Jocko Podcast

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< 00:00 – Dealing With a High-Performing Employee's Ego 11:41 – When Ego Gets You Fired 15:54 – Can You Become a Police Officer With a Physical Disability? 24:49 – Building Trust When You're Only the Leader for One Shift 30:52 – Echo's Advice for Breaking Into Filmmaking and Video Production 39:57 – Preparing for BUD/S and Navy SEAL Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Director, producer, and filmmaker McG joins Jocko Willink and Echo Charles to share his extraordinary journey from the Southern California punk rock scene to directing some of Hollywood's biggest films. McG discusses working with Sugar Ray, Korn, and other legendary bands, breaking into Hollywood with Charlie's Angels, and the crippling anxiety that nearly destroyed his career when he couldn't board a plane to direct Superman. He explains how exposure therapy, discipline, and persistence helped him reclaim his life. The conversation explores personal tragedy, overcoming fear, leadership, filmmaking, the realities of Hollywood, and the making of Way of the Warrior Kid, starring Chris Pratt. A discussion about creativity, courage, resilience, and refusing to let fear dictate your future. 00:00:00 - Introduction: McG 00:01:39 - Growing Up in Newport Beach and Discovering Rock & Roll 00:05:47 - Battling Severe Anxiety and Panic Attacks 00:09:40 - Sugar Ray, Korn, and…

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< 00:22 – Turn an Inferior Mindset into an iron mindset 18:03 – Military mission-planning principles to the emotional and financial challenges of other missions in everyday life. 24:58 – How do I cope with the death of my son, support my wife and surviving child, and find a way forward through grief? 30:37 – How do I detach from a difficult marriage while remaining fully committed to my responsibilities as a father? 41:27 – How do I distinguish between fulfilling my duty to my family and using responsibility as an excuse to avoid taking risks and pursuing my ambitions? Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Examining General Matthew Ridgway's timeless leadership principles, exploring the importance of character, courage, competence, and the moral strength to challenge bad decisions. From the battlefields of World War II and Korea to the distractions of modern life, they discuss what it takes to lead effectively, stay prepared, and earn the trust of others. 00:00:00 – General Matthew Ridgway: A Legendary Military Leader 00:05:33 – Is Leadership an Art or a Science? 00:10:03 – The Three Keys to Leadership: Character, Courage, and Competence 00:14:21 – Self-Discipline, Responsibility, and Leading by Example 00:20:41 – Physical Courage vs. Moral Courage 00:28:29 – When Good Leaders Must Challenge Orders 00:36:32 – Physical Fitness as a Leadership Requirement 00:48:38 – Modern Convenience Is Making Us Weak 00:56:32 – Be Ready: Leadership Requires Preparation and Presence 01:01:13 – Knowing Your People, Developing Leaders, and Leading from the Front Support this podcast at —…

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< 00:29 — Training Jiu-Jitsu With Women: My wife is uncomfortable with me rolling with women? 08:55 — Being a Warrior With a Disability? 16:06 — Regretting Wasted Years: How do I stop regretting lost time and know I'm doing enough? 23:57 — Dealing With a Disruptive Teenager. 36:47 — Military Service in the Age of Drones. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Marine combat veteran, author, and former senior defense official Bing West joins Jocko to discuss the brutal realities of war, the strategic failures of military and political leadership, and the lessons America continues to overlook. Drawing on firsthand experiences from Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, West reveals how flawed decisions at the highest levels can have devastating consequences on the battlefield. 00:00:00 – The Brutal Reality of Combat in Vietnam 00:04:17 – Bing West's Early Life and Marine Corps Career 00:08:42 – The Strategic Failures of the Vietnam War 00:14:49 – Winning the Trust of the Local Population 00:21:56 – The Deadly Cost of Search and Destroy 00:33:41 – The CIA, RAND Corporation, and Origins of Navy SEAL Operations 00:44:45 – Iraq, General Mattis, and the Importance of Decentralized Command 00:52:29 – Fallujah, Ramadi, and the Consequences of Emotional Decisions 01:07:00 – Political Leadership and the War in Iraq 01:25:00 – Afghanistan:…

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< 00:00:00 – When You're Ready For a New Chapter? 00:06:33 – Struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome? 00:13:32 – Are leaders born with natural leadership abilities, or can leadership be learned? 00:24:00 – How do I choose between multiple job offers, and what advice do you have for starting my career? 00:43:28 – How do I recognize that I'm not good enough and need to improve without constantly beating myself up? Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Breaking down General Melvin Zais’s 1977 speech Leadership and the Art of Command, exploring action, initiative, delegation, discipline, judgment, and the realities of leading people. After a lifetime of combat and command, Zais ultimately reduces effective leadership to one essential principle: you must care about your people. 00:00 – General Melvin Zais: A Lifetime of Leadership 02:16 – Leadership Defies Definition 08:24 – Stop Talking. Take Action. 17:36 – The Basics of Good Leadership 24:59 – The “It Factor,” Luck, and Creating Opportunity 32:30 – Leadership Is Getting Others to Perform 44:40 – Be FOR Something, Not Against Everything 50:02 – You Must Care 52:40 – What Caring Actually Looks Like 59:30 – You Have to Actually Like Your People 1:03:21 – Discipline Without Breaking People 1:05:46 – Finding the Line 1:08:12 – Caring Is in Your Own Best Interest 1:09:34 – Taking Care of Your People Means Pushing Them Support this podcast at —…

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< 00:01:06 — Do combat veterans view conscientious objectors/noncombatant medics as honorable? 00:05:34 — My 3-year-old may have autism and kids are starting to make fun of him. How do I help him—and myself—handle it? 00:24:30 — I got sober and used harsh self-criticism to stay disciplined. How do I shift toward self-compassion without losing discipline? 00:33:03 — After several devastating life events, I’ve fallen into drinking, weed, and avoiding my goals. How do I get my head right and attack life again? 00:40:00 — I’m a high-school strength coach burned out by an unsupportive administration. How do I stay committed to the kids while deciding whether to fight or build an exit plan? Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Jamie Cochran breaks down real-world leadership lessons from Echelon Front clients and organizations. They discuss overcoming resistance, merging cultures, developing leaders, taking ownership without doing everything yourself, and why leadership is a skill that must be continuously practiced. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< 00:40 — How do I respect a leader I don’t respect or trust? 15:21 — How do I solve problems aggressively without being out of control? 27:22 — Should I keep pursuing more responsibility if it’s making work stressful? 38:55 — How do I stay calm when my kids are melting down? 54:38 — How important is competing in Jiu-Jitsu, and is it worth the injury risk? Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Twenty years after Navy SEAL Marc Lee was killed in Ramadi, his mother Debbie “Mama Lee” Lee joins Jocko and Echo to reflect on grief, faith, brotherhood, and the legacy Marc left behind. They discuss the work of America’s Mighty Warriors, helping veterans heal from the invisible wounds of war, supporting Gold Star families, and turning unimaginable loss into a mission to help others. 00:00 – 20 Years Since Mark Lee’s Death Mama Lee reflects on losing Mark, faith, grief, and the extraordinary legacy that has grown from his sacrifice. 14:40 – Mama Lee Returns Debbie Lee joins Jocko and Echo to reflect on the Task Unit Bruiser reunion and seeing Mark’s teammates together again after 20 years. 25:12 – Brotherhood Forged in Ramadi Remembering fallen teammates, reconnecting with old friends, and why staying connected to the people who shared the experience matters. 35:22 – Random Acts of Kindness How Mark’s final message inspired America’s Mighty Warriors to provide…

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Urban warfare expert and retired Army officer John Spencer returns to share stories from 20 Times I Almost Died, from Ranger School and Iraq to Ukraine, Gaza, and some incredibly close calls. Along the way, John and Jocko break down leadership, intuition, modern warfare, resilience, and the importance of developing a personal code to live by. 00:00 – John Spencer: 20 Times I Almost Died 02:53 – Kashmir: India, Pakistan & Modern Warfare 05:10 – Lebanon, Hezbollah & the Changing Battlefield 11:17 – Ukraine, Drones & the Future of War 15:54 – Inside a Hamas Tunnel Under Gaza 24:43 – Iraq: Common Sense, Orders & Leadership 39:08 – The IED Trap: Trusting Your Intuition 45:28 – “Pepper”: The Fight That Cost John His Ear 1:08:27 – The “Sopranos of Baghdad” & Humility 1:29:02 – Ukraine, Bucha & the Will to Resist 1:38:00 – Ranger School: “You Can Always Quit Tomorrow” 1:44:03 – The Best Ranger Competition & a 40-Foot Fall 1:55:48 – Iraq: A Deadly Humvee Crash & Duty 2:01:31 –…

