- 558: What We Can Learn From John Spencer Almost Dying 20 Times.
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Urban warfare expert and retired Army officer John Spencer returns to share stories from 20 Times I Almost Died, from Ranger School and Iraq to Ukraine, Gaza, and some incredibly close calls. Along the way, John and Jocko break down leadership, intuition, modern warfare, resilience, and the importance of developing a personal code to live by.
00:00 – John Spencer: 20 Times I Almost Died
02:53 – Kashmir: India, Pakistan & Modern Warfare
05:10 – Lebanon, Hezbollah & the Changing Battlefield
11:17 – Ukraine, Drones & the Future of War
15:54 – Inside a Hamas Tunnel Under Gaza
24:43 – Iraq: Common Sense, Orders & Leadership
39:08 – The IED Trap: Trusting Your Intuition
45:28 – “Pepper”: The Fight That Cost John His Ear
1:08:27 – The “Sopranos of Baghdad” & Humility
1:29:02 – Ukraine, Bucha & the Will to Resist
1:38:00 – Ranger School: “You Can Always Quit Tomorrow”
1:44:03 – The Best Ranger Competition & a 40-Foot Fall
1:55:48 – Iraq: A Deadly Humvee Crash & Duty
2:01:31 – Azerbaijan’s Special Forces & the Battle of Shusha
2:11:08 – Going Full Rambo as an OPFOR Soldier
2:16:01 – The Mission to Capture Saddam Hussein
2:27:05 – The Current Situation in Gaza
2:42:38 – Who Are You? Building a Code to Live By
2:53:21 – Closing Thoughts With John Spencer
2:54:19 – Jocko & Echo Closing / Supporters
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content3h 9m - Sep 16, 2026 - Jocko Underground: This is How to be a Dependable Warrior.
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How to be a dependable warrior.
At what point does being ultra competitive become a weakness?
How to mentally get back on track in life.
How to kick the remaining vices in your life.
How to guide a 3 year old in life.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content10m - Sep 14, 2026 - EXCLUSIVEJocko Underground 229: This is How to be a Dependable Warrior.
How to be a dependable warrior.
At what point does being ultra competitive become a weakness?
How to mentally get back on track in life.
How to kick the remaining vices in your life.
How to guide a 3 year old in life.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content46m - Sep 14, 2026 - 557: Stop Waiting for the Perfect Answer. Go.
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Every decision has consequences—and the small decisions made repeatedly can eventually shape your entire life. Jocko and Echo break down how to make better decisions under uncertainty, when to trust experience and intuition, how to avoid paralysis through analysis, and why effective leaders take action, learn, and adapt.
00:00 — Decisions: The Choices That Shape Your Life
03:33 — How the Marine Corps Teaches Decision-Making
11:50 — Take the Initiative: Keep Them on Their Heels
18:14 — Logic, Intuition, and Emotion
24:57 — Analytical vs. Instinctive Decision-Making
26:28 — Stop Overthinking. Take a Small Action.
34:26 — Detachment: The Decision-Making Superpower
41:34 — The 70% Solution: Stop Waiting for Perfect
46:07 — The OODA Loop: Observe, Orient, Decide, Act
58:46 — Adapt Faster Than the Situation Changes
1:01:23 — Failure, Fear, and Learning Through Action
1:06:13 — Small Decisions, Fast Feedback, Constant Adjustment
1:15:37 — When Being Too Adaptable Becomes a Problem
1:17:59 — Wargaming: Prepare for What Could Go Wrong
1:20:38 — Jocko’s Extreme Ownership Leadership Loop
1:22:29 — Don’t Get Stuck. Make the Decision. Act.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content1h 37m - Sep 9, 2026 - Jocko Underground: The Guy Who Called Out Rener Gracie's Purple Belts and Got Embarrassed.
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The Guy Who Called Out Rener Gracie's Purple Belts and Got Embarrassed.
Maxed out for time, but training for a personal challenge.
How to solve a problem riddled worker on your team.
When a workout partner doesn't have as much dedication.
Got beat up by my wife's guy friend.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content20m - Sep 7, 2026 - EXCLUSIVEJocko Underground 228: The Guy Who Called Out Rener Gracie's Purple Belts and Got Embarrassed.
The Guy Who Called Out Rener Gracie's Purple Belts and Got Embarrassed.
Maxed out for time, but training for a personal challenge.
How to solve a problem riddled worker on your team.
When a workout partner doesn't have as much dedication.
Got beat up by my wife's guy friend.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content58m - Sep 7, 2026 - 556: The World Belongs to the Brazen and The Brave.
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Continuing examination of René Quinton's Maxims on War, exploring courage, danger, ambition, leadership, obedience, and the randomness of combat. The discussion ultimately comes back to a powerful principle for war and everyday life: learn to distinguish real danger from the danger created by your imagination.
00:00 — Maxims on War: Extreme Views and Human Nature
05:34 — War, Death, and the Randomness of Combat
16:57 — Courage, Promotion, and the Danger of Ambition
23:27 — Bravery, Jealousy, and the Power of Example
28:51 — When Danger Becomes Real
34:22 — Real Danger vs. Imagined Danger
40:20 — Courage vs. Recklessness
48:44 — The Leader Multiplies the Team
51:07 — Why It's Easier to Obey Than Decide
57:25 — Questioning Orders and the Burden of Command
1:04:55 — Cowardly Leaders and Decentralized Command
1:11:25 — Do Hard Things. Don't Let Fear Stop You.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content1h 20m - Sep 2, 2026 - 555: The Nature Of Man Is War
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René Quinton’s extreme ideas about war, human nature, struggle, and heroism. They examine why humans are drawn to conflict and why a life of comfort may be something worth fighting against.
0:00 – René Quinton & Maxims on War
4:21 – Does Human Nature Love War?
13:22 – Competition vs. Collaboration
16:10 – The Male Psyche: Friend or Foe
24:05 – Why Men Seek Risk, Combat & Danger
31:00 – Tribalism, Fighting & Understanding Jiu-Jitsu
37:04 – Service, Sacrifice & the Nature of Heroes
49:44 – Success, Wealth & Why the Process Matters
58:57 – What Makes a Hero?
1:07:02 – War, Hardship & Why We Reject the Easy Life
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content1h 29m - Aug 26, 2026 - Jocko Underground: The Safety Protocol for Your Kids When They're On Their Own.
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What is the safety protocol for your kids when they are on their own.
Training Jiu Jitsu with limitations.
The difference between a leadership failure and a hiring failure.
How to eliminate crippling doubt while achieving your goals in life.
What to do if you suspect your leadership is working against you .
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content12m - Aug 24, 2026 - EXCLUSIVEJocko Underground 227: The Safety Protocol for Your Kids When They're On Their Own.
What is the safety protocol for your kids when they are on their own.
Training Jiu Jitsu with limitations.
The difference between a leadership failure and a hiring failure.
How to eliminate crippling doubt while achieving your goals in life.
What to do if you suspect your leadership is working against you .
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content43m - Aug 24, 2026 - 554: Maximum Efficiency On The Front Lines of Battle and Life
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Breaking down raw, firsthand combat lessons from U.S. Army soldiers fighting their way through World War II—lessons written in the field by men who had just experienced the consequences of good decisions, bad decisions, aggression, hesitation, discipline, and leadership.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content1h 45m - Aug 19, 2026 - Jocko Underground: Jonah Hill's Tough Talk About His Jiu Jitsu Skill.
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Jonah Hill's Tough Talk About His Jiu Jitsu Skill.
The best way to get forgiveness after terrible behavior in the past.
Thoughts on the worries of climate change and the worlds problems.
How to save your marriage if it's on thin ice.
Sacrificing sleep for more time during the day.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content25m - Aug 17, 2026 - EXCLUSIVEJocko Underground 226: Jonah Hill's Tough Talk About His Jiu Jitsu Skill.
Jonah Hill's Tough Talk About His Jiu Jitsu Skill.
The best way to get forgiveness after terrible behavior in the past.
Thoughts on the worries of climate change and the worlds problems.
How to save your marriage if it's on thin ice.
Sacrificing sleep for more time during the day.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content1h 2m - Aug 17, 2026 - 553: Becoming Brothers Through Battle, Death, and Honor in Ramadi. With Miguel "Pitbull" Santana.
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Book: Unheard Voices The Fight For Ramadi: A Soldier’s Memoir From Combat Outpost Falcon
In 2006, Miguel “Pitbull” Santana and his soldiers entered Ramadi, Iraq—a city many believed was already lost. What followed was months of relentless combat, sacrifice, loss, and brotherhood. Miguel joins Jocko to tell the story from the ground: the firefights, the men who saved each other's lives, the leaders who went first, and the bonds that remain unbroken twenty years later.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content3h 22m - Aug 12, 2026 - Jocko Underground: Why Do People Refuse to Learn or Talk About The Future Of The World Around Us?
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People don't want to learn about what's coming in the future.
The differences in our definition of "Leadership".
How to get your kids to take on interests that stick.
What to do when you've outgrown the drinking crowd.
What to do if you have trust issues with women.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content13m - Aug 10, 2026 - EXCLUSIVEJocko Underground 225: Why Do People Refuse to Learn or Talk About The Future Of The World Around Us?
People don't want to learn about what's coming in the future.
The differences in our definition of "Leadership".
How to get your kids to take on interests that stick.
What to do when you've outgrown the drinking crowd.
What to do if you have trust issues with women.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content1h 13m - Aug 10, 2026 - 552: How The Mindset of A Sniper Apply to Life. With JP Dinnell.
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Being a sniper isn't just about shooting. It's about observation, patience, preparation, adaptability, and making the right decision at exactly the right moment. Jocko and JP Dinnell explore the unseen skills behind elite snipers, telling stories from combat while revealing how those same habits create success in leadership, business, and life.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content2h 18m - Aug 5, 2026 - Jocko Underground: If Someone Is From Iran and Wants to Move to The USA?
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If Someone Is From Iran and Wants to Move to The USA?
How to earn respect from people with more experience in life.
How to be excellent while balancing family, health, and life.
How to be more of an action-taker.
How to make things happen when you don't think you have the power or authority.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content9m - Aug 3, 2026 - EXCLUSIVEJocko Underground 224: If Someone Is From Iran and Wants to Move to The USA?
If Someone Is From Iran and Wants to Move to The USA?
How to earn respect from people with more experience in life.
How to be excellent while balancing family, health, and life.
How to be more of an action-taker.
How to make things happen when you don't think you have the power or authority.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content58m - Aug 3, 2026 - 551: Relationships Over Rank. Trust Over Authority
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Breaking down why strong relationships consistently outperform rank, how great leaders develop confident teams instead of micromanaging them, and why every interaction is an opportunity to train. From chain of command to building trust, this episode is a practical guide to creating teams that win under pressure.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content2h 4m - Jul 29, 2026
