Resilient Mental State

Adam Johnson is a husband, father, author, coach, and international keynote speaker whose work focuses on helping people develop sustainable self-discipline through clearly defined values and a practical system of five codes aimed at eliminating self-sabotage. Adam’s life has been full of overcoming adversity in many forms. Starting at 18 years old, after missing out on a collegiate football career, he gained over 100lbs in a single year. Unhappy with the direction of his life, he took matters into his own hands and lost the weight in the same amount of time. This personal transformation led him to become a successful personal trainer in Chicago in the early 2000s until everything went away during the market crash of 2008.At a crossroads, Adam decided to enlist in US Army at 28 years old where he quickly climbed the ranks as a combat medic and eventual drill sergeant. Despite his military success and impressive physical feats as an endurance athlete, Adam privately struggled with alcohol abuse. Recognizing the destructive path he was on, he began journaling to examine his behaviors, confront his habits, and chart a new direction in life. This practice of intentional self-reflection eventually led him to write his first book, Redefine the Discipline, where he shares his story and the five-code framework he now teaches around the world.In this conversation, we discuss how to build discipline, various domains to challenge it, titles versus identity, personal ownership, flexibility, writing, replacing versus removing detrimental habits, and much more. Adam’s extensive knowledge, confidence, and competence are derived from lived experience. Let his experience challenge you to improve yours. Adam’s books: Redefine the Discipline & Close the Gap: A 90-Day Alignment JournalAdam and his wife’s company: Grit GlobalAdam’s appearance on Marcus Aurelius Anderson’s podcast for a deeper dive into his story: Acta Non Verba PodcastAdam Johnson on Instagram: officialadamjjAdam Johnson on LinkedIn: Adam J. JohnsonMy podcast with his wife, Lara Johnson: GRIT with Lara JohnsonResilient Mental State is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Resilient Mental State at www.resilientmentalstate.com/subscribe

Marcus Aurelius Anderson is a remarkable man with an extraordinary story. After enlisting in the United States Army at age 38 and becoming a team leader in his unit, Marcus suffered a devastating neck injury during pre-deployment training that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Following an emergency surgery, during which he technically died twice before being resuscitated, he was told he would never walk or use his arms again.Depressed, angry, and suicidal, Marcus was in a hospital bed for months before his mindset and willpower began to shift. Not only did he eventually regain control of basic movements, he also returned to practicing martial arts, firearms training, and extreme physical challenges like the grueling 4x4x48 workout made popular by David Goggins.Marcus went on to transform his experience into a professional career as an executive coach, podcaster, and international speaker on resilience and overcoming hardship.In this conversation, we discuss Marcus’s story and philosophy around reframing adversity, personal responsibility, acceptance, gratitude, disciplined action, and focusing on what is within our control. We also dig into other lessons he shares in his first book, The Gift of Adversity, and get a sneak preview of his new book, Acta Non Verba, which is available today!Having read Marcus’s first book, I can’t wait to dig into this new one. Marcus also hosts one of my favorite podcasts, Acta Non Verba.Marcus truly embodies his philosophy, both through what he has overcome and because of what he continues to do today. His story and wisdom reveal resilience is possible no matter how severe a setback. Adversity creates opportunities for adaptation and expanded purpose.Link to his new book: Acta Non VerbaLink to his first book: The Gift of AdversityLink to his podcast: Acta Non VerbaLink to his TEDx Talk: The Gift of AdversityResilient Mental State is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Resilient Mental State at www.resilientmentalstate.com/subscribe

Sean aka The Lost Creonte BJJ has become my favorite writer on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). He is BJJ brown belt, coach, and competitor who has spent more than twelve years on the mats. His Substack draws from systems thinking, mental models, evolutionary biology, and other disciplines to integrate practical knowledge for becoming a better grappler. What I particularly enjoy about his writing is that it expands beyond BJJ. Anyone interested in adaptability, decision-making under pressure, and continuous learning can benefit from his work.In this conversation, we discuss the evolution of MMA and BJJ, martial arts culture, growth vs. performance goals, the benefit of competition, specialization vs. generalization, iteration and innovation, roles and identity, and how lessons from training can extend into everyday life. Sean’s writing makes me a better grappler, coach, and person. Some of his best articles include:The 6 books that completely changed how I think about Brazilian Jiu-JitsuThe enduring wisdom of Chris Haueter’s 4 Golden RulesThe Most Important Skill in Jiu-Jitsu Isn’t a TechniqueHow the Lindy Effect changed the way I think about BJJMarcelo Garcia and the art of the in-betweenRegardless of grappling experience or interest, I cannot recommend subscribing to The Lost Creonte BJJ enough.Resilient Mental State is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Resilient Mental State at www.resilientmentalstate.com/subscribe

Scott Shetler is the most impressive physical trainer I’ve ever met. Mentored by the legendary Louie Simmons and working in the fitness industry for three decades, he is masterful at distilling complex training methods into simple, actionable principles while providing direction for continuous improvement.He recently published two books, Barbell Ronin and Conjugate for Old People (and Recovering Meatheads). Barbell Ronin focuses on the mindset and philosophy behind training. In a world full of noise, influencers, and endless information, Scott emphasizes brilliance in the basics to become the best version of yourself. Conjugate for Old People then explores the skillsets and practical methods to consistently apply the proven concepts he learned at Westside Barbell.I’ve never met anyone who is able to write and speak on progressively variable training as well as Scott. His Substack, Strength and Health, is a goldmine for fitness knowledge. He has a recent series titled “Fix the Limiter, Build the Lift,” which can help anyone determine the weakest link in their strength and then provides movements to improve it. He takes it a step further through his online coaching platform he runs in conjunction with his gym Extreme Performance Training Systems.Whether you’re a beginner, advanced, or aging athlete, Scott’s wisdom will add incredible value in the gym and life.Scott’s Substack: Strength and HealthScott’s Website: Extreme Performance Training SystemsBook Link: Barbell RoninBook Link: Conjugate for Old People (and Recovering Meatheads)Resilient Mental State is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Resilient Mental State at www.resilientmentalstate.com/subscribe

Zach Homol is a husband, father, entrepreneur, gym owner, coach, athlete, and founder of the Do Hard Things community.Raised in West Virginia, Zach worked as a coal miner while building a reputation as an elite powerlifter. In 2016, he took a chance and moved to Indianapolis to open Iron Valley Barbell. Despite early challenges, Zach’s consistency, creativity, and relentless effort transformed the small gym into a thriving global community that now includes coaching programs, retreats, conferences, and thousands of people committed to physical, mental, and spiritual growth.His athletic accomplishments are beyond impressive. To name a few, Zach has squatted and deadlifted over 700 pounds, overhead pressed more than 300 pounds, performed a 175-pound pistol squat, benched 225 pounds for 49 reps and 315 for more than 20 reps. He has also completed Ironman races, ultramarathons, and recently ran 75 miles during a Backyard Ultra event. His goal this year is to exceed 100 miles, potentially becoming the first person in recorded history to both squat over 700 pounds and complete a 100-mile run.Zach is genuinely one of the coolest people I’ve ever spoken with. Not because of what he has accomplished or how he looks/talks (although also very cool), but because of who he authentically and unapologetically is. He is not chasing appearances, status, or perfection. As you’ll hear in our discussion or see if you follow his work, his focus is on becoming the best version of himself as a husband, father, leader, and human being.For more from Zach, check out his Substack: Do Hard ThingsFollow Zach on XSome of my favorite posts from Do Hard Things:* DO HARD THINGS* The Theology of 4:04 AM* 3 Tips for a Thriving Marriage* Hard Fitness Truths* 5 Days in Total DarknessVideo of him pistol squatting 90 lbs:Resilient Mental State is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Resilient Mental State at www.resilientmentalstate.com/subscribe

Benjamin Davis is a former Navy SEAL, husband, father, veteran advocate, and writer of The Transition, a Substack newsletter that includes essays, fictional short stories, and some of the best long-form interviews you will find online, all focused on life during and after significant change. Ben is the Executive Director of the Veterans' Outdoor Advocacy Group whose mission is to promote the benefits of outdoor adjunct therapy for Veterans by delivering research and advocacy, while driving access and proving efficacy, and perpetuating the well-being of our public lands.In this conversation, we discuss identity, finding meaning after transition, doing vs. being, catharsis through creativity, interconnectedness, staying true to yourself, comparisons between fiction and nonfiction, fatherhood, and much more.Ben’s passions span many domains. His story and work show both the power of purpose and the importance of not becoming confined to a single identity.Whether through creative arts or connection forged during challenging outdoor experiences, transformation often begins with outlets that allow for authentic self-expression and community development. This is what Ben advocates for through VOAG and what he consistently demonstrates in his exceptional writing.For more from Ben, check out The Transition.Here are some of my favorites from his Substack:* Transition Interview with Mark Twight* Transition Interview with Brad Geary* What We Already Know* Anhedonia* UsefulnessResilient Mental State is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Resilient Mental State at www.resilientmentalstate.com/subscribe

Michael Woudenberg is a mixed mental artist who breaks down complex ideas into practical wisdom for thriving in the octagon of life. The writer behind one of my favorite Substack accounts, Polymathic Being, Mike explores both conventional and controversial concepts relating to humanity.I grew up reading primarily fiction. These days, the majority of my reading is nonfiction; however, when I learned Mike had written a fictional novel based on many of his Substack posts, I immediately ordered a copy. Already having high expectations, Paradox exceeded them all.Paradox is a science fiction thriller based on moral dilemmas in creating advanced AI. Integrating science, psychology, and technology, Mike creates an engaging plot, likable characters, and a story that reads like a real possibility. It will challenge you to consider the pros and cons of continued development toward sentience of AI while allowing you to draw your own conclusions. Its premise poses a simple question, “In the battle over advanced AI, will we lose our humanity or learn what truly makes us human?”In this conversation, Mike and I discuss his outstanding book and the many themes that arise in it such as moral dilemmas, consciousness, identity, reason vs. emotion, technology vs. human experience, and the illusion of progress. We also discuss his creative process, merging of science and fiction, and the already published sequel to Paradox titled Integration. He’s now working on the third book in his series titled Rebirth which sounds like it’s developing into his most exciting novel yet.If you enjoy fiction in any way, I can’t recommend picking up a copy of Paradox enough. Order hereI also highly recommend checking out The Singularity Chronicles website for more information on all of his novels to include sources of information for the various concepts he writes on, videos, order links at a discounted cost, and more. Posts we alluded to in our conversation:* AI: A Reflection of You* Becoming a Man* Sympathy -> Empathy -> Resiliency* Mixing Mental ArtsResilient Mental State is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Resilient Mental State at www.resilientmentalstate.com/subscribe

