Mark McGrath on Utilizing John Boyd's Teachings in Business, Adaptive Leadership, AI's Impact on Education, Systems Theory, The 5T Protocol and more

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson interviews Mark McGrath, a Marine, strategic advisor, and author. Together, they explore the philosophy of "actions, not words," discuss the impact of technology and AI on orientation and decision-making, and dive deep into the teachings of John Boyd and Marshall McLuhan. The conversation covers adaptation, information warfare, and the importance of continuous learning and reorientation in a rapidly changing world. Episode Highlights: [15:53] — The role of AI and technology in enhancing human orientation and decision-making. [11:04] — The "Five T Protocol" for analyzing information warfare: terrain, target, tone, trope, and tactics. [27:39] — Lessons on adaptation, energy, and continuous movement from military and business perspectives. Mark McGrath is a Marine, strategic advisor, and author of "The World of Reorientation." He is the co-host of the "No Way Out" podcast and serves as Chief Learning Officer at AGLX. Mark is known for bringing John Boyd’s strategic philosophy to life, helping leaders navigate uncertainty with sharper observations, stronger orientations, and decisive, adaptive actions. He is also the creator of the "Contra Frame" Substack, where he explores experimental ideas on strategy and orientation. Contact Info & Links: Substack: The World of Reorientation Substack: Contra Frame Podcast: No Way Out AGLX: com Twitter/X: @markmcgrathcio LinkedIn: Mark McGrath Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with Don Bentley—former FBI special agent, SWAT team member, Army Apache helicopter pilot, and New York Times bestselling author. Don shares his journey from military and law enforcement to writing acclaimed thriller novels, discusses the art and discipline of writing, and offers insights on leadership, resilience, and servant leadership. Episode Highlights: 00:49 — Don Bentley’s background: FBI, SWAT, Army pilot, and bestselling author 06:30 — Taking over the Mitch Rapp series and honoring Vince Flynn’s legacy 21:00 — Don’s writing process: organic vs. plotting, overcoming creative blocks 33:00 — Lessons in leadership and servant leadership from military and civilian life Guest Bio:Don Bentley is a New York Times bestselling author known for the Matt Drake series, Tom Clancy Jack Ryan Jr. novels, and the Vince Flynn Mitch Rapp series. Before becoming a full-time writer, Don served as an FBI special agent, SWAT team member, and Army Apache helicopter pilot. His real-world experience brings authenticity and depth to his thrillers. Contact Info: Website: com Social: @BentleyDonB on X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram For signed copies: Order via his website or Poisoned Pen Bookstore (Arizona) Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get an exclusive first look at "Acta Non Verba: Transforming Adversity into Victory Through Actions and Not Words." Marcus Aurelius Anderson shares personal stories, the philosophy behind the book, and actionable strategies for overcoming adversity and achieving growth. Episode Highlights: [1:31] The reality and lessons of Adversity: Marcus’s personal story of paralysis and recovery [5:27] The Acta Non Verba philosophy: Actions, Not Words [9:09] How to join the Inner Circle and stay updated on the book release Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee McKinney, the talented guitarist and songwriter of the American metal band Born of Osiris recounts his journey from being a seventeen-year-old professional musician to overcoming substance addiction that led to a coma. He offers insightful discussion on developing unique artistic voice, the significance of discipline, parallels between martial arts and music, and the value of quality over quantity in social media. Underscoring the importance of authenticity, perseverance, and maintaining an influential circle of peers, he touches on his signature Kiesel guitar line and encourages others to cultivate their experiences into art. Episode Highlights: 35:02 Navigating Life Changes and Finding Stability in Music 37:55 The Evolution of a Musician's Career and the Impact of Technology 50:18 The Balance Between Artistic Integrity and Audience Expectations 52:56 The Role of Adversity in Shaping a Musician's Career 01:10:41 Rediscovering the Warrior Ethos 01:11:43 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Fear 01:13:53 The Influence of Martial Arts on Music 01:15:18 The Inspiration from Musashi and Martial Arts 01:17:45 The Intersection of Martial Arts and Music 01:20:37 The Impact of Adversity on Personal Growth Lee McKinney is best known as the guitarist and composer of the progressive metal band Born of Osiris. He produces, records, and engineers out of Osiris Studios. Born Lee Patrick McKinney on April 24, 1989, he grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Lee picked up the guitar at age 10 and knew immediately that music was his passion. To that end, he began practicing up to 6-10 hours a day in effort to become the most he could be at his instrument. Some of his early influences include Randy Rhoads, Eric Johnson, Dimebag Darrell, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Ray Vaughan, Joe Satriani, and more. You can hear more from Lee on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/c/leemckinney Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Megan McElheran, a clinical psychologist and CEO of Before Operational Stress, Inc. discusses stoicism's practical applications and the misinterpretations associated with it. Dr. McElheran shares her extensive work with trauma-exposed professionals, including military personnel and first responders, and highlights the importance of managing stress and trauma. Marcus and Dr. McElheran delve into the concept of post-traumatic growth, the necessity of facing adversities, and maintaining mental health resilience. The conversation also touches on Dr. McElheran's Bataan Death March experience, underscoring the significant lessons in resilience and determination. Episode Highlights: 02:29 The Misconceptions of Stoicism 08:04 The Impact of Trauma on First Responders 29:32 Stoic Wisdom for Overcoming Hardship 31:10 The Hero's Journey and Personal Growth 32:22 Embracing Pain and Suffering 37:55 Curating Thoughts and Building Confidence 40:20 The Bataan Death March: A Lesson in Endurance Dr. Megan McElheran, CEO of Wayfound