Health & FitnessBusinessSociety & Culture

Building the Elite Podcast

Building the Elite

The Building the Elite (BTE) podcast discusses all facets of human performance - from physical training to the mental and emotional factors of resilience. Each episode looks at principles drawn from the world of special operations. These concepts help people succeed in the toughest military training courses in the world and can help anyone thrive in chaotic and challenging environments.

Play

Open in

22 episodes
Avg 1 hr
English

Episodes 22

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

#132
Yesterday · 30 min
Dr. Falk Feddersen: Coronado Water Contamination, Pt 1. - Ep. 132
For BUD/S, SWCC, and Marine Reconnaissance students in Coronado, water quality issues are a constant concern and a major occupational hazard. Dr. Feddersen is one of the leading experts on what’s in Coronado's water, how it gets there, and what it does. Falk Feddersen received his Ph.D. from Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) in 1999, followed by a position as a postdoctoral scholar for two years at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Dr. Feddersen studies various aspects of coastal and nearshore physical oceanography that span waves, currents, turbulence, and biological processes. His research includes instrument development, observations, theory, and modeling. His extensive field work experience includes projects in La Jolla, Huntington Beach, Point. Sal, the Monterey Peninsula, Surf Ranch, Imperial Beach in California, Duck and New River Inlet in North Carolina, and the Virgin Islands. These projects have resulted in new insights into how nearshore processes unfold, including rip currents, internal waves, and wind effects on wave overturning. Many of these findings are vital for understanding how pollution moves in the coastal ocean. His work has been supported by NSF, ONR, NOAA, other agencies, and private foundations. Dr. Feddersen has developed disciplinary and interdisciplinary coastal oceanography courses at SIO at the graduate and undergraduate levels. ------------------------ This is the first part of a two-part series on the water contamination in Coronado. In this episode, we’re talking about how the contamination gets into the water, what’s in it, and how scientists model how it spreads and how severe it is on a given day, sort of like a weather forecast. In a few days, we’ll release part two, focused on the medical impacts of the contaminated water. In other words, we’ll be discussing what happens to your body when you have to splash around in Tijuana poop water. If you’re in Coronado and want to see how much sewage is in the water today, you can find Dr. Feddersen’s pathogen forecast model for Coronado and Imperial Beach at https://pfmweb.ucsd.edu/ Timestamps: 00:00:22 Introduction to Dr. Falk Fedderson 00:02:19 How much Sewage is in the Water in Coronado? 00:05:19 Viral Gastroenteritis and Norovirus 00:08:18 The Movement of Sewage in Our Oceans 00:12:02 Treatment of Sewage: Worse Over the Past Two Decades 00:17:33 Do New DNA Tests Overstate the Risk? 00:18:44 Are There Airborne Risks? 00:21:05 Improvement on the Horizon for Tijuana 00:24:41 Sewage Outflow Modeling 00:26:24 Online Modeling and Beach Advisories 00:28:40 How is the Sampling Actually Done? 00:30:28 Outro Send us a message
#131
August 26 · 54 min
Chris Brennan: Dynamic Decision Making and Effective Debriefs, Ep. 131
Chris Brennan is a training, leadership, and human performance specialist who focuses on developing teams, leaders, and instructor cadres operating in mission-critical environments. Through his consultancy, Omada Performance Concepts, he offers a perspective formed through experience, contemporary research, and human performance methodology. Omada’s proprietary frameworks and services are currently integrated within multiple mission-critical teams and organizations. Chris served as a Patrol Commander and Trainer in the Australian Special Air Service Regiment across multiple deployed and training environments. His Master of Business and current postgraduate studies in Human Performance Optimization add academic rigour to those experiences, ensuring current best practice in adult learning and performance science. Through Omada, Chris delivers emerging leader and instructor development programs across specialist policing, emergency services, the resources sector, military, and high-risk industry. This is our second conversation with Chris discussing leadership concepts. If you’d like to listen to the first one, it’s episode number 113. Today, we’re talking to Chris about two important concepts: dynamic decision-making and how to structure debriefs effectively, efficiently, and consistently. More about Chris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-brennan-omada/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omada.performance.concepts/ Omada's Dynamic Decision-Making Framework: Question 1 – What information do I need? (Where do I find it?) Aim: Situational Awareness through Information Collection and Triage Orientates the leader and team to the information conditions and helps them understand the information that’s currently available, what information is needed, where there may be gaps in the information and where that can be sourced Question 2 – What needs to happen with this information? (Who needs to know?) Aim: Action and Communication Turns actionable information into assigned tasks and establishes reporting priorities so that the team is aligned and moving with shared understanding of the situation. Reinforces information priority to those that need it the most, ie those in the team. Question 3 – What is the plan and the expected outcome? (When will I reassess?) Aim: Task Execution and Reassessment Prompts execution of the plan, with the addition of a reassessment trigger. Every plan should include a defined point at which the leader asks whether the situation has changed and whether the plan needs to change with it. Omada's IWIPE-A Debrief Framework: I - Incident Summary W - What went well? I - Improves P - Plan going forward E - Equipment A - Accountability Send us a message
#130
July 16 · 1 hr 16 min
Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon: Processing Grief and Loss - Ep. 130
Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon is a trained counselor specializing in the psychology of behavior change, with certifications including motivational interviewing, solution-focused, DBT, CBT, and trauma counseling. She’s the author of numerous books and accredited nutrition, sleep, stress, and recovery courses. She is our go-to performance psych and works one-on-one with many of our clients seeking to sharpen the mental and emotional skills needed to handle some of the toughest training courses in the world. She’s an invaluable resource for our clients and has played a critical role in the careers of many special operators. In this episode, we’re talking to KSD about the grieving process. Typically, we think of grief as the emotional state following a loss like the death of a friend or loved one, but the process is surprisingly similar to other forms of loss, such as the emotional impact of losing out on a major career aspiration, washing out of a selection course, or getting divorced. Additional Resources: What to Know About Grief and Loss More about KSD: Website - kristascottdixon.com Coaching for SOF personnel - https://www.buildingtheelite.com/performance-psych-coaching/ KSD’s latest book, Applied Nutrition Coaching and Counseling - https://amzn.to/4xXhp0t Timestamps: 00:00:22 Introduction to Dr. Krista Scott Dixon 00:01:24 Processing Grief in Death/Grief in Setbacks 00:11:47 Dealing with the Nature of Death 00:18:54 The Brain's Ability to Adjust to Loss 00:23:14 Clichés are Infuriating During Grieving 00:28:22 Excepting a New Reality 00:31:50 Exposure to Grief in the Military 00:36:04 Unhealthy and Problematic Ways of Coping with Loss 00:41:57 Chemical Avoidance and Numbing in Grief 00:45:19 Communicating Death to Children 00:51:37 Advice on Helping with Others' Grief 00:58:20 Guidelines for Dealing with Grief from Selection 01:04:00 Curling into a Ball or Crawling into a Hole 01:06:01 The "What If"s and "If Only"s of Loss 01:08:02 Survivor's Guilt 01:13:43 Face, Accept, Float, Let Time Pass 01:16:21 Outro Send us a message
#129
July 9 · 48 min
Dr. Robyn Nadolny: Tick-Borne Diseases, Ep. 129
Dr. Robyn Nadolny is a Biologist and the Chief of the Vector-Borne Disease Branch at the Defense Centers for Public Health at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (DCPH-A). The flagship program of the Vector-Borne Disease Branch is MilTICK, a free, rapid tick-testing program for military beneficiaries. The results provide a tool in the diagnostic toolbox for military beneficiaries, and Dr. Nadolny uses the passive surveillance data generated to better understand changing tick-borne disease dynamics and mitigate risks to US Service Members and their communities. She is also working on tick-borne disease surveillance projects worldwide to support military communities. Dr. Nadolny came to DCPH-A in 2016 after completing her PhD in Ecological Sciences from Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, VA. She also holds a M.S. in Biology from ODU, and a B.S. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavioral Biology from Beloit College in Beloit, WI. Her research focuses on the prevention of tick-borne disease through understanding and breaking tick-host-pathogen-environment cycles. Dr. Nadolny has co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications and is interested in the intersection of ecology and public health. In this episode, we discuss the types of diseases that can be transmitted to military personnel (and anyone else) through ticks, how those diseases work, where and when the risk is greatest, and what you can do to protect yourself. To visit the MilTICK site, which you can use to understand the risk of tick-borne disease at your military installation and submit ticks for testing, go here: https://ph.health.mil/topics/entomology/kits/Pages/HumanTickTestKitProgram.aspx There are also many civilian labs where you can submit a tick for testing at a low cost. For example: Pennsylvania Tick Research Lab: https://www.ticklab.org/ Old Dominion University, Virginia: https://sites.wp.odu.edu/tick-team/what-we-do/tick-testing/sending-us-your-ticks/ Ticknology: https://www.ticknology.org/order-test Timestamps: 00:23 Introduction to Dr. Robyn Nadolny 01:48 What are the Most Common Diseases Spread by Ticks? 