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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

Randy Surles—retired Army Ranger and Green Beret turned editor, ghostwriter, and Story Grid-certified book coach—joins Joe to talk directly to veterans who feel called to tell their story but don’t know where to start.

After 25 years in Special Operations, Randy transitioned from the military to the writing world, studying under Shawn Coyne and helping dozens of veterans turn their experiences into memoirs, leadership books, and fiction. Along the way, he’s seen what works—and what doesn’t.

Joe reflects on his own year-and-a-half journey working with Randy on his forthcoming book—including the uncomfortable but necessary process of clarifying the message, identifying the right reader, and moving beyond “I just want to write a book” to “Here’s who this is for.”

Randy explains why most military memoirs never gain traction, why writing “for everyone” is the fastest way to reach no one, and how to identify the single reader you’re actually trying to serve. He also breaks down the realities of publishing—from traditional deals to hybrid models to self-publishing—and why marketing is often harder than writing.

Watch the full interview on YouTube!

Joe and Randy also discuss:

• How the Hero’s Journey mirrors a military career
• The power of identifying your single audience member (SAM)
• Why most books sell fewer than 500 copies
• What veterans misunderstand about traditional publishing
• The truth about hybrid publishers and upfront costs
• Why building an email list may matter more than social media followers
• How writing 600–700 words a week can turn into a finished book
• Why accountability (even the annoying kind) makes the difference

Whether you’re transitioning out, reflecting on your career, or feeling the quiet pull to capture your experiences before they fade, this episode offers a practical roadmap—and a reality check—for veterans who want to turn their story into something that serves others. Also, check out Randy's website: Militaryeditor.com

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. 

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. Their teams support large user communities and mission-critical systems across defense and civilian agencies.

Dr. Guy Winch, bestselling author and psychologist, joins Joe to discuss his newest book, Mind Over Grind to explore how job stress quietly spills beyond the office—and into our evenings, our sleep, and our relationships.

What starts as a difficult meeting or looming deadline doesn’t end at 1700. It follows us home. From the “Sunday Scaries” to 2AM rumination loops, Guy explains how modern work keeps us stuck in fight-or-flight—and why we’re often blind to the ways we sabotage our future selves in the process.

Joe reflects on his time in command and the culture of constant availability in the military, while Guy highlights research showing that leaders have far more power to reduce stress than they realize. Sometimes it’s not about solving the problem—just showing that you care.

They also spend time on practical tools: reframing procrastination, managing rumination, cultivating a better relationship with your “future self,” and creating intentional rituals that signal the workday is over.

Watch the full interview on YouTube!

Joe and Guy also discuss:

• Why the dread of Monday is often worse than Monday itself
• How procrastination is really about avoiding feelings—not tasks
• The danger of treating your future self like a stranger
• How to stop replaying failures at 2AM
• The “Memoir Test” for putting problems in perspective
• Why naming your emotions reduces their intensity
• How journaling helps you spot recurring “icebergs” in your life
• Why Instagram reels don’t actually relax you
• The science behind clothing, rituals, and mental transitions

Whether you’re in the military, the corporate world, or building something of your own, this episode is a reminder that stress doesn’t stay at work—and that managing your inner world is part of leading well.

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. 

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. Their teams support large user communities and mission-critical systems across defense and civilian agencies.

Griffin Brand and Dan Casey, co-authors of Bring Your Own Pencil: Bill Walsh’s Playbook for Winning at Anything, join Joe to explore preparation, leadership, and what separates sustained excellence from short-term success.

It’s Super Bowl weekend, so football is part of the lens—but it doesn’t stay there. The discussion moves from Bill Walsh and the San Francisco 49ers to Dyson vacuums, Raising Cane’s chicken fingers, JSOC, and even 50 Cent. Different worlds, same underlying question: why do some people and organizations endure while others flame out?

At the center is a simple idea: success is a lagging indicator. Drawing on Walsh’s leadership philosophy, Griffin and Dan explain why outcomes take care of themselves when leaders focus on standards, habits, and ownership of preparation—long before performance is visible.

From there, the episode broadens into leadership more generally: perseverance, the myth of overnight success, and how constraints can sharpen thinking instead of limiting it. A key theme is the idea of a permanent base camp—maintaining standards that keep teams within striking distance of excellence without burning them out.

They also spend time on legacy. Not wins or titles, but people. The episode reinforces a simple measure of leadership: how many people succeed because you took the time to invest in them.

Watch the full interview on YouTube!

Joe, Griffin, and Dan also discuss:

•  What “bring your own pencil” really means for leaders
•  Alive time vs. dead time 
•  How the path to the top is rarely a straight line
•  How to sustain excellence without burning people or culture
•  Why inputs matter more than outcomes
•  How culture becomes real when it carries itself forward
•  What legacy looks like when leaders step back
•  Why the best leaders make their ceiling someone else’s floor

Whether you’re watching the Super Bowl or leading a team far from the spotlight, this episode is a reminder that the work that matters most usually happens long before anyone is watching.

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. 

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. Their teams support large user communities and mission-critical systems across defense and civilian agencies.

Lieutenant General Tony Hale, the Army G-2, joins Joe for a conversation on military intelligence, judgment, and decision-making in modern war. Drawing on nearly four decades of service, Hale reflects on the evolution of the intelligence profession—from red pens and acetate maps to AI-enabled platforms—and why human judgment still matters most.

Hale shares his path into military intelligence, challenges common misconceptions about the field, and explains why intelligence is foundational to maneuver, lethality, and command. From battalion S2 shops to JSOC, Afghanistan, and the Army’s highest intelligence roles, he offers a clear view of how intelligence professionals shape outcomes across every echelon.

They discuss the responsibility of “putting your rank on the table,” developing junior analysts, and creating environments where ideas matter more than hierarchy. The conversation also explores self-development, operating amid disinformation, balancing OSINT with historical context, and how AI can enhance—but never replace— disciplined thinking.

In this episode, LTG Hale and Joe explore:

• Why “lethality starts with intelligence”
• The role of intelligence in enabling decision dominance
• Making analytical calls under uncertainty
• Developing confident, capable intelligence professionals
• The limits of AI and the enduring value of human judgment
• Preparing for future conflict while mastering the fundamentals

Whether you’re an intelligence professional, commander, or leader navigating uncertainty, this conversation is a reminder that seeing clearly—and thinking well—remains the decisive advantage.

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. 

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. Their teams support large user communities and mission-critical systems across defense and civilian agencies.

On the release of his latest thriller, The Viper: A Zig and Nola Novel, Brad Meltzer joins Joe for an in-depth conversation on writing, curiosity, service, and the often-hidden moments that shape a life. From bestselling thrillers to children’s books, Meltzer reflects on how stories—both real and imagined—help us make sense of who we are, what we’ve lived through, and the paths we choose moving forward.

Drawing on his own unlikely origin story, Meltzer shares how a single teacher’s encouragement set him on the path to becoming a writer, why falling in love with the process matters more than chasing outcomes, and how curiosity has been the throughline of his career. They explore how paying attention—to people, details, and quiet acts of kindness—can open doors we didn’t even know existed.

The conversation also dives into Meltzer’s deep connection to the military community, from his work with the USO to the research behind his Zig and Nola thriller series set at Dover Air Force Base. 

In this episode, Brad Meltzer and Joe also explore:

• How one teacher’s belief can change the trajectory of a life
• Why curiosity is a more powerful tool than talent
• Falling in love with the process—not the outcome—of creative work
• What writing thrillers has taught Meltzer about human nature
• Why Dover Air Force Base became the heart of his Zig and Nola series
• How small acts of kindness ripple outward in unexpected ways
• The challenge of transitioning from a life of constant motion to stillness
• Why seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness
• How reading builds empathy, critical thinking, and resilience
• Why transformation is the hardest, and most important, kind of change

Whether you’re a writer, a leader, a veteran, or someone navigating a transition, this conversation is a reminder that paying attention and staying curious can lead to a life richer than any plan you could have written in advance.

Watch the full episode 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. 

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. Their teams support large user communities and mission-critical systems across defense and civilian agencies.

General Christopher Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa joins Joe for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, culture, and what it takes to drive real change at scale across massive, dispersed organizations.

Having led at the division, corps, and now theater Army level, Donahue reflects on what doesn’t change as responsibility grows. Regardless of rank or scope, leaders must still create belief in the why, articulate a clear vision, translate that vision into a workable plan, and embed it into culture and process so change actually sticks.

They also explore what is changing rapidly. From the impact of emerging technologies to the realities of modern warfare—where sensing, drones, and data shape every decision—they discuss why leaders must continuously adapt, integrate new tools, and keep developing themselves to stay ahead. The conversation reinforces a timeless truth: while the tools evolve, leadership remains the decisive factor.

In this episode, General Donahue and Joe also explore:

• Why culture without process is just wishful thinking
• How leaders turn intent into execution through clear systems and standards
• Why meaningful change must be measured, not just announced
• How repetition, standards, and accountability build real readiness
• What improved culture looks like when performance rises and negative indicators fall
• Why realistic training standards matter—especially under stress
• Avoiding groupthink by rotating teams and encouraging honest feedback
• Creating a climate where people can speak truth to power without fear
• Why leaders should never expect to fight the last war again
• The growing challenge of offense in a world of constant sensing and surveillance
• How technology, data, and modeling are reshaping how leaders think about risk and capability
• Why, in the end, it still always comes back to leadership

Whether you’re leading a small team or a global organization, this conversation offers a grounded reminder that clarity, discipline, and culture—not slogans—are what allow leaders to turn complexity into coherent action.

Watch the full interview our our YouTube Channel

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. 

Alpha Coffee co-founder and retired Army lieutenant colonel Carl Churchill joins Joe for a candid conversation on leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to build something that lasts after the uniform comes off.

After serving more than two decades in the Army, Carl found himself facing an unexpected second career shaped not by careful planning, but by crisis. In the wake of the Great Recession, he and his wife Lori cashed out their savings and took an all-in leap to build Alpha Coffee from their basement—navigating years of uncertainty, near-misses, and hard-earned lessons before the business finally found its footing. Drawing on his military background, Stoic philosophy, and a refusal to quit, Carl shares how discipline, culture, and clarity of purpose carried him through nearly a decade of struggle.

In this conversation, Joe and Carl explore what leadership looks like when there’s no rank to hide behind: how military lessons translate into entrepreneurship, why culture matters more than strategy, and how leaders must adapt their style as contexts and generations change. Along the way, they reflect on stress, perspective, boundaries, and the quiet confidence that comes from having faced truly hard things before.

In this episode, Joe and Carl also explore:

• Tips for making great coffee
• Why Carl chose to walk away from promotion to keep leading people, not staffs
• What “burning the boats” looks like when your family and future are on the line
• How military hardship inoculates leaders against stress and uncertainty
• Why culture—not strategy—is the true differentiator between great and failing teams
• Leading younger generations without abandoning standards or expectations
• The challenge of setting boundaries when you genuinely love your work

Whether you’re navigating life after military service, building something from scratch, or leading people through uncertainty, this episode offers a grounded reminder that the habits forged in discipline, humility, and persistence still matter—long after the mission changes.

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. 

Retired Marine Corps fighter pilot, Top Gun instructor, and leadership consultant Dave Berke joins Joe for an honest conversation about ego, responsibility, and what it truly means to lead—both in the arena of combat and in everyday life.

As the bestselling author of The Need to Lead, Dave pulls back the curtain on the high-pressure world of fighter aviation, the chaos of ground combat in Ramadi, and the quiet challenges of becoming a better leader at home.  He reveals how his biggest breakthroughs came not from triumphs, but from failure—from dogfights he should have won, leadership roles he wasn’t ready for, and moments where ego clouded judgment.

In this episode, Joe and Dave also explore:

• Why ego is the most dangerous threat to good leadership—and how to recognize the voice that “loves you to death”
• How Top Gun actually works (and why the instructors are more humble than Hollywood suggests)
• Lessons from Ramadi—operating in chaos, fighting self-doubt, and learning fast under pressure
• Why leaders fail when they cling to control instead of developing others
• The danger of complacency—and how one “guaranteed win” dogfight changed Dave’s approach to preparation
• Preparing for your own departure as a leader—why good leadership outlasts the leader
• The hard emotional work of transition and why believing in your next mission matters more than salary, title, or prestige

Whether you’re leading in uniform, managing a team, or navigating a major life transition, this episode offers hard-earned wisdom on how to stay grounded, remain teachable, and build teams capable of enduring whatever comes next.

Dave Berke is a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, former TOPGUN Instructor, and now the Chief Development Officer and a leadership instructor at Echelon Front. As an F/A-18 pilot, he deployed twice from the USS John C. Stennis in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He later spent three years at TOPGUN as an Instructor Pilot, Training Officer, and senior staff pilot overseeing the course.

He also served on the ground in Ramadi in 2006 as an ANGLICO Forward Air Controller with the Army’s 1st AD, leading his team on scores of combat missions and accompanying SEAL Task Unit Bruiser on nearly every major operation of the Battle of Ramadi.

Dave was the only Marine selected to fly the F-22 and became the first operational pilot qualified in the F-35B, later commanding the Marine Corps’ first F-35 squadron. He holds a Master’s in International Public Policy and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University.

After retiring, Dave joined Echelon Front, bringing deep experience in combat leadership, decision-making, risk mitigation, and building high-performance teams.

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. 

Dr. Joseph Loconte joins Joe for a powerful exploration of faith, imagination, and courage in times of crisis—how two Oxford professors used story to resist the darkness of their age and inspire generations to come.

As a historian and author of The War for Middle-earth: J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis Confront the Gathering Storm, 1933–1945, Dr. Loconte reveals how the trauma of the First World War and the rise of totalitarianism shaped the moral imagination of both Tolkien and Lewis. While fascism, communism, and nihilism were eroding meaning across Europe, these two friends responded with mythic tales that reawakened the timeless virtues of courage, friendship, sacrifice, and faith.

In this conversation, Joe and Dr. Loconte unpack what it means to lead with conviction in an age of cynicism—how to confront “the gathering storm” of fear and confusion not through force, but through imagination, integrity, and truth. They explore how literature can serve as resistance, how belief can ground moral clarity, and why cultivating the inner life is essential for any leader facing dark times.

Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of the moral lessons behind The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia—and how these works still speak to the leaders, soldiers, and citizens called to stand in the breach today.

In this episode, Joe and Dr. Loconte also explore:

• How the First World War shaped Tolkien and Lewis’s understanding of evil and heroism
• Why the 1920s and 1930s created a “crisis of meaning” across the Western world
• How their friendship became a creative alliance and a moral counteroffensive
• Why The Hobbit and The Chronicles of Narnia are, at their core, acts of defiance against despair
• What “the cataract of nonsense” teaches us about propaganda and the need for historical literacy
• The spiritual courage required to use one’s gifts—even when the world seems to be falling apart
• How both men modeled leadership through faith, fellowship, and imagination

Whether you’re leading in the military, education, or business, this episode offers timeless lessons on how conviction, creativity, and courage can help us navigate our own modern storms—and remind us that even in the darkest times, grace and goodness still have the final word.

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. 

Phil Gilbert joins Joe for a masterclass on leading lasting change—how to move large organizations, overcome cultural antibodies, and build systems that make transformation stick.

As the former head of design at IBM, Phil was tasked with one of the most ambitious corporate transformations of the last decade: to reignite creativity, collaboration, and speed inside a century-old company known for its consistency. Drawing from his new book Irresistible Change: A Blueprint for Earning Buy-In and Breakout Success, he shares the playbook that helped shift IBM’s mindset from compliance to commitment—and what leaders in any field can learn from that journey.

In this conversation, Joe and Phil unpack what it really takes to drive change at scale: how to earn voluntary adoption instead of forcing compliance, why culture must evolve alongside strategy, and how language, branding, and storytelling can make or break a transformation. They explore lessons that resonate from boardrooms to battlefields—how to lead people through uncertainty, protect the integrity of a mission, and create a culture that thrives on iteration and learning.

Listeners will come away with an actionable framework for driving change—one rooted in human behavior, organizational design, and the power of intentional leadership.

In this episode, Joe and Phil also explore:

• Why the status quo is resilient—and how great organizations learn to challenge it continuously
• How IBM’s “Hallmark” program turned change into a desirable brand, not a mandate
• The formula behind lasting culture: people + practices + places
• Why forcing compliance breeds “antibodies,” and how to inspire genuine belief instead
• How storytelling and small-team “boot camps” made transformation go viral inside a 400,000-person company
• The role of senior leaders in rewarding behavior and reinforcing new norms
• What the “magic people” and The Captain Class teach us about influence from within teams
• Why great leaders think like designers—iterating, prototyping, and refining as they go

Whether you’re leading a military unit, a corporate team, or a creative project, this episode offers a field-tested blueprint for driving change that lasts—one built on empathy, clarity, and a deep respect for the craft of leadership.

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. 

Stanford professor Jeffrey Pfeffer joins Joe Byerly for a candid and provocative discussion about power—what it is, how it works, and why more good people need to learn to use it. Drawing from his influential books Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don’t and The 7 Rules of Power, Pfeffer challenges listeners to see the world as it really operates—not as we wish it to be.

In this conversation, Joe and Dr. Pfeffer unpack why power isn’t inherently bad, how to build influence without losing integrity, and why refusing to “play the game” guarantees you’ll lose it. They explore lessons that apply equally to military leaders, executives, and anyone who wants to make change in complex organizations—from overcoming imposter syndrome and likability traps to mastering visibility, networking, and personal branding.

Listeners will come away with a sharper understanding of human nature, organizational dynamics, and what it really takes to lead with impact and authenticity in competitive environments.

In this episode, Joe and Dr. Pfeffer also explore:

• Why power is a skill—and how good people can learn to use it for good
• The critical difference between power and influence
• Why authenticity, likability, and imposter syndrome can quietly sabotage effectiveness
• The importance of appearing powerful—and how confidence often signals competence
• How building a personal brand and network expands your ability to lead and shape change
• The real costs of opting out of power—and how to navigate ambition without ego
• Why leaders need a “personal board of directors” to stay grounded once they gain power

Whether you’re leading soldiers, managing teams, or influencing from the middle, this episode offers a masterclass in understanding power—how to earn it, wield it wisely, and ensure that good people rise to positions where they can make a difference.

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. 

New York Times bestselling author Ryan Holiday returns to From the Green Notebook for his third conversation with Joe—this time diving into the themes of his latest and final book in the Stoic Virtues series, Wisdom Takes Work. 

In this wide-ranging conversation, Ryan and Joe discuss the importance of curiosity, humility, and deep reflection in a world where shortcuts and surface-level thinking often dominate. They explore how writing, reading, and journaling serve as tools for developing wisdom—and how, for both leaders and creators, clarity of thought begins with clarity on paper.

Listeners will gain insights into Ryan’s approach to writing books, the power of writing as intellectual accountability, and what he’s learned from studying figures like Montaigne, Lincoln, and even Elon Musk. Along the way, Ryan opens up about his own evolution as a writer, the dangers of intellectual arrogance, and why the pursuit of wisdom is a lifelong endeavor.

In this episode, Joe and Ryan explore:

• Why wisdom isn’t something you have but something you earn through continuous effort
• How writing forces clarity, accountability, and humility in thinking
• The danger of “bad bricks” in our belief systems—and how to guard against misinformation
• Why note-taking and reflection are a form of “time travel” that benefit your future self
• How curiosity and skepticism help protect us from manipulation in an AI-driven world
• The difference between intelligence and wisdom—and why power without self-awareness can be destructive
• Why Ben Franklin remains a model of intellectual and social intelligence

Whether you’re leading a team, writing your next book, or simply trying to think more clearly, this episode offers a masterclass in slowing down, asking better questions, and doing the hard work of becoming wiser.

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. 

This is the longest episode ever of From the Green Notebook—and for good reason. Joe brings you a special LANDEURO Talks edition of the podcast, recorded at AUSA’s inaugural LANDEURO conference in Germany back in July.

While at LANDEURO, Joe participated in both the Generation Next Forum and the Leadership Forum, hosted by the AUSA Center for Leadership. These gatherings were designed to educate, inspire, and connect leaders across the Army, NATO, and European partners. During the conference, Joe also caught up with three impressive leaders for one-on-one conversations about community, leadership, and the pivotal moments that shape a career.

In this episode, Joe highlights three powerful conversations with leaders whose stories capture the spirit of growth and connection at the heart of LANDEURO.

