Harder Not Smarter Podcast

In this conversation, Kevin and Greg interview Stephen Kaplan, the owner of Trident Adventures and a former Navy SEAL. They discuss Stephen's career in the Navy SEALs and his experiences working with other special forces units. They also talk about the challenges and rewards of being a country officer and running high-risk training programs. The conversation provides insights into the life of a Navy SEAL and the importance of teamwork and adaptability. The conversation in this part revolves around the false missile alarm in Hawaii and the unique bond and mindset of military personnel. The hosts share personal experiences and discuss the impact of life-threatening situations on perspective and priorities. They also touch on the challenge of recreating the brotherhood and sense of purpose in the business world. Steve Kaplan shares his experience of going through Navy SEAL training and the challenges he faced along the way. Despite multiple injuries and setbacks, Kaplan's faith and determination kept him going. He emphasizes the importance of the Navy SEALs as a rite of passage and a way to define manhood. Kaplan also discusses his business, Trident Adventures, which offers high-end diving experiences and focuses on providing a unique and exceptional customer experience. Trident Adventures offers a range of unique experiences, including scuba diving, snorkeling, helicopter tours, shooting packages, hunting trips, and spearfishing. They have developed distinctive specialty programs, such as helicopter diving, where participants jump out of helicopters into the water and go scuba diving. Trident Adventures also offers opportunities for service members to use their GI Bill benefits for on-the-job training and skill bridge programs. The company is known for its commitment to providing exceptional experiences and treating everyone with honor and respect.Show Links

In this episode of the Harder Not Smarter podcast, host Kevin and Greg sit down with Michelle “MACE” Curran, a former Air Force Thunderbird pilot. Michelle shares her journey from being a shy child with social anxiety to becoming a public figure and a role model for women in aviation. She discusses the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome, the rigorous selection process to become a Thunderbird, and the pressures of being a public figure in a male-dominated field. Michelle also reflects on the physical demands of flying, the importance of support systems, and her transition after leaving the Thunderbirds. In this engaging conversation, Michelle Curran shares her experiences as a Thunderbird pilot and her transition to entrepreneurship. The discussion highlights the lack of support for physical fitness and mental health in the military, the challenges of public speaking, and the importance of maintaining a strong social media presence. Michelle also reveals the story behind her call sign and emphasizes the significance of physical fitness in achieving personal and professional success.

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Episodes also available on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon Music. 

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Michelle’s Links
https://macecurran.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/macecurran/
https://www.instagram.com/mace_curran/
https://www.facebook.com/macecurran/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Michelle Curran and the Thunderbirds

01:29 Michelle's Background and Overcoming Shyness

15:51 Applying and Joining the Thunderbirds

36:07 The Physical and Mental Demands of Being on the Thunderbirds

36:49 Challenges Faced by Thunderbird Pilots

45:31 Lack of Support and Resources for Pilots

50:25 Transitioning from the Military to Entrepreneurship

01:05:01 The Importance of Problem-Solving and Creativity in Entrepreneurship

01:06:57 The Fulfillment and Challenges of Entrepreneurship

01:08:15 Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt: The Power of Vulnerability

01:09:40 The Impact of Speaking Engagements: Inspiring and Motivating Others

01:13:16 The Process of Getting Published: From Manuscript to Children's Books

01:16:28 The Significance of Call Signs: Stories Behind the Names

01:19:39 The Importance of Physical Fitness for Mental Health and Focus
Takeaways

Michelle overcame her childhood shyness to become a public speaker.

Imposter syndrome is a common struggle for high achievers.

Public speaking skills can be developed through practice and exposure.

The pressure of being a role model can be overwhelming.

The selection process for the Thunderbirds is highly competitive.

Life as a Thunderbird pilot is physically demanding and exhausting.

Nutrition and health support for pilots is often lacking.

Chronic pain can be a significant issue for fighter pilots.

The importance of representation in aviation for young girls.

Transitioning from a high-profile role to civilian life can be challenging. 

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging but rewarding.

Public speaking can provide a platform for sharing personal narratives and inspiring others.

Social media is a powerful tool for building a personal brand and connecting with audiences.

Call signs in the military often have humorous or embarrassing origins.

Finding autonomy in one's career can lead to greater satisfaction and success.

Vulnerability can be a powerful tool in connecting with others and fostering success.

Keywords

Michelle Curran, Thunderbird pilot, imposter syndrome, public speaking, role model, Air Force, fighter pilot, aviation, women in aviation, overcoming challenges, military support, entrepreneurship, public speaking, social media, call sign, physical fitness, mental health, personal growth, vulnerability, success

Deed Ziegler, a former Marine Infantry and Intel officer, shares his experience transitioning from the military to entrepreneurship. He started his own CPG company, RecPak, while working a full-time job. Deed discusses his military background, including his time in Afghanistan and the challenges of being a ground Intel officer. He also talks about his decision to leave the Marine Corps and pursue an MBA, highlighting the value of the program in providing exposure to different industries and decision-making processes. Deed touches on the importance of networking and leveraging alumni networks, as well as the need to redefine one's identity after leaving the military. The conversation also delves into the joys of surfing and the meditative experience it offers. In this conversation, Deed discusses his experience starting his company, Rec Pack, which offers outdoor powdered meal replacements. He talks about the challenges of product development, finding the right team, and launching the product. Deed also shares insights on marketing and the importance of understanding your target audience. He emphasizes the need for perseverance, a beginner's mindset, and the willingness to learn from mistakes. Deed also praises the value of community, particularly in the veteran entrepreneurship space.

Kim "KC" Campbell, a former A-10 fighter pilot, shares her experiences and challenges as a female pilot in the Air Force. She discusses how she received her call sign, the unique camaraderie among A-10 pilots, and the physical demands of flying the aircraft. Kim also recounts her harrowing experience of being hit by enemy fire during a mission in Iraq and the difficult decision she had to make to land the damaged aircraft. Despite the challenges, Kim's determination and training allowed her to safely return home. Kim "KC" Campbell shares her experience of flying a damaged A-10 aircraft back to safety after being hit by a surface-to-air missile in Iraq. She talks about the challenges she faced during the flight, including loss of hydraulic systems and control, and the fear she felt throughout the ordeal. Despite the difficulties, she remained calm and confident, relying on her training and the support of her team. The aircraft sustained over 600 holes of damage but managed to make a successful landing.

Show Links

Get 1-month of FREE access to the ⁠Vet Collective Community⁠ by using discount code: NLT1UQTI

Join us here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.collective.vet⁠⁠⁠

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.collective.vet⁠⁠⁠

Episodes also available on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon Music.

https://linktr.ee/harder_not_smarter

KC's Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-kc-campbell/

https://kim-kc-campbell.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Call Signs

03:54 Becoming an A-10 Pilot

05:05 Challenges as a Female Pilot

15:31 A Harrowing Experience in Iraq

28:39 Landing the Damaged Aircraft: Overcoming Fear and Doubt

40:22 The A-10's Resilience: Built to Take Hits

46:56 Transitioning from the Military: Finding Purpose and Passion

50:39 Sharing Stories and Lessons: Inspiring Others on Their Journeys

54:02 Putting in the Work: Overcoming Fear and Doing Hard Things

Takeaways

The call sign for A-10 fighter pilots is a rite of passage and often has a hidden meaning or acronym associated with it.

The camaraderie among A-10 pilots is strong, and they have unique traditions and celebrations within their squadrons.

Being a female pilot in a male-dominated field comes with challenges, but Kim Campbell proved herself through her skills and performance in the aircraft.

Kim's experience of being hit by enemy fire in Iraq and making the decision to land a heavily damaged aircraft showcases her bravery and determination.

Training and preparation are crucial for pilots to handle emergency situations and make split-second decisions.

The physical demands of flying an A-10 include experiencing high G-forces and the need to stay hydrated and in good physical shape.

Kim's story highlights the importance of teamwork and having a reliable wingman in challenging situations.

The A-10's mission of supporting troops on the ground is a driving force for pilots like Kim, who find purpose in their work. Facing fear and taking action in difficult situations is crucial.

Training and preparation are essential for handling challenging circumstances.

