On the X

By IRONCLADSociety & Culture

On the X episodes

September 29 Should AI Have Rights? Sebastian Mallaby on Consciousness, Morality, and Machines
In this episode of On The X, Chris sits down with journalist and senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, and the author of The Infinity Machine, Sebastian Mallaby. Having sat with the field’s biggest minds, from Hassabis to Geoffrey Hinton, Mallaby brings a rare mix of journalistic skepticism and genuine optimism to the AI debate. In this conversation, he takes us behind the scenes of his access to one of tech’s most private figures, and shares why, despite the doom-filled headlines, he wakes up every morning excited about what comes next.

(00:00) - Why Mallaby wrote about AI
(08:07) - Hassabis's origin story: chess prodigy to AGI pioneer
(12:37) - The big ideas: information as reality and intelligence as pattern recognition
(19:22) - Consciousness, machine rights, and morality
(36:04) - Living with genius, the quest to understand reality, and whether we'll understand AI's discoveries
(46:13) - A brief history of AI: 2012 breakthroughs, AlphaGo's Move 37, and the road to ChatGPT
(54:48) - AI risk, regulation, the US-China problem, and why Mallaby stays optimistic

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1 hr 9 min
September 22 "You Don't Need to Prove Anything" — Zachary Levi on Healing, Purpose & Community
In today’s Best Of clip, Chris sits down with actor, producer, and author Zachary Levi, known for Chuck and Shazam! franchise. They explore Zachary’s work in mental health advocacy through his books Radical Love and Go Love Yourself. They talk about what we've lost as a society by drifting away from real community, and why so many veterans feel a void after leaving the bonds they built in service. This is a powerful conversation for veterans, first responders, and anyone on their own healing journey.

Support the Mission: Become a $25/month recurring donor to the Navy SEAL Foundation and get our limited edition 250th U.S. Anniversary T-shirt. Join the mission at navysealfoundation.org/250

On the X is present by Luminox Watches https://luminox.com/
-Use code: onthex20
-20% off Luminox watches (excludes outlet items)
-Valid only in the US
-One use per customer

On the X is an IRONCLAD Original

More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠

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13 min
September 15 Poker, Probability, and the Psychology of Good Decisions | Annie Duke
In today’s episode of On The X, Chris Irwin sits down with Annie Duke to explore how her career as a professional poker player shaped her expertise in decision making. They discuss the ethics of legalized gambling, Annie’s path from underground poker to advising Wall Street, and her concept of “resulting”, judging decisions by outcomes rather than the information available. Using the infamous Pete Carroll Super Bowl call, they unpack cognitive bias, sunk cost, and why knowing when to quit is an underrated skill.

Chapters:
(00:00:00) Gambling's rise: from Vegas back rooms to your phone
(00:13:17) How Annie got her start in underground poker
(00:27:04) From the poker table to Wall Street
(00:32:33) The "resulting" problem, featuring Pete Carroll's Super Bowl call
(00:50:55) Self-serving bias and tools for better decisions
(01:10:28) Knowing when to quit (McRaven, sunk cost, and letting go)
(01:26:00) Where to find Annie Duke + closing

On the X is present by Luminox Watches https://luminox.com/
-Use code: onthex20
-20% off Luminox watches (excludes outlet items)
-Valid only in the US
-One use per customer

More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our ⁠Mobile Terms and Conditions⁠ (⁠60104-info.com⁠) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.

On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
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1 hr 40 min
September 08 Steve Rinella: 'If We Know the Outcome, We've Lost Something
In this special Best Of clip, Steve Rinella (Meat Eater) breaks down the hidden logic behind "fair chase" in hunting. Using his "apple tree vs. apple" analogy, he explains why hunters focus on the health of the whole ecosystem rather than any single animal. Then he unpacks a hunting philosopher's radical idea: the real thrill of the hunt isn't the kill, it's the unknown outcome. Remove that uncertainty, and you've lost the point entirely.