• LTG (Ret.) Leslie Smith on how losing his father as a child shaped his life, and how the “village” of family and community taught him the importance of the people we surround ourselves with.
• CSM Phil Blaisdell (44: 06), whose decades of service provide timeless lessons on leadership from the perspective of a noncommissioned officer.
• Sarah Draper (01:26), former Army officer and retired FBI Special Agent, who joins Joe for a fireside chat about career turning points, resilience, and leading through transition.

Together, these stories remind us that leadership is not about titles or positions—it’s about people, connection, and the communities that shape us.

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. 

Dr. Galena Rhoades, coauthor of Fighting For Your Marriage, returns to From the Green Notebook to talk with Joe about the strain that deployments, training, and time apart place on military marriages—and how couples can stay connected through it.

Drawing on years of research and her work helping couples strengthen relationships, Galena explains why separation creates unique challenges, how communication often falls into “just logistics,” and what it takes to keep connection alive across distance. Together, she and Joe unpack lessons that every military family can use—lessons Joe wishes he had known during the nearly five years he spent away from home over his career.

In this episode, Joe and Galena explore:

• How to keep communication from becoming only about schedules and logistics
• Why friendship talk, support talk, and even conflict talk are essential during separation
• The “alternate universe” of deployment, and how to bridge that gap with your partner at home
• The emotional boundaries that can erode if couples aren’t intentional about protecting them
• Why reintegration isn’t about picking up where you left off, but about building a new relationship on the same foundation

Whether you’re facing your first deployment or your fifth, these insights will help you and your partner navigate the hard parts of separation and come back together with greater strength and understanding.

Galena K. Rhoades, Ph.D., is a research professor and the director of the Institute for Relationship Science in the Department of Psychology at the University of Denver. Her research focuses on romantic relationship formation processes, such as dating and living together, and predictors of relationship success. She also conducts studies on the effectiveness of relationship interventions offered by community organizations across the United States. She has more than 140 publications in these areas. 

Dr. Rhoades founded a nonprofit in Denver called Thriving Families. This organization offers MotherWise, a relationship education program for women during pregnancy and postpartum, as well as mental health services for families. Dr. Rhoades is also a practicing clinical psychologist. In her private practice, she primarily sees couples and families.

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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. 

In this special Notebook Notes episode, Joe sits down with Sergeant Major Urzua and Sergeant Major Brady to discuss the Army Directive 2025-18, with a guest appearance from Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer.

• The intent behind the new Army directive and what it means for Soldiers and leaders
• Why appearance reflects discipline, professionalism, and Army values
• How commanders and NCOs are empowered to enforce standards
• Clarifications on what’s included—and not included—in this directive
• Timelines for implementation
• Broader leadership insights from SMA Weimer on professionalism, trust, and readiness
• Why SMA Weimer doesn't wear Army PT shorts (for now)

Click here to read AD 2025-18 so you can stay informed. 

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. 

Author and researcher Dr. Colin Fisher joins Joe to unpack the invisible forces that shape teams—and why leaders ignore them at their own risk.

From his book The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups Dr. Fisher shows how group dynamics are always at play, whether in a locker room, a boardroom, or on the battlefield. Together, he and Joe explore why the myth of the lone genius persists, why synergy is real but rare, and how leaders can deliberately build trust, structure, and norms that drive high-performing teams.

In this episode, Joe and Colin explore:

• Why the Sorting Hat—not Voldemort—might be the real villain of Harry Potter
• How the “lone genius” narrative hides the reality of collaboration behind breakthroughs
• What synergy really means and why structure—not speeches—is the leader’s most powerful tool
• The difference between relational trust and task-based trust, and why the latter makes teams excel
• How group norms emerge, and why they can drive both excellence and dysfunction
• Why psychological safety is about the freedom to disagree, not surface-level harmony
• How power changes leaders’ relationships with others—and why who you surround yourself with matters

Whether you’re leading a squad, running a company, or just trying to understand the groups you’re part of, this episode will change how you see teamwork—and give you tools to lead with intention.

Since his days as a professional jazz trumpet player, Dr. Colin M. Fisher has been fascinated by group dynamics. As Associate Professor of Organizations and Innovation at University College London’s School of Management, Colin’s research has uncovered the hidden processes of helping groups and teams in situations requiring creativity, improvisation, and complex decision-making. He has written about group dynamics for both popular science and management audiences, and his work has been profiled in prominent media outlets such as BBC, Forbes, NPR, and The Times. Originally from Redmond, Washington, he now lives in North London with his wife and two children.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

Military strategist and author George M. Dougherty joins Joe to unpack how robotics, AI, and precision weaponry are reshaping the future of warfare—and what history can teach us about navigating this transformation.

From his book Beast in the Machine, George traces the roots of military robotics back over a century and shows how concepts like remote-controlled systems and autonomous weapons aren’t new at all—they’ve simply advanced with technology. Together, he and Joe explore the implications of universal precision, weapon–target asymmetry, and what it means for maneuver warfare in an era where small drones can neutralize tanks.

In this episode, Joe and George explore:

• Why today’s robotics and AI revolution mirrors the onset of mechanization in World War I
• How “universal precision” is disrupting maneuver warfare and creating a new no man’s land
• The concept of weapon–target asymmetry: why cheap drones can outmatch billion-dollar platforms
• The role of networks, ISR, and electromagnetic warfare in shaping the kill chain
• Historical lessons—from Tesla’s 1898 robot to Kursk’s remote-controlled vehicles—that frame today’s challenges
• The ethical and societal stakes of democratizing lethal technology
• Why leaders must avoid over-empowering AI and remain smarter than the algorithms they use

Whether you’re a junior officer rethinking tactics or a senior strategist wrestling with AI’s role in warfare, this episode offers a sobering yet hopeful look at how leaders can outthink adversaries and shape the future fight.

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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. 

Red Threadx is a team of industry leaders and veterans. As a follow-on to the conversation, Joe Byerly will join George Dougherty and a panel of experts at the Red Thread House during the AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. on 14 October 2025. The invitation-only event will explore Beast in the Machine and the ethics of killing in war, alongside critical topics such as artificial intelligence, contested logistics, layered protection, and 21st-century command and control. To learn more about attending, contact info@theredthreadx.com

Army officer and Harvard-trained scholar Laura Weimer joins Joe to unpack leader identity—how it’s formed, why it matters, and what happens when we never stop to question it.

From leading Soldiers in the field to earning a PhD in organizational behavior at Harvard Business School, Laura has navigated both the operational Army and academia. Along the way, she’s learned that one of the most important questions a leader can ask is: Do I want to do this job—or do I just want to be selected for it?

In this candid conversation, Laura and Joe explore how ego, purpose, and values shape career decisions. They share how small changes—like moving one swim lane over—can dramatically improve fit and fulfillment, and why leaders must help their subordinates figure this out before life forces the question.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why separating ego from purpose is critical in career decision-making
• The “swim lane” approach to finding a better fit without leaving the Army
• How coaching and reflection can clarify your leader identity
• Practical exercises for uncovering your values and reframing your work
• Why helping others find the right role strengthens the whole organization

Whether you’re a junior leader at a crossroads or a senior officer mentoring the next generation, this episode offers tools and hard-earned wisdom for building a leader identity that lasts beyond any rank or title.

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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. 

Author Roland Allen joins Joe for a deep-dive into his book, The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper, and the surprising legacy of one of humanity’s most powerful tools: the humble notebook.

Whether it’s a green notebook in your cargo pocket, Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches, or a modern writer’s Moleskine, notebooks have shaped how people think, learn, and lead for centuries. In this fascinating conversation, Roland shares how these simple collections of thoughts, drawings, and quotes—what he calls “the first mixtape”—have been central to creativity, memory, and meaning throughout history.

Whether you're a leader, writer, soldier, or student, this episode will inspire you to pick up a pen and rediscover the power of thinking on paper.

In this episode, we explore:

• How a personal diary led Roland to uncover the global story of notebooks and their impact on civilization
• The Zibaldoni: a 14th-century Florentine notebook tradition that sparked the birth of modern literature
• Why Leonardo da Vinci never left home without his notebook—and how it supercharged his creativity across disciplines
• How Isaac Newton rewrote his own history by editing his notebooks
• The power of the commonplace book: a forgotten practice that shaped minds from Shakespeare to modern military leaders
• How notebooks create lasting knowledge—from 19th-century whalers to 21st-century climate scientists
• The quirky and wildly different notebook habits of Agatha Christie, Virginia Woolf, and Roland himself
• Why writing by hand helps us remember more, make better decisions, and build resilience through tough times
• Joe’s reflections on keeping a green notebook in combat and why he now journals with his future self in mind

Whether you use a green notebook, a Moleskine, or a legal pad, this episode will change the way you think about what it means to write—and why it matters.

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. 

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Matt Richtel joins Joe for a powerful conversation about his new book, How We Grow Up: Understanding Adolescence.

Blending neuroscience, history, and real-life stories from teens and families across the country, Matt offers a transformative understanding of adolescence—not as a problem to fix, but as a critical phase of growth. Whether you’re a parent, military leader, coach, or mentor, this conversation is packed with insight on how to support young people as they step into the most intense learning period of their lives.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why adolescence isn’t just a set of teenage years—but a biologically driven journey of self-discovery
• How to understand risk-taking, rebellion, and boundary-pushing not as defiance, but as testing for survival
• The powerful metaphor of adolescents as “castaways,” and why we must let them leave the shore to grow
• How The Odyssey offers a timeless framework for understanding the adolescent hero’s journey
• What neuroscience teaches us about reward sensitivity, risk tolerance, and the adolescent brain
• Why digital life isn’t inherently bad—but what it displaces can harm growth and mental health
• How to lead, parent, and mentor with empathy—by not taking rebellion or distance personally

Whether you’re leading young soldiers, raising kids, or reflecting on your own adolescent journey, this episode delivers timeless wisdom and practical tools for helping the next generation grow up well.

Matt Richtel is a Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist and bestselling writer of mysteries and thrillers. His books are fast-paced, character-centered stories in which things are not always as they seem. The backdrop for the books is the modern world. Technology is everywhere. Everything moves at lightning speed, from conspiracy, to love, business, and violence. Technology is our slave. Or has it become our dark master?

The books relate to Matt's journalism. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 2010 for a series of stories on distracted driving. The next year, he wrote an acclaimed series for the New York Times called "Your Brain On Computers" exploring how heavy technology use impacts our behavior and our brains.

Matt lives with his family in San Francisco. He writes from an office with a window that looks onto the former house of baseball legend Willie Mays. He -- Matt, not Willie -- is an avid tennis player, takes pride in making guacamole and coffee, and writes the occasional song.

