#14 Harry Moffitt, Director of MCTI_Australia & New Zealand Takes the Mic

Nov 2, 2020

Coleman Ruiz, co-founder and director at the Mission Critical Team Institute, discusses the complexities of transitioning from military life to civilian roles. He emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and preparation for this ongoing journey. The conversation dives into the evolving selection processes for mission-critical teams, integrating character alongside traditional metrics. Ruiz also shares insights on personal training habits, the benefits of diverse literature for growth, and the power of community support in shaping resilient teams.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Transition Is a Long Journey

Transition from military service is a long, ongoing process lasting many years, not a quick event.
Coleman Ruiz felt panic after leaving service, realizing no one would call him back.

ANECDOTE

Persistence After Failed Test

Coleman Ruiz failed the drown proofing test in SEAL training three times but was given repeated chances by a senior instructor.
That encouragement inspired him to push through and gave lifelong appreciation for supportive leadership.

INSIGHT

Selection Needs Constant Evolution

Selection processes for special ops must evolve to match changing operational demands.
Maintaining a minimum standard is crucial, but new challenges require reevaluating criteria routinely.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Anti-Fragility

Nassim Taleb

The untethered soul

Michael A. Singer

In 'The Untethered Soul', Michael A. Singer explores the nature of the self and how to achieve spiritual growth by recognizing and releasing the inner blockages that prevent us from experiencing true happiness. The book emphasizes the importance of accepting reality as it is, rather than trying to control or resist it. Singer provides practical advice on how to manage negative thoughts, cultivate a positive mindset, and live in harmony with the natural flow of life.

The Body Keeps the Score

Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Bessel van der Kolk

In this book, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores various treatments, including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, which activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to aid in recovery. The book emphasizes the power of relationships in both causing and healing trauma and offers hope through descriptions of novel approaches to treatment. It is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists in the field[1][2][5].

The Undoing Project

Michael Lewis

The Undoing Project by Michael Lewis chronicles the intellectual and personal relationship between Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, two Israeli psychologists whose research fundamentally changed our understanding of human decision-making. Their studies, conducted from the late 1960s to the 1980s, exposed systematic errors in human judgment under uncertainty and laid the foundation for behavioral economics. The book delves into their extraordinary lives, including their careers in the Israeli military, and how their personal differences and eventual estrangement affected their work. Lewis's narrative makes complex psychological concepts accessible through engaging storytelling, highlighting the profound impact of Kahneman and Tversky's work on various fields, including economics, medicine, and government regulation[3][4][5].

Descartes' error

Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain

Antonio R. Damasio MD PhD

Antonio Damasio

In this book, Damasio argues that emotions are essential to rational thinking and normal social behavior. He challenges René Descartes' mind-body dualism by presenting case studies, particularly the famous case of Phineas Gage, to demonstrate how brain damage can affect decision-making and personality. Damasio introduces the 'somatic marker hypothesis,' which posits that emotions guide behavior and decision-making, and that rationality requires emotional input. The book is divided into three parts, exploring case studies, explanations for the effects of brain injuries, and testing the somatic marker hypothesis[2][4][5].

Other Minds

The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness

Peter Godfrey-Smith

In this book, Peter Godfrey-Smith delves into the evolution of intelligence and consciousness, particularly in cephalopods such as octopuses and cuttlefish. He argues that these creatures represent an independent experiment in the evolution of large brains and complex behavior, distinct from the evolutionary paths of vertebrates. Godfrey-Smith draws on his own scuba-diving experiences and the latest scientific research to explore how these animals' unique neural structures, including decentralized brain-like systems in their arms, enable their remarkable intelligence and adaptability. The book also reflects on the broader implications for understanding human consciousness and the nature of subjective experience[1][2][5].

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Daniel Kahneman

In this book, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind, explaining how the two systems of thought shape our judgments and decisions. System 1 is fast, automatic, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, effortful, and logical. Kahneman discusses the impact of cognitive biases, the difficulties of predicting future happiness, and the effects of overconfidence on corporate strategies. He offers practical insights into how to guard against mental glitches and how to benefit from slow thinking in both personal and business life. The book also explores the distinction between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self' and their roles in our perception of happiness.

The rites of passage

Arnold van Gennep

In 'The Rites of Passage', Arnold van Gennep systematically analyzes ceremonies marking an individual's transition from one social status to another. He identifies a common three-part structure: separation, liminality, and incorporation. This work has profoundly influenced anthropology, sociology, and religious studies by providing a framework for understanding ritual and transition across cultures.

The hero with a thousand faces

Joseph Campbell

In this book, Joseph Campbell explores his theory of the 'monomyth', a universal pattern found in the mythological narratives of various cultures. He details the stages of the 'hero's journey', which include departure from the ordinary world, initiation into a supernatural world, and return with a boon. Campbell draws on a wide range of mythological sources and integrates insights from psychology, particularly from Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud, to illustrate the common elements of heroic myths across different cultures.

With the Old Breed

At Peleliu and Okinawa

Eugene B. Sledge

With the Old Breed is a powerful and poignant memoir written by Eugene B. Sledge, detailing his experiences as a Marine during World War II. The book chronicles his time in the 1st Marine Division, specifically with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, during the brutal battles of Peleliu and Okinawa. Sledge's account is marked by its simplicity and searing honesty, capturing the intense violence, fear, and camaraderie that defined the lives of soldiers in the Pacific Theater. He describes the harsh training, the unimaginable carnage, and the psychological impact of constant fear and horror. The memoir also highlights the brotherhood among the Marines and the struggle to retain humanity amidst the chaos of war. It is praised for its unvarnished and realistic portrayal of combat, making it a classic in American military history[1][2][5].

Spark

The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain

John J. Ratey

In 'Spark', John J. Ratey, M.D., explores the comprehensive connection between exercise and the brain, presenting research that proves exercise is a potent defense against conditions such as depression, ADD, addiction, aggression, menopause, and Alzheimer's. The book includes case studies, such as the revolutionary fitness program in Naperville, Illinois, which significantly improved science test scores among 19,000 students. Ratey explains how exercise physically remodels the brain for peak performance, reducing stress, lifting mood, fighting memory loss, and sharpening intellect. The book covers various chapters on stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, addiction, hormonal changes, and aging, all highlighting the beneficial effects of exercise on mental and physical health.

The Immortality Key

The Secret History of the Religion with No Name

Brian C. Muraresku

In 'The Immortality Key', Brian Muraresku reconstructs the suppressed history of psychedelics in ancient Greek and early Christian rituals. Through a 12-year investigation, Muraresku connects the lost psychedelic sacrament of Greek religion to early Christianity, exposing the true origins of Western Civilization. He accesses hidden archives of the Louvre and the Vatican, and collaborates with archaeochemists to unveil the first scientific evidence of psychedelic drug use in classical antiquity. The book challenges traditional views of Christianity and Western history, suggesting that psychedelics were integral to the development of these cultures[1][2][4].

Flow

The Psychology of Optimal Experience

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

In this classic work, Csikszentmihalyi investigates 'optimal experience' and reveals that true happiness and satisfaction can be achieved through a state of consciousness called 'flow.' During flow, individuals experience complete concentration on the task, clarity of goals, and immediate feedback. The book demonstrates how this positive state can be controlled and how it can improve the quality of life by unlocking meaning, creativity, and peak performance.

The Bridge of Dong Ha

null

Colonel John Ripley

The Bridge of Dong Ha recounts the heroic actions of Colonel John Ripley during the Vietnam War. The book details his courageous efforts to defend the Dong Ha bridge against overwhelming enemy forces. Ripley's leadership and unwavering commitment to his men are highlighted throughout the narrative. The book showcases the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers in the face of extreme adversity. It serves as a testament to the human spirit's capacity for courage and resilience in the midst of conflict.

Battle Cry

Waging and Winning the War Within

Jason Wilson

In 'Battle Cry: Waging and Winning the War Within,' Jason Wilson shares his personal journey of releasing unresolved trauma and learning to acknowledge and express his emotions in a healthy way. Supported by Biblical teachings, the book provides tools for men to break free from misconstrued masculinity, communicate effectively, and heal from past traumas. Wilson's approach emphasizes the importance of transparency, vulnerability, and spiritual strength in transforming one's life and relationships.