Adversity is everywhere in life.  You can choose to isolate yourself in an attempt to avoid it, or you can face it and learn to overcome.  This is a simple/unavoidable choice for most adults, but our children require the example and environment that their parents create.  I believe that physical challenges create the most powerful teaching tools in this area for kids, and one great mechanism is BJJ. 

Kisa and Travis Davison are the owners of SBG (Straight Blast Gym) Montana, which has a thriving program designed specifically for children. 

Check out Growing Gorillas for more information, then do the right thing and get your kids/young adults involved!  

Mark Carter is a 3rd generation rancher turned professional snowboarder. Mark was born and raised in the small town of Ten Sleep, Wyoming, working side by side with his family on their ranch. He received his first snowboard as a gift from his mother at the age of ten, and the rest is, as they say, history.  He has traveled the globe riding the best snow imaginable, creating major snowboarding films along the way. 

Here is the link to his family farm, and grass-fed beef delivery: 

Carter Country Meats

Mark Carter is a 3rd generation rancher turned professional snowboarder. Mark was born and raised in the small town of Ten Sleep, Wyoming, working side by side with his family on their ranch. He received his first snowboard as a gift from his mother at the age of ten, and the rest is, as they say, history.  He has traveled the globe riding the best snow imaginable, creating major snowboarding films along the way. 

Here is the link to his family farm, and grass-fed beef delivery: 

Carter Country Meats

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL, the host of the Jocko Podcast, a NYT best selling author, Leadership speaker and consultant, and one of the founders of Echelon Front. 

John Dudley is a world-class archer, projectile enthusiast, and one of the best bow hunters to walk the face of the earth.  He founded Nock on Archery, and combined with his YouTube channel and School of Nock his platform is the one-stop shop for anyone in the archery world, or looking to enter the sport of archery.

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL, the host of the Jocko Podcast, a NYT best selling author, Leadership speaker and consultant, and one of the founders of Echelon Front. 

John Dudley is a world-class archer, projectile enthusiast, and one of the best bow hunters to walk the face of the earth.  He founded Nock on Archery, and combined with his YouTube channel and School of Nock his platform is the one-stop shop for anyone in the archery world, or looking to enter the sport of archery.

Mat Best is a former Army Ranger and CIA contractor.  After years spent overseas, he has devoted himself to business and the pursuit of being an entrepreneur.  He is the co-founder of Black Rifle Coffee, the founder of Article 15 Clothing, Leadslinger Spirits, and one of the hosts of the Drinking Bro's Podcast.  He also starred in the movie Range 15 and recently published a book about his time in uniform titled: Thank you for my service. 

In addition to all of the things previously mentioned, he creates some of the funniest content on the internet. Check out his Youtube channel here: 

https://www.youtube.com/user/MBest11x

Mat Best is a former Army Ranger and CIA contractor.  After years spent overseas, he has devoted himself to business and the pursuit of being an entrepreneur.  He is the co-founder of Black Rifle Coffee, the founder of Article 15 Clothing, Leadslinger Spirits, and one of the hosts of the Drinking Bro's Podcast.  He also starred in the movie Range 15 and recently published a book about his time in uniform titled: Thank you for my service. 

In addition to all of the things previously mentioned, he creates some of the funniest content on the internet. Check out his Youtube channel here: 

https://www.youtube.com/user/MBest11x

Jason Gardner is a retired Navy SEAL Master Chief with 30 years of service, all inside of Naval Special Warfare.  His career spans Desert Storm, Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.  He is the recipient of the Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and many other awards.

We discussed raising our children, a lifetime spent in Special Operations, the pros and cons of a life in military service, life after service, war crimes, and leadership. 

Enjoy

Jason Gardner is a retired Navy SEAL Master Chief with 30 years of service, all inside of Naval Special Warfare.  His career spans Desert Storm, Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.  He is the recipient of the Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and many other awards.

We discussed raising our children, a lifetime spent in Special Operations, the pros and cons of a life in military service, life after service, war crimes, and leadership. 

Enjoy

Leaving a career that has defined you for years can be difficult.  I struggled with it immensely post-military after a 17-year career, I still stumble occasionally. There is incredible value to be gained by putting down the past and redefining yourself.  I am at the six year point and I have learned a few lessons along the way, hopefully they help. 

The 4th of July is upon us....hopefully 1776 and Independence can take on a deeper meaning for you this holiday weekend.