Support the Mission: Become a $25/month recurring donor to the Navy SEAL Foundation and get our limited edition 250th U.S. Anniversary T-shirt. Join the mission at navysealfoundation.org/250
On the X is present by Luminox Watches https://luminox.com/
-Use code: onthex20
-20% off Luminox watches (excludes outlet items)
-Valid only in the US
-One use per customer

On the X is an IRONCLAD Original

More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠

Sponsor
The Uprising:
From the director of JASON BOURNE, Paul Greengrass brings you THE UPRISING. Andrew Garfield stars as the leader of a ferocious rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II. Set against the true events of the Uprising that helped inspire the legend of Robin Hood, he forms an army of the people to face the King’s might in a fight for justice.
Only in theaters this thursday, September 10.

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13 min
September 01 Why You Hate Running (And How to Love It Again) | Nike’s Coach Bennett
In today’s episode of On The X, Coach Chris Bennett, Nike's Global Head Running Coach, former UNC captain and Olympic Development athlete, built a championship high school cross country program and now writes Nike Run Club’s Guided Runs. Coach Bennett discusses his new book, “This Is About Running. This Is Not About Running” treats running as a metaphor for life, where showing up and consistency matter more than results.

Video Chapters:
(00:00) Behind the Scenes at Nike: Building a Global Coaching Role
(08:28) Writing "This Is About Running": Process & Philosophy
(16:43) Coach Bennett's Running Origins & the Power of Team
(28:05) Why We Fall Out of Love With Running
(38:43) Running Technique, Effort, and Avoiding Injury
(49:39) How to Start Running Right & Reclaiming Speed as You Age
(1:08:12) Favorite Running Movies, Music & Where to Find Coach Bennett

Support the Mission: Become a $25/month recurring donor to the Navy SEAL Foundation and get our limited edition 250th U.S. Anniversary T-shirt. Join the mission at navysealfoundation.org/250

On the X is present by Luminox Watches https://luminox.com/
-Use code: onthex20
-20% off Luminox watches (excludes outlet items)
-Valid only in the US
-One use per customer
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our ⁠Mobile Terms and Conditions⁠ (⁠60104-info.com⁠) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.

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1 hr 16 min
August 25 George Kittle’s Proven Mindset for Never Letting Bad Days Win (Best Of)
In today’s On The X Best Of clip, Chris Irwin sits down with San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle to talk about his mindset behind his joy and legacy. From the Calvin & Hobbes tattoo story, his rule for processing setbacks, and what it means to leave a legacy, George’s honesty about mental health and gratitude shows why he’s one of the most genuinely joyful players in the NFL.
Support the Mission: Become a $25/month recurring donor to the Navy SEAL Foundation and get our limited edition 250th U.S. Anniversary T-shirt. Join the mission at navysealfoundation.org/250
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our ⁠Mobile Terms and Conditions⁠ (⁠60104-info.com⁠) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
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11 min
August 18 The Systems Guy: Ben Meer on Designing a Life That Works
In today’s episode of On The X, Chris Irwin sits down with Ben Meer, best known as “The Systems Guy” who has spent years as an innovation consultant for Fortune 500 companies, and is the author of the System Sunday newsletter as well as the author of the upcoming book “How to Be Good at Life: Simple Systems to Achieve More and Stress Less, out this October.
In this episode, Ben digs into the simple, almost embarrassingly obvious systems that changed his life, why “trust the process” is bad advice, and how his weekly “System Sunday” routine can kill Sunday-night dread for good.

Pre-Order Ben's book "How to Be Good at Life Simple Systems to Achieve More and Stress Less":

(00:00) Introduction to Ben Meer
(00:42) Why Systems? Ben's Personal Story
(04:47) What Is a System? (And the First One Ben Built)
(11:13) The DRIVE Framework & Setting Better Goals
(17:25) The Seven Life Engines & Physical Health as a Multiplier
(24:25) Finding Root Causes and Limiting Beliefs
(32:23) Case Study: Building a Sleep System
(40:29) Decluttering and Navigating External Systems
(46:21) Emotional Regulation Tools, Writing the Book & System Sunday

Support the Mission: Become a $25/month recurring donor to the Navy SEAL Foundation and get our limited edition 250th U.S. Anniversary T-shirt. Join the mission at navysealfoundation.org/250
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our ⁠Mobile Terms and Conditions⁠ (⁠60104-info.com⁠) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
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1 hr 9 min
August 11 "You Don't Conquer a Big Wave" | Laird Hamilton (Best Of)
This "best-of" clip is from a previous episode of On the X.
Big-wave legend Laird Hamilton breaks down what's actually happening in your head when the pressure is real. He explains the difference between anxiety and true intuition and how to tell which one is talking when you're scared. You don't need to be riding 50-foot waves to use this: it's about learning to trust your gut instead of getting hijacked by fear, staying clear-headed when it counts, and knowing when to push through versus when to listen.
Support the Mission: Become a $25/month recurring donor to the Navy SEAL Foundation and get our limited edition 250th U.S. Anniversary T-shirt. Join the mission at navysealfoundation.org/250
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our ⁠Mobile Terms and Conditions⁠ (⁠60104-info.com⁠) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
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12 min
August 04 The Best Thing My Father Gave Me: Herm Edwards on Name, Legacy, and Building Mental Toughness
On this episode of On The X, Chris sits down with Herm Edwards, the legendary NFL cornerback, head coach, and broadcaster.
Herm spent a decade as a cornerback for the Eagles, Falcons, and Rams (1977–86), racking up 38 career interceptions and reaching Super Bowl XV with Philadelphia. He's also the man behind the "Miracle at the Meadowlands" the infamous fumble recovery and touchdown against the Giants in 1978 that's still replayed as one of the wildest moments in NFL history.
Herm went on to head coach the Jets and Chiefs, leading both to the playoffs in his debut seasons, before returning to the college game at Arizona State.
Video Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction: Herm Edwards' Career
(00:45) Growing Up an Army Brat: His Parents' Interracial Marriage
(05:59) Coming of Age During the Civil Rights Movement
(10:05) Dreaming of the NFL, Watching Black-and-White TV
(21:09) Rookie Year Under Dick Vermeil in Philadelphia
(32:35) The "Miracle at the Meadowlands" Play, Retold
(1:00:00) Becoming a Head Coach: Jets and Chiefs
(1:05:00) From Coaching to ESPN and Arizona State
(1:17:11) His Father's Final Lesson: "Protect Your Name"
Support the Mission: Become a $25/month recurring donor to the Navy SEAL Foundation and get our limited edition 250th U.S. Anniversary T-shirt. Join the mission at navysealfoundation.org/250
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our ⁠Mobile Terms and Conditions⁠ (⁠60104-info.com⁠) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
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1 hr 26 min
July 28 Simon Sinek on Character vs. Skill: What SEAL Training Teaches About Hiring (Best Of)
This "best-of" clip is from a previous episode of On the X. You can watch the full interview with Simon Sinek here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ueqhl7OKWbM
Known for his transformative ideas on leadership, Sinek has inspired millions with his concept of "Start With Why" and his work on building organizations that prioritize trust and collaboration. His books, including Start With Why, Leaders Eat Last, and The Infinite Game, have impacted thousands of leaders across many industries. Together, Chris and Simon explore the current state of corporate hiring, arguing that too often, skills are prioritized over character.
Support the Mission: Become a $25/month recurring donor to the Navy SEAL Foundation and get our limited edition 250th U.S. Anniversary T-shirt. Join the mission at navysealfoundation.org/250
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our ⁠Mobile Terms and Conditions⁠ (⁠60104-info.com⁠) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
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9 min

About On the X

From the publisher's feed

The Official Podcast of the Navy SEAL Foundation and an IRONCLAD Original. Hosted by Chris Irwin, a retired SEAL and the Foundation’s Communications Director, On the X explores the latest expertise in…