Cleared Hot Episode 169 - Chadd Wright

Born and raised in the mountains of rural northwest Georgia, Chadd grew up obsessed with becoming a SEAL, but when the Navy discovered a rare but asymptomatic cyst on his heart, he was disqualified from entering BUD/s. Chadd refused to give up, ultimately tracking down a surgeon willing to perform a procedure deemed too risky by every cardiologist he previously petitioned.
Cyst successfully removed, Chadd went on to realize his SEAL dream, serving over the next decade as a Team Leader on multiple deployments to conflict zones across the world. He became a SEAL instructor. A Master Training Specialist. Chadd even served a stint as President Obama’s bodyguard. Along the way, he battled PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
Now retired from the military, Chadd has found new life as an elite ultramarathoner - a spiritual quest for self-knowledge and mind-body mastery that has compelled him to tackle some of the world’s most insane endurance slogs like The Revenant - a 118-mile footrace across south New Zealand with over 52,000 feet of elevation gain that not one person has ever successfully completed.

[@joekemp7795]

That beard deserves it’s own trident

[@stephenstamps5669]

😂😂😂

[@David-qb7ck]

Nuff said

[@adamw6464]

Haha

[@stalyjohn9347]

Brilliant lol

[@jamescorfield534]

Yep lol

[@2AMr1911]

Great to see a former SEAL who is a solid believer and the light that he exudes. Awesome interview

[@carolyncrouch7893]

I concur 💯♥️❣️🙏

[@RossNaylor-uq4jp]

Did you know chadds brother is a reverand

[@2AMr1911]

@@RossNaylor-uq4jp I didn’t…very cool

[@bmurphy6418]

Chadd Wright is one of the most underrated spokesman when it comes to former operators on KZbin podcasts. When he talks, I could listen all day and stay focused on what he is talking about without ever daydreaming about something else. The dude is just as real as it gets and doesn’t let the trident fuel his ego

[@ripjohnson2121]

Agreed, I just started watching down to earth from north Ga. My home state.

[@RossNaylor-uq4jp]

These 2 are too funny 😂 military humour at it's best

[@boyo1348]

What a polite, smart and well-meaning man. Religious or not, everybody could learn a thing or two from this guy. Thanks Andy for being a gracious and open host as well.

[@WilliamJohnson-lq7bd]

Two things: 1. This is, without a doubt, the most interesting podcast I've heard of Andy's, or any podcast, period. 2. Both men claim to be idiots, but in fact, both of these men are EXTREMELY intelligent. These podcasts can change your life if you'll take the wisdom in them and apply it to your life. I did. I found Andy last year and Chad two weeks ago.

[@rooknado]

100% SPOT on

[@joeyduese6638]

You can’t deny evolution and be intelligent. Just doesn’t happen.

[@migolio]

