Jocko Willink - The Scariest Navy SEAL Imaginable…And What He Taught Me | The Tim Ferriss Show

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Jocko enlisted in the Navy after high school and spent 20 years in the SEAL Teams, first as an enlisted SEAL operator and then as a SEAL officer. During his second tour in Iraq, he led SEAL Task Unit Bruiser in the Battle of Ramadi - some of the toughest and most sustained combat by the SEAL Teams since Vietnam.
Under his leadership, Task Unit Bruiser became the most highly decorated Special Operations Unit of the entire war in Iraq and helped bring stability to Ramadi. Jocko was awarded the Bronze Star and a Silver Star.
Upon returning to the United States, Jocko served as the Officer-in-Charge of training for all West Coast SEAL Teams, designing and implementing some of the most challenging and realistic combat training in the world.
Connect with Jocko Willink:
Jocko Willink on Twitter: / jockowillink
Jocko Willink on Instagram: / jockowillink
Show Notes: tim.blog/2015/09/25/jocko-wil...
SUBSCRIBE: bit.ly/1dSzTkW
About Tim Ferriss:
Tim Ferriss is one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Business People” and an early-stage tech investor/advisor in Uber, Facebook, Twitter, Shopify, Duolingo, Alibaba, and 50+ other companies. He is also the author of five #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers: The 4-Hour Workweek, The 4-Hour Body, The 4-Hour Chef, Tools of Titans and Tribe of Mentors. The Observer and other media have named him “the Oprah of audio” due to the influence of his podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, which has exceeded 200 million downloads and been selected for “Best of iTunes” three years running.
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Start [00:00]
How Jocko would design training for someone who wants to add lean muscle mass [13:49]
The story of how Jocko Willink got involved in jiu-jitsu [15:44]
How Jocko Willink’s SEAL military experience influenced his business [19:24]
The story of how Jocko Willink became a SEAL [22:14]
Where mental toughness comes from [30:04]
Describing the Battle of Ramadi [31:04]
On the leadership and strategy required to take over a city [47:14]
The great tacticians that Jocko Willink respects, [52:44]
What makes a good leader and the things to look for when identifying good leaders [53:59]
How to teach the skill of detachment [1:01:34]
Jocko Willink’s workout that would cause entire platoons to “tap out” [1:09:14]
What are you world-class at that people might not know? [1:12:49]
Morning rituals [1:14:49]
When you think of the word successful, who are the first people that come to mind? [1:18:54]
Non-military leaders that Jocko Willink admires and considers role models [1:29:45]
Skills and/or experiences that every man should have [1:33:34]
Fear inoculation for civilians [1:40:14]
The books Jocko likes to give as gifts [1:42:20]
Common misconceptions about Navy SEALs [1:49:34]
If you could have one billboard anywhere, where would it be and what would it say? [1:55:59]
Explaining the purpose of his business, Extreme Ownership [2:00:14]
Discussing lessons from Extreme Ownership and the value it brings to private companies [2:06:19]
What SEALs discuss between themselves that they don’t discuss with civilians [2:12:44]
Which historical figure does Jocko Willink identify with? [2:18:29]
Something people would be surprised to learn about Jocko Willink [2:19:22]
Cheesy questions: What do you order at a bar, favorite music, advice for your 25- and 35-year-old self [2:22:49]

[@timferriss]

Take 10 seconds and sign up for my free "5-Bullet Friday" newsletter: go.tim.blog/5-bullet-friday-yt/ Each Friday, you’ll get a short email from me with five things I've discovered that week, sending you off to your weekend with fun and useful things to ponder and try. 🙌

[@music4dages]

If I had had this advice when I was growing up, my life would have turned out radically different. This podcast should be MANDATORY listening for EVERY teenager. This is simply priceless information. Thanks Tim for posting this for the invaluable advice it renders. BTW, now a subscriber.