Having a supportive team can make a significant difference in overcoming obstacles.

Even in the face of damage and adversity, it is possible to achieve success.

Summary

Summary

Alec Emmert, CEO of Service to School, shares his journey from the Navy to graduate school and beyond. He discusses the mission of Service to School and his personal experiences in the military and academia. The conversation covers topics such as overcoming academic challenges, submarine operations, and post-military career transitions. The conversation covers Alec's journey from the military to business school and McKinsey, as well as his involvement with Service to School. It highlights the challenges and opportunities for veterans in pursuing higher education and the support available through Service to School. The discussion also touches on the upcoming VetLink Summit and the impact of mentorship on veteran success in academia.

Show Links

Get 1-month of FREE access to the ⁠Vet Collective Community⁠ by using discount code: NLT1UQTI

Join us here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.collective.vet⁠⁠⁠

Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.collective.vet⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on LinkedIn: ⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/harder-not-smarter/⁠

Episodes also available on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon Music.

https://linktr.ee/harder_not_smarter

Alec's Links

https://www.service2school.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmert/

Chapters

00:00 Empowering Veterans: The Mission of Service to School

03:23 Navigating Academia: A Veteran's Journey

10:55 Submarine Operations and Military Culture

53:04 VetLink Summit and Mentorship

Takeaways

Service to School's mission is to help veterans gain access to higher education, from community college to PhD programs.

Alec Emmert's personal journey from the Navy to graduate school and his experiences in academia provide valuable insights for veterans seeking higher education opportunities.

The discussion sheds light on the challenges and experiences of submarine operations and the unique culture of the military.

Alec's transition from the military to a career in media and entertainment highlights the complexities of post-military career decisions and challenges.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of supporting veterans in their pursuit of education and career opportunities.

Transitioning from the military to higher education and corporate careers presents unique challenges and opportunities for veterans.

Service to School provides valuable mentorship and support to veterans pursuing higher education, helping them navigate the application process and succeed in academia.

The VetLink Summit is an important event for student veterans, offering insights, career panels, and networking opportunities with representatives from partner schools and companies.

Mentorship plays a crucial role in the success of veterans in academia, providing guidance, support, and a sense of community during their educational journey.

Jon Cobb, a former Marine and management consultant, shares his journey from leaving the military to starting his own business. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, the importance of taking time to figure out one's path, and the value of continuous learning. Jon emphasizes the need for practical experience and action-driven education, rather than solely relying on formal degrees.

Jon's expertise in management consulting and executive coaching has allowed him to help companies navigate organizational transformations and support leaders in facing challenges. Jon discusses the importance of storytelling in defining company culture and shares his approach to business development and networking. He emphasizes the value of building deep relationships and providing value to others. He also talks about the power of retreats in helping individuals gain clarity and perspective, and he highlights the importance of constantly meeting new people to foster personal growth.

Show Links

Get 1-month of FREE access to the ⁠Vet Collective Community⁠ by using discount code: NLT1UQTI

Jon's Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondcobb/

https://www.joncobbcoaching.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background: From the Marines to Consulting

03:00 Challenges of Transitioning to Civilian Life and Flexibility

11:02 The Power of LinkedIn and Personal Branding

36:17 The Power of Storytelling in Business Development

38:33 Building Trust and Value in Networking

42:35 The Misconception of Social Media for Business

56:12 Retreats and Courses in Career Development

01:07:33 Perseverance and Determination in Overcoming Challenges

Takeaways

Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be challenging, and it's important to have a plan and support system in place.

Taking time to figure out one's path and gain practical experience before committing to a specific career or educational path can be beneficial.

Continuous learning and acquiring new skills are essential for personal and professional growth.

Being a 1099 contractor can provide flexibility and opportunities to work with different companies and industries.

Management consulting and executive coaching can help organizations navigate organizational transformations and support leaders in facing challenges. Storytelling plays a crucial role in defining company culture and leaders should focus on telling the right stories.

Building deep relationships and providing value to others is key to business development and networking.

Retreats can be life-changing by providing individuals with a new perspective and clarity on their goals.

Constantly meeting new people is essential for personal growth and expanding one's network.

Jon Cobb offers a job search accelerator course that provides comprehensive support for individuals looking for new opportunities.

Teddy Mitrosilis shares his journey from being a D1 athlete to working at ESPN and eventually venturing into the startup world. He discusses the challenges of pursuing a career in professional baseball and the realization that it wasn't the right path for him. Teddy also talks about his time at ESPN and the transition to working in the startup space. He emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts and finding a professional environment that aligns with your values and goals. Teddy Mitrosilis discusses the goal of his company, Alto, and the different paths to entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of starting with a service business to gain experience and build slowly from cash flow. Teddy also shares his insights on content creation, highlighting the need to understand why you want to create content and the value of sharing your knowledge and experiences. He recommends starting with writing every day and gradually moving towards publishing. Teddy also mentions his favorite platforms for content creation, such as LinkedIn and newsletters.

Show Links

Get 1-month of FREE access to the ⁠Vet Collective Community⁠ by using discount code: NLT1UQTI

Teddy's Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/teddy-mitrosilis/

https://www.altostudios.com/

https://www.theprocess.news/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:08 Challenges of Pursuing a Career in Professional Baseball

06:13 Transitioning from Athletics to ESPN

10:34 Working at a Startup: Agility and Growth

26:39 Building a Startup and Finding Fulfillment

37:42 Starting with a Service Business

44:19 Understanding Your Why in Content Creation

50:19 The Importance of Writing Every Day

53:51 LinkedIn: The Ideal Platform for Content Creation

56:22 Sharing Knowledge and Experiences through Content

01:00:13 Overcoming the Fear of Talking About Yourself

01:04:45 Writing About Your Team's Accomplishments

01:06:59 The Supportive Community of The Vet Collective

Takeaways

Pursuing a career in professional sports can be challenging and may require a lot of sacrifice and hard work.

Transitioning from a large organization to a startup can provide opportunities for growth and learning, but it also requires agility and adaptability.

Trusting your instincts and making your own decisions is important in finding the right path for your career.

Having mentors and a support system can help guide you in your journey and provide valuable insights.

Finding a professional environment that aligns with your values and goals is crucial for long-term fulfillment and success. Starting with a service business is a healthy way to enter entrepreneurship and build a sustainable business.

Content creation should be driven by a clear understanding of why you want to create content.

Writing every day helps to develop the writing muscle and generate ideas for publishing.

LinkedIn is a great platform for content creation, offering growth opportunities and a positive community.

Sharing your knowledge and experiences through content can have a significant impact on others.

It's important to overcome the fear of talking about yourself and learn to promote your own achievements.

Writing about your team and their accomplishments can be a way to share your experiences without feeling self-centered.

Having a supportive community, like The Vet Collective, can help veterans navigate the challenges of content creation and entrepreneurship.

Amish Smith, a former Marine and current ROTC instructor, discusses his experiences in the military and the challenges of being a recon Marine. He shares his transition from the infantry to the intelligence community and his role in teaching basic skills to ROTC students. He provides insights into the rigorous training and physical demands of recon Marines, including the infamous slide for life and carrying heavy boats.

The conversation explores the concept of stoicism and its application in daily life. Amish discusses his journey with stoicism and how it has changed his life for the better. He emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with logic, treating others well, and acknowledging the impermanence of life. We also provide some historical examples, such as Vice Admiral Stockdale's stoic mindset during his time as a prisoner of war, and the parallels between ancient conflicts and modern-day power struggles. The conversation covers various topics including the Peloponnesian War, the decline of Sparta, and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Show Links

Get 1-month of FREE access to the ⁠Vet Collective Community⁠ by using discount code: NLT1UQTI

Amish's Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amishsmith/

https://www.youtube.com/@bitesizedmilitaryhistory

Chapters

00:00 The Impact of Media Frenzy

04:28 From Infantry to Intelligence

08:20 The Rigorous Training of Recon Marines

23:34 Introduction to Stoicism

27:02 Practicing Stoicism in Daily Life

38:58 Stoicism in Historical Context

57:51 Parallels Between Ancient Conflicts and Modern Power Struggles

01:01:04 The Peloponnesian War and the Weaknesses of Athens

01:03:29 The Complexity of the Israel-Palestine Conflict

01:12:24 ROTC: A Path to Service, Education, and a Guaranteed Job

Takeaways

The media frenzy surrounding the murders near the University of Idaho had a significant impact on the small town of Moscow, Idaho.