Kit Perez | Grey Cell Systems is a mother, wife, counterintelligence and deception analyst, liberty activist, trauma counselor, teacher, homesteader, writer on Substack of The Shepard Scale, host of Change the Game podcast, co-author of Basics of Resistance and author of The Mindset of Resistance. She holds two master’s degrees, one in Intelligence and the other in Trauma Counseling and Crisis Intervention. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Counterintelligence with additional studies in Criminal and Intelligence Profiling. Kit is one of the most brilliant writers and speakers I know. She developed Grey Cell Protocols to assess human conditions and systems to detect vulnerabilities and opportunities. While her work and all of her credentials are impressive, it’s the experiences behind them that make her truly interesting, credible, and inspiring.In this conversation, Kit shares the history behind her Why. From the military, to abuse, loss, militias, the dark web, reorientation, transformation, and faith, she doesn’t hold back. We discussed trauma, healing, growth, vulnerability, validation, weirdness, communities, and interconnectedness.Kit’s story demonstrates the power of resilience and how adversity can be used to elevate your purpose and life. Anything is possible for those who are willing to endure, explore, and evolve.On April 30th, Kit’s newest book she co-authored with Donald Vandergriff, a retired US Marine and Army Officer who specializes in military leadership, decentralized command, and maneuver warfare, will be released. It is titled Mission Command & The Grey Cell Protocols. Pre-order here.Kit’s Substack and podcast will sharpen your thinking and orientation to reality. I highly recommend both.Some of her recent written work includes:* The Discipline and Process of Synthesis* Spotting Deception Under Pressure * Orientation is the System* Why I’m Leaving the Three Percent (a powerful article she wrote ten years ago)* Why Good People Become Infiltration Vectors* Personality vs. Pathology* Pornography and Orientation: An Operational HazardResilient Mental State is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Resilient Mental State at www.resilientmentalstate.com/subscribe

Patrick Van Horne co-authored one of the best books I’ve ever read — Left of Bang. Since it was released over a decade ago, he has continued to evolve his company and work to create and apply this powerful concept at an organizational and team level.Now offering Left of Bang Strategic Briefs and advisory work focused on preparedness as a capability, he has made getting left of bang actionable beyond military operations.In this conversation, we discuss his strategic framework for getting left of bang, preparedness vs. readiness, experience-based vs. proactive preparation, patterns in preparedness, the value of projects, personal preparedness, and much more.Patrick Van Horne is one of the best writers and speakers on applying strategic thinking.Being a paid member of The CP Journal has been one of the best investments I’ve made over the past two years.Use links below to access his work that inspired this podcast:* Preparing the Organization You Will Need* The Three Levels of Left of Bang* The Four Preparedness Personas: Where Your Organization Fits* The Individual Readiness PlaybookResilient Mental State is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Resilient Mental State at www.resilientmentalstate.com/subscribe

Peter Maguire is a bestselling author and influential, independent writer/editor. The experiences that led up to the creation of his books and profession as a writer, however, are what make him truly fascinating. In this conversation, we discuss many of the interesting aspects of and lessons from Peter’s life.After nearly drowning as a one-year-old, Peter’s mother forced him to learn how to swim by the age of two. Despite wealthy parents and access to privileged societies, Peter was drawn to the water and the life of a surfer. Traveling the world, involvement in marijuana trade, learning to fight, near death experiences, heartbreak, and forced blue-collar labor led Peter to pursue a doctorate in history in New York. It was here he became committed to serving others. As a war-crimes investigator and professor of law and war theory at Columbia University, Peter began publishing books based on his work:Law and War Facing Death in Cambodia Thai Stick: Surfers, Scammers, and the Untold Story of the Marijuana Drug Trade Peter trained various martial arts throughout his life earning black belts in multiple disciplines, including one from the greatest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter of all time - Rickson Gracie. Through their friendship, Peter authored both of Rickson’s books, which are two of my favorites:Breathe: A Life in FlowComfort in Darkness: The Invisible Power of Jiu Jitsu Peter continues to write and mentor in many domains, including his Substack, Sour Milk.To continue his life of service, Peter founded The Fainting Robin Foundation which provides financial support to independent scholars, writers, and thinkers whose work falls outside the mainstream. To hear more about Peter’s interesting story, check out his appearance on the Jocko Podcast. As a longtime Jocko Podcast fan, Peter’s episode remains one of my favorites. Resilient Mental State is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Resilient Mental State at www.resilientmentalstate.com/subscribe