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. 

Retired Marine Raider and author John Dailey joins the podcast to discuss his memoir, Tough Rugged Bastards, and the hard-earned lessons from a lifetime in Marine special operations.

In this episode, Joe and John explore:

• The story behind the founding of Marine Special Operations—and what it took to prove they belonged
• Why breath work, meditation, and reading became essential tools for combat and recovery
• The power of broad commander's intent—and how trust enables bottom-up innovation
• How journaling and writing helped John process his experiences and reconnect with identity post-service
• Why being yourself is a leadership superpower—and how John learned to take off the many "coats" he wore in uniform
• What it means to “do windows”—and why no task is ever beneath the leader

John Dailey left his home in West Virginia at seventeen to join the Marines, which led to a career of over twenty years. As a Platoon Sergeant in the Marine Corps’ 1st Force Reconnaissance Company on deployment in Australia on Sep. 11th, 2001, he and his men soon found themselves in Afghanistan battling the Taliban. In 2003 he was selected to serve as a team leader in the first Marine Corps unit assigned to U.S. Special Operations Command —Detachment-1. Det -1’s 2004 Iraq deployment solidified the Marines’ place in special operations and led to the formation of the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC). John received his MFA in creative writing from the University of North Carolina - Wilmington in 2018. John continues to train Marine Raiders, and he provides leadership training and performance coaching through his company, Walking Point LLC. He lives in Hubert, North Carolina with his wife, Tracy. 

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

Army veterans and leadership experts Brandon Young and Blayne Smith join the podcast for a powerful conversation about their new book, Perseverance > Endurance: Lead with Resilience. Grow Through Adversity. Win Together.

Blending combat-tested wisdom, lived leadership experiences, and hard-earned insight from both military and civilian life, Brandon and Blayne break down what it really takes to lead through uncertainty—not just by gutting it out, but by growing through it.

In this episode, they explore:

• The critical difference between endurance and perseverance—and why one leaves you tired and the other makes you better
• How the “ridgeline of adversity” framework helps teams understand where they are—and what to do next
• What land navigation teaches us about mental toughness, bad assumptions, and moments of decision
• The trap of prediction vs. the power of preparation—and why confidence matters more than certainty
• The real reason some leaders cling to the way things were—and how to accept change without losing hope
• Why open dialogue beats open-door policies—and how to create cultures of candor, feedback, and trust
• The discipline to choose action over intention—and how real growth happens on the other side of hard

Whether you’re leading in uniform, navigating a career transition, or helping your team through a difficult season, this conversation delivers timeless tools and modern mindsets for becoming the kind of leader adversity demands.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

U.S. Army Special Operations Command Sergeant Major JoAnn Naumann returns to the podcast—this time from the range at Fort Bragg—for a conversation on leadership, transformation, and enabling the next generation of special operations forces.

With nearly three decades in uniform and two years as the senior enlisted leader of USASOC, CSM Naumann shares the mindset shifts, hard-won lessons, and bottom-up insights that have shaped her time in the seat.

In this episode, they explore:

• Why she believes she has the best job in the Army—and how she stays energized by the Soldiers around her
• What it means to lead across 80+ countries, and how she stays connected to the ground truth
• How USASOC is driving transformation in structure, tech, and human performance—and why speed and soldier feedback are essential
• The challenge (and opportunity) of going from “operator” to enabler—and how shifting mindset scales impact across 36,000 teammates
• Why NCOs must be willing to say “that’s a dumb idea”—and the importance of modeling that kind of candor for the force
• The value of reading, curiosity, and lifelong learning in sustaining leadership at the highest levels
• How she adapts her approach to different commanders—and what it really takes to make that relationship work

Whether you’re an NCO navigating your first staff job, a commander looking to build trust across the chain, or a lifelong learner looking for leadership insights forged under pressure, this episode delivers a front-row seat to how transformation happens—one question, one conversation, one Soldier at a time.

Command Sergeant Major JoAnn Naumann currently serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader for U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), where she advises on matters affecting over 36,000 Soldiers across the special operations enterprise.

Born in New Jersey, CSM Naumann graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in American Studies and Government before enlisting in the Army in 1996 as a 35P Voice Language Analyst. She completed the Arabic Basic Course at the Defense Language Institute and Advanced Individual Training at Goodfellow Air Force Base.

Over nearly three decades of service, CSM Naumann has held a range of leadership positions, including assignments with the 311th MI Battalion, the 344th MI Battalion, and Special Mission Units. She has deployed 14 times across CENTCOM and AFRICOM, and previously served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for Special Operations Command–Korea (SOCKOR).

She is a graduate of the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy and has completed numerous military schools, including the Military Freefall Course, Airborne and Air Assault Schools, and the SOF Intel Leaders Course.

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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. 

In this special Army Birthday Week episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson joins Joe to explore the deep roots of the U.S. Army and what its 250-year journey can teach today’s leaders. Known for his Liberation Trilogy and now two volumes into his Revolution Trilogy, Atkinson brings the American Revolution to life—warts, wonder, and all—and makes a compelling case for why understanding our founding story is essential for anyone in uniform.

In this episode, they explore:

• What it was like growing up as an Army brat—and how Atkinson’s father’s 30-year career shaped his lifelong fascination with military history
• The surprising parallels between Washington’s army and today’s force, from self-study and logistics to leadership under pressure
• How George Washington’s instinct for civilian control—and his rapid growth as a commander—still echoes in the Army’s DNA
• Why the American Revolution was, in Atkinson’s words, “our first civil war,” and how its complexity is far more compelling than its mythology
• Lafayette, logistics, and the brutal truth of 18th-century expeditionary warfare (including the grim sound of horse carcasses hitting the sea)
• The power of books, curiosity, and informal learning among Washington’s officers—and why that tradition matters more than ever for leaders today
• What Atkinson hopes readers, soldiers, and citizens will carry forward from the Founding Generation—and why we must not lose sight of what they gave us

Whether you’re a company commander, a military history buff, or someone simply trying to understand where the Army came from and where it’s headed, this episode is a timely reminder: the past isn’t just prologue—it’s instruction.

Rick Atkinson is the bestselling author of eight works of narrative military history, including The Fate of the Day, The Guns at Last Light, The Day of Battle, An Army at Dawn, The Long Gray Line, In the Company of Soldiers, and Crusade. He also was the lead essayist in Where Valor Rests: Arlington National Cemetery, published by National Geographic. He was a reporter, foreign correspondent, war correspondent, and senior editor at The Washington Post for more than twenty years. His many awards include Pulitzer Prizes for history and journalism, the George Polk Award, the George Washington Prize, and the Pritzker Military Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing. He lives in Washington, D.C.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

In this candid conversation, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll joins Joe to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to modernize a military while staying grounded in soldier-level feedback. From wrestling with “irrationality and stupidity at scale” in the Pentagon to launching the Army Transformation Initiative, Driscoll shares why he’s flipping tables—sometimes almost literally—to give soldiers the tools and trust they need to win the next fight. 

In this episode, they explore:

• How a 15-year “gap decade” in law, finance, and private equity enriched Driscoll’s return to uniform and deepened his respect for everyday soldiers
• The Army Transformation Initiative—delivering critical warfighting capabilities, optimizing force structure, and eliminating waste and obsolete programs
• A Fort Jackson drone drill where recruits with just five weeks in the Army changed training doctrine—proof that innovation starts at E-1
• Seasons vs. “work-life balance”: why high-tempo service demands conscious trade-offs at home, and how Driscoll keeps perspective as a husband and dad of two
• The IED-factory raid where rules forbade cutting a $2 padlock, and what it taught him about broken feedback loops in combat
• Concrete ways leaders at every level can accelerate change: send honest ground-truth up the chain, embrace small-unit credit-card innovation, and demand that processes serve soldiers first

Whether you’re a private, a Pentagon staffer, or a curious civilian, this episode offers a front-row seat to the Army’s most ambitious overhaul in decades—and a master class in leading large-scale change without losing sight of character, family, and the people who do the fighting.

Daniel P. Driscoll is the 26th Secretary of the Army, sworn in on February 25, 2025. He leads the Army’s efforts in operations, modernization, and resource management for nearly one million Soldiers and more than 265,000 Army Civilians.

A former Army officer and business executive, Driscoll brings a diverse background in military service, law, and the private sector. Commissioned as an Armor Officer in 2007, he served with the 10th Mountain Division and deployed to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His military honors include the Army Commendation Medal, Ranger Tab, and Combat Action Badge.

Following his service, he earned a J.D. from Yale Law School and held leadership roles in investment banking, private equity, and venture capital, including serving as COO of a $200 million fund. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

He is married to his high-school sweetheart, and they have two children.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

In this powerful conversation, award-winning journalist turned Army officer Sarah Blake Morgan joins Joe for a raw and reflective discussion on identity, purpose, and what happens when we step away from the life we always thought we wanted.

From chasing stories as a national correspondent for the Associated Press to standing in formation at Army basic training at age 31, Sarah opens up about what led her to leave a successful journalism career behind—and what she’s discovered about herself in the process.

In this episode, they explore:

• The slow erosion of purpose that pushed her out of journalism
• Why sitting still has been more terrifying than the hardest assignment
• The painful process of letting go of titles, identities, and ego
• What she’s learning about storytelling in uniform
• How walking into the metaphorical (and literal) woods helped her find her next chapter

Whether you're navigating a major transition or simply questioning what's next, Sarah’s story will remind you that growth often begins where the path ends—and that it's okay to not know exactly where you're going.

Sarah Blake Morgan is a storyteller and U.S. Army Reserve officer whose unconventional path took her from a successful career in television news to military service. After nearly a decade reporting for stations in Texas, North Carolina, and The Associated Press, Morgan felt stuck in a life of routine. That changed in 2020 when, inspired by a reporting trip with the 82nd Airborne Division, she decided to enlist in the Army.

At 31, she completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and earned her commission through Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, beginning her journey as a military intelligence officer. Today, she balances her work serving in the special operations community with her ongoing mission to give voice to the unheard — and to discover her own evolving sense of purpose along the way.

In addition to her military and journalism careers, Morgan is the creator and host of The Forgotten: After Helene, a powerful podcast uncovering the overlooked stories of those affected by Hurricane Helene.

Follow her journey at @StorytellerSBM.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

In this powerful conversation, retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal joins Joe to discuss his new book, On Character: Choices That Define a Life. Drawing from decades of military leadership and personal reflection, General McChrystal breaks down why character is more than just a word—it's a daily practice rooted in conviction and discipline.

In this episode, they explore:

• Why journaling would have made him a better leader
• A practical method he used to align his time with his priorities in Afghanistan
• How reading shaped his thinking both in and out of uniform
• The subtle but dangerous effects of power on rising leaders
• Why leaders must continuously test their convictions under pressure

Whether you're in uniform or leading in another capacity, this episode is a must-listen for anyone striving to lead with authenticity, courage, and character.

Stan McChrystal retired in July 2010 as a four-star general after over 34 years of service in the U.S. Army. His final assignment was as the commander of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force and all US forces in Afghanistan. He had previously served as the director of the Joint Staff and almost five years in command of the Joint Special Operations Command.

General McChrystal’s memoir, My Share of the Task, was a New York Times bestseller in 2013. He is also the author of New York Times bestseller Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World and wrote the forward for the sequel, One Mission:How Leaders Build a Team of Teams. He is a senior fellow at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs and a partner at McChrystal Group, where he transforms organizations into adaptable teams. He and his wife, Annie, live in Virginia.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

In this episode, Joe sits down with Lieutenant General Mary Izaguirre, the 46th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army and Commanding General of Army Medical Command, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, vulnerability, culture, and purpose. Drawing on over three decades of service, LTG Izaguirre shares hard-earned lessons on how to lead authentically and navigate professional complexity.

Together, they discuss the evolving role of Army Medicine, the power of modeling vulnerability, and how intentionality—not balance—is the key to managing life’s trade-offs. Joe and LTG Izaguirre cover:

• Why vulnerability is a leadership strength, not a weakness
• How leaders can model safety, trust, and curiosity within their teams
• The importance of asking the right questions—and being okay not knowing the answers
• How trade-offs, not balance, define sustainable leadership
• The impact of journaling and reflection in high-responsibility roles
• Breaking down the “us vs. them” mentality in large organizations
• What Army Medicine’s true mission is—and why it matters more than ever

Whether you’re a leader in uniform, a parent navigating a demanding career, or someone wrestling with how to show up fully for both your mission and your people, this episode is packed with wisdom, candor, and practical insights.

Lieutenant General Mary K. Izaguirre is the 46th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army and the Commanding General of Army Medical Command. A board-certified family physician and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, she brings over three decades of military and medical leadership to her role. LTG Izaguirre has held key command and senior staff positions across the Army and deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. She holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Master of Public Health, and Master in National Security and Resource Strategy. She and her husband, Joseph, are the proud parents of five children.

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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. 

In this Notebook Notes episode of From the Green Notebook, we sit down with Bob O’Brien, the Army’s lead for the Command Assessment Program (CAP), to take a deep dive into how CAP is transforming how the Army selects and develops its future leaders. Bob explains how this multi-day assessment process captures over 1,800 data points per candidate to provide a more complete picture of leadership potential—beyond what a single OER can show. Together, Bob and Joe Discuss:

• How the Command Assessment Program Works
• The Importance of Self-Awareness
• Myths About CAP Debunked
• Communicating Under Pressure
• The Redemptive Power of “Not Yet Certified”
• Executive Coaching and Developmental Tools
• Data-Driven Command Team Building
• Preparing Early for CAP Success
• The Role of Reflection and Journaling
• How My Green Notebook: "Know Thyself" Before Changing Jobs helps leaders prepare for CAP

Whether you're preparing for CAP, coaching someone who is, or just interested in how organizations can better assess and grow talent, this episode offers both insight and practical advice. 

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today! 

In this Mother's Day episode, Joe sits down with Danny Ricker, Emmy-nominated comedy writer, producer, and author of Wow, You Look Terrible!: How to Parent Less and Live More, for a laugh-out-loud conversation on the highs and lows of parenting young kids. Drawing from both personal experience and sharp comedic insight, Danny unpacks the pressure modern parents face to do it all—and why doing less might actually be the key to doing it better.

Together, they explore:

• Why parenting today often feels like a full-time personal assistant gig for unpredictable tiny humans
• The trap of performative parenting and how social media fuels unrealistic expectations
• The genius of the “17-Minute Birthday Party” and why kids don’t need extravagance to have fun
• How the “Purgatory Cabinet” can save your sanity (and your child’s lucky nickel)
• Parenting as exercise: from claw-machine wakeups to carrying kids like a living weighted vest
• The power of “garbage time” and why the little moments matter more than the big events
• Lessons Danny learned writing for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and how to deal with rejection, failure, and ego in high-pressure creative environments (Read the blog post!!) 

Whether you’re a parent knee-deep in toys and tantrums or just trying to hold on to a sense of humor amidst the chaos, this conversation offers a much-needed reminder that the most meaningful moments are often the messiest ones.

Danny Ricker is a TV writer, producer, author, and nine-time Emmy nominee who currently serves as a Head Writer and Co-Executive Producer at “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”

His other notable writing credits include The Oscars (2017, 2018, 2023, & 2024), The Primetime Emmys (2012, 2016, & 2020), the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and his debut book Wow, You Look Terrible!

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today! 

In this special edition of From the Green Notebook, Joe sits down with Command Sergeant Major Christopher Mullinax from the Army’s Training Directorate to break down the most recent changes to the Army’s fitness assessment—the newly updated Army Fitness Test (AFT).

After years of collecting data from the field and listening to feedback from soldiers and leaders at all levels, the Army is rolling out a revised approach to physical fitness. CSM Mullinax explains the changes.

Joe and CSM Mullinax discusses how the Army continues to evolve fitness standards to build a more combat-ready force. They also tackle common misconceptions, the logic behind removing overly technical events, and how leaders can implement the new test without disrupting unit readiness.

Whether you're a first sergeant trying to understand the rollout timeline or a squad leader wondering how this affects your soldiers' promotion packets, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change in today's Army.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today! 

In this episode, Joe sits down with Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a leading neuroscientist and author of How Emotions Are Made, to explore groundbreaking insights on how emotions are formed and how we can better understand and regulate them. Together, they dive deep into the science behind emotions, how the brain predicts our feelings, and how we can gain more emotional agency in our personal and professional lives. Joe and Dr. Barrett cover:

• The theory of constructed emotions and how emotions are predictions, not reactions
• The role of the brain in regulating the body and how it shapes emotional experiences
• Why uncertainty feels like anxiety—and how to reframe it
• How emotional granularity can help us build better emotional vocabulary and control
• Practical steps to improve emotional regulation and decision-making
• The impact of body budgeting on mood, stress, and overall health

Whether you're leading a team, navigating personal relationships, or simply trying to better understand your emotional life, this conversation will give you powerful tools to enhance your emotional intelligence and well-being.

Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD, is among the top 0.1% most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University. She also holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior.

In addition to the books Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain and How Emotions are Made, Dr. Barrett has published over 275 peer-reviewed, scientific papers appearing in Science, Nature Neuroscience, and other top journals in psychology and cognitive neuroscience, as well as six academic volumes published by Guilford Press. She writes regularly about science in the popular press, including The New York Times, The Guardian, Scientific American, BBC Science Focus, Popular Science, Nautilus, BigThink, Cosmopolitan,  Time magazine, MIT Technology Review, and more (see full list). Her popular TED talk has been viewed over 7 million times.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today! 

In this special episode, Joe sits down with Lieutenant General Greg Anderson, Commanding General of XVIII Airborne Corps, to discuss one of the most significant structural changes to the airborne community in decades. With 22,000 paid parachutist positions on the table for reclassification, LTG Anderson explains the data-driven process behind the decision, what it means for readiness, and how the Army is adapting to modern operational demands.

They explore how emotional reactions to change can cloud understanding, why building consensus through transparency and method matters, and what this transformation says about leadership in complex organizations. Whether you're a paratrooper, a leader managing change, or someone passionate about the future of the force, this episode offers a rare inside look at how the Army balances tradition with transformation.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today! 

In this episode, Joe sits down with Victoria Trammel from the Arbinger Institute to explore the life-changing insights from the newly revised edition of Leadership and Self-Deception. Together, they dig into the patterns of self-justification, the emotional energy we waste on false narratives, and the practical tools leaders can use to shift from an inward to an outward mindset. Joe and Victoria cover: 

• The concept of self-deception and how it shows up in leadership and relationships
• How “collusions” form between individuals and groups, sabotaging collaboration
• The difference between being helpful and looking helpful
• Real-world stories of self-betrayal at work and at home
• How to identify and interrupt the inward mindset in yourself and your team
• The power of journaling and reflection in shifting perspective
• Steps for becoming more outward-focused without sacrificing accountability

Whether you’re a leader in the military, the corporate world, or at home, this conversation offers powerful reminders and tools for transforming how we relate to others—and ourselves.

With almost 3 million copies sold worldwide, this new edition of an enduring classic is the definitive guide to dramatically improve leadership effectiveness, transform personal and professional relationships, and unleash organizational results.

Significantly revised throughout, this edition includes updated stories, brand new content, and a practical group discussion guide.

Over two decades since first being published, Leadership and Self-Deception continues to help readers discover and overcome the persistent lies that are at the heart of the people-related dysfunction that plagues relationships and hinders organizational results. Told through an engaging story, this book reveals the ways we blind ourselves to our true motivations and unwittingly sabotage our efforts to achieve success and rebuild broken relationships.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today! 

Cairn Leadership helps teams build trust, clarity, and accountability—without the buzzwords. Their approach blends coaching with real outdoor adventures, like climbing in Joshua Tree. Visit cairnleadership.com/ftgn for 10% off your team’s program.

In this episode of From the Green Notebook, General Randy George, the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, returns to discuss the habits, practices, and mindset that have shaped his leadership journey. From the pocket-sized notebook he started as a field grade officer to the lessons he's learning from visiting troops and reading deeply, General George offers a candid reflection on growth, command, and staying grounded in your values.

In this conversation, they discuss:

• The leadership lessons General George captured in his personal notebook and how reflection has guided him through multiple levels of command
• The role reading plays in staying intellectually curious and professionally sharp, including the books that have shaped his thinking
• How bottom-up innovation is driving the Army’s "Transforming in Contact" initiative and what he’s learning from frontline units
• The importance of consistency in communication and why leaders must seek out and act on honest feedback
• How personal values—and regular conversations with his spouse—help him stay aligned with what matters most, both in and out of uniform

This episode is brought to you by the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).
We know the U.S. Army protects our freedoms every day—but have you ever thought about who’s protecting the U.S. Army? Meet AUSA—the Army’s premier professional association, dedicated to supporting every aspect of the Army journey.

