From The Green Notebook
Named for the ubiquitous government-issued, hardcover notebooks seen in the hands of servicemembers worldwide – This podcast dives into the notebooks of military leaders, business professionals, authors, and entertainers to examine lessons that will help listeners lead with the best version of themselves.
Avsnitt
Tough Rugged Bastards with John Dailey
Retired Marine Raider and author John Dailey joins the podcast to discuss his memoir, Tough Rugged Bastards, and the hard-earned lessons from a lifetime in Marine special operations.
In this episode, Joe and John explore:
- The story behind the founding of Marine Special Operations—and what it took to prove they belonged
- Why breath work, meditation, and reading became essential tools for combat and recovery
- The power of broad commander's intent—and how trust enables bottom-up innovation
- How journaling and writing helped John process his experiences and reconnect with identity post-service
- Why being yourself is a leadership superpower—and how John learned to take off the many "coats" he wore in uniform
- What it means to “do windows”—and why no task is ever beneath the leader
John Dailey left his home in West Virginia at seventeen to join the Marines, which led to a career of over twenty years. As a Platoon Sergeant in the Marine Corps’ 1st Force Reconnaissance Company on deployment in Australia on Sep. 11th, 2001, he and his men soon found themselves in Afghanistan battling the Taliban. In 2003 he was selected to serve as a team leader in the first Marine Corps unit assigned to U.S. Special Operations Command —Detachment-1. Det -1’s 2004 Iraq deployment solidified the Marines’ place in special operations and led to the formation of the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC). John received his MFA in creative writing from the University of North Carolina - Wilmington in 2018. John continues to train Marine Raiders, and he provides leadership training and performance coaching through his company, Walking Point LLC. He lives in Hubert, North Carolina with his wife, Tracy.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.
Perseverance > Endurance with Blayne Smith and Brandon Young
Army veterans and leadership experts Brandon Young and Blayne Smith join the podcast for a powerful conversation about their new book, Perseverance > Endurance: Lead with Resilience. Grow Through Adversity. Win Together.
Blending combat-tested wisdom, lived leadership experiences, and hard-earned insight from both military and civilian life, Brandon and Blayne break down what it really takes to lead through uncertainty—not just by gutting it out, but by growing through it.
In this episode, they explore:
- The critical difference between endurance and perseverance—and why one leaves you tired and the other makes you better
- How the “ridgeline of adversity” framework helps teams understand where they are—and what to do next
- What land navigation teaches us about mental toughness, bad assumptions, and moments of decision
- The trap of prediction vs. the power of preparation—and why confidence matters more than certainty
- The real reason some leaders cling to the way things were—and how to accept change without losing hope
- Why open dialogue beats open-door policies—and how to create cultures of candor, feedback, and trust
- The discipline to choose action over intention—and how real growth happens on the other side of hard
Whether you’re leading in uniform, navigating a career transition, or helping your team through a difficult season, this conversation delivers timeless tools and modern mindsets for becoming the kind of leader adversity demands.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.
Model the Courage: CSM JoAnn Naumann on Feedback, Innovation, and the NCO’s Role
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Sergeant Major JoAnn Naumann returns to the podcast—this time from the range at Fort Bragg—for a conversation on leadership, transformation, and enabling the next generation of special operations forces.
With nearly three decades in uniform and two years as the senior enlisted leader of USASOC, CSM Naumann shares the mindset shifts, hard-won lessons, and bottom-up insights that have shaped her time in the seat.
In this episode, they explore:
- Why she believes she has the best job in the Army—and how she stays energized by the Soldiers around her
- What it means to lead across 80+ countries, and how she stays connected to the ground truth
- How USASOC is driving transformation in structure, tech, and human performance—and why speed and soldier feedback are essential
- The challenge (and opportunity) of going from “operator” to enabler—and how shifting mindset scales impact across 36,000 teammates
- Why NCOs must be willing to say “that’s a dumb idea”—and the importance of modeling that kind of candor for the force
- The value of reading, curiosity, and lifelong learning in sustaining leadership at the highest levels
- How she adapts her approach to different commanders—and what it really takes to make that relationship work
Whether you’re an NCO navigating your first staff job, a commander looking to build trust across the chain, or a lifelong learner looking for leadership insights forged under pressure, this episode delivers a front-row seat to how transformation happens—one question, one conversation, one Soldier at a time.
Command Sergeant Major JoAnn Naumann currently serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader for U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), where she advises on matters affecting over 36,000 Soldiers across the special operations enterprise.
Born in New Jersey, CSM Naumann graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in American Studies and Government before enlisting in the Army in 1996 as a 35P Voice Language Analyst. She completed the Arabic Basic Course at the Defense Language Institute and Advanced Individual Training at Goodfellow Air Force Base.
Over nearly three decades of service, CSM Naumann has held a range of leadership positions, including assignments with the 311th MI Battalion, the 344th MI Battalion, and Special Mission Units. She has deployed 14 times across CENTCOM and AFRICOM, and previously served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for Special Operations Command–Korea (SOCKOR).
She is a graduate of the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy and has completed numerous military schools, including the Military Freefall Course, Airborne and Air Assault Schools, and the SOF Intel Leaders Course.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.
The Army’s Origin Story: Rick Atkinson on War, Leadership, and Legacy
In this special Army Birthday Week episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson joins Joe to explore the deep roots of the U.S. Army and what its 250-year journey can teach today’s leaders. Known for his Liberation Trilogy and now two volumes into his Revolution Trilogy, Atkinson brings the American Revolution to life—warts, wonder, and all—and makes a compelling case for why understanding our founding story is essential for anyone in uniform.
In this episode, they explore:
- What it was like growing up as an Army brat—and how Atkinson’s father’s 30-year career shaped his lifelong fascination with military history
- The surprising parallels between Washington’s army and today’s force, from self-study and logistics to leadership under pressure
- How George Washington’s instinct for civilian control—and his rapid growth as a commander—still echoes in the Army’s DNA
- Why the American Revolution was, in Atkinson’s words, “our first civil war,” and how its complexity is far more compelling than its mythology
- Lafayette, logistics, and the brutal truth of 18th-century expeditionary warfare (including the grim sound of horse carcasses hitting the sea)
- The power of books, curiosity, and informal learning among Washington’s officers—and why that tradition matters more than ever for leaders today
- What Atkinson hopes readers, soldiers, and citizens will carry forward from the Founding Generation—and why we must not lose sight of what they gave us
Whether you’re a company commander, a military history buff, or someone simply trying to understand where the Army came from and where it’s headed, this episode is a timely reminder: the past isn’t just prologue—it’s instruction.
Rick Atkinson is the bestselling author of eight works of narrative military history, including The Fate of the Day, The Guns at Last Light, The Day of Battle, An Army at Dawn, The Long Gray Line, In the Company of Soldiers, and Crusade. He also was the lead essayist in Where Valor Rests: Arlington National Cemetery, published by National Geographic. He was a reporter, foreign correspondent, war correspondent, and senior editor at The Washington Post for more than twenty years. His many awards include Pulitzer Prizes for history and journalism, the George Polk Award, the George Washington Prize, and the Pritzker Military Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing. He lives in Washington, D.C.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.
No More Business as Usual: Secretary Dan Driscoll on Fighting for the Force
In this candid conversation, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll joins Joe to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to modernize a military while staying grounded in soldier-level feedback. From wrestling with “irrationality and stupidity at scale” in the Pentagon to launching the Army Transformation Initiative, Driscoll shares why he’s flipping tables—sometimes almost literally—to give soldiers the tools and trust they need to win the next fight.
In this episode, they explore:
- How a 15-year “gap decade” in law, finance, and private equity enriched Driscoll’s return to uniform and deepened his respect for everyday soldiers
- The Army Transformation Initiative—delivering critical warfighting capabilities, optimizing force structure, and eliminating waste and obsolete programs
- A Fort Jackson drone drill where recruits with just five weeks in the Army changed training doctrine—proof that innovation starts at E-1
- Seasons vs. “work-life balance”: why high-tempo service demands conscious trade-offs at home, and how Driscoll keeps perspective as a husband and dad of two
- The IED-factory raid where rules forbade cutting a $2 padlock, and what it taught him about broken feedback loops in combat
- Concrete ways leaders at every level can accelerate change: send honest ground-truth up the chain, embrace small-unit credit-card innovation, and demand that processes serve soldiers first
Whether you’re a private, a Pentagon staffer, or a curious civilian, this episode offers a front-row seat to the Army’s most ambitious overhaul in decades—and a master class in leading large-scale change without losing sight of character, family, and the people who do the fighting.
Daniel P. Driscoll is the 26th Secretary of the Army, sworn in on February 25, 2025. He leads the Army’s efforts in operations, modernization, and resource management for nearly one million Soldiers and more than 265,000 Army Civilians.
A former Army officer and business executive, Driscoll brings a diverse background in military service, law, and the private sector. Commissioned as an Armor Officer in 2007, he served with the 10th Mountain Division and deployed to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His military honors include the Army Commendation Medal, Ranger Tab, and Combat Action Badge.
Following his service, he earned a J.D. from Yale Law School and held leadership roles in investment banking, private equity, and venture capital, including serving as COO of a $200 million fund. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He is married to his high-school sweetheart, and they have two children.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.
Wandering into the Woods: Sarah Blake Morgan on Ego Death and Finding Purpose
In this powerful conversation, award-winning journalist turned Army officer Sarah Blake Morgan joins Joe for a raw and reflective discussion on identity, purpose, and what happens when we step away from the life we always thought we wanted.
From chasing stories as a national correspondent for the Associated Press to standing in formation at Army basic training at age 31, Sarah opens up about what led her to leave a successful journalism career behind—and what she’s discovered about herself in the process.
In this episode, they explore:
- The slow erosion of purpose that pushed her out of journalism
- Why sitting still has been more terrifying than the hardest assignment
- The painful process of letting go of titles, identities, and ego
- What she’s learning about storytelling in uniform
- How walking into the metaphorical (and literal) woods helped her find her next chapter
Whether you're navigating a major transition or simply questioning what's next, Sarah’s story will remind you that growth often begins where the path ends—and that it's okay to not know exactly where you're going.
Sarah Blake Morgan is a storyteller and U.S. Army Reserve officer whose unconventional path took her from a successful career in television news to military service. After nearly a decade reporting for stations in Texas, North Carolina, and The Associated Press, Morgan felt stuck in a life of routine. That changed in 2020 when, inspired by a reporting trip with the 82nd Airborne Division, she decided to enlist in the Army.
At 31, she completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and earned her commission through Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, beginning her journey as a military intelligence officer. Today, she balances her work serving in the special operations community with her ongoing mission to give voice to the unheard — and to discover her own evolving sense of purpose along the way.
In addition to her military and journalism careers, Morgan is the creator and host of The Forgotten: After Helene, a powerful podcast uncovering the overlooked stories of those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Follow her journey at @StorytellerSBM.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.
On Character with General Stanley McChrystal
In this powerful conversation, retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal joins Joe to discuss his new book, On Character: Choices That Define a Life. Drawing from decades of military leadership and personal reflection, General McChrystal breaks down why character is more than just a word—it's a daily practice rooted in conviction and discipline.
In this episode, they explore:
- Why journaling would have made him a better leader
- A practical method he used to align his time with his priorities in Afghanistan
- How reading shaped his thinking both in and out of uniform
- The subtle but dangerous effects of power on rising leaders
- Why leaders must continuously test their convictions under pressure
Whether you're in uniform or leading in another capacity, this episode is a must-listen for anyone striving to lead with authenticity, courage, and character.
Stan McChrystal retired in July 2010 as a four-star general after over 34 years of service in the U.S. Army. His final assignment was as the commander of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force and all US forces in Afghanistan. He had previously served as the director of the Joint Staff and almost five years in command of the Joint Special Operations Command.
General McChrystal’s memoir, My Share of the Task, was a New York Times bestseller in 2013. He is also the author of New York Times bestseller Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World and wrote the forward for the sequel, One Mission:How Leaders Build a Team of Teams. He is a senior fellow at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs and a partner at McChrystal Group, where he transforms organizations into adaptable teams. He and his wife, Annie, live in Virginia.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.
It’s Not Balance, It’s Trade-Offs: Lessons in Leadership and Life with Lieutenant General Mary K. Izaguirre
In this episode, Joe sits down with Lieutenant General Mary Izaguirre, the 46th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army and Commanding General of Army Medical Command, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, vulnerability, culture, and purpose. Drawing on over three decades of service, LTG Izaguirre shares hard-earned lessons on how to lead authentically and navigate professional complexity.
Together, they discuss the evolving role of Army Medicine, the power of modeling vulnerability, and how intentionality—not balance—is the key to managing life’s trade-offs. Joe and LTG Izaguirre cover:
- Why vulnerability is a leadership strength, not a weakness
- How leaders can model safety, trust, and curiosity within their teams
- The importance of asking the right questions—and being okay not knowing the answers
- How trade-offs, not balance, define sustainable leadership
- The impact of journaling and reflection in high-responsibility roles
- Breaking down the “us vs. them” mentality in large organizations
- What Army Medicine’s true mission is—and why it matters more than ever
Whether you’re a leader in uniform, a parent navigating a demanding career, or someone wrestling with how to show up fully for both your mission and your people, this episode is packed with wisdom, candor, and practical insights.
Lieutenant General Mary K. Izaguirre is the 46th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army and the Commanding General of Army Medical Command. A board-certified family physician and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, she brings over three decades of military and medical leadership to her role. LTG Izaguirre has held key command and senior staff positions across the Army and deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. She holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Master of Public Health, and Master in National Security and Resource Strategy. She and her husband, Joseph, are the proud parents of five children.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.
The Command Assessment Program Episode with Bob O'Brien
In this Notebook Notes episode of From the Green Notebook, we sit down with Bob O’Brien, the Army’s lead for the Command Assessment Program (CAP), to take a deep dive into how CAP is transforming how the Army selects and develops its future leaders. Bob explains how this multi-day assessment process captures over 1,800 data points per candidate to provide a more complete picture of leadership potential—beyond what a single OER can show. Together, Bob and Joe Discuss:
- How the Command Assessment Program Works
- The Importance of Self-Awareness
- Myths About CAP Debunked
- Communicating Under Pressure
- The Redemptive Power of “Not Yet Certified”
- Executive Coaching and Developmental Tools
- Data-Driven Command Team Building
- Preparing Early for CAP Success
- The Role of Reflection and Journaling
- How My Green Notebook: "Know Thyself" Before Changing Jobs helps leaders prepare for CAP
Whether you're preparing for CAP, coaching someone who is, or just interested in how organizations can better assess and grow talent, this episode offers both insight and practical advice.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today!
Wow, You Look Terrible! Parenting, Humor, and Embracing the Chaos with Danny Ricker
In this Mother's Day episode, Joe sits down with Danny Ricker, Emmy-nominated comedy writer, producer, and author of Wow, You Look Terrible!: How to Parent Less and Live More, for a laugh-out-loud conversation on the highs and lows of parenting young kids. Drawing from both personal experience and sharp comedic insight, Danny unpacks the pressure modern parents face to do it all—and why doing less might actually be the key to doing it better.
Together, they explore:
- Why parenting today often feels like a full-time personal assistant gig for unpredictable tiny humans
- The trap of performative parenting and how social media fuels unrealistic expectations
- The genius of the “17-Minute Birthday Party” and why kids don’t need extravagance to have fun
- How the “Purgatory Cabinet” can save your sanity (and your child’s lucky nickel)
- Parenting as exercise: from claw-machine wakeups to carrying kids like a living weighted vest
- The power of “garbage time” and why the little moments matter more than the big events
- Lessons Danny learned writing for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and how to deal with rejection, failure, and ego in high-pressure creative environments (Read the blog post!!)
Whether you’re a parent knee-deep in toys and tantrums or just trying to hold on to a sense of humor amidst the chaos, this conversation offers a much-needed reminder that the most meaningful moments are often the messiest ones.
Danny Ricker is a TV writer, producer, author, and nine-time Emmy nominee who currently serves as a Head Writer and Co-Executive Producer at “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
His other notable writing credits include The Oscars (2017, 2018, 2023, & 2024), The Primetime Emmys (2012, 2016, & 2020), the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and his debut book Wow, You Look Terrible!
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today!
The Army Fitness Test Episode with Command Sergeant Major Christopher Mulllinax
In this special edition of From the Green Notebook, Joe sits down with Command Sergeant Major Christopher Mullinax from the Army’s Training Directorate to break down the most recent changes to the Army’s fitness assessment—the newly updated Army Fitness Test (AFT).
After years of collecting data from the field and listening to feedback from soldiers and leaders at all levels, the Army is rolling out a revised approach to physical fitness. CSM Mullinax explains the changes.
Joe and CSM Mullinax discusses how the Army continues to evolve fitness standards to build a more combat-ready force. They also tackle common misconceptions, the logic behind removing overly technical events, and how leaders can implement the new test without disrupting unit readiness.
Whether you're a first sergeant trying to understand the rollout timeline or a squad leader wondering how this affects your soldiers' promotion packets, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change in today's Army.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today!
