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How Ancient Philosophy Shapes Modern Resilience — Eric Greitens
Dive into an inspiring conversation on resilience, leadership, and mental toughness with Eric Greitens — former Navy SEAL, Rhodes Scholar, bestselling author, and ex-Governor of Missouri. In this powerful episode of the Everything But Politics podcast, Eric opens up about the defining experiences that forged his unbreakable mindset, from intense Navy SEAL training and combat deployments to his humanitarian missions in war-torn regions around the world. He reflects on his Missouri roots, the profound gratitude for America that grew from witnessing hardship abroad, and how those moments deepened his understanding of strength and service.
Eric explores how ancient Stoic philosophy continues to shape modern resilience, sharing practical lessons from thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus that helped him navigate extreme adversity. He discusses the evolution of his own definition of resilience — moving beyond mere survival to thriving with purpose — and offers candid insights on building mental toughness in everyday life. The conversation also touches on the importance of raising strong, principled men in today’s challenging cultural landscape, emphasizing character, responsibility, and inner fortitude
Perfect for anyone seeking motivation to overcome obstacles, lead with conviction, or cultivate lasting mental strength, this episode delivers timeless wisdom without touching politics. Whether you're a veteran, entrepreneur, parent, or simply striving for personal growth, Eric Greitens’ stories and insights will leave you equipped to face life’s challenges head-on. Watch now and discover how ancient philosophy can transform modern resilience.
Clemency, Courage, & Redemption | Governor Eric Greitens
Join host Judd Shaw for a deeply moving conversation with former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens as they explore the extraordinary story of Judy Henderson, a woman who spent over three decades in prison before finding freedom through an act of profound compassion. Greitens recounts the emotional moment when Judy’s daughter reached out, prompting him to delve into her case and ultimately grant clemency, releasing her after 36 years behind bars for a crime she did not commit. This episode highlights the human side of leadership, revealing how empathy can drive courageous decisions that restore hope and heal fractured lives.
Delving into the imperfections of the justice system, Greitens shares insights on resilience in the face of systemic challenges and the redemptive power of second chances. The discussion emphasizes how vulnerability and brave storytelling can bridge divides, fostering understanding and change. Through personal reflections, Greitens illustrates that true strength lies in opening one’s heart to others’ pain, turning moments of darkness into opportunities for light, forgiveness, and growth.
This inspiring episode on compassion, resilience, leadership, and empathy serves as a powerful reminder that connection and love have the ability to transform even the most daunting circumstances. Ideal for anyone reflecting on justice, personal redemption, or the impact of empathetic leadership, it offers timeless lessons in courage and humanity. Tune in to discover how one act of mercy can spark lasting inspiration and renewal.
Eric Greitens: American Character with Tom Brokaw
In this inspiring episode of American Character with renowned journalist Tom Brokaw, Eric Greitens shares a deeply personal conversation about service, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of the American spirit. As they walk and talk, Brokaw explores what drives Eric — a Navy SEAL, Rhodes Scholar, humanitarian, and former Governor — to dedicate his life to serving others, both on the battlefield and here at home.
Set against the backdrop of Eric’s journey through military service abroad, this discussion goes beyond titles and achievements to reveal the heart of a man committed to helping others rebuild after hardship. Eric opens up about the realities faced by returning veterans and the importance of compassion, purpose, and community in helping them transition successfully into civilian life. Together, he and Brokaw reflect on what true leadership looks like when the cameras are off and the mission is personal.
Tom Brokaw, celebrated for chronicling the courage and resilience of what he famously called “The Greatest Generation,” recognizes in Eric a continuation of that same American character — courage forged through adversity and a calling to serve something greater than oneself. The conversation underscores timeless values: honor, integrity, and perseverance in the face of challenge.
This video speaks to veterans, active-duty military members, and anyone striving to live with strength and purpose. It’s a powerful reminder that character is not built in comfort, but in service to others. Watch as Eric Greitens and Tom Brokaw explore how each of us can rise to the call of service and strengthen the fabric of our communities and our nation.
Eric Greitens: How to Slay Your Dragons
During this thought-provoking interview with Big Think, Eric Greitens dives into one of life’s most universal challenges: how to confront and conquer fear. Drawing on his experiences as a U.S. Navy SEAL, Humanitarian, and Author, Eric offers a powerful reflection on what it truly means to “slay your dragons” — the fears, doubts, and moments of pain that test our strength and shape our character.
Speaking candidly with Big Think, Eric recalls the intensity of Navy SEAL training and the infamous Hell Week, where exhaustion, cold, and chaos push every recruit to their limits. Yet, he explains that the real battle isn’t against the physical hardship — it’s against the voice inside that says, you can’t. Through vivid stories from his time in the SEAL teams and his service abroad, Eric shows that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the ability to act with integrity and purpose in spite of it.
What makes this conversation compelling is Eric’s insistence that these lessons aren’t reserved for those in uniform. Every person faces their own form of Hell Week — whether in business, relationships, or personal growth — and each challenge offers an opportunity to grow stronger, more compassionate, and more disciplined.
“How to Slay Your Dragons” is not just about surviving adversity — it’s about transforming it into the fuel that drives you forward. Watch as Eric Greitens reminds us that the hardest fights we face are often within, and that real strength begins when we refuse to surrender to fear…
Eric Greitens and David Goggins Master Class from Navy SEALs - From The Archives
This compelling Big Think Master Class, where Navy SEAL Eric Greitens joins the legendary athlete David Goggins and performance author/rapper Jesse Itzler, is to explore the psychology of mental toughness, resilience, and the extraordinary power of the human mind. Drawing from their experiences as Navy SEALs and high-performing leaders, Eric and his colleagues break down how our brains can both challenge and empower us, and how self-talk and mindset play a crucial role in navigating life’s toughest moments.
Throughout the discussion, Eric Greitens shares lessons from his military service and humanitarian work, emphasizing that mental toughness is not simply about pushing through pain — it’s about understanding and managing the inner narratives that shape our actions. David Goggins adds his signature intensity, illustrating how embracing discomfort and confronting personal limits builds resilience that lasts far beyond training or competition. Together with Jesse Itzler, they provide actionable insights into how anyone can cultivate a positive internal dialogue, harness their mental energy, and outperform the limitations we often place on ourselves.
The conversation moves seamlessly between the extraordinary physical and mental challenges faced by Navy SEALs and the universal truths that apply to everyday life. Eric Greitens’ perspective underscores that strength is cultivated through both discipline and self-reflection, and that overcoming fear often begins with understanding the stories we tell ourselves.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical strategies, or a deeper understanding of how elite warriors maintain focus under pressure, this Master Class offers a rare look at the mindset that drives some of the world’s toughest individuals. Watch Eric Greitens, David Goggins, and Jesse Itzler as they reveal how cultivating mental toughness and positive self-talk can transform challenges into opportunities, and teach lessons that extend far beyond the battlefield.
Eric Greitens: Must Read Alaska Show - Life Lessons From a NAVY Seal
In this engaging and candid conversation on the Must Read Alaska Show, Eric Greitens sits down with host John Quick to share life lessons forged through his experiences as a Navy SEAL, Humanitarian, and former Governor. With warmth, humor, and authenticity, Eric explores how the principles learned in the military translate into practical guidance for everyday life — from overcoming obstacles to performing at your best and maintaining a positive mindset.
Throughout the discussion, Eric Greitens emphasizes the importance of discipline, resilience, and personal accountability. He reflects on challenges faced during his Navy SEAL training and deployments abroad, and how these experiences taught him that strength is built through persistence, reflection, and the choices we make in difficult moments. Listeners gain insight into strategies for confronting fear, managing stress, and staying focused when life feels overwhelming.
John Quick’s approachable style makes this conversation feel intimate and relatable, creating a space where both can share both personal stories and universal lessons. Topics range from mental toughness and leadership to the power of optimism and the ways in which we can lift others while pursuing our own goals. It’s a friendly, thoughtful exchange that offers practical advice alongside compelling narratives from Eric’s career and life experiences.
Whether you’re looking to learn how to overcome adversity, sharpen your performance, or simply gain inspiration from the perspective of a Navy SEAL, this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show offers a rich blend of practical lessons, personal stories, and encouragement to live a life of purpose and resilience.
Eric Greitens on The Rational Mystic: Discussing Courage, Wisdom, and Strength
Dive into this episode of The Rational Mystic, where the host Austin sits down with Eric Greitens for an engaging hour-and-a-half conversation that explores the intersections of courage, wisdom, and strength. Drawing on his experiences as a Navy SEAL, an athlete, a humanitarian, and former Governor of Missouri, Eric reflects on how the principles of ancient philosophy intersect with the challenges of modern life, offering practical guidance for navigating adversity and living with purpose.
Throughout the discussion, Eric shares candid stories from his military service, illustrating how courage is not simply the absence of fear but the ability to act in alignment with values in the face of challenge. He also emphasizes the role of humor, humility, and reflection as essential tools for overcoming life’s most difficult moments. These insights are woven together with reflections on leadership, resilience, and the ethical responsibilities that come with power and service.
Eric Greitens and the host also delve into timeless wisdom drawn from philosophy and history, highlighting how lessons from the past can provide a compass for today’s decisions. The conversation spans topics ranging from personal discipline to the cultivation of empathy and the role of character in facing uncertainty. Eric’s perspective demonstrates that strength is not solely physical, but deeply intertwined with intellect, emotional awareness, and moral clarity.
This episode offers a rare opportunity to hear Eric Greitens unpack the principles that have guided his life — from the intensity of Navy SEAL training and service abroad to his humanitarian efforts and public leadership. Listeners will come away with actionable insights on how to cultivate courage, maintain perspective, and approach life’s challenges with both wisdom and resilience.
Ideal for anyone seeking deeper understanding of personal growth, leadership, and the human capacity to thrive under pressure, this conversation invites reflection, learning, and inspiration…
Eric Greitens on Begin Again Podcast: Transforming Pain into Purpose
On this episode of the Begin Again Podcast, hosted by Evie Sweven, Eric Greitens takes listeners on a deeply personal journey through the experiences that shaped his life of service and resilience. Over the course of this conversation, Eric reflects on his upbringing in St. Louis, his transformative college years, his humanitarian work across the globe, and the pivotal decision that led him to join the U.S. Navy SEALs. The discussion is both heartfelt and thought-provoking, offering a rare glimpse into the inner motivations of a man whose life has been defined by purpose, perseverance, and compassion.
Greitens shares how the values instilled by his family laid the foundation for a life of service — one rooted in empathy, hard work, and a sense of responsibility to others. He recounts his time as a Rhodes Scholar, his work in war and disaster zones, and the moments that revealed how even in the midst of pain, it is possible to find meaning and growth. Through stories that are both humbling and inspiring, Eric illustrates that courage and kindness are not opposites but partners — each necessary for overcoming hardship and building strength of character.
With Evie Sweven’s thoughtful and engaging questions, the conversation flows naturally from personal reflection to universal lessons. Together, they explore what it means to transform pain into purpose and how life’s most difficult experiences can become powerful teachers. Listeners come away with insights on resilience, gratitude, and the importance of leading with heart, even in times of trial.
Whether you are a veteran, student, leader, or simply someone seeking motivation, this episode offers profound wisdom and encouragement. Begin Again reminds us that no matter where we start or how many times we fall, it is always possible to rebuild, refocus, and rise stronger — a message that resonates deeply through Eric Greitens’ extraordinary story.
Eric Greitens on How to Deal with Difficult Situations - Resilience
When life tests us, how do we find the strength to keep moving forward? In this insightful video, Eric Greitens reflects on that question by sharing lessons drawn from years of experience as a Navy SEAL, humanitarian, and public servant. Rather than focusing on avoiding hardship, Eric explores how facing difficulty with honesty, purpose, and courage can transform the way we live and lead.
He explains that resilience isn’t about pretending pain doesn’t exist — it’s about learning to carry it well. Through stories from his military service and his work helping veterans and communities in crisis, Eric reveals how enduring challenges can forge character and deepen compassion. He describes how moments of struggle often bring clarity, reminding us of what truly matters and pushing us to grow beyond our limits.
Eric’s approach to resilience is both practical and deeply human. He speaks to the habits that sustain people under pressure — finding meaning in service, building strength through discipline, and surrounding yourself with purpose-driven teammates. He reminds us that resilience is not born from isolation, but from connection, courage, and faith in something larger than ourselves.
This talk offers more than motivation — it’s a framework for action. Whether you’re a veteran, leader, student, or anyone facing a season of change, Eric’s words offer guidance on how to respond to life’s hardest moments with steadiness and integrity.
Greitens challenges us to see difficulty not as a setback, but as a test of who we are and who we can become. His message is simple yet profound: the strength we need is already within us — it grows every time we choose to face adversity with heart and resolve.
Eric Greitens Unravels 'The Heart and the Fist' with Charlie Rose
In this engaging conversation with Charlie Rose, Eric Greitens dives deep into the lessons and experiences behind his acclaimed book, The Heart and the Fist. Drawing from his many life journeys, Eric shares the stories that shaped his understanding of courage, service, and the balance between strength and compassion.
Throughout the interview, Eric reflects on his time in the military, his work in challenging environments abroad, and the personal moments that inspired the book. He explains how The Heart and the Fist explores the duality of life — the need to cultivate both the toughness to confront adversity and the empathy to lead with integrity. The conversation moves fluidly between vivid battlefield experiences and the universal lessons they provide, highlighting the ways that courage, humility, and purpose intersect in both public service and personal growth.
Charlie Rose and Eric Greitens work together to unpack the philosophies behind his writing, revealing how experiences from military service, leadership, and humanitarian work inform their approach to life and decision-making. Eric also shares the broader message of the book: that strength without compassion is hollow, and compassion without strength can be ineffective. By intertwining storytelling with practical insight, he invites viewers to reflect on their own approach to challenges, leadership, and service.