Lessons from Leaders with Brian Beckcom

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Rob Roy, a Navy veteran, former member of SEAL Team Six, and the founder and CEO of Trident Coaching and Consulting. Rob brings decades of experience in elite military operations and leadership development, and his personal journey—from a difficult upbringing in Milwaukee to the pinnacle of America's special operations community—is nothing short of extraordinary. In our conversation, Rob opens up about his time in the SEALs, the intense mental and physical challenges of BUD/S training, and what it was like to serve among the most elite warriors in the world. He shares hard-earned wisdom on resilience, leadership, and self-mastery, the transition from life inside SEAL Team Six to coaching high performers in the civilian world, and much more. I invite you to listen to the full conversation, where we explore grit, growth, and the mindset of excellence. And now I give you, Rob Roy.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Steve Cadigan, the HR leader who helped scale LinkedIn from 400 to 4,000 employees in just four years. Steve shares how his passion for team dynamics and workplace culture fueled this explosive growth and shaped LinkedIn's early success. We also discuss why prioritizing culture over salaries matters, the value of hiring for potential rather than experience, and how aligning employee goals with company impact creates a thriving workforce. I invite you to listen to the full conversation on building teams that drive innovation and success. And now I give you, Steve Cadigan.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Anders Indset, a Norwegian philosopher widely known as "The Business Philosopher.” Recognized for his pioneering work at the intersection of philosophy, economics, and technology, Anders is also a renowned author whose books have appeared on international bestseller lists. His latest book, The Viking Code: The Art and Science of Norwegian Success, explores how Norway's values can create a culture of success for individuals and society.  I invite you to listen to the full conversation, as we discuss topics like philosophy, quantum mechanics, technology, consciousness, and more. And now I give you, Anders Indset.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Anders Indset, a Norwegian philosopher widely known as "The Business Philosopher.” Recognized for his pioneering work at the intersection of philosophy, economics, and technology, Anders is also a renowned author whose books have consistently appeared on international bestseller lists. His latest book, The Viking Code: The Art and Science of Norwegian Success, explores how Norway's values can create a culture of success for individuals and society.  I invite you to listen to the full conversation, as we discuss topics like philosophy, quantum mechanics, technology, consciousness, and more. And now I give you, Anders Indset.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bishoy Tadros. Born in Egypt, Bishoy's family moved to the United States when he was three years old after he received a cancer diagnosis. He underwent intermittent treatment for 10 years. On his 13th birthday, he had brain surgery for a blood clot and was later given a clear medical report. Despite his childhood battles with cancer, he was determined to reach his full potential as an adult. Bishoy is the author of Break Barriers: How Setbacks Can Dare You Rather Than Define You and Audacious: Uncaging Your Authentic Self. He also hosts the Mile 40 Podcast. In this show, we discuss overcoming obstacles, what it takes to mentally overcome that voice in your head that says you can't do the things you want to do, how to be an athlete later in life, and so much more. And now I give you, Bishoy Tadros.

In this episode, Brian speaks with Robert Ingalls. Mr. Ingalls is a former practicing lawyer, professional speaker, and the founder of LawPods, a company specifically designed to help busy professionals start their own podcasts. In the episode, Brian and Robert talk about how to start your own podcast, the “why” of your podcast, how to come up with a good name for your podcast, the type of equipment and software he recommends, how to market and spread your podcast, and more. If you've ever considered starting your own podcast but don't know where to begin, then this is the show for you. And now I give you, Robert Ingalls.  

This podcast episode holds an even deeper significance in light of Jim Goldsmith's passing. His wisdom and passion for his faith, family, and friends remain timeless, serving as a reminder of his enduring legacy. As we revisit this conversation, we celebrate and honor his remarkable life, ensuring that his spirit lives on through the stories and lessons he shared with us. Jim fought a brave battle with cancer over the past 5 years. At the time of the podcast, Jim was given less than 6 months to live. These are the topics we discussed: The most meaningful experiences of Jim's life How the terminal diagnosis changed his perspective on what is important and what is not The biggest challenges Jim faced His advice for people facing a similar terminal diagnosis The advice Jim would give his younger self How Jim's faith equipped him to face the prospect of death What Jim hoped to accomplish in his remaining months How Jim wants to be remembered by his wife, kids, and friends And a lot more. Talking about death and dying is hard for most people. But listening to Jim Goldsmith tell his story will change your entire perspective on what it means to live a good life and to die a good death. And now, in honor of Jim Goldsmith, we reflect on his impact on all of us.

In my latest podcast episode, I speak with Bobby Harrington, a United States Marine and former oil and gas executive. Our conversation covers everything on leadership. We exclusively speak about the most important part of being a leader.  Bobby Harrington also shares insights from his book, “Lead You,” discussing how the leadership journey starts with yourself. We discuss how to develop confidence in your abilities, and I even share a personal story about a time that brought tears to my eyes. Other topics we discuss include:  Unlocking a person's leadership potential How our values change through the years Transforming New Year resolutions into challenges How to ignite your passion for something Succeeding by mastering compartmentalization I invite you to listen to the full conversation, which will encourage you to self-reflect and challenge you to become a stronger leader. And now I give you Bobby Harrington.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with the founders of The Convincing Company, Chip Massey and Adele Gambardella. Our conversation covered everything from persuasive tactics anyone can implement to Adele's and Chip's start in public relations and hostage negotiation. While persuasion is something we all encounter in our daily lives, Chip shared insights he learned as an FBI Special Agent investigating the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He revealed skills such as Forensic Listening, a method that involves observing a person's emotions, talking themes, body positions, and voice.  Our conversation extended to topics like targeted validation and Adele's advice on navigating high-stress situations. She also teaches exactly where to start in a negotiation - this may reshape your approach. Other highlights of our discussