From The Green Notebook

What Is Strategy and Why Is It So Hard? with Dr. Eliot Cohen

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Eliot Cohen, Professor Emeritus and former Dean at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University, and author of The Strategist: How to Think About War and Politics, joins Joe to explore a fundamental question: What is strategy, and why is it so difficult to get right? Cohen explains why strategy is about more than military power, advanced technology, or battlefield success. Joe and Cohen discuss why leaders become fixated on technology and metrics instead of the problems they're trying to solve, how military and political leaders must work together, and why intelligence alone is not enough to make someone a good strategist. Joe and Cohen also discuss: Why we've allowed the definition of strategy to become so broad that it's losing its meaning The seven fundamental questions strategists must ask, including "Who are those guys?" and "What is our theory of victory?" Why political objectives change during wars and what that means for military leaders How the United States struggled to understand its adversaries in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan Why an obsession with metrics can create the illusion of progress without producing meaningful results Why good judgment and character matter more than raw intelligence when making strategic decisions The importance of making room for unconventional thinkers and leaders who challenge the status quo How deep reading, writing, and keeping a journal develop the ability to think strategically Why studying military history helps leaders prepare for surprise and uncertainty How competition with China, emerging technologies, and increasingly complex warfare will challenge future strategists. Whether you're a junior officer preparing for greater responsibility, a senior leader making difficult decisions, or someone interested in understanding how strategy works, this conversation offers a deeper appreciation for the challenges of turning military power into political success. A special thanks to our sponsors 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! Meet Nightwing. Made to serve the mission. Hardwired to defend the nation. Against an ever-evolving threat landscape, Nightwing brings deep expertise and an unwavering commitment to U.S. national security. From cyberspace to orbit, Nightwing operates at the edge of complexity — delivering some of the world's most technically advanced capabilities to see what others don't, go where others won't, and achieve what others can't. Explore Duke University's Master of National Security Policy Program—a hybrid graduate program designed for experienced military, government, and private-sector professionals. With online coursework, short residencies at Duke, and small cohorts capped at 25 students, the 30-credit program offers a focused path to a Duke master's degree. All admitted students receive some level of financial aid, and military-affiliated students can use GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon benefits. Classes begin in June 2027. Priority application deadline: November 30. Final deadline: January 5. Learn more at duke.is/nationalsecurity.

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Building the Apple Store, Lessons from Steve Jobs, and Learning from Failure with Ron Johnson

Send us Fan Mail Ron Johnson, former Apple executive and architect of the Apple Store, joins Joe to discuss his new book, Shop Different: How Retail Revealed Apple's Genius, and the leadership lessons he learned working alongside Steve Jobs. From helping transform Target to building one of the most successful retail concepts in history, Johnson shares what it takes to challenge conventional thinking, pursue bold ideas, and learn from failure. Joe and Johnson explore how Apple reimagined the retail experience at a time when many believed physical stores were becoming obsolete. Johnson reflects on the importance of having a clear vision, earning trust, building a culture centered on serving customers, and translating ambitious ideas into reality. He also discusses the challenges of leading change and the lessons he learned from his time as CEO of JCPenney. Joe and Johnson also discuss: How Johnson came to work with Steve Jobs and help create the Apple Store Tips for working with a demanding boss What he learned about leadership, innovation, and decision-making from Jobs Why Apple challenged conventional assumptions about retail The importance of creating an experience rather than simply selling products How leaders can build trust and inspire others to embrace a bold vision Why challenging conventional wisdom requires both courage and conviction The leadership lessons he took away from his experience at JCPenney Why failure can be one of the most valuable teachers in a leader's career The importance of keeping the human experience at the center of business Whether you're leading a military formation, running a business, or trying to bring a new idea to life, this conversation offers lessons on vision, innovation, and leadership. Johnson's experiences demonstrate what it takes to challenge established ways of thinking, build something that lasts, and continue learning when things don't go as planned.

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(When) Do Leaders Matter? with Jared Diamond

Send us Fan Mail Jared Diamond, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel and Prophets, Coaches, and Kings, joins Joe to explore a fundamental question: When do leaders actually make a difference, and when are their successes or failures shaped by circumstances beyond their control? Joe and Diamond discuss how luck, timing, resources, and institutional advantages influence leadership outcomes. Drawing on examples from history, business, sports, and the military, Diamond challenges traditional ideas about great leaders and explains how natural experiments can help separate individual contributions from outside factors. They explore why coaches and CEOs may account for only a quarter of their organizations' success, how favorable conditions helped Genghis Khan build his empire, why Winston Churchill was the right leader at the right moment, and how even brilliant commanders like Erwin Rommel faced limitations they could not overcome. Joe and Diamond also discuss: The Hamlet Test and how to determine whether a leader was truly indispensable The strengths and limitations of using biographies to study leadership Why firing an underperforming coach may not improve a team's performance The role of luck and timing in Mark Zuckerberg's success How Seretse Khama, Botswana's founding president, chose to limit his own power for the greater good Why so few powerful political leaders voluntarily step down The importance of charisma and organizational ability in building religious movements What Diamond has learned about leadership across politics, business, sports, and religion How Diamond continues researching, writing, and learning at 89 years old Why keeping notebooks has been essential to his research and writing process since he was three years old Whether you're leading a military formation, running a business, coaching a team, or simply trying to understand what makes leaders effective, this conversation challenges how we assign credit and blame. It offers lessons on recognizing the influence of circumstances, questioning the stories we tell about successful leaders, and developing the humility to recognize that even the greatest leaders rarely succeed on their own. A Special Thanks to our Sponsors! 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. Meet Nightwing. Made to serve the mission. Hardwired to defend the nation. Against an ever-evolving threat landscape, Nightwing brings deep expertise and an unwavering commitment to U.S. national security. From cyberspace to orbit, Nightwing operates at the edge of complexity — delivering some of the world's most technically advanced capabilities to see what others don't, go where others won't, and achieve what others can't.

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The Hidden Patterns Driving Your Relationships with Thais Gibson

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Thais Gibson, founder of the Personal Development School and author of Learning Love, joins Joe to discuss attachment theory and how our early childhood experiences shape our relationship patterns, communication styles, and emotional well-being throughout our lives. Joe and Dr. Gibson explore what shaped her journey into attachment work—including her own experience as a fearful avoidant individual—and how understanding attachment theory became transformative for her personal relationships and professional practice. They discuss the foundational concept that attachment styles are subconscious "rules" we learn about love, developed primarily in our first 0-8 years of life through repetitive emotional experiences. Throughout the conversation, they examine how our subconscious mind (responsible for 95% of our beliefs, thoughts, and actions) drives behaviors we don't consciously recognize, and how our "reality lens"—shaped by core wounds and past experiences—filters how we interpret the world around us. They explore the critical distinction between conscious awareness and subconscious programming, using relatable examples of how anxious individuals might catastrophize when a partner doesn't return a call, while dismissive avoidants remain unbothered by the same situation. They also discuss the four attachment styles in depth: secure attachment (roughly 50% of the population, characterized by the longest-lasting and most fulfilling relationships), anxious attachment (driven by fears of abandonment and rejection), dismissive avoidant (rooted in childhood emotional neglect and fear of emotional vulnerability), and fearful avoidant (combining both anxious and avoidant traits, often stemming from significant childhood trauma or instability). Joe and Dr. Gibson also discuss: The Gibson Integrated Attachment Theory (IAT) Profile How attachment styles affect the workplace The power struggle stage of relationships Core wound reprogramming Negative versus positive framing in communication Boundary-setting challenges The role of emotional literacy Whether you're navigating a long-distance military relationship, struggling to understand why certain patterns keep repeating across your relationships, or simply curious about why you react the way you do in moments of conflict, this conversation offers lessons on understanding your subconscious programming, recognizing how your past shapes your present, rewiring core wounds at the neurological level, and building the emotional literacy needed for healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life. A Special Thanks to our Sponsors! 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. Meet Nightwing. Made to serve the mission. Hardwired to defend the nation. Against an ever-evolving threat landscape, Nightwing brings deep expertise and an unwavering commitment to U.S. national security. From cyberspace to orbit, Nightwing operates at the edge of complexity — delivering some of the world's most technically advanced capabilities to see what others don't, go where others won't, and achieve what others can't.

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Leading an Institution Bigger Than Yourself with Chancellor Lee Roberts

Send us Fan Mail Lee Roberts, Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, joins Joe to discuss leadership, service, and what it takes to lead a large and complex institution. Joe and Chancellor Roberts discuss the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership, beginning with growing up as the son of two journalists and continuing through a career that has included business, investment, public service, and now higher education. Throughout the conversation, they explore what Roberts learned from entering higher education as an outsider, how leaders develop and communicate a vision across organizations with many different stakeholders, and why he places such a premium on getting out of the office, walking around campus, and seeing things for himself. They also discuss UNC's relationship with the military, Roberts' visit to Fort Bragg, and the university's selection as a partner for the Senior Service College Fellowship. Roberts shares what he believes senior military leaders and university faculty can learn from one another and how that relationship can strengthen both communities. Joe and Chancellor Roberts also discuss: The role fitness plays in managing the demands of leadership How artificial intelligence will change higher education What universities need to get right about AI The books that have influenced the way he thinks about leadership Whether you're leading a military formation, a business, a university, or any organization with competing priorities and stakeholders, this conversation offers lessons on presence, vision, service, and the responsibility that comes with leading an institution bigger than yourself. 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! 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.

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Learning to Lead Before You’re Ready with Michael Eck

Send us Fan Mail Michael Eck, author of Strike Season, joins Joe to tell the remarkable true story of a high school football team that suddenly found itself without coaches in the middle of a championship season. When a teachers’ strike pulled the coaching staff off the field, Michael and his teammates faced the possibility of losing not only their season, but also college scholarships and opportunities to play at the next level. So they made an audacious decision: they would coach themselves. For five weeks, a group of 16- and 17-year-olds ran their own practices, called their own plays, managed their own discipline, and somehow went 5–0 while allowing just one touchdown. Michael shares what that experience taught him about leadership, trust, adversity, and responsibility—including the complicated example of Coach Walker, who stood with the teachers’ union while refusing to abandon his players. It’s a story about what happens when the plan falls apart, no one is coming to rescue you, and you have to figure out how to lead before you feel ready. 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! 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.

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Are People Born with Charisma? With Olivia Fox Cabane

Send us Fan Mail Olivia Fox Cabane, author of the international bestseller The Charisma Myth, joins Joe to explore the science and practice of charisma—what it really is, why the biggest myths about it persist, and how anyone can deliberately develop it. This episode dismantles the idea that charisma is an innate, magical quality reserved for a lucky few. Olivia shows that charisma is a set of learned behaviors built on three core elements—presence, power, and warmth—that can be dialed up or down depending on personality, situation, and goals. She explains how these elements work together (much like sugar, fat, and salt) to create the powerful effect we label “charisma,” and why first impressions form in under two seconds largely through body language rather than status symbols or titles. Olivia also unpacks the internal work required: managing the inner critic, dismantling imposter syndrome, using visualization and gratitude to shift mindset, and practicing self-compassion so confidence (and therefore power) can show up externally. She shares practical tools for presence (from a two-second toe focus to short meditation), warmth, and power, while warning about the real downsides of leaving the “charisma switch” on too long—people oversharing, leaders persuading others of flawed ideas, and the emotional cost of constant high output. Joe and Olivia also discuss: Why presence, power, and warmth must all reach a minimum threshold, yet different “flavors” of charisma (authority, kindness, visionary, etc.) emerge from which element is strongest How body language consistently outweighs titles, cars, or clothing in conveying power Why distraction (especially phones) instantly kills charisma and how even a 17-millisecond delay in facial response registers as inauthentic The role of self-criticism as the biggest inhibitor of power—and why self-compassion and instant self-forgiveness are essential tools Practical ways to combat imposter syndrome: destigmatize it, detach from the feeling, and reframe it as useful fuel Visualization techniques (and gratitude practices) for generating genuine warmth before walking into a room How to accept compliments so the other person feels good for giving them Emotional contagion in leadership and why a leader’s calm under stress can steady an entire team The surprising science of voice, online charisma (bandwidth, camera angle, gesturing even when unseen), and why lower pitch is not inherently more charismatic The darker sides of high charisma: over-persuasion of bad ideas, people getting “hooked,” and the need to sometimes dial it down Why self-regulation is the single most important underlying skill This episode is for anyone who wants to become more influential, present, and effective—whether in leadership, sales, interviews, or everyday interactions—without relying on status or personality luck. It is also for those who already feel charismatic and want to use the skill more deliberately and responsibly, for founders and managers seeking healthier team dynamics, and for anyone ready to treat charisma as a trainable set of behaviors rather than a fixed trait. 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! 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.

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The Afghanistan Episode with General Scott Miller

Send us Fan Mail On the fifth anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, General (Ret.) Scott Miller, the final commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, joins Joe for a candid conversation about the war, its ending, and what we owe the people who served there. General Miller reflects on watching Afghanistan collapse after he left the country, the anger he carried afterward, and why he ultimately decided not to let that anger define the rest of his life. He also addresses the questions many veterans still wrestle with: Was it worth it? What should we be proud of? And what lessons must we carry forward? Joe and General Miller also discuss: The habits General Miller believes veterans should carry with them into civilian life How watching the fall of Afghanistan affected him personally What Task Force Ranger taught General Miller about loss, brotherhood, trust, and learning from combat The responsibility veterans have to remember the fallen and stay connected with their families Why learning lessons may be more valuable than simply assigning blame How repeated rotations and a lack of continuity hurt America’s understanding of Afghanistan General Miller’s perspective on the closure of Bagram and the risks involved in keeping it open Why senior-leader accountability is essential to maintaining trust in institutions The difference between winning tactical battles and achieving strategic objectives Why any serious assessment of a war has to begin with the objectives leaders were actually given What General Miller believes a successful transition looks like five years after leaving the Army This episode is for veterans still making sense of Afghanistan, the leaders responsible for learning from it, and anyone who has struggled to reconcile honorable service with a painful outcome. Five years later, the question is not only what happened in Afghanistan, but what we choose to learn from it—and what those who served there choose to carry forward. A special thanks to our sponsors Ultra Defense Corps ManTech International Corporation

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WWE, Burning Buildings, and Solving Big Problems with George Barrios

Send us Fan Mail George Barrios, former co-president of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), co-founder and co-CEO of Isos Capital Management, and author of Sometimes Wrong, But Never in Doubt, joins Joe to explore leadership, preparation, reinvention, and what it takes to transform an organization. This episode examines George’s unconventional path from nearly failing out of high school to becoming one of the key executives behind WWE’s evolution into a global media and entertainment company. George reflects on the influence of his Cuban immigrant parents, the people who redirected his life, and the lessons he carried from each stage of his career. George also explains why conviction should come from preparation rather than bravado. He shares how deep research, systems thinking, and a willingness to understand every part of a business helped him and Michelle Wilson recognize opportunities others could not yet see. Joe and George also discuss: Why life should be viewed as a movie rather than a single photograph How George’s parents shaped his approach to work, learning, and adversity Why leaders must understand the box before they can think outside of it Why a short presentation may require hundreds of pages of preparation The difference between confidence and unsupported certainty Why people often want the position but not the work required to earn it The emotional journey of building something meaningful Why reading widely helps leaders connect ideas across industries Why experts can explain how a system works but may struggle to imagine how it could change What George learned from working alongside Vince McMahon and Michelle Wilson How George thinks about failure, reputation, reinvention, and rewriting the ending This episode is for leaders, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers who want to think more deeply, prepare more thoroughly, and pursue difficult work with conviction. It is also for anyone whose life has not followed a straight path and needs the reminder that one bad photograph does not define the entire movie. Watch the full interview on YouTube 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! 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.

Before the Lessons Disappear with Colonel Michael Kloepper

Send us Fan Mail Michael Kloepper, former commander of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and current Brigade Tactical Officer at the United States Military Academy, joins Joe to explore leadership, readiness, and the responsibility to pass hard-earned lessons to the next generation. This episode examines what it means for a generation of leaders shaped by more than two decades of war to “empty the rucksack” before leaving the Army. Michael reflects on the urgency he and many of his peers feel to pass on what they learned through success, failure, command, and combat so future generations do not have to repeat the same mistakes. Colonel Kloepper also shares how his experiences in battalion and brigade command shaped his views on mental, physical, and spiritual readiness. Rather than simply pointing soldiers toward more resources, he believes leaders and chains of command have a responsibility to create healthier organizations. He explains how programs built around outdoor challenges, shared hardship, reflection, and time with teammates helped reduce high-risk behavior while strengthening trust and readiness. Joe and Michael also discuss: Why learning organizations must do more than collect information Why leaders should invest in people before problems occur instead of only responding afterward How shared challenges and time outdoors can strengthen teams and reduce destructive behavior Why people fight for what they believe in Why accessibility matters, especially when information is not moving through the chain of command The difference between highlighting problems and becoming a reactionary leader Why presence remains one of the most important qualities of leadership What lieutenants and captains should understand about character, toughness, command authority, and example What Mike has learned from leading and developing cadets at West Point This episode is for leaders who want to build stronger organizations, invest more deeply in their people, and pass hard-earned lessons forward. It is also for veterans reflecting on what their service meant, commanders trying to create healthier teams, and anyone who believes leadership begins with presence, trust, and the willingness to stand alongside people when things are hard. Watch the interview on YouTube A special thanks to this week's sponsors! Dunedain Systems is a veteran-founded defense technology company building Warmind, an AI platform that accelerates military planning, operations, and document generation. Warmind connects to your unit’s data and learns how your warfighting function operates, delivering outputs tailored to your SOPs and operational context rather than generic AI responses. Whether your team is building OPORDs, running intel workflows, or generating CONOPs, Warmind handles the heavy lift so your staff can focus on decisions, not paperwork. Built by combat veterans who lived the problem firsthand, Warmind is already in use across SOCOM and the broader DoD. The beta is free for anyone with a .mil or .edu email at dunedainsystems.com. 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 Soldier's Curse with Steven Pressfield

Send us Fan Mail Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of Gates of Fire, the War of Art, A Man at Arms, and The Arcadian, joins Joe to explore writing, resistance, and the soldier’s long search for peace. This episode examines the story behind The Arcadian, Pressfield’s latest novel featuring Telamon, a warrior cursed to live lifetime after lifetime as a soldier. Steve shares how the seed for the book began with a quote from Empedocles that he carried with him for more than forty years before finally discovering the story it was meant to become. Steve and Joe discuss why the idea of a cursed soldier resonates so deeply, especially with those who have served. Telamon’s journey is not just a story about war, exile, or violence. It is about the burden many people carry, the search for redemption, and the hope that we can become something more than the roles we have played for so long. Steve also reflects on losing his home in the Palisades fire while working on the book and how writing became a refuge during that difficult season. What could have become another form of resistance instead became proof of the very ideas he has spent decades teaching: that the work can save us, steady us, and call us back to ourselves. Joe and Steve also discuss: The connection between soldiers, exile, redemption, and the search for peace Why “life is warfare and a journey far from home” Why animals and children often carry the divine in stories Why great stories often begin with the question “What if?” What it means to start over, kill the ego, and become an apprentice again Why Steve believes nearly every great story is, in some way, a redemption story This episode is for anyone who has carried a burden longer than they expected, walked away from a life that once defined them, or wondered whether peace is possible after years of fighting. It is also for writers, leaders, veterans, and readers who believe that stories can help us make sense of exile, suffering, hope, and the long road home. Watch the full interview on YouTube A special thanks to this week's sponsors! Dunedain Systems is a veteran-founded defense technology company building Warmind, an AI platform that accelerates military planning, operations, and document generation. Warmind connects to your unit’s data and learns how your warfighting function operates, delivering outputs tailored to your SOPs and operational context rather than generic AI responses. Whether your team is building OPORDs, running intel workflows, or generating CONOPs, Warmind handles the heavy lift so your staff can focus on decisions, not paperwork. Built by combat veterans who lived the problem firsthand, Warmind is already in use across SOCOM and the broader DoD. The beta is free for anyone with a .mil or .edu email at dunedainsystems.com. 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.

Are You Suffering from the Success Wound? with Brooke Taylor

Send us Fan Mail Brooke Taylor, author of Healing the Success Wound, joins Joe to explore the hidden pain that comes from mistaking achievement, productivity, and success for self-worth. This episode examines the “success wound,” the belief that our worth is tied to what we produce, accomplish, or achieve rather than who we are. Brooke shares her own story of growing up in Silicon Valley, chasing gold stars, working at Google, and realizing that external success could not fill the emptiness underneath. What looked impressive on the outside was, internally, driven by a deep need for approval, validation, and belonging. Brooke explains how high achievers often become trapped in a cycle of striving, proving, pleasing, hiding, or numbing. They keep reaching the next promotion, assignment, title, or milestone, only to find that the satisfaction never lasts. Over time, that pattern can lead to burnout, anxiety, substance abuse, chronic stress, and a distorted sense of identity. Joe and Brooke also discuss: Why achievement can become a substitute for self-worth The difference between self-confidence and self-worth Why many high performers are only as good as their last piece of feedback The five success wound archetypes: the grinder, the hider, the pleaser, the seeker, and the work-hard-play-hard How military leaders can confuse identity with rank, role, branch, or assignment Why values are essential for making better career and life decisions How aligned ambition allows leaders to pursue meaningful work without being driven by fear, scarcity, or the need to prove themselves This episode is for anyone who has achieved the thing they thought would finally make them feel whole, only to realize the finish line moved again. It is also for leaders, professionals, parents, and high performers who want to understand what is driving their ambition, how to separate their worth from their work, and how to build a life and career from a place of alignment instead of anxiety. Watch the entire interview on YouTube A special thanks to this week's sponsors! Dunedain Systems is a veteran-founded defense technology company building Warmind, an AI platform that accelerates military planning, operations, and document generation. Warmind connects to your unit’s data and learns how your warfighting function operates, delivering outputs tailored to your SOPs and operational context rather than generic AI responses. Whether your team is building OPORDs, running intel workflows, or generating CONOPs, Warmind handles the heavy lift so your staff can focus on decisions, not paperwork. Built by combat veterans who lived the problem firsthand, Warmind is already in use across SOCOM and the broader DoD. The beta is free for anyone with a .mil or .edu email at dunedainsystems.com. 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.

Steve Jobs in Exile with Geoffrey Cain

Send us Fan Mail Geoffrey Cain, author of Steve Jobs in Exile, joins Joe to explore one of the most overlooked chapters in Steve Jobs’ life: the twelve years between his fall from Apple and his return to build one of the most influential companies in the world. This episode looks beyond the familiar story of the iPhone, iPod, and Apple’s second act to examine the wilderness years that shaped Jobs into the leader we remember today. After being pushed out of Apple in 1985, Jobs was forced to confront failure, ego, rejection, and the limits of vision without discipline. What followed was a long and painful period of experimentation, mistakes, personal transformation, and eventual renewal through NeXT and Pixar. Geoffrey explains why the Steve Jobs who founded Apple was not the same Steve Jobs who returned in 1997. As a young leader, Jobs was brilliant but difficult, convinced of his own vision but often unable to listen to the people around him. At NeXT, that ego led to missed opportunities, broken relationships, and expensive failure. But over time, those same failures began to teach him the lessons he needed most: focus, discipline, humility, execution, and the ability to work within the limits of reality. Joe and Geoffrey also discuss: Why Steve Jobs’ time away from Apple was not wasted, but formative How NeXT helped lay the foundation for the Apple products we use today Why genius without discipline can end in expensive failure How Jobs’ ego hurt NeXT and nearly destroyed his second act What Pixar taught Jobs about trust, creative restraint, and letting talented people do their work Why failure can become the foundation for future success How the “wilderness years” shape leaders before they return stronger Why Jobs came back to Apple quieter, more focused, and more willing to listen What leaders can learn from Jobs’ journey through failure, reinvention, and return This episode is for anyone who has ever gone through a hard season and wondered whether it was wasted. It’s also for leaders, builders, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want to better understand how failure, if we are willing to learn from it, can become the preparation for our most important work. A special thanks to this week's sponsors! Dunedain Systems is a veteran-founded defense technology company building Warmind, an AI platform that accelerates military planning, operations, and document generation. Warmind connects to your unit’s data and learns how your warfighting function operates, delivering outputs tailored to your SOPs and operational context rather than generic AI responses. Whether your team is building OPORDs, running intel workflows, or generating CONOPs, Warmind handles the heavy lift so your staff can focus on decisions, not paperwork. Built by combat veterans who lived the problem firsthand, Warmind is already in use across SOCOM and the broader DoD. The beta is free for anyone with a .mil or .edu email at dunedainsystems.com. 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.

When Your Brain Won't Turn Off with Dr. Tommy Shavers and Carlos Perez

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Tommy Shavers, founder of NESTRE Health & Performance, and Carlos Perez, a retired Special Forces officer, join Joe to explore a powerful idea: the brain is not fixed. It can be measured, trained, strengthened, and improved. This episode was recorded after Joe visited NESTRE’s performance center in Lake Nona, Florida, where he went through their cognitive assessment and brain training process firsthand. What followed was a conversation about performance, recovery, military transition, stress, and what happens when high performers spend years operating in survival mode and then struggle to turn their minds off. Tommy shares the story of how multiple concussions ended his college football career and nearly changed the course of his life. After being told his brain would only continue to decline, he began searching for a different answer—one that eventually led him to develop a model for cognitive recovery and performance training. Carlos explains why, as a retired Green Beret, he immediately saw the potential for this work inside the military and veteran communities. Joe, Tommy, and Carlos also discuss: Why the brain should be trained like the body What Joe learned from having his own brain “mapped” How high performers can operate well under pressure but pay a hidden cost over time Why veterans often struggle to shut their brains off after leaving the military The difference between treating the brain as broken and training it for performance How cognitive assessments could help military units better understand, train, and build teams Why stress, sleep, focus, and emotional regulation are performance issues—not just personal struggles This episode is for anyone who has spent years pushing hard, performing under pressure, and wondering why slowing down feels so difficult. It’s also for leaders, veterans, athletes, and high performers who want to better understand how their brain works—and how they can train it to support the next chapter of their life. Special Offer from NESTRE NESTRE is offering From the Green Notebook listeners 50% off a consultation with code TEAMG. A consultation includes a full brain map, a mindset profile to help you understand how your brain prefers to operate, and cognitive scorecards that show how you’re performing and where you can improve. With the discount, listeners pay $150. NESTRE currently has three in-person locations: Monterey, California; Winter Park, Florida; and Lake Nona, Florida. Listeners can also download the NESTRE app and get 30 days free with code TEAMG at sign-in. After that, it’s $9.99 per month.

Developing a Monk's Mindset with Sam Yo

Send us Fan Mail Sam Yo, Peloton instructor, former West End theater performer, and author of The Monk’s Mindset, joins Joe to talk about discipline, mindfulness, and learning how to bring the right effort to every part of our lives. Joe and Sam explore Sam’s journey from early success on the stage to life in a Thai monastery, and eventually to Peloton. Along the way, they discuss what it means to slow down, reflect, build daily anchors, and stop confusing constant movement with meaning. Joe and Sam also discuss: Why life is more like a jigsaw puzzle than a straight line How early success can still leave us feeling restless What Sam learned from entering a monastery with only five possessions The difference between discipline and self-destruction Why meditation isn’t about clearing the mind How small morning anchors can shape the rest of your day Why we should celebrate small wins instead of rushing past them What “right effort” means when no one is watching How Sam’s monastery lessons shaped his work at Peloton Whether you’re navigating a transition, trying to build better habits, or feeling pulled through life on autopilot, this episode is for anyone looking to slow down, reconnect with the present, and bring more intention to the way they show up each day. And connect with Joe on Peloton (GreenNotebookJ) Watch the interview on YouTube! A special thanks to this week's sponsors! Dunedain Systems is a veteran-founded defense technology company building Warmind, an AI platform that accelerates military planning, operations, and document generation. Warmind connects to your unit’s data and learns how your warfighting function operates, delivering outputs tailored to your SOPs and operational context rather than generic AI responses. Whether your team is building OPORDs, running intel workflows, or generating CONOPs, Warmind handles the heavy lift so your staff can focus on decisions, not paperwork. Built by combat veterans who lived the problem firsthand, Warmind is already in use across SOCOM and the broader DoD. The beta is free for anyone with a .mil or .edu email at dunedainsystems.com. 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.

Military Barracks, Accountability, and the Cost of Ignoring Small Problems with Rob Evans

Send us Fan Mail Rob Evans joins Joe for a conversation about military barracks conditions, leadership accountability, and why he created Hots&Cots to give junior service members a voice. Drawing from his own experience as a junior enlisted Soldier, Rob shares how years of seeing poor living conditions—and reading reports from organizations like the Government Accountability Office—pushed him to stop complaining from the sidelines and start building solutions. What began as a weekend coding project has grown into a platform with tens of thousands of users across the military. Throughout the conversation, Joe and Rob discuss the realities of barracks life, why problems often fail to reach senior leaders, and how outside accountability can help installations respond faster to issues affecting Soldiers’ quality of life. They also explore the challenges of balancing advocacy work with family and full-time jobs, the importance of leaders walking the barracks, and why creating meaningful change requires more than just funding—it requires sustained leadership attention. Joe and Rob also discuss: The GAO reports and systemic issues impacting military barracks across the services How the platform allows service members to anonymously review barracks and dining facilities Why some leaders initially resisted the platform—and how attitudes have changed over time Real examples of barracks issues being resolved within hours because of public visibility The biggest recurring problems in the barracks: HVAC failures, mold, and maintenance issues Why accountability and transparency are essential for improving quality of life How outdated systems and competing priorities continue to slow progress The challenge of balancing passion projects, family life, and full-time work Why feedback from Soldiers keeps Rob motivated to continue the work Read the Hots&Cots State of the Barracks White Paper Joe and Rob talk about here! Whether you’ve lived in the barracks, led Soldiers in garrison, or care about improving the day-to-day lives of service members, this episode offers an honest look at the systems behind military housing—and the people working to make them better. Watch the Interview on YouTube! 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.

Dopamine and the Problem With Always Chasing What’s Next with Dr. Daniel Z. Lieberman

Send us Fan Mail Daniel Z. Lieberman, psychiatrist and co-author of The Molecule of More, joins Joe to explore the powerful role dopamine plays in shaping our desires, decisions, and sense of fulfillment. Joe and Dan discuss how dopamine isn’t just about pleasure—it’s about possibility. It drives us to chase the future, often leading us to idealize what’s ahead while overlooking what’s right in front of us. From career ambition to relationships, this constant pursuit can leave us restless, unsatisfied, and always searching for the next thing. Throughout the conversation, they examine the tension between “wanting” and “liking,” why achieving our goals can sometimes feel empty, and how modern environments—from social media to consumer culture—are designed to keep us in a dopaminergic loop. They also explore practical ways to create balance—how to strengthen “here and now” awareness through journaling, reflection, and intentional habits, and why slowing down is not natural, but something we must train ourselves to do. Joe and Dan also discuss: Why dopamine is better understood as a “prediction” or “possibility” molecule—not a pleasure one The difference between wanting something and actually liking it How the “Daisy effect” (idealizing the future) shapes our expectations and disappointments. How dating apps and social media amplify dopamine and distort reality The transition from passionate love to companionate love—and why it matters How a lifetime of goal-chasing (like in the military) conditions us to struggle with stillness Why journaling helps uncover patterns, motivations, and meaning Practical tools like meditation and breathwork to strengthen “here and now” awareness The importance of asking “why” before chasing the next goal Whether you’re navigating a transition, chasing a goal, or trying to better understand your own patterns, this episode offers a powerful framework for recognizing when you’re being driven by the future—and how to reconnect with the present. Watch the interview on YouTube 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 Hidden Markets Shaping Your Career with Judd Kessler

Send us Fan Mail Judd Kessler—a professor at the Wharton School and author of Lucky by Design—joins Joe to explore the hidden markets that shape our lives, careers, and opportunities. Joe and Judd discuss how many of the most important decisions we encounter—from job promotions to school admissions to performance evaluations—aren’t driven by price, but by rules we rarely see or fully understand. These “hidden markets” determine who gets what, often leaving people frustrated, confused, or convinced that success comes down to luck. Throughout the conversation, they examine how understanding the rules of these markets can shift outcomes, why preparation and self-awareness matter more than we think, and how leaders—whether they realize it or not—are constantly designing markets through the way they allocate time, attention, and opportunity. They also explore practical strategies for navigating these environments, from competing in high-speed, first-come-first-serve systems to knowing when it’s better to “settle for silver” rather than walk away empty-handed. Joe and Judd also discuss: What “hidden markets” are—and why they’re everywhere Why success often looks like luck (but isn’t) How understanding the rules gives you a competitive advantage The strategy of “settling for silver” to improve your odds Why preparation and clarity of values matter before entering any competition How poorly designed systems invite “speculators” and unintended consequences The three E’s of market design: efficiency, equity, and ease Why leaders must be intentional about how they allocate time, attention, and opportunity How misaligned or unclear expectations can quietly shape careers The importance of aligning who you are with what the system rewards Whether you’re navigating promotions, competing for opportunities, or leading others in high-stakes environments, this episode offers a powerful framework for understanding the systems around you—and how to operate within them more effectively. Watch the full episode on YouTube 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! Dunedain Systems is a veteran-founded defense technology company building Warmind, an AI platform that accelerates military planning, operations, and document generation. Warmind connects to your unit’s data and learns how your warfighting function operates, delivering outputs tailored to your SOPs and operational context rather than generic AI responses. Whether your team is building OPORDs, running intel workflows, or generating CONOPs, Warmind handles the heavy lift so your staff can focus on decisions, not paperwork. Built by combat veterans who lived the problem firsthand, Warmind is already in use across SOCOM and the broader DoD. The beta is free for anyone with a .mil or .edu email at dunedainsystems.com.

Bend But Do Not Break: Rethinking the Future of the All-Volunteer Force with Jaron Wharton

Send us Fan Mail Jaron Wharton—a former brigade commander in the 82nd Airborne Division and co-editor of Bend but Do Not Break joins Joe to examine the future of the all-volunteer force and the role of professional discourse in strengthening the military. Joe and Jaron discuss how education and self-study shape better leaders, why intellectual curiosity is essential in command, and how stepping outside of purely tactical experiences helps leaders avoid what Joe describes as a “soda straw” view of the world. They also reflect on the dangers of groupthink inside hierarchical organizations and the responsibility leaders have to create space for dissenting ideas. Throughout the conversation, they explore the growing disconnect between the military and the society it serves, the risks of an emerging “warrior caste,” and why service must be valued beyond just those in uniform. Joe and Jaron also discuss: Why education prepares leaders not just for success—but for failure The danger of an “anti-intellectual bend” in the military How groupthink develops—and how leaders can actively fight it Why publishing isn’t the goal—promoting conversation is The risks of a widening civil-military gap Why service should be celebrated across all professions—not just the military The importance of giving junior leaders a voice in shaping the profession What it might take to mobilize society for large-scale conflict Whether you’re a junior leader trying to find your voice, a senior leader thinking about the future of the force, or someone simply interested in the relationship between the military and society, this episode offers a thoughtful and challenging look at where we are—and where we may be headed. Also, check out Bend but Do Not Break, with proceeds supporting Wear Blue: Run to Remember. 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! Dunedain Systems is a veteran-founded defense technology company building Warmind, an AI platform that accelerates military planning, operations, and document generation. Warmind connects to your unit’s data and learns how your warfighting function operates, delivering outputs tailored to your SOPs and operational context rather than generic AI responses. Whether your team is building OPORDs, running intel workflows, or generating CONOPs, Warmind handles the heavy lift so your staff can focus on decisions, not paperwork. Built by combat veterans who lived the problem firsthand, Warmind is already in use across SOCOM and the broader DoD. The beta is free for anyone with a .mil or .edu email at dunedainsystems.com. 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 Courage to Start Something New with Andy Yakulis

Send us Fan Mail Andy Yakulis—West Point graduate, former Army pilot, and Special Operations officer turned defense tech entrepreneur—joins Joe to talk about leadership, transition, and the rapidly changing nature of modern warfare. Recruited to West Point just days before September 11th, Andy entered the Army knowing he would serve during a generation defined by war. After flying Kiowa Warrior helicopters and spending nearly a decade in Special Operations, he became increasingly frustrated with the gap between the technology soldiers used in combat and what existed in the civilian world. Together, they discuss Andy’s decision to leave the Army at 18 years to start Vector, a company focused on unmanned systems, as well as the challenges of military transition, the realities of leadership in the private sector, and how paying attention to what captures your curiosity might reveal the work you’re meant to pursue. Watch the full interview on YouTube! Joe and Andy also discuss: Why physical fitness and sleep still shape Andy’s decision-making as a CEO The value of civilian education for military leaders The “Saturday morning coffee test” for discovering what you’re passionate about Why veterans shouldn’t feel pressure to find the perfect post-military job immediately The challenge of leading teams in the private sector Why the future of warfare may shift from one operator controlling one drone to one operator orchestrating many Whether you’re transitioning out of the military, exploring entrepreneurship, or curious how technology is changing warfare, this episode offers insights on leadership, innovation, and pursuing work you feel called to do. 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! Dunedain Systems is a veteran-founded defense technology company building Warmind, an AI platform that accelerates military planning, operations, and document generation. Warmind connects to your unit’s data and learns how your warfighting function operates, delivering outputs tailored to your SOPs and operational context rather than generic AI responses. Whether your team is building OPORDs, running intel workflows, or generating CONOPs, Warmind handles the heavy lift so your staff can focus on decisions, not paperwork. Built by combat veterans who lived the problem firsthand, Warmind is already in use across SOCOM and the broader DoD. The beta is free for anyone with a .mil or .edu email at dunedainsystems.com. 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. Logistics Systems Incorporated (LSI) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business supporting DoD and federal civilian agencies with enterprise IT operations, global logistics support, cybersecurity, data, and mission support services. Founded by a veteran Army leader, LSI is known for operating inside complex, high-consequence environments where leadership, discipline, and execution matter.