558: What We Can Learn From John Spencer Almost Dying 20 Times.

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Urban warfare expert and retired Army officer John Spencer returns to share stories from 20 Times I Almost Died, from Ranger School and Iraq to Ukraine, Gaza, and some incredibly close calls. Along the way, John and Jocko break down leadership, intuition, modern warfare, resilience, and the importance of developing a personal code to live by.00:00 – John Spencer: 20 Times I Almost Died02:53 – Kashmir: India, Pakistan & Modern Warfare05:10 – Lebanon, Hezbollah & the Changing Battlefield11:17 – Ukraine, Drones & the Future of War15:54 – Inside a Hamas Tunnel Under Gaza24:43 – Iraq: Common Sense, Orders & Leadership39:08 – The IED Trap: Trusting Your Intuition45:28 – “Pepper”: The Fight That Cost John His Ear1:08:27 – The “Sopranos of Baghdad” & Humility1:29:02 – Ukraine, Bucha & the Will to Resist1:38:00 – Ranger School: “You Can Always Quit Tomorrow”1:44:03 – The Best Ranger Competition & a 40-Foot Fall1:55:48 – Iraq: A Deadly Humvee Crash & Duty2:01:31 – Azerbaijan’s Special Forces & the Battle of Shusha2:11:08 – Going Full Rambo as an OPFOR Soldier2:16:01 – The Mission to Capture Saddam Hussein2:27:05 – The Current Situation in Gaza2:42:38 – Who Are You? Building a Code to Live By2:53:21 – Closing Thoughts With John Spencer2:54:19 – Jocko & Echo Closing / SupportersSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< How to be a dependable warrior.At what point does being ultra competitive become a weakness?How to mentally get back on track in life.How to kick the remaining vices in your life.How to guide a 3 year old in life.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Every decision has consequences—and the small decisions made repeatedly can eventually shape your entire life. Jocko and Echo break down how to make better decisions under uncertainty, when to trust experience and intuition, how to avoid paralysis through analysis, and why effective leaders take action, learn, and adapt.00:00 — Decisions: The Choices That Shape Your Life03:33 — How the Marine Corps Teaches Decision-Making11:50 — Take the Initiative: Keep Them on Their Heels18:14 — Logic, Intuition, and Emotion24:57 — Analytical vs. Instinctive Decision-Making26:28 — Stop Overthinking. Take a Small Action.34:26 — Detachment: The Decision-Making Superpower41:34 — The 70% Solution: Stop Waiting for Perfect46:07 — The OODA Loop: Observe, Orient, Decide, Act58:46 — Adapt Faster Than the Situation Changes1:01:23 — Failure, Fear, and Learning Through Action1:06:13 — Small Decisions, Fast Feedback, Constant Adjustment1:15:37 — When Being Too Adaptable Becomes a Problem1:17:59 — Wargaming: Prepare for What Could Go Wrong1:20:38 — Jocko’s Extreme Ownership Leadership Loop1:22:29 — Don’t Get Stuck. Make the Decision. Act.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< The Guy Who Called Out Rener Gracie's Purple Belts and Got Embarrassed. Maxed out for time, but training for a personal challenge.How to solve a problem riddled worker on your team.When a workout partner doesn't have as much dedication.Got beat up by my wife's guy friend.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Continuing examination of René Quinton's Maxims on War, exploring courage, danger, ambition, leadership, obedience, and the randomness of combat. The discussion ultimately comes back to a powerful principle for war and everyday life: learn to distinguish real danger from the danger created by your imagination.00:00 — Maxims on War: Extreme Views and Human Nature 05:34 — War, Death, and the Randomness of Combat 16:57 — Courage, Promotion, and the Danger of Ambition 23:27 — Bravery, Jealousy, and the Power of Example 28:51 — When Danger Becomes Real 34:22 — Real Danger vs. Imagined Danger 40:20 — Courage vs. Recklessness 48:44 — The Leader Multiplies the Team 51:07 — Why It's Easier to Obey Than Decide 57:25 — Questioning Orders and the Burden of Command 1:04:55 — Cowardly Leaders and Decentralized Command 1:11:25 — Do Hard Things. Don't Let Fear Stop You.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< René Quinton’s extreme ideas about war, human nature, struggle, and heroism. They examine why humans are drawn to conflict and why a life of comfort may be something worth fighting against.0:00 – René Quinton & Maxims on War 4:21 – Does Human Nature Love War? 13:22 – Competition vs. Collaboration 16:10 – The Male Psyche: Friend or Foe 24:05 – Why Men Seek Risk, Combat & Danger 31:00 – Tribalism, Fighting & Understanding Jiu-Jitsu 37:04 – Service, Sacrifice & the Nature of Heroes 49:44 – Success, Wealth & Why the Process Matters 58:57 – What Makes a Hero? 1:07:02 – War, Hardship & Why We Reject the Easy LifeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< What is the safety protocol for your kids when they are on their own.Training Jiu Jitsu with limitations.The difference between a leadership failure and a hiring failure.How to eliminate crippling doubt while achieving your goals in life.What to do if you suspect your leadership is working against you .Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Breaking down raw, firsthand combat lessons from U.S. Army soldiers fighting their way through World War II—lessons written in the field by men who had just experienced the consequences of good decisions, bad decisions, aggression, hesitation, discipline, and leadership.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Jonah Hill's Tough Talk About His Jiu Jitsu Skill.The best way to get forgiveness after terrible behavior in the past.Thoughts on the worries of climate change and the worlds problems.How to save your marriage if it's on thin ice.Sacrificing sleep for more time during the day.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Book: Unheard Voices The Fight For Ramadi: A Soldier’s Memoir From Combat Outpost Falcon In 2006, Miguel “Pitbull” Santana and his soldiers entered Ramadi, Iraq—a city many believed was already lost. What followed was months of relentless combat, sacrifice, loss, and brotherhood. Miguel joins Jocko to tell the story from the ground: the firefights, the men who saved each other's lives, the leaders who went first, and the bonds that remain unbroken twenty years later. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content