7:18 - Chadd Wright introduction 7:58 - Podcast starts 8:17 - David Goggins and his message 10:25 - Replicating your idols 11:46 - Chadd is a humble dude, Andy is a humble dude, and Chadd really likes Andy 13:28 - Chadd's plan to raise another $1,000,000 for the Navy Seal Foundation (last man standing race) 17:20 - Chadd's emotional response to another runner at the Mid-State Mile 20:01 - Andy wants to kill everyone doing Chadd's 3 Horseman race and flat races are harder than hilly ones 22:18 - How Chadd wins these insane races 23:03 - The little stuff that those who can pass BUDS training possess and Chadd's BUDS experience 25:00 - No one's pain is unique, and Special Operations guys aren't immune to pain, depression, fear, etc. 27:27 - Chadd's business 3 of 7 Project 28:58 - The vital step people miss when listening to podcasts for motivation or life-changing advice (tangent) 30:54 - Andy f*cked up the tech side of the podcast 31:25 - Chadd's podcast (3 of 7 podcast) and podcasting growing pains 32:50 - Activities that require a steep learning curve 34:20 - Teaching and the disconnect between teaching, battlefield proficiency, and Andy teaching BUDS 37:04 - Disconnecting yourself from your SEAL identity 37:53 - How long since Chadd has been out and getting out of the SEALs and move past that job title 40:20 - Chadd fanboys over Andy's speaking ability and moving past the SEAL title continued 41:34 - Deriving the meaning from stories and educating, not entertaining 43:53 - How do you say Andy's last name anyways? Is the f silent? 44:49 - Once again, don't do podcasts for the money 46:20 - Chadd is a total Chad 46:47 - How Chadd's been doing with the podcast 47:52 - The censoring of social media and Patreon 49:12 - Andy has a Patreon and does hour-long Q&A sessions. Who knew this!? 49:57 - Some of the powerful feedback Andy has gotten from the podcast 50:59 - Chadd remembers his Sea Daddy and suicide 57:12 - Chadd's upbringing landscaping business when he got out of the SEALs 59:40 - Chadd's pipeline into the SEALs 1:02:45 - Chadd's pericardial cyst and his journey overcoming this for the SEALs 1:12:38 - Chadd's problem with BUDS rollbacks 1:16:28 - Chadd's SEAL career and his medical retirement due to TBI 1:17:14 - TBI and PTS 1:18:05 - Chadd's symptoms and process of seeing medical personnel 1:20:15 - The limitations of modern medical care in evaluating those with brain injuries 1:22:11 - Chadd's difficulties seeing doctors 1:23:47 - The SEALs don't need you and taking care of yourself in the military 1:24:45 - Chadd's deployments in Africa 1:27:05 - Chadd sort of resented how his career was different from other SEALs 1:28:53 - The mistake of measuring yourself with combat time, kills, etc. 1:31:20 - The most valuable block of time in the SEALs for Chadd 1:33:25 - Chadd stayed in haunted barracks and his turning to Christianity 1:37:35 - Creationism vs evolution, atheism vs religiosity, dogs, and science 1:41:20 - Creationism vs evolution dug deeper (fossil evidence, similar design elements, etc.) 1:45:15 - So...why Jesus? Who Jesus? HOW Jesus? 1:48:14 - The extent of the deal regarding Jesus's atonement of sins 1:49:24 - What is morality? Where does it come from? 1:51:05 - Humbling yourself and initiating faith 1:54:20 - Chadd's wife's struggles with drug addiction and his prayers to save her from it 1:59:57 - Chadd watched Obama sleep (not really, but he guarded him while he did) 2:03:13 - The difficulties of protection jobs and quick decision making 2:04:00 - Chadd's smooth transition to COVID-19 2:06:01 - The fall of the Roman empire and how it applies to the US 2:08:04 - The lack of leadership during the COVID era, government control, national pride, and shady elections 2:13:01 - The facade that is the US economy 2:14:10 - What happens, historically, when the illusion of an empire collapses and fixing erosion in the US 2:16:48 - The resiliency of the Kingdom of God 2:19:14 - Where did Chadd get his love of running? 2:23:55 - Everything in the teams is a competition (tangent) 2:25:03 - Chadd's running love continued 2:29:45 - Principles of success and the power of the spoken word 2:34:01 - Hypocrisy 2:34:36 - Chadd uses running to keep himself grounded and confident 2:35:46 - GOLDEN QUOTE (this is just for me to look back on. Use it if you want) 2:36:50 - Some future races and goals of Chadd 2:38:28 - Money mindsets, mistakes, and decisions 2:41:15 - Honor and integrity 2:45:56 - Emotion in decision making 2:47:47 - The difficulty of incorporating principles into daily life 2:48:54 - Chadd and his company's plans for 2021 2:50:50 - The many goals of Andy Stumpf for 2021 2:51:12 - How to find Chadd Wright 2:52:30 - Closing thoughts 2:35:33 - Ladder Life Insurance 2.0 2:53:51 - Outtro and how to spread Cleared Hot like the government spread panic during the pandemic Ammo AND Pokemon cards are being bought up and scalped. Wtf. My life is ruined. Have a good week for all of you without expensive hobbies.

[@mikedudley9975]

High five. Good morning buddy

[@migolio]

@@mikedudley9975 Morning to you good sir!

[@judefuselier]

Lil Hero

[@ARuiz1004]

Michael Nguyen, doing God's work!! Thank you, Brother! You're the first comment I look for. Lol

[@scottfellows9640]

God bless

[@akers3443]

Guys like Chadd are frequently how the Lord speaks to the heart of guys like Andy. Best interview yet. Amazing how far humility and hard work goes. That's what America is about, not the bloviating and political power-jockeying we see everywhere now. Glad these 2 dudes are on our team.

[@bradkister79]

Great podcast. I love Chad's openness with regards to his walk with Christ. I can totally relate. Though never a member of Special Operations, I was a light infantryman serving in an Illinois Army National Guard unit. As the first Gulf War was heating up, so were the discussions of our Brigade being deployed to the Middle East. Facing the possibility of my own death for the first time in life, I was in desperate need of answers. It was at that point that Jesus Christ invaded my mind heart and life in the most meaningful way.. I now had a sense of peace oh, no matter what was to come next. Chad is spot-on when he says that when you seek Jesus with all of your heart soul and mind, then that you will find him , he is spot-on. I will be 57 years old this July, and have never been the same since night initial Encounter With Jesus Christ in early 1991. Again, great podcast!

[@bradkister79]

We never did deploy, but the whole experience was an amazing journey in spiritual growth and discovery

[@Grantwrenn]

I have watched this Podcast twice and listened three times. Andy's interview skills have really grown. I had no clue who Chad Wright was. . . But now I am hooked. I love Chad's attitude

[@kentallen8838]

Great great conversation! I’m a Christian and I gotta say the world needs to hear more conversations like this!

[@phettywappharmaceuticalsll8842]

Whatever helps one through life is great

[@Rentcollector]

Chadd is the real deal and there are only a handful of men like him in the world!

[@Devildog1979]

I was in same boat his wife was in years after military due to a broken back, instead of my wife helpn me n stickn by me she tucked n ran when i needed her most, so hats off for sticking by her and believing in God and her!!!

[@Pimpjuicejackson1455]

Two of the greatest right there. Just watch how respectful they are of each other's views. Two very dangerous, polite, and honest men haha. Hell yes

[@vettepilot427]

Chadd reminds me of the missing Robertson (Duck Commander) brother that went off to join the Navy instead of building duck calls. Great interview everyone!! Such a great way to see folks who have different opinions on some very real issues have a real and meaningful conversation. This is the gold standard for how this should be done. Such respect for both these guys.

[@1low8te]

Exactly what I was saying! He sounds like Jase

[@plexpress84]

Great podcast as usual sir. And to Chadd, thanks for speaking about the difference between having a relationship with Jesus versus religion, because it's a HUGE difference.

[@01Sassoon]

"Hey, be careful how you treat people." Words to live by... Andy and Chadd, thank you both, for such a motivational interview !!

[@ryanhyderh]

This guy's persona hooked me from the first word he spoke.

[@rdsmith334]

I’m pretty sure, with this dude, the A in SEAL actually stands for Appalachia. He’s my new hero, based off of accent and beard alone.

[@CornMatterToo]

Yes!

[@dwhite1282]

100%

[@internet_internet]

His species is actually the Appalachian mud squid. Rare genetic profile. They are capable of taking extreme abuse and handling very dangerous situations without serious injury. They actually made a tv series a while back about these kinds of people. It’s called Squidbillies.

[@Jessie_James850]

Chadd is such a great guy. Greetings from Croatia 🇭🇷 to host Andy and his respective guest. God bless both of you.

[@Ripper7620]

@Cleared Hot Podcast, Thank you very much for having this guest on, I greatly appreciate it. Chadd is not only just about the only SF guy I feel like I could really sit down with and have a conversation with, but actually do it and thoroughly enjoy the time.