This year marks an incredible milestone: 250 years of the U.S. Army defending our nation. To celebrate, AUSA is offering exclusive Premium membership discounts for a limited time:

• 2 years for just $30 (normally $40)
• 5 years for $50 (normally $75)
• Lifetime membership for only $250 (normally $400)

Premium members receive top-tier benefits, including a subscription to ARMY magazine and access to over $300,000 in scholarships.

Join now and stand with those who serve. Sign up today at ausa.org/membership/premium—no code necessary.
AUSA—Supporting Soldiers. Strengthening America.

And don’t forget to check out AUSA’s official podcast, Army Matters.
Hosted by LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey, Army Matters brings you in-depth conversations with Army leaders past, present, and future—from the battlefields to the boardrooms and beyond. New episodes drop every other Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, host Joe sits down with Melody Wilding, an executive coach and author of Managing Up: How To Get What you Need From the People In Charge   to explore the dynamics of power, status, and influence in the workplace. Melody shares practical strategies for managing up effectively, not by being a sycophant, but by building stronger relationships, communicating with confidence, and navigating workplace dynamics with integrity. Together they discuss

• What it really means to “manage up” (Hint: it’s not about being a suck-up)
• Why proximity to power can distort your focus—and how to avoid the status trap
• The importance of upward empathy and understanding your boss’s pressures
• How to adapt to different leadership styles to build stronger relationships
• The power of the “ME Manual” and why self-awareness is key to success
• How to set boundaries at work—without damaging your reputation
• The concept of “Pushback Power” and how to know when (and how) to say no

Whether you work in the military, corporate world, or any hierarchical environment, this conversation will help you become a more effective leader from wherever you stand.

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

FightCamp is the largest boxing and kickboxing community in the world. Their innovative fitness system combines real-time tracking, professional coaching, and an extensive workout library of over 3,000 sessions. 

Family-Friendly Access: Supports multiple user profiles under one subscription.

Flexible Membership: After the trial, members can continue on a month-to-month basis with no contract obligations.

To get the exclusive FREE offer and an additional 15% off accessories, email Joe@fromthegreennotebook for a listeners-only discount code at checkout. 

Free FightCamp Package: Includes punch trackers, quick wraps, and a 45-day membership trial to the FightCamp app. We will cover the shipping and taxes too (a $278 value per redemption). 

In this episode, Joe welcomes Corie Weathers, licensed professional counselor, author, and expert on military culture, to explore the shifting landscape of service, leadership, and the personal challenges faced by military members and their families. Corie shares insights from her latest book, Military Culture Shift, offering her thoughts on the past 20 years of war and what it means for the future of the force.

Together, they discuss the key moments and lessons that shape military service, leadership, and personal well-being, including:

• How the Global War on Terror shaped an entire generation of military leaders—and what comes next.
• The psychological toll of service, from combat stress to the unseen burdens of leadership.
• Generational shifts in the military—why Gen Z’s approach to work, leadership, and life is different from previous generations.
• The evolution of military family dynamics and the changing role of spouse support networks.
• Why taking time to reflect, heal, and process experiences is critical for long-term well-being.
• The importance of mental wellness and how leaders can foster a culture that encourages self-care.

Tune in to hear Corie’s insights and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today’s military leaders.

Corie Weathers, licensed professional counselor (LPC), is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and award-winning author. Corie has focused her career for the last 20 years as a clinician specializing in marriage, special forces, the service culture, and its impact on families. She has traveled internationally to visit troops and report on deployment conditions and has taught service families across the globe. Corie consults on military culture, produces content through interviews and videos, and facilitates meaningful and productive sessions and retreats on how to live, lead multi-generational teams, find purpose, and build relationships using their natural talents.

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.

My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!

In this episode, Joe welcomes David Baker, former President & Executive Director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, to explore leadership, legacy, and the values that shape extraordinary careers. David shares lessons from his time working with NFL legends, his deep respect for the military, and his latest mission to impact youth sports.

Together, they discuss the key moments and insights that shaped his career, offering valuable takeaways for leaders in sports, business, and the military. David and Joe dive into:

• Why success isn’t about a single job or title but about embracing the journey.
• Lessons in leadership from mentors like Jerry Jones, Roger Goodell, and Wellington Mara.
• The emotional power of "The Knock"—telling players they’ve been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
• How sports and the military share fundamental values like resilience, teamwork, and sacrifice.
• The importance of legacy—whether as a player, a leader, a parent, or a soldier.
• How his new initiative, World Youth Sports, aims to instill character and leadership in young athletes.
• Why every day matters, and how to make each one your masterpiece.

Tune in to hear David’s incredible stories and gain timeless leadership lessons that can help you build your own Hall of Fame-worthy legacy.

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.

Onebrief, the transformative software platform redefining operational planning and military staff workflows.

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!

In this episode, Joe welcomes Sam Walker, author of The Captain Class: A New Theory of Leadership, to dive into the world of leadership and team dynamics. Sam shares the surprising insights from his 11 years of research, studying over 25,000 teams since the 1880s, to uncover what truly makes teams great and sustains their success.

Together, they explore the counterintuitive behaviors and traits that separate extraordinary leaders from the rest, challenging many traditional notions of leadership. Whether you’re leading in sports, business, or the military, this episode is packed with practical lessons for creating and sustaining high-performing teams. Sam and Joe discuss:

• The seven key traits that define elite captains and sustain team success.
• Why leadership isn’t about talent, charisma, or speeches, but about behaviors.
• The concept of “carrying the water” and why great leaders often work in the background.
• How to regulate emotions and use them effectively to inspire and guide your team.
• Why strong team cultures are essential, and how to ensure people thrive within them.
• The importance of being “relentlessly boring” to conserve energy for what matters most.
• How these principles apply to military, business, and other high-stakes environments.

Tune in to hear how you can redefine leadership, uncover your team’s hidden potential, and apply Sam’s “cheat codes” to create lasting success in your own organization.

Sam Walker is an author, keynote speaker, and strategist who helps organizations strengthen their leadership selection and development practices, build stronger cultures, and create more cohesive and enduringly successful teams.

He has worked with a Super Bowl-winning NFL franchise, several high-achieving national, Olympic and NCAA-champion sports teams, a national law enforcement agency, elite U.S. military special forces units, one of the world’s largest money managers, one of the world’s leading surgical hospitals, one of the world’s largest media companies and the commanding officers of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.

 His most recent book, The Captain Class, is a meticulous analysis of effective leadership based on the traits of the captains who led the 17 most dominant teams in sports history. The book has become a cult classic, beloved by men and women worldwide who apply its principles to leading and building teams.

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.

Onebrief, the transformative software platform redefining operational planning and military staff workflows.

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!

In this episode, Joe welcomes Harvard professor and author Alison Wood Brooks to discuss her groundbreaking book, Talk: The Science and Art of Being Ourselves. Together, they explore the science behind conversations and how they shape our personal and professional lives.

Alison introduces her TALK framework—Topics, Asking, Levity, Kindness—providing actionable strategies to improve communication. She shares why talking can feel so cognitively demanding, the myth of natural charisma, and how intentional choices can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections.

Joe and Alison discuss practical tools like navigating the "topic pyramid," creating psychological safety in group settings, and the surprising power of levity. They also highlight the art of mastering conversations in both everyday life and professional environments.

Whether you’re a leader, a friend, or simply someone wanting to communicate better, this episode offers invaluable insights for connecting with others and being authentically yourself.

Dr. Alison Wood Brooks is the O’Brien Associate Professor of Business Administration and Hellman Faculty Fellow at the Harvard Business School, where she created and teaches a course called TALK. As a behavioral scientist, she is a leading expert on the science of conversation. Her award-winning research has been published in top academic journals and is regularly cited in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and NPR. Her research was referenced in two of the top ten most-viewed TED talks of all time and depicted in Pixar’s Inside Out 2. In 2021, she was named a Best 40 Under 40 Business School Professor by Poets & Quants. "TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves" is her first book.

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.

Onebrief, the transformative software platform redefining operational planning and military staff workflows

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!

The 25th Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth joins Joe for a candid conversation about leadership, self-awareness, and the evolving challenges of guiding the largest branch of the U.S. military. With over three decades of experience in national security, she shares her expectations for Army leaders, the importance of self-development, and why critical thinking and communication skills are essential for success at the highest levels.

Secretary Wormuth also highlights her strong support for the Army’s Command Assessment Program (CAP), emphasizing early self-development, the power of feedback, and the role of humility and reflection in building resilient leadership teams. She also stresses the importance of maintaining the Army's apolitical stance, fostering public trust, and ensuring continuity through times of change.

Topics Covered:

• The key attributes of effective Army leaders
• The role of the Command Assessment Program in shaping leadership
• Why feedback and reflection are crucial for personal growth
• Balancing professional and personal priorities over a long career
• Why military leaders need to remain apolitical and be non-combatants in the culture wars

Honorable Christine Wormuth was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and appointed as the 25th Secretary of the U.S. Army May 28, 2021. The Secretary of the Army is the senior civilian official within the Department of Defense responsible for all matters relating to the U.S. Army.

Prior to confirmation, she was the Director of the International Defense and Security Center at the RAND Corporation where she was a frequent writer and speaker on foreign policy, national security and homeland security issues.

Prior to RAND, she served in several roles during the Obama Administration. From December 2010 until August 2012 she was a special assistant to the president and senior director for Defense at the National Security Council. Wormuth then served as deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Forces, and led the 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review. From 2014-2016 she served in DOD as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, where she advised the Secretary of Defense on the full range of regional and functional national security issues.

Wormuth entered the government as a Presidential Management Intern and began her public service career in the Policy Office of the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 1996 through 2002. After leaving government, she worked in the private sector on defense issues, and then was a Senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies for five years. 

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.

Onebrief, the transformative software platform redefining operational planning and military staff workflows. 

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!

Joe sits down with Rich McGuinness, the visionary founder of the U.S Army Bowl, to discuss how football is more than just a game—it’s a catalyst for building character, shaping lives, and creating lasting impact.

Rich shares the inspiring journey of how he turned a bold idea into one of the nation’s most iconic high school football events, showcasing All-Americans from around the country and touching the lives of countless young athletes and their families.

This conversation examines the power of team sports, highlighting how football provides opportunities for young athletes to learn values like teamwork, resilience, and hard work. Rich’s story is a testament to the power of vision, grit, and creating something that transcends the game itself. Some highlights from this episode include:

• The “500 balls a day” mindset and how it translates to life and leadership
• The origin story of the U.S Army Bowl and its impact on high school athletes
• How hard work and focus can change the trajectory of your life
• Lessons on building a legacy and embracing the unexpected challenges along the way
• How parents can best support their young athletes

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about how sports can shape lives and leave a legacy that goes far beyond the field.

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units

My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!

Joe Byerly sits down with Furman Daniel, author of Blood, Mud, and Oil Paint: The Remarkable Year That Made Winston Churchill. Together, they explore a transformative year in Churchill’s life—a time of political humiliation, personal reinvention, and the development of five life-changing gifts, including painting, friendship, and a modern perspective on warfare. Furman shares how Churchill’s resilience and adaptability during his darkest days laid the foundation for his iconic leadership during World War II.

This conversation is packed with timeless insights on failure, perseverance, and finding restoration through personal passions, offering applicable lessons for leaders at all levels:

• Failure is a springboard for future success.
• Creative outlets restore energy and focus.
• Genuine friendships are invaluable during tough times.
• Presence builds trust and respect as a leader.
• Confidence balanced with humility fosters growth.
• Perseverance leads to breakthroughs over time.
• Stepping back provides clarity and perspective.
• Lifelong learning is essential for great leadership.
• And more!

Join Joe and Furman for an inspiring discussion on turning setbacks into triumphs and what it means to stay in the fight when the odds are against you.

Dr. John Furman Daniel III is an associate professor of political science at Concordia University. He has authored numerous publications on international relations theory, the influence of fiction on foreign policy decision-making, Edmund Burke, Carl von Clausewitz, George Patton, technology diffusion, space colonization and home-field advantage in Major League Baseball. His four books are 21st Century Patton: Strategic Insights for the Modern Era (2016), The First Space War: How Patterns of History and Principles of STEM Will Shape Its Form (2019), Patton: Battling with History (2020) and Blood, Mud and Oil Paint: The Remarkable Year that Made Winston Churchill (2024).

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units

My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!

In this episode, Joe Byerly sits down with Dr. Galena Rhoades, co-author of Fighting for Your Marriage, to explore the essential skills needed for strong, lasting relationships. Drawing from her extensive research, Dr. Rhoades shares practical insights on improving communication, navigating conflict, and rekindling connection. They discuss the unique challenges faced by military couples, the importance of being intentional in marriage, and how to address hidden issues beneath everyday disagreements. Dr. Rhoades also provides actionable tools like the "Speaker-Listener Technique" and the value of making time for fun together. Whether you’re newly married or decades into your relationship, this conversation offers valuable advice to help you and your partner thrive.

Resources Mentioned:

• Fighting for Your Marriage by Dr. Galena Rhoades and colleagues
• Agape App for daily relationship-building questions

Galena K. Rhoades, Ph.D., is a research professor and the director of the Institute for Relationship Science in the Department of Psychology at the University of Denver. Her research focuses on romantic relationship formation processes, such as dating and living together, and predictors of relationship success. She also conducts studies on the effectiveness of relationship interventions offered by community organizations across the United States. She has more than 140 publications in these areas. 

Dr. Rhoades founded a nonprofit in Denver called Thriving Families. This organization offers MotherWise, a relationship education program for women during pregnancy and postpartum, as well as mental health services for families. Dr. Rhoades is also a practicing clinical psychologist. In her private practice, she primarily sees couples and families.

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units

My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!

In this episode, Joe Byerly talks with CSM Walter J. Zajkowski, Senior Enlisted Leader of Special Operations Command Pacific. With 30 years of service, CSM Zajkowski reflects on his journey from young Ranger to senior leader, sharing lessons on leadership growth, feedback, and learning from both great and challenging leaders.

Key topics include:

• The role of ego in leadership and how embracing tough assignments can lead to transformation.
• The importance of supplementing formal education with reading and self-reflection.
• How to give people what they need, not just what they want, to develop strong, capable teams.
• The power of identifying and living your "why" to stay aligned with purpose.

This conversation is packed with actionable advice and reflections for leaders at every level.

Command Sergeant Major Zajkowski is the Command Senior Enlisted Leader,
Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC), headquartered at Camp H.M.
Smith, Hawaii.

Prior to his assignment at SOCPAC, he served as the Command Sergeant Major
of 3rd Operational Support Group (2021-2022). Previous positions of responsibility
include Battalion CSM, Force Generation Directorate SGM, Selection and Training
SGM, Company SGM, Operations SGM, Training Instructor/Writer, Team
Sergeant, and Team Member. CSM Zajkowski began his Army career in 2nd
Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment (1994-1999) where he served as a Rifleman,
Team Leader, and Squad Leader.

He enlisted in the Army in 1994 and served in multiple leadership positions within
the joint special operations community. 

Command Sergeant Major Zajkowski deployed in support of multiple combat operations to include Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve.

His awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit w/C device, Bronze Star w/Valor, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal w/Valor device,
Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Combat Diver Badge, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badge.

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units

My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!

In this episode, Joe sits down with Stephen Riggio, former CEO of Barnes & Noble, to uncover the personal journey that led him to translate Sicilian Avengers, an epic historical novel set in 18th-century Sicily. But this is more than a conversation about a book—it's a story of deep roots, personal loss, and a quest to rediscover purpose.

Stephen opens up about reconnecting with his Sicilian heritage alongside his wife, Laura, after the tragic loss of their daughter. What began as a healing journey to learn Italian grew into a remarkable project: translating Sicilian Avengers, a story that hadn’t been told to English-speaking readers.  Emerging from the dark streets and subterranean caves of Palermo, the Beati Paoli—a shadowy, masked society of vigilantes—mete out their own brand of justice, countering the unchecked power of the aristocracy. For the oppressed and voiceless, they are defenders and heroes.

Through Stephen's translation, this forgotten tale of justice and intrigue, reminiscent of a Dumas novel, has been brought back to life. As he shares his experience, Stephen reveals the challenges, the rewards, and the sense of purpose this work gave him in a new chapter of life. He also reflects on his tenure at Barnes & Noble, where he and his late brother, Len, transformed a single Manhattan bookstore into the largest bookstore chain in the United States. 

For anyone curious about the enduring impact of stories, this episode is an invitation to listen in and perhaps be inspired to seek out the narratives that connect us across time, place, and family.

Stephen Riggio is the former chief executive officer of Barnes & Noble (2002-2012). For over forty years he was a key leader transforming the single flagship New York location into a national retailer that expanded into e-commerce and book publishing. Riggio has served on the boards of the National Book Foundation, the National Down Syndrome Society, and is a founding member of the AHRC New York City Foundation Board. He and his wife live in New York.

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units

My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!

The 41st Chief of Staff of the Army invites Joe to the Pentagon for a discussion on innovation, leadership, and the continuous transformation needed to keep the Army at the forefront of modern warfare. General George shares insights from his recent experiences leading the Army through complex changes, touching on battlefield innovation, training at combat training centers, and how leaders at every level must embrace risk to drive progress. In this episode, we discuss:

• What it means to “transform in contact”  
• How empowering soldiers and junior leaders to innovate is crucial for adapting to ever-changing battlefield conditions.
• The role of leadership in fostering a culture of growth, 
• The importance of sharing lessons learned
• How personal and professional development go hand-in-hand with leading change.

General Randy A. George assumed duties as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army on September 21, 2023.

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units

My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!

Joe McCormack returns to the show to discuss his newest book: Quiet Works: Making Silence the Secret Ingredient of the Workday . Together, Joe and Joe explore how quiet time enhances leadership, reduces distractions, and improves communication. They share insights on managing workplace noise, the balance between collaboration and focus, and practical strategies to help leaders and teams achieve clarity and purpose through intentional quiet moments. They also discuss:

• The curse of the scattered leader
• The problems of Too Much Information (TMI) and Too Much Collaboration (TMC)
• Why leaders need to take short intentional breaks during the workday
• Practical steps leaders can take to reduce noise and improve decision-making, including the importance of quiet reflection.
• Tools like journaling, scheduling quiet moments, and establishing boundaries to protect time for deep thinking.

Whether you're looking to boost productivity or improve decision-making, this conversation offers actionable tools to help you thrive in today’s noisy world.

Joe McCormack is the founder and president of The BRIEF Lab, and he’s passionate about helping professionals gain focus and clarity in a world of too much information, too much collaboration, and too much noise.

As an entrepreneur, marketing executive, and author, he is recognized for his work in concise, strategic communication and leadership development.

Joe has written three books—a trilogy—that outline and promote the personal and professional benefits of clear thinking and concise communication.

His podcast, “Just Saying,” helps professionals become effective and efficient communicators in an age of information overload.

Before his entrepreneurial ventures, Joe served as Senior Vice President at Ketchum, a top-five marketing agency in Chicago. He received a BA in English Literature from Loyola University of Chicago where he graduated with honors. He is fluent in Spanish and has broad international experience. Joe and his wife Julie split their time between Southern Pines, North Carolina, and Chicago, Illinois.

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units

My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!

In this episode, Joe welcomes Chase Jarvis, a creative powerhouse, entrepreneur, and author of Never Play It Safe. Chase shares how his own journey, from professional soccer aspirations to becoming a world-renowned photographer, taught him that real growth happens on the other side of fear. Together, they dive into actionable strategies for reclaiming creativity, focusing your attention, and leveraging failure as a tool for success. Joe and Chase also discuss:

• Stepping out of your comfort zone for better opportunities and connections.
• The seven key levers for success that everyone can use.
• Using leverage to get maximum results with smart effort.
• The importance of focus, attention, and finding flow.
• Learning from failure and adapting quickly to succeed.

Chase Jarvis is an award-winning photographer, entrepreneur, and the founder of CreativeLive, an online learning platform with over 10 million students. His work spans global campaigns for brands like Nike and Apple, and he's been named one of the most influential photographers of the last decade. Beyond photography, Chase is a best-selling author, podcast host, and a thought leader in creativity, innovation, and personal growth. His latest book, Never Play It Safe, explores the power of stepping outside your comfort zone to unlock true potential. Through his podcast and platform, Chase empowers people to pursue their passions and build meaningful careers.

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units

My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.

4o

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!

Joe Byerly welcomes back Jack Carr, former Navy SEAL and bestselling author to discuss his first nonfiction work, Targeted Beirut, which explores the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, a pivotal moment in U.S. military history and the War on Terror. Together, they discuss the strategic missteps, the human toll of national security decisions, and the lessons that remain relevant for military leaders today. Jack and Joe also cover:

• Why leaders should study the past
• The lessons of the 1983 Marine Barracks Bombing
• How the U.S. involvement in Beirut shaped the War on Terror
• The human toll of conflict
• Resilience in war
• and much more!

From a young age, Jack Carr had two dreams: serving his country in uniform as a Navy SEAL and becoming an author. Following twenty years in the SEAL Teams, Jack shifted his sights to publishing and fulfilled his literary objective with the release of his debut novel, The Terminal List.

Since then, he has captivated readers worldwide with the gripping tales of James Reece in his New York Times bestselling novels True Believer, Savage Son, The Devil’s Hand, In the Blood, and Only the Dead.

The Terminal List was adapted into a thrilling #1 Amazon Prime Video series starring Chris Pratt and has been greenlit for a second season based on Jack’s second novel True Believer (release date TBA).

In addition, a prequel origin story series based on the character Ben Edwards titled The Terminal List: Dark Wolf starring Taylor Kitsch is currently in production.

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units

My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here. 

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!

Erin Wade, founder and former CEO of Homeroom, a mac-and-cheese restaurant in Oakland, to discuss her latest book: The Mac and Cheese Millionaire: Building a Better Business by Thinking Outside the Box and her journey from being an unfulfilled attorney to a successful entrepreneur. Erin opens up about the lessons learned while building a company culture that balances freedom with structure, and how she turned her passion into a thriving business. Joe and Erin dive into the power of titles, leadership, and the importance of creating a workplace that people genuinely want to be a part of.

Episode Topics:

• Erin’s transition from law to the restaurant industry.
• The balance between freedom and structure in leadership.
• How facing struggles shaped Erin’s entrepreneurial journey.
• The role of intentional culture-building in business success.
• Leadership beyond titles and the power of influence.

Watch the interview here.

Erin Wade is a best-selling author, chef, and entrepreneur. Erin opened a cultishly popular restaurant, Homeroom, which has been covered everywhere from Cooking Channel to The Wall Street Journal. She authored The Mac & Cheese Millionaire, the best-selling The Mac and Cheese Cookbook, and a viral op-ed in the Washington Post about her restaurant’s solution to sexual harassment that was named one of the publication’s best of the year.

Erin's work on business culture has been covered in Forbes and The New York Times, and she was named one of thirty-five “World-Changing Women” by Conscious Company magazine. Erin has a public policy degree from Princeton and a law degree from UC Berkeley. She lives in the Bay Area with her family and an array of surfboards.

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units

My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here. 

On June 17, 2020, while deployed to Afghanistan, Jacob Cool was woken at 2 a.m. with the devastating news of his 16-year-old son’s sudden death due to an undiagnosed heart condition. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Jacob grappled with the overwhelming pain and questioned his own will to live, reflecting on how he avoided becoming another military suicide statistic. Through deep reflection, he uncovered the strength of his family's resilience, built long before the tragedy struck. Now, Jacob is on a mission to share his hard-earned wisdom on resilience and preparedness.

In this powerful episode, Joe and Jacob discuss:

• The habits and foundational practices to cultivate before life's challenges arise.
• Steps to take immediately when faced with a personal tragedy.
• The importance of building a support system and accessing the right professional help.
• Life maintenance strategies to bolster physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Jacob’s journey offers proven lessons on resilience, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to prepare themselves for life’s unexpected challenges.

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units

My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here. 

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!

Join Joe as he sits down with Silicon Valley legend Guy Kawasaki, author of Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference. In this episode, they dive into what it truly means to “Do Good Shit” and how to make a lasting impact on the world. Guy shares insights from his remarkable career and discusses key themes including:

• Embracing vulnerability and the power it brings to personal growth
• Battling impostor syndrome and the importance of pushing past self-doubt
• Learning from failure and using it as a stepping stone to success
• Connecting the dots in your life and understanding how past experiences shape your future
• Finding and nurturing your passions by pursuing interests that resonate with you

Tune in to discover how you can lead with authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference.

Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva and the creator of Guy Kawasaki’s Remarkable People podcast. He is an executive fellow of the Haas School of Business (UC Berkeley), and adjunct professor of the University of New South Wales. He was the chief evangelist of Apple and a trustee of the Wikimedia Foundation. He has written Wise Guy, The Art of the Start 2.0, The Art of Social Media, Enchantment, and eleven other books. Kawasaki has a BA from Stanford University, an MBA from UCLA, and an honorary doctorate from Babson College.

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units

My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!

General Scott Miller, U.S. Army Retired, returns to the show to reflect on a storied career spanning nearly four decades, offering candid insights on the key moments that shaped his leadership. In this episode, Joe and General Miller dive deep into foundational experiences that forged Miller’s approach to command, sharing valuable lessons that apply whether you're leading in the military or the corporate world. Miller also shares poignant reflections on his transition to civilian life, highlighting the challenges and offering a stark warning to military leaders about the dangers they may face in the process.

General Austin "Scott" Miller, assuming the role of Executive Chairman for Prairie Fire Nevada in January 2023, boasts a distinguished career spanning over 38 years in uniform. Graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1983, he retired from active duty in 2021, leaving an indelible mark on some of the world's most complex geopolitical landscapes.

Throughout his tenure, General Miller, an Airborne-Ranger and Infantry officer, commanded at various levels, from leading a company in Korea to spearheading the TF Ranger assault force in Mogadishu during the infamous "Blackhawk Down" incident. His leadership extended to commanding the Joint Special Operations Command and culminated in serving as the final commander of NATO's Resolute Support Mission and United States Forces Afghanistan.

A stalwart figure in the Global War on Terror, General Miller distinguished himself as one of the earliest Americans to engage in the pursuit of Usama Bin Laden and other high-value targets. His extensive combat experience includes commanding multiple Special Operation Task Forces across the Middle East and South Asia.

Notably, as commanding general of the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning in 2014, General Miller led efforts to integrate women into the prestigious U.S. Army Ranger School, a pivotal step forward in gender equality within the military.

General Miller's accolades include two Combat Infantryman Badges, two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star and a remarkable 20 Overseas Service Bars, underscoring his unparalleled dedication with over a decade spent in combat zones. (Bio Courtesy of PrarieFire Nevada)

Special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units

My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

Jeff Wetzler, author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life joins Joe to dive into the transformative power of asking quality questions and how this simple yet powerful practice can unlock hidden wisdom within any organization. In this episode, Joe and Jeff discuss:

• The reasons why people don't share what's really on their minds
• Barriers to communication in organizations
• Jeff introduces the ASK approach and shares how to make it a part of your organization's culture
• Why asking bad questions can backfire and how to ask good ones
• ....and much more! 

Join us for a conversation that will change how you approach leadership and communication. Learn how to harness the superpower of asking questions and unlock the collective genius within your team.

Jeff Wetzler has been on a quarter-century quest to transform learning opportunities and unlock human potential. Blending a unique set of leadership experiences in the fields of business and education, he’s pursued this quest as an international management consultant to executives in Fortune 500 corporations, as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America, and currently, as co-CEO of Transcend, a nationally recognized education innovation organization. Jeff earned a Doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Brown University. He is an Aspen Global Leadership Fellow and an Edmund Hillary Fellow. Jeff lives in New York with his wife, two children, and their puppy.

Special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

Laird Hamilton, a legend in the world of surfing joins Joe to provide a unique perspective on how to push boundaries, overcome fears, and find joy in the challenges life throws our way. In this episode, Joe and Laird discuss:

• Growth Through Adversity: Laird discusses how facing and overcoming challenges has shaped his life and career.
• Mental and Physical Preparation: The importance of rigorous training and mental fortitude in tackling big waves and life's obstacles.
• Leadership and Resilience: Parallels between Laird's experiences in the ocean and the principles of leadership and resilience applicable to all areas of life.
• Balancing Passion and Family: Insights on maintaining a harmonious personal life while pursuing one's passions.
• Overcoming Fear: Strategies for confronting and managing fear to achieve greatness.
• Keeping Passion in the Marriage: Laird shares how he and Gabrielle Reece, a professional volleyball player and model, keep their passion going after decades of marriage and raising their three daughters.

Laird Hamilton is a renowned big wave surfer, co-inventor of tow-in surfing, and a pioneer in the development of hydrofoil boarding. Known for his fearless approach to riding some of the world’s most dangerous waves, Laird has redefined what is possible in the sport of surfing. Beyond his surfing achievements, he is an accomplished author, fitness expert, and motivational speaker. Laird's innovations in surf technology and his dedication to fitness have made him a global icon and a source of inspiration for athletes and adventurers alike. He lives in Hawaii with his wife, Gabrielle Reece, a professional volleyball player and model, and their three daughters.

Special thanks to this week's sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

Will Bowen, author of A Complaint Free World: How to Stop Complaining and Start Enjoying the Life You Always Wanted joins Joe to discuss the negative impact of complaining on our perception of the world. They also explore how making a conscious effort to quit complaining can significantly improve our lives. In this episode, Joe and Will dive into the following topics:

• How the 21-Day Complaint Free challenge works
• The social reasons why people actually complain
• The difference between processing and venting and why it matters
• Using negative feelings as a catalyst for self-reflection
• The myth of blowing off steam
• Developing a mindset for embracing challenges

After decades of unprecedented sales success in insurance, broadcasting, and advertising, on July 23, 2006 Will Bowen’s life changed forever…and so did the lives of tens of millions of people (so far).

On that day, Will invited 250 people to try and break the negative habit of complaining by going 21 consecutive days without uttering a single gripe.

Will gave each person a purple bracelet to be used as a mindfulness tool.

His idea: switch the bracelet from wrist-to-wrist with each spoken complaint and keep switching until you go 21 consecutive days without complaining.

Will’s idea EXPLODED around the world until now, some 15 years later, the worldwide Complaint Free bracelet total is over 15 million and climbing.

Will Bowen’s 21-Day Complaint Free challenge has been recommended by Oprah, Maya Angelou, Tim Ferris, Joe Vitale, Gary Zukov, The Wall Street Journal, NBC’s Today Show, the ABC Evening News, NPR, and too many additional celebrities and media outlets to include here.

Will has written 5 International Bestselling books that have sold more than 4 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 35 languages.

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