Guest, Jason Everman, shares his journey from being a rock musician to becoming a soldier, discussing challenges of making a living from music and sharing stories of the early days of Nirvana. He reflects on his childhood adventures and joining the military, explores genetic impetus for human conflict, and discusses the influence of Alexander the Great. They also discuss visiting historical sites in Afghanistan, the importance of mastering fundamentals, the power of difficult endeavors, and their love for sailing. The transformative power of parenthood and the fleeting nature of life are also touched upon.
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Quick takeaways
The speaker discusses his transition from being a musician to joining the military, explaining his dissatisfaction with the music industry and his decision to enlist and join the Special Forces.
The speaker shares his experiences in the military, including deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, highlighting the thrill and intensity of combat and the sense of camaraderie with fellow soldiers.
After leaving the military, the speaker goes back to college and pursues higher education, initially skeptical but eventually enjoying learning and attending classes.
The speaker reflects on the post-9/11 period, describing combat actions, engaging targets, and the dichotomy of war, experiencing acts of selfless love alongside brutality.
Society's constant pursuit of external validation through material possessions and status symbols is short-lived and not fulfilling, leaving individuals endlessly seeking the next thing to fill the void.
Deep dives
Transition from Musician to Soldier
The podcast episode discusses the speaker's transition from being a musician to joining the military. The speaker explains how he got into music and played with bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden, but eventually became dissatisfied with the music industry. He then shares how he developed an interest in the military and decided to enlist, going through basic training and eventually joining the Special Forces.
Life in the Military
The speaker describes his experiences in the military, including deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He discusses the thrill and intensity of combat, highlighting the sense of camaraderie and unity with his fellow soldiers. The speaker also reflects on the profound impact that war and combat have had on him personally, describing it as the most profound experience of his life.
Returning to College and Transitioning
After leaving the military, the speaker decides to go back to college and pursue higher education. He explains how he was initially skeptical about college but grew to enjoy learning and attending classes. The speaker eventually completes his associates degree and decides to re-enlist in the army to continue his military career.
Post 9/11 Experience and Deployment
The speaker shares his experiences during the post-9/11 period, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He describes participating in combat actions, engaging targets, and working with indigenous troops. The speaker also reflects on the dichotomy of war, experiencing acts of selfless love alongside brutality, and how it taps into our primal instincts as human beings.
Chasing External Validation
Many people in society are constantly chasing external validation, seeking the approval and admiration of others. This can lead to a never-ending cycle of pursuing material possessions and status symbols, such as luxury cars, expensive watches, and flashy jewelry. However, this external validation is often short-lived and does not bring true happiness or fulfillment. Instead, it leaves individuals constantly seeking the next thing to fill the void.
The False Summit of Success
The pursuit of success and wealth can be an illusory journey, with individuals reaching what they think is the pinnacle of achievement only to discover that there is always another summit to conquer. This constant chase for success, often influenced by societal expectations and comparing oneself to others, can leave individuals feeling unfulfilled and unsatisfied. It becomes a never-ending cycle of striving for more, without finding a true sense of contentment.
The Importance of Personal Relationships
A key source of fulfillment and happiness in life comes from cultivating strong and meaningful personal relationships. Surrounding oneself with a supportive and like-minded tribe can greatly enhance well-being. These relationships provide opportunities for growth, empathy, understanding, and shared experiences. Investing time and energy into developing and nurturing these connections can lead to a more harmonious and fulfilling life.
Seeking Growth Through Difficult Endeavors
Engaging in particularly difficult endeavors can strengthen one's resolve and lead to personal growth. Facing challenging and traumatic events in life can serve as a catalyst for growth and bring about fundamental changes in one's character. These transformative experiences shape the trajectory of one's life and create opportunities for self-reflection and personal development.
Prioritizing Fulfilling Experiences over Financial Success
Many individuals prioritize financial success and societal recognition, aiming for high-paying careers and material wealth. However, this pursuit often leaves people feeling unfulfilled and trapped in a cycle of chasing external validations. True happiness and fulfillment can come from seeking experiences that bring joy, learning, and personal growth. Engaging in diverse and captivating experiences, free from the obsession with financial success, can lead to a more harmonious and satisfying life.
Jason Everman is a musician and military veteran. Prior to his service as a US Army Ranger and Green Beret, Everman was a guitarist in Soundgarden and Nirvana. Learn more about Team Supernautiloid and Race to Alaska 2023 at www.supernautiloid.com.
