The Hidden Why Podcast

Jocko Podcast

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi

Jocko Willink is a retired United States Navy SEAL who co-founded Echelon Front, a management consulting firm providing coaching and training to organisations and teams on all thing’s leadership. He is also a co-author of Extreme Leadership and The Dichotomy of Leadership, with fellow SEAL mate Leif Babin and now podcast host.

The Jocko podcast is an educational long-form podcast in which Jocko discusses topics, usually with a guest, on leadership and discipline from a military background and perspective that applies it to everyday life, business and relationships. As a new listener, I’ve recently enjoyed conversations on topics such as obedience, morale, betrayal and what to do when things fail.

With a belief that we are all leaders of our own lives, I feel that many of the concepts, ideas and philosophies related to leadership and war can be directly transferable and applied to our everyday life. For example, it goes without saying that those who can cultivate strong discipline, essentially a code of behaviour or rules, will lead to more successful, healthy and happy lives.

Whether it’s reading from some text, the code of Japanese Kamikaze, or simply bringing in guests to discuss mindset or other leadership-related topics, I find Jocko’s experience and knowledge easy to understand and digest. He is direct and to the point and without the fluff I have found I’ve found it both educational and insightful which I am sure will help me and others develop leadership ability and understanding that will benefit us in everyday life.

Finding Your Hidden Why

Written & narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi - Originally published December 30, 2014

Waking up day after day with this feeling that something is missing from my life. Every morning I wake thinking, hoping and wondering if there is more to this mundane experience. I know I need to do something different. I know I need to change, any change would be welcome, but how?

Am I stuck? Why am I not satisfied? Will I continue to carry on doing what I need to do to just to get by? Am I part of the status quo, a mere cog in the wheel of life? Is that enough?

A blog by Seth Godin inspired to sit down and write about what it is I want out of life. How can I find more purpose and maybe even discover my true purpose - my why?

Compassion with James Kirby

"Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty." Albert Einstein

Compassion is defined as the sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. If the purpose of compassion is to alleviate the suffering and pain within ourselves, others and all living things then it brings a great level of importance. I was delighted to be able to speak with James Kirby on this topic, one which he clearly has much passion and knowledge about. Not only does he share insight on the intricacies on compassion but also how we can go about cultivating it in our daily lives. Enjoy!

Guest Bio

James is a Clinical Psychologist and Lecturer at the School of Psychology at the University of Queensland. He is also the Co-Director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group at the University of Queensland. He has broad research interests in compassion, however, specifically, he examines compassion focused therapy and evaluates compassionate mind training interventions. James also holds a Visiting Fellowship at the Centre for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and chapters. He also continues his work as a clinical psychologist in private practice.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi (First published 28.07.2014)

“To labor in the arts for any reason other than love is prostitution.” Steven Pressfield.

Are you a writer, painter, musician, politician, a person with some deep inner desire to travel a path that you currently are not? Have you ever started something and caved? Have you been meaning to start a creative project but just haven’t quite got to it yet? If that sounds like you then this book just may be for you.

Steven Pressfield is the author of The War of Art. He has written many books however this best-seller has to be one of his most popular pieces of work. In it, Steven suggests that resistance is a toxic force that acts as the strongest barrier to us succeeding in what it is our heart desires. We all face it and most probably every day.

Belief

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

belief - a mental representation of an attitude positively oriented towards the likelihood of something being true.

Belief is the thought of something that is true or factually correct and can be interpreted to be the case with or without empirical evidence. We form various beliefs over the course of our lives and continue to do so on a day to day basis. Some beliefs are of little importance while others carry a significant weight upon our behaviours and overall well-being. Just as beliefs are formed I believe they can be changed. Therefore, if certain beliefs are representing obstacles as the way we truly desire to live our life, we can work to change them.

My thoughts on the importance and formation of our beliefs and how we can change them.

Making Space & Clutter-Free

“Clearing clutter—be it physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual—brings about ease and inspires a sense of peace, calm, and tranquillity.” Laurie Buchanan

Tracy McCubbin is a professional declutter. She helps people from all walks of life get more organised and declutter their lives. Personally, I appreciate the unbelievable benefits that come from living a clutter-free life, both physically and mentally. I also feel that the clutter and disorganisation of our lives are not always easy to detect nor are they benefits that noticeable.

In speaking with Tracy I learnt that there are real emotional ties to our clutter filled lives that need to be unwrapped in order for us to move forward. Tracy shares great insight into why and how we can all create more clutter-free lives in efforts to perform better and be happier.

The Once and Future Worker: A Vision for the Renewal of Work in America by Oren Cass

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi

Oren Cass is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. In this book, Cass tackles the tough challenge global economies are facing with regards to the future of productivity, growth, human interest and well-being. As wages have become stagnant for over a generation and although we are told employment has increased the labour market is more heavily made up of casual and part-time workers who face an increasing level of uncertainty, job-insecurity and dissatisfaction. According to Cass this is causing an increasing reliance of welfare programs as life expectancy falls, drug abuse and obesity increases and families who provide the backbone and stability to well-functioning communicates and society as a whole are falling apart. An important reason for Cass’s work.

What is the state of the future worker?

Please enjoy this week's book reflection.

Outrunning the Demons with Phil Hewitt

“Even when you have gone as far as you can, and everything hurts, and you are staring at the specter of self-doubt, you can find a bit more strength deep inside you, if you look closely enough.” Hal Higdon

In this episode, I chat with Phil Hewitt about his journey of transforming his life through the power of running. After being viciously mugged in 2016 and left for dead and then suffering the acute symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, Phil found that dedicating himself to running was the healing path forward. As Phil suggests, running can take us to fantastic places and bring us back from terrible places. Enjoy this conversation on how running can help change lives.

Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi

In this book, David Goggins shares his amazing life story that will not only shake you but leave you feeling inspired. I believe the ultimate goal for Goggins in sharing his journey is not for self-gain or recognition but to encourage others to push through their fears, overcome obstacles and realise their potential. Life wasn’t meant to be easy however when we face that fact and keep going regardless of the unease or adversity we strengthen resilience and open ourselves to a world of endless opportunities. Goggins is a living example of this.

Please enjoy this week's book reflection.

Passion, Purpose, Freedom & Security

In this solo rant, I discuss my journey in following my passions and trying to create a life doing those things I love. Living in the moment, doing that which brings us joy, being more purposeful with my time, all very wonderful things however it comes at a cost. The price paid may be stability and security.

Now, I seek balance. I still believe in the pursuit of passion and purpose and also feel there is a significant need in finding secure work and a stable career. Change is wonderful however constant change can be destabilising and anxiety provoking. Inner peace and calmness may be best found by following our passions however I have come to appreciate that it is beneficial to remain consistent in our field of work and finding the joy there. 

I would love to continue this conversation with you if you'd like to leave your comments below.