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Send us Fan Mail Judd Kessler—a professor at the Wharton School and author of Lucky by Design—joins Joe to explore the hidden markets that shape our lives, careers, and opportunities. Joe and Judd discuss how many of the most important decisions we encounter—from job promotions to school admissions to performance evaluations—aren’t driven by price, but by rules we rarely see or fully understand. These “hidden markets” determine who gets what, often leaving people frustrated, confused, or convinced that success comes down to luck. Throughout the conversation, they examine how understanding the rules of these markets can shift outcomes, why preparation and self-awareness matter more than we think, and how leaders—whether they realize it or not—are constantly designing markets through the way they allocate time, attention, and opportunity. They also explore practical strategies for navigating these environments, from competing in high-speed, first-come-first-serve systems to knowing when it’s better to “settle for silver” rather than walk away empty-handed. Joe and Judd also discuss:  What “hidden markets” are—and why they’re everywhere  Why success often looks like luck (but isn’t)  How understanding the rules gives you a competitive advantage  The strategy of “settling for silver” to improve your odds  Why preparation and clarity of values matter before entering any competition  How poorly designed systems invite “speculators” and unintended consequences  The three E’s of market design: efficiency, equity, and ease  Why leaders must be intentional about how they allocate time, attention, and opportunity  How misaligned or unclear expectations can quietly shape careers  The importance of aligning who you are with what the system rewards Whether you’re navigating promotions, competing for opportunities, or leading others in high-stakes environments, this episode offers a powerful framework for understanding the systems around you—and how to operate within them more effectively. Watch the full episode on YouTube A special thanks to this week's sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here! Dunedain Systems is a veteran-founded defense technology company building Warmind, an AI platform that accelerates military planning, operations, and document generation. Warmind connects to your unit’s data and learns how your warfighting function operates, delivering outputs tailored to your SOPs and operational context rather than generic AI responses. Whether your team is building OPORDs, running intel workflows, or generating CONOPs, Warmind handles the heavy lift so your staff can focus on decisions, not paperwork. Built by combat veterans who lived the problem firsthand, Warmind is already in use across SOCOM and the broader DoD. The beta is free for anyone with a .mil or .edu email at dunedainsystems.com.

Send us Fan Mail Jaron Wharton—a former brigade commander in the 82nd Airborne Division and co-editor of Bend but Do Not Break joins Joe to examine the future of the all-volunteer force and the role of professional discourse in strengthening the military.  Joe and Jaron discuss how education and self-study shape better leaders, why intellectual curiosity is essential in command, and how stepping outside of purely tactical experiences helps leaders avoid what Joe describes as a “soda straw” view of the world. They also reflect on the dangers of groupthink inside hierarchical organizations and the responsibility leaders have to create space for dissenting ideas. Throughout the conversation, they explore the growing disconnect between the military and the society it serves, the risks of an emerging “warrior caste,” and why service must be valued beyond just those in uniform. Joe and Jaron also discuss:  Why education prepares leaders not just for success—but for failure  The danger of an “anti-intellectual bend” in the military  How groupthink develops—and how leaders can actively fight it  Why publishing isn’t the goal—promoting conversation is  The risks of a widening civil-military gap  Why service should be celebrated across all professions—not just the military  The importance of giving junior leaders a voice in shaping the profession  What it might take to mobilize society for large-scale conflict Whether you’re a junior leader trying to find your voice, a senior leader thinking about the future of the force, or someone simply interested in the relationship between the military and society, this episode offers a thoughtful and challenging look at where we are—and where we may be headed. Also, check out Bend but Do Not Break, with proceeds supporting Wear Blue: Run to Remember. Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here! Dunedain Systems is a veteran-founded defense technology company building Warmind, an AI platform that accelerates military planning, operations, and document generation. Warmind connects to your unit’s data and learns how your warfighting function operates, delivering outputs tailored to your SOPs and operational context rather than generic AI responses. Whether your team is building OPORDs, running intel workflows, or generating CONOPs, Warmind handles the heavy lift so your staff can focus on decisions, not paperwork. Built by combat veterans who lived the problem firsthand, Warmind is already in use across SOCOM and the broader DoD. The beta is free for anyone with a .mil or .edu email at dunedainsystems.com. Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

