In this episode, my guest is Coleman Ruiz, a former Tier One U.S. Navy SEAL joint task force commander. He served in Afghanistan and Iraq and as a BUD/S training officer. He shares his journey from childhood through the Naval Academy to elite Navy SEAL special operations. He shares the physical and emotional challenges he has overcome and discusses his struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He also talks about the key role of mentors, family and friends in building resilience. Coleman gives us a raw, humble account of hitting rock bottom. He tells of the intense pain, fear, depression and suicidality in his journey of redemption. Coleman’s story is a real-life hero’s journey. He tells it with extraordinary vulnerability and humility. He explains the challenges and sudden tragedies that helped to ground, shape and renew him. His story will inspire listeners of all ages and backgrounds.

Note: This conversation includes profanity and topics that are not suitable for all audiences and ages.

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Coleman Ruiz
Team Red, White & Blue: https://bit.ly/3vKu0Jc
Liminal Collective: https://bit.ly/3PSl4bn
Ames Watson: https://bit.ly/49AwCY8
Naval Academy: https://bit.ly/4aprPKc
X: https://twitter.com/colemanruiz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colemanruiz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coleman-ruiz-b65a2531

Books
A Fighter's Heart: https://amzn.to/43Rr1uX
Mindset: https://amzn.to/3TS8CK7
Bridge at Dong Ha: https://amzn.to/3PUtmQ2
Fearless: https://amzn.to/49mTwC9
The Hero with a Thousand Faces: https://amzn.to/49rFzTd
The End of Faith: https://amzn.to/3vx35k8
Why Buddhism is True: https://amzn.to/4cQuyxJ
The Body Keeps the Score: https://amzn.to/4cGSDHr
Range: https://amzn.to/3xuzwQH

Other Resources
They Shall Not Grow Old: https://imdb.to/3VPYVyy
Pale Blue Dot: https://youtu.be/wupToqz1e2g
Extortion 17: https://bit.ly/3U7hP2r
Veteran Solutions: https://vetsolutions.org

Huberman Lab Episodes Mentioned
Dr. Anna Lembke: Understanding & Treating Addiction: https://youtu.be/p3JLaF_4Tz8
Dr. Alia Crum: Science of Mindsets for Health & Performance: https://youtu.be/dFR_wFN23ZY
Robert Greene: A Process for Finding & Achieving Your Unique Purpose: https://youtu.be/50BZQRT1dAg
Guest Series | Dr. Paul Conti: How to Understand & Assess Your Mental Health: https://youtu.be/tLRCS48Ens4
Space-Time Bridging (timestamp): https://youtu.be/wTBSGgbIvsY?si=mk4-iUrvAvGaaqFp&t=8094
What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health: https://youtu.be/DkS1pkKpILY
90-min Caffeine Delay (timestamp): https://youtu.be/iw97uvIge7c?feature=shared&t=3224

People Mentioned
Doug Zembiec: wrestler, Major USMC: https://bit.ly/3W7CB3B
John Ripley: Colonel USMC, Dong Ha Bridge: https://nyti.ms/3xrj5EN
Mike Martin: SEAL Master Chief, Vietnam War: https://bit.ly/3TMCY0E
Britt Slabinski: Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator, SEAL: https://bit.ly/4aIaoUJ
Thomas Valentine: Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator, SEAL: https://bit.ly/49sI87L
Adam Brown: Chief Petty Officer, SEAL: https://bit.ly/4d1bqgT
Paul Bucha: Captain US Army, Vietnam War: https://bit.ly/3TNm2XJ
Sir Charles Sherrington: Nobel Prize in Physiology: https://bit.ly/3VPUL9D

Timestamps
00:00:00 Coleman Ruiz
00:01:55 Sponsors: BetterHelp, Maui Nui Venison & Eight Sleep
00:06:06 Childhood, “Wildness”
00:13:24 Wrestling, Combat Sports & Respect
00:22:26 Divorce, College Applications & Naval Academy
00:29:51 Sponsor: AG1
00:31:22 Prep School, Patriotism, Fear
00:40:08 Growth Mindset, 24-Hour Horizon
00:43:02 Naval Academy, Mentor, Focus
00:52:45 Wife, Work Ethic
00:59:23 Sponsor: Plunge
01:00:51 Navy SEALs, BUD/S, Hell Week
01:04:51 BUD/S Success Predictors; Divorce & Aloneness; Rebellion
01:16:30 Patriotism, Navy SEALs, Green Team
01:22:15 Advanced Training, Tier One, Free-Fall
01:26:13 Special Operations, Deaths & Grief
01:36:08 Mentor Death & Facing Mortality
01:47:49 Warriors & Compassion; Trauma, Family
01:52:37 Civilian Life Adjustment
01:57:39 Hero With a Thousand Faces, Civilian Return & PTSD
02:07:03 Massage, Perspective, Space-Time Bridging
02:14:10 Psychedelics, Connection, Warrior Culture
02:19:15 Rock Bottom: Talk Therapy, Depression, Alcohol
02:25:50 Emotional & Physical Pain, Vulnerability, Fighter Mentality
02:30:42 Suicide, Asking For Help & Support
02:38:32 Therapy, PTSD Recovery, Dread; Pharmacology
02:44:54 Healing Process: Unsatisfaction & Asking For Help
02:54:03 Daily Routine, Movement, Nutrition
03:02:22 Manhood, Range, Parenthood, Surrender
03:10:08 Current Pursuits
03:16:01 Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

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