[@tannerhorner5572]

Mmm P Pl Morning

[@tannerhorner5572]

MmI’m

[@tannerhorner5572]

@@music4dages lnl lol pop knoooomp I’m mmokpll lol lo

[@johndivito9065]

See d. Nnbnnads c c NBC c z Bcg zzz CC CC ž CAvbx D Bcg b BBB BBB c no cmc@?!!Z Z wooo

[@bullbythehorns808]

"I hate people that talk for no reason. Twitter feels like talking for no reason" -Jocko. Pretty much defines the man and is probably the healthiest perspective of social media one can have.

[@UnitedStatesofAmerica1984]

And introverts as well, we get tired of expending energy that's pointless and useless

[@schaferund1812]

Jocko speaks so clearly. Almost no "uhhmm" or "ehhh". Very pleasant to listen to.

[@JamisonGallagher]

schafer und The military send him to college halfway through his career and he majored in English. He chose that subject because he figured it would help him at his job.

[@ByWayOfDeception]

He has thoughtful pauses all the time. What a wonderful way to speak instead of rushing a BS answer out there just to talk.

[@13ivanogre13]

This is the way interview shows were back in the 70's and earlier. It's wonderfully deep and free-ranging. Those silent pauses are so refreshing to hear. It tells you he's thinking about it. And it's not some long-form sales pitch either. Podcasts are a blessing!

[@ecdl4679]

@@13ivanogre13 u rite about that Podna! 😉

[@ger._.]

23:27

[@jordanj2062]

Ad ends at 4:50

[@ptaylor3304]

+Jordan J 8:44 for actual interview.

[@kymcarter589]

thx

[@mmallory22]

thanks

[@henrykissinger6024]

god damn tim fuckin jewing out

[@MrDwhite4444]

Thank you

[@csn6234]

Jocko is the kind of guy who takes the time to read all terms and conditions/privacy policy updates before he downloads any software or app, and then declines to download the app.

[@faustinreeder1075]

Lol Facts

[@sacplissken]

SHOW NOTES AND TIMESTAMPS Start [8:44] How Jocko would design training for someone who wants to add lean muscle mass [13:49] The story of how Jocko Willink got involved in jiu-jitsu [15:44:00] How Jocko Willink’s SEAL military experience influenced his business [19:24] The story of how Jocko Willink became a SEAL [22:14] Where mental toughness comes from [30:04] Describing the Battle of Ramadi [31:04] On the leadership and strategy required to take over a city [47:14] The great tacticians that Jocko Willink respects, [52:44] What makes a good leader and the things to look for when identifying good leaders [53:59] How to teach the skill of detachment [1:01:34] Jocko Willink’s workout that would cause entire platoons to “tap out” [1:09:14] What are you world-class at that people might not know? [1:12:49] Morning rituals [1:14:49] When you think of the word successful, who are the first people that come to mind? [1:18:54] Non-military leaders that Jocko Willink admires and considers role models [1:29:45] Skills and/or experiences that every man should have [1:33:34] Fear inoculation for civilians [1:40:14] The books Jocko likes to give as gifts [1:42:20] Common misconceptions about Navy SEALs [1:49:34] If you could have one billboard anywhere, where would it be and what would it say? [1:55:59] Explaining the purpose of his business, Extreme Ownership [2:00:14] Discussing lessons from Extreme Ownership and the value it brings to private companies [2:06:19] What SEALs discuss between themselves that they don’t discuss with civilians [2:12:44] Which historical figure does Jocko Willink identify with? [2:18:29] Something people would be surprised to learn about Jocko Willink [2:19:22] Cheesy questions: What do you order at a bar, favorite music, advice for your 25- and 35-year-old self [2:22:49]

[@ricardosantinoespina1290]

I listened to the entire podcast once before. I remember jocko listing some of the most impressive jiu jitsu practitioners he's ever trained with. Would you or anyone know when that is? Big thanks to your timestamps by the way!

[@anupkumarjha8167]

Thank bro

[@stewartarmstrong7430]

Thank you. Awesome!

[@alexanderdekleine7853]

Thanks for doing this!

[@reecehayden7731]

A man of the people

[@stocktonslap209]

joe rogan brought me here

[@Ted_Sheckler]

Me too one year later

[@andrerathje]

Same here lol

[@tripswaddo5146]

I want to like this but it’s on 420.

[@aaron123112]

Yup

[@jakegoodman6307]

Same 4 years later

[@metalpaul3212]

Interview doesn't start till 8:42.

[@BoStanfordify]

cheers

[@chillicancarnage]

you the Real MVP

[@xz0mbae]

Metal Paul holy fuck thank you

[@getsmart3701]

Thanks mate.

[@billytheweasel]

ty

[@Jupitertvv]

Six years later, Jocko’s Podcast is bigger than Tim’s.

[@BitigoBlack]

I mean....listening to this episode.....I came here because of the algorithm. And this guy is asking pretty basic questions to the point I asked.. who is his audience? Teenagers?

[@billlets5460]

Jocko's idea of "balance" is vital to the approach mankind needs to be a better humanity.

[@WatchmanPrivacy]

For sure. It's an ethics that Aristotle talks about in his Nichomachean Ethics.

[@Metaphix]

Jocko slaying bad guys hyped up on caffeine is the best Red Bull commercial ever

[@nerdyhustle]

Joe “go check out Tim Ferris” Rogan sent me.

[@jamestaylor9443]

The moment when Mr. Willink said "humility," my respect for him and his service increased infinitely.

[@chrisp2481]

It says a lot about Jocko that he pauses briefly before answering a Q.

[@sighfly2928]

It’s almost like he is self detaching while answering the difficult questions to give the most meaningful answers

[@kd47730]

The most epic part of the interview is when Jocko says he wakes up at 445 and he is waiting for the enemy. Freakin my hair stood up when I head that! HOO RAH!!!

[@lightupthedarkness6762]

alpha of alphas

[@anthonyp3113]

kd47730 hooyah*

[@westvirg304]

Dont even know what that means

[@phaedrus7971]

kd47730 follow Jocko on Twitter. No joke.

[@vaiasicca33]

Found out about Tim Ferriss Podcast and Jocko by listening to the Joe Rogan Podcast. Great episode.

[@Banksydog]

Tim is such a mediocre interviewer, though. He doesn’t listen closely. He asked the same question multiple times, and there are points where he should follow-up, but he moves onto the next thing on his list. He should learn to be more of a conversationalist like Joe.

[@WestTexasPipeGuy]

I love the time Jocko takes to contemplate his answer to the questions.

[@DimitrisKoronakosIonikos]

Mannn, Jocko is one of a kind...Raw model of dignity and passion.. It's brings me chills when conversation goes to Iraq-war-Ramadi shit..

[@christopherarmstrong2710]

11:40 Real name is John, parents gave him his nick-name Jocko. Ever since he was born, that's what everyone has known him as. 13:50 Add lean mass = lift heavy (deadlifts and squats), eat a lot 20:20 BJJ and overlap between leading and dealing with human beings who have egos and issues. From a leadership . Dealing with people and getting people to carry out missions or operations in a way that's most effective. It transfers over to the business world, where you've got to get a group of people to carry out a mission in a most efficient and effective manner.

[@lazyjackass77]

Thank you for this, Tim. We need more Jockos in this world. Great job, sir.

[@ByWayOfDeception]

this was a solid interview because Tim asked good questions and just sat and listened. Very solid even after over three years later.

[@effiepanagiotou7156]

Great episode. Thanks. And looking forward to a Jocko Willink podcast.

[@trist5612]

Tim’s questions are on point best jocko interview I’ve listened to

[@DePistolero]

This interview tapped into every area of my life( And everyone else's) and uncovered a few more.... Just spot on. Thanks :)

[@dalcassian9098]

Tim handled the ebb and flow of this interview extremely well.Very candid.....

[@getsmart3701]

I'm here because Sam Harris told me he would wait while I listened to this, Rogan as well.

[@thomasdaddono9234]

hahah, i listened to his podcast first, then joes, then this one

[@zacwulf6987]

Get Smart I did the same thing haha

[@1pointt21gW]

haha same

[@mattberry474]

Same here!

[@PieInTheSky9]

Same here!

[@CrackinDutches]

Thanks for asking specific questions about the SEAL training. Its useful for people considering joining.

[@Johnhealey-]

Some great points for life and fantastic examples of Jockos experiences. Great listen.

[@michaeltoppo9794]

Jocko! You are helping lead me out of my hell!!! Thank you sir!!!! You make a difference

[@BeauJames59]

Great interview on Tim's part. Good questions. Jocko is sharp and knows who he is.

[@wiley8976]

Jocko impresses me (other than being an American Hero leading other Heroes) that when hep sparks with people / or is asked a question he takes a pause and really thinks about the question/information that he is processing and then he gives a true straight forward answer. It is something every one can learn; just stop, process, think, and then reply. I love hearing people like him speak.

[@kd47730]

Great inspirational video! Happy Veteran's Day to Jocko and all the vets out there! I will be buying his book! Godspeed!

[@andrewwoods9087]

Fantastic interview. Jocko Willink is superb.

[@waynemyers2469]

I'm half-way through this interview and already I have heard some of the most beautiful, profound and noble things I have ever heard from anyone in my life.

[@tmorgan003]

Just listened to the podcast this afternoon, this guy is intense

[@Synthminator]

Great interview!!

[@air82ndborne]

Damn when you started talking about your guys it ripped my heart out, thank you for being transparent, thank you for your service

[@chrisplantstrongbrown5585]

Outstanding!Brought tears to my eyes

[@offroad5798]

One of the best, if not the best, Podcast interview ever

[@27STS]

What a legit super human being. He is 1 in a million, or more.

[@daveyineluctable5525]

+ceebee27sts I really appreciate the amount of time he pauses before answering questions, really taking in the question and thinking about his response. I literally thought my speakers were cutting out, until I realized it was just him pausing! We all can benefit from thinking a little more carefully and deliberately, especially these days.

[@Brady.John87]

.46% of Americans join the military and Seal team is less then 1% of that so he's definitely one of a few to say the least.

[@usmh]

+Davey Ineloquent Hear hear, peasants! This man knows what's up.

[@swordsheldhigh7934]

+ceebee27sts If I was 5% the man he is

[@Hellm8te]

You can be.

[@MaximillianGiamarco]

Straight up warrior podcast.

[@joeyservo]

2:02:44 - 2:04:30 probably my favorite part of the podcast. "We're good sir"

[@oflionsquarrel2277]

32:02 Tim: How long were you there? Jocko: WE were there for 6 months. Jocko showing his character there.

[@cag1]

one of the most legendary podcast conversations ever

[@paulangulo6821]

Good one on Leadership. Thanks!

[@coachraylo]

Great interview. Humility is key in every area in life in order to succeed.

[@Mike9201984]

+coachraylo Except combat.

[@amisfitpuivk]

+Mike9201984 not really if you think about it. If you have ego problems in combat, you're probably going to get yourself killed. You have to humbly stay in cover and rely on your team.

[@ninjamcninjaton7145]

it's a good thing you know everything dakota, you should write a book so the rest of us can come up to your level ps he said "it is key" not "its the key" you need to follow coachraylo's lead, and have some humility, jackass

[@Emajor7b5]

Great podcast!

[@Bluepickles333]

I wonder how many Americans don’t know what the battle of Ramadi or battle of fallujah 1 and 2 is. I hope someday these are taught in classrooms or people do their own research. There are so many stories of the Iraq and Afghanistan war that people have no idea took place.

