Send a text In this episode of On Your Lead, Thad sits down with endurance athlete Christine O'Hara to unpack what it really takes to push through the hardest moments in ultra running—and in life. Christine shares the story behind her experience at the Moab 240, a race that tests runners across 240 miles of desert terrain, sleep deprivation, and mental fatigue. But this conversation goes far beyond the race itself. They dive into the mindset required to keep moving forward when things get dif...
Mar 10
1 hr 10 min
Send a text In this episode of On Your Lead, I sit down with Dean Karnazes to talk about endurance, discipline, and what actually carries you through hard moments. Dean shares how he approaches pain, uncertainty, and long efforts — not by overthinking, but by quieting the mind and focusing on the next step. We talk about why suffering doesn’t need to be dramatic, how preparation creates freedom, and why some of the most important breakthroughs happen when you stop trying to control the outcom...
Jan 27
1 hr 4 min
Send a text What if the fastest way to become a better leader is to stop trying to do everything yourself? In this episode of On Your Lead, I sit down with Mike Abrashoff, former U.S. Navy commander and bestselling author of It’s Your Ship, to unpack how he transformed one of the Navy’s lowest-performing ships into a fleet leader by giving ownership to the people closest to the work. Mike shares the real mechanics behind the turnaround: interviewing all 310 sailors, inviting challenges to eve...
Dec 18, 2025
31 min
Send a text What if the key to healing trauma lies in the unexpected fusion of military discipline and psychedelic therapy? This episode features an enlightening conversation with Army veteran Mark Cunningham, who reveals his journey from the battlefields of Afghanistan to the nuanced world of MDMA-assisted therapy. With a rich background in anthropology and marriage and family therapy, Mark shares how his experiences overseas not only reshaped his view of military service but also fueled his...
Nov 4, 2024
1 hr 16 min
Send a text Embark on an enlightening journey with Neil Krovats, the mastermind behind Clearline Technologies, as we unveil the secrets of his entrepreneurial metamorphosis. Discover how this visionary ventured beyond the family business to sculpt an eco-friendly empire from recycled tire rubber, crafting pipe supports that redefine industry standards and environmental stewardship. Neil's narrative is a homage to the ingenious potential that lies in fusing persistence with out-of-the-box thin...
May 13, 2024
1 hr 13 min
Send a text As a former Marine ReconScout Sniper, I've weathered storms both literal and metaphorical, but nothing quite mirrors the tempest of reintegration that veterans face. Sean Duclay from Sail Ahead joins me, your host Thad David, to navigate these choppy waters, revealing how sailing provides a lifeline to veterans adrift in the civilian world. We set sail on a remarkable voyage where Sean charts the course of Sail Ahead's origin, its impactful mission, and the community's fervent sup...
Apr 12, 2024
49 min
Send a text When my great grandfather returned from the Spanish-American War, the battle followed him home, casting a long shadow over his daily life. Dr. Chris Frueh joins us to shed light on this very darkness that many veterans confront, known as Operator Syndrome—an affliction that intertwines mental and physical health, leaving a complex legacy of suffering. Through Dr. Frueh's compassionate lens, we navigate these challenges, illustrating the pressing need for holistic support systems f...
Mar 26, 2024
1 hr 22 min
Send a text As a former Marine Recon Scout Sniper, the invisible wounds of moral injury in veterans are a subject close to my heart. It's why I'm honored to sit down with Mary Scott from Pivotal Impact Programs, who joins us with over three decades of mental health expertise. Together, we peel back the layers of this complex issue, sharing insights and stories that reveal the emotional struggles veterans and their loved ones endure. This conversation isn't just about the depths of trauma; it'...
Mar 14, 2024
1 hr 3 min
Send a text When I stripped away the excesses from my diet—sweets, booze, and meat—I stumbled upon a transformative power that reshaped my life. It's Thad David here, your host and former Marine recon scout sniper, and I'm thrilled to share with you how the art of subtraction has revolutionized my health and personal well-being. This isn't just my own tale; it's an homage to the veterans and listeners who've dramatically altered their lives by simply taking away rather than piling on. Our 101...
Mar 6, 2024
10 min
Send a text When life threw John Register a curveball that would make most people give up, he turned it into a stepping stone for something greater. Sit back and be inspired by the incredible journey of this combat veteran and Paralympic silver medalist, as he shares with us the indomitable spirit that drove him to redefine the possible after a life-altering injury. John's insights on shifting focus from limitations to possibilities, underscored by his reflections on the Constitution's role i...
Feb 15, 2024
1 hr 12 min
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