[@jodytipton12]

By far the best episode. So much respect for Chad's mindset

[@jonboy8639]

This podcast has changed my life seriously

[@OGWhinnyBaby29]

Thank you, Andy, for not stopping him from talking about Jesus and spreading the gospel. This was an awesome podcast.

[@JPaisano3]

Very real and hard hitting interview. My favorite of all the podcasts of this type so far. Chad spoke his heart with grit and Andy took it very graciously and professionally. These guys are a class act.

[@mattzobian]

A lot of humility and wisdom in these two warriors.

[@JJ-rx5kn]

This dude looks like he's straight out of a civil war novel

[@kris6619]

Chadd Wright is my inspiration.

[@sparksyg1932]

The biggest thing I have gotten from your podcast Andy is that there’s power in being able to conceptualize things that you know intuitively, I think I’m a fan of yours because I see parts of myself in the way you interact with people, and I feel like you don’t know what to do when someone thanks you for your podcast, or maybe it feels awkward because you’re not only doing it for them but make no mistake that you are continuing to be a value add and are still serving your country/community today

[@josephllinas417]

Literally thought about Chad yesterday, was looking for recent interviews he's got. Now he's on Andy's and I learn he has his own! Awesome, love Chad.

[@volcomfreak111]

Just woke up after surgery and this is the first thing i see. Painkillers and Cleared Hot it is!

[@buyingscratchoffticketsunt5750]

Get well

[@georgefloydsinhellwbreonna5330]

Oxy’s and cleared hot? That’s a fantastic way to wake up!!!

[@davidflora8776]

Get some fuzzy 👃 my friend!!!!

[@volcomfreak111]

@@downlink5877 thanks!

[@erickiyoshiphillips2323]

Lol it's all fun until your addicted to psinkillers

[@upanchor]

Awesome testimony, Chad. Resonated with me - tears in my eyes, completely broken before the Lord, just like the day I was saved

[@gnawty4662]

Chadd Wright is the type of dude I avoid if I saw him in public. I see this guy with his arms folded on the Cleared Hot cover, hit play, and immediately I’m loving the vibes. This episode was a pleasure to listen to from start to finish (im over the 2hr mark now). Thank you Andy!

[@fiddlefolk]

Great Show Andy and Chad!

[@truckie6740]

What a down to earth man.

[@gunslinger91mcgillicuddy52]

World needs more folk like Chadd.

[@xl2beerz725]

Wow, such a wonderful conversation y'all had. I was just introduced to your guest Andy through this podcast, and it was very calming and positive for me so thank you both...

[@laughingape7149]

YES!!! Andy please try to make that fundraiser happen! If anyone could pull that together (with help) it's you.

[@kathyborthwick6738LakotaEmoji]

Chadd and Andy are incredible warriors !🦅☀️🦅🦅☀️🦅

[@Flightofthearrowoutdoors]

Great job sharing the gospel and your relationship with Christ bro

[@muriloninja]

15:51 lol..Goggins, Yourself, and Haynes is a wild mix of grind until someone dies! hahaha! Excellent idea to be honest! I'd buy a ticket to that! Wow!

[@LifeRuiner59]

Great episode love the raw conversation. Two humble, smart guys! Truly an inspiration! Thanks 🙏

[@J.Robinson_]

This is best interview I’ve seen . I worked with booth of you … 14 years at dod … I say explaining how things go . One of the best . Good job

[@shanejohnson7339]

Greatest podcast you have ever done my friend. More guest like this!

[@wolfhound45]

Never heard of this guy before I stumbled across one of your shorts from this episode. Immediately fell in love with this guy.

[@PeterRSCFF]

I really appreciate both of these old boys. I like the uber toughguy seals fine and I find them inspirational but these guys feel real to me. So much wisdom and experience shared with humility.

[@kwlobdell7853]

Terrific. Two credible, authentic men sharing experience, wisdom, & motivation for the journey.🇺🇸

[@browning7750]

Man, this podcast got awesome when faith came to the surface and the story of how God entered Chadd's life with the gift of faith! Wow! I had some respect for your physical and mental accomplishments with the Seal especially with overcoming the cardial cyst, BUT how freakin' awesome a story that only God Himself can get the credit for! Keep giving Him the glory and loving others by pouring into their mind, soul, and spirit (3of7 project). The world will know us by our love.

[@cgarrand78]

"If possible it should be uphill both ways" lol Sounds like my Grandfathers walk to school!

[@DarcyCarmen]

Please, PLEASE make that race a reality. Someone who knows techy things clip the segment and tag Goggins and Hanes. 1000% I would watch this. Maybe get Lex Friedman in on it too. And Andy needs a golf cart to ride in beside the runners.

[@Jacob-yd7gd]

Andy riding next to them in a golf cart with a bullhorn while they’re running would be the greatest thing ever.

[@zac3392]

Andy on cart with bullhorn- best idea ever! Lex- negative Ghost Rider

[@LifeRuiner59]

Andy riding in a golf cart would be amazing!!

[@1low8te]

Get Courtney Dauwalter on this one too

[@Powerbandm]

I love the idea is would be fucking prime time entertainment and motivation all in one package

[@trevorlewicki2076]

Another awesome podcast!! they talked a little religion and politics, nobody got their panties in a wad. This is what grownups actually sound like.

[@garrettbarbosa4982]

Man Chad you are just killing it bro!!! I love listening to you talk!!!! Just came across your channel and I just keep on listening !!! Love your SPIRIT BROTHER!!!!!!

[@Satchel_Charge2]

Andy, I love your honesty and how you relate to your friends/guest. God sees you!

[@nicholasjackson8221]

Brother that testimony is gonna change lives.

[@emilostvall1934]

Thanks Andy and Chadd

[@shellinger13]

Chadd is awesome!!! thanks Andy....

[@daveoliver3515]

so excited for this one. Shawn Ryan said he reached out to you (mentioned it on an instagram livesteam) but couldnt reach you, by the way. I would love to see Tony Eafrati on here as well, so many team guys have spoken very highly of him and I would love to hear him on Cleared Hot. I also had the idea to have a special operations specific neurologist/neuroscientist or MD, that has lots of experience in researching/treating/preventing mTBIs/TBIs, especially from blast trauma in SOF. I think that would be really interesting and informational to hear. thanks for all the great content recently! go crush this week everyone!

[@robertmartin2093]

Petition to get Tony Eafrati on the podcast?

[@collinalbanese6980]

They definitely know each other i remember tony saying “I love the guy” talking about Andy. Tony on here would be wicked!!

[@BostonsF1nest]

Eddie Penney, Dale Comstock, Tom Satterly, Chris Osman

[@cccharlie007]

Chad Wright is on point! Love this guy.

[@justincredubil]

Going back and listening to these older episodes makes me truly appreciate BRCC becoming the full time sponsor. These ad reads are brutal.

[@ajetheridge3104]

When Chadd said something about being stove up... instant fan! Man that takes me back

[@shawnfields6794]

I've put this episode off for about a year. Turned out I'm glad I listened to it finally. Greatly episode! So good that the only reason I'm commenting is because I'm trying to boost Andy's algorithm status! This guy reminds me of Micah Fink! My favorite Cleared Hot episode to date still.

[@HighReadyBoutique]

I love chads humor and energy, both of y'all are great people. Much respect 🇺🇲

[@frankevans6584]

Awesome testimony!!!

[@joeybullets1807]

I lost a few friends April 10th 2010. Listening to what you guys have talked about has really helped me put it all untie perspective. It’s rough because a few after that were part of the 22.

[@danielk9409]

Man this dude & all the odd ball badass’s Ive seen on this channel is so incredibly encouraging, I mean there’s a time & place 4 everyone BUT there’s definitely a mental image of a seal most people have ie Jocko, Goggins... BUT these are the interviews & people that really fascinate me, THANK YALL 4 your service & continued service in the private sector!