[@shinobi6587]

This is an incredible podcast. One of the best I’ve heard.

[@ChrisPow]

I am very different from Jocko in many ways, but I can't help but admire his accomplishments and drive. I'm still working on the whole rising at 4:30 am thing.

[@billmcyrus]

Brilliant work sir!

[@stephencrisson3595]

Thank you all for your sacrifice and service‼️

[@gratefuldood2311]

Joe brought me here but I stayed for the honesty. Super humble guy. Makes you want to be a seal, maybe next life.

[@wpb5876]

Absolute inspiration of a person Thank you,

[@jonathanlocklear3691]

Thank you to all that have served❤️🇺🇸

[@unspecifiedusername8820]

This man has testosterone for blood.

[@annettepayne822]

That was intense. I was just so impressed with the questions you asked and the way you navigated it. Loved your Madonna reference spot on . Tim Ferriss you are cool.

[@jonathanlocklear3691]

More people need to hear this

[@patrickkennedy6949]

Great interview....after practically every question I thought in my head 'Good question'.

[@13ivanogre13]

And he was capable of not understanding something and instead of moving away from it he'd clarify, like the grenadier moment. His brain was unable to process that sound in that moment and he could have let it go but he circled back and that shows me he was actually listening.

[@simon.houseaccount4807]

Known both these great guys for years now.,been wanting to listen to this for ages...just hit start right now ...its going to be a great arvo ...

[@darkstarmatter5678]

Came here because of +Sam Harris. So glad I did. Awesome, informative interview.

[@rhythmsaint73]

Increible episode and conversation

[@marshal4623]

King Jocko; what an inspirational guy.

[@kaseycopeland2140]

I Love Jocko And Task Unit Bruiser I Always Watch Whatever I Can About It. I Always Watch Alot Of Military Interviews About What These Guys Went Through. Very Good Podcast.

[@country_club_leaders]

excellent, thank you Mr. Willink.

[@vaibhavsharma457]

GREAT GREAT GREAT PODCAST

[@dobermanxxxl]

Thank you for your service to our great country, Jocko.

[@larryrenolds7264]

Jocko is so humble.

[@NomadicChad]

This commentary on leadership is a good mine.

[@fapstronaut3671]

Not even half through it, but man, you are really good at asking question. thanks.)

[@boblasher1]

Amazing interview!! This guy is the real deal!!

[@christopherarmstrong2710]

11:30 "You're an intense guy - what are you like on three Red Bulls?" *_More Jocko_* 😂

[@Crypt0rkid]

Had to see where this Jocko thing started. A modern day Gladiator and true Patriot.

[@tomburroughes9834]

Jocko is an amazing human being.

[@richchar6478]

I'm writing this comment right after listing to "When you think of the word successful, who are the first people that come to mind? [1:18:54]". That is some of the most powerful stuff I have ever heard. Wow.

[@terrimartin5741]

Good interview. I am happy that JW named Blood Meridian because contemplating the violent nature of people has been a interest of mine from my life experience. I also understand that can be sometimes extrapolated to this force in the DNA of people. My understanding is so at odds with my peer group because I work at a University and being female. I love listening to these conversations because it is really not talked about enough in a rigorous intellectual fashion.

[@1pointt21gW]

On the proportional relationship between discipline and freedom I found Jocko's commentary (1:56) to be profoundly truthful and just incredibly well said. One of many awesome riffs to be found in this interview.

[@GoncaloLoyal]

"I'll try and give a concise answer but you're going deep right now... which is fine. Because I guess it's your podcast... "hahahahaha

[@MidWestRiverRat]

Thank you

[@MichaelSilverChannel]

This was a great interview. Thanks, Jocko for supporting the US.

[@puresafe2011]

Jocko is the real deal !!

