Elias Kfoury: From Hunter to Protector, Ep. 117

Elias Kfoury was born in Beirut, Lebanon, and immigrated to the United States at an early age in search of a brighter, safer future. After college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving 21½ years before his medical retirement. Beginning as a Hospital Corpsman supporting the U.S. Marine Corps, he soon entered the Special Operations community as a Deep Sea Diving Medical Technician and completed advanced medical training to support Naval Special Warfare units. Following his service in Little Creek, Virginia, he successfully screened for Naval Special Warfare Development Group, where he spent the majority of his career as a Squadron Medic in multiple roles. After retiring, Elias transitioned into the business world, but soon recognized the deeper need to heal himself and his family. Today, he dedicates his life to supporting others on their own journeys while cherishing time with his family.

Eli's Book Recommendations for special operations candidates (aside from Building the Elite):

Breath – James Nestor

The Way of the SEAL – Mark Divine

Peak Performance – Brad Stulberg & Steve Magness

The Talent Code – Daniel Coyle

The Obstacle Is the Way – Ryan Holiday

With Winning in Mind – Lanny Bassham

Deep Survival – Laurence Gonzales

Call Sign Chaos – Jim Mattis & Bing West

Legacy – James Kerr

Timestamps:

00:00:21 Introduction to Eli Khoury

00:00:52 Where Did Eli Khoury Grow Up?

00:01:36 Experience of Growing Up in a War Zone

00:05:54 How "Real Mortal Danger" Shapes Your Mental Health

00:08:59 How Many Children Currently Don't Have Physical "Third Spaces"

00:12:05 Formative Moments That Clarified "Who Eli Is"

00:18:20 Eli's Educational Background

00:24:43 The Goal of Coaching

00:27:48 Common Things People Struggle to Let Go of

00:29:43 Improving the Coaching Process for the Future

00:32:04 Coaching Families

00:34:04 Utilizing Tools like Psychedelics

00:36:18 Teaching How to Give Up Control While Using Psychedelics

00:40:40 Teaching How to Let Go Without Psychedelics

00:48:20 The Skill of "Sitting With Stillness"

00:52:48 What Military Skills Transfer to the Rest of the World?

00:58:04 Teaching Resilience to People Early in Their Career

01:13:45 Advice for Someone Trying to Enter BUDS

01:14:49 Advice for Someone in a Special Operations Medical Path

01:16:33 Advice for Someone Who Wants to Screen for a Tier 1 Unit

01:18:20 One Book that Everyone Should Read

01:18:37 Sponsor Note - Our Book, "Building the Elite"

01:19:05 Best and Worst Advice Ever Received 

01:21:48 Outro