Building the Elite Podcast

Dr. Allison Brager is an Army neuroscientist, CrossFit Games athlete, and sleep specialist. Her career bridges the gap between rigorous scientific research and high-level athletic performance.Dr. Brager is currently a GHOST fellow at the US Special Operations Command headquarters. Prior to that, she served as the Deputy Chief Science Officer at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, where she worked on evaluation and R&D projects focused on the assessment and selection courses for Special Forces, Civil Affairs, and Psy Ops. She has received two NIH National Research Service Awards and a National Academies of Sciences fellowship, which recognize her groundbreaking work on physiological resilience to extreme stress.Her PhD focus was around sleep science, and she now sits on fatigue management and neuroenhancement working groups through NATO, US Special Operations Command, the Office of the Army Surgeon General, and inter-government (DoD, NASA, FAA, NHTSA, NIH) collaborations. Allison’s expertise in sleep, particularly under extreme conditions, and her unique ability to apply her scientific knowledge to enhance athletic performance make her a valuable asset to the military and the broader scientific community. She is also the author of Meathead: Unraveling the Athletic Brain, which explores the intersection of neuroscience and athleticism.As a final note, Allison squeezed in this call between a two-day human performance conference and a trip to NASA, and she works all day in a highly secure building where she can’t do phone calls, so we had to do this call with her outside. So, there might be a bit of background noise.Dr. Brager's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docjockzzzOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-brager-80a58210/Timestamps:00:00:21 Introduction to Allison Brager00:02:06 NASA Assessment and Selection00:03:06 Checklist of Skill Sets Necessary for NASA Selection00:05:40 Significance of Working With People on the Worst Days of Their Lives00:09:02 What Does Allison’s Career Look Like?00:12:32 Allison's Role at Walter Reed00:14:20 What Could Someone Currently on Deployment Learn From Allison’s Studies?00:15:54 Is the Time You Wake Up or the Time You Go to Sleep More Impactful?00:16:45 Importance of Early Morning Sunlight Exposure00:17:47 Studies Done on Circadian Rhythm in Caves Without Daylight Cues00:18:38 Shifts in Circadian Rhythm Without Sunset Exposure00:19:53 Artificial Light in a Subterranean Setting00:21:03 What is Something Critical About Sleep That Most People Get Wrong?00:24:06 Sponsor Note: Coaching Mentoring Program00:24:52 How to Use Caffeine Strategically Throughout the Day00:29:25 How to Know Your Caffeine Metabolizer Type Without Testing00:32:49 Genetic Set Points with Variability00:34:26 Why Does LSU Have So Many Good Football Players?00:36:43 Recruiting SOF Candidates With the Moneyball Approach00:37:47 Military Recruiting Crisis00:38:24 How Does Alcohol Affect Sleep?00:40:41 Consequences of Disruptive Sleep From Alcohol00:41:37 Shift Work Effects On the Body and What You Can Do About It00:42:30 Mitigating the Negative Impact of Shift Work00:43:23 Simulating the Circadian Rhythm Cues Artificially00:43:54 Sleep Aids Other Than Pharmaceuticals 00:44:54 How to Use Valerian Root Effectively for Sleep00:45:25 Melatonin On Testosterone Production and Uses for Sleep00:47:27 Negative Effects of Over-Use of Melatonin Supplements00:48:08 Outro

There is a difference between confidence and arrogance. Distinguishing between the two is essential, especially when preparing for demanding challenges like special operations selection. The best summary of this idea might be Facta Non Verba, or "deeds not words," which, not coincidentally, is the motto of Canada's tier one SOF unit, JTF2.  A realistic assessment of one's abilities, backed by experience and knowledge, underpins confidence. It involves a quiet assurance that doesn't need constant external validation because it's rooted in real achievements and a clear understanding of one's strengths and weaknesses.Arrogance or cockiness, on the other hand, is characterized by an overestimated self-view, often lacking solid evidence or achievements. Arrogant individuals typically dismiss others' advice and overplay their capabilities, potentially leading to critical oversights.Zack Ferguson is a former Navy SEAL Team 7 veteran who has deployed to Iraq, Yemen, Africa, and the UAE. He served as his platoon's Lead Sniper and Pointman and was a JTAC, Combatives Instructor, and Weapons Ordnance Specialist.He is a competitive 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and an amateur MMA fighter. He also teaches for the Graceful Warrior Project, a non-profit organization that aims to equip in-duress women in central Africa with self-defense skills.Zack has a degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston. At his day job, he is an instructor for Defense Strategies Group, an organization of special operations veterans that provides defensive training and security solutions. One of Zack’s favorite phrases is that insecurity is loud. In this episode, we talk with Zack about what that idea means to him and how he came to understand it so deeply. ----More about Zack:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zackkferg/Personal Site: https://zackkferg.com/pages/about-zack-fergusonDefense Strategies Group: https://www.defensestrategies.us/instructorsTimestamps:00:00:22 Intro to Confidence vs. Arrogance00:03:37 Confidence in High-Stakes Environments (SOF Selection, etc.)00:04:50 Connection Between Incompetence and Overestimation00:05:25 Connection Between High-Performers and Underestimation00:06:26 Improvement Through Education00:07:25 Dunning-Kruger Effect Not limited to Any One Field00:07:44 Impact of Constructive Feedback00:08:54 Assessment and Capabilities of Winston Churchill00:11:03 Napoleon Bonaparte’s Arrogance and Downfall00:16:04 Intro to Zack Ferguson 00:17:02 The Training Center LA in Beverly Hills00:18:48 Zack’s Take on Confidence and Arrogance00:20:50 Jiu-Jitsu With “The Quiet Professional” vs. “The Loud Guy”00:23:45 Confidence Without Arrogance Within SEAL Teams00:24:26 Contrast: Arrogance But Not Confidence00:26:40 External Arrogance Signals Compared to Resilience00:29:35 Learning to Maintain a Stable Emotional State00:31:36 Athletes Coping With Setbacks and Not Being Deterred00:34:41 Sponsor Note: Coaching Mentor Program00:35:23 Developing Strength by Putting in the Time00:36:56 Looking for Shortcuts is a Red Flag in Candidates00:39:28 The Smartphone Generation and Emotional Regulation Issues00:42:20 Zack’s Mental Struggle to Get Through “Surf Torture”00:43:26 Confidence is Earned Through Difficult Experiences00:45:32 Insecurities Are Loud00:45:40 Practical Takeaways00:47:10 Outro

This is part two of our conversation with Miguel Zeran.Miguel Zeran, aka Z, is a retired Marine Master Sergeant, PhD candidate, and a coach at Building the Elite.He’s a former Force Recon Marine who holds a bachelor’s in Health & Wellness, a master’s in Kinesiology, and is in his third year of doctoral pursuits in Human & Sport Performance. He is a CSCS, CPT, SFG1, and trained Health Coach sitting for the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC) board exam this year.He has spent over 14 years teaching, coaching, and training military and first responder populations in Marine Reconnaissance, the US Air National Guard, the Naval Special Warfare component of the Chilean Navy, Wildland Firefighters in the BLM and US Forest Service, Municipal/Structure Firefighters, and Law Enforcement.His operational experience across multiple countries and conflicts, alongside his educational pursuits and training, has afforded him a unique perspective on what it takes to gain and maintain health, wellness, and fitness sufficient to succeed in any clime and place.If you want to work with Miguel, you can see our coaching options on our website and learn more about him and his approach to performance health coaching here. You can also reach him directly at Miguel@Buildingtheelite.comTimestamps:00:00:22 Health Coach Certification Explained00:05:47 Miguel’s PHD Dissertation00:12:26 What Does a Career Look Like for a Firefighter?00:15:20 Taking Care of Our Firefighters in the Face of Growing Fire Seasons00:19:56 What Drew Miguel to Building The Elite00:28:08 Best & Worst Advice Miguel Was Ever Given00:30:00 Outro

Miguel Zeran, aka Z, is a retired Marine Master Sergeant, PhD candidate, and a coach at Building the Elite.He’s a former Force Recon Marine who holds a bachelor’s in Health & Wellness, a master’s in Kinesiology, and is in his third year of doctoral pursuits in Human & Sport Performance. He is a CSCS, CPT, SFG1, and trained Health Coach sitting for the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC) board exam this year.He has spent over 14 years teaching, coaching, and training military and first responder populations in Marine Reconnaissance, the US Air National Guard, the Naval Special Warfare component of the Chilean Navy, Wildland Firefighters in the BLM and US Forest Service, Municipal/Structure Firefighters, and Law Enforcement. His operational experience across multiple countries and conflicts, alongside his educational pursuits and training, has afforded him a unique perspective on what it takes to gain and maintain health, wellness, and fitness sufficient to succeed in any clime and place.If you want to work with Miguel, you can see our coaching options on our website and learn more about him and his approach to performance health coaching here. You can also reach him directly at Miguel@Buildingtheelite.comTimestamps:00:00:22 Intro to Miguel Zeran00:01:45 Cliff Notes of Miguel’s History00:04:38 Difference Between Recon & Force Recon00:06:59 How was the Transition from Reconnaissance Marines to MARSOC Perceived?00:09:45 Selection Course Differences in Recon and Force Recon 00:12:31 Where Do The 3 Communities Stand Now? (Recon, Force Recon, MARSOC)00:14:08 What It’s Like Watching People Go Through What You Went Through00:15:26 What Did You Learn About People in Selection?00:17:00 Advice For Preparing For Recon Marines00:20:03 Swimming Requirements in Recon00:22:07 Later Phases of Training00:23:06 Living in Chile With Family While Serving00:24:20 Transitioning from the United States to Chile00:28:56 Level of Professionalism and Quality Control In Central/South American SOF 00:31:24 Budgetary Contrast For Food, Equipment, etc.00:34:35 Working on Your PHD After Retirement00:36:53 Miguel’s Take on Higher Education for Marines00:40:40 Education as a Tool to Reintegrate Into Society00:42:10 Outro

This is part two of our conversation with Dr. David Walton. Dr. David “Wally” Walton is a retired Army Special Forces officer with 25 years of experience in the SF community. His career spans service with the 7th Special Forces Group, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and the Special Warfare Center and School.Dr. Walton’s extensive operational experience includes deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and much of Latin America. Since retiring in 2013, he has transitioned into academia, teaching National Security Studies and Executive Leadership. His extensive research portfolio covers Security Strategy, Organizational Culture and Dynamics, and Human Performance. His deep understanding of security studies encompasses everything from tactical operations to high-level strategic policy discussions.Currently an instructor at JSOC, Dr. Walton is a subject matter expert in Special Forces Assessment and Selection. He specializes in land navigation and runs a prep program for SFAS candidates. This is how we came across one another. We had a BTE client attend one of his land nav courses, and he returned from the experience with great things to say. So, we contacted Dr. Walton and have been recommending his course to all of our SFAS prep clients.As we’ll discuss in this episode, land nav is becoming an increasing issue at SFAS, with failure rates due to land nav shortfalls increasing dramatically over the past several years. If you’re on your way to Special Forces Assessment and Selection, Dr. Walton’s advice and in-person courses should absolutely be included in your preparation training.Contact Info:You can learn more about Dr. Walton, his courses, and his books at tfvoodoo.comHe’s also on Instagram at tf_voo_doo.Timestamps:00:00:22 Leaderless Environment: How Different Personalities Stand Up00:04:11 Significance of Peer Evaluation in SFAS 00:06:38 What is "The Sandman"?00:12:43 Importance of Toughening Your Feet in SFAS Prep00:16:23 One Thing You Should Know About SFAS00:20:42 Learning Land Navigation00:27:27 In-Person Land Navigation Training for SFAS 00:29:19 Worst Advice Received00:32:52 Best Advice Received00:34:50 Outro

Dr. David “Wally” Walton is a retired Army Special Forces officer with 25 years of experience in the SF community. His career spans service with the 7th Special Forces Group, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and the Special Warfare Center and School.Dr. Walton’s extensive operational experience includes deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and much of Latin America. Since retiring in 2013, he has transitioned into academia, teaching National Security Studies and Executive Leadership. His extensive research portfolio covers Security Strategy, Organizational Culture and Dynamics, and Human Performance. His deep understanding of security studies encompasses everything from tactical operations to high-level strategic policy discussions.Currently an instructor at JSOC, Dr. Walton is a subject matter expert in Special Forces Assessment and Selection. He specializes in land navigation and runs a prep program for SFAS candidates. This is how we came across one another. We had a BTE client attend one of his land nav courses, and he returned from the experience with great things to say. So, we contacted Dr. Walton and have been recommending his course to all of our SFAS prep clients. As we’ll discuss in this episode, land nav is becoming an increasing issue at SFAS, with failure rates due to land nav shortfalls increasing dramatically over the past several years. If you’re on your way to Special Forces Assessment and Selection, Dr. Walton’s advice and in-person courses should absolutely be included in your preparation training.Contact Info: You can learn more about Dr. Walton, his courses, and his books at tfvoodoo.comHe’s also on Instagram at tf_voo_doo.Timestamps:00:00:22 Intro to Dr. David Walton00:02:01 Dr. Walton’s Books: “Ruck Up or Shut Up” & “Shut Up and Ruck”00:14:38 Where to Find Dr. Walton’s Books00:15:02 What Dr. Walton Studied for His Doctorate 00:23:27 How did you Improve the Special Warfare Center?00:31:05 Ratio of Injuries to Voluntarily Withdrawal From SFAS00:37:05 Telling the Story of What Selection Actually Is 00:41:50 The Power of Journaling00:45:55 Important Factors & Failure Points in Prep for SFAS00:52:22 Obesity in America & Standard American Diet00:53:43 No Shortcuts in the SFAS00:58:41 Outro 

Former Chief Operating Officer at Striveworks, Eric Ross, and CEO of Apex Path, Ben Allen, discuss optimizing human performance with machine learning operations, well-rounded fitness, stress training in special operations, and building resilience through embracing challenges.

Neurophysiologist Dr. Kate Pate discusses stress management in special operations, rewiring the nervous system through body work, and the physiological impact of stress on injuries and toxins. She also explores psychedelics in therapy, spirituality in healing from moral injury, and her journey from academia to founding a medical devices company.

Former Legionnaire Joel Struthers discusses the French Foreign Legion, including training, pay scale, and filtering out recruits joining for the wrong reasons. He also delves into his transition to a helicopter pilot, experiences in risk mitigation, and his military history book projects, such as 'FinEx.'

Laura is the Lead Performance Instructor at Deep End Fitness in San Diego, a trauma therapist, and a strength coach. She is about to graduate with the Master’s portion of her Ph.D. next month (May 2024) and will continue for two more years to complete her Ph.D. She previously received her Juris Doctorate degree but opted to change career trajectories toward something more fulfilling and service-driven. Laura specializes in Applied Behavioral Neuroscience through a Polyvagal Theory approach and currently leads training sessions on Nervous System Resilience and Regulation for First Responders and Military Personnel in the greater San Diego area. She also probably squats more than you.  Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauragordon__/Deep End Fitness San Diego: https://www.instagram.com/deependsandiego/Deep End Fitness: https://www.deependfitness.com/Timestamps:00:00:22 Intro to Laura Gordon00:01:15 Athletic and Educational Background00:03:12 Deep End Fitness00:06:11 Universal Factors 00:07:31 Nervous System Regulation and Resilience00:11:08 Leveling of Attitudes00:14:19 What Workouts Look Like at Deep End Fitness00:16:00 What Changes Mentally During Training00:18:25 How People Understand Their Body00:22:50 Body Prediction Error00:28:30 Tuning Out The Negative00:32:34 Polyvagal Theory00:34:49 Avoiding Full Immobilization 00:39:50 Ventral Vagal and Dorsal Vagal Systems00:43:09 Healthier Versions of Stress Coping00:44:28 Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning00:47:34  Controlled Stressors 00:49:40 Tools and Cues00:53:49 High Level of Trust While Coaching00:56:48 Behavior Model 00:59:00 Shifting the Course of Lives01:00:46 Managing Burnout01:03:33 Managing Your Recovery 01:08:57 CO2 Tolerance01:11:32 Finding Connection and Community 01:14:43 Best and Worst Advice01:16:58 Learn More about Laura01:17:22 Outro