[@vincepacleb]

This video was a game changer for the Leadership space. Jocko is breaking the mold in the Leadership Consulting world. This podcast gave birth to another level of how leaders should communicate, prepare, compete, execute, and win in today's business landscape. Thank you. #ExtremeOwnership #DisciplineEqualsFreedom #Jocko

[@tallmikeholley]

amazing! Love it

[@mattmilcarek4354]

Jocko is the man we should strive to be

[@jsmithsemper4848]

I made sure to let Jocko be the only influencer I listened to for a very long time. His strengths were my weaknesses & I wanted so badly to overcome them. And guess what? It worked. 😌

[@samn3276]

Good for you! That’s a great approach. Limiting your influence. 🤨

[@joelgreiner8340]

JOCKO WILLINK, I fought in ramadi in the summer of 2006. Also in yusifia with JSOC under general stanley mccrystal. Are AO was wherever the HVTs were typically but maybe we passed not knowing me being Army you being Navy lol glad you made it back brother. Those places were shit holes and we lost a lot of great men there. I doubt you'll get to read this but if so take care and keep doing your thing!!

[@TheGmanway]

joel greiner thanks for your service

[@MvPchazzycat13]

Thank you for keeping us safe

[@tuck-brainwks-eutent-hidva1098]

Many thanks for your service -- 🇺🇸🙏.

[@shawndeutsch584]

@@MvPchazzycat13 lol! Keeping who safe?? We were never in any real danger.

[@noneya9035]

We are greatful and indebted to you. Thank you for your selfless service.

[@albertog5684]

This dude is a warrior in the ancient meaning of the term. Thank you.

[@WatchmanPrivacy]

People aren't pushing themselves these days. We're capable of a lot more than our soft society says we are.

[@noshrinkingviolet007]

I loled over the part where he hangs pics of his fam up before he takes a pic where he sleeps and then took them back down. Totally get it but it was still hilarious. Great interview.

[@thugtrippin]

Jocko is something out of a movie

[@JD..........]

My 2nd time through this interview. This is enormously inspiring as a civilian. I never expect to kill another human being. But stepping in this world is extremely valuable. Thanks Tim. Jocko doesn't seem like the easiest guy to interview. They both did well however...

[@chrisp2481]

J D I feel the same way. Another military thing I loved was a book called "War Poems: A Marines Tour"

[@harveymorgan1749]

He killed for zionism

[@robertgrayraleigh]

This is one of my favorite podcasts ever, literally. Re the ads, yea they are ads; but, I'm convinced that Tim ads are Tim endorsements & he knows the products well or does not advertise them. I discovered my "green juice" (Athletic Greens) thru Tim's endorsement. That juice scratches all kinds of internal itches, and tastes good too - 16 oz per day

[@TomTirabasso]

I agree, great show. I know ahead to fast forward at least 4 min. before starting. His range of guests is amazing and every show is loaded with nuggets. Both of these guys here will be extremely successful at whatever they do.

[@hankrearden3095]

“Morning Rituals”...the Enemy. What at an awesome perspective to wake up to👊🏻. Cave? Maybe. Great podcast. I heard Jocko Rope-Lined into into this World and drove he and his Mother home from the Hospital. Commander Willink, you are my mentor. You are Overwatch. H.R. USMC ‘71-‘75🇺🇸

[@daisybluegroff]

The most authentic podcast I've ever heard.

[@user-jw8cs7cr2h]

Jocko “get after it” Willink

[@christopherarmstrong2710]

1:21:40 To live, fight, and die like a warrior is success

[@bimscutney1242]

Blood Meridian is one of the best books ever written. I have given that book as a gift.

[@_kelley7640]

The ones you fear are the ones you've never heard of.

[@boydrugger-wp3ld]

MRS, WILLINK you are a great respected man. Very smart man USA 🇺🇸 need so many more man just like you following you for a long time. Proud of you. Good man most of all thank you sir God bless and your family .respectful .

[@Karanpat]

Underrated af