Forging Mettle Podcast

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 yearn to know that we matter. We all want to be seen, accepted, and loved simply as we are.

I’m interested in what gets in the way.

Sometimes the obstacle begins within: our ego, fear, and shame can eat at us and make it difficult for us to be kind even to ourselves let alone to others. Each of us is also implicitly biased in favor of and against groups of humans based upon our upbringing, lived experiences, and the ideas to which we have been exposed. And over the decades and centuries of our modern existence, we’ve built societal mores, rules, policies, structures, and systems that preference some while demeaning or excluding others.

There is so much work to do, at all levels, to build a human community in which we all matter. I want to do my small part.

As someone who has the privilege of writing and publishing books, I’ve decided that the twin practices endemic in American publishing of describing characteristics of race, class, sexual orientation, and other identities only when deemed “the other,” and of assuming that all readers belong to a particular demographic group are no longer tolerable. I’m using my newest book Your Turn: How to Be an Adult to demonstrate that we can, and must, write inclusive books. You can read about how I’ve attempted to do that, here.

It’s up to you and me to treat all humans with dignity and kindness and to inspire others to do the same. We can do this. It’s well past time.

Website: 

https://www.julielythcotthaims.com/

Books: 

"How to Raise and Adult: Break Free from the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success"

"Your Turn: How to be an Adult"

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 is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His research interests include the philosophy of science, the nature of pseudoscience, and practical philosophies like Stoicism and New Skepticism.

Books:

"How to be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life"

"A Handbook for New Stoics: How to Thrive in a World out of Your Control"

"How to Live a Good Life: A Guide to Choosing Your Personal Philosophy"

"A Field Guide to a Happy Life: 53 Brief Lessons for Living"

Blog:

Philosophy as a way of life

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, holistic mindset coach, and hypnotherapist. She holds her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Northern Iowa. She completed her masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, graduating top of her class from Iona College. She has been a practicing psychotherapist for over 10 years and working in the psychology field for over 15 years.

Carrie has worked in the field of psychology in a wide variety of settings which include hospitals, community mental health, youth residential homes, substance abuse, military base, college university and private practice. She has worked with a wide variety of clients from all ages and around many different identified problems. She has worked with individuals, couples, families and groups.

Carrie is a mother to two twin toddler boys and a step-mother to their older brother and sister as well. She is a furbaby mom to two boxer dogs. She enjoys working out, exploring her health and fitness journey, staying active, nature and being outdoors, traveling, and trying new things.

Her website: https://www.carrieleaf.com/

Her book, "Therapize Yourself: Choose to Heal and Find Your Truth"

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 mountains. She’s a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, author of Mental Training for Ultrarunning, and has consulted with elite athletes in various sports. She is an Olympic level runner and 3X mountain runner of the year.

Strive Mental Performance: https://www.strivementalperformance.com/about

Book: "Mental Training for Ultrarunning" https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Training-Ultrarunning-Addie-Bracy/dp/171820017X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MN9BFGY05HCP&keywords=addie+bracy+book&qid=1641387608&s=books&sprefix=addie+bracy%2Cstripbooks%2C97&sr=1-1

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. 

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 Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) in the mid-2000s. As you might guess, he was no stranger to risk.

Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates described McChrystal as "perhaps the finest warrior and leader of men in combat I ever met."

After retiring from the military, McChrystal founded the McChrystal Group in January 2011 to deliver innovative leadership solutions to businesses globally in order to help them transform and succeed in challenging, dynamic environments.

Anna Butrico is an Associate at McChrystal Group where she focuses on thought leadership. Currently, she is the co-author with General Stan McChrystal’s for their newly released book, "Risk: A User's Guide" 

https://www.amazon.com/Risk-Users-Guide-Stanley-McChrystal/dp/0593192206/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1639525798&sr=8-1

"Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World"

https://www.amazon.com/Team-Teams-Rules-Engagement-Complex/dp/1591847486/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1639526621&sr=8-1

Both Stan and Anna can be reached through the McChrystal group at www.mcchrystalgroup.com

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 (link)
• Midnight Meditations (link)
• The Illustrated Book of Mindful Meditations for Mindless Moments (link)

After growing up in Washington state, Courtney attended the State University of New York at Oswego, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in psychology, cognitive science, and applied statistics.

After graduation, she made the trek to California to attend Claremont Graduate University. At CGU, her coursework and research focused on positive psychology, organizational behavior, leadership, human resources, program evaluation, and survey research methods.

She graduated in 2015 with a Master’s degree in positive organizational psychology and evaluation.

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 political science from Marquette University, and an MA in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College. He is a graduate of the Advanced Artillery Officer Course, School of Advanced Warfighting, Airborne, Ranger, Summer Mountain Leader and Royal Marine Arctic Warfare Survival courses. Mullen co-wrote the book Fallujah Redux, which came out in 2014. All proceeds from the book go to the Semper Fi Fund. Mullen and his wife, Vicki, have three adult children.

Buy Bill's book: "Fallujah Redux: The Anbar Awakening and the Struggle with Al-Qaeda" 

https://www.amazon.com/Fallujah-Redux-Awakening-Struggle-Al-Qaeda-ebook/dp/B00ME43WI2

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 BAFTA-nominated and award-winning shows Hunted and Celebrity Hunted.

In October 2019, Jordan became the first person in history to row, solo and unsupported across the most dangerous strait of water on the planet (Bab el Mandeb Straits) between the Horn of Africa and Yemen. Jordan has also successfully completed numerous major charity expeditions, including the highly publicised Running Dangerously, which saw him run through Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia, and Barefoot Warrior which involved climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest freestanding mountain, completely barefoot! In 2020 Jordan wrote his name into the Guinness Book of Records by running the deepest underground marathon (1000 metres below the surface in a mine) and by Standup Paddleboarding (SUP) for further and longer at sea than anyone ever has before in history (149 days / 2377 KM).

Learn more about Jordan: https://www.jordanwylie.org/

Buy his latest book: Power of the Paddle: One Man's Mission to Inspire Hope Through the Spirit of Adventure

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 in your chosen field. This is part 2 of 2.

YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLbYvXrE6Ho