Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman, a best-selling author and motivational speaker, shares his inspiring journey from military struggles to personal triumphs. He discusses the pervasive 'victim mindset' and the importance of cultivating resilience. Jason recounts a life-threatening ambush in Iraq and his grueling recovery process, emphasizing the power of a positive mindset. He reflects on military culture, individualism vs. teamwork, and how his 'sign on the door' mantra has inspired many. Topics of leadership, family, and the strength found in community also take center stage.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Obstacles
Jason Redman was initially rejected by a Navy recruiter due to his small stature.
A new recruiter, Henry Horn, later helped him enlist.
insights INSIGHT
Keys to Special Ops Success
Two key traits define successful special operations personnel.
These are the "no quit gene" and the ability to process information under pressure.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Embrace Hardship
Push yourself and your family to do hard things to build resilience.
In 'In the Kingdom of Ice', Hampton Sides recounts the true story of the USS Jeannette's disastrous 1879-1881 polar voyage. Led by Commander George W. De Long, the expedition aimed to reach the North Pole but ended in tragedy when the ship was crushed by ice. The crew's struggle for survival in the harsh Arctic environment is a testament to human endurance and determination. The book explores the historical context, including the theories of August Petermann and the sponsorship by James Gordon Bennett Jr.
Lone Survivor
The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10
Marcus Luttrell
This book is a firsthand account by Marcus Luttrell, the sole survivor of Operation Redwing, a secret military operation in Afghanistan. The story details the mission to capture or kill a notorious al Qaeda leader and the subsequent desperate battle that led to the largest loss of life in Navy SEAL history. Luttrell describes his brutal training, the relentless battle, and his survival against al Qaeda assassins. He also recounts how he was taken in and protected by a Pashtun tribe, highlighting themes of courage, honor, and patriotism. The book is a tribute to his teammates who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Duty
Robert Gates
In 'Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War', Robert M. Gates recounts his tenure as U.S. Secretary of Defense, offering insights into his service under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The book provides a candid look at his experiences managing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as his interactions with the White House, Congress, and the Pentagon. Gates shares his personal reflections on leadership, policy decisions, and the challenges of war.
Becoming
Michelle Obama
In her memoir, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. The book is divided into three sections: Becoming Me, Becoming Us, and Becoming More, reflecting her journey from her early life, through her marriage and career, to her role as the First Lady of the United States. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms[2][4][5].
Overcome
Jason Redman
In 'Overcome', Jason Redman shares his personal story of resilience after being severely wounded in Iraq. The book provides a blueprint for confronting life's challenges, from major setbacks like job loss or health issues to daily frustrations, and thriving afterward. It includes insights from top military leaders like Admiral William McRaven and General Stanley McChrystal.
Megyn Kelly is joined by retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman, best-selling author and motivational speaker, to talk about overcoming obstacles to become a Navy SEAL, why America is in a pandemic of the "victim mindset," his lowest moment in the military and using the opportunity to embrace a second chance, the "well executed ambush" in Iraq that almost cost him his life, the challenging recovery process due to his injuries, what led him to write his "sign on the door" poster on his hospital room door, how the sign has inspired so many others, the power of resilience, our military's embrace of individualism today at the expense of teamwork, growing up, marriage and fatherhood, his leadership work today, and more.
The Megyn Kelly Show 
