Shawn Coyne has spent decades in the publishing business working with some of the biggest names in news, sports, and entertainment.  In this episode, he shares the numerous lessons he’s learned throughout his successful career to include the pitfalls of seeking external validation and why doing so doesn’t lead to happiness. He also talks about starting fresh, leaving an established position at the top of his career and founding his own company. Finally, he shares what he’s learned about giving feedback to others. 

Brett McKay sits down with Joe to share the story behind why he started The Art of Manliness website and how the site grew from a hobby to a full-time job for both him and his wife Kate. He also discusses the importance of focusing on family culture and shares weekly family events that he and Kate use to be intentional with their family life.

Professor Nancy Sherman has spent decades working with military leaders on ethics, PTSD, moral injury, and suicide prevention. In this episode, she explains how an ancient philosophy can help service members and first responders work through traumatic experiences. She also discusses why community is so important for developing resiliency and grit, and finally, why we all should try a little bit harder developing our empathy for others.

Joe sits down with Sebastian Junger to discuss his latest book, Freedom, and examine what this word means in modern society. In discussing the book, Junger recounts his 400-mile journey along east coast railroad lines while dodging police officers, sleeping under bridges, and walking through tough neighborhoods. They also talk about why combat deployments are such a powerful force in the lives of those who’ve experienced them. Finally, Junger shares leadership lessons he observed when embedded with the Northern Alliance before 9/11 and U.S Military units after 9/11.

Dr. Micah Zenko, author of Red Team: How to Succeed By Thinking Like the Enemy, explains why red teaming is an important practice for any organization. Joe and Micah discuss organizational blindspots, the best practices for finding them, and how red teamers can provide constructive feedback. Additionally, Micah shares techniques for leaders to become better critical thinkers.

Retired Army Lieutenant General and former National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster explains why military leaders need to study the past to gain clarity in the present and also shares a career worth of lessons to include why the Battle of 73 Easting taught him about the importance of tough, realistic training. Finally, he spends a few minutes talking about the mindset he adopted before he stepped into the role of the National Security Advisor and how he dealt with the stressors that came along with that position.

Recently retired naval aviator Jack “Farva” Curtis shares his thoughts on the importance of culture and why diversity of thought is needed to create winning teams. Additionally, he discusses the benefits of flattening organizations and reflects on why leaders should study ideas outside their area of expertise. Jack’s written several widely read articles over the years to include “The Map on the Wall,” “Let’s Talk about the Burden of Command,” and “Winning Cultures Worlds Apart.”

Joe sits down with 2x Super Bowl Champion and former NFL place kicker Lawrence Tynes to discuss the lessons he learned over the course of his NFL career. Tynes emphasizes the importance of preparation when being called upon to perform in high pressure situations. He explains why a team’s culture is more important than the talent in the locker room. Lawrence also passes along the wisdom he learned from coaches and players to include Tom Coughlin and NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan.

General Miller talks about the lessons he’s learned over the past 38 years of service. He discusses crucible moments that shaped him, including a firefight in Mogadishu in October 1993 where he served as the assault force commander. He also shares how these crucible moments have influenced him as the current commander of forces in Afghanistan and for his latest undertaking, preparing to fully withdraw US and Coalition Forces from Afghanistan after an almost two-decade long campaign. Finally, General Miller discusses the important role reading and fitness have played in making him a better leader.