In this episode, Chris dives deep into the often-overlooked emotional and cultural barriers to effective military training. Set against the backdrop of his early work with Estonian soldiers, he shares how initial efforts were met with resistance, mistrust, and even quiet hostility.

The core issue? Feedback was taken as personal criticism, not professional development. Chris explores the concept of “breaking the horse”—earning trust slowly, proving his knowledge through action, and patiently demonstrating that he wasn’t there to control, but to help.The conversation highlights key differences between being an instructor and being a leader, especially in environments where rank is misunderstood as authority to teach.

Chris also reflects on what it means to truly care: to take personal ownership of your role, your impact, and the growth of those you lead. He didn’t just train soldiers; he invested in them, even when the reward was ridicule.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not granted—it’s earned. And sometimes, the most effective way to change minds isn’t by demanding respect, but by quietly demonstrating value and letting results speak for themselves. A must-listen for anyone navigating complex group dynamics, leadership, or personal growth.

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What happens when you take a group of conscripts, wipe the slate clean, and have just nine months to turn them into effective soldiers—and potential leaders?

In this episode, Remo and Chris dive deep into military training, exploring the challenges of teaching leadership, confronting egos, and creating real-world scenarios where rank doesn’t matter, but capability does. From humorous misunderstandings with foreign instructors to hard-earned lessons about self-awareness and team dynamics, this conversation sheds light on what truly works (and what doesn’t) in developing leaders from scratch.

Whether you’re in the military, a leadership role, or just curious how chaos gets turned into order, this episode is packed with raw insight, personal stories, and tactical philosophy that extends far beyond the battlefield.

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In this episode, former Royal Marine Christopher Sheppard joins Remo Ojaste to unpack what it really takes to train soldiers, lead under pressure, and transform post-Soviet mindsets into modern military excellence.From drunken construction crews in 90s Latvia to high-stakes ambush training and the brutal truth about moral courage, this conversation is raw, real, and packed with hard-earned lessons.Whether you're in the military, leading a team, or building a stronger mindset—this episode will challenge you to reflect, train harder, and lead better.Topics Covered:* Breaking the Soviet “normalis” mindset* Why moral courage matters more than physical strength* Training progression: explain, demonstrate, imitate, progress* Surprise, speed, and violence of action in tactics* How to build a “can-do” culture* Real-life leadership under fire* Why debriefing is where real learning happens“Every day you don’t give 100%, your enemy is happy.” Drop a comment below: What’s your biggest takeaway from this conversation?#Leadership #MilitaryTraining #CombatReady #MoralCourage #RemoPodcast #ExtremeOwnership #EstoniaJoin the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast

But only if you’re okay with losing 80% of your people. This episode explores how the ghost of the Soviet system still lingers in doctrine, command structures, and attitudes — and why it’s not just outdated, it’s dangerous.Join the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast

This episode dives into a powerful moment where training failed the people it was meant to protect. It questions the difference between drilling procedures and truly preparing someone for combat—or any high-stakes environment.

The story explores how bad habits get baked into systems, how convenience replaces competence, and why it takes courage to reteach when everything’s on the line. It’s a sharp look at the gap between knowing something and owning it.

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What does it really mean to grow up, especially in a world that often lacks structure? In this deep and reflective episode, Remo and Allar talk about the role military service played in shaping them—not just as soldiers, but as men. They reflect on childhoods filled with mischief, absent parenting, and early video game obsessions, and how that chaos eventually gave way to discipline through conscription and military life. Through brutal training, elite selection processes, and years of service, both men learned hard lessons about self-discipline, teamwork, and the necessity of failure. They also discuss how mentorship, accountability, and humility became crucial to their personal growth. Whether you’re struggling to find direction or seeking to build mental toughness, this episode offers valuable insights on becoming your best self through adversity.Join the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast

Teaching isn’t just explaining — it's building something from the ground up. Remo and Chris break down what makes an effective instructor by examining military pedagogy: explanation, demonstration, imitation, and progressive practice.

They explore how proper instruction is built on a backbone of structure, like weapon drills, and then layered with critical thinking, real-time adaptation, and deep subject understanding. The episode discusses how many instructors fail because they skip steps, don’t know the material, or only repeat theory without practice.

Whether in the military, business, or civilian training, this episode offers timeless insights into how we learn — and why the way we’re taught matters as much as what we’re taught.Quotes from the Episode“A bad demonstration will be copied more than your best explanation.” — Chris→ Highlights the critical importance of leading by example.“You’re not an instructor just because you’ve heard the theory — you become one when you’ve practiced, demonstrated, and earned the right to speak.” — Remo→ Sums up the true path to credibility as a leader or teacher.“Teaching isn’t just explaining — it’s building something from the ground up.” — Chris→ Defines real instruction at its core.“Freedom is the price of Discipline. If you want more freedom — more time, more control, more confidence — be more disciplined.” — Remo→ Powerful principle that applies to every area of life.“Everything you do reflects upon the people you train.” — Chris→ The essence of responsibility and ownership in leadership.Join the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast

In this episode, we engage with Jan Knutti — a Finnish entrepreneur, former Navy Special Forces (SOF) operator, TV personality, and author. Jan shares his transformative journey from over two decades in the Finnish military and Border Guard to becoming the CEO of Polar Apex Oy, a company at the forefront of military and tactical gear innovation. We delve into his experiences in special operations, the challenges of leadership under pressure, and how his military background informs his approach to business and product development. Join us for an insightful discussion on resilience, innovation, and transitioning from military service to entrepreneurial leadership.📌 Topics Covered:Life and Lessons from Finnish Navy Special ForcesLeadership Under Duress: Military and Business PerspectivesThe Genesis and Vision of Polar Apex OyInnovations in Tactical Gear: Bridging Experience with TechnologyTransitioning Skills from Special Operations to Corporate Leadership🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more engaging content!🔔 Turn on notifications to stay updated with our latest episodes.Join the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast

Episode 11 Part 3 with Chris Sheppard

In this episode, Remo and Chris dive into the challenges of leadership in the military, discussing how frontline soldiers receive instant feedback while higher-ranking officers often struggle to recognize mistakes. They explore how ego and hierarchy can block valuable lessons and how the best leaders remain open to change. The conversation also touches on the psychological effects of war, the importance of adapting training methods, and how leadership skills translate to civilian life and sports.

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Episode 11 Part 2 with Chris SheppardWar isn’t just about fighting the enemy—sometimes, the biggest battle is against nature. Chris details the unforgiving conditions of the Falklands, from relentless cold to the struggle for food and shelter. He explains how proper training, fitness, and mental toughness can mean the difference between life and death in the field.Join the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast