The 10 Best Jocko Podcast Episodes
Hosted by retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, the Jocko Podcast is your source for wisdom on success, discipline, and leadership. Jocko is the author of Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, and is known for his inspiring Extreme Ownership Ted Talk. On his podcast, Jocko sits down with figures like Tim Ferriss and Jordan Peterson for deep discussions on everything from philosophy to being a man. He is also incredibly well-connected in the military world, and is joined on the podcast by many inspiring people from the armed forces, including Jonny Kim, a Navy SEAL combat medic, doctor, and NASA astronaut. There are so many great episodes to choose from, but if you’re looking for the best Jocko episodes make sure to check out this list.
Last Updated: Mar 15th, 2022
1) 180: Covert Lessons Learned From "Across The Fence" in Vietnam, with John Stryker Meyer
In this fascinating three-part series, Jocko sits down with John Stryker Myer, author of Across the Fence, who was a member of the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) during the Vietnam war. MACV-SOG was a highly classified special forces unit that conducted covert warfare in North and South Vietnam, as well as neutral Cambodia and Laos. Practically spies, members of this force were not protected under the Geneva Conventions and were not allowed to have any identifying information on their bodies. If they were captured or killed the US Government would deny they were even Americans. Stryker Myer tells Jocko about his experience joining this confidential operation, and recounts stories that would make an absolutely unbelievable action movie. This is one of the best Jocko Podcast episodes for listeners who want to learn more about military history and the lives of those in the elite special forces.
180: Covert Lessons Learned From "Across The Fence" in Vietnam, with John Stryker Meyer
2:45:49 | Jun 5th, 2019
2) 221: The Unimaginable Path of Jonny Kim. SEAL Combat Medic, Doctor, Astronaut
This episode clocks in at over four hours, but there’s no wonder this episode is so long: Jonny Kim is one of the most impressive people ever. Not only was Jonny a heroic Navy SEAL combat medic who served with Jocko, he is also a doctor and NASA astronaut. How does one person accomplish so much? In this interview with Jocko, Jonny dives into his life and lessons learned along the way. Jonny is incredibly inspiring, and despite all of his achievements, he has stayed humble and grounded. This top Jocko episode is a must-listen for inspiration and wisdom.
221: The Unimaginable Path of Jonny Kim. SEAL Combat Medic, Doctor, Astronaut
4:40:37 | Mar 18th, 2020
3) 100: With Tim Ferriss. Musashi, and How Warrior Way Relates To Life
In the introduction to this episode, Tim Ferriss talks very honestly about his recent experience at a silent meditation retreat and its profound psychological impact on him, which he likened to a psychedelic trip. Then, Jocko and Ferriss discuss the Japanese novel Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa. Miyamoto Musashi was known as the most famous samurai, and is also the author of The Book of Five Rings and Dokkōdō (The Path of Aloneness). Ferriss used to live in Japan, and it’s fascinating to hear him talk about the culture and his time there. As the episode goes on, the two go through the main plotlines of this interesting book, and the lessons that can be taken from it. Make sure to also listen to episode 80, where Jocko talks about The Book of Five Rings for even more about Musashi.
4) 146: Holistic Talent, Holistic Success, and What Game Are You Playing?
In this best Jocko podcast episode, Jocko and co-host Echo Charles discuss the interactions between talent and success. They examine various famous people’s journeys as case study — from athletic stars to Hollywood stars — and question whether their successes were mostly attributed to talent and luck or hard work. They ask and ponder the important question: “what game are you playing” in life? Toward the middle of the episode, they pivot into a conversation about UFC and the use of striking and grappling while fighting. If you need some life inspiration and solid UFC analysis, then this is the best Jocko podcast episode you should listen to.
5) Jocko Podcast 21: Tim Kennedy, Police Self Defense & Use of Force, Women in Special Forces, UFC, Chaos
Tim Kennedy, a retired American mixed martial artist, and a green beret in the US Army Special Forces, joins Jocko on the podcast to talk about being a soldier and fighter. He starts off the episode describing his career pivot the day after 9/11, and how he found himself standing behind thousands of men waiting to enlist in the army to protect his beloved country. Coming from a family of policemen, Tim offers unique insightful differences between law enforcement and military training and why law enforcement training needs to improve. The two men discuss a wide range of topics about the military including the differences between green berets and Navy SEALS, women in Special Forces, how to stay positive when you see the worst in humanity, and of course, the UFC. Be ready to get a front seat glimpse at what it’s like to be in the military in this top Jocko podcast episode.
6) 367: Wake Up And Get Some Some Sleep. Doc Kirk Parsley
Doc Parsley's Sleep Remedy: http://www.docparsley.com/jockoAfter serving with the SEALs, Doc entered medical school at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda. Doc gra...Show More
7) Jocko Underground: DON'T ACCEPT IT
Don't Accept it.How to get started in surfing. Get ahold of your time management. Family pet died and the Vet is jaded. Possible infections from Jiu Jitsu. Joining the USA Special Forces but I'm f...Show More
8) 365: Build A Palace, Or Struggle to Build a Lean-To. Leadership Lessons From Omar Bradley.
Leadership lessons from Omar Bradley.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content
9) Jocko Underground: Insults Make You Mad Because They Are True.
Dealing with insults. Preparing my world view for the inside of the Military. Getting and giving reviews for performance. Finding a Jiu Jitsu academy when there are not many in the area. Jocko Fuel ...Show More
10) Jocko Podcast 1: Jocko & Echo (Discipline, Ownership)
A new episode Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content