Mastering Your Emotions with Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett
In this episode, Joe sits down with Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a leading neuroscientist and author of How Emotions Are Made, to explore groundbreaking insights on how emotions are formed and how we can better understand and regulate them. Together, they dive deep into the science behind emotions, how the brain predicts our feelings, and how we can gain more emotional agency in our personal and professional lives. Joe and Dr. Barrett cover:
- The theory of constructed emotions and how emotions are predictions, not reactions
- The role of the brain in regulating the body and how it shapes emotional experiences
- Why uncertainty feels like anxiety—and how to reframe it
- How emotional granularity can help us build better emotional vocabulary and control
- Practical steps to improve emotional regulation and decision-making
- The impact of body budgeting on mood, stress, and overall health
Whether you're leading a team, navigating personal relationships, or simply trying to better understand your emotional life, this conversation will give you powerful tools to enhance your emotional intelligence and well-being.
Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD, is among the top 0.1% most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University. She also holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior.
In addition to the books Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain and How Emotions are Made, Dr. Barrett has published over 275 peer-reviewed, scientific papers appearing in Science, Nature Neuroscience, and other top journals in psychology and cognitive neuroscience, as well as six academic volumes published by Guilford Press. She writes regularly about science in the popular press, including The New York Times, The Guardian, Scientific American, BBC Science Focus, Popular Science, Nautilus, BigThink, Cosmopolitan, Time magazine, MIT Technology Review, and more (see full list). Her popular TED talk has been viewed over 7 million times.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit
The Future of Airborne: A Conversation with Lieutenant General Greg Anderson
In this special episode, Joe sits down with Lieutenant General Greg Anderson, Commanding General of XVIII Airborne Corps, to discuss one of the most significant structural changes to the airborne community in decades. With 22,000 paid parachutist positions on the table for reclassification, LTG Anderson explains the data-driven process behind the decision, what it means for readiness, and how the Army is adapting to modern operational demands.
They explore how emotional reactions to change can cloud understanding, why building consensus through transparency and method matters, and what this transformation says about leadership in complex organizations. Whether you're a paratrooper, a leader managing change, or someone passionate about the future of the force, this episode offers a rare inside look at how the Army balances tradition with transformation.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today!
“Maybe I’m the Problem”: Leadership and Self-Deception with Victoria Trammel
In this episode, Joe sits down with Victoria Trammel from the Arbinger Institute to explore the life-changing insights from the newly revised edition of Leadership and Self-Deception. Together, they dig into the patterns of self-justification, the emotional energy we waste on false narratives, and the practical tools leaders can use to shift from an inward to an outward mindset. Joe and Victoria cover:
- The concept of self-deception and how it shows up in leadership and relationships
- How “collusions” form between individuals and groups, sabotaging collaboration
- The difference between being helpful and looking helpful
- Real-world stories of self-betrayal at work and at home
- How to identify and interrupt the inward mindset in yourself and your team
- The power of journaling and reflection in shifting perspective
- Steps for becoming more outward-focused without sacrificing accountability
Whether you’re a leader in the military, the corporate world, or at home, this conversation offers powerful reminders and tools for transforming how we relate to others—and ourselves.
With almost 3 million copies sold worldwide, this new edition of an enduring classic is the definitive guide to dramatically improve leadership effectiveness, transform personal and professional relationships, and unleash organizational results.
Significantly revised throughout, this edition includes updated stories, brand new content, and a practical group discussion guide.
Over two decades since first being published, Leadership and Self-Deception continues to help readers discover and overcome the persistent lies that are at the heart of the people-related dysfunction that plagues relationships and hinders organizational results. Told through an engaging story, this book reveals the ways we blind ourselves to our true motivations and unwittingly sabotage our efforts to achieve success and rebuild broken relationships.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today!
Cairn Leadership helps teams build trust, clarity, and accountability—without the buzzwords. Their approach blends coaching with real outdoor adventures, like climbing in Joshua Tree. Visit cairnleadership.com/ftgn for 10% off your team’s program.
Write It Down: General George on Reflection, Reading, and Readiness
In this episode of From the Green Notebook, General Randy George, the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, returns to discuss the habits, practices, and mindset that have shaped his leadership journey. From the pocket-sized notebook he started as a field grade officer to the lessons he's learning from visiting troops and reading deeply, General George offers a candid reflection on growth, command, and staying grounded in your values.
In this conversation, they discuss:
- The leadership lessons General George captured in his personal notebook and how reflection has guided him through multiple levels of command
- The role reading plays in staying intellectually curious and professionally sharp, including the books that have shaped his thinking
- How bottom-up innovation is driving the Army’s "Transforming in Contact" initiative and what he’s learning from frontline units
- The importance of consistency in communication and why leaders must seek out and act on honest feedback
- How personal values—and regular conversations with his spouse—help him stay aligned with what matters most, both in and out of uniform
This episode is brought to you by the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).
We know the U.S. Army protects our freedoms every day—but have you ever thought about who’s protecting the U.S. Army? Meet AUSA—the Army’s premier professional association, dedicated to supporting every aspect of the Army journey.
This year marks an incredible milestone: 250 years of the U.S. Army defending our nation. To celebrate, AUSA is offering exclusive Premium membership discounts for a limited time:
- 2 years for just $30 (normally $40)
- 5 years for $50 (normally $75)
- Lifetime membership for only $250 (normally $400)
Premium members receive top-tier benefits, including a subscription to ARMY magazine and access to over $300,000 in scholarships.
Join now and stand with those who serve. Sign up today at ausa.org/membership/premium—no code necessary.
AUSA—Supporting Soldiers. Strengthening America.
And don’t forget to check out AUSA’s official podcast, Army Matters.
Hosted by LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey, Army Matters brings you in-depth conversations with Army leaders past, present, and future—from the battlefields to the boardrooms and beyond. New episodes drop every other Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts.
Managing Up Without Sucking Up: Insights from Melody Wilding
In this episode, host Joe sits down with Melody Wilding, an executive coach and author of Managing Up: How To Get What you Need From the People In Charge to explore the dynamics of power, status, and influence in the workplace. Melody shares practical strategies for managing up effectively, not by being a sycophant, but by building stronger relationships, communicating with confidence, and navigating workplace dynamics with integrity. Together they discuss
- What it really means to “manage up” (Hint: it’s not about being a suck-up)
- Why proximity to power can distort your focus—and how to avoid the status trap
- The importance of upward empathy and understanding your boss’s pressures
- How to adapt to different leadership styles to build stronger relationships
- The power of the “ME Manual” and why self-awareness is key to success
- How to set boundaries at work—without damaging your reputation
- The concept of “Pushback Power” and how to know when (and how) to say no
Whether you work in the military, corporate world, or any hierarchical environment, this conversation will help you become a more effective leader from wherever you stand.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
FightCamp is the largest boxing and kickboxing community in the world. Their innovative fitness system combines real-time tracking, professional coaching, and an extensive workout library of over 3,000 sessions.
Family-Friendly Access: Supports multiple user profiles under one subscription.
Flexible Membership: After the trial, members can continue on a month-to-month basis with no contract obligations.
To get the exclusive FREE offer and an additional 15% off accessories, email Joe@fromthegreennotebook for a listeners-only discount code at checkout.
Free FightCamp Package: Includes punch trackers, quick wraps, and a 45-day membership trial to the FightCamp app. We will cover the shipping and taxes too (a $278 value per redemption).
Understanding the Military Culture Shift with Corie Weathers
In this episode, Joe welcomes Corie Weathers, licensed professional counselor, author, and expert on military culture, to explore the shifting landscape of service, leadership, and the personal challenges faced by military members and their families. Corie shares insights from her latest book, Military Culture Shift, offering her thoughts on the past 20 years of war and what it means for the future of the force.
Together, they discuss the key moments and lessons that shape military service, leadership, and personal well-being, including:
- How the Global War on Terror shaped an entire generation of military leaders—and what comes next.
- The psychological toll of service, from combat stress to the unseen burdens of leadership.
- Generational shifts in the military—why Gen Z’s approach to work, leadership, and life is different from previous generations.
- The evolution of military family dynamics and the changing role of spouse support networks.
- Why taking time to reflect, heal, and process experiences is critical for long-term well-being.
- The importance of mental wellness and how leaders can foster a culture that encourages self-care.
Tune in to hear Corie’s insights and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today’s military leaders.
Corie Weathers, licensed professional counselor (LPC), is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and award-winning author. Corie has focused her career for the last 20 years as a clinician specializing in marriage, special forces, the service culture, and its impact on families. She has traveled internationally to visit troops and report on deployment conditions and has taught service families across the globe. Corie consults on military culture, produces content through interviews and videos, and facilitates meaningful and productive sessions and retreats on how to live, lead multi-generational teams, find purpose, and build relationships using their natural talents.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here
Building a Hall of Fame Life: David Baker on Sports, Service, and Significance
The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!
In this episode, Joe welcomes David Baker, former President & Executive Director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, to explore leadership, legacy, and the values that shape extraordinary careers. David shares lessons from his time working with NFL legends, his deep respect for the military, and his latest mission to impact youth sports.
Together, they discuss the key moments and insights that shaped his career, offering valuable takeaways for leaders in sports, business, and the military. David and Joe dive into:
- Why success isn’t about a single job or title but about embracing the journey.
- Lessons in leadership from mentors like Jerry Jones, Roger Goodell, and Wellington Mara.
- The emotional power of "The Knock"—telling players they’ve been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
- How sports and the military share fundamental values like resilience, teamwork, and sacrifice.
- The importance of legacy—whether as a player, a leader, a parent, or a soldier.
- How his new initiative, World Youth Sports, aims to instill character and leadership in young athletes.
- Why every day matters, and how to make each one your masterpiece.
Tune in to hear David’s incredible stories and gain timeless leadership lessons that can help you build your own Hall of Fame-worthy legacy.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.
Onebrief, the transformative software platform redefining operational planning and military staff workflows.
Breaking the Myth of the Charismatic Leader with Sam Walker
The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!
In this episode, Joe welcomes Sam Walker, author of The Captain Class: A New Theory of Leadership, to dive into the world of leadership and team dynamics. Sam shares the surprising insights from his 11 years of research, studying over 25,000 teams since the 1880s, to uncover what truly makes teams great and sustains their success.
Together, they explore the counterintuitive behaviors and traits that separate extraordinary leaders from the rest, challenging many traditional notions of leadership. Whether you’re leading in sports, business, or the military, this episode is packed with practical lessons for creating and sustaining high-performing teams. Sam and Joe discuss:
- The seven key traits that define elite captains and sustain team success.
- Why leadership isn’t about talent, charisma, or speeches, but about behaviors.
- The concept of “carrying the water” and why great leaders often work in the background.
- How to regulate emotions and use them effectively to inspire and guide your team.
- Why strong team cultures are essential, and how to ensure people thrive within them.
- The importance of being “relentlessly boring” to conserve energy for what matters most.
- How these principles apply to military, business, and other high-stakes environments.
Tune in to hear how you can redefine leadership, uncover your team’s hidden potential, and apply Sam’s “cheat codes” to create lasting success in your own organization.
Sam Walker is an author, keynote speaker, and strategist who helps organizations strengthen their leadership selection and development practices, build stronger cultures, and create more cohesive and enduringly successful teams.
He has worked with a Super Bowl-winning NFL franchise, several high-achieving national, Olympic and NCAA-champion sports teams, a national law enforcement agency, elite U.S. military special forces units, one of the world’s largest money managers, one of the world’s leading surgical hospitals, one of the world’s largest media companies and the commanding officers of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.
His most recent book, The Captain Class, is a meticulous analysis of effective leadership based on the traits of the captains who led the 17 most dominant teams in sports history. The book has become a cult classic, beloved by men and women worldwide who apply its principles to leading and building teams.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.
Onebrief, the transformative software platform redefining operational planning and military staff workflows.
The Science of Better Conversations with Alison Wood Brooks
The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!
In this episode, Joe welcomes Harvard professor and author Alison Wood Brooks to discuss her groundbreaking book, Talk: The Science and Art of Being Ourselves. Together, they explore the science behind conversations and how they shape our personal and professional lives.
Alison introduces her TALK framework—Topics, Asking, Levity, Kindness—providing actionable strategies to improve communication. She shares why talking can feel so cognitively demanding, the myth of natural charisma, and how intentional choices can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections.
Joe and Alison discuss practical tools like navigating the "topic pyramid," creating psychological safety in group settings, and the surprising power of levity. They also highlight the art of mastering conversations in both everyday life and professional environments.
Whether you’re a leader, a friend, or simply someone wanting to communicate better, this episode offers invaluable insights for connecting with others and being authentically yourself.
Dr. Alison Wood Brooks is the O’Brien Associate Professor of Business Administration and Hellman Faculty Fellow at the Harvard Business School, where she created and teaches a course called TALK. As a behavioral scientist, she is a leading expert on the science of conversation. Her award-winning research has been published in top academic journals and is regularly cited in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and NPR. Her research was referenced in two of the top ten most-viewed TED talks of all time and depicted in Pixar’s Inside Out 2. In 2021, she was named a Best 40 Under 40 Business School Professor by Poets & Quants. "TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves" is her first book.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.
Onebrief, the transformative software platform redefining operational planning and military staff workflows
Leading with Purpose: A Conversation with Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth
The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!
The 25th Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth joins Joe for a candid conversation about leadership, self-awareness, and the evolving challenges of guiding the largest branch of the U.S. military. With over three decades of experience in national security, she shares her expectations for Army leaders, the importance of self-development, and why critical thinking and communication skills are essential for success at the highest levels.
Secretary Wormuth also highlights her strong support for the Army’s Command Assessment Program (CAP), emphasizing early self-development, the power of feedback, and the role of humility and reflection in building resilient leadership teams. She also stresses the importance of maintaining the Army's apolitical stance, fostering public trust, and ensuring continuity through times of change.
Topics Covered:
- The key attributes of effective Army leaders
- The role of the Command Assessment Program in shaping leadership
- Why feedback and reflection are crucial for personal growth
- Balancing professional and personal priorities over a long career
- Why military leaders need to remain apolitical and be non-combatants in the culture wars
Honorable Christine Wormuth was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and appointed as the 25th Secretary of the U.S. Army May 28, 2021. The Secretary of the Army is the senior civilian official within the Department of Defense responsible for all matters relating to the U.S. Army.
Prior to confirmation, she was the Director of the International Defense and Security Center at the RAND Corporation where she was a frequent writer and speaker on foreign policy, national security and homeland security issues.
Prior to RAND, she served in several roles during the Obama Administration. From December 2010 until August 2012 she was a special assistant to the president and senior director for Defense at the National Security Council. Wormuth then served as deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Forces, and led the 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review. From 2014-2016 she served in DOD as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, where she advised the Secretary of Defense on the full range of regional and functional national security issues.
Wormuth entered the government as a Presidential Management Intern and began her public service career in the Policy Office of the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 1996 through 2002. After leaving government, she worked in the private sector on defense issues, and then was a Senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies for five years.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.
Onebrief, the transformative software platform redefining operational planning and military staff workflows
Rich McGuinness- More Than A Game: Lessons on Character and Legacy
The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!
Joe sits down with Rich McGuinness, the visionary founder of the U.S Army Bowl, to discuss how football is more than just a game—it’s a catalyst for building character, shaping lives, and creating lasting impact.
Rich shares the inspiring journey of how he turned a bold idea into one of the nation’s most iconic high school football events, showcasing All-Americans from around the country and touching the lives of countless young athletes and their families.
This conversation examines the power of team sports, highlighting how football provides opportunities for young athletes to learn values like teamwork, resilience, and hard work. Rich’s story is a testament to the power of vision, grit, and creating something that transcends the game itself. Some highlights from this episode include:
- The “500 balls a day” mindset and how it translates to life and leadership
- The origin story of the U.S Army Bowl and its impact on high school athletes
- How hard work and focus can change the trajectory of your life
- Lessons on building a legacy and embracing the unexpected challenges along the way
- How parents can best support their young athletes
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about how sports can shape lives and leave a legacy that goes far beyond the field.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here
J. Furman Daniel III- Blood, Mud, and Oil Paint
The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!
Joe Byerly sits down with Furman Daniel, author of Blood, Mud, and Oil Paint: The Remarkable Year That Made Winston Churchill. Together, they explore a transformative year in Churchill’s life—a time of political humiliation, personal reinvention, and the development of five life-changing gifts, including painting, friendship, and a modern perspective on warfare. Furman shares how Churchill’s resilience and adaptability during his darkest days laid the foundation for his iconic leadership during World War II.
This conversation is packed with timeless insights on failure, perseverance, and finding restoration through personal passions, offering applicable lessons for leaders at all levels:
- Failure is a springboard for future success.
- Creative outlets restore energy and focus.
- Genuine friendships are invaluable during tough times.
- Presence builds trust and respect as a leader.
- Confidence balanced with humility fosters growth.
- Perseverance leads to breakthroughs over time.
- Stepping back provides clarity and perspective.
- Lifelong learning is essential for great leadership.
- And more!
Join Joe and Furman for an inspiring discussion on turning setbacks into triumphs and what it means to stay in the fight when the odds are against you.
Dr. John Furman Daniel III is an associate professor of political science at Concordia University. He has authored numerous publications on international relations theory, the influence of fiction on foreign policy decision-making, Edmund Burke, Carl von Clausewitz, George Patton, technology diffusion, space colonization and home-field advantage in Major League Baseball. His four books are 21st Century Patton: Strategic Insights for the Modern Era (2016), The First Space War: How Patterns of History and Principles of STEM Will Shape Its Form (2019), Patton: Battling with History (2020) and Blood, Mud and Oil Paint: The Remarkable Year that Made Winston Churchill (2024).
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here
Dr. Galena Rhoades- Fighting For Your Marriage
The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!
In this episode, Joe Byerly sits down with Dr. Galena Rhoades, co-author of Fighting for Your Marriage, to explore the essential skills needed for strong, lasting relationships. Drawing from her extensive research, Dr. Rhoades shares practical insights on improving communication, navigating conflict, and rekindling connection. They discuss the unique challenges faced by military couples, the importance of being intentional in marriage, and how to address hidden issues beneath everyday disagreements. Dr. Rhoades also provides actionable tools like the "Speaker-Listener Technique" and the value of making time for fun together. Whether you’re newly married or decades into your relationship, this conversation offers valuable advice to help you and your partner thrive.
Resources Mentioned:
- Fighting for Your Marriage by Dr. Galena Rhoades and colleagues
- Agape App for daily relationship-building questions
Galena K. Rhoades, Ph.D., is a research professor and the director of the Institute for Relationship Science in the Department of Psychology at the University of Denver. Her research focuses on romantic relationship formation processes, such as dating and living together, and predictors of relationship success. She also conducts studies on the effectiveness of relationship interventions offered by community organizations across the United States. She has more than 140 publications in these areas.
Dr. Rhoades founded a nonprofit in Denver called Thriving Families. This organization offers MotherWise, a relationship education program for women during pregnancy and postpartum, as well as mental health services for families. Dr. Rhoades is also a practicing clinical psychologist. In her private practice, she primarily sees couples and families.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here
Command Sergeant Major Walter J. Zajkowski- On Leading Yourself
The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!
In this episode, Joe Byerly talks with CSM Walter J. Zajkowski, Senior Enlisted Leader of Special Operations Command Pacific. With 30 years of service, CSM Zajkowski reflects on his journey from young Ranger to senior leader, sharing lessons on leadership growth, feedback, and learning from both great and challenging leaders.
Key topics include:
- The role of ego in leadership and how embracing tough assignments can lead to transformation.
- The importance of supplementing formal education with reading and self-reflection.
- How to give people what they need, not just what they want, to develop strong, capable teams.
- The power of identifying and living your "why" to stay aligned with purpose.
This conversation is packed with actionable advice and reflections for leaders at every level.
Command Sergeant Major Zajkowski is the Command Senior Enlisted Leader,
Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC), headquartered at Camp H.M.
Smith, Hawaii.
Prior to his assignment at SOCPAC, he served as the Command Sergeant Major
of 3rd Operational Support Group (2021-2022). Previous positions of responsibility
include Battalion CSM, Force Generation Directorate SGM, Selection and Training
SGM, Company SGM, Operations SGM, Training Instructor/Writer, Team
Sergeant, and Team Member. CSM Zajkowski began his Army career in 2nd
Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment (1994-1999) where he served as a Rifleman,
Team Leader, and Squad Leader.
He enlisted in the Army in 1994 and served in multiple leadership positions within
the joint special operations community.
Command Sergeant Major Zajkowski deployed in support of multiple combat operations to include Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve.
His awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit w/C device, Bronze Star w/Valor, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal w/Valor device,
Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Combat Diver Badge, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badge.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here
Stephen Riggio- The Tale of the Beati Paoli
The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!
In this episode, Joe sits down with Stephen Riggio, former CEO of Barnes & Noble, to uncover the personal journey that led him to translate Sicilian Avengers, an epic historical novel set in 18th-century Sicily. But this is more than a conversation about a book—it's a story of deep roots, personal loss, and a quest to rediscover purpose.
Stephen opens up about reconnecting with his Sicilian heritage alongside his wife, Laura, after the tragic loss of their daughter. What began as a healing journey to learn Italian grew into a remarkable project: translating Sicilian Avengers, a story that hadn’t been told to English-speaking readers. Emerging from the dark streets and subterranean caves of Palermo, the Beati Paoli—a shadowy, masked society of vigilantes—mete out their own brand of justice, countering the unchecked power of the aristocracy. For the oppressed and voiceless, they are defenders and heroes.
Through Stephen's translation, this forgotten tale of justice and intrigue, reminiscent of a Dumas novel, has been brought back to life. As he shares his experience, Stephen reveals the challenges, the rewards, and the sense of purpose this work gave him in a new chapter of life. He also reflects on his tenure at Barnes & Noble, where he and his late brother, Len, transformed a single Manhattan bookstore into the largest bookstore chain in the United States.
For anyone curious about the enduring impact of stories, this episode is an invitation to listen in and perhaps be inspired to seek out the narratives that connect us across time, place, and family.
Stephen Riggio is the former chief executive officer of Barnes & Noble (2002-2012). For over forty years he was a key leader transforming the single flagship New York location into a national retailer that expanded into e-commerce and book publishing. Riggio has served on the boards of the National Book Foundation, the National Down Syndrome Society, and is a founding member of the AHRC New York City Foundation Board. He and his wife live in New York.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here
General Randy A. George- Transforming in Contact
The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!
The 41st Chief of Staff of the Army invites Joe to the Pentagon for a discussion on innovation, leadership, and the continuous transformation needed to keep the Army at the forefront of modern warfare. General George shares insights from his recent experiences leading the Army through complex changes, touching on battlefield innovation, training at combat training centers, and how leaders at every level must embrace risk to drive progress. In this episode, we discuss:
- What it means to “transform in contact”
- How empowering soldiers and junior leaders to innovate is crucial for adapting to ever-changing battlefield conditions.
- The role of leadership in fostering a culture of growth,
- The importance of sharing lessons learned
- How personal and professional development go hand-in-hand with leading change.
General Randy A. George assumed duties as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army on September 21, 2023.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here
Joseph McCormack- How to Quit Being a Scattered Leader
The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!
Joe McCormack returns to the show to discuss his newest book: Quiet Works: Making Silence the Secret Ingredient of the Workday . Together, Joe and Joe explore how quiet time enhances leadership, reduces distractions, and improves communication. They share insights on managing workplace noise, the balance between collaboration and focus, and practical strategies to help leaders and teams achieve clarity and purpose through intentional quiet moments. They also discuss:
- The curse of the scattered leader
- The problems of Too Much Information (TMI) and Too Much Collaboration (TMC)
- Why leaders need to take short intentional breaks during the workday
- Practical steps leaders can take to reduce noise and improve decision-making, including the importance of quiet reflection.
- Tools like journaling, scheduling quiet moments, and establishing boundaries to protect time for deep thinking.
Whether you're looking to boost productivity or improve decision-making, this conversation offers actionable tools to help you thrive in today’s noisy world.
Joe McCormack is the founder and president of The BRIEF Lab, and he’s passionate about helping professionals gain focus and clarity in a world of too much information, too much collaboration, and too much noise.
As an entrepreneur, marketing executive, and author, he is recognized for his work in concise, strategic communication and leadership development.
Joe has written three books—a trilogy—that outline and promote the personal and professional benefits of clear thinking and concise communication.
His podcast, “Just Saying,” helps professionals become effective and efficient communicators in an age of information overload.
Before his entrepreneurial ventures, Joe served as Senior Vice President at Ketchum, a top-five marketing agency in Chicago. He received a BA in English Literature from Loyola University of Chicago where he graduated with honors. He is fluent in Spanish and has broad international experience. Joe and his wife Julie split their time between Southern Pines, North Carolina, and Chicago, Illinois.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here
Chase Jarvis- Quit Playing it Safe!
The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!
In this episode, Joe welcomes Chase Jarvis, a creative powerhouse, entrepreneur, and author of Never Play It Safe. Chase shares how his own journey, from professional soccer aspirations to becoming a world-renowned photographer, taught him that real growth happens on the other side of fear. Together, they dive into actionable strategies for reclaiming creativity, focusing your attention, and leveraging failure as a tool for success. Joe and Chase also discuss:
- Stepping out of your comfort zone for better opportunities and connections.
- The seven key levers for success that everyone can use.
- Using leverage to get maximum results with smart effort.
- The importance of focus, attention, and finding flow.
- Learning from failure and adapting quickly to succeed.
Chase Jarvis is an award-winning photographer, entrepreneur, and the founder of CreativeLive, an online learning platform with over 10 million students. His work spans global campaigns for brands like Nike and Apple, and he's been named one of the most influential photographers of the last decade. Beyond photography, Chase is a best-selling author, podcast host, and a thought leader in creativity, innovation, and personal growth. His latest book, Never Play It Safe, explores the power of stepping outside your comfort zone to unlock true potential. Through his podcast and platform, Chase empowers people to pursue their passions and build meaningful careers.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
4o
Jack Carr- The Untold Origin Story of the War on Terror
The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!
Joe Byerly welcomes back Jack Carr, former Navy SEAL and bestselling author to discuss his first nonfiction work, Targeted Beirut, which explores the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, a pivotal moment in U.S. military history and the War on Terror. Together, they discuss the strategic missteps, the human toll of national security decisions, and the lessons that remain relevant for military leaders today. Jack and Joe also cover:
- Why leaders should study the past
- The lessons of the 1983 Marine Barracks Bombing
- How the U.S. involvement in Beirut shaped the War on Terror
- The human toll of conflict
- Resilience in war
- and much more!
From a young age, Jack Carr had two dreams: serving his country in uniform as a Navy SEAL and becoming an author. Following twenty years in the SEAL Teams, Jack shifted his sights to publishing and fulfilled his literary objective with the release of his debut novel, The Terminal List.
Since then, he has captivated readers worldwide with the gripping tales of James Reece in his New York Times bestselling novels True Believer, Savage Son, The Devil’s Hand, In the Blood, and Only the Dead.
The Terminal List was adapted into a thrilling #1 Amazon Prime Video series starring Chris Pratt and has been greenlit for a second season based on Jack’s second novel True Believer (release date TBA).
In addition, a prequel origin story series based on the character Ben Edwards titled The Terminal List: Dark Wolf starring Taylor Kitsch is currently in production.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
Erin Wade- Mac & Cheese, Mental Health, and Managing Teams
The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!
Erin Wade, founder and former CEO of Homeroom, a mac-and-cheese restaurant in Oakland, to discuss her latest book: The Mac and Cheese Millionaire: Building a Better Business by Thinking Outside the Box and her journey from being an unfulfilled attorney to a successful entrepreneur. Erin opens up about the lessons learned while building a company culture that balances freedom with structure, and how she turned her passion into a thriving business. Joe and Erin dive into the power of titles, leadership, and the importance of creating a workplace that people genuinely want to be a part of.
Episode Topics:
- Erin’s transition from law to the restaurant industry.
- The balance between freedom and structure in leadership.
- How facing struggles shaped Erin’s entrepreneurial journey.
- The role of intentional culture-building in business success.
- Leadership beyond titles and the power of influence.
Watch the interview here.
Erin Wade is a best-selling author, chef, and entrepreneur. Erin opened a cultishly popular restaurant, Homeroom, which has been covered everywhere from Cooking Channel to The Wall Street Journal. She authored The Mac & Cheese Millionaire, the best-selling The Mac and Cheese Cookbook, and a viral op-ed in the Washington Post about her restaurant’s solution to sexual harassment that was named one of the publication’s best of the year.
Erin's work on business culture has been covered in Forbes and The New York Times, and she was named one of thirty-five “World-Changing Women” by Conscious Company magazine. Erin has a public policy degree from Princeton and a law degree from UC Berkeley. She lives in the Bay Area with her family and an array of surfboards.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
Jacob Cool- Finding the Strength to Move Forward
On June 17, 2020, while deployed to Afghanistan, Jacob Cool was woken at 2 a.m. with the devastating news of his 16-year-old son’s sudden death due to an undiagnosed heart condition. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Jacob grappled with the overwhelming pain and questioned his own will to live, reflecting on how he avoided becoming another military suicide statistic. Through deep reflection, he uncovered the strength of his family's resilience, built long before the tragedy struck. Now, Jacob is on a mission to share his hard-earned wisdom on resilience and preparedness.
In this powerful episode, Joe and Jacob discuss:
- The habits and foundational practices to cultivate before life's challenges arise.
- Steps to take immediately when faced with a personal tragedy.
- The importance of building a support system and accessing the right professional help.
- Life maintenance strategies to bolster physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Jacob’s journey offers proven lessons on resilience, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to prepare themselves for life’s unexpected challenges.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
Guy Kawasaki- Do Good Shit
The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!
Join Joe as he sits down with Silicon Valley legend Guy Kawasaki, author of Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference. In this episode, they dive into what it truly means to “Do Good Shit” and how to make a lasting impact on the world. Guy shares insights from his remarkable career and discusses key themes including:
- Embracing vulnerability and the power it brings to personal growth
- Battling impostor syndrome and the importance of pushing past self-doubt
- Learning from failure and using it as a stepping stone to success
- Connecting the dots in your life and understanding how past experiences shape your future
- Finding and nurturing your passions by pursuing interests that resonate with you
Tune in to discover how you can lead with authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference.
Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva and the creator of Guy Kawasaki’s Remarkable People podcast. He is an executive fellow of the Haas School of Business (UC Berkeley), and adjunct professor of the University of New South Wales. He was the chief evangelist of Apple and a trustee of the Wikimedia Foundation. He has written Wise Guy, The Art of the Start 2.0, The Art of Social Media, Enchantment, and eleven other books. Kawasaki has a BA from Stanford University, an MBA from UCLA, and an honorary doctorate from Babson College.
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
General Scott Miller- The Lessons of War and Life
The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!
General Scott Miller, U.S. Army Retired, returns to the show to reflect on a storied career spanning nearly four decades, offering candid insights on the key moments that shaped his leadership. In this episode, Joe and General Miller dive deep into foundational experiences that forged Miller’s approach to command, sharing valuable lessons that apply whether you're leading in the military or the corporate world. Miller also shares poignant reflections on his transition to civilian life, highlighting the challenges and offering a stark warning to military leaders about the dangers they may face in the process.
General Austin "Scott" Miller, assuming the role of Executive Chairman for Prairie Fire Nevada in January 2023, boasts a distinguished career spanning over 38 years in uniform. Graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1983, he retired from active duty in 2021, leaving an indelible mark on some of the world's most complex geopolitical landscapes.
Throughout his tenure, General Miller, an Airborne-Ranger and Infantry officer, commanded at various levels, from leading a company in Korea to spearheading the TF Ranger assault force in Mogadishu during the infamous "Blackhawk Down" incident. His leadership extended to commanding the Joint Special Operations Command and culminated in serving as the final commander of NATO's Resolute Support Mission and United States Forces Afghanistan.
A stalwart figure in the Global War on Terror, General Miller distinguished himself as one of the earliest Americans to engage in the pursuit of Usama Bin Laden and other high-value targets. His extensive combat experience includes commanding multiple Special Operation Task Forces across the Middle East and South Asia.
Notably, as commanding general of the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning in 2014, General Miller led efforts to integrate women into the prestigious U.S. Army Ranger School, a pivotal step forward in gender equality within the military.
General Miller's accolades include two Combat Infantryman Badges, two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star and a remarkable 20 Overseas Service Bars, underscoring his unparalleled dedication with over a decade spent in combat zones. (Bio Courtesy of PrarieFire Nevada)
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything e
Jeff Wetzler- Leading with Questions
Jeff Wetzler, author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life joins Joe to dive into the transformative power of asking quality questions and how this simple yet powerful practice can unlock hidden wisdom within any organization. In this episode, Joe and Jeff discuss:
- The reasons why people don't share what's really on their minds
- Barriers to communication in organizations
- Jeff introduces the ASK approach and shares how to make it a part of your organization's culture
- Why asking bad questions can backfire and how to ask good ones
- ....and much more!
Join us for a conversation that will change how you approach leadership and communication. Learn how to harness the superpower of asking questions and unlock the collective genius within your team.
Jeff Wetzler has been on a quarter-century quest to transform learning opportunities and unlock human potential. Blending a unique set of leadership experiences in the fields of business and education, he’s pursued this quest as an international management consultant to executives in Fortune 500 corporations, as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America, and currently, as co-CEO of Transcend, a nationally recognized education innovation organization. Jeff earned a Doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Brown University. He is an Aspen Global Leadership Fellow and an Edmund Hillary Fellow. Jeff lives in New York with his wife, two children, and their puppy.
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
Laird Hamilton- Your Intentions Matter
Laird Hamilton, a legend in the world of surfing joins Joe to provide a unique perspective on how to push boundaries, overcome fears, and find joy in the challenges life throws our way. In this episode, Joe and Laird discuss:
- Growth Through Adversity: Laird discusses how facing and overcoming challenges has shaped his life and career.
- Mental and Physical Preparation: The importance of rigorous training and mental fortitude in tackling big waves and life's obstacles.
- Leadership and Resilience: Parallels between Laird's experiences in the ocean and the principles of leadership and resilience applicable to all areas of life.
- Balancing Passion and Family: Insights on maintaining a harmonious personal life while pursuing one's passions.
- Overcoming Fear: Strategies for confronting and managing fear to achieve greatness.
- Keeping Passion in the Marriage: Laird shares how he and Gabrielle Reece, a professional volleyball player and model, keep their passion going after decades of marriage and raising their three daughters.
Laird Hamilton is a renowned big wave surfer, co-inventor of tow-in surfing, and a pioneer in the development of hydrofoil boarding. Known for his fearless approach to riding some of the world’s most dangerous waves, Laird has redefined what is possible in the sport of surfing. Beyond his surfing achievements, he is an accomplished author, fitness expert, and motivational speaker. Laird's innovations in surf technology and his dedication to fitness have made him a global icon and a source of inspiration for athletes and adventurers alike. He lives in Hawaii with his wife, Gabrielle Reece, a professional volleyball player and model, and their three daughters.
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
Will Bowen - How to Complain Less and Be Happier
Will Bowen, author of A Complaint Free World: How to Stop Complaining and Start Enjoying the Life You Always Wanted joins Joe to discuss the negative impact of complaining on our perception of the world. They also explore how making a conscious effort to quit complaining can significantly improve our lives. In this episode, Joe and Will dive into the following topics:
- How the 21-Day Complaint Free challenge works
- The social reasons why people actually complain
- The difference between processing and venting and why it matters
- Using negative feelings as a catalyst for self-reflection
- The myth of blowing off steam
- Developing a mindset for embracing challenges
After decades of unprecedented sales success in insurance, broadcasting, and advertising, on July 23, 2006 Will Bowen’s life changed forever…and so did the lives of tens of millions of people (so far).
On that day, Will invited 250 people to try and break the negative habit of complaining by going 21 consecutive days without uttering a single gripe.
Will gave each person a purple bracelet to be used as a mindfulness tool.
His idea: switch the bracelet from wrist-to-wrist with each spoken complaint and keep switching until you go 21 consecutive days without complaining.
Will’s idea EXPLODED around the world until now, some 15 years later, the worldwide Complaint Free bracelet total is over 15 million and climbing.
Will Bowen’s 21-Day Complaint Free challenge has been recommended by Oprah, Maya Angelou, Tim Ferris, Joe Vitale, Gary Zukov, The Wall Street Journal, NBC’s Today Show, the ABC Evening News, NPR, and too many additional celebrities and media outlets to include here.
Will has written 5 International Bestselling books that have sold more than 4 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 35 languages.
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
Jack Carr- Finding Your Next Mission
Former Navy SEAL and New York Times bestselling author, Jack Carr, joins Joe for a powerful discussion ahead of the release of his 7th book in The Terminal List series, Red Sky Mourning. They explore the following:
- Why leaders need to be readers
- The perfect way to gift a book
- Transitioning from the military
- The importance of values in decision-making
- Finding your purpose
- How Jack became a writer
- and much more!!
From a young age, Jack Carr had two dreams: serving his country in uniform as a Navy SEAL and becoming an author. Following twenty years in the SEAL Teams, Jack shifted his sights to publishing and fulfilled his literary objective with the release of his debut novel, The Terminal List.
Since then, he has captivated readers worldwide with the gripping tales of James Reece in his New York Times bestselling novels True Believer, Savage Son, The Devil’s Hand, In the Blood, and Only the Dead.
The Terminal List was adapted into a thrilling #1 Amazon Prime Video series starring Chris Pratt and has been greenlit for a second season based on Jack’s second novel True Believer (release date TBA).
In addition, a prequel origin story series based on the character Ben Edwards titled The Terminal List: Dark Wolf starring Taylor Kitsch is currently in production.
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
Annie Duke- The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away
Former World Series of Poker Champion and best-selling author, Annie Duke, returns to the show to discuss the concepts from her book, Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away.
Annie shares insights on how grit, often celebrated as a virtue, can also lead to sticking with paths that no longer serve us. Joe and Annie draw parallels to other high-profile figures like Jerry Seinfeld and Will Smith, who chose to step down from projects at the pinnacle of their careers. They also dive into Joe’s decision to retire from the Army. During the episode Joe and Annie discuss the following topics:
- The double-edged nature of grit and its impact on decision-making.
- Joe's personal experience of deciding to retire from the military and the concept of quitting at a high point in one's career.
- The concept of 'jumping the shark' and the challenges in identifying the right time to quit.
- How to separate your identity from your career
- The importance of setting 'kill criteria' to effectively determine when to quit under uncertainty.
- The role of intuition, sunk costs, and fear of the unknown in decision-making processes.
- Using the monkeys and pedestals mental model before starting a major project
Annie is an author, speaker, and consultant in the decision-making space, as well as Special Partner focused on Decision Science at First Round Capital Partners, a seed stage venture fund. Annie’s latest book, Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away, was released in 2022 from Portfolio, a Penguin Random House imprint. Her previous book, Thinking in Bets, is a national bestseller. As a former professional poker player, she has won more than $4 million in tournament poker.
During her career, Annie won a World Series of Poker bracelet and is the only woman to have won the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions and the NBC National Poker Heads-Up Championship. She retired from the game in 2012. Prior to becoming a professional poker player, Annie was awarded a National Science Foundation Fellowship to study Cognitive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2023 Annie completed her PhD in Cognitive Psychology at UPenn.
Annie is the co-founder of The Alliance for Decision Education, a non-profit whose mission is to improve lives by empowering students through decision skills education. She is a member of the National Board of After-School All-Stars and the Board of Directors of the Franklin Institute.
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
Annie Duke- Thinking In Bets
Former World Series of Poker Champion and best-selling author, Annie Duke, joins Joe to share her journey from studying cognitive science to becoming a poker legend, and how this experience led her to explore the cognitive underpinnings of decision-making in everyday life.
Joe and Annie explore the fundamental concepts from her book, Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don't Have All the Facts, and discuss how treating life’s decisions as bets can significantly improve how we navigate uncertainty. Some of the topics they discuss include:
- The two factors that determine the quality of your life
- Using poker strategies for making decisions
- Separating outcome quality from decision quality
- How our self-narrative affects reflection and learning
- The benefits of mental time travel
- ...and much more
Annie is an author, speaker, and consultant in the decision-making space, as well as Special Partner focused on Decision Science at First Round Capital Partners, a seed stage venture fund. Annie’s latest book, Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away, was released in 2022 from Portfolio, a Penguin Random House imprint. Her previous book, Thinking in Bets, is a national bestseller. As a former professional poker player, she has won more than $4 million in tournament poker.
During her career, Annie won a World Series of Poker bracelet and is the only woman to have won the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions and the NBC National Poker Heads-Up Championship. She retired from the game in 2012. Prior to becoming a professional poker player, Annie was awarded a National Science Foundation Fellowship to study Cognitive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2023 Annie completed her PhD in Cognitive Psychology at UPenn.
Annie is the co-founder of The Alliance for Decision Education, a non-profit whose mission is to improve lives by empowering students through decision skills education. She is a member of the National Board of After-School All-Stars and the Board of Directors of the Franklin Institute.
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
Colin Stevens- Make Your Mark!
Colin Stevens, author of Make Your Mark: Lessons from Legends for a Life of Fulfillment and Impact, joins the show to share his inspiring story of chasing a dream that didn't pan out the way he thought it would and the lessons he's learned along the way. Joe and Colin talk about the following topics:
- The importance of self-belief for achieving success
- Why we should study the "full game" over the "highlight reel".
- Leadership through transparency and owning mistakes.
- The impact of social media on young athletes' mental health.
- How to develop resilient kids
- The role of fear and failure in pursuing passions.
- The power of being true to oneself.
Colin Stevens is a former Division 1 basketball player and senior year team captain at Coastal Carolina University. After working in the banking industry for years, he left the 9-5 to embark on an entrepreneurial journey and start his own business. He has since created two successful brands in the basketball development industry.
For the past five years, Colin has worked as a life strategist and performance coach. He has been hired by professional athletes, business executives, and entrepreneurs to help them maximize their potential. With a unique approach that combines his sports background and personal development expertise, Colin enhances decision-making, personal growth, and emotional intelligence.
Colin is the published author of two books, COACHABLE, and his most recent book with raving reviews, Make Your Mark. He is a sought-after speaker and trainer for various companies, motivating and empowering others to reach their full potential. Learn more about Colin at www.thecolinstevens.com
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here!
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
Dr. Amishi Jha- How to Perform When Life Stresses You Out
Dr. Amishi Jha joins Joe to discuss her book, Peak Mind: Find Your Focus, Own Your Attention, Invest 12 Minutes a Day . Amishi sheds light on the complexities of the brain's attention system to help us understand how we can navigate and enhance our focus in stressful and demanding jobs. In this episode Joe and Amishi discuss:
- How our attention shapes everything from emotions to relationships
- Challenges in maintaining attention in an information-saturated age
- How the attention system works
- The vulnerability of attention to stress and its impact on performance
- Insights into memory and emotional regulation
- How mindfulness training helps strengthens our attention system
- A practical approach to mindfulness training for enhancing attention
Whether you’re struggling to stay present, looking to enhance your memory, or seeking solace in the whirlwind of the digital age, this episode promises to turn the light of your attention onto pathways that could lead to a calmer, more focused state of being. Learn more about Amishi's research in military cohorts here.
Dr. Amishi Jha, PhD is Director of Contemplative Neuroscience and Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami. Prior to her current post, she was an Assistant Professor at the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania.
She received her B.S in Biological Psychology from the University
of Michigan, her Ph.D in Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) from the University of California–Davis, and her post-doctoral training at the Brain Imaging and Analysis Center at Duke University in functional neuroimaging.
Learn more about her work here.
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here!
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
Dr. Michael Norton- The Ritual Effect
Dr. Michael Norton joins Joe to discuss his new book, The Ritual Effect: From Habit to Ritual, Harness the Surprising Power of Everyday Actions. In this episode, Joe and Dr. Norton explore the hidden power of rituals in our daily lives. Highlights from this episode include:
- Understanding the powerful impact of rituals
- The difference between a habit and a ritual
- How to find and examine our own personal rituals
- The role of rituals in transitions (becoming a leader, returning from combat, retiring from the military)
- How rituals can improve our performance and help us better navigate life
- Rituals and family life
- How to create family traditions when you move all the time
- ....and much more!
Michael Norton is the Harold M. Brierley Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School. He has studied human behavior as it relates to love and inequality, time and money, and happiness and grief. He is the author of The Ritual Effect and the coauthor—with Elizabeth Dunn—of Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending. In 2012, he was selected by Wired magazine as one of “50 People Who Will Change the World.” His TEDx talk, How to Buy Happiness, has been viewed nearly 4.5 million times. He is a frequent contributor to such publications as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Scientific American, and has made numerous television, radio, and podcast appearances.
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here!
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
Lieutenant General Christopher Donahue- Be Unreasonable
Lieutenant General Christopher Donahue returns to the show to continue his previous conversation with Joe on culture and leadership. In this episode, they discuss:
- What LTG Donahue has learned since his last appearance on the podcast
- How the culture of the 82nd Airborne Division held up during the evacuation of Afghanistan
- Four reasons leaders need to focus on physical fitness
- The importance of innovation in today's Army
- What LTG Donahue is reading right now
- Tips for successful communication
Lieutenant General Christopher Donahue currently serves as the 39th Commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps, and Ft. Liberty, NC. Prior to assuming command of the corps, LTG Donahue served as the Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division.
LTG Donahue’s other assignments include Commander, NATO Special Operations Component and US Joint Special Operations in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Deputy Director for Special Operations and Counter-Terrorism, J-3, for the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C., Commandant, US Army Infantry School and Director of the Soldier Lethality Cross Functional Team, and Deputy Commanding General (Maneuver) of the 4th Infantry Division.
LTG Donahue has led Soldiers at all levels in Airborne, Ranger, Light and Mechanized units, to include service with 3 divisions, the 75th Ranger Regiment and USASOC. He has deployed 20 times in support of operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, North Africa, and Eastern Europe, to include; Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Atlantic Resolve, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation European Assure, Deter and Reinforce, and in support of the Sudan crisis.
His formative and key, Army and special operations, assignments include Director of Operations, Joint Special Operations Command, and 16 years in various USASOC organizations, first as a platoon leader, then as a troop commander, squadron commander, and finally as a brigade commander.
LTG Donahue is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, and was commissioned in 1992. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Naval War College, and the US Army War College Fellowship at Harvard University.
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here!
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
General Randy George- Great Leaders Are Great Editors
The 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, General Randy A. George makes his first appearance on the podcast for a great discussion about leadership, his vision, and the lessons he's learned over the course of his four-decade career. General George and Joe cover a lot of ground in this episode, discussing topics including:
- Encouraging professional discourse
- Why leaders need to ask questions
- The training management program that's in the Chief's crosshairs
- Why great leaders are great editors
- What transforming in contact looks like
- How General George recharges his batteries after a long day
- The importance of professional boundaries
- What topics General George wants leaders to write about
- ....and more!
General Randy A. George assumed duties as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army on September 21, 2023.
George commissioned from the U.S. Military Academy in 1988 as an infantry officer. He served as a lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division and deployed in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
George received his Master of Science in Economics in 1999 from Colorado School of Mines and then served at the National Simulation Center in Fort Leavenworth before attending the Command and General Staff College.
In 2001 George went to Italy and served as the executive officer of 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was later executive officer and then deputy commander of the brigade, during which time he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Returning to the 101st Airborne Division in 2004, George commanded 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment and deployed a second time to Iraq. He then went to United States Naval War College as an instructor and then student. He deployed again as part of the initiatives group for the commanding general, Multi-National Corps-Iraq in 2007.
In 2008 George returned to the 4th Infantry Division, where he commanded 4th Brigade Combat Team and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following command, he was a fellow on the Council of Foreign Relations, chief of the strategic policy division for the Pakistan-Afghanistan coordination cell on the Joint Staff, executive officer to the 33rd Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. He later returned to Fort Carson as the deputy commanding general (maneuver) of 4th Infantry Division.
George took command of the 4th Infantry Division in June 2017. In this role he deployed again to Afghanistan. His most recent command was of I Corps at Joint Base Lewis McChord, after which he served as the senior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense.
He is married to his West Point classmate, Patty. They have two children, Grant and Andrea.
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here!
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more
Matt Higgins- Burn the Boats!
Matt Higgins, author the Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential joins Joe and shares his amazing story of escaping poverty and how his "Burn the Boats!" philosophy has guided his life. Joe and Matt also discuss:
- Changing our relationship with imposter syndrome
- Adopting a "burn the boats" mindset in various contexts, including the military, entrepreneurship, and personal challenges.
- Role of authenticity in leadership positions
- Dealing with anxiety and the pressure of high-stakes environments
- Why a growth mindset is uncomfortable
- Self-Awareness and leadership
- ...and much more!
Matt Higgins is a noted serial entrepreneur, growth equity investor as Co-founder and CEO of private investment firm, RSE Ventures, and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of Burn The Boats.
Mr. Higgins began his career in public service as a journalist before becoming the youngest mayoral press secretary in New York City at 26, where he managed the global media response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He became one of the first employees – and ultimately Chief Operating Officer – of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, the federally funded government agency created to plan the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site. Mr. Higgins helped organize the largest international design competition in history culminating in Reflecting Absence, the September 11th National Memorial, and the development of the 1,776-feet-tall One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the northern hemisphere.
After transitioning to the private sector, Mr. Higgins spent 15 years in senior leadership positions with National Football League teams. He made his mark with two NFL franchises, overseeing the revenue functions of the New York Jets as Executive Vice President of Business Operations, and after leaving the Jets, serving as Vice Chairman of the Miami Dolphins from 2012 – 2021. Higgins co-founded New York City-based RSE Ventures in 2012, amassing a multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio of leading brands across sports and entertainment, media and marketing, consumer and technology industries – including several of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies. Higgins is also co-owner of VaynerMedia, the largest social-media first agency in the world founded by Gary Vaynerchuk.
Mr. Higgins has also been a guest shark on Emmy award-winning TV show “Shark Tank” during seasons 10-11.
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here!
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
Steven Pressfield- Inner Callings and Outer Worlds
Author Steven Pressfield returns for his 3rd appearance on the show to discuss his latest book The Daily Pressfield . In this episode, Joe and Steve talk about:
- How small, daily passages can change our lives
- The power of answering your calling and the potential consequences of ignoring this internal pull
- How to face and overcome Resistance, the force that inevitably shows up whenever we try to improve our lives
- What happens when our inner and outer worlds come into alignment
- Strategies to combat self-doubt
- What Steve learned from Field Marshall Viscount Slim about thriving in chaos
Steven Pressfield is the author of The War of Art which has sold over a millions copies globally and been translated into multiple languages. He is a master of historical fiction with Gates of Fire being on the required reading list at West Point and the the recommended reading list of the Joint Chiefs. His other books include A Man at Arms, Turning Pro, Do the Work, The Artist's Journey, Tides of War, The Legend of Bagger Vance, Last of the Amazons, Virtues of War, The Afghan Campaign, Killing Rommel, The Profession, The Lion's Gate, The Warrior Ethos, The Authentic Swing, An American Jew, Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t, and The Knowledge.
Steve lives and writes in California. You can following him on IG @steven_pressfield. Sign up for his weekly writing newsletter at stevenpressfield.com
"It is one thing to study war, and another to live the warrior's life."
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here!
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
Dave Butler- Leading with Purposeful Communication
Army Colonel Dave Butler joins Joe to discuss communication for leaders in today's information environment. This episode is a must-listen for leaders at all levels because Dave and Joe tackle the delicate dance military leaders must perform on social media, navigating the fine line between engagement and overexposure. Dave and Joe also discuss:
- The pitfalls of social media engagement
- Why senior military leaders have glass jaws
- What to do if internal memos and emails spill into the public domain
- The power of relationships
- Why leaders need to keep repeating themselves
- Tips for being an effective staff officer
- A lot of great book recommendations on communication to include Brief: Make a Bigger Impact by Saying Less
- ...and much more!
Dave Butler has been a close advisor to Joint Force leaders for several years. Much of his early career as a communicator was with special operations, where he served as a comms guy for an Army Special Mission unit and the Joint Special Operations Command. He came out of the shadows in 2018 when he became the chief communicator and spokesperson for US and NATO Forces in Afghanistan. After that, he served as an advisor and spokesperson for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and now serves as an Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army. Before switching to communications, he was an Infantryman, with his time culminating as a company commander in Iraq. He has received numerous awards and graduated from several military schools. He earned a graduate degree from North Carolina State University and attended a fellowship at Duke.
He's a proud Long Islander, married with two kids (14 and 17) and a German Shepherd.
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here!
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.
Terry Hayes- The Storyteller
International Bestselling author Terry Hayes joins Joe to discuss his remarkable career(s) and how they prepared him to write I Am Pilgrim and The Year of the Locust. Terry and Joe also talk about:
- Terry's decision to leave Hollywood to write novels
- Fighting through self-doubt
- Being ready for the difficulties when pursuing your calling
- How Terry leveraged his subconscious when stuck while working on a scene with Mel Gibson
- Focusing on the task at hand instead of getting overwhelmed by the big picture
- Finding courage in novels and real life
- ...and Joe and Terry provide teasers on the plot for The Year of the Locust
Terry Hayes is a former journalist and screen-writer. Born in Sussex, England, he migrated to Australia as a child and trained as a journalist at the country’s leading broadsheet. At twenty-one he was appointed North American correspondent, based in New York, and after two years returned to Sydney to become an investigative reporter, political correspondent and columnist.
He resigned to produce a prominent current affairs radio program and a short time later, with George Miller, wrote the screenplay for Road Warrior/Mad Max 2. He also co-produced and wrote Dead Calm, the film which launched Nicole Kidman’s international movie career, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and a large number of TV movies and mini-series – including Bodyline and Bangkok Hilton – two of which received international Emmy nominations. In all, he has won over twenty film or television awards.
After moving to Los Angeles he worked as a screen-writer on major studio productions. His credits include Payback with Mel Gibson, From Hell, starring Johnny Depp, and Vertical Limit with Chris O’Donnell. He has also done un-credited writing on a host of other movies including Reign of Fire, Cliffhanger and Flightplan, starring Jodie Foster.
The Year of the Locust is Terry Hayes' second novel. His first, I Am Pilgrim was an international bestseller.
Special Thanks to Adyton for sponsoring this episode!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here!
Anna Papalia- The Art (and Science) of Interviewing
Anna Papalia, author of Interviewology: The New Science of Interviewing, joins Joe to discuss her new book and help leaders get better at interviews. Joe and Anna talk about:
- The Four Interview Styles: Charmers, Challengers, Harmonizers, and Examiners
- Top interview myths
- Why we need self-awareness
- Leveraging your interview style and how to avoid the pitfalls that comes with it
- The importance of using the STAR method when answering questions
- ...and much more!
Anna Papalia is the CEO of Interviewology, a keynote speaker, and a career influencer with over 1.9 million followers across social media platforms. She has worked with large companies, such as Cigna and Lincoln Financial, and taught at Temple University’s Fox School of Business for 12 years, where she collected research and discovered the four interview styles. As a former Director of Talent Acquisition turned career coach, she has vast experience on both sides of the interview table and knows what it takes to interview better. She has advised more than 10,000 clients, helping students, entrepreneurs, senior executives, and job seekers in all industries, and taught hundreds of corporate training sessions dedicated to training hiring managers how to interview.
Today's Sponsors:
Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer- Family, Service, and Growth
Sergeant Major of the Army, Sergeant Major Michael Weimer joins the show to discuss what he's learned from his decades of experience in the Army and how family, mentors, and self-reflection have helped him grow into the leader he is today. Joe and Weimer also talk about:
- Why the military can be "the family business"
- Weimer's biggest obstacle in his career
- The importance of being present at work and at home
- Managing the tension between family and professional obligations
- Balancing accountability with empathy
- Why tough conversations lead to growth
- The power of self-reflection
- and much more!
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer was sworn in as the 17th Sergeant Major of the Army on Aug. 4, 2023. Weimer’s most recent assignment was serving as the Command Sergeant Major for U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Throughout his career he has served in a variety of positions from team member to Command Sergeant Major of Special Operations Joint Task Force Afghanistan, to Command Senior Enlisted Leader of U.S. Special Operations Command Central.
As the Sergeant Major of the Army, Weimer is the Army chief of staff's personal adviser on matters affecting the enlisted force. He devotes the majority of his time traveling throughout the Army to observe training and interact with Soldiers and their Families. Weimer is the public face of the U.S. Army's Noncommissioned Officer Corps, representing the NCO Corps to the American people in the media and through business and community engagements.
He enlisted in the Army in 1993 and successfully completed Special Forces Assessment and Selection in 1994. He graduated the Special Forces Weapons Sergeant Course and earned his Green Beret in 1996. His previous assignments include tours with 7th Special Forces Group, and nearly 20 years in Special Mission Units.
Weimer’s military education includes all levels of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System, Sergeants Major Course, Executive Leader Course, Summit Course, Military Free-Fall Jumpmaster Course, Static Line Jumpmaster Course, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (HIGH RISK), and Air Assault School. Weimer is a graduate of Norwich University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis.
His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (2nd award) with Combat device (1st award), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Valor (2nd award), Bronze Star Medal (5th award), Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Joint Service Commendation Medal with "C" device, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (8th award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3rd award), Iraq Campaign Medal (3rd award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (5th award), NATO Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantry Badge, Military Freefall Jumpmaster Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
Weimer is married and has two children.
Today's Sponsors:
Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for uni
Juliet Funt- Quit Checking Your Work Emails on Vacation!
Juliet Funt, author of A Minute to Think, returns to the podcast to discuss tactics for leaders to integrate healthy work behaviors into their organizations and the surprising benefits of setting boundaries on our digital availability. Joe and Juliet also talk about:
- Disconnecting during vacations to be present
- Negative impacts of reading and responding to work emails after hours
- The power of "wedges" in our daily lives
- Leadership and the power dynamic with weekend emails and after-hour texts
- The importance of taking breaks from work
- How to avoid the "Email Shadow" on weekends and vacations
- The role of organizational culture in preventing burnout
- ...and much more!!!
Juliet Funt is the author of A Minute to Think, nominated for the Next Big Idea Club curated by Malcolm Gladwell, Dan Pink, Susan Cain and Adam Grant. She is an evangelist for freeing the potential of companies by unburdening their talent from busywork, and she has brought her powerful concepts to Spotify, National Geographic, Anthem, Vans, Abbott, Costco, Pepsi, Nike, Wells Fargo, Sephora, Sysco, and ESPN. She’s also been featured in top media outlets such as Forbes, CNBC, and Fast Company, Juliet Funt is a globally renowned keynote speaker, tough-love advisor to the Fortune 500, and founder and CEO of the efficiency training firm, Juliet Funt Group.
Brian Jay Jones- Lessons From Dr. Seuss
New York Times Bestselling biographer Brian Jay Jones joins Joe to discuss George Lucas: A Life, Becoming Dr. Seuss, and Jim Henson: The Biography. Brian and Joe talk about the lessons we can learn from Lucas, Dr. Seuss, and Henson:
- Overcoming self-doubt and leveraging the power of frustration
- Paying attention to our life's purpose
- The power of doing the work even the when the results aren't immediate
- Appreciating the creative journey, not just the end product
- Innovation and flexibility of thought can lead to major breakthroughs
- Recognizing the role of important relationships in our lives
- ....and much more!!
Brian Jay Jones is known for covering iconic creative geniuses who have made indelible contributions to pop culture. He has explored the lives and legacies of Jim Henson, George Lucas, Washington Irving, and Dr. Seuss for serious fans and newcomers alike.
His most recent book, Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination (Dutton, 2019), has been celebrated as “nuanced, profoundly human” (NPR), “compelling [and] sweeping in scope” (The New Yorker), and “a rich, anecdotal biography” (Kirkus).
His previous book, George Lucas: A Life (Little, Brown, 2016) was named one of Kirkus‘s Best Books of 2016. The first comprehensive biography of the influential creator of Star Wars and Indiana Jones in nearly two decades, George Lucas: A Life was praised as “definitive” (New York Times), “whiz-bang” (People), “must-read” (Parade) and deemed by Rolling Stone as “the one biography for casual and die-hard [Star Wars] fans alike.
Brian lives in New Mexico where he is presently working on a history of the U.S. Capitol. You can find him running his mouth on Twitter at @brianjayjones, and @OfficialBrianJayJones on Facebook
Learn more about Brian at www.brianjayjones.com
Jacquelyn Lane and Scott Osman- Becoming Coachable
Jacquelyn Lane and Scott Osman, authors of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Becoming Coachable: Unleashing the Power of Executive Coaching To Transform Your Leadership and Life join Joe to discuss:
- The difference between mentoring and coaching (and why this matters)
- How power dynamics can impact leader feedback
- Uncovering your blindspots before they get you in trouble
- Misconceptions about executive coaching
- Being prepared to be coached
- Why leaders need accountability
- How to go from rising to flourishing
- ...and much more!
Jacquelyn Lane is the president of the 100 Coaches Agency and codesigner of their proprietary curation process and relationship-first philosophy. She has been with the agency since its founding and is a critical pillar of the 100 Coaches Community. Jacquelyn comes to the world of executive coaching through her previous roles in the energy industry and lifelong commitment to improving the lives of all people by elevating the quality of leadership.
Scott Osman is the founder and CEO of the 100 Coaches Agency and codesigner of their proprietary curation process and the company’s relationship-first philosophy. In his role as CEO, he establishes the vision for the company, leads partnerships and business development, and serves as a leading light of the 100 Coaches Community, which he cofounded with Marshall Goldsmith in 2016. He is the cofounder of Methods by 100 Coaches, the online learning platform.
Learn more at BecomingCoachable.com
Nick Hutchison-The Episode for People Who Don't Read Books
Nick Hutchison, author of Rise of the Reader: Strategies for Mastering Your Reading Habits and Applying What You learn joins Joe to talk about the power of books. In this episode Nick and Joe talk about:
- Why reading helps us maximize our potential
- Ways to solve some of our most troubling problems
- Where to find the time to read each day
- How to create good habits and get rid of the bad ones
- How to read over 25 books a year
- Strategies for implementing lessons from books into our lives
- Book sex (Yes, you read that right)
- Daily life hacks Nick's learned from reading
Nick Hutchison stands as the visionary force behind BookThinkers, a growing 7-figure marketing agency that seamlessly bridges the worlds of authors and readers.
In just over 7 years, he has organically built a platform that reaches over 1,000,000 people each month. Nick's podcast, BookThinkers: Life-Changing Books, is a global top 2% show that features captivating interviews with world-class authors such as Grant Cardone, Lewis Howes, and Alex Hormozi.
Through the use of his platform, Nick has helped hundreds of authors expand their reach to hundreds of millions of readers and drive significant revenue growth as part of their book campaigns. His services include short-form video production, podcast booking and social media book reviews.
Now, Nick has dedicated his life to helping millions of readers take action on the information they learn and rise to their potential through his books, speaking, and personal brand as a whole. This was the inspiration for his new book, Rise of the Reader, where he dives into the strategies for mastering your reading habits and applying what you learn. Learn more at bookthinkers.com
Austin Kleon- The Idiot's Guide to Being Creative
New York Times besetselling author Austin Kleon joins Joe to discuss how all of us can become more creative people. In this episode Joe and Austin talk about:
- The importance of reading widely
- Why routines matter
- The power inside of our old green notebooks
- "Scenius" is better than genius
- Tension makes us better
- How uniforms influence our behavior
- Being present in our personal and professional lives
Austin Kleon is the New York Times bestselling author of a trilogy of illustrated books about creativity in the digital age: Steal Like An Artist, Show Your Work!, and Keep Going. He’s also the author of Newspaper Blackout, a collection of poems made by redacting the newspaper with a permanent marker. His books have been translated into dozens of languages and have sold over a million copies worldwide. He’s been featured on NPR’s Morning Edition, PBS Newshour, and in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. New York Magazine called his work “brilliant,” The Atlantic called him “positively one of the most interesting people on the Internet,” and The New Yorker said his poems “resurrect the newspaper when everybody else is declaring it dead.” He speaks for organizations such as Pixar, Google, SXSW, TEDx, and The Economist. In previous lives, he worked as a librarian, a web designer, and an advertising copywriter. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and sons. (Bio Courtesy of www.austinkleon.com)
Lieutenant General Jonathan Braga- Professional Impatience
Lieutenant General Jonathan Braga, the commander of United States Army Special Operations Command joins Joe to share lessons from his military career. Joe and LTG Braga cover a wide-range of topics to include:
- Regrets and self-selecting out of opportunities
- Not being satisfied with the status quo
- Where great ideas come from
- The performance triad
- Managing the tension between work and personal life
- Getting ideas from books
- Staying curious
- Myths about SOF
Lt. Gen. Jonathan P. Braga assumed command, August 13, 2021, of U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Prior to commanding USASOC, Braga held the position of deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific in August of 2020. Previous to that, he served as the commander of Special Operations Command Pacific.
Braga was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts in June 1969. He attended the United States Military Academy and was commissioned as an infantry officer in 1991.
Braga served in multiple positions as an infantry officer as part of the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea and the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California. Following these assignments, he graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course and went on to serve in multiple command
positions in the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and in Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico from 1995-2001. He completed numerous deployments and humanitarian relief operations throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Upon completion of this tour he returned to Fort Bragg, to serve in a United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Special Mission Unit (SMU) and completed multiple deployments as a task force commander to Afghanistan and Iraq for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Willing Spirit in Colombia from 2002-2005. He then achieved his master’s at the Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island. Following this assignment, he served as the operations officer for the Joint Reconnaissance Task Force as part of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) in Washington, DC and deployed to lead a Special Operations Task Force across three geographical commands from 2006-2008.
He then returned to Fort Bragg and served in several command and staff positions in the same USASOC SMU from 2008-2012. Afterwards, Lt. Gen. Braga would go on to serve as an Army War College Special Operations fellow at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California.
Lt. Gen. Braga served as the garrison commander of the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, CA from 2013- 2015 and subsequently as the chief of staff at JSOC from 2015-2017. Braga also served as the director of operations, Combined Joint Task Force—Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq.
Eduardo Briceño- How to Avoid the Performance Paradox
Eduardo Briceño joins the show to discuss his book, the Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action. He explains that if we focus only on performing, our performance suffers, which is why he coined the term "the performance paradox." Joe and Eduardo discuss the difference between fixed and growth mindsets, how to avoid falling into the chronic performance trap, and what leaders can do to promote a culture of learning, experimentation, and feedback.
Eduardo Briceño is a global keynote speaker, facilitator, and author who guides many of the world’s leading companies in developing cultures of learning and high performance. For over a decade he was the CEO of Mindset Works, the first company to offer growth mindset development services. His TED and TEDx talks have been viewed more than nine million times. He was shortlisted by Thinkers50—described by the Financial Times as the “Oscars of management thinking”—for the Breakthrough Idea Award, given every two years to thinkers who “have ignited Eureka moments in management, offering radical ideas that have the potential to reshape the future of business as we know it.” His book, The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action, was selected as a "Must-Read" by the Next Big Idea Club, which is curated by Susan Cain, Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant, and Daniel Pink.
Earlier in his career, he was a technology investor with Credit Suisse’s venture capital arm. Prior to that he was an investment banking analyst with DLJ. He holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as an MBA and M.A. in education from Stanford.
.
Massimo Pigliucci- Can Character Be Developed?
Massimo Pigliucci, author of The Quest for Character: What the Story of Socrates and Alcibiades Teaches Us About Our Search for Good Leaders, joins the show to answer a three thousand year old question: Are we born with good character or can we develop it? Professor Pigliucci and Joe discuss how the ancient Greeks and Romans approached character development and how and their ancient teachings can help us live better lives today.
Prof. Pigliucci has a PhD in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Connecticut and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Tennessee. He currently is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His research interests include the philosophy of science, the nature of pseudoscience, and practical philosophies like Stoicism and New Skepticism.
Prof. Pigliucci has been elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science “for fundamental studies of genotype by environmental interactions and for public defense of evolutionary biology from pseudo-scientific attack.”
In the area of public outreach, Prof. Pigliucci has published in national and international outlets such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal, among others. He is a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and a Contributing Editor to Skeptical Inquirer. He writes on practical and general philosophy at Medium.
At last count, Prof. Pigliucci has published 176 technical papers in science and philosophy. He is also the author or editor of 16 books, including the best selling How to Be A Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life (Basic Books). Other titles include Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk (University of Chicago Press), and The Quest for Character: What the Story of Socrates and Alcibiades Teaches Us about Our Search for Good Leaders (Basic Books).
General Wayne Eyre- Read, Write, and Lead
General Wayne Eyre, the Chief of the Defense Staff for Canada, joins Joe to share over three decades worth of leadership lessons, including how reading, writing, and reflection have shaped his career. They also talk about what it means to be a professional in today’s military, the importance of holistic health and fitness for leaders, and why failure is a great teacher.
Gen Eyre joined Army Cadets at age 12 and has been in uniform ever since. Gen Eyre attended Royal Roads Military College Victoria and Royal Military College of Canada Kingston. Upon commissioning in 1988 he joined the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), and has had the great privilege of spending the majority of his career in command or deputy command positions, including commanding 3 PPCLI, 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, 3rd Canadian Division and Joint Task Force West, Deputy Commanding General – Operations for XVIII (U.S.) Airborne Corps, Deputy Commander United Nations Command in Korea, Deputy and for a short time Commander of Military Personnel Command, and Commander Canadian Army. He has been in the Chief of the Defence Staff role since February 24, 2021.
Operationally, Gen Eyre has commanded a rifle platoon with the United Nations Force in Cyprus; 2 PPCLI's Reconnaissance Platoon with the UN Protection Force in Croatia (including the Medak Pocket); a rifle company in Bosnia with NATO's Stabilization Force; the Canadian Operational Mentor and Liaison Team in Kandahar, Afghanistan advising 1-205 Afghan National Army Brigade in combat; as the Commanding General of NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan, where he oversaw the force generation, institutional training, and professional development of the Afghan National Security Forces; and as the first non-U.S. Deputy Commander of United Nations Command Korea in its 69 year history, and as such was the most senior Canadian officer ever permanently stationed in the Asia Pacific region. Among various domestic operations, he was the military liaison to the Government of Manitoba for the 1997 floods, commanded a company fighting the 1998 British Columbia wildfires, commanded the Task Force that secured the 2010 G8 Summit, and commanded the military response to both the 2015 Saskatchewan wildfires and the 2016 Fort McMurray, Alberta evacuation.
As a staff officer, Gen Eyre has served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, Land Force Western Area Headquarters, in the Directorate of Defence Analysis at NDHQ, and as the J3 of Canadian Expeditionary Force Command. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Special Forces Qualification Course, the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College, the U.S. Marine Corps School of Advanced Warfighting, and the U.S. Army War College. He holds a Bachelor of Science and three master's degrees (Military Studies, Operational Studies and Strategic Studies). His decorations include the Commander of the Order of Military Merit, the Meritorious Service Cross, the Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation, the Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation, the Order of National Security Merit from South Korea, the French National Order of Merit in the rank of Commander, and was three times awarded the U.S. Legion of Merit, including in the rank of Commander.
Billy Oppenheimer- The Power of Reading
Billy Oppenheimer joins Joe for a discussion about books and the positive influence they can have in our lives. Billy and Joe share the lessons they have learned from reading about Disney Pixar, Bob Dylan, General Patton, Dr. Seuss, The Lumineers, George Lucas, and many others. They also talk about the importance of writing and reflection for personal growth
Billy Oppenheimer is the writing/research assistant to Ryan Holiday. He's also the author of the weekly newsletter, The Six at Six on Sunday.
Marshall Goldsmith- When Ambition No Longer Cuts It
Marshall Goldsmith joins Joe to discuss his latest book, The Earned Life and what he's learned about life and leadership over the course his career as an executive coach. Joe and Marshall cover a wide range of important topics to include why we need to understand what motivates us, the relationship between power and ego, and the difference between ambition and aspiration.
Marshall Goldsmith has been recognized as one of the Top Ten Business Thinkers in the World and the top-rated executive coach at the Thinkers50 ceremony in London since 2011. Published in 2015, his book Triggers is a Wall Street Journal and New York Times #1 Bestseller! He’s also the author of New York Times best seller and #1 Wall Street Journal Business Book What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, winner of the Harold Longman Award as Best Business Book of the Year.
Ben Milligan- Special Operators, Innovators, and Underdogs
Ben Milligan, author of By Water Beneath the Walls: The Rise of the Navy SEALs, joins Joe to discuss the history of the Navy SEALs, how they influenced special operations in the US Military, and why their history matters today. Ben also shares his inspirational story of how he researched and wrote this book (his first one) while working a full-time job and raising a family.
Ben Milligan became a US Navy SEAL in 2001 and served until 2009. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star and other awards. A native of Indianapolis, he received a BA in History at Purdue University and an MA in International Relations at the University of San Diego. He currently lives in the Chicago area with his three sons. This is his first book.
Oliver Burkeman- Time Management for Mortals
Oliver Burkeman, the bestselling author of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals joins Joe to discuss the problem of people not having enough time and the elusive work/life balance. He shares why most time optimization techniques make our lives worse off and offers a new way to approach time management that will help us live meaningful lives.
Oliver Burkeman is a British author and journalist, formerly writing the weekly column "This Column Will Change Your Life" for the newspaper The Guardian.
Sally Jenkins- What Sports Teach Us About Work and Life
Award-winning journalist Sally Jenkins joins the Joe to discuss her newest book: The Right Call: What Sports Teach Us About Work and Life. In this episode, she shares key insights on performance that's she's learned from decades of observing, interviewing, and analyzing elite coaches and playmakers, such as Bill Belichick, Peyton Manning, Michael Phelps, and many others.
Sally Jenkins is an award-winning journalist for The Washington Post and is the author and co-author of 12 books, including four bestsellers. In 2012 she published the No.1 bestseller Sum it Up with legendary basketball coach Pat Summitt, shortly after Summitt was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.
Born in Texas and raised in New York City, she is the daughter of legendary sportswriter and novelist Dan Jenkins, who carted her to various championships on summer vacations. She graduated with a degree in English Literature from Stanford University in 1982 and launched a career in newspapers that began with a stint as an assistant to a Hollywood gossip columnist, and later branched out to include coverage of the 9-11 terrorist strike on New York, Hurricane Katrina, and profiles of various political figures for the Washington Post, including Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, and Howard Dean.
In 2005 Jenkins became the first woman ever inducted into the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame. She is a six-time winner of Columnist of the Year awards from the Associated Press (2001, 2003, 2010, 2011) and the Society of Professional Journalists (2001, 2011). In 2013 she won first place from the Associated Press sports editors for a special investigative project she conceived on the inverted world of medical care in the National Football League, entitled "Do No Harm." Her magazine work has appeared in Smithsonian, GQ, Sports Illustrated, and Parade. She lives in Sag Harbor, New York, for the waters.
Chloe Gavin- The WWII Diary of Lieutenant General James Gavin
In this special All American Week episode of the podcast, Chloe Gavin joins Joe to discuss the recently published Gavin at War: The WWII diary of Lieutenant General James M. Gavin. Chloe shares why she chose to publish her father's deeply personal journal and why leaders today can benefit from reading it. They also talk about the legacy of the 82nd Airborne Division, leadership lessons from Gavin's diary, and why leaders need to be okay with making mistakes.
Lieutenant General James Gavin, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division during WWII, is one of the best-known figures of the war. Beginning as the commander of the 505th Parachute Combat Team that spearheaded the American assault on Sicily in July 1943, Gavin advanced to division command and finally command of US forces in Berlin. He kept a wartime diary that starts in April 1943, as the unit was preparing to go to northern Africa and continues through to his final entry on September 1, 1945, during the occupation of Berlin.
Kevin Kelly- Wisdom I Wish I'd Known Earlier
Kevin Kelly, author of Excellent Advice for Living: Wisdom I'd Wish I'd Known Earlier joins Joe to discuss his latest book and share the lessons he's learned from over seven decades on this planet. Kevin and Joe cover everything from finding lost car keys to goal-setting to the importance of writing our thoughts down to understand what we think.
Kevin Kelly is Senior Maverick at Wired magazine. He co-founded Wired in 1993, and served as its Executive Editor for its first seven years. His newest book is Excellent Advice for Living, a book of 450 modern proverbs for good living. He is co-chair of The Long Now Foundation, a membership organization that champions long-term thinking and acting as a good ancestor to future generations. And he is founder of the popular Cool Tools website, which has been reviewing tools daily for 20 years. From 1984-1990 Kelly was publisher and editor of the Whole Earth Review, a subscriber-supported journal of unorthodox conceptual news. He co-founded the ongoing Hackers’ Conference, and was involved with the launch of the WELL, a pioneering online service started in 1985. Other books by Kelly include 1) The Inevitable, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, 2) Out of Control, his 1994 classic book on decentralized emergent systems, 3) The Silver Cord, a graphic novel about robots and angels, 4) What Technology Wants, a robust theory of technology, and 5) Vanishing Asia, his 50-year project to photograph the disappearing cultures of Asia. He is best known for his radical optimism about the future. (Bio Courtesy of Kevin's Website)
Dustin Diefenderfer- Pushing the Limits of Your Performance
The CEO of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab joins Joe to discuss ways in which individuals can improve their overall performance through proper fitness programming, nutrition, and sleep. Dustin also shares his leadership lessons from growing a company, while also balancing his mental well-being and his commitment to his family.
MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab was founded by Dustin Diefenderfer to help individuals become more mentally tough, believing this is the key for them to reach their specific personal and professional goals. “Ever since I was young, I noticed certain people had something others didn’t. I wanted to know how they got it… and how to help other people get it. That’s why I built MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab. To be the best in the world at mental toughness...ultimately, so our customers can have a better life.”
Dustin’s areas of expertise include ultra running and mountain and hunting conditioning. Dustin has completed numerous ultra marathons and marathons, running 12 in one year to support his work in Africa. He has spent his entire life pursuing his passions in the mountains of the Western United States. “Hunting has always been my passion, and backcountry hunting has tested my mental toughness like nothing else. Without a doubt, it has made me a better man."
Dustin is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer. His overall philosophy is based on work ethic, grit, and helping his clients learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable. “The goal isn't to look fit; the goal is to actually be fit. Endurance and resilience is what we are after, and most importantly resilience of the mind. If you work for it, looking better will certainly happen, but forging an unbeatable mind is the primary objective. It is about training your mind so that it is on your side, not working against you.” (Bio courtesy of mtntough.com)
Dr. Lisa Miller- The Awakened Brain
Dr. Lisa Miller, the author of The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain, joins Joe in this powerful episode to discuss the science behind spirituality. Dr. Miller shares her findings on the neurological effects of spirituality and how it can help combat depression and anxiety, make us more resilient, and lead us to living more fulfilling lives.
Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology, and has held over a decade of joint appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical School. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Cerebral Cortex, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Dr. Miller is Editor of the Oxford University Press Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality, Founding Co-Editor-in-Chief of the APA journal Spirituality in Clinical Practice, an elected Fellow of The American Psychological Association (APA) and the two-time President of the APA Society for Psychology and Spirituality. A graduate of Yale University and University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her doctorate under the founder of positive psychology, Martin Seligman, she has served as Principal Investigator on multiple grant funded research studies. Dr. Miller speaks and consults around The Awakened Brain and The Spiritual Child for the US Military, businesses (including tech, finance, HR and sales), personal development, faith based organizations, schools and universities, and for mental health and wellness initiatives. (Bio Courtesy of www.Lisamillerphd.com)
Melissa Urban- Setting Professional Boundaries
Melissa Urban, the CEO of Whole30 and author of The Book of Boundaries: Set the Limits That Will Set You Free, joins Joe to discuss the importance of setting boundaries in our professional lives so that we can avoid burnout, be present at home, and show up to work as the best version of ourselves. Melissa and Joe talk about how to approach boundary setting to include asking your boss not to call, email, or send texts messages after hours and how leaders can model this behavior within their organizations.
Melissa is a New York Times best-selling author who specializes in helping people establish healthy boundaries and successfully navigate habit change. She has been featured by the New York Times, People, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Today Show, and Good Morning America, and, and is a prominent keynote speaker on boundaries, building community, health trends, and entrepreneurship. She lives in Salt Lake City, UT with her husband, son, and a poodle named Henry. Learn more about her and her work at her website.
Mark Manson- Life Advice that Doesn't Suck
Mark Manson, author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, joins Joe to discuss the lessons he's learned about life from spending the last decade giving advice on everything from relationships to resiliency. Joe and Mark talk about happiness, finding purpose, and ways to increase perspective. Mark also shares insights he gained working with Will Smith on his bestselling memoir, Will.
Mark is the three-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, as well as other titles. His books have sold around 20 million copies, been translated into more than 65 languages, and reached number one in more than a dozen countries. In 2023, a feature film about his life and ideas was released worldwide by Universal Pictures.
Joe McCormack- Are You Living a Distracted Life?
Joe McCormack, author of BRIEF: Make a Bigger Impact By Saying Less, returns to the podcast to discuss his follow-up book NOISE: Living and Leading when Nobody Can Focus. He shares how our electronic devices are hijacking our ability to focus, talks about the concept of infobesity, and offers ideas on how we can be deliberate about where we invest our attention.
Joe McCormack is on a mission to help organizations master lean communication. In an age of shrinking attention spans, non-stop interruptions, and floods of information, the messages business and military leaders send out are getting lost in a sea of words.
An experienced marketing executive, successful entrepreneur and author, Joe is recognized for his work in narrative messaging and strategic communications. His book, “BRIEF: Make a Bigger Impact by Saying Less”(Wiley, 2014) tackles the timeliness of the “less is more” mandate. Because even expert communication can be thwarted by an audience that has lost the capacity to pay attention, he follows up with a pragmatic guide to managing a distraction-filled environment in “NOISE: Living and leading when nobody can focus” (Wiley, 2020).
He speaks at diverse industry and client forums on the topics of brevity, storytelling, change and leadership. A passionate leader, he founded The BRIEF Lab in 2013 after years dedicated to developing and delivering a unique curriculum on executive communications for U.S. Army Special Operations Command (Ft. Bragg, NC). He actively counsels military leaders and senior executives on effective, efficient communication and produces a weekly podcast series called “Just Saying”.
The BRIEF Lab’s mission is to help organizations master concise communication to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness. His clients include Mastercard, Grainger, Boeing, Harley-Davidson, TransUnion, BMO Harris Bank, DuPont and a variety of U.S. military units. Previously, he served as SVP, Corporate Marketing at Ketchum, a top-five marketing agency in Chicago, where he directed its corporate marketing practice and introduced new service models to enhance messaging and deepen relationships with market influencers.
He received a BA in English Literature from Loyola University of Chicago where he graduated with honors. He is fluent in Spanish and has broad international experience. He lives in Pinehurst, NC.
Seth Godin- The Practice
The extraordinary Seth Godin joins Joe to discuss the importance of focusing on the practice over outcomes, why the process matters, and how we can create buy-in within our organizations. Seth also explains why writing is important habit to develop in our personal and professional lives.
Seth Godin is the author of nineteen international bestsellers that have been translated into over 35 languages and have changed the way people think about marketing and work. He’s a recent inductee the Marketing Hall of Fame, and a member of the Direct Marketing Hall of Fame, and the Guerilla Marketing Hall of Fame.
In addition to writing and speaking, Seth was founder and CEO of Squidoo.com. His blog www.sethgodin.com is the most popular marketing blog in the world. Before his work as a writer and blogger, Godin was Vice President of Direct Marketing at Yahoo!
Joe Hart- How to Take Command
Joe Hart, the President and CEO of Dale Carnegie & Associates, joins the show to discuss his recently published book, Take Command: Find Your Inner Strength, Build Enduring Relationships, and Live the Life You Want. Joe and Joe talk about the importance of gaining control of our thoughts and emotions, daily habits, and how to ask for feedback from other people.
Joe Hart is the President/CEO of Dale Carnegie & Associates. Since 1912, Dale Carnegie Training has helped millions of people and businesses around the world improve their performance. In over 80 countries and in more than 30 languages, the company applies Dale Carnegie's founding principles to inspire individual and organizational transformation, excellence, and success by tapping into each person's potential. Take command of your business performance, career, and your future by visiting DaleCarnegie.com to learn more.
Command Sergeant Major JoAnn Naumann- When Adversity Strikes
Command Sergeant Major JoAnn Naumann shares her powerful story of coming to the realization that something wasn't right internally and if she wanted to lead others, she needed to begin with herself. Joe and JoAnn discuss stigmas with asking for help, the importance of habits and rituals, and setting professional boundaries.