Send us Fan Mail Andy Yakulis—West Point graduate, former Army pilot, and Special Operations officer turned defense tech entrepreneur—joins Joe to talk about leadership, transition, and the rapidly changing nature of modern warfare. Recruited to West Point just days before September 11th, Andy entered the Army knowing he would serve during a generation defined by war. After flying Kiowa Warrior helicopters and spending nearly a decade in Special Operations, he became increasingly frustrated with the gap between the technology soldiers used in combat and what existed in the civilian world. Together, they discuss Andy’s decision to leave the Army at 18 years to start Vector, a company focused on unmanned systems, as well as the challenges of military transition, the realities of leadership in the private sector, and how paying attention to what captures your curiosity might reveal the work you’re meant to pursue. Watch the full interview on YouTube! Joe and Andy also discuss: Why physical fitness and sleep still shape Andy’s decision-making as a CEOThe value of civilian education for military leadersThe “Saturday morning coffee test” for discovering what you’re passionate aboutWhy veterans shouldn’t feel pressure to find the perfect post-military job immediatelyThe challenge of leading teams in the private sectorWhy the future of warfare may shift from one operator controlling one drone to one operator orchestrating manyWhether you’re transitioning out of the military, exploring entrepreneurship, or curious how technology is changing warfare, this episode offers insights on leadership, innovation, and pursuing work you feel called to do. A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here! Dunedain Systems is a veteran-founded defense technology company building Warmind, an AI platform that accelerates military planning, operations, and document generation. Warmind connects to your unit’s data and learns how your warfighting function operates, delivering outputs tailored to your SOPs and operational context rather than generic AI responses. Whether your team is building OPORDs, running intel workflows, or generating CONOPs, Warmind handles the heavy lift so your staff can focus on decisions, not paperwork. Built by combat veterans who lived the problem firsthand, Warmind is already in use across SOCOM and the broader DoD. The beta is free for anyone with a .mil or .edu email at dunedainsystems.com. Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.  Logistics Systems Incorporated (LSI) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business supporting DoD and federal civilian agencies with enterprise IT operations, global logistics support, cybersecurity, data, and mission support services. Founded by a veteran Army leader, LSI is known for operating inside complex, hi

Send us Fan Mail Randy Surles—retired Army Ranger and Green Beret turned editor, ghostwriter, and Story Grid-certified book coach—joins Joe to talk directly to veterans who feel called to tell their story but don’t know where to start. After 25 years in Special Operations, Randy transitioned from the military to the writing world, studying under Shawn Coyne and helping dozens of veterans turn their experiences into memoirs, leadership books, and fiction. Along the way, he’s seen what works—and what doesn’t. Joe reflects on his own year-and-a-half journey working with Randy on his forthcoming book—including the uncomfortable but necessary process of clarifying the message, identifying the right reader, and moving beyond “I just want to write a book” to “Here’s who this is for.” Randy explains why most military memoirs never gain traction, why writing “for everyone” is the fastest way to reach no one, and how to identify the single reader you’re actually trying to serve. He also breaks down the realities of publishing—from traditional deals to hybrid models to self-publishing—and why marketing is often harder than writing. Watch the full interview on YouTube! Joe and Randy also discuss: How the Hero’s Journey mirrors a military careerThe power of identifying your single audience member (SAM)Why most books sell fewer than 500 copiesWhat veterans misunderstand about traditional publishingThe truth about hybrid publishers and upfront costsWhy building an email list may matter more than social media followersHow writing 600–700 words a week can turn into a finished bookWhy accountability (even the annoying kind) makes the differenceWhether you’re transitioning out, reflecting on your career, or feeling the quiet pull to capture your experiences before they fade, this episode offers a practical roadmap—and a reality check—for veterans who want to turn their story into something that serves others. Also, check out Randy's website: Militaryeditor.com A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here! Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.  Logistics Systems Incorporated (LSI) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business supporting DoD and federal civilian agencies with enterprise IT operations, global logistics support, cybersecurity, data, and mission support services. Founded by a veteran Army leader, LSI is known for operating inside complex, high-consequence environments where leadership, discipline, and execution matter. Their teams support large user communities and mission-critical systems across defense and civilian agencies.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Guy Winch, bestselling author and psychologist, joins Joe to discuss his newest book, Mind Over Grind to explore how job stress quietly spills beyond the office—and into our evenings, our sleep, and our relationships. What starts as a difficult meeting or looming deadline doesn’t end at 1700. It follows us home. From the “Sunday Scaries” to 2AM rumination loops, Guy explains how modern work keeps us stuck in fight-or-flight—and why we’re often blind to the ways we sabotage our future selves in the process. Joe reflects on his time in command and the culture of constant availability in the military, while Guy highlights research showing that leaders have far more power to reduce stress than they realize. Sometimes it’s not about solving the problem—just showing that you care. They also spend time on practical tools: reframing procrastination, managing rumination, cultivating a better relationship with your “future self,” and creating intentional rituals that signal the workday is over. Watch the full interview on YouTube! Joe and Guy also discuss: Why the dread of Monday is often worse than Monday itselfHow procrastination is really about avoiding feelings—not tasksThe danger of treating your future self like a strangerHow to stop replaying failures at 2AMThe “Memoir Test” for putting problems in perspectiveWhy naming your emotions reduces their intensityHow journaling helps you spot recurring “icebergs” in your lifeWhy Instagram reels don’t actually relax youThe science behind clothing, rituals, and mental transitionsWhether you’re in the military, the corporate world, or building something of your own, this episode is a reminder that stress doesn’t stay at work—and that managing your inner world is part of leading well. A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here! Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.  Logistics Systems Incorporated (LSI) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business supporting DoD and federal civilian agencies with enterprise IT operations, global logistics support, cybersecurity, data, and mission support services. Founded by a veteran Army leader, LSI is known for operating inside complex, high-consequence environments where leadership, discipline, and execution matter. Their teams support large user communities and mission-critical systems across defense and civilian agencies.

Send us Fan Mail Griffin Brand and Dan Casey, co-authors of Bring Your Own Pencil: Bill Walsh’s Playbook for Winning at Anything, join Joe to explore preparation, leadership, and what separates sustained excellence from short-term success. It’s Super Bowl weekend, so football is part of the lens—but it doesn’t stay there. The discussion moves from Bill Walsh and the San Francisco 49ers to Dyson vacuums, Raising Cane’s chicken fingers, JSOC, and even 50 Cent. Different worlds, same underlying question: why do some people and organizations endure while others flame out? At the center is a simple idea: success is a lagging indicator. Drawing on Walsh’s leadership philosophy, Griffin and Dan explain why outcomes take care of themselves when leaders focus on standards, habits, and ownership of preparation—long before performance is visible. From there, the episode broadens into leadership more generally: perseverance, the myth of overnight success, and how constraints can sharpen thinking instead of limiting it. A key theme is the idea of a permanent base camp—maintaining standards that keep teams within striking distance of excellence without burning them out. They also spend time on legacy. Not wins or titles, but people. The episode reinforces a simple measure of leadership: how many people succeed because you took the time to invest in them. Watch the full interview on YouTube! Joe, Griffin, and Dan also discuss:  What “bring your own pencil” really means for leaders Alive time vs. dead time  How the path to the top is rarely a straight line How to sustain excellence without burning people or culture Why inputs matter more than outcomes How culture becomes real when it carries itself forward What legacy looks like when leaders step back Why the best leaders make their ceiling someone else’s floorWhether you’re watching the Super Bowl or leading a team far from the spotlight, this episode is a reminder that the work that matters most usually happens long before anyone is watching. A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here! Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.  Logistics Systems Incorporated (LSI) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business supporting DoD and federal civilian agencies with enterprise IT operations, global logistics support, cybersecurity, data, and mission support services. Founded by a veteran Army leader, LSI is known for operating inside complex, high-consequence environments where leadership, discipline, and execution matter. Their teams support large user communities and mission-critical systems across defense and civilian agencies.

Send us Fan Mail Lieutenant General Tony Hale, the Army G-2, joins Joe for a conversation on military intelligence, judgment, and decision-making in modern war. Drawing on nearly four decades of service, Hale reflects on the evolution of the intelligence profession—from red pens and acetate maps to AI-enabled platforms—and why human judgment still matters most. Hale shares his path into military intelligence, challenges common misconceptions about the field, and explains why intelligence is foundational to maneuver, lethality, and command. From battalion S2 shops to JSOC, Afghanistan, and the Army’s highest intelligence roles, he offers a clear view of how intelligence professionals shape outcomes across every echelon. They discuss the responsibility of “putting your rank on the table,” developing junior analysts, and creating environments where ideas matter more than hierarchy. The conversation also explores self-development, operating amid disinformation, balancing OSINT with historical context, and how AI can enhance—but never replace— disciplined thinking. In this episode, LTG Hale and Joe explore: Why “lethality starts with intelligence”The role of intelligence in enabling decision dominanceMaking analytical calls under uncertaintyDeveloping confident, capable intelligence professionalsThe limits of AI and the enduring value of human judgmentPreparing for future conflict while mastering the fundamentalsWhether you’re an intelligence professional, commander, or leader navigating uncertainty, this conversation is a reminder that seeing clearly—and thinking well—remains the decisive advantage. A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here! Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.  Logistics Systems Incorporated (LSI) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business supporting DoD and federal civilian agencies with enterprise IT operations, global logistics support, cybersecurity, data, and mission support services. Founded by a veteran Army leader, LSI is known for operating inside complex, high-consequence environments where leadership, discipline, and execution matter. Their teams support large user communities and mission-critical systems across defense and civilian agencies.

Send us Fan Mail On the release of his latest thriller, The Viper: A Zig and Nola Novel, Brad Meltzer joins Joe for an in-depth conversation on writing, curiosity, service, and the often-hidden moments that shape a life. From bestselling thrillers to children’s books, Meltzer reflects on how stories—both real and imagined—help us make sense of who we are, what we’ve lived through, and the paths we choose moving forward. Drawing on his own unlikely origin story, Meltzer shares how a single teacher’s encouragement set him on the path to becoming a writer, why falling in love with the process matters more than chasing outcomes, and how curiosity has been the throughline of his career. They explore how paying attention—to people, details, and quiet acts of kindness—can open doors we didn’t even know existed. The conversation also dives into Meltzer’s deep connection to the military community, from his work with the USO to the research behind his Zig and Nola thriller series set at Dover Air Force Base.  In this episode, Brad Meltzer and Joe also explore: How one teacher’s belief can change the trajectory of a lifeWhy curiosity is a more powerful tool than talentFalling in love with the process—not the outcome—of creative workWhat writing thrillers has taught Meltzer about human natureWhy Dover Air Force Base became the heart of his Zig and Nola seriesHow small acts of kindness ripple outward in unexpected waysThe challenge of transitioning from a life of constant motion to stillnessWhy seeking help is a sign of strength, not weaknessHow reading builds empathy, critical thinking, and resilienceWhy transformation is the hardest, and most important, kind of changeWhether you’re a writer, a leader, a veteran, or someone navigating a transition, this conversation is a reminder that paying attention and staying curious can lead to a life richer than any plan you could have written in advance. Watch the full episode on Youtube!  A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here! Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.  Logistics Systems Incorporated (LSI) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business supporting DoD and federal civilian agencies with enterprise IT operations, global logistics support, cybersecurity, data, and mission support services. Founded by a veteran Army leader, LSI is known for operating inside complex, high-consequence environments where leadership, discipline, and execution matter. Their teams support large user communities and mission-critical systems across defense and civilian agencies.

Send us Fan Mail General Christopher Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa joins Joe for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, culture, and what it takes to drive real change at scale across massive, dispersed organizations. Having led at the division, corps, and now theater Army level, Donahue reflects on what doesn’t change as responsibility grows. Regardless of rank or scope, leaders must still create belief in the why, articulate a clear vision, translate that vision into a workable plan, and embed it into culture and process so change actually sticks. They also explore what is changing rapidly. From the impact of emerging technologies to the realities of modern warfare—where sensing, drones, and data shape every decision—they discuss why leaders must continuously adapt, integrate new tools, and keep developing themselves to stay ahead. The conversation reinforces a timeless truth: while the tools evolve, leadership remains the decisive factor. In this episode, General Donahue and Joe also explore: Why culture without process is just wishful thinkingHow leaders turn intent into execution through clear systems and standardsWhy meaningful change must be measured, not just announcedHow repetition, standards, and accountability build real readinessWhat improved culture looks like when performance rises and negative indicators fallWhy realistic training standards matter—especially under stressAvoiding groupthink by rotating teams and encouraging honest feedbackCreating a climate where people can speak truth to power without fearWhy leaders should never expect to fight the last war againThe growing challenge of offense in a world of constant sensing and surveillanceHow technology, data, and modeling are reshaping how leaders think about risk and capabilityWhy, in the end, it still always comes back to leadershipWhether you’re leading a small team or a global organization, this conversation offers a grounded reminder that clarity, discipline, and culture—not slogans—are what allow leaders to turn complexity into coherent action. Watch the full interview our our YouTube Channel A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here! Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

Send us Fan Mail Alpha Coffee co-founder and retired Army lieutenant colonel Carl Churchill joins Joe for a candid conversation on leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to build something that lasts after the uniform comes off. After serving more than two decades in the Army, Carl found himself facing an unexpected second career shaped not by careful planning, but by crisis. In the wake of the Great Recession, he and his wife Lori cashed out their savings and took an all-in leap to build Alpha Coffee from their basement—navigating years of uncertainty, near-misses, and hard-earned lessons before the business finally found its footing. Drawing on his military background, Stoic philosophy, and a refusal to quit, Carl shares how discipline, culture, and clarity of purpose carried him through nearly a decade of struggle. In this conversation, Joe and Carl explore what leadership looks like when there’s no rank to hide behind: how military lessons translate into entrepreneurship, why culture matters more than strategy, and how leaders must adapt their style as contexts and generations change. Along the way, they reflect on stress, perspective, boundaries, and the quiet confidence that comes from having faced truly hard things before. In this episode, Joe and Carl also explore: Tips for making great coffeeWhy Carl chose to walk away from promotion to keep leading people, not staffsWhat “burning the boats” looks like when your family and future are on the lineHow military hardship inoculates leaders against stress and uncertaintyWhy culture—not strategy—is the true differentiator between great and failing teamsLeading younger generations without abandoning standards or expectationsThe challenge of setting boundaries when you genuinely love your workWhether you’re navigating life after military service, building something from scratch, or leading people through uncertainty, this episode offers a grounded reminder that the habits forged in discipline, humility, and persistence still matter—long after the mission changes. A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here! Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

Send us Fan Mail Retired Marine Corps fighter pilot, Top Gun instructor, and leadership consultant Dave Berke joins Joe for an honest conversation about ego, responsibility, and what it truly means to lead—both in the arena of combat and in everyday life. As the bestselling author of The Need to Lead, Dave pulls back the curtain on the high-pressure world of fighter aviation, the chaos of ground combat in Ramadi, and the quiet challenges of becoming a better leader at home.  He reveals how his biggest breakthroughs came not from triumphs, but from failure—from dogfights he should have won, leadership roles he wasn’t ready for, and moments where ego clouded judgment. In this episode, Joe and Dave also explore: Why ego is the most dangerous threat to good leadership—and how to recognize the voice that “loves you to death”How Top Gun actually works (and why the instructors are more humble than Hollywood suggests)Lessons from Ramadi—operating in chaos, fighting self-doubt, and learning fast under pressureWhy leaders fail when they cling to control instead of developing othersThe danger of complacency—and how one “guaranteed win” dogfight changed Dave’s approach to preparationPreparing for your own departure as a leader—why good leadership outlasts the leaderThe hard emotional work of transition and why believing in your next mission matters more than salary, title, or prestigeWhether you’re leading in uniform, managing a team, or navigating a major life transition, this episode offers hard-earned wisdom on how to stay grounded, remain teachable, and build teams capable of enduring whatever comes next. Dave Berke is a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, former TOPGUN Instructor, and now the Chief Development Officer and a leadership instructor at Echelon Front. As an F/A-18 pilot, he deployed twice from the USS John C. Stennis in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He later spent three years at TOPGUN as an Instructor Pilot, Training Officer, and senior staff pilot overseeing the course. He also served on the ground in Ramadi in 2006 as an ANGLICO Forward Air Controller with the Army’s 1st AD, leading his team on scores of combat missions and accompanying SEAL Task Unit Bruiser on nearly every major operation of the Battle of Ramadi. Dave was the only Marine selected to fly the F-22 and became the first operational pilot qualified in the F-35B, later commanding the Marine Corps’ first F-35 squadron. He holds a Master’s in International Public Policy and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. After retiring, Dave joined Echelon Front, bringing deep experience in combat leadership, decision-making, risk mitigation, and building high-performance teams. A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here! Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Joseph Loconte joins Joe for a powerful exploration of faith, imagination, and courage in times of crisis—how two Oxford professors used story to resist the darkness of their age and inspire generations to come. As a historian and author of The War for Middle-earth: J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis Confront the Gathering Storm, 1933–1945, Dr. Loconte reveals how the trauma of the First World War and the rise of totalitarianism shaped the moral imagination of both Tolkien and Lewis. While fascism, communism, and nihilism were eroding meaning across Europe, these two friends responded with mythic tales that reawakened the timeless virtues of courage, friendship, sacrifice, and faith. In this conversation, Joe and Dr. Loconte unpack what it means to lead with conviction in an age of cynicism—how to confront “the gathering storm” of fear and confusion not through force, but through imagination, integrity, and truth. They explore how literature can serve as resistance, how belief can ground moral clarity, and why cultivating the inner life is essential for any leader facing dark times. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of the moral lessons behind The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia—and how these works still speak to the leaders, soldiers, and citizens called to stand in the breach today. In this episode, Joe and Dr. Loconte also explore: How the First World War shaped Tolkien and Lewis’s understanding of evil and heroismWhy the 1920s and 1930s created a “crisis of meaning” across the Western worldHow their friendship became a creative alliance and a moral counteroffensiveWhy The Hobbit and The Chronicles of Narnia are, at their core, acts of defiance against despairWhat “the cataract of nonsense” teaches us about propaganda and the need for historical literacyThe spiritual courage required to use one’s gifts—even when the world seems to be falling apartHow both men modeled leadership through faith, fellowship, and imaginationWhether you’re leading in the military, education, or business, this episode offers timeless lessons on how conviction, creativity, and courage can help us navigate our own modern storms—and remind us that even in the darkest times, grace and goodness still have the final word. A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here! Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

Send us Fan Mail Phil Gilbert joins Joe for a masterclass on leading lasting change—how to move large organizations, overcome cultural antibodies, and build systems that make transformation stick. As the former head of design at IBM, Phil was tasked with one of the most ambitious corporate transformations of the last decade: to reignite creativity, collaboration, and speed inside a century-old company known for its consistency. Drawing from his new book Irresistible Change: A Blueprint for Earning Buy-In and Breakout Success, he shares the playbook that helped shift IBM’s mindset from compliance to commitment—and what leaders in any field can learn from that journey. In this conversation, Joe and Phil unpack what it really takes to drive change at scale: how to earn voluntary adoption instead of forcing compliance, why culture must evolve alongside strategy, and how language, branding, and storytelling can make or break a transformation. They explore lessons