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< How to be a dependable warrior. At what point does being ultra competitive become a weakness? How to mentally get back on track in life. How to kick the remaining vices in your life. How to guide a 3 year old in life. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Every decision has consequences—and the small decisions made repeatedly can eventually shape your entire life. Jocko and Echo break down how to make better decisions under uncertainty, when to trust experience and intuition, how to avoid paralysis through analysis, and why effective leaders take action, learn, and adapt. 00:00 — Decisions: The Choices That Shape Your Life 03:33 — How the Marine Corps Teaches Decision-Making 11:50 — Take the Initiative: Keep Them on Their Heels 18:14 — Logic, Intuition, and Emotion 24:57 — Analytical vs. Instinctive Decision-Making 26:28 — Stop Overthinking. Take a Small Action. 34:26 — Detachment: The Decision-Making Superpower 41:34 — The 70% Solution: Stop Waiting for Perfect 46:07 — The OODA Loop: Observe, Orient, Decide, Act 58:46 — Adapt Faster Than the Situation Changes 1:01:23 — Failure, Fear, and Learning Through Action 1:06:13 — Small Decisions, Fast Feedback, Constant Adjustment 1:15:37 — When Being Too Adaptable Becomes a…

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< The Guy Who Called Out Rener Gracie's Purple Belts and Got Embarrassed. Maxed out for time, but training for a personal challenge. How to solve a problem riddled worker on your team. When a workout partner doesn't have as much dedication. Got beat up by my wife's guy friend. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Continuing examination of René Quinton's Maxims on War, exploring courage, danger, ambition, leadership, obedience, and the randomness of combat. The discussion ultimately comes back to a powerful principle for war and everyday life: learn to distinguish real danger from the danger created by your imagination. 00:00 — Maxims on War: Extreme Views and Human Nature 05:34 — War, Death, and the Randomness of Combat 16:57 — Courage, Promotion, and the Danger of Ambition 23:27 — Bravery, Jealousy, and the Power of Example 28:51 — When Danger Becomes Real 34:22 — Real Danger vs. Imagined Danger 40:20 — Courage vs. Recklessness 48:44 — The Leader Multiplies the Team 51:07 — Why It's Easier to Obey Than Decide 57:25 — Questioning Orders and the Burden of Command 1:04:55 — Cowardly Leaders and Decentralized Command 1:11:25 — Do Hard Things. Don't Let Fear Stop You. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< René Quinton’s extreme ideas about war, human nature, struggle, and heroism. They examine why humans are drawn to conflict and why a life of comfort may be something worth fighting against. 0:00 – René Quinton & Maxims on War 4:21 – Does Human Nature Love War? 13:22 – Competition vs. Collaboration 16:10 – The Male Psyche: Friend or Foe 24:05 – Why Men Seek Risk, Combat & Danger 31:00 – Tribalism, Fighting & Understanding Jiu-Jitsu 37:04 – Service, Sacrifice & the Nature of Heroes 49:44 – Success, Wealth & Why the Process Matters 58:57 – What Makes a Hero? 1:07:02 – War, Hardship & Why We Reject the Easy Life Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< What is the safety protocol for your kids when they are on their own. Training Jiu Jitsu with limitations. The difference between a leadership failure and a hiring failure. How to eliminate crippling doubt while achieving your goals in life. What to do if you suspect your leadership is working against you . Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Breaking down raw, firsthand combat lessons from U.S. Army soldiers fighting their way through World War II—lessons written in the field by men who had just experienced the consequences of good decisions, bad decisions, aggression, hesitation, discipline, and leadership. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Jonah Hill's Tough Talk About His Jiu Jitsu Skill. The best way to get forgiveness after terrible behavior in the past. Thoughts on the worries of climate change and the worlds problems. How to save your marriage if it's on thin ice. Sacrificing sleep for more time during the day. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Book: Unheard Voices The Fight For Ramadi: A Soldier’s Memoir From Combat Outpost Falcon In 2006, Miguel “Pitbull” Santana and his soldiers entered Ramadi, Iraq—a city many believed was already lost. What followed was months of relentless combat, sacrifice, loss, and brotherhood. Miguel joins Jocko to tell the story from the ground: the firefights, the men who saved each other's lives, the leaders who went first, and the bonds that remain unbroken twenty years later. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< People don't want to learn about what's coming in the future. The differences in our definition of "Leadership". How to get your kids to take on interests that stick. What to do when you've outgrown the drinking crowd. What to do if you have trust issues with women. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Being a sniper isn't just about shooting. It's about observation, patience, preparation, adaptability, and making the right decision at exactly the right moment. Jocko and JP Dinnell explore the unseen skills behind elite snipers, telling stories from combat while revealing how those same habits create success in leadership, business, and life. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< If Someone Is From Iran and Wants to Move to The USA? How to earn respect from people with more experience in life. How to be excellent while balancing family, health, and life. How to be more of an action-taker. How to make things happen when you don't think you have the power or authority. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Subscribe to Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Breaking down why strong relationships consistently outperform rank, how great leaders develop confident teams instead of micromanaging them, and why every interaction is an opportunity to train. From chain of command to building trust, this episode is a practical guide to creating teams that win under pressure. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< How to Keep Your Insanity In a Frustrating World. Uncontrollable hygiene issues on the Jiu Jitsu mats? Moral-driven altercations in public. What to do. Feeling aimless in life, here's what to do. Rebuilding your life after you messed it up. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Using the Marine Corps Company Commander's Handbook as a guide, Jocko and Echo discuss what every leader should know before taking over a team: setting expectations, establishing a command philosophy, earning trust, leading through influence, and creating a culture where people thrive. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Getting Over The Trauma of An Abusive Parent. Should you get in shape before starting JiuJitsu? What to do when your ex is publicly smearing your reputation. How to get two groups to work together who don't like each other. How to handle people around you who don't seem to care about your emotions. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Everyone is judging—and being judged. Breaking down how self-awareness, humility, and respect determine your effectiveness as a leader, why perception matters, and how ego quietly destroys influence Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Is It Possible to Get The Actual Truth From Modern Media? How to prepare for a baby on the way. Getting the most out of learning Jiu Jitsu moves as a beginner. How to motivate a complacent person. Chasing a risky dream when you have a stable job. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< The military review US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, again, November 1960Drawing from rarely discussed military journals written during the Cold War, Jocko and Echo explore the timeless principles behind morale, trust, courage, and why some leaders inspire extraordinary effort while others don't. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< What to do When Life Seems To Be Unsatisfying. How to excel when you get promoted quickly. Are you living life by any code? Are you contemplating law enforcement? The best way to get over a bad day on the mats and in life. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Retired Navy SEAL officer Rich Diviney returns to break down why fear isn't the enemy—uncertainty is. From combat and BUD/S to business and everyday life, Rich explains practical methods for staying composed under pressure, overcoming anxiety, and performing when the stakes are highest. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Getting over overwhelming guilt from tragedy. How should civilians respectfully ask veterans about their combat experiences without minimizing their sacrifices or making them uncomfortable? As a new Navy chaplain, how can I best earn the trust of sailors and Marines while helping them through life's toughest challenges? Should I transfer to another office that's better for my family even if it means leaving behind a mentor and a promising career path? How should I handle living near a convicted child predator while protecting my family without compromising my Christian values? Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Why the best leaders stop trying to control everything. Jocko and Cory break down Marine Corps doctrine on command and control, explaining why decentralized leadership, trust, feedback, and initiative outperform micromanagement in business, combat, and life. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< 1. Sleep or Stay Alert? Question: As a frequent traveler, how do you balance situational awareness with the need to sleep while traveling? 2. Is It Time to Leave Law Enforcement? Question: With police officers increasingly being prosecuted after use-of-force incidents, when should an officer consider changing careers? 