03:24 Lesser Known Tick-Spread Diseases 07:19 Alpha Gal: It's Not Just Beef Off the Table 09:27 The Implications of Lyme Disease 14:16 How Does the Body React After Multiple Tick Bites? 16:06 Rates of These Diseases 18:21 What Terrain Do Ticks Prefer? 21:31 What Time of Year are Ticks the Worst? 23:13 Tick Life Cycles 27:56 Soldiers Protecting Themselves from Ticks in the Field 33:19 Dealing with a Tick Bite in the Field 37:41 Prevalence of Diseases in Ticks 42:34 Vaccines for Tick-Borne Diseases for Pets and People 45:45 Treated Clothing and Repellents 48:21 Outro Send us a message
#128
July 1 · 57 min
Dr. Alia Bojilova: Curiosity and Kidnappings - Ep. 128
Dr. Alia Bojilova is a registered psychologist with a focus on resilience. She grew up in Eastern Europe during some of the most tumultuous times in recent history before immigrating to New Zealand at age 17. During her service with the New Zealand Defense Force, she worked as the Lead Psychologist and an Officer with the SAS. While serving as a UN military observer in Syria, Alia and her team were taken hostage, and she negotiated the release of herself and her team. She holds a PhD from the University of Waikato and studied the link between curiosity and resilience in special operations forces. Since leaving the military, Alia has served as coach and advisor to leaders and teams around the world, and across a wide range of sectors, including government, venture capital, elite-level sports, corporate services, and creative industries. She’s the author of The Resilience Toolkit, available on Amazon. More about Alia: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrina-alia-bojilova/ Resilience Toolkit - https://amzn.to/4fa9DZH Timestamps: 00:22 Introduction to Alia Bojilova 01:21 Lead Psychologist for New Zealand SAS 05:35 The Link Between Curiosity and Resilience 07:51 Resilience in Special Operators 12:38 Time of Service and Involvement in SAS 14:51 What Does "Military Observer" Mean? 17:04 Assessing for Curiosity in Training 19:22 Curiosity's Distinction from Openness 31:40 Common Signifiers of a Resilient, Curious Mindset 35:40 Olympic Athletes and Special Operators 37:13 The Phenomenal Gift of Being Taken Captive in Syria 54:01 One or Two Books Everyone Should Read 55:18 Best and Worst Advice Ever Received 56:31 Outro Send us a message
#127
June 17 · 44 min
James Jensen: "What's Important Now?" - Aussie SAS Leadership Lessons, Ep. 127
James Jensen is a former SAS Patrol Commander with a unique blend of scientific leadership theory and real-world, high-stakes leadership experience. James served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for two decades, with fourteen years in the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), where he held leadership roles during multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor, and the Philippines. Throughout his career, he worked in some of the world’s most challenging and high-pressure environments. With over 20 years of experience leading and working within teams in dynamic, complex settings, James has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of great leadership. He has seen exceptional leaders elevate teams and positively impact individuals' lives, and he's also observed the devastating effects of poor leadership on both people and organizations. James’s evolution from a junior leader in East Timor to leading some of Australia’s most elite teams reshaped his understanding of what true leadership means. Today, as a sought-after consultant, James works with organizations across many industries, helping leaders unlock their full potential and inspire greatness in their teams. His leadership expertise is still highly valued by the SAS, where he continues to train and mentor the next generation of SAS leaders. LEARN MORE ABOUT JAMES: K6 Consulting - https://k6consulting.com.au/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-jensen-a56440172/ TIMESTAMPS: 00:21 Introduction to James Jensen 01:49 What Did James Do in The Army? 06:30 From Officer to Enlistment - How Did that Process Affect James? 09:53 Being Concerned with Being Liked in Leadership 11:23 W.I.N. - What's Important Now 15:07 Develop and Maintain the Role of Calmness 19:32 Can Calmness Be Developed or is it Innate? 22:43 Timing a Joke with a Crew 24:02 Better Decision Making as a Leader 32:48 Routine with Feedback = Behavioral Change 33:49 Leadership is a Profession 36:33 Individuals Functioning as a Unit 41:35 Best and Worst Advice Ever Received 42:51 James' Book Recommendations 44:18 Outro Send us a message
#126
June 3 · 1 hr 9 min
Aaron Love - Ones Ready, Ep. 126
Aaron is an active duty Pararescueman currently stationed at a Special Tactics Squadron as a Troop Chief. He is a Team Leader, Evaluator, Special Operations Combatives Program (SOCP) Lvl 2 instructor, and an Onnit Certified Trainer, with a focus on Tactical Durability. Pararescuemen, or PJs, are the only DoD asset specifically trained, equipped, and employed to perform Personnel Recovery. They are Technical Rescue Specialists who provide gold-standard combat trauma medical care and evacuation in every environment and situation on the planet. They are trained in all methods of advanced employment and can employ from any vehicle, standard or non-standard, in the DoD and multinational partner inventory. Aaron enlisted in the Air Force in September 2001 and entered the Pararescue training pipeline as a cross trainee, previously an Aerospace Physiology Technician. He has served in Special Tactics and Rescue Squadrons, both overseas and stateside. He has also served in Air Education and Training Command, where he was integral in the complete rewrite of the Pararescue/Combat Rescue Apprentice Courses and has intimate knowledge of the Assessment and Selection process and pipeline management. He has seen multiple combat deployments to Iraq, Africa, and Afghanistan in positions from team member to Senior Enlisted Leader. He takes great pride in the training and mentorship aspect of being a Troop Chief. Aaron is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu player in his off time. You can learn more about Ones Ready and their Operator Training Summit at onesready.com Send us a message
#125
March 18 · 1 hr 6 min
Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon - Mental Skills: Defining "Good Enough," Ep. 125
Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon is a trained counselor specializing in the psychology of behavior change, with certifications including motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, DBT, CBT, and trauma counseling. She’s the author of numerous books and accredited nutrition, sleep, stress, and recovery courses. She’s our go-to performance psych for special operations candidates and active operators, and works one-on-one with many of our clients to help them excel in selection and stay mentally and emotionally resilient throughout their careers. This is part of an ongoing series with KSD, where we’ll be talking with her about the specific tools and concepts that come up regularly in her work with special operators, and how you can apply them in your own life. Work with KSD: https://www.buildingtheelite.com/performance-psych-coaching/ Timestamps: 00:23 Introduction to Krista Scott Dixon 01:07 Helping Candidates Assess the "Am I Good Enough" Question 08:03 The Mistake of Only Looking at PT Test Scores 13:34 The Struggle of Getting Stuck in Your Head 21:28 The Way People Quit 29:36 Being Good at Working Through Any Conditions 34:27 Preparing for Anything and Everything in Skills Assessment 42:02 "I'll Figure it Out" and Fuzzy Trace Theory 47:23 Tolerating Suffering in Crappy Jobs 52:03 Military Barracks Full of Broken Washing Machines 58:17 How to Access the Variables that Matter 1:05:35 Outro Send us a message
#124
February 25 · 1 hr 25 min
Steve House - Training Mountain Athletes and Special Operators, Ep. 124
Steve House serves as the managing director, coach, and official mascot of Uphill Athlete, which he co-founded in 2016. He lives in a remote and mountainous corner of Austria with his wife and two sons. Steve’s biggest coaching challenge was coaching himself. Which was successful enough for him to be called “The greatest climber of his generation” by none other than Reinhold Messner. He was inspired to write down what he learned and originally recruited two other coaches to help him write Training for the New Alpinism while recovering from a near-life-ending fall in 2010. He then co-authored Training for the Uphill Athlete (2018) to fulfill his personal mission to “Teach conventional endurance training theory and practice to mountain athletes.” He retired from professional climbing at the end of 2020 to dedicate himself to family and work full-time on Uphill Athlete. Steve’s most famous ascent is the 4,500-meter-high Rupal Face, the world's biggest mountain wall, which culminates at the summit of the world's deadliest and 9th-highest mountain: Nanga Parbat. In this episode, we talk with Steve about his career, Uphill Athlete’s approach to coaching, and the overlap between mountain athletes and special operators. More about Steve and Uphill Athlete: You can learn more about Uphill Athlete at their website, uphillathlete.com. And you can follow them on social media here: Uphill Athlete Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uphill_athlete/ Steve’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevehouse10/ Timestamps: 00:00:22 Introduction to Steve House 00:01:47 What is Significant about Nanga Parbat, "The Naked Mountain" 00:06:51 Grading the Technical Difficulty of Climbing 00:11:18 The "American Certified International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations" Guide 00:15:23 Overlap Between Climbing and Special Operations Communities 00:18:00 Similarities and Differences Between the Communities 00:30:32 Uphill Athlete Training Mistake 00:40:37 Base Building Meaning and Development 00:42:44 Aerobic Threshold to Regulate Training 00:51:00 Building Aerobic Volume 00:58:59 What to Prioritize During Training 01:02:09 Misunderstanding V02 Max in Training 01:09:13 Ventilatory Threshold Breakpoint 01:15:10 Ten Athletes, Ten Results 01:18:03 What's Next for Uphill Athlete? 01:21:23 Best and Worst Advice Ever Received 01:23:44 Book Recommendations 01:24:59 Outro Send us a message
#123
February 11 · 1 hr 27 min
Dr. David Walton: SFAS Guidance for 2026 - Ep. 123
Dr. David “Wally” Walton is a retired Army Special Forces officer with 25 years of experience in the SF community. His career spans service with the 7th Special Forces Group, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and the Special Warfare Center and School. Dr. Walton’s extensive operational experience includes deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and across Latin America. Since retiring in 2013, he has transitioned into academia, teaching National Security Studies and Executive Leadership. His research portfolio covers Security Strategy, Organizational Culture and Dynamics, and Human Performance. He has a deep understanding of security studies, encompassing everything from tactical operations to strategic policy discussions. Currently an instructor at JSOC, Dr. Walton is a Subject Matter Expert in Special Forces Assessment and Selection. He specializes in Land Navigation, runs a prep program designed for SFAS candidates, and is the author of multiple books about preparing for SFAS. More about Dr. Walton: Website: https://tfvoodoo.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tf_voo_doo/ Timestamps: 00:00:23 Introduction to Dr. David Walton 00:01:42 Changes within SFSS and Coaching 00:20:22 Being Trained in Land Navigation 00:30:43 Better Prepared Candidates 00:53:34 The Sandman Event 00:59:29 Selection Rates and Working Through the Stages 01:05:23 No Dependencies in the SFSS Course 01:09:47 The "Awaiting Training" Phase 01:11:33 What has Dr. David Walton Changed in Coaching? 01:17:08 How Many Books has Dr. Walton Written? 01:21:52 Books Everyone Should Read 01:26:32 Outro Send us a message
#122
January 26 · 43 min
Brad Stulberg: The Way of Excellence - Ep. 122
Brad Stulberg is a bestselling author of the new book The Way of Excellence, a performance coach, faculty member at the University of Michigan, and a husband and father. The Way of Excellence comes out tomorrow, and you can pick up a copy at any major bookseller like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Audible.com, or Bookshop.org. You can learn more about Brad and follow his work at his website, (https://www.bradstulberg.com/) and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradstulberg/ Send us a message
#121
Nov 27, 2025 · 1 hr 19 min
Nick Caldwell: The Mill Gym - Preparing the Next Generation of Special Operators
Nick has over 12 years of military experience, including 4 years as an Australian Commando and 6 years as an SAS operator. His operational service included deployments throughout the Middle East and Southeast Asia, including Iraq and East Timor. Since leaving the Army, Nick has established two companies as a founding Director, The Mill Gym and Omni GeoX; as well as a new fitness competition, the Tier 1 Games. Nick has provided risk management, leadership, and elite-level performance consulting in austere environments worldwide, including with professional sports teams, multinational corporations, government, and non-governmental organisations. Nick's charter is to build real-world resilience within individuals and foster a no-compromise culture of excellence. He’s driven by a deep passion for building elite-level soldiers and athletes through an uncompromising culture, mindset, and mental toughness. His philosophy is simple: hard work beats talent, and resilience is the decisive advantage in high-pressure environments. By drawing from years of operational experience and an 18-year coaching career, Nick develops training systems that forge discipline, sharpen decision-making under stress, and cultivate the mental edge required to excel when it matters most. Learn more about Nick and The Mill Gym: Email: nick@themillgym.com Instagram: @themillgym LinkedIn: @nickcaldwell Website: themillgym.com Timestamps: 0:00:22 Introduction to Nick Caldwell 0:01:45 Career in the Aussie Special Air Service 0:05:32 Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 0:07:10 Gaining the Confidence to Enlist 0:14:49 Nick's Goals that Pushed His Career Forward 0:17:50 Recovering from Burnout 0:21:23 Helping Someone Understand Their Recovery and Readiness 0:26:48 Training with HRP and Other Monitoring Devices 0:38:28 What Camps Does Nick Caldwell Run? 0:44:43 Not a 36 Hour Exercise Competition 0:49:55 Standard Pre-Screening 0:57:50 Woman in Courses of Self-Defense 1:02:11 "Keeping Yourself Safe in a Parking Garage" Scenario 1:10:04 Books that Nick Believes Everyone Should Read 1:18:37 Outro Send us a message