Steven Pressfield- The Story We Tell Ourselves
Steven Pressfield returns to the podcast to discuss his newest book, Govt Cheese: A Memoir. He recounts his decades-long journey in "the wilderness", working as a truck driver, apple picker, and struggling screenwriter, before discovering his true calling. Joe and Steven discuss the stories we tell ourselves when faced with failure and how hard work can be our saving grace.
About Steven (@SPressfield)
Steven Pressfield is the author of The Legend of Bagger Vance, Gates of Fire, Tides of War, Last of the Amazons, Virtues of War, The Afghan Campaign, Killing Rommel, The Profession, The Lion’s Gate, The War of Art, Turning Pro, Do the Work, The Warrior Ethos, The Authentic Swing, An American Jew, Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t, The Knowledge, The Artist’s Journey, and A Man at Arms
His debut novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance, was adapted for screen. A film of the same title was released in 2000, directed by Robert Redford and starring Matt Damon, Will Smith and Charlize Theron.
His struggles to earn a living as a writer (it took seventeen years to get the first paycheck) are detailed in The War of Art, Turning Pro, The Authentic Swing, Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t, and The Knowledge.
Jesse and Emily Cole - Leading with the Savannah Bananas
Jesse and Emily Cole, the owners of the the world famous Savannah Bananas, share how they bet on their vision and themselves to create one of the most popular teams in sports history. In this special Bananas takeover of the podcast, the Coles talk about how they revolutionized the game of baseball by pulling in lessons outside their industry, reframing their concept of failure, and placing fans first in everything they do. They also share their approach to parenting and the fulfillment they've gained though being foster parents.
The Savannah Bananas are an exhibition baseball team based in Savannah, Georgia. The team was founded in 2016 and has played at Grayson Stadium since its inaugural season. Until 2022, the Bananas competed in the Coastal Plain League's (CPL) West division, where they won three Petitt Cup championships (2016, 2021, and 2022). The team has sold out every game since the first season in Savannah and every city on the Banana Ball World Tour. The team has been featured by ESPN, The Wall Street Journal, and Sports Illustrated because of its on-field hijinks and viral videos.
James Patterson- Pursuing Your Passion
Bestselling author James Patterson joins Joe to discuss his memoir, James Patterson by James Patterson: Stories of My Life. In the interview they discuss how James walked away from a successful first career in advertising to pursue his love for telling stories. Patterson also shares lessons he learned coauthoring books with President Clinton and Dolly Parton. Finally, he shares the approach he used to get his son into reading books and offers advice to parents on getting kids to put down their devices and pick up a book.
James Patterson is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. His books have sold in excess of 375 million copies worldwide. He is the author of some of the most popular series of the past two decades – the Alex Cross, Women’s Murder Club, Detective Michael Bennett and Private novels – and he has written many other number one bestsellers including romance novels and stand-alone thrillers.
James is passionate about encouraging children to read. Inspired by his own son who was a reluctant reader, he also writes a range of books for young readers including the Middle School, I Funny, Treasure Hunters, Dog Diaries and Max Einstein series. James has donated millions in grants to independent bookshops and has been the most borrowed author of adult fiction in UK libraries for the past eleven years in a row. He lives in Florida with his wife and son.
Ryan Holiday- Discipline is Destiny
Bestselling author Ryan Holiday discusses his newest book Discipline is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control. He makes the case that in a world where most things are literally at our fingertips, discipline becomes a virtue of great importance. It’s what helps us remain in check and avoid ruin, imbalance, dysfunction, or dependency.
Ryan Holiday is one of the world's bestselling living philosophers. His books like The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, The Daily Stoic, and the #1 New York Times bestseller Stillness Is the Key appear in more than 40 languages and have sold more than 5 million copies. Together, they've spent over 300 weeks on the bestseller lists. He lives outside Austin with his wife and two boys...and a small herd of cows and donkeys and goats. His bookstore, The Painted Porch, sits on historic Main St in Bastrop, Texas.
Juliet Funt- Can We Find a Minute to Think?
Juliet Funt, the author of A Minute to Think: Reclaim Creativity, Conquer Busyness, and Do Your Best Work discusses the need for leaders and organizations to embrace white space on their calendars. Juliet and Joe also talk about the reasons why people feel the need to fill schedules with activity and how that can actually become a road block to success.
Featured in top media outlets such as Forbes, CNBC, and Fast Company, Juliet Funt is a globally renowned keynote speaker, tough-love advisor to the Fortune 500, founder and CEO of the efficiency training firm, Juliet Funt Group.
Juliet is the author of A Minute to Think, nominated for the Next Big Idea Club curated by Malcolm Gladwell, Dan Pink, Susan Cain and Adam Grant. She is an evangelist for freeing the potential of companies by unburdening their talent from busywork, and she has brought her powerful concepts to Spotify, National Geographic, Anthem, Vans, Abbott, Costco, Pepsi, Nike, Wells Fargo, Sephora, Sysco, and ESPN.
Andrew Muscato & Hans Bush- The Greatest Beer Run Ever
Hollywood Producer Andrew Muscatto and military advisor Hans Bush join the show to discuss The Greatest Beer Run Ever, a new movie starring Zac Efron and Russel Crowe that tells the story of Chickie Donahue and his mission to deliver beer to all of his neighborhood friends serving in Vietnam. Based on a true story, The Greatest Beer Run Ever recounts Chickie's unlikely but true story of his trip to the front lines in 1967 and the lessons he learned along the way.
The Greatest Beer Run Ever is currently in theaters and available on Apple TV+. Also, check out Andrew's short documentary on Chickie and his friends.
Anthony Zinni- A Life of Leadership
Retired Marine Corps General Anthony Zinni joins the show to share the lessons he learned from over four decades of public service. He provides leadership insights and stories that range from his experiences in the jungles of Vietnam to the headquarters of United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and years of working in the private sector.
Anthony Zinni is a retired Marine Corps 4-star General. He joined the Marine Corps’ Platoon Leader Class program in 1961 and was commissioned an infantry second lieutenant in 1965 upon graduation from Villanova University. He held numerous command and staff assignments that included platoon, company, battalion, regimental, Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Marine Expeditionary Force command. His staff assignments included service in operations, training, special operations, counter-terrorism, and manpower billets. He has been a tactics and operations instructor at several Marine Corps schools and was selected as a fellow on the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group. General Zinni’s joint assignments included command of a joint task force and a unified command. He has also had several joint and combined staff billets at task force and unified command levels.
His military service has taken him to over 70 countries and includes deployments to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Western Pacific, Northern Europe, and Korea. He has also served tours of duty in Okinawa and Germany. His operational experiences included two tours in Vietnam, where he was severely wounded; emergency relief and security operations in the Philippines; Operation Provide Comfort in Turkey and northern Iraq; Operation Provide Hope in the former Soviet Union; Operations Restore Hope, Continue Hope, and United Shield in Somalia; Operations Resolute Response and Noble Response in Kenya; Operations Desert Thunder, Desert Fox, Desert Viper, Desert Spring, Southern Watch, and Maritime Intercept Operations in Iraq and the Persian Gulf; and Operation Infinite Reach against terrorist targets in the Central Region. He was involved in the planning and execution of Operation Proven Force and Operation Patriot Defender during the Gulf War and noncombatant evacuation operations in Liberia, Zaire, Sierra Leone, and Eritrea.
He has attended numerous military schools and courses including the Army Special Warfare School, the Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the National War College.
General Zinni has held academic positions that include the Stanley Chair in Ethics at the Virginia Military Institute; the Nimitz Chair at the University of California-Berkeley; the Hofheimer Chair at the Joint Forces Staff College; the Weissberg Chair at Beloit College; the Harriman Professor of Government Chair and membership on the Reves Center for International Studies at the College of William and Mary; membership on the board of Villanova University’s Center for Responsible Leadership and Governance; and selection as a Carter O. Lowance Fellow in Law and Public Policy at the William and Mary Law School. He has also lectured at numerous colleges and universities in the US and abroad.
General Zinni retired from the military in 2000 after commanding the US Central Command.
Dr. Cassie Holmes- How to Fight Time Poverty
Dr. Cassie Holmes, an expert on time and happiness, joins Joe to discuss her recently published book, Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most. She provides useful advice for those who find themselves feeling like they spend all their time working and don't have any time or energy left for the things that bring them happiness.
Sanyin Siang- What is Your Superpower?
Sanyin Siang's mission in life is to enable greatness in others. In this episode, Sanyin and Joe discuss how each of us has a unique set of superpowers that are waiting to be unleashed. She believes that once we understand our superpowers, we can improve our lives and the lives of those around us.
If you want to learn more, check out Sanyin's biweekly newsletter, The Leadership Playbook: Unleashing Your Superpowers
Arthur C. Brooks- Are You Addicted to Success?
Many of us are success addicts and we don't even know it. Arthur C. Brooks, author of From Strength to Strength, joins the show to discuss why our brains are wired to chase achievement and how it can negatively impact our overall happiness. He also shares where we should focus our lives to find more fulfillment.
Victoria Wellman- How to Become a Better Public Speaker
Victoria Wellman, the co-founder of The Oratory Laboratory and author of Before You Say Anything: The Untold Stories and Failproof Strategies of a Very Discreet Speechwriter joins the show to talk about the art of public speaking. Victoria and Joe discuss what people should know before they sit down to write their speech, tips for structuring, and considerations for delivery. She also shares some of the biggest mistakes people make when they stand up in front of a crowd and how to avoid them.
Who's Victoria?
She is the co-founder and President of The Oratory Laboratory, a boutique creative agency for public speakers based in Manhattan and servicing the world. She has crafted speeches for influencers, politicians, entrepreneurs, Olympians, NFL stars, astronauts, rap stars, artists, and activists, and has garnered media attention from The Today Show, Martha Stewart, CNN, NPR, NBC, ABC and CBS News. A professionally trained actress, Wellman lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Susan Cain-Finding Strength in Pain
Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking joins the show to discuss her latest book Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole. Joe and Susan talk about the power of harnessing our pain and struggles and turning them into creativity, connection, and transcendence.
Kyle Scheele- How to Host a Viking Funeral
Kyle Scheele, author of How to Host a Viking Funeral: The Case for Burning Your Regrets, Chasing Your Crazy Ideas, and Becoming the Person You're Meant to Be joins the podcast to tell the inspiring story of when he asked people to send him their life's regrets to burn in a viking funeral featuring a 30-foot viking ship he built out of cardboard. Kyle received over 20k responses from around the world and shares what he learned about letting go of the past so that we can live a more fulfilling life.
Eric Barker-Learning How to Play Well With Others
Best-selling author and popular blogger Eric Barker joins Joe to discuss his latest book, Plays Well With Others, sharing what decades of research tells us about relationships and how we can build better ones in our own lives. In this episode, Joe and Eric cover first impressions, romantic relationships, friendships, and the importance of being a member of a community.
Check out Eric's blog here!
Looking to learn about more books like Eric's? Check out Joe's Monthly Reading List Email. Each month he recommends 3-5 new (and ancient) titles that you can leverage to help you lead with the best version of yourself.
David Gergen- How Great Leaders are Made
David Gergen, former White House advisor to four different U.S. Presidents and New York Times- best selling author joins Joe to talk about his latest book Hearts Touched With Fire: How Great Leaders Are Made. In this episode David argues that leaders must take an inner journey to master themselves before leading others. He also shares what he learned working for Presidents Nixon, Reagan, and Clinton. After spending the last two decades sharing leadership lessons with his students at the Harvard Kennedy School, he now hopes to spread them more widely through his book and this podcast.
Looking for books to read to help you on your inner journey? Check out Joe's Monthly Reading List Email. Each month he recommends 3-5 new (and ancient) titles that you can leverage to help you lead with the best version of yourself.
MAJ. GEN. David Hodne- Culture, Communication, and Character
The commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division, Major General David Hodne joins the show to discuss the lessons he's learned shaping the complex cultures of the organizations he's lead in the military. He shares stories about changing the way privates meet their drill sergeants on the first day of basic training, how character counts more than resume, and how he develops leaders in the 4th Infantry Division. Finally, he explains why communication is an important skill for leaders to develop.
LT. GEN. Xavier Brunson and COL. (RET) Kirsten Brunson-Managing the Tension Between Work and Family
In this episode, Joe talks to the Brunsons about how they've managed their careers and their family, while both having served in the U.S. Army. LT. GEN. Brunson and Kirsten share lessons on communication, maintaining relationships with children, and emphasize the importance of counseling when couples feel stuck.
Danny Warshay- How to Solve Problems
Joe interviews Danny Warshay, the founding Executive Director of the Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship at Brown University and author of See, Solve, Scale: How Anyone Can Turn a Problem into a Breakthrough Success. In this episode, Danny explains how entrepreneurship is a process that anyone can learn, and that anyone can use to turn a problem into a solution with impact. Joe and Danny talk about why large organizations have antibodies against innovation and how leaders can use the see, solve, scale process to address unmet needs wherever they work.
Knight Campbell- Go Outside!
Knight Campbell, the founder and CEO of Cairn Leadership Strategies joins the show to discuss the untapped benefits of nature. Joe and Knight talk about how spending time outside can improve our mental health and help us become better leaders. He also shares how he uses expeditions to help leaders reach their full potential.
Tom Gordon- Turning Leadership Principles into Practice
Retired Marine Corps Colonel and Author Tom Gordon sits down with Joe to discuss how leadership concepts can be put into everyday practice. Additionally, he discusses the importance of knowing thyself, prioritizing reflection and professional reading, and other maxims found in his new book, Marine Maxims: Turning Leadership Principles Into Practice.
Mark Jacobsen- Growth Through Failure
Author and Air Force officer Mark Jacobsen joins Joe to discuss failure. Specifically, what it looks like, feels like, and how we can grow from it. Additionally, Mark talks with Joe about innovation and entrepreneurship, grappling with identity in the military, and his new book, Eating Glass: The Inner Journey Through Failure and Renewal.
Matt Paxton- The Psychology of Stuff
Television host and author Matt Paxton joins Joe to discuss methods for people to declutter their homes and organize their lives. He talks with Joe about the psychology of material possessions and how minimizing those possessions leads to a happier life. Additionally, he discusses overcoming adversity, maintaining positivity, and finding opportunities in the most unlikely places.
Todd Henry- Learning to Lead Creative People
Best-selling author Todd Henry joins Joe to discuss the role leaders play in an organization. He discusses the challenges people face when moving into leadership roles and how to overcome them. Additionally, Todd provides great actionable advice for aspiring leaders looking to get optimal outcomes from their organizations.
Jennifer Moss- Let's Talk About Burnout
Jennifer joins Joe to share why it's time to completely rethink burnout. She explains why it's an organizational problem to solve, and not an individual problem. They discuss the symptoms of burnout and Jennifer explains why self-care may not work. She also identifies the six root causes of burnout from her research and what leaders can do to address them.
Scott Howell- Team Chemistry Matters
Retired Air Force Lieutenant General Scott Howell joins the show to discuss some of the hard-won lessons he learned during his more than three decades of military service. He provides some insight into energy management for leaders, talks about how relationships influenced his career, and discusses some of lessons his mentors taught him about effective communication.
Steve Shenbaum- How to Build Teams with Humor
Steve Shenbaum, former actor and founder of Game on Nation, joins Joe to talk about life lessons he learned while working in Hollywood and why workplace culture is so important to effective communication. Additionally, the two discuss the “do's and don’ts” of team-building and a special guest joins the show for a lesson on the value of Improv.
Chris Hadfield- An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth
Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield talks with Joe about his journey to become an astronaut and how the lessons he learned in space influences how he lives life on earth. In this episode, Joe and Chris discuss the importance of perspective, preparing for the worst-case scenario, and managing the tension between family and professional careers. Chris also talks about his international best seller, An Astronaut's Guide to life on Earth and his new thriller novel, The Apollo Murders.
Charles Feltman- The Trust Episode
Charles Feltman, author of The Thin Book of Trust sits down with Joe and explains how trust is a competency that can be learned, improved, and practiced regularly. They also discuss Charles' four assessment domains of trust (care, sincerity, reliability, and competence) and why understanding these domains is necessary for leaders to increase team cohesion and effectiveness.
Kyle Stark- Creating a Culture of Development
Kyle Stark joins the show to talk about his experiences helping professional baseball players and coaches develop their inner and outer game. Kyle shares how he navigated the tension between development and performance during his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates and gives leaders some insights into how they can drive a culture of development for the teams they lead.
James Kerr- How to Build a High-Performance Team
James Kerr, the best-selling author of Legacy, joins the show to talk about about the role leaders play in developing high-performing teams. Joe and James discuss practical approaches, including ancient practices, that leaders at any level can adopt to take their culture to the next level. Finally, James and Joe talk about the importance of self-awareness and why reflection is a key component before a person takes charge of an organization.
Cassie Crosby-Reflection for Busy Leaders
Joe and Cassie talk about the power of reflection and what got in the way of realizing its benefits earlier in their careers. They also share the story behind their recently released book, My Green Notebook: “Know Thyself” Before Changing Jobs.
Major General Mick Ryan and Steve Leonard- The Science Fiction Episode
Major General Mick Ryan of the Australian Defence Force and Steve Leonard, the creator of Doctrine Man!! join Joe to discuss the benefits of science fiction and Steve's new book, To Boldly Go: Leadership, Strategy, and Conflict in the 21st Century and Beyond. Listen to this episode to learn about why a healthy dose of science fiction helps us become better problem solvers.
Scott O'Neil- Be Where Your Feet Are
Former CEO of the Philadelphia 76ers and author of Be Where Your Feet Are, Scott O'Neil talks about the struggle of achieving work/life balance and how he learned to approach life after years of working in the fast-paced professional sports industry. He also discusses his very public failure in his late 30s and offers lessons for others who might suffer a major professional setback throughout the course of their careers. Finally, Scott shares his approach to building a strong culture at work and what it means to be the purple water buffalo.
Elliot Ackerman- The Dark Side of Identity
Elliot Ackerman joins the podcast to discuss a recent article he wrote for Liberties Journal titled, "Turning in My Card." Joe and Elliot talk about the dark side of identity and how it can prevent us from personal and professional growth. Additionally, Elliot cautions us to avoid using our identities to shut down discourse and warns everyone about the dangers of becoming a slave to identity.
Everett Spain- The Battalion Commander Effect
Recently, U.S. Army Colonel Everett Spain coauthored an article in Parameters titled, The Battalion Commander Effect. Spain and his coauthors found that evidence suggests Army battalion commanders are a major factor in whether or not high-potential lieutenants stay in the Army. In this episode, Joe and Everett discuss the research and dive into why self-awareness and humility are important traits for military leaders.
Rabbi Mordecai Finley- Finding Inner Well-Being
Rabbi Mordecai Finley sits down to talk with Joe about the power of self-reflection and how it can lead to inner well-being and help reduce conflict in our lives. He also shares lessons from decades counseling couples, earning his black belt in jujitsu, and serving in the Marine Corps following the Vietnam War.
Henry Willi- The Innovation Episode
UK Army Officer Henry Willi shares his insights on innovation based on his operational experience and from his time as commander of the jHub, the official innovation hub for the UK's Strategic Command. He explains why your network is your net worth and how they enable people and organizations to think differently. Joe and Henry also discuss how leadership and culture play critical roles in fostering innovation.
James Romm- Ancient History and Leadership in the 21st Century
Joe speaks with Historian and Professor James Romm, author of Dying Every Day: Seneca at the Court of Nero, Ghost on the Throne: The Death of Alexander the Great and the War for Crown and Empire, and The Sacred Band: Three Hundred Theban Loves and the Fight to Save Greek Freedom. Joe and James discuss how reading ancient history can better prepare leaders for the challenges they will face in the 21st century. Also, Romm recommends the best books for leaders who want to learn more about the lessons within ancient Greek and Roman literature.
Ryan Holiday- Fortune Favors the Brave
Bestselling author Ryan Holiday discusses his latest book, Courage is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave. Joe and Ryan talk about how fear can hold us back from personal growth, helping others, and making a positive impact in our communities. During the episode, the two share personal stories of overcoming fear and doubt along with those of influential people who answered their own callings.
Dr. Chevy Cook- The Mentorship Episode
Joe and Chevy discuss the art and science of mentorship. Chevy shares how important it is for people to find mentors and provides tips on how and where to find them. He also explains why peers can be a great source for development. Finally, they share stories of their own journeys and the role peer and more senior mentors have played in their development.
Command Sergeant Major Bill Thetford- The Art of Leading Up
CSM (ret) Bill Thetford shares lessons from his career that spanned almost four decades in the United States Army. Bill shares his thoughts on the role of the noncommissioned officer (NCO) in the military and shares advice on how NCOs can lead up in their organizations. He also explains the importance of leaders removing barriers, the art of giving someone bad news, and methods for how we can overcome knowledge gaps when faced with uncertainty.
Kim Scott- How to Give People Feedback that Doesn't Suck
New York Times Best-Selling Author Kim Scott joins Joe to discuss how leaders can foster a culture that promotes honest feedback regardless of the power dynamics within an organization. In the interview, Kim discusses the lessons she shares in her books Radical Candor and Just Work, including how to give praise, how leaders can solicit feedback, how to promote diversity efforts, and why these things matter to any organization.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg- Strength in Numbers
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg shares the lessons he's learned leading the 30-member North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) over the last seven years. Additionally, he explains how his parents' approach to diplomacy influenced his leadership style. He also discusses his experiences with tragedy as the Prime Minister of Norway following the terrorist attacks on 07/22/11 and shares a message for all the service members who have deployed in support of NATO's mission in Afghanistan
Major General Christopher Donahue- You Have to Fight For Your Culture
Major General Chris Donahue, commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division, shares lessons he's learned throughout his career and discusses best practices for leaders to shape organizational culture. He also shares his thoughts on why change is hard, his greatest challenge as a division commander, and how reading helps him think through problems.
Shawn Coyne- Quit Chasing External Validation
Shawn Coyne has spent decades in the publishing business working with some of the biggest names in news, sports, and entertainment. In this episode, he shares the numerous lessons he's learned throughout his successful career to include the pitfalls of seeking external validation and why doing so doesn't lead to happiness. He also talks about starting fresh, leaving an established position at the top of his career and founding his own company. Finally, he shares what he's learned about giving feedback to others.
Brett Mckay- Intentional Parenting
Brett McKay sits down with Joe to share the story behind why he started The Art of Manliness website and how the site grew from a hobby to a full-time job for both him and his wife Kate. He also discusses the importance of focusing on family culture and shares weekly family events that he and Kate use to be intentional with their family life.
Kevin Kruse- Great Leaders Have No Rules
The CEO of LEADx and author of Great Leaders Have No Rules, Kevin Kruse discusses contrarian leadership principles that many leaders overlook. Kevin and Joe talk about the downsides of having an open door policy, the problem with leaders wanting to be liked, and the pitfalls of leaders valuing being bullet proof over being vulnerable. They also discuss why standards are more important for rules and other ideas leaders can incorporate to build a strong culture in their organizations.
Nancy Sherman- Resilience Through Community
Professor Nancy Sherman has spent decades working with military leaders on ethics, PTSD, moral injury, and suicide prevention. In this episode, she explains how an ancient philosophy can help service members and first responders work through traumatic experiences. She also discusses why community is so important for developing resiliency and grit, and finally, why we all should try a little bit harder developing our empathy for others.
Sebastian Junger- What is Freedom?
Joe sits down with Sebastian Junger to discuss his latest book, Freedom, and examine what this word means in modern society. In discussing the book, Junger recounts his 400-mile journey along east coast railroad lines while dodging police officers, sleeping under bridges, and walking through tough neighborhoods. They also talk about why combat deployments are such a powerful force in the lives of those who’ve experienced them. Finally, Junger shares leadership lessons he observed when embedded with the Northern Alliance before 9/11 and U.S Military units after 9/11.
Micah Zenko- Let's Play Devil's Advocate
Dr. Micah Zenko, author of Red Team: How to Succeed By Thinking Like the Enemy, explains why red teaming is an important practice for any organization. Joe and Micah discuss organizational blindspots, the best practices for finding them, and how red teamers can provide constructive feedback. Additionally, Micah shares techniques for leaders to become better critical thinkers.
H.R. McMaster- Preparing for Battlegrounds
Retired Army Lieutenant General and former National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster explains why military leaders need to study the past to gain clarity in the present and also shares a career worth of lessons to include why the Battle of 73 Easting taught him about the importance of tough, realistic training. Finally, he spends a few minutes talking about the mindset he adopted before he stepped into the role of the National Security Advisor and how he dealt with the stressors that came along with that position.
Jack Curtis- Our Differences Make Us Stronger
Recently retired naval aviator Jack “Farva” Curtis shares his thoughts on the importance of culture and why diversity of thought is needed to create winning teams. Additionally, he discusses the benefits of flattening organizations and reflects on why leaders should study ideas outside their area of expertise. Jack's written several widely read articles over the years to include "The Map on the Wall," "Let's Talk about the Burden of Command," and "Winning Cultures Worlds Apart."
Lawrence Tynes- Performing Under Pressure
Joe sits down with 2x Super Bowl Champion and former NFL place kicker Lawrence Tynes to discuss the lessons he learned over the course of his NFL career. Tynes emphasizes the importance of preparation when being called upon to perform in high pressure situations. He explains why a team's culture is more important than the talent in the locker room. Lawrence also passes along the wisdom he learned from coaches and players to include Tom Coughlin and NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan.
General Scott Miller- Great Leaders Never Stop Learning
General Miller talks about the lessons he's learned over the past 38 years of service. He discusses crucible moments that shaped him, including a firefight in Mogadishu in October 1993 where he served as the assault force commander. He also shares how these crucible moments have influenced him as the current commander of forces in Afghanistan and for his latest undertaking, preparing to fully withdraw US and Coalition Forces from Afghanistan after an almost two-decade long campaign. Finally, General Miller discusses the important role reading and fitness have played in making him a better leader.
Donald Robertson-What is Stoicism?
The team sits down with Donald Robertson, author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. Robertson explains the origins of the philosophy, why Stoicism has survived for the last 2300 years, and it's useful for leaders today.
P.W. Singer- Useful Fiction
The team sits down with P.W. Singer to discuss his latest book, Burn-In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution. He dives into some of the technologies from the book, the difference between useful fiction and science fiction, and why he says useful fiction is like a smoothie packed full of intellectual vitamins.
Coach Eliah Drinkwitz- How to Build a Team
Joe interviews the head coach for the Missouri Tigers football team, Eliah Drinkwitz. Coach Drinkwitz discusses his approach coming into a new football program and cautions against the one mistake that leaders can make that will quickly erode trust. He also shares some practical advice on communication, avoiding the trappings of ego, and investing in players on and off the field.
Walter Isaacson- Stay Curious
Joe talks with Walter Isaacson about his newest book The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race. Walter explains the science behind gene editing and the ethical and scientific implications for humans. They also discuss the importance of remaining curious and many of the other lessons Walter has learned writing books to include Leonardo da Vinci; The Innovators; Steve Jobs; Einstein: His Life and Universe; Benjamin Franklin: An American Life; and Kissinger: A Biography.
Diamond Dallas Page- The Power of Work Ethic
Joe interviews WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page about his wrestling career, the work required to become an eight-year “overnight success,” and the role others played in helping him rise to the top of his profession. Dallas and Joe also discuss the importance of fitness and the benefits of Dallas’ personal fitness program: DDP YOGA.
Seeing the World at 70,000 feet- Merryl Tengesdal
Joe sits down with retired Air Force Colonel Merryl Tengsdal to discuss piloting the famed U2 spy plane. There are less than 1500 qualified pilots since the program’s inception in 1955, and he shares her experiences as the only African American woman in its ranks. She also discusses her debut as a contestant on Season 2 of CBS’ Tough as Nails which airs Wednesday Nights
A Mother's Airborne Legacy- Michelle Hughes and Valerie Nostrant
Joe sits down with Michelle Hughes and Valerie Nostrant, a mother and daughter who share a legacy of service in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division. The pair discusses their outlook on leadership and life in the Army and what it's like for them to share the bond of service.
Steven Pressfield- The Warrior's Life
The team sits down with author Steven Pressfield to discuss his newest book, A Man at Arms. In addition to providing a peek into the ancient world, Pressfield shares his thoughts how leaders can overcome Resistance to lead with the best version of themselves. If you are a fan of Gates of Fire and The War of Art, you won't want to miss this episode!
Stanley McChrystal- What I've Learned About Leadership
Joe and Jacob dive into the green notebook of retired Army General Stanley McChrystal. He discusses how his time out of the Army has further shaped his thoughts on leadership and what major life lesson he's learned since the publication of the infamous Rolling Stone article in 2010.
Think Differently- Dr. Kori Schake
Joe and Jacob sit down with Dr. Kori Schake, the Director of Defense and Foreign Policy Studies at American Enterprise Institute, a D.C.-based think tank. She shares her story about climbing the ladder in the National Security field and some of the more prominent lessons of her career. Kori discusses what she means when she challenges leaders to “read promiscuously” and how leaders can improve their ability to think differently.
How to Have Better Meetings- David Burkus
Joe and Jacob sit down with organizational psychologist, David Burkus to learn how to have better meetings. He is the best-selling author of four books about business and leadership. His insights on leadership and teamwork have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, USAToday, Fast Company, the Financial Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, CNN, the BBC, NPR, and CBS This Morning. Since 2017, Burkus has been ranked as one of the world’s top business thought leaders by Thinkers50. As a sought-after international speaker, his TED Talk has been viewed over 2 million times.
The Battalion Commander Assessment Program Results Explained
Joe and Jacob sit down with the Outgoing Director of the Army Talent Management Task Force to discuss the Commander Assessment Program. Major General JP McGee talks about the genesis of the program, the results and trends over the last two years, and talks about how his outlook on talent has changed in the process.
The Importance of Asking Why - MajGen Frank Donovan
Jacob and Joe discuss leadership lessons with MajGen Frank Donovan, Commander of 2nd Marine Division. During the discussion, MajGen Donovan reflects on the importance of not giving up, when your military career takes an unexpected turn. The team also talks about why leaders need to be willing to have difficult conversations in their organizations.
Wesley Schultz of The Lumineers - Hedonistic Adaptation
Jacob and Joe talk with Wesley Schultz of The Lumineers about leadership, authenticity, and managing relationships while touring the world or deployed in the military. Wesley also talks about how a family member’s addiction has affected him and provides advice for those who are going through similar struggles.
General Joseph Votel - The Basics Matter
General Joseph Votel (U.S. Army, Ret.) provides a candid discussion on the challenges of strategic decision-making and risk management. He also emphasizes the importance of role modeling in leadership, highlighting some of the role models who shaped his career.
George Washington: The Ultimate Underdog Story
In this special holiday edition of the podcast, Jacob and Joe talk with Professor Harry Laver about one of the most important events of the Revolutionary War. Professor Laver walks them through the evening of December 25, 1776 when Washington and his forces crossed the Delaware River. Learn about what really happened that night and why Washington is a leader worth studying today.
Jerry Depizzo of O.A.R - Don't Let Great Get in the Way of Good
Jacob and Joe sit down with Jerry Depizzo of the band O.A.R. and talk about leadership, teamwork, and the habits that have made O.A.R successful over the last 20 years. Jerry also talks about how he balances making music and touring with being a husband and a father. This is a great episode for leaders trying to figure out how to balance professional and personal responsibilities.
Why We Should Say Less - Joe McCormack
Jacob and Joe sit down with Joe McCormack author of Brief: Make a Bigger Impact by Saying Less and founder of the Brief Lab to discuss the importance of communication for leaders. Listeners will learn why saying less is critical to communicating ideas, how to give better presentations, and how to write better emails
Shannon Huffman Polson: Knowing Your Story
Jacob and Joe sit down with Shannon Huffman Polson, author of Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most-Male Dominated Organization in the World. In this episode Shannon shares her experiences being one of the first female Apache pilots in the U.S. Army and offers advice to leaders on how men and women can work together to create strong cultures in their organizations. They also talk about the importance of knowing your story to develop grit when navigating uncertainty.
Adam Robinson - Leading in the Moment - Part II
Jacob and Joe interview Adam Robinson in this special two-part series. Adam is a rated chess master who was mentored by Bobby Fischer in the 18 months leading up to Bobby winning the World Chess Championship. He's also the cofounder of the Princeton Review and his book Cracking the System: The SAT is the only test-prep book to have become a NY Times Best Seller. Adam talks with the team about being present with others, finding purpose, and overcoming depression.
BG Steve Marks - Creating a Culture that Endures
In this special Veteran's Day episode, Jacob sits down with Brigadier General Steve Marks, the Deputy Commanding General of 1st Special Forces Command, to talk about the importance of being a life-long learner, having goals and a purpose, balancing a career with a family, and how Marks' mentors influenced him throughout his military career.
**DISCLAIMER: BG Marks’ comments represent that of his own views and do not reflect those of the United State Army or Department of Defense**
Adam Robinson - Leading in the Moment
Jacob and Joe interview Adam Robinson in this special two-part series. Adam is a rated chess master who was mentored by Bobby Fischer in the 18 months leading up to Bobby winning the World Chess Championship. He's also the cofounder of the Princeton Review and his book Cracking the System: The SAT is the only test-prep book to have become a NY Times Best Seller. In Part 1, Adam talks with the team about being present with others, finding purpose, and overcoming depression.
Michael McClellan - Tattooed On Your Brain
Jacob and Joe talk with Michael B. McClellan about the habits he adopted to write his debut novel The Sand Sea. Under the mentorship of Steven Pressfield, Michael spent 12 years working on his book while being a full-time lawyer, father, and husband. Listen to this episode for insights on how to make time for that important project you keep putting off. Also, they will explore the role that mentorship plays in our lives.
Joe Byerly - The Habit of Reading
In the inaugural episode of the From the Green Notebook Podcast, Jacob interviews Joe about the origins of the website. Joe also discusses the habit of writing and the importance of professional reading.
Podcasten From The Green Notebook är skapad av Joe Byerly. Podcastens innehåll och bilderna på den här sidan hämtas med hjälp av det offentliga podcastflödet (RSS).
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.