8 - A Letter to SOF

Robb Wolf, is a former research biochemist and 2X New York Times/Wall Street Journal Best-selling author of The Paleo Solution and Wired To Eat. He and co-author Diana Rodgers recently released their book, Sacred Cow, which explains why well-raised meat is good for us and good for the planet. Robb has transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people around the world via his top-ranked Itunes podcast, books and seminars. He's known for his direct approach and ability to distill and synthesize information to make the complicated stuff easier to understand. https://robbwolf.com/

BW Davis is a comedian with a vast experience in observing people. We regularly talk on the Patreon part of his Grown Local podcast and have become great friends. He'll be back soon! Grown Local Pod BW on Conan This episode on YouTube

Miles Miller is a Grammy award winning (and nominated) musician who has played drums with Sturgill Simpson most of his adult life. I got to know Miles while on two different Sturgill music tours. We excitedly talk about a variety of topics such as the art of music, being an artist, and creating music. If you are a fan of Sturgill or drumming, you'll love this episode. The video version is on YouTube. https://www.instagram.com/themilesmiller/

Popstar Nima is, first and foremost, a POPSTAR. This NSFW fella pays homage and satirizes the pop music genre with silly songs and high-quality music videos about being a gay popstar in southern California. The comedy is raunchy, but Nima is the sweetest guy. Our discussion is both silly and serious, and the second half is gold. We discuss the etiology of his popstar-ism and experiences as a gay man. man. https://www.popstarnima.com/ https://www.youtube.com/popstarnima

In this episode I explain the concept of Speedy Brain, the anxious mindset influenced by culture, society, and social media. I describe the continuum of Speedy Brain and how to use meditation to slow it down. I also describe the acute and chronic effects of meditation, give some acute strategies for anxiety, and read a brief essay on the topic. Speedy Brain is a model for modulating our mood and emotions.

This is an essay I wrote directed at Special Operations Forces in the United States. The purpose is to initiate a conversation in order to influence progress. The full text with PDF can be found at www.JustinLascek.com. 

I dare say things are on the up and up. And it's due to consistent compassion and self care. I want to share what works because I feel in my soul it can help others. Backed up by evolution, physiology, and neuroscience, I explore the attention continuum, accumulated behavior acquisition, societal influence, the wellness model, deliberate introspection, nasal breathing, mindful meditation, and the realization of acceptance and love. If I'm insane, I don't want to be sane. 

After the tragedy of Vanessa Guillen at Ft. Hood, women in the military spoke out about similar experiences. When a woman wants to serve her country or do a professional job, she shouldn't be subjected to toxic cultures and sexual abuse. But they are. I decided to listen to many stories on social media, and these are not unique experiences. I hope through my acknowledging and denouncing this behavior it stimulates a new wave of culture in the military, because right now, it's abhorrent. Recorded mid July.

This isn't a call to action. I simply wanted to give you perspective of what Memorial Day means to those of us who deal with sacrifice and loss. I talk about some stuff, some people, and there's Amazing Grace on bag pipes at the end. At the very least, listening to the song will allow a moment of reflection regarding this holiday. Please celebrate how you wish, don't shame anyone's approach, and have a safe weekend.

Aaron Love is an Air Force Pararescueman, a Special Operations job tasked with Personnel Recovery across the entire spectrum of DoD operations. PJs also get extensive medical training and I was treated by one when I stepped on the IED. Aaron is one of the contributors to Ones Ready, a mentorship podcast for USAF special warfare candidates. Our discussion is valuable for new and experienced SOF personnel, and can help cultivate professional development in any field.