Fear Less

13. Jumping into Fear: Life in the Air Force Special Operations


Listen Later

Interview: In this gripping episode of the Fear Less podcast, we sit down with TJ, a member of the elite Air Force Special Warfare Pararescue team, also known as PJs. TJ gives us an inside look into the harrowing world of a Pararescue jumper, whose primary mission is to rescue and provide medical treatment to downed pilots, special forces operators, and others who find themselves in danger behind enemy lines. These highly skilled experts are trained to handle any environment—from skydiving, scuba diving, and rock climbing to braving arctic conditions—all in the name of saving lives.

TJ takes us through the intense moments of jumping out of planes and helicopters and embarking on underwater missions, describing how he confronts and manages fear in the face of danger. He shares his personal strategies for overcoming fear, focusing on the importance of extensive training and preparation and the mindset of putting others above himself. He also reflects on the skill of modulating fear, learning to dial it "up to red" for missions and down "to green" to recover afterward. For TJ, it's the mission of saving lives that allows him to push through fear, risk his own life, and perform under profound pressure.

Join us in this powerful conversation with TJ, where we explore the critical role of a PJ, the meaning of true bravery, and the immense responsibility shouldered by these heroes of the Air Force Special Warfare. This episode is not to be missed by anyone interested in military operations, courage in the face of danger, or inspirational stories of selflessness and duty.

Zack's Anxiety Hack: In this segment, Zack talk about creating certainty when anxious using a simple but effective method.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Fear LessBy Zack Schafer

  • 4.4
  • 4.4
  • 4.4
  • 4.4
  • 4.4

4.4

16 ratings


More shows like Fear Less

View all
Serial by Serial Productions & The New York Times

Serial

75,228 Listeners

Freakonomics Radio by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

Freakonomics Radio

32,033 Listeners

The New Yorker Radio Hour by WNYC Studios and The New Yorker

The New Yorker Radio Hour

6,795 Listeners

On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti by WBUR

On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti

3,985 Listeners

10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

10% Happier with Dan Harris

12,721 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

111,863 Listeners

Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel by Esther Perel Global Media

Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

14,881 Listeners

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett by DOAC

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

8,386 Listeners

Flusterclux With Lynn Lyons: For Parents Who Worry by Lynn Lyons LICSW, Robin Hutson

Flusterclux With Lynn Lyons: For Parents Who Worry

466 Listeners

Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

Huberman Lab

29,193 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

19,920 Listeners