Welcome to the Modern Warrior Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with John Connors, a multi-talented actor, writer, and filmmaker, to explore his journey from the challenges of growing up in a marginalized community to becoming an award-winning artist. John opens up about his battles with mental health, his creative process, and the role of faith and resilience in overcoming personal and societal struggles. This is a powerful conversation about turning pain into purpose and redefining what it means to be a modern warrior.

• John’s Early Life and Challenges:
  • Grew up in a Traveler community, facing systemic discrimination and societal prejudice.
  • Experienced significant personal trauma, including the loss of his father to suicide and his mother to cancer.
• Struggles with Mental Health:
  • Openly discusses his battles with depression, grief, and suicidal thoughts, especially after his mother’s passing.
  • Shares how trauma has shaped his life but emphasizes the importance of confronting and managing it.
• Turning to Creativity:
  • Found solace in art, acting, and filmmaking as outlets for expression and healing.
  • Highlights the therapeutic power of creativity in navigating life’s darkest moments.
• The Role of Faith and Spirituality:
  • Talks about the comfort and clarity faith has brought him, especially during periods of loss and uncertainty.
  • Reflects on the importance of spirituality in finding meaning and purpose.
• Critique of Society and the Arts:
  • Discusses systemic issues within the arts industry and broader societal challenges, including inequality and censorship.
  • Emphasizes the need for honesty, integrity, and meritocracy in all fields.
• The Power of Resilience:
  • Advocates for using adversity as fuel to persevere and grow.
  • Credits his strong moral foundation and unwavering belief in equality for guiding his journey.
• Message of Hope and Action:
  • Encourages listeners to confront their struggles, seek connection, and create meaningful change.
  • Stresses the importance of finding strength in vulnerability and purpose in pain.

I had the privilege of speaking with Zak Moradi, a Kurdish-Irish sportsman and author of Life Begins in Leitrim. Zak shares his incredible journey from being born in a refugee camp in Iraq to finding a new life and identity in Ireland. We dive deep into the resilience of the human spirit, the power of sports to create community, and Zak's unique perspective on belonging connection, and cultural identity. This conversation is a moving testament to finding strength through adversity and the importance of staying true to your roots while embracing new beginnings.

Zak’s Early Life in a Refugee Camp:

• Born in Ramadi, Iraq, Zak spent the first 11 years of his life in a refugee camp.
• Describes the camp as an “open prison,” where life was marked by discipline, hardship, and an unbreakable sense of community.

Cultural Challenges and Hardships:

• Reflects on life under dictatorship and the struggles faced as a Kurdish minority.
• Recalls moments of unity despite harsh living conditions, such as barefoot soccer games with 30 kids.

Arrival in Ireland:

• Moved to Leitrim at 11 years old after a decade on a UN waiting list.
• Faced cultural shock: adjusting to the language, weather, and Irish society.

Integration Through Sports:

• Found connection and belonging through sports, particularly Gaelic games.
• Credits the GAA for building friendships and helping him integrate into Irish life.

Reflections on Refugees and Belonging:

• Discusses the challenges refugees face globally and highlights the value of welcoming communities.
• Shares insights on discrimination, double standards, and the importance of education in combating misinformation.

Life as an Author and Filmmaker:

• Talks about his book, Life Begins in Leitrim, which captures his journey and cultural experiences.
• Introduces his upcoming documentary, Home, which explores his return to Iraq and reflects on his refugee experience.

The Power of Community:

• Emphasizes the role of sports and connection in creating a sense of belonging.
• Shares his belief in unity and dialogue as the foundation for overcoming differences and building a better future.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Drago, a man whose life story is a testament to human endurance and the power of resilience. Born in communist Poland, Drago grew up in a world of oppression, scarcity, and censorship. His father, a high-ranking communist official, and his mother, a devout Christian, created a stark contrast in his upbringing, shaping his early perceptions of strength, defiance, and morality.

Drago shared harrowing tales of his childhood, where survival often meant using unconventional means to navigate a world of extreme poverty. He described the systemic corruption and brutality of the socialist regime, recounting how it silenced dissent and punished nonconformity. His mother’s involvement in the Solidarity movement inspired Drago to take a stand, eventually leading to his arrest and imprisonment for distributing anti-government literature.

Despite the odds, Drago found a way out. Granted political asylum in the United States, he embraced his newfound freedom with gratitude and determination. Starting as a janitor, he built a life of purpose and meaning, supported by the kindness of strangers who welcomed him to America.

Driven by a deep sense of duty, Drago joined the U.S. Navy during the Persian Gulf War, eventually becoming a Navy SEAL. He spoke of the rigorous training, the camaraderie of his fellow SEALs, and the profound sense of belonging he found in serving his adopted country. His experiences in combat, particularly alongside Polish special forces, highlighted the importance of collaboration, respect, and shared values.

Now retired, Drago continues to honour the sacrifices of those who fight for freedom. His story is about overcoming adversity and the enduring fight for liberty, and the human spirit’s ability to thrive against all odds.

Drago’s journey from oppression to freedom and his unwavering commitment to justice and honour is a powerful reminder of what it means to live as a modern warrior. This conversation inspired me, and I know it will do the same for you.

Episode Summary

• Drago's Early Life in Communist Poland:
  • Grew up under an oppressive socialist regime marked by poverty, censorship, and corruption.
  • Father was a high-ranking communist official; mother was a devout Christian, creating a conflicting environment.
  • Learned resilience and resourcefulness through challenging childhood circumstances.
• Experiences of Poverty and Oppression:
  • Faced hunger, scarcity, and the stigma of being from a divorced family.
  • Witnessed and endured the brutality of the socialist system, including political persecution.
• Activism and Imprisonment:
  • Inspired by his mother’s involvement in the Solidarity movement, Drago began opposing the regime.
  • Arrested for distributing anti-government literature and sentenced to three years in a political prison.
• Escape to Freedom:
  • Granted political asylum in the United States, leaving behind a life of oppression.
  • Began life anew as a janitor, supported by the kindness and generosity of Americans.
• Joining the U.S. Military:
  • Enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Persian Gulf War out of gratitude and a desire to serve.
  • Overcame challenges, including age and physical setbacks, to become a Navy SEAL.
• Life as a Navy SEAL:
  • Spent 20 years in service, including missions with Polish special forces, earning respect for their skill and teamwork.
  • Highlighted the values of camaraderie, perseverance, and a commitment to freedom.
• Reflections on Freedom and Legacy:
  • Expressed deep appreciation for America as a beacon of freedom and opportunity.
  • Continues to share his story to inspire others to stand against oppression and fight for liberty.
• Key Takeaway:
  • Drago’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience, the importance of freedom, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.