Master Shi Heng Yi: The Truth About the Shaolin Teachings, Finding A Path to True Freedom & How Trauma Can Affect You

In today's episode, Jordan sits down with Master Shi Heng Yi for a deeply reflective conversation about childhood wounds, the burden of expectations, and the journey toward true inner freedom. Master Shi Heng Yi opens up about his upbringing and early martial arts education, where he constantly faced the pressure of "never being enough." He explains how this relentless drive shaped him into a high achiever and a self-reliant "lone wolf" who suppressed his emotions, but ultimately led him to realize that external success does not equate to a content and happy life. The conversation ventures into profound philosophical territory as Master Shi Heng Yi discusses the illusion of identity and the ego. He shares his conscious decision to release his celebrated "Shaolin Master" persona, transitioning from the exhausting pursuit of being "someone" to finding profound peace in being "no one." Using the powerful analogy of the mind as a radio antenna getting hooked on different thought frequencies, he explains the nature of karma, emotional attachments, and the importance of untangling our true selves from our fleeting thoughts to remain entirely in the present moment. Finally, Master Shi Heng Yi clarifies the true essence of the Shaolin tradition, emphasizing that its core is not found merely in physical movement, but in the Zen teachings of mastering the mind to end human suffering. He connects these deep spiritual insights to his new role as a father, sharing his commitment to breaking generational cycles of conditional love and trauma. This episode offers a transformative perspective on letting go of ownership, releasing the need to control life's path, and allowing the natural flow of existence to guide the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Jordan sits down with Josh Bridges, a Navy SEAL and six-time CrossFit Games athlete, to explore the mindset required to conquer some of the world's most gruelling physical and mental challenges. Josh opens up about his upbringing in St. Louis, Missouri, reflecting on how being raised by a resilient single mother and channeling his childhood aggression into wrestling laid the foundation for his formidable grit. He shares the pivotal moment he realized his corporate jobs in telemarketing and finance were unfulfilling, prompting a radical pivot to give himself eighteen months to prepare for elite military selection. Diving into his military career, Josh breaks down the reality of BUD/S training, debunking common misconceptions about physical preparation. He explains why sheer leg strength and a refusal to quit matter far more than passing standard entry fitness tests, and how overcoming the mental hurdles of cold water and endless physical punishment separated the graduates from the rest. He also recounts the unique experience of balancing active duty deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan with elite athletic training, a demanding dual life that culminated in a remarkable second-place finish at the 2011 CrossFit Games. Along the way, Josh shares lessons on leadership, recalling impactful encounters with figures like Jocko Willink and his own high school wrestling coach, illustrating the profound difference between demanding excellence and mere authority. Beyond the military and athletic accolades, the conversation delves into the personal struggles of transitioning out of elite arenas and the universal challenge of finding new purpose. Josh emphasises his "pay the man" philosophy, detailing why leaning into daily discomfort—whether through rucking, cold plunges, or consistent discipline, is essential for continually building self-confidence. Whether you are aspiring to pass a rigorous military selection or simply looking to forge a stronger, more resilient mindset for everyday life, this episode offers a compelling look at what it takes to relentlessly push your own limits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this clip, Delta Force operator John 'Shrek' McPhee strips back the Hollywood myths of elite military units to reveal the gritty reality of tier-one operations. McPhee breaks down the stark contrast between the highly visible Navy SEALs and the true "Gray Man" culture of Delta Force, reflecting on what it took to pass a pre-internet selection process that was a total black hole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Jordan sits down with SAS operator and security consultant Mick Hawkes for an unfiltered look into his extensive military career. Mick shares the gritty realities of his journey, starting from his early days in 29 Commando and a deployment to the Falklands War with a injured ankle, to navigating the gruelling SAS selection process. The conversation explores the intense psychological and physical demands of special military operations. Mick details his experiences conducting covert surveillance in Northern Ireland, where blowing his cover meant facing immediate, life-threatening danger. He also recounts a tense capture and interrogation by Serbian forces in Bosnia alongside fellow SAS veteran Billy Billingham, and shares sobering stories from jungle training and frontline medical rescues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this clip, Tom Satterly recounts a harrowing moment of total collapse on a near-vertical mountainside during Delta Force Selection where, exhausted and starving, he lost his compass in the thick brush and nearly walked away from it all. From the 120 candidates who started, only 18 made the cut, proving that the Unit isn't looking for "monster studs," but for relentless individuals with the mental fortitude to keep moving when their bodies have already quit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is a point where pushing your limits goes from a test of endurance to a fight for survival. Expert UFC coach Phil Daru found that exact edge when his first attempt at a 100-mile ruck march carrying a 50-pound backpack ended in kidney failure, broken feet, and a stark hospital bed realization. In this episode, Jordan sits down with Phil for an incredibly raw conversation about the gruelling realities of his monumental challenge to raise money for US veterans. He holds nothing back as he explains how unchecked arrogance and a blistering pace derailed his first attempt, and how an absolute surrender to humility, faith, and strategic planning allowed him to finally conquer the distance. This conversation strips away the typical bravado of endurance sports. Phil discusses the mentality of walking alone in the dark, the emotional weight of having loved ones doubt you, and how channelling that mentality helped him reframe fear into unshakeable forward momentum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Save 10% off your Marek Health order by using code “MULLIGAN” at https://marekhealth.sjv.io/mulligan #ad For 24 hours early access to every interview, subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/MBIspotify https://apple.co/3U4Mi0h SALE ON NOW WITH CODE '2026' - https://www.mulliganbrothers.com Director / Interviewer - Jordan Mulligan https://www.instagram.com/jordanmulliganbrother ORDER WILLIAM'S BOOK NOW US & CANADA: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/william-mulligan/the-everyday-stoic/9780762488940/ SkillShare 50% Off - https://skillshare.eqcm.net/c/3543293/1718831/4650 Our Main Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@MulliganBrothers/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's interview, Jordan sits down with the legendary heavy-hitter Eric "Butterbean" Esch to discuss a life story that spans from the height of global fame to the brink of physical collapse. Known for his "King of the Four-Rounders" status and his iconic appearance in Jackass, Butterbean candidly reveals the grit developed during his early years in rural Alabama, where he transitioned from a 100-degree factory floor to the world of professional fighting to provide for his family. The conversation takes a somber turn as Eric reflects on the "dark years"—a seven-year spiral into severe disability following a hip injury. He describes the crushing depression of being confined to a mobility scooter and the moment he began giving away his possessions, believing he had less than a year to live. This episode highlights his improbable redemption through DDP Yoga, a journey that saw him lose over 200 lbs and reclaim his life when doctors said it was impossible. Now 58 and feeling more capable than ever, Butterbean discusses his desire for one final fight against names like Jake Paul or Mike Tyson to prove that self-belief can overcome any obstacle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tu Lam recounts a visceral moment as a young Green Beret standing in the blistering Okinawa heat just waiting for his team to acknowledge him. He breaks down the grueling double life of a Special Forces operator who balanced high stakes missions with late night study sessions to outrun a past defined by fire and oppression. This is a raw journey through twenty seven countries and the heavy emotional toll of global combat that eventually led a man born into war to finally seek the meaning of peace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Claim your 30-day free trial with Waking Up: https://wakingup.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=3&aff_id=78 In today’s episode, Jordan sits down with Nirmal 'Nimsdai' Purja for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about discipline, sacrifice, and redefining what is possible. From growing up in a humble family in Nepal to becoming a Gurkha and serving in UK Special Forces, Nims shares the mindset forged long before the mountains. The conversation explores Project Possible and the unseen realities behind climbing all fourteen 8000 metre peaks, including the fine line between bravery and recklessness when lives are on the line. Nims opens up about performing under pressure, leading when no one is watching, and the discipline required to survive extreme environments. Beyond mountaineering, this episode dives into leadership, fairness, entrepreneurship, and the personal cost of success. Nims reflects on purpose, integrity, and why true belief matters more than background, talent, or recognition in the pursuit of something greater than yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices