Tim Ferriss

June 6, 2024

Jocko Willink and Sebastian Junger (#744)

This episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited. The episode features segments from episode #107 “The Scariest Navy SEAL Imaginable… And What He Taught Me” and episode #161 “Lessons from War, Tribal Societies, and a Non-Fiction Life (Sebastian Junger).”

Please enjoy!

Bios of guests may be found at tim.blog/combo.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Audible, or on your favorite podcast platform.

This episode is brought to you by Momentous high-quality supplements, Vuori Clothing high-quality performance apparel, and Helix Sleep premium mattresses.

Transcript of the full Jocko Willink episode | Transcript of the full Sebastian Junger episode | Transcripts of all episodes

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#744: Jocko Willink and Sebastian Junger

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What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

SHOW NOTES

[06:27] Notes about this supercombo format.
[07:30] Enter Jocko Willink.
[07:59] What separates good leaders from mediocre or bad leaders?
[10:01] Identifying good leadership candidates.
[11:46] Teaching the skill of detachment.
[16:58] Jocko’s grueling workout that made platoons “tap out.”
[18:46] Jocko’s morning rituals.
[20:57] People Jocko associates with success.
[23:12] Recommended reading.
[26:57] How does discipline equal freedom?
[31:50] Enter Sebastian Junger.
[32:21] Thomas Paine and Stoic philosophy.
[34:25] The “chainsaw story” and its impact on Sebastian’s writing career.
[38:27] Athleticism and long distance running.
[39:00] Developing a writing style.
[40:46] Sebastian’s attraction to journalism.
[46:22] Sebastian’s writing style and the importance of structure.
[55:51] Commencement speech advice for high school graduates.
[59:09] Sebastian’s inspiration to visit war-torn countries.
[1:01:14] Explanation of “skin walkers.”
[1:05:00] Striving for political correctness in gender.
[1:11:43] The Iroquois’ peace process and its relevance to modern politics.
[1:19:15] Psychiatric effects of war.
[1:22:07] Bringing primitive, war-time cohesion into modern society.
[1:27:28] PTSD, the C-Train, and returning to New York City after war.
[1:32:24] The lonely nature of society.
[1:36:24] PTSD prevalence in elite special forces units vs. support units.
[1:41:30] How to “support the troops.”
[1:47:47] How a Viking helmet started — and stopped — a barfight in Spain.
[1:53:16] Developing male closeness while decreasing violence.
[1:59:05] Veterans becoming victims in society after returning from war.
[2:03:27] Photography/videography habits and Sebastian’s start as a war reporter.
[2:07:45] Tim Hetherington’s story and Sebastian’s decision to stop war reporting.
[2:11:02] Sebastian’s future writing plans.
[2:12:04] One thing anyone can do for a military veteran.
[2:16:14] Who comes to mind when Sebastian hears the word “successful?”
[2:16:46] Defining courage.
[2:16:52] Most gifted books.
[2:17:46] What close friends say Sebastian is exceptionally good at.
[2:18:09] Combining three writers to create the ultimate writer.
[2:18:47] Advice to Sebastian’s younger self.
[2:20:07] Recent purchase with the most positive impact on Sebastian’s life.
[2:22:16] Something Sebastian believes, despite being unable to prove it.
[2:22:23] Disliked habits and common practices of journalists.
[2:23:39] Advice from Sebastian’s 70-year-old self to his current self.
[2:24:48] Knowing when to write a book.
[2:26:53] Sebastian’s billboard.
[2:28:22] Final requests for the audience and parting thoughts.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Jocko Willink:

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Threads

Connect with Sebastian Junger:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

PEOPLE MENTIONED

Comment Rules: Remember what Fonzie was like? Cool. That's how we're gonna be — cool. Critical is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation! (Thanks to Brian Oberkirch for the inspiration.)

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Rugile

1 year ago

Thank you

Steven Tella

1 year ago

Great read! Jocko Willink and Sebastian Junger offer powerful insights on leadership and resilience. Thanks for sharing this inspiring content!

Jerred Schuh

1 year ago

Dear Tim,

As a long-time listener and patron of your shows and books, I wanted to reach out with a guest suggestion for your podcast. Given your background in wrestling, you may be familiar with Cale Sanderson, but if not, allow me to introduce you to one of the most remarkable figures in the sport.

Cale Sanderson is the only NCAA Division I wrestler to have won four NCAA championships while maintaining an undefeated career record. He was also named the NCAA Most Valuable Wrestler four times and competed as an Olympian. Currently, he serves as the head coach of the Penn State wrestling team, leading them to multiple NCAA team 11 titles. Sanderson is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers and coaches of our time, and his impact on the sport is undeniable.

I believe an interview with Cale Sanderson on your podcast would be an incredible opportunity to delve into the mind of a true champion and explore the dedication, discipline, and mindset required to achieve such extraordinary success in both his athletic career and coaching endeavors.

Your ability to draw out insightful and thought-provoking conversations with your guests is unparalleled, and I am confident that an interview with Sanderson would be a fascinating and inspiring experience for your listeners.

Thank you for considering this suggestion, and I look forward to the possibility of hearing this exceptional individual share his story on your platform.

Love what you do man! Its inspiring and therapeutic..

Best regards,
Jerred

alex

1 year ago

Hi Tim,
I am a fan of yours, I have read your books and heard almost all your episodes.

As a non american living in Europe I have the same sense when I hear american patriots speaking about the USA wars.
It is the sense, that what is not talked about, is that the USA’s wars are generally offensive in far away countries with no moral justification.

Defending your country in your soil, is wastly different from fighting Talibans, who got their weapons from USA when they were USA’s allies against the Russinas.

It seems to me almost natural for a Veteran to return home and realise that the war he fought did not have a moral ground. That the war he fought did not matter for his fellow Americans. To feel marginalized and depressed.

The patriot Sebastian suggests that “the society” sends the warriors to fight for the country.
This is a narrative that is noble but does not stand to close scrutiny.
It not the “society” but some power centers in the top of the sociatial ladder who decide what war to wage.

Nevertheless I regard patritism a noble value.

Take care
Alex