Jocko’s Brutal Lesson on Mental Toughness - A MUST Listen
Put everything down for about 13 minutes - this could, if you let it, change how you view and handle life's hardest challenges...
This powerful episode dives deep into the extraordinary lives of Marine Corps legend Chesty Puller and his son Lewis Puller Jr., exploring sacrifice, resilience, and the lessons of extreme ownership in the face of tragedy.
From the iconic Marine Corps mascot to the harrowing story of Vietnam combat, survival, addiction, and redemption, this conversation highlights the difference between radical acceptance and refusing to give up.
Whether you’re interested in military history, leadership lessons, or stories of overcoming adversity, this is an unforgettable account of courage, loss, and growth.
Learn how Chesty Puller became the most decorated Marine in U.S. history, why his son’s story still resonates today, and how taking ownership of your challenges can change your life.
Chapters
00:00 Accepting reality vs. refusing defeat – lessons in resilience & extreme ownership
00:16 Who was Chesty Puller? The most iconic U.S. Marine and his legacy
03:44 Lewis Puller Jr.’s story – from English major to wounded Vietnam officer
07:29 Writing Fortunate Son & building the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
11:00 The life-changing lesson of radical acceptance vs. “woe is me” mindset
I needed this so much-and my 83 year-old mother needs to listen to this. She and I were both in a near fatal automobile crash last November; she is finally home with me on our farm… and she’s hanging onto that 2% that maybe she’ll have her old life back…. She had a C2 cervical fracture with significant hemorrhaging which caused trauma strokes and myocardial infarctions; was in the Mercy trauma unit for nearly 7 months during which time she rallied in numerous battles that nearly took her life. She was a strong horsewoman-rode cutting horses competitively-was still riding, in fact, and we were on our way to give an injection to one of her mares when someone failed to stop at an intersection and our lives were changed forever. She has been through a lot-but she’s still holding onto that 2% that could damage her rather than help her. I see her reaching out for things that she had her identity connected to, in hopes to get her life back. It’s so hard to watch. I think I need to play this for both of us to watch. We’ve both lost a lot-she’s lost much more than I have, but maybe it would help somehow to see another person’s struggles and how they coped, or didn’t cope. I personally feel blessed since our crash-God helped me through every day. And I know Mom has a very close relationship with God. And I know we’ll be fine, but thanks for sharing this; and I think it will be uniquely inspiring for Mom and me to watch together. 👍