[@superkool7]

This was such an awesome episode thank you Andy and Chadd! Top notch humans for sure. Loved every minute of this!

[@Dan-qp1el]

Had me smiling ear to ear - an event featuring Chad, David, and Cam......yes!

[@Cjones322]

Chadd, you are awesome brotha!

[@hartraley9900]

This is such a fantastic podcast on so many levels.

[@dalewalters357]

Thank you..

[@johnneal539]

Nothing like making the world a better place.

[@scottmiles7373]

Chadd is a true treasure.

[@anthonylewis9256]

Favorite guest so far

[@Chatty_Matty]

Love this dude! Chadd speaks truth

[@buyingscratchoffticketsunt5750]

I don’t have the words to say how powerful you talking about those suicide emails was. Keep Going.

[@Tesla_ofthe_Skies]

@1:36:21 “I’ve got Nothing to sell you” lmao

[@crownlands7246]

Love, he's fearless adressing weird phenomenons, whatever that might be, he focuses on generously sharing the experience for ppl to have their own impression

[@maxrogers762]

Such an awesome show! Thanks for all yall do!!🤘🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Outlander18]

Chad is an outstanding person all the way around. Great American patriot

[@Krause4some]

Both you guys are solid dudes enjoy listening to both podcasts or anything about you guys that you have to say. Don’t trash David Goggins. I don’t know why you guys make fun of his three weeks that’s what you guys were alluding to. The guy is hard-core and trying to help the community just like you guys are. Thanks.

[@Zachary_333]

Spot on! Great episode.

[@andrewmoran627]

“Your mind is a powerful place. And what you feed it can affect you in a powerful way!” NF

[@5150Mainevent]

This guy has fortitude hundred fold.

[@Rubberguard]

One of the best podcasts I’ve listened to! Thanks for doing this one Andy; well done.

[@seanbrando_7456]

Well educated warriors......a good example indeed. Please carry on Gentlemen.

[@larrybarnett5799]

i served as a combat engineer in the Army, and all this medical terminology about TBI is making me nostalgic!. thanks for the gospel Chad! Andy, thank you for your podcast.

[@albertoduqe]

"I buy a lot of guns" :D I cracked. AWESOME dudes.

[@kim-jong-poon]

I'm literally 10 seconds in and I can already tell, THIS DUDE RULES!!!

[@nastyoverlord9559]

great name

[@JCich]

Chadd has an amazing outlook. He seems like a super cool guy and I look forward to his podcast.

[@esthahyahgeh6533]

Chad. I'm right there with ya on so many things y'all spoke about! Keep going strong, brother!

[@FINEST-uz9ek]

Man this was such a great podcast ... two so down to earth guys and so humble .... loved it!

[@internet_internet]

I hate seeing doctors too, Chadd. I went through the forced multi-year process of being told that there was a bunch of shit “wrong with me” when I was a teenager. Turns out, there’s nothing wrong with me. Go figure. Those processes completely screwed up the trajectory of my life, unfortunately. Parents, please don’t drug your children.

[@papabear328]

Legend has it that with every rival ultrarunner soul he takes, his beard grows an inch...

[@ai-baking-f1]

Very inspirational. Great words about not letting your current gig define who you are. Thanks to both of you for everything you do.

[@MrJimshop]

Developing your mental attitude, critical!

[@kevinzeng6001]

This was outstanding on both ends.

[@doublem1971]

Outstanding.

[@yotaman492]

Andy: "I'm a moron stumbling my way through life." Me: "Hey, that is me too." Classic Andy...hahaha Aren't we all sort of in that same boat, just stumbling through life and trying to do the best that we can day by day? I know that I am

[@tdunn2]

Yep, and it’s SO much more helpful when we finally recognize that’s what we are.

[@katannanat]

He’s an awesome witness to The Lord!!

[@TheAndre409]

Thank you Gents, great respect and thank you for your inspiration!

[@hopester0217]

Chad Holy crap !! What a Great Great Dude !!!