

Jocko Podcast
Jocko DEFCOR Network
Retired Navy SEAL, Jocko Willink and Director, Echo Charles discuss discipline and leadership in business, war, relationships and everyday life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

13 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 1h 46min
525: Why Action Beats Analyzing. The Soldier and The Statesman.
They unpack friction between soldiers and politicians and how initiative at low levels wins fights. They trace leadership traits from Lincoln to Rommel and why training, logistics, and clear communication matter. They argue toughness, decentralized command, and rehearsal build default action. They celebrate unorthodox fighters and the balance of physical, mental, and moral strength.

77 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 15min
Jocko Underground: A Message For You If You Think You Should Be More Than You Currently Are.
A caller admits wasted potential and struggles with media addiction and follow-through. The conversation probes self-deception about wanting change and how excuses hide true responsibility. Tough talk on not letting failure become identity and why natural talent is not enough. Practical push to set goals and adopt daily disciplines to start changing now.

59 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 1h 30min
524: How Soldiers and Soldiering Reflect Real Life Every Single Day
Discover the essential traits of effective leadership in military settings, emphasizing robustness under stress and the importance of staying connected with troops. Explore how boldness and initiative can create luck, while calmness helps offset mistakes. Learn about the complexities of modern soldiering, the balance between youth and experience, and the pivotal role of logistics over mere tactics. Delve into the character and morale of soldiers, and find out why understanding human nature can elevate leadership beyond mere strategy.

22 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 7min
Jocko Underground: Would You Take a Loss of Rank For More Convenience?
Would you sacrifice your rank for a better quality of life? The hosts tackle the value of family time versus professional titles. They emphasize that a shorter commute can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Jocko shares insights on prioritizing hard work over rank, encouraging listeners to focus on their duties. Plus, the discussion dives into handling difficult people and finding ways to rise above small-mindedness. Tune in for some thought-provoking perspectives!

50 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 4h 30min
523: Honor, Commitment, Sacrifice, and Faith. What It Takes to Get Through Hell. With U.S. Marine, Landon Longgrear
Landon Longgrear, a former U.S. Marine and author, shares harrowing tales from the Battle for Sangin. He delves into his early life, shaped by family and faith, and recounts the intense training and camaraderie within the Marine Corps. Longgrear discusses the moral complexities of war, facing casualties, and the emotional burden that follows. He reflects on the lessons learned and the importance of honor, commitment, and sacrifice, culminating in a profound discussion on post-service identity and the journey of writing his memoir.

28 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 13min
Jocko Underground: How To End Drama When You're Caught In The Middle.
Discover strategies to handle family drama, including how to stop in-laws from creating tensions. Learn about the 'gray rocking' technique to defuse drama and rein in attention-seeking behavior. Jocko encourages role-playing to practice boundary-setting responses. The duo advises on creating necessary distance from manipulative relatives and emphasizes consistency in maintaining boundaries. Plus, explore ways to get out of life’s slumps while dealing with feelings of inadequacy when comparing yourself to others.

53 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 1h 46min
522: How Discipline and Leadership Will Make You Survive 40 Months as a POW.
Discover the remarkable wartime leadership of Air Commodore Leonard Burchill, who unified fellow POWs in the brutal conditions of WWII. Explore the essence of true leadership versus mere management, emphasizing integrity and trust. Learn how discipline, humility, and character shape effective leaders, even in dire situations. Burchill's experiences reveal the importance of shared hardship and camaraderie for survival. Finally, gain insights on applying these powerful lessons to enhance your personal and professional discipline.

10 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 12min
Jocko Underground: Teamwork (Cover and Move) Does NOT Always Work.
The discussion dives into when traditional teamwork approaches can backfire, highlighting the dangers of overprotecting teammates. Jocko emphasizes the need for direct communication, offering strategies for addressing poor behavior in a team setting. They also explore the balance of allowing individuals to face the consequences of their actions while weighing their overall impact on the team. Household dynamics, like sharing chores, make for a relatable tangent, adding humor to the serious topic. Insights on personal challenges in career paths round out the conversation.

199 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 1h 22min
521: Obey Your Own Orders. Discipline vs. the War in Your Head
Explore the intense struggle of discipline in daily life versus battlefield actions. Jocko and Echo discuss how small choices, like what we eat or how we spend our time, can accumulate into significant outcomes. They emphasize the importance of obeying your own orders and the psychological warfare we face. Through lessons from the military, they highlight that discipline isn't just punishment; it's a lifestyle that fosters long-term goals and personal freedom. Tune in for actionable tips to turn resistance into resilience!

44 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 11min
Jocko Underground: Obsessing Over Your Spouses Past
The discussion delves into the pitfalls of obsessing over a partner's past, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present and future. Jocko connects financial and custody stress to obsessive behaviors, advocating for confidence over insecurity. He encourages faking calmness as a tool to build genuine confidence, and highlights the necessity of making conscious choices to shape desired outcomes in relationships. Echo stresses the importance of self-discipline, especially in blended families, to navigate life's challenges.