#120
Oct 22, 2025 · 1 hr 26 min
Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon: Mental and Emotional Prep for SOF Selection - Ep. 120
Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon is a trained counselor specializing in the psychology of behavior change, with certifications in motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, DBT, CBT, and trauma counseling. She’s the author of numerous books and accredited nutrition, sleep, stress, and recovery courses. She is our go-to performance psych, working one-on-one with many of our clients to sharpen the mental and emotional skills needed to handle some of the toughest training courses in the world. In this episode, we’re talking to KSD about the coaching work she does with active and aspiring operators, focusing on the central themes and patterns she often uses to help people excel in their careers and become more capable and resilient. Learn more about working with KSD: https://www.buildingtheelite.com/performance-psych-coaching/ Follow KSD on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stumptuous Timestamps: 00:23 Introduction to Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon 01:12 Common Themes in Special Operations Selection 03:42 Getting Distracted by Misconceptions 08:11 Paradox of High Standards While Facing Setbacks 13:36 The Vulnerability of Overthinking 18:53 The Concept of Self-Compassion 25:11 The Value of Coaching Yourself Positively 30:25 The Concept of Fun - Do it Seriously, Don't Take it Seriously 38:09 Weaving Fun into Intense Training 43:07 Appreciation of Nature and Disasters 47:03 Training That's Too Strict Can Steal Joy from Life 49:58 The Concept of Competition 54:43 What Does Neurodivergence Mean? 1:00:46 Distinguishing Between Self-Deficits or Neurological Differences 1:06:22 Behavioral Red Flags within Military Tactical Populations 1:12:36 Strategies for Those that Fall into a Neurodivergent Category 1:16:16 What is Stimming and What Does It Do? 1:18:53 The Impact of Time Spent Alone Doing Something Meaningless 1:24:44 Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon's Book Recommendations 1:26:23 Outro Send us a message
#119
Sep 24, 2025 · 22 min
Feeding the Rat - Ep. 119
SOF selection is a proving ground, where your physical, mental, and emotional raw material will be laid bare, with nothing to hide behind. It's a place where you voluntarily walk into a brutal challenge to find out if who you think you are matches who you are. It's a way of answering a question that few people are willing to ask. Mo Anthoine, a British mountaineer, referred to this as "feeding the rat." Think of the "rat" as that gnawing part of you that needs challenge, risk, and uncertainty. You feel better when it's been fed. As Anthoine put it, "I think it's because there is always a question mark about how you would perform. You have an idea of yourself and it can be quite a shock when you don't come up to your own expectations. If you just tootle along you can think you're a pretty slick bloke until things go wrong and you find you're nothing like you imagined yourself to be. But if you deliberately put yourself in difficult situations, then you get a pretty good idea of how you're going. That's why I like feeding the rat." Everyone has a rat to feed. You only choose how you feed it. Send us a message
#118
Sep 3, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
Dr. Daniel Cooper: The Psychology of High Performance - Ep. 118
Dr. Daniel Cooper is a human performance and behaviour specialist who focuses on improving individual and team performance in high-pressure, high-consequence environments. He provides a unique perspective that sits at the intersection of real-world experience, academic research, and high-performance development. His experience encompasses over 18 years of service within the Australian Special Operations community, as well as academic studies in physiology, PhD research on performing under pressure, and current studies in neuroscience. In addition to high-performance coaching in professional sports and personal pursuits in extreme ultra-endurance events, Daniel has also worked within law enforcement as a frontline skills trainer, assisting in the development and delivery of strategic command programs. Follow Dr. Cooper: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-cooper-phd-3725194a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancooper_phd/ Timestamps: 00:21 Introduction to Dr. Daniel Cooper 01:35 Where in Antarctica is Dr. Daniel Cooper Going? 02:54 What Distance Record is Dr. Cooper Going for? 03:42 What are the Logistics for a Trip to Antarctica? 04:58 What Does the Food Look Like? 07:09 Starting Weight for a Sled 08:22 Getting Out of the Special Air Service 08:49 Dr. Cooper's Area of Research 09:39 Under Pressure You Fall to the Level of Your Instructor 12:24 What Operators Do Wrong When They Become Instructors 14:32 What's Dr. Cooper's Take on the Post-Engagement Scan? 18:47 The "Rule of Pretending" in Training Exercises 23:17 "Procedure Monkey" Meaning 24:06 Letting Situations Go Wrong in Training 27:35 Balancing Adaptability, Productivity and Challenges 31:44 The Impact of Shame in Training Practices 34:58 Mental Toughness is Misunderstood 40:58 How a Unit Should View Their Team and the World Around Them 46:05 Difference Between Character and Capability 49:38 More Effective Evaluating in the Special Air Service 53:40 Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence, PCDE's 01:03:03 Linear vs Non-Linear Motor Skill Development 01:12:54 Desirable Difficulties to Train Recall Skills 01:13:53 Dr. Coopers Book Recommendation 01:14:53 Best and Worst Advice Ever Received 01:16:26 Outro Send us a message
#117
Aug 20, 2025 · 1 hr 22 min
Elias Kfoury: From Hunter to Protector, Ep. 117
Elias Kfoury was born in Beirut, Lebanon, and immigrated to the United States at an early age in search of a brighter, safer future. After college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving 21½ years before his medical retirement. Beginning as a Hospital Corpsman supporting the U.S. Marine Corps, he soon entered the Special Operations community as a Deep Sea Diving Medical Technician and completed advanced medical training to support Naval Special Warfare units. Following his service in Little Creek, Virginia, he successfully screened for Naval Special Warfare Development Group, where he spent the majority of his career as a Squadron Medic in multiple roles. After retiring, Elias transitioned into the business world, but soon recognized the deeper need to heal himself and his family. Today, he dedicates his life to supporting others on their own journeys while cherishing time with his family. Eli's Book Recommendations for special operations candidates (aside from Building the Elite): Breath – James Nestor The Way of the SEAL – Mark Divine Peak Performance – Brad Stulberg & Steve Magness The Talent Code – Daniel Coyle The Obstacle Is the Way – Ryan Holiday With Winning in Mind – Lanny Bassham Deep Survival – Laurence Gonzales Call Sign Chaos – Jim Mattis & Bing West Legacy – James Kerr Timestamps: 00:00:21 Introduction to Eli Khoury 00:00:52 Where Did Eli Khoury Grow Up? 00:01:36 Experience of Growing Up in a War Zone 00:05:54 How "Real Mortal Danger" Shapes Your Mental Health 00:08:59 How Many Children Currently Don't Have Physical "Third Spaces" 00:12:05 Formative Moments That Clarified "Who Eli Is" 00:18:20 Eli's Educational Background 00:24:43 The Goal of Coaching 00:27:48 Common Things People Struggle to Let Go of 00:29:43 Improving the Coaching Process for the Future 00:32:04 Coaching Families 00:34:04 Utilizing Tools like Psychedelics 00:36:18 Teaching How to Give Up Control While Using Psychedelics 00:40:40 Teaching How to Let Go Without Psychedelics 00:48:20 The Skill of "Sitting With Stillness" 00:52:48 What Military Skills Transfer to the Rest of the World? 00:58:04 Teaching Resilience to People Early in Their Career 01:13:45 Advice for Someone Trying to Enter BUDS 01:14:49 Advice for Someone in a Special Operations Medical Path 01:16:33 Advice for Someone Who Wants to Screen for a Tier 1 Unit 01:18:20 One Book that Everyone Should Read 01:18:37 Sponsor Note - Our Book, "Building the Elite" 01:19:05 Best and Worst Advice Ever Received 01:21:48 Outro Send us a message
#116
Jul 30, 2025 · 22 min
Heat Acclimation Training - Ep. 116
If your selection will be held in a hot environment, it’s important to acclimate to the heat before heading out. Any SOF selection will push you to your physical limits, and not being acclimated to the heat can significantly increase your risk of failure. Heat injuries in SOF selection are fairly common, and they can be sneaky. The workload is so intense that even moderately warm, humid days can produce conditions that encourage heat injuries, particularly for people who are coming from cooler, drier climates who aren’t habituated to the weather. Like any adaptation, how you stress your body changes your rate and degree of adaptation. Randomly doing hard things in hot conditions isn’t the best strategy. In this episode, we’ll outline our recommendations based on practical experience and the most current research. ------------ Hot Box Sauna: https://www.thehotboxsauna.com/?ref=BTE For 5% off, use the code BTE5 ------------ Timestamps: Send us a message
#115
Jul 9, 2025 · 50 min
Matt Stevens: From SEAL to CEO - The Honor Foundation, Ep. 115