that resonate from boardrooms to battlefields—how to lead people through uncertainty, protect the integrity of a mission, and create a culture that thrives on iteration and learning. Listeners will come away with an actionable framework for driving change—one rooted in human behavior, organizational design, and the power of intentional leadership. In this episode, Joe and Phil also explore: Why the status quo is resilient—and how great organizations learn to challenge it continuouslyHow IBM’s “Hallmark” program turned change into a desirable brand, not a mandateThe formula behind lasting culture: people + practices + placesWhy forcing compliance breeds “antibodies,” and how to inspire genuine belief insteadHow storytelling and small-team “boot camps” made transformation go viral inside a 400,000-person companyThe role of senior leaders in rewarding behavior and reinforcing new normsWhat the “magic people” and The Captain Class teach us about influence from within teamsWhy great leaders think like designers—iterating, prototyping, and refining as they goWhether you’re leading a military unit, a corporate team, or a creative project, this episode offers a field-tested blueprint for driving change that lasts—one built on empathy, clarity, and a deep respect for the craft of leadership. A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here! Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

Send us Fan Mail Stanford professor Jeffrey Pfeffer joins Joe Byerly for a candid and provocative discussion about power—what it is, how it works, and why more good people need to learn to use it. Drawing from his influential books Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don’t and The 7 Rules of Power, Pfeffer challenges listeners to see the world as it really operates—not as we wish it to be. In this conversation, Joe and Dr. Pfeffer unpack why power isn’t inherently bad, how to build influence without losing integrity, and why refusing to “play the game” guarantees you’ll lose it. They explore lessons that apply equally to military leaders, executives, and anyone who wants to make change in complex organizations—from overcoming imposter syndrome and likability traps to mastering visibility, networking, and personal branding. Listeners will come away with a sharper understanding of human nature, organizational dynamics, and what it really takes to lead with impact and authenticity in competitive environments. In this episode, Joe and Dr. Pfeffer also explore: Why power is a skill—and how good people can learn to use it for goodThe critical difference between power and influenceWhy authenticity, likability, and imposter syndrome can quietly sabotage effectivenessThe importance of appearing powerful—and how confidence often signals competenceHow building a personal brand and network expands your ability to lead and shape changeThe real costs of opting out of power—and how to navigate ambition without egoWhy leaders need a “personal board of directors” to stay grounded once they gain powerWhether you’re leading soldiers, managing teams, or influencing from the middle, this episode offers a masterclass in understanding power—how to earn it, wield it wisely, and ensure that good people rise to positions where they can make a difference. A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here! Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

Send us Fan Mail New York Times bestselling author Ryan Holiday returns to From the Green Notebook for his third conversation with Joe—this time diving into the themes of his latest and final book in the Stoic Virtues series, Wisdom Takes Work.  In this wide-ranging conversation, Ryan and Joe discuss the importance of curiosity, humility, and deep reflection in a world where shortcuts and surface-level thinking often dominate. They explore how writing, reading, and journaling serve as tools for developing wisdom—and how, for both leaders and creators, clarity of thought begins with clarity on paper. Listeners will gain insights into Ryan’s approach to writing books, the power of writing as intellectual accountability, and what he’s learned from studying figures like Montaigne, Lincoln, and even Elon Musk. Along the way, Ryan opens up about his own evolution as a writer, the dangers of intellectual arrogance, and why the pursuit of wisdom is a lifelong endeavor. In this episode, Joe and Ryan explore: Why wisdom isn’t something you have but something you earn through continuous effortHow writing forces clarity, accountability, and humility in thinkingThe danger of “bad bricks” in our belief systems—and how to guard against misinformationWhy note-taking and reflection are a form of “time travel” that benefit your future selfHow curiosity and skepticism help protect us from manipulation in an AI-driven worldThe difference between intelligence and wisdom—and why power without self-awareness can be destructiveWhy Ben Franklin remains a model of intellectual and social intelligenceWhether you’re leading a team, writing your next book, or simply trying to think more clearly, this episode offers a masterclass in slowing down, asking better questions, and doing the hard work of becoming wiser. A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here! Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.