’s Razor” – never attributing to malice what can be explained by stupidity – Kennedy offers a measured critique of the administration’s handling of the withdrawal.
Both men express strong views about government overreach and taxation, with Wolfe sharing his eye-opening experience of facing heavy taxation upon entering the NFL. Their conversation reflects a shared concern about the direction of the country while maintaining hope for the future. “I see freedom on the horizon,” says Derek.
Moving Forward
The podcast also touches on the importance of parental involvement and education, with both men emphasizing the critical role of engaged parenting in child development. They discuss how modern parenting often falls short, with too many parents distracted by technology or choosing to outsource their children’s learning and development to others.
Throughout the conversation, Kennedy and Wolfe demonstrate the unique perspective that comes from operating at the highest levels of their respective fields. Their discussion reveals how the disciplines of professional sports, military service, and combat sports share common threads of dedication, sacrifice, and the importance of knowing when to pivot to new challenges.
The episode concludes with both men expressing optimism about America’s future, despite their concerns about current challenges. Their conversation serves as a reminder that whether in combat sports, professional football, or military service, the principles of excellence, dedication, and strategic thinking remain consistent.
This meeting of minds between two accomplished warriors offers listeners valuable insights into leadership, personal development, and the importance of maintaining perspective in challenging times. Their shared experiences, though coming from different arenas, highlight the universal principles that drive success and the wisdom to know when to change course.