Our guest today is Janey McGill. She has been a lawyer, a soldier and an art dealer. But not at the same time. She is now a filmmaker, an explorer, a speaker and a designer. After years of experimenting and searching for fulfillment she has crafted a life that brings her joy and purpose. She's led a somewhat unconventional life. The ‘things’ society deem important, she often doesn't. Making choices with her heart leads to incredible learning and adventure. The consequences of those decisions and...
May 03, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 80
This week we welcome my "SISU sister" to the forge. Elisabet and I have so much alignment around the concepts of doing hard things, overcoming adversity, being tough and staying the course. But to also make room for changing course when needed, softness, gentleness, compassion for yourself and those we lead. You will come away with ideas of how we can be both tough and gentle, and why we should. This is the leadership model of the future. We discuss what it means to honor yourself. And that push...
Apr 26, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 79
As the author of a bestselling book with the title, "Deliberate Discomfort," you can imagine our guest today is a perfect fit for the Forging Mettle podcast. Jason Van Camp is a former special forces soldier and now teaches people how to proactively seek out hard things through his company Mission Six Zero. In this discussion I was fascinated by Jason's origin story of his company, how he talks about failure, and what he believes we need to do to live our best lives. Show notes: Jason B.A. Van C...
Apr 19, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 78
Today's guest is our first Army Ranger on the show. Even though she was a trailblazer for women, I purposely left out that "adjective" of being female. Lisa recently published her book, "Delete the Adjective: Soldier's Adventures in Ranger School." I think you are going to find her approach to excellence, raising kids, controlled suffering and doing hard things and facing adversity. Show notes: Army Lieutenant Colonel Lisa Jaster is a soldier, an engineer, a wife and mother, and a trailblazer. O...
Mar 29, 2023•59 min•Season 3Ep. 77
In today's show we talk about female aviators forging a path for those who followed. They were instrumental to having the combat aviation exclusion for women finally removed. Our guest, Bev Weintraub, has written the first book detailing their incredible historical journey. This story includes head shaking moments, great courage, humility and perseverance. Show notes: Beverly Weintraub is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and instrument-rated private pilot. As an editorial writer for the New Y...
Mar 08, 2023•43 min•Season 3Ep. 76
Today's guest is Massimo Pigliucci. In his latest book, "The Quest for Character: What the Story of Socrates and Alcibiades Teaches Us about Our Search for Good Leaders," he looks at lessons of leadership and politics from ancient Greece. What is character? Is it something we are born with or can we develop it? We wade into compelling topics like wealth, power, greed, cooperation and competition. No discussion about character can skip over politics. Enjoy the show! Show notes: Massimo has a PhD ...
Feb 22, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 75
In today's episode we talk about trauma from someone who has experienced it as a combat aviator and also in his personal life. What he has to share could help us all take a different approach to how trauma affects us. Does it burn us down or heat our house? There are many factors that define trauma for us, but perhaps the most powerful is how we think about it. He has a wonderful "lightning" analogy that I think you will find useful. About Brian: One in three will experience a significant trauma...
Feb 08, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 74
A quick recap of 2022 and looking ahead to 2023. In this solocast, Ron discusses 3 types of goals and which one is most important, strategic planning, work ethic, and how much habits and routines drive our behavior. Don't miss this episode as you prepare to make 2023 your best year yet! Habits and routines (article) https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/01/why-everyone-needs-to-know-the-difference-between-habits-and-routines.html "Adventure Psychology: Knowingly Going Into the Unknown" (textbook) https:/...
Jan 04, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 73
Today we talk with a mental coach for aviators. You'll get a firsthand account of what it's like to be a female instructor pilot in the U.S. Air Force. But rest assured there is plenty of wisdom in our discussion for the non-pilots among us. We banter about self-confidence, finding root causes, trusting your brain, women in leadership and performing at your best under pressure. Enjoy the show and please leave us a rating and review! Our guest, Tammy Barlette retired from the Air Force in 2018 af...
Nov 24, 2022•56 min•Season 2Ep. 72
Former Green Beret Fran Racioppi joins us to discuss far ranging topics like quiet quitting, meeting people where they are, properly setting standards for yourself and those that you lead, navigating a complex world and a decision-making process to help you come out ahead more times than not. Thank you for listening. Show notes: Fran served 13 years in the United States Army as a Green Beret, deploying three times to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. In 2013, he ...
Oct 26, 2022•46 min•Season 2Ep. 71
In today's grind-it-out, never ask for help, always on, stuff it down, culture, we need more discussions like this one. We candidly discuss different ways to frame "asking for help" to make it a bit easier to do, and even fun when approached in the right way. We also have a lively back and forth chat about how to better deal with the life trauma we all carry. You're going to find real value in what Abigail has to say about healthy habits and self-limiting beliefs. Thanks for tuning in. Show note...
Oct 19, 2022•55 min•Season 2Ep. 70
Today we discuss many topics related to managing the mental side of performance in difficult situations. Our guests train special forces candidates to get through the demanding selection process. What can we learn from those who do hard things? Topics such as the big five personality traits, emotional regulation, using humor to blunt the effects of hardship, and who survives, who fails, and why. Building the Elite www.buildingtheelite.com If you’re reading this, you are likely pursuing a challen...
Oct 10, 2022•48 min•Season 2Ep. 69
Today we talk with psychologist Paul Napper about the power of personal agency. What it is, and how we can cultivate more of it to help us face demanding situations in life. Like a global pandemic. You don't want to miss this fascinating discussion as you'll come away with actionable tools to "steer your ship" better when the storms of life descend upon us. Show notes: Dr. Paul Napper helps business leaders increase their effectiveness through focusing and strengthening their agency as leaders. ...
Aug 31, 2022•51 min•Season 2Ep. 68
Caleb Campbell achieved his childhood dream. To play football in the NFL. Only to have his world come crashing down around him. His dreams shattered. He now says those shattered dreams are what saved his life. This is a man who knows what it means to be tested by the fire and emerge stronger. Listen in to hear his struggles, triumphs and life lessons so that we can all lead better lives and be better humans. Show notes: A short video about Caleb's story: https://vimeo.com/697427004 In 2008, I gr...
May 18, 2022•57 min•Season 2Ep. 67
Today's guest has walked in the footsteps of Socrates and Plato. Literally. Donald Robertson visits the forge to discuss cognitive behavioral therapy and explain how it was derived from ancient Stoic philosophy. We discuss how our thoughts influence our emotions. Once we can begin to harness how we think, we can begin to unlock the secrets of high performance that ancient philosophers knew well. Show notes: Donald is a writer, cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist and trainer. Donald specializes...
May 12, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 66
How many times have you been told, "you're just not very good at that." Today we discuss how words matter, and to use them carefully. We all have superpowers and they may not be what you think they are. Hidden in what might called a weakness, may actually be a strength. Life is full of paradoxes, we highlight some of those in our chat. Show notes: Juliet Hahn grew up in Moorestown, New Jersey, a quaint town just outside of Philadelphia. She had a fulfilling childhood and her parents, Marc and Ba...
Apr 13, 2022•45 min•Season 2Ep. 65
How many of us have been directly or indirectly impacted by cancer? My guess is, almost all of us have some form of cancer story. Today's guest wrote a book that looked closely at our relationship with cancer. From all perspectives; survivors, caregivers, friends, and those we've lost. It is a heavy conversation, while inspiring and uplifting at the same time. About David: As a former sedentary, overweight, smoker, David knew that he needed to focus not on what others wanted out of him, but on w...
Mar 17, 2022•50 min•Season 2Ep. 64
Do we truly know what will deliver happiness to our doorstep? Everyone is searching, but few are finding it. Perhaps our happiness model is broken? I'll discuss this as a teaser of my upcoming TEDx talk. I'll also expand on my thoughts of "empathize and empower" from Julie Lythcott-Haims. If you like the show, please give us a 5-star rating and review. Visit Forging Mettle: www.forgingmettleacademy.com
Feb 16, 2022•21 min•Season 2Ep. 63
This is a far ranging, passionate discussion that you are sure to enjoy. We explore topics like free range kids, stranger danger, overprotecting. How to empathize and empower not only our kids but also adults. How to become stronger in the face of the storm. This is a discussion we all need right now. Show notes: I believe in humans. I’m rooting for all of us to make it. I’ve come to appreciate that despite our innumerable differences, we all want to be treated with dignity and kindness. We all ...
Feb 09, 2022•54 min•Season 2Ep. 62
What is your philosophy of life? We all have one, but many of us don't give it a second thought. We will discuss what makes a good life, how to cultivate excellence, preparing for the worst, what is a good death, nailing the job interview and surviving the pandemic. All with the guidance of a fascinating 2500 year old philosophy. Show notes: Prof. Pigliucci has a PhD in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Connecticut and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Tennessee. He currently ...
Jan 26, 2022•56 min•Season 2Ep. 61
What are the stories you are telling yourself about your place in the world, your identity, and where you are going? These stories can be incredibly impactful to our wellbeing. Carrie and I discuss how to tell better stories, dealing with anxiety, the difference between PTG and PTSD, how we respond to trauma, our belief systems, changing our behavior and EMDR therapy. You'll come away with useful tips to therapize yourself. Show notes: Carrie Leaf is currently a practicing psychotherapist, holis...
Jan 12, 2022•47 min•Season 2Ep. 60
In today's discussion, it is my hope that although much of our conversation is specific to ultrarunning, that you see the connection to life. Life is, after all, an endurance sport. You’ll want to hear Addie’s thoughts on self-talk, attentional style and focus, her experience at the 2018 Leadville 100, why self-awareness is so important and are women tougher than men? Show notes: Addie Bracy is an expert in mental training for athletes. She excels on the road, on the track, and on the trails and...
Jan 05, 2022•46 min•Season 2Ep. 59
In this fireside reflection, Ron discusses the recent wildfires in Colorado. Looks back at the top five episodes of 2021. Shares his thoughts on strategic planning, goals, new year's resolutions and doing hard, uncomfortable things in 2022. What's on your list? Listen in to hear what Ron is going to tackle this year.
Jan 01, 2022•34 min•Season 2Ep. 58
This episode is a real gem, filled with wisdom. Co-authors General Stan McChrystal and Anna Butrico join me to talk about leadership, risk, resilience, adaptability and what they call our risk immune system. We discuss the risks associated with a global pandemic, special military operations, and how to navigate a complex changing environment in corporations. Show notes: General McChrystal was a green beret, ranger and paratrooper during his career. He is perhaps best known for his command of Joi...
Dec 15, 2021•50 min•Season 2Ep. 57
What is resilience? How does it compare to mental toughness and grit? Can we develop it, and what are its benefits? How does adversity influence savoring? We cover all of this and much more with psychologist Courtney Ackerman this week. Show notes: Courtney is the author of four published books on positive psychology-related topics, including: My Pocket Positivity ( link ) 5-Minute Bliss ( link ) My Pocket Gratitude ( link ) My Pocket Meditations for Self-Compassion ( link ) The Book of Patience...
Dec 08, 2021•39 min•Season 2Ep. 56
Today's guest, Bill Mullen, is a voracious reader. We're going to talk about his book list and some of the books that have inspired him in his long 34 year career in the United States Marine Corp. We're going to talk about Admiral James Stockdale, congressional medal of honor winner. We discuss the Stockdale paradox, and how it relates to our ongoing challenges with the pandemic. We're even going to mix in a little bit of General Custer and Crazy Horse. Show notes: Mullen holds a BA and MA in po...
Dec 01, 2021•34 min•Season 2Ep. 55
Today we talk with extreme adventurer Jordan Wylie about what it's like to take on adventures around the world all in the support of serving a greater good. His experience as a combat soldier drives his passion to give back, and help children from war torn areas. From running underground marathons to paddle boarding the ocean, he embraces adventure as a model for us all. Show notes: Jordan Wylie is a former soldier, bestselling author, extreme adventurer and also one of the stars of Channel 4’s ...
Nov 24, 2021•38 min•Season 2Ep. 54
Part of the mission of Forging Mettle is to provide an equal spotlight on strong female leaders; their seat at the table in the forge is vital to our revolution. In this podcast, we present our "Denver Startup Week" panel discussion with four of our former guests: Kim "KC" Campbell, Shannon Huffman Polson, Jannell MacAulay and Amy McGrath. This is a powerhouse panel of successful women, all with a military aviation background. We discuss important topics of leadership, and how to be successful i...
Nov 17, 2021•40 min•Season 2Ep. 53
Part of the mission of Forging Mettle is to provide an equal spotlight on strong female leaders; their seat at the table in the forge is vital to our revolution. In this podcast, we present our "Denver Startup Week" panel discussion with four of our former guests: Kim "KC" Campbell, Shannon Huffman Polson, Jannell MacAulay and Amy McGrath. This is a powerhouse panel of successful women, all with a military aviation background. We discuss important topics of leadership, and how to be successful i...
Nov 10, 2021•43 min•Season 2Ep. 52
In this solocast, Ron discusses the 4 C's model of mental toughness. The 4 C's being: Control, Commitment, Challenge, Confidence. This episode focuses on control, and its sub-categories of life control and emotional control. Hear his thoughts on what we control and what we don't. And why understanding this in your own life can remove stress and increase wellbeing.
Nov 03, 2021•29 min•Season 2Ep. 51
