Explore every episode of the podcast Jocko Podcast

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Marine combat veteran, author, and former senior defense official Bing West joins Jocko to discuss the brutal realities of war, the strategic failures of military and political leadership, and the lessons America continues to overlook. Drawing on firsthand experiences from Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, West reveals how flawed decisions at the highest levels can have devastating consequences on the battlefield.

00:00:00 – The Brutal Reality of Combat in Vietnam

00:04:17 – Bing West's Early Life and Marine Corps Career

00:08:42 – The Strategic Failures of the Vietnam War

00:14:49 – Winning the Trust of the Local Population

00:21:56 – The Deadly Cost of Search and Destroy

00:33:41 – The CIA, RAND Corporation, and Origins of Navy SEAL Operations

00:44:45 – Iraq, General Mattis, and the Importance of Decentralized Command

00:52:29 – Fallujah, Ramadi, and the Consequences of Emotional Decisions

01:07:00 – Political Leadership and the War in Iraq

01:25:00 – Afghanistan: Repeating the Mistakes of Vietnam

01:44:50 – The Jupiter Complex: The Danger of American Arrogance

01:57:45 – America's Military Readiness and the Future of Warfare

02:12:35 – Leadership, Accountability, and America's Future

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00:00:00 – When You're Ready For a New Chapter?

00:06:33 – Struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome?

00:13:32 – Are leaders born with natural leadership abilities, or can leadership be learned?

00:24:00 – How do I choose between multiple job offers, and what advice do you have for starting my career?

00:43:28 – How do I recognize that I'm not good enough and need to improve without constantly beating myself up?

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Breaking down General Melvin Zais’s 1977 speech Leadership and the Art of Command, exploring action, initiative, delegation, discipline, judgment, and the realities of leading people. After a lifetime of combat and command, Zais ultimately reduces effective leadership to one essential principle: you must care about your people.

00:00 – General Melvin Zais: A Lifetime of Leadership

02:16 – Leadership Defies Definition

08:24 – Stop Talking. Take Action.

17:36 – The Basics of Good Leadership

24:59 – The “It Factor,” Luck, and Creating Opportunity

32:30 – Leadership Is Getting Others to Perform

44:40 – Be FOR Something, Not Against Everything

50:02 – You Must Care

52:40 – What Caring Actually Looks Like

59:30 – You Have to Actually Like Your People

1:03:21 – Discipline Without Breaking People

1:05:46 – Finding the Line

1:08:12 – Caring Is in Your Own Best Interest

1:09:34 – Taking Care of Your People Means Pushing Them

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00:01:06 — Do combat veterans view conscientious objectors/noncombatant medics as honorable?

00:05:34 — My 3-year-old may have autism and kids are starting to make fun of him. How do I help him—and myself—handle it?

00:24:30 — I got sober and used harsh self-criticism to stay disciplined. How do I shift toward self-compassion without losing discipline?

00:33:03 — After several devastating life events, I’ve fallen into drinking, weed, and avoiding my goals. How do I get my head right and attack life again?

00:40:00 — I’m a high-school strength coach burned out by an unsupportive administration. How do I stay committed to the kids while deciding whether to fight or build an exit plan?

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Jamie Cochran breaks down real-world leadership lessons from Echelon Front clients and organizations. They discuss overcoming resistance, merging cultures, developing leaders, taking ownership without doing everything yourself, and why leadership is a skill that must be continuously practiced.

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00:40 — How do I respect a leader I don’t respect or trust?

15:21 — How do I solve problems aggressively without being out of control?

27:22 — Should I keep pursuing more responsibility if it’s making work stressful?

38:55 — How do I stay calm when my kids are melting down?

54:38 — How important is competing in Jiu-Jitsu, and is it worth the injury risk?

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Twenty years after Navy SEAL Marc Lee was killed in Ramadi, his mother Debbie “Mama Lee” Lee joins Jocko and Echo to reflect on grief, faith, brotherhood, and the legacy Marc left behind. They discuss the work of America’s Mighty Warriors, helping veterans heal from the invisible wounds of war, supporting Gold Star families, and turning unimaginable loss into a mission to help others.

00:00 – 20 Years Since Mark Lee’s Death

Mama Lee reflects on losing Mark, faith, grief, and the extraordinary legacy that has grown from his sacrifice.

14:40 – Mama Lee Returns

Debbie Lee joins Jocko and Echo to reflect on the Task Unit Bruiser reunion and seeing Mark’s teammates together again after 20 years.

25:12 – Brotherhood Forged in Ramadi

Remembering fallen teammates, reconnecting with old friends, and why staying connected to the people who shared the experience matters.

35:22 – Random Acts of Kindness

How Mark’s final message inspired America’s Mighty Warriors to provide immediate help to veterans, military families, and others in crisis.

39:30 – Choosing to Keep Fighting Through Grief

Mama Lee describes the devastation of losing a child and the decision to turn that pain into purpose and service.

45:28 – You Won’t Feel Like This Forever

Jocko and Mama Lee discuss the overwhelming nature of grief, losing control of your emotions, and learning to ride the wave until you can move forward.

1:00:35 – Get It Out of Your Head

Why talking, writing, sharing stories, and connecting with others can help process pain instead of allowing it to grow darker inside.

1:12:40 – Healing the Invisible Wounds of War

Mama Lee explains Helping Heroes Heal, traumatic brain injuries, blast exposure, sleep problems, suicide, and the veterans whose lives have been changed through treatment.

1:26:00 – Helping Veterans and Gold Star Families Heal

The retreats, treatment programs, and plans for a dedicated facility designed to bring veterans and families together while supporting their recovery.

1:31:14 – Gold Star Families and the Power of Helping Others

Mama Lee discusses retreats for Gold Star parents and families, while Jocko reflects on how even a small act of kindness can completely change someone’s outlook.

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Urban warfare expert and retired Army officer John Spencer returns to share stories from 20 Times I Almost Died, from Ranger School and Iraq to Ukraine, Gaza, and some incredibly close calls. Along the way, John and Jocko break down leadership, intuition, modern warfare, resilience, and the importance of developing a personal code to live by.

00:00 – John Spencer: 20 Times I Almost Died

02:53 – Kashmir: India, Pakistan & Modern Warfare

05:10 – Lebanon, Hezbollah & the Changing Battlefield

11:17 – Ukraine, Drones & the Future of War

15:54 – Inside a Hamas Tunnel Under Gaza

24:43 – Iraq: Common Sense, Orders & Leadership

39:08 – The IED Trap: Trusting Your Intuition

45:28 – “Pepper”: The Fight That Cost John His Ear

1:08:27 – The “Sopranos of Baghdad” & Humility

1:29:02 – Ukraine, Bucha & the Will to Resist

1:38:00 – Ranger School: “You Can Always Quit Tomorrow”

1:44:03 – The Best Ranger Competition & a 40-Foot Fall

1:55:48 – Iraq: A Deadly Humvee Crash & Duty

2:01:31 – Azerbaijan’s Special Forces & the Battle of Shusha

2:11:08 – Going Full Rambo as an OPFOR Soldier

2:16:01 – The Mission to Capture Saddam Hussein

2:27:05 – The Current Situation in Gaza

2:42:38 – Who Are You? Building a Code to Live By

2:53:21 – Closing Thoughts With John Spencer

2:54:19 – Jocko & Echo Closing / Supporters

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How to be a dependable warrior.

At what point does being ultra competitive become a weakness?

How to mentally get back on track in life.

How to kick the remaining vices in your life.

How to guide a 3 year old in life.

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Every decision has consequences—and the small decisions made repeatedly can eventually shape your entire life. Jocko and Echo break down how to make better decisions under uncertainty, when to trust experience and intuition, how to avoid paralysis through analysis, and why effective leaders take action, learn, and adapt.

00:00 — Decisions: The Choices That Shape Your Life

03:33 — How the Marine Corps Teaches Decision-Making

11:50 — Take the Initiative: Keep Them on Their Heels

18:14 — Logic, Intuition, and Emotion

24:57 — Analytical vs. Instinctive Decision-Making

26:28 — Stop Overthinking. Take a Small Action.

34:26 — Detachment: The Decision-Making Superpower

41:34 — The 70% Solution: Stop Waiting for Perfect

46:07 — The OODA Loop: Observe, Orient, Decide, Act

58:46 — Adapt Faster Than the Situation Changes

1:01:23 — Failure, Fear, and Learning Through Action

1:06:13 — Small Decisions, Fast Feedback, Constant Adjustment

1:15:37 — When Being Too Adaptable Becomes a Problem

1:17:59 — Wargaming: Prepare for What Could Go Wrong

1:20:38 — Jocko’s Extreme Ownership Leadership Loop

1:22:29 — Don’t Get Stuck. Make the Decision. Act.

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The Guy Who Called Out Rener Gracie's Purple Belts and Got Embarrassed. 

Maxed out for time, but training for a personal challenge.

How to solve a problem riddled worker on your team.

When a workout partner doesn't have as much dedication.

Got beat up by my wife's guy friend.

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Continuing examination of René Quinton's Maxims on War, exploring courage, danger, ambition, leadership, obedience, and the randomness of combat. The discussion ultimately comes back to a powerful principle for war and everyday life: learn to distinguish real danger from the danger created by your imagination.

00:00 — Maxims on War: Extreme Views and Human Nature

05:34 — War, Death, and the Randomness of Combat

16:57 — Courage, Promotion, and the Danger of Ambition

23:27 — Bravery, Jealousy, and the Power of Example

28:51 — When Danger Becomes Real

34:22 — Real Danger vs. Imagined Danger

40:20 — Courage vs. Recklessness

48:44 — The Leader Multiplies the Team

51:07 — Why It's Easier to Obey Than Decide

57:25 — Questioning Orders and the Burden of Command

1:04:55 — Cowardly Leaders and Decentralized Command

1:11:25 — Do Hard Things. Don't Let Fear Stop You.

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René Quinton’s extreme ideas about war, human nature, struggle, and heroism. They examine why humans are drawn to conflict and why a life of comfort may be something worth fighting against.

0:00 – René Quinton & Maxims on War

4:21 – Does Human Nature Love War?

13:22 – Competition vs. Collaboration

16:10 – The Male Psyche: Friend or Foe

24:05 – Why Men Seek Risk, Combat & Danger

31:00 – Tribalism, Fighting & Understanding Jiu-Jitsu

37:04 – Service, Sacrifice & the Nature of Heroes

49:44 – Success, Wealth & Why the Process Matters

58:57 – What Makes a Hero?

1:07:02 – War, Hardship & Why We Reject the Easy Life

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What is the safety protocol for your kids when they are on their own.

Training Jiu Jitsu with limitations.

The difference between a leadership failure and a hiring failure.

How to eliminate crippling doubt while achieving your goals in life.

What to do if you suspect your leadership is working against you .

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Breaking down raw, firsthand combat lessons from U.S. Army soldiers fighting their way through World War II—lessons written in the field by men who had just experienced the consequences of good decisions, bad decisions, aggression, hesitation, discipline, and leadership.

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Jonah Hill's Tough Talk About His Jiu Jitsu Skill.

The best way to get forgiveness after terrible behavior in the past.

Thoughts on the worries of climate change and the worlds problems.

How to save your marriage if it's on thin ice.

Sacrificing sleep for more time during the day.

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In 2006, Miguel “Pitbull” Santana and his soldiers entered Ramadi, Iraq—a city many believed was already lost. What followed was months of relentless combat, sacrifice, loss, and brotherhood. Miguel joins Jocko to tell the story from the ground: the firefights, the men who saved each other's lives, the leaders who went first, and the bonds that remain unbroken twenty years later.

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People don't want to learn about what's coming in the future.

The differences in our definition of "Leadership".

How to get your kids to take on interests that stick.

What to do when you've outgrown the drinking crowd.

What to do if you have trust issues with women.

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Being a sniper isn't just about shooting. It's about observation, patience, preparation, adaptability, and making the right decision at exactly the right moment. Jocko and JP Dinnell explore the unseen skills behind elite snipers, telling stories from combat while revealing how those same habits create success in leadership, business, and life.

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If Someone Is From Iran and Wants to Move to The USA?

How to earn respect from people with more experience in life.

How to be excellent while balancing family, health, and life.

How to be more of an action-taker.

How to make things happen when you don't think you have the power or authority.

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Breaking down why strong relationships consistently outperform rank, how great leaders develop confident teams instead of micromanaging them, and why every interaction is an opportunity to train. From chain of command to building trust, this episode is a practical guide to creating teams that win under pressure.

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How to Keep Your Insanity In a Frustrating World.

Uncontrollable hygiene issues on the Jiu Jitsu mats?

Moral-driven altercations in public. What to do.

Feeling aimless in life, here's what to do.

Rebuilding your life after you messed it up.

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Using the Marine Corps Company Commander's Handbook as a guide, Jocko and Echo discuss what every leader should know before taking over a team: setting expectations, establishing a command philosophy, earning trust, leading through influence, and creating a culture where people thrive.

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Getting Over The Trauma of An Abusive Parent.

Should you get in shape before starting JiuJitsu?

What to do when your ex is publicly smearing your reputation.

How to get two groups to work together who don't like each other.

How to handle people around you who don't seem to care about your emotions.

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Everyone is judging—and being judged. Breaking down how self-awareness, humility, and respect determine your effectiveness as a leader, why perception matters, and how ego quietly destroys influence

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Is It Possible to Get The Actual Truth From Modern Media?

How to prepare for a baby on the way.

Getting the most out of learning Jiu Jitsu moves as a beginner.

How to motivate a complacent person.

Chasing a risky dream when you have a stable job.

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The military review US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, again, November 1960Drawing from rarely discussed military journals written during the Cold War, Jocko and Echo explore the timeless principles behind morale, trust, courage, and why some leaders inspire extraordinary effort while others don't.

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What to do When Life Seems To Be Unsatisfying.

How to excel when you get promoted quickly.

Are you living life by any code?

Are you contemplating law enforcement?

The best way to get over a bad day on the mats and in life.

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Retired Navy SEAL officer Rich Diviney returns to break down why fear isn't the enemy—uncertainty is. From combat and BUD/S to business and everyday life, Rich explains practical methods for staying composed under pressure, overcoming anxiety, and performing when the stakes are highest.

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Getting over overwhelming guilt from tragedy.

How should civilians respectfully ask veterans about their combat experiences without minimizing their sacrifices or making them uncomfortable?

As a new Navy chaplain, how can I best earn the trust of sailors and Marines while helping them through life's toughest challenges?

Should I transfer to another office that's better for my family even if it means leaving behind a mentor and a promising career path?

How should I handle living near a convicted child predator while protecting my family without compromising my Christian values?

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Why the best leaders stop trying to control everything. Jocko and Cory break down Marine Corps doctrine on command and control, explaining why decentralized leadership, trust, feedback, and initiative outperform micromanagement in business, combat, and life.

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Question: As a frequent traveler, how do you balance situational awareness with the need to sleep while traveling?

Question: With police officers increasingly being prosecuted after use-of-force incidents, when should an officer consider changing careers?

Question: After leaving a leadership role I built from the ground up for a larger company, why do I feel less fulfilled and how do I regain my motivation?

Question: Should I pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a Marine officer or stay loyal to the wildland firefighting crew that invested in me?

Question: How do I help my troubled younger brother build confidence and discipline when he wants to quit boxing like he quit other activities?

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Mason Wright ("Buff Runner") went from childhood trauma, loss, and depression to completing a 1,000-mile run around a high school track. In this conversation, he shares how sports saved him, how he survived some of the darkest moments of his life, and why suffering can become a tool for growth. A powerful discussion on resilience, discipline, and refusing to quit.

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Drawing from hard lessons learned during wartime, Jocko and Echo explore the psychological traps that cause individuals and organizations to drift from their values. A deep discussion on ethics, responsibility, leadership, and the warning signs that trouble is ahead.

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The world keeps changing. Your competition is learning. Are you? Looking into the power of adaptation, effective teaching, uncertainty, and the mindset required to keep growing when everyone else is standing still. 

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Losing My Faith in Humanity and The World.  Could you take a dangerous submission to the limit if you had to? Taking a promotion and more money but stress on the family. Should you move out of your town because of social political reasons? Can't seem to get into the shape I want to be in. Feeling a bit useless after service.

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Ephraim Mattos explains how Stronghold Rescue & Relief trains local people to save lives in one of the world’s deadliest ongoing conflicts.

Stronghold Rescue | https://strongholdrescue.org/

The Overwatch | https://www.theoverwatch.co/

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When your disciplined lifestyle has left you lonely and lacking social connections.

Meeting The Standard To Be Prepared For Service And Life.

What to do: I committed my life to a career I don't like.

Establishing boundaries with parents and in-laws.

Moving to up to the "Political" level in your job--Things to be aware of.

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Jimmy May returns to discuss life after the military, helping veterans transition, building stronger families, and teaching the next generation resilience and responsibility.

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The Dangers and Protocol of Carrying A Gun in An Altercation.

When there's a problematic co-worker that is in good with the boss.

How Ecclesiastes wisdom informs the philosophy of Extreme Ownership.

How to teach and be a role model to modern young people.

What path to pursue in life, and why.

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Ben Ingram was headed toward prison or worse. Drugs, street fights, and survival mode defined his youth—until one decision changed everything: joining the Marines. 

Warriors In Need <

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How To Deal With Public Transgressions Against You from Someone.

Teaching the new generation when the odds are stacked against them.

Dealing with jealousy, grief, and loss... all at the same time.

How do we feel about crying in Jiu Jitsu?

Dealing with resentment that can happen in a blended family.

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Breaking down the battle between the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex — emotion versus reason. Why people panic, escalate conflict, make terrible decisions, and how to detach from the “gray slop” in your head.

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Insecurity with comparing yourself to her ex. 

Insecure and sensitive boss. 

What to do when you feel stuck in your career. 

What to do when your kid is scared to take Jiu Jitsu class. 

What to do when you're struggling to find purpose in life.

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Breaking down Major C.A. Bach’s legendary 1917 leadership speech and separates timeless leadership truths from outdated doctrine. They cover earning respect instead of demanding it, why confidence comes from preparation, when leaders should apologize, how to avoid becoming a power-tripping boss, and why the best leaders quietly sacrifice for their teams.

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Would Jocko Do An MMA fight? When you should and shouldn't get a dog. Getting a hold of a haphazard schedule and staying on the path. What to do if you think you have a good leader, but a bad team. Career opportunity VS family needs.

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We see the movement, the noise, and the surface-level events—but miss the forces shaping the bigger picture. This episode breaks down how to see what’s really going on. 

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When To Walk Away From Your Significant Other.

When your kid seems to be losing their drive to succeed.

When you feel like you are not up to the standard at your job.

Dealing with the conflict of how your wife deals with emotions.

Finishing school might not be the right move.

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A Marine’s journey through Ramadi, the realities of combat, and the strength required to return after devastating injury. A conversation about duty, brotherhood, and enduring hardship.

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Seeing other's mistreat kids is bothersome. When should you move out of the house?Dealing with a traumatic experience on the job. Dealing with setbacks when your physicality is part of your identity. The basic tenets to live by.