3. Missing the Team I Built Question: After leaving a leadership role I built from the ground up for a larger company, why do I feel less fulfilled and how do I regain my motivation? 4. Dream or Loyalty? Question: Should I pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a Marine officer or stay loyal to the wildland firefighting crew that invested in me? 5. Push Through or Let Him Quit? Question: How do I help my troubled younger brother build confidence and discipline when he wants to quit boxing like he quit other activities? Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Mason Wright ("Buff Runner") went from childhood trauma, loss, and depression to completing a 1,000-mile run around a high school track. In this conversation, he shares how sports saved him, how he survived some of the darkest moments of his life, and why suffering can become a tool for growth. A powerful discussion on resilience, discipline, and refusing to quit. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground: Full Episodes< Drawing from hard lessons learned during wartime, Jocko and Echo explore the psychological traps that cause individuals and organizations to drift from their values. A deep discussion on ethics, responsibility, leadership, and the warning signs that trouble is ahead. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< The world keeps changing. Your competition is learning. Are you? Looking into the power of adaptation, effective teaching, uncertainty, and the mindset required to keep growing when everyone else is standing still. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Losing My Faith in Humanity and The World. Could you take a dangerous submission to the limit if you had to? Taking a promotion and more money but stress on the family. Should you move out of your town because of social political reasons? Can't seem to get into the shape I want to be in. Feeling a bit useless after service. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Ephraim Mattos explains how Stronghold Rescue & Relief trains local people to save lives in one of the world’s deadliest ongoing conflicts. Stronghold Rescue | https://strongholdrescue.org/ The Overwatch | https://www.theoverwatch.co/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< When your disciplined lifestyle has left you lonely and lacking social connections. Meeting The Standard To Be Prepared For Service And Life. What to do: I committed my life to a career I don't like. Establishing boundaries with parents and in-laws. Moving to up to the "Political" level in your job--Things to be aware of. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Jimmy May returns to discuss life after the military, helping veterans transition, building stronger families, and teaching the next generation resilience and responsibility. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< The Dangers and Protocol of Carrying A Gun in An Altercation. When there's a problematic co-worker that is in good with the boss. How Ecclesiastes wisdom informs the philosophy of Extreme Ownership. How to teach and be a role model to modern young people. What path to pursue in life, and why. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Ben Ingram was headed toward prison or worse. Drugs, street fights, and survival mode defined his youth—until one decision changed everything: joining the Marines. Warriors In Need < Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< How To Deal With Public Transgressions Against You from Someone. Teaching the new generation when the odds are stacked against them. Dealing with jealousy, grief, and loss... all at the same time. How do we feel about crying in Jiu Jitsu? Dealing with resentment that can happen in a blended family. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Breaking down the battle between the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex — emotion versus reason. Why people panic, escalate conflict, make terrible decisions, and how to detach from the “gray slop” in your head. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Insecurity with comparing yourself to her ex. Insecure and sensitive boss. What to do when you feel stuck in your career. What to do when your kid is scared to take Jiu Jitsu class. What to do when you're struggling to find purpose in life. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Breaking down Major C.A. Bach’s legendary 1917 leadership speech and separates timeless leadership truths from outdated doctrine. They cover earning respect instead of demanding it, why confidence comes from preparation, when leaders should apologize, how to avoid becoming a power-tripping boss, and why the best leaders quietly sacrifice for their teams. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content