Matt Stevens transitioned from the U.S. Navy in 2017 after serving for 26 years as a SEAL. Transitioning from the SEAL teams to civilian life brought him to The Honor Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting U.S. Special Operations Forces as they transition from elite military careers into impactful civilian roles. Matt attended The Honor Foundation’s (THF) inaugural East Coast class in the spring of 2016, joined their SOF Advisory Board in the spring of 2017, and then joined their Board of Directors in February 2018. A native of Charlotte, NC, Matt graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1991 with a B.S. in Ocean Engineering. He graduated BUD/S in 1992 with class 179 and was assigned to the East Coast, where he served in various SEAL Teams, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams, and Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG). Matt commanded at every level in the Naval Special Warfare Community, including a Squadron at DEVGRU, SEAL Team Two, Naval Special Warfare Unit Three, and Naval Special Warfare Group Four. He served on staff tours at the Joint Special Operations Command in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as the Operations Officer at Naval Special Warfare Group TWO in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (ASD SO/LIC) in the Pentagon. Matt served on the leadership team of an emerging technology company from 2017 to 2019, before assuming the role of CEO of The Honor Foundation. Learn more about The Honor Foundation at www.Honor.org Timestamps: 00:00:22 Introduction to Matt Stevens 00:02:00 26 Years in the Teams 00:03:25 DEVGRU and Seal Teams 00:04:36 The Hardest Part of BUD/S 00:06:16 Sponsor Note: Our Book Building The Elite 00:07:03 Toughest Moments of Matt Stevens' Career 00:09:32 Giving Bad News About Performance 00:11:12 Becoming a Good Leader 00:15:08 Becoming Better at Public Speaking 00:17:04 Transitioning Out of the Military 00:20:21 How Did Mentorship Affect Matt Stevens’ Career? 00:23:20 How Did the Honor Foundation Come About? 00:26:28 The Honor Foundation's Three-Phase Program 00:31:09 Impacting Veterans Lives 00:34:31 What a Special Operations Background Brings to the Table 00:37:23 Surviving in the Civilian World 00:40:31 Who is the Honor Foundation For? 00:41:45 Honor Foundation's Goals 00:45:19 Supporting the Honor Foundation 00:46:09 Advice for Special Operators Transitioning Out 00:49:00 One Book Everyone Should Read 00:49:43 Best and Worst Advice Ever Received 00:50:25 Outro Send us a message
#114
Jun 26, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
Rima Ziuraitis: Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) in Ukraine - Ep. 114
Rima is a medic in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a tactical medicine instructor originally from the United States. She came to Ukraine as an NGO volunteer in 2022 and began medical studies in 2023 before enlisting in 2024. Now, she works on medical evacuations of soldiers from the frontlines and works in stabilization points where they receive casualties and stabilize their injuries for transport to the nearest hospital. Before enlisting, she taught tactical medicine per TCCC standards at the International Center for Tactical Medicine in Ukraine. In her spare time, she writes about tactical medicine for a wider audience based on evolving needs and lessons learned on the ground in Ukraine. More about Rima: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rimamedua Send Rima and her team medical supplies: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3QM0WCUA0PBK2?ref_=wl_share Or, snacks from home: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/390U40XEQSS4P?ref_=wl_share Blue Yellow USA address for care packages: C/O Blue Yellow USA NFP PO box 641 Naperville, IL 60566 Timestamps: Send us a message
#113
Jun 11, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Chris Brennan: Leadership Lessons from the Australian SAS Regiment - Ep. 113
Chris Brennan served for 15 years in the Australian Army, 11 of which were as an operator within the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR). He fulfilled multiple team specialist roles, including as a JTAC and Tandem Bundle Master within a Freefall Assault Team, before progressing into leadership roles as a team 2IC and culminating his career as an SASR Team Leader. Chris deployed on multiple occasions and spent two years as a specialist trainer and assessor in the SASR's selection and training squadron. He assisted in the design and implementation of high-risk training for new members undergoing the SASR reinforcement cycle, as well as assisting in the delivery of team-leading packages to those undergoing progression into tactical leadership functions. Upon transitioning from the Australian Defence Force, Chris completed his Master of Business degree through the University of New South Wales, which provided academic backing to his lived experiences within the SASR. As a result, Chris founded OMADA Performance Concepts, a high–performance team consultancy. Through OMADA, he now delivers specialised Team Development solutions, Team Leadership packages, and Instructor Development programs for critical response teams operating in high-risk environments. More about Chris: Website: www.omadapc.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omada.performance.concepts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-brennan-991215353/ Timestamps: Send us a message

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes