Coach Justin and Coach Thomas break down the varying stages of commitment to ultimately becoming a Special Operator. They recall their own experiences, speak about current and past clients, and how each step in the process progresses and obstacles one might encounter along the way. 

In this episode Coach Thomas speaks with one of the SOFEI's poster-child clients. They get into the specifics which led this client to join the tribe and what has been most valuable to him throughout his journey. They cap it off with priceless insight into the initial Naval Special Warfare PST, and the clients first hand experience earning a SEAL contract his first try. 

In this episode of We Don’t Knock, Thomas and Justin break down one of the most crucial concepts for anyone preparing for a selection: pain vs. injury. Too many candidates push through pain without understanding when it’s a normal part of growth—and when it’s a warning sign of something worse. We discuss how to build resilience, recognize the difference between discomfort and damage, and make smart training decisions that keep you progressing instead of sidelined.

Whether you're an aspiring special operator or just someone pushing your limits, this conversation will help you train harder, recover smarter, and show up on game day at your best.

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and keep moving forward—because we don’t knock. 🔥

In this third episode, we dive into the critical role internal dialogue plays in your preparation for Special Operations Forces (SOF) selection. Your thoughts, self-talk, and inner narratives can either drive you toward success or hinder your performance under pressure. Join us as we break down how to identify and reframe negative thought patterns, build mental resilience, and leverage positive self-talk to stay focused and motivated. Whether you're preparing for BUD/S, RASP, SFAS, AFSPECWAR A&S, or any other SOF selection process, this episode offers valuable insights on how to master your mind for peak performance. Tune in to learn how the right mindset can be your greatest asset in the journey to becoming an elite operator.

In this episode of the We Don't Knock podcast, Justin and Thomas tackle a critical yet often overlooked topic: overtraining and its impact on aspiring special operators. With years of experience coaching candidates for some of the toughest selection courses, they break down how the relentless pursuit of success can backfire when training volume and intensity aren't balanced with recovery.

You’ll hear:

• The warning signs of overtraining and how to spot them before it’s too late
• Why “more isn’t always better” when it comes to running, rucking, and calisthenics
• How overtraining increases injury risk and can sabotage performance during selection
• Actionable strategies to maximize training effectiveness while avoiding burnout
• Real-world stories of candidates who pushed too hard—and how they bounced back

Whether you're preparing for BUD/S, RASP, or any SOF pipeline, this conversation sheds light on the importance of smart training, recovery, and long-term durability. If you want to show up to selection at your peak—and stay there—this episode is a must-listen.

Subscribe now to the We Don't Knock podcast, and join Justin and Thomas as they help you prepare, perform, and achieve your mission.

In our debut episode, we explore the critical role a coach plays in preparing for SOF selection. From creating a tailored training plan to building mental resilience and reducing injury risk, we break down why going it alone can leave you falling short and how the right guidance can maximize your potential. Whether you're just starting or refining your strategy, this episode sheds light on how coaching can be your game-changer.