Mental Health Group in Calgary, AB, is a Clinical Psychologist with 16 years of expertise in Operational Stress Injuries (OSI). Specializing in active-duty military, Veterans, and public safety personnel, she focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Driven by a passion for OSI prevention and resilience enhancement, she developed the BOS program. Exploring innovative approaches, she's delving into psychedelic medicine for psychological injuries. A sought-after speaker and educator, Dr. McElheran shares her insights nationally. Her recent publication in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology, "Functional Disconnection and Reconnection," sheds light on novel strategies for public safety personnel's well-being. You can find out more here: https://www.beforeoperationalstress.com/ Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with Ed Latimore, a heavyweight boxer, Army veteran, author, and physicist. Ed shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to success in the ring and beyond, discussing the lessons learned from boxing, overcoming adversity, addiction, and the power of personal responsibility. The conversation dives deep into mindset, writing, and the realities of life as a professional fighter and author.   Episode Highlights: [1:40] Ed’s return to boxing at age 40 and health journey [6:40] The impact of environment and relationships on life trajectory [14:00] Ed’s experiences with adversity, education, and pivotal life decisions [29:00] How boxing changed Ed’s life and helped him achieve sobriety [36:00] Misconceptions about professional boxing and the economics of the sport [51:00] Ed’s writing process and the making of his new book Ed Latimore is a heavyweight boxer, Army veteran, physicist, and bestselling author. Sober since 2013, Ed is known for his candid writing on personal development, addiction, and resilience. His latest book, "Hard Lessons from the Hurt Business: Boxing and The Art of Life," draws from his experiences in and out of the ring. Ed is also a sought-after speaker and maintains a strong online presence, sharing insights on mindset, discipline, and overcoming adversity. Learn more at edlatimore.com.   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this solo Warrior Wisdom episode, Marcus Aurelius Anderson breaks down the three essential parts of the art of leadership—philosophy, science, and application. He shares actionable insights and real-world examples to help you master self-leadership and guide others through adversity.   Episode Highlights: 01:35 – Defining the art, philosophy, science, and application of leadership 03:00 – The three parts of leadership explained 03:20 – Philosophy: Principles, vision, and values 03:50 – Science: The scientific method, KPIs, and SOPs 06:05 – Application: The human element and real-world decision making 10:10 – The importance of culture and self-policing teams 12:16 – Applying leadership lessons to all areas of life   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode, Marcus sits down with Jeff Smith, founder of The Tactical Empire and author of "Operation Wealth." Jeff shares his journey from special operations to entrepreneurship, the importance of intentional living, and how to build true financial freedom. The conversation covers family, resilience, mindset, and actionable strategies for creating a life based on actions, not words.   Episode Highlights: 7:00 – Lessons from the military: default aggression and taking action 11:00 – The dangers of overthinking and the paralysis of perfection 20:00 – Financial education: why most people never learn true wealth-building 27:00 – Infinite banking and building generational wealth 47:00 – Overcoming limiting beliefs and the sunk cost fallacy   Jeff Smith is a former special operator, Fortune 50 executive, gym owner, business mentor, and bestselling author. He leads The Tactical Empire, a movement empowering men to achieve financial independence and live with purpose.   Resources & Links: Get Jeff’s book: "Operation Wealth" on Amazon Learn more: The Tactical Empire Connect with Jeff: @realjeffsmith on Instagram Join the Tactical Empire Community on Facebook   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What could you achieve if you weren’t afraid of being laughed at? Today I’m sitting down with author and speaker Steve Sims as he shares the secret to building community, establishing authority, and taking calculated risks to achieve new levels of success. Listen as Steve and I explore why being author is an opportunity for more things, learning to lean into your community, and how to accept the fact that there will be turmoil in order to achieve your goals.   For more than two decades, Steve Sims was the go-to contact for the wealthiest people on the planet. As the founder of the world’s leading experiential concierge firm, Sims utilized his talent for connecting with people’s passions and making things happen to develop a client list of the world’s rich and famous. He has also been a keynote speaker for Harvard, the Pentagon, Mastermind Talks, and the Entrepreneur Society of San Francisco. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, kids, dogs, and a lot of motorcycles. Go For Stupid: The Art of Achieving Ridiculous Goals is the follow-up to his first book, Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen.   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding opportunities to exercise gratitude allow us to keep growing through Adversity. In this episode Janice Bryant Howroyd shares her life-altering experiences of disfigurement, segregation, and family illness and how she has learned to seek moments of gratitude in each. During this conversation Janice teaches how deprivation breeds appreciation, why vulnerability leads to clarity, and how you can create an impact with your company by helping the individuals within it.   Janice Bryant Howroyd is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Act One Group, a global leader providing customized cutting-edge solutions and the human resources industry. The Act One Group is a multibillion dollar, award winning, international talent and talent technology enterprise with multiple divisions at each service, unique area of employment and provides talent management solutions. She is currently ranked number 39 on Forbes list of America's richest self-made women.   Learn more about Janice and purchase her book here: http://askjbh.com/books/   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.