Jason Fox, an ex-Special Forces operator known for 'SAS: Who Dares Wins,' shares his journey from military life to television. He discusses the challenges of adapting to a public persona while maintaining authenticity. Foxy opens up about his mental health struggles, the importance of empathy in relationships, and how COVID shifted his perspective on being present. His candid reflections on personal failures and growth reveal a depth beyond the tough exterior we often see on screen.
Jason Fox discusses his transition from military life to media, highlighting the complexity of his identity beyond just a tough persona.
He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and emotional openness, noting how these aspects have strengthened his personal relationships and emotional well-being.
Fox addresses societal expectations of masculinity, advocating for a shift towards embracing emotions to foster deeper connections and personal fulfillment.
Deep dives
Jason Fox's Journey from Military to Media
Jason Fox, known for his roles in television and as a former Royal Marines commando, reflects on his transition from military life to the media world. He explains that while his television persona may come off as tough, it is, in fact, just a part of his multifaceted identity. Despite having achieved notable success, he emphasizes his struggles with personal significance beyond public recognition. Fox acknowledges the internal conflicts of trying to balance his past experiences as a soldier with his present life in the media, revealing how he is still learning to embrace all aspects of himself.
Embracing Vulnerability and Personal Growth
Fox discusses the importance of vulnerability, reflecting on how his struggles have led to personal growth and a better understanding of his emotions. He notes that the journey of mental health and dealing with past traumas has profoundly shaped his character and approach to life. The candid acknowledgment of his vulnerabilities has fostered stronger relationships, especially with his spouse, enhancing their connection. He advocates for early openness about one’s emotional struggles to avoid compounding issues later in life.
Lessons from the Special Forces Experience
Drawing from his years in the Special Forces, Fox elaborates on the life lessons learned through adversity and resilience. He explores how facing hardships in the military instilled confidence and a love for overcoming challenges, shaping who he is today. Fox believes the discipline learned during his military training has been pivotal in tackling future personal and professional challenges. This experience taught him the importance of teamwork and the collective strength found in trusting and supporting others.
Navigating the Complexities of Masculinity
In his dialogue about masculinity, Fox addresses the societal pressures placed on men to suppress emotions and maintain a tough facade. He suggests that many men struggle with emotional resilience due to a lack of education on mental health. By owning their vulnerabilities and being honest about their feelings, men can foster deeper connections and lead more fulfilling lives. He stresses the need for dialogue around masculinity to evolve towards embracing emotions rather than suppressing them.
Future Aspirations and Hope through Connection
Fox concludes his reflections by sharing his aspirations for the future and the importance of human connection. He expresses hope in people's ability to support one another and seeks to focus on the positive aspects of humanity amidst difficulties. By encouraging conversations about mental health and vulnerability, he envisions a society that fosters understanding and support. Ultimately, he believes that genuine connections and shared experiences can empower individuals to navigate their struggles and find hope.
Episode 187 of The Adventure Podcast features ex-Special Forces operator, Jason Fox (aka. Foxy). Foxy is known for his work on TV shows like 'SAS: Who Dares Wins' and 'Inside The Real Narcos'. In this episode, Matt tries to cover new ground with him. The result is not a rip-roaring tale of misadventure, instead it's the honest life story of a man who's achieved a huge amount, but also made mistakes along the way. Foxy talks about his time in the military, being medically discharged, and his personal life and challenges throughout this time. He discusses getting into TV presenting and how this was received by his military colleagues, and what life looks like now. It is an open, honest, and vulnerable conversation which goes deep into the 'tough man' we see on screen.
This episode is available in-vision on our substack channel, The Adventure Podcast+ ; www.theadventurepodcast.substack.com. You can also follow along and join in on Instagram @theadventurepodcast.
