

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

10 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 9min
Jocko Underground: How To Deal With Having a Child From a One Night Stand
Discover strategies for navigating unexpected parenthood after a one-night stand, emphasizing the importance of cooperation for the child's future. Learn how to effectively voice concerns about micromanagement at work through constructive feedback. Jocko also shares insights on overcoming stress from work and personal life, and provides tips to stay focused on achieving your goals despite facing challenges.

70 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 26min
513: Be Big in the Little Things. Lessons from a Hero. With Ryan Manion
Ryan Manion, CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation and author, shares heartfelt insights about her brother, Marine Silver Star recipient Travis Manion. She recounts the foundation's growth and its mission of character education through veterans, emphasizing how small acts of kindness build a legacy. Ryan also discusses her inspiration for a children's book based on Travis's lessons, making complex stories accessible. With memorable anecdotes, she highlights the ethos 'If Not Me, Then Who?' as a call to action for youth.

15 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 13min
Jocko Underground: What To Do if a Heavy Duty Ex-Con is in Your Jiu Jitsu Class.
Explore the challenges of training in jiu jitsu alongside a heavy-duty ex-con. Discover effective strategies for maintaining strong relationships with coworkers to boost performance. Learn how to recover from injuries quickly and regain your path. Plus, Jocko offers insights on navigating complex emotional decisions, like choosing between two loved ones. With practical advice on balancing safety and loyalty in training environments, find out how to tackle life’s toughest situations with resilience.

37 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 3h 39min
512: Into the Delta. Charlie Platoon, SEAL Missions in Vietnam. With Hal Kuykendal and Tom Boyhan
Tom Boyan and Hal Kirkendall, former U.S. Navy SEALs from Charlie Platoon, share gripping stories from their time in Vietnam. They delve into the intense training at BUD/S and the bond formed within their platoon. From ambush tactics and close air support to life after service, they reflect on how past experiences shaped their civilian lives. The duo emphasizes the importance of leadership, teamwork, and preserving the SEAL legacy, blending harrowing tales with lessons learned for future generations.

8 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 9min
Jocko Underground: Smashing Life with No Support | Could a Woman Be a Navy SEAL?
Discover how to navigate life’s challenges without support as Jocko shares practical advice on personal responsibility. The discussion delves into the intriguing question of why no woman has completed SEAL training, highlighting the unique physical demands required. The episode also explores the benefits of stepping outside your comfort zone and even touches on starting a local Jiu Jitsu group. Tune in for insights that inspire resilience and action!

76 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 3h 21min
511: Between Firefights and Faith, Lessons From Ramadi to Recovery. With Ben Sledge.
Ben Sledge, a former U.S. Army civil affairs soldier and author, shares his gripping experiences from combat in Ramadi and the moral complexities he faced. He discusses the intense realities of deployment, including navigating minefields and the impact of bad leadership. Sledge reflects on personal struggles with trauma and addiction after returning home, emphasizing the healing power of faith and storytelling. He highlights the importance of community support among veterans, urging them to connect and care for one another.

40 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 8min
Jocko Underground: The Cure to Being Overwhelmed, Inadequate, and Afraid.
Explore the struggle of feeling inadequate and the path to overcoming overwhelm. Discover strategies to appreciate small victories and learn from past mistakes. Dive into the importance of focusing on present actions and making disciplined choices. Find out how taking action can transform feelings of worthlessness into confidence. Plus, Jocko shares personal insights on leadership challenges and navigating difficult workplace dynamics.

41 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 2h 44min
510: The Ego Trap In Leadership. The Need To Lead Pt.2. With Dave Berke.
Dave Berke, a former Top Gun instructor and fighter pilot, shares impactful leadership insights from his book, The Need to Lead. He reveals how ego undermines team dynamics and fosters division. The discussion emphasizes taking ownership over mistakes, illustrating how listening enhances relationships and trust. Berke recounts personal experiences, from learning humility in combat to the need for decentralized command in the face of crisis. His journey underscores the importance of adapting to change and empowering others for true leadership success.

67 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 10min
Jocko Underground: Accept That The People Around You May Not Want To Do Their Best
Navigating relationships with family and colleagues can be tricky when motivation varies. Discover how to influence others to reach their potential without pushing too hard. Explore the performance bell curve, understanding that mediocrity is often a reality in organizations. Jocko emphasizes the importance of investing in top performers while respectfully engaging with those who struggle. Building trust and avoiding judgment can lead to better dynamics. Embrace diverse interests and keep setting a standard for those around you!

87 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 2h 12min
509: The Need to Lead: Lessons from Dogfights, Dunker Drills, and Ego Checks. With Dave Berke.
Dave Burke, a former Marine Corps fighter pilot and Top Gun instructor, shares profound insights on leadership from his experiences in combat and aviation. He emphasizes the importance of humility and detachment, revealing how effective leadership goes beyond technical skills. Dave argues that every problem is a leadership problem and that leadership can be learned by anyone. Through gripping stories, he illustrates how overcoming complacency and embracing corrections are key to success. Discover how these principles apply across various life contexts.