Amish Smith's transition from the infantry to the intelligence community provided him with valuable skills and knowledge to teach ROTC students.

Recon Marines undergo rigorous training and face physical challenges such as the slide for life and carrying heavy boats.

The Iron Owl Challenge is a demanding competition for ROTC units that tests their physical and mental endurance. Stoicism is a way of thinking and approaching life that involves living in accordance with logic and treating others well.

Stoicism encourages individuals to acknowledge the impermanence of life and to live well in the present moment.

Historical examples, such as Vice Admiral Stockdale's stoic mindset during his time as a prisoner of war, highlight the resilience and strength that can be gained from practicing stoicism.

There are parallels between ancient conflicts, such as the Peloponnesian War, and modern-day power struggles, emphasizing the timeless nature of certain principles and strategies. The Peloponnesian War was marked by false starts and changing strategies, ultimately leading to Athens' defeat due to the weaknesses of their democratic model.

Sparta's decline was caused by limitations such as a small population of elite soldiers and a reliance on helot slaves.

The Battle of Lutra marked the end of Spartan ascendancy on the battlefield.

The Israel-Palestine conflict is complex and rooted in historical and religious divisions.

ROTC offers a great opportunity for students to serve their country, graduate debt-free, and have a guaranteed job.

Military service provides valuable leadership experience and the chance to develop job skills that can be transferred to the civilian sector.

Summary

Mark Devine, founder of the SealFit program, joins the podcast to discuss his background and the integration of yoga and mindset training into the SEALs. The conversation covers topics such as the history of the SealFit program, the benefits of yoga and meditation for SEALs, the importance of teamwork and mindset, and the challenges faced during BUD/S training. Mark Divine shares his journey of discovering martial arts and Zen, and how it led him to develop a holistic approach to personal development. He emphasizes the importance of integrating physical, mental, emotional, intuitive, and spiritual development in order to live a fulfilling life. Mark discusses the role of meditation, visualization, breath control, and positive self-talk in this process. He also highlights the need to align with one's purpose and overcome obstacles to personal growth. Mark's upcoming book, Uncommon, provides a comprehensive guide to this whole mind development. In this final part of the conversation, the guys discuss the dangers of spiritual bypassing and the importance of finding stillness and simplicity in life. They share stories of individuals who have become obsessed with spiritual experiences and the egoic need for power. Mark emphasizes the need to cultivate a practice of mindfulness and self-reflection, both in the morning and evening, to develop awareness and eradicate negative patterns. They also discuss the importance of prioritizing what truly matters and finding freedom in entrepreneurship.

Show Links

Get 1-month of FREE access to the ⁠Vet Collective Community⁠ by using discount code: NLT1UQTI

Mark's Links

https://readuncommon.com/preorder-1

https://markdivine.com/

https://sealfit.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:29 SealFit: Integrating Yoga and Mindset Training

09:20 Box Breathing and Mindfulness in the Military

11:20 The Importance of Teamwork and Mindset in BUD/S Training

17:52 Taking Care of Your Team for Success

23:12 Mark Devine's Background and Fitness Regimen

26:28 The Journey of Martial Arts and Zen

36:09 Aligning with Purpose and Overcoming Obstacles

39:43 The Importance of Integrating Physical, Mental, Emotional, Intuitive, and Spiritual Development

48:24 Practices for Developing a Whole Mind

53:33 Developing a Witnessing Capacity and Standing Apart from Thoughts and Emotions

56:03 Curating the Quality of Thoughts and Putting Positive Energy into the World

01:02:47 The Dangers of Spiritual Bypassing

01:05:11 Finding Stillness and Simplicity in Life

01:07:11 The Importance of Mindfulness and Self-Reflection

01:12:29 Prioritizing What Truly Matters

01:19:59 Building a Business for Freedom

01:25:19 Incorporating Mindfulness into Everyday Activities