22 SAS Sergeant Major: The Hardest Part of SAS Selection, Building Resilience, & More | Melvyn Downes

In today's episode, Jordan sits down with Melvyn Downes, former British SAS soldier, author, and motivational speaker. Melvyn shares an extraordinary journey from growing up on one of Europe’s largest council estates to serving over two decades in the British military, including twelve years in the SAS. He opens up about facing racism as a young boy in Stoke-on-Trent, the lessons his Jamaican father taught him about resilience and standing up for himself, and how those experiences shaped his determination to succeed. Melvyn talks about the harsh realities of military life, from the fear of combat in Northern Ireland and the Gulf War to the grueling SAS selection process that tests every limit of the human body and mind. Throughout, he reflects on leadership, discipline, and the power of perseverance, reminding listeners that true strength comes from refusing to quit, no matter how hard the mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s episode, Jordan sits down with Tom and Jen Satterly - a couple whose journey through war, trauma, and healing has inspired millions. Tom spent years in Delta Force, serving on some of the most dangerous missions in modern history. From the chaos of Mogadishu to the hidden battles fought back home, Tom opens up about the cost of war, the invisible wounds of PTSD, and the moment he almost lost everything. Alongside him is his wife, Jen Satterly, co-founder of the All Secure Foundation, who shares the raw reality of living beside trauma and the long road to recovery. Together, they pull back the curtain on the truth behind the headlines, the anger, the breakdowns, the near-divorce, and the healing that began only when honesty did. This conversation isn’t just about war, it’s about what happens after the war. It’s about identity, love, and the courage it takes to rebuild. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s episode, Jordan sits down with Jay Morton, former Special Forces soldier, mountaineer, and endurance athlete. Jay opens up about his journey from growing up in a working-class town in Lancashire to serving in the military and later building a life around adventure, challenge, and resilience. He talks about the realities of life in the Special Forces, the struggle of identity after leaving, and how he managed to keep his civilian friendships and sense of self intact. Jordan and Jay also discuss the lessons learned from leading expeditions on Everest, the importance of doing hard things for personal growth, and the mental battles that come with public speaking, endurance events, and redefining who you are after high-profile experiences like SAS: Who Dares Wins. This conversation is about resilience, identity, and pushing beyond comfort zones. Jay’s story is a powerful reminder that strength isn’t only about physical toughness but also about adaptability, humility, and finding purpose in new chapters of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Navy SEAL veteran Eddie Gallagher and his wife, Andrea, for an unfiltered conversation about resilience, faith, and standing strong in the face of adversity. From Eddie’s upbringing as a military child traveling the world, to his rebellious youth and eventual path into the Navy SEALs, his story is one of grit, determination, and never backing down. Eddie opens up about the grueling SEAL selection process, combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the lessons forged in some of the toughest environments imaginable. Together, Eddie and Andrea share the deeply personal journey of navigating false accusations, wrongful imprisonment, and the battle to clear Eddie’s name. Their story goes beyond the battlefield, exploring the toll on family, the importance of unwavering support, and the mindset required to keep moving forward no matter the odds. This episode is packed with life lessons on resilience, discipline, leadership, and faith. Whether you’re chasing personal growth, overcoming setbacks, or looking for inspiration from those who’ve stood in the fire, Eddie and Andrea’s story will leave you with practical wisdom and renewed strength. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful episode, we sit down with inspirational speaker and former college football player, Inky Johnson. He takes us through his incredible journey, from a challenging childhood in Kirkwood, Atlanta, to becoming a top NFL prospect. Inky shares how a life-altering injury on the football field, which left his right arm and hand paralysed, transformed his perspective on life. He talks about finding purpose in his pain, the philosophy of "emptying the bucket," and what it truly means to be wealthy. This is a story of resilience, faith, and the power of turning adversity into an opportunity to inspire others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Jordan sits down with warrior monk Krishna Thapa, a former Gurkha and SAS special forces operator who has dedicated his life to teaching spiritual wisdom. Krish shares how his journey from the mountains of Nepal to the battlefields of the world shaped his understanding of what it means to live with purpose, resilience, and service. They explore the power of the five elements, earth, water, fire, air, and ether, as the foundation of a fully conscious human being. Krish explains how mastering these elements allows us to find balance between warrior discipline and spiritual peace, to know when to fight and when to be still. He speaks openly about trauma, loss, and survival, and how awareness and acknowledgment can transform even the darkest moments into growth. At its core, this conversation is about service, legacy, and leaving behind values that endure for generations. Krish’s rare blend of elite soldiering and monkhood makes his perspective both practical and profound. If you’ve ever questioned your purpose or struggled to find peace in the noise of modern life, this is a conversation that will leave you inspired to reconnect with your inner warrior and live with greater intention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Save 10% off your Marek Health order by using code “MULLIGAN” at www.marekhealth.com⁠⁠ #ad Places to find Asha: ​@ashanayaswami‬   https://www.ananda.org/author/asha/ https://www.ashajoy.org In this episode, Jordan sits down once again with spiritual teacher Asha Nayaswami, for a profound conversation on the key steps to lasting happiness and the truth about reincarnation. Asha shares powerful insights on how to cultivate unshakable joy, moving beyond fleeting pleasures and external circumstances. She breaks down the practical steps we can take to build a foundation of inner peace, from shifting our daily perspective to understanding the role of purpose in a fulfilled life. Drawing from her decades of experience, she demystifies the concept of reincarnation, explaining its purpose as a journey of the soul’s evolution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Save 10% off your Marek Health order by using code “MULLIGAN” at ⁠⁠https://www.marekhealth.com/⁠⁠ #ad Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche Upcoming Events! ⁠⁠https://tulkulobsang.org/en/tourplan⁠⁠ Unlock exclusive ad-free interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and unseen footage. Join our Patreon for the ultimate Mulligan Brothers experience- ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/mulliganbrothers⁠⁠ If you're struggling and want to speak with an online, professional, and affordable counsellor consider going to our partner Betterhelp for 10% off your first session - ⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/mulliganbrothers⁠⁠ Places to find Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche: ⁠⁠https://tulkulobsang.org/en/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tulkulobsang/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://links.tulkulobsang.org/⁠⁠ In this episode, Jordan speaks with Tulku Lobsang—Buddhist master and a renowned teacher of Tibetan wisdom. They delve into two of the most profound human experiences: death and dreams. Tulku Lobsang shares ancient teachings on how to approach death without fear, viewing it not as an end, but as a powerful transition of consciousness. The conversation then shifts to the mysterious world of lucid dreaming and dream yoga, revealing how we can use our dreams as a tool for spiritual practice and to understand the very nature of reality. This episode is a journey into the heart of Tibetan Buddhist teachings on consciousness, reality, and the great cycle of life and death. Whether you're seeking to overcome the fear of the unknown or unlock the hidden potential of your own mind, Tulku Lobsang’s wisdom provides profound guidance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode features NBA legend Muggsy Bogues, who, at 5'3", defied the odds to make it in the league. He shares how he overcame constant criticism, inspired by his mother's advice to never let anyone steal his joy. Bogues explains how he turned his height into a strength, challenged the conventional wisdom of coaches, and earned the respect of his teammates. He reflects on how his success changed his family's life and encourages listeners to turn their weaknesses into strengths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s episode features John “Shrek” McPhee, a man whose life story is as raw, unfiltered, and honest as the lessons he’s learned along the way. A former Delta Force operator, John opens up about the reality of life in special operations - what it takes to survive, to lead, and to keep pushing forward when everything around you is designed to break you. From maintaining vehicles in the dust-choked roads of Afghanistan to stealing cars for missions in Iraq, his stories aren’t just war tales, but lessons about adaptability, efficiency, and the importance of learning through failure. John talks candidly about growing up in a rough neighbourhood, experiencing abuse at home, and how those struggles shaped both his resilience and his flaws. What stands out is his belief that greatness is just one step beyond failure - a step most people give up on too soon. For him, failure was never the end; it was the teacher that drove him forward, whether in training, combat, or life. Beyond the battlefield, John shares his perspective on leadership, efficiency, and why bad leadership is often about forcing people into stupid, unproductive work. He also speaks on finding freedom in simplicity, why he thrives training alone, and how jiu-jitsu gave him a new way to channel discipline and purpose after retiring from the military. It’s an episode that cuts through excuses and shows what it means to own your past, let go of bitterness without necessarily forgiving, and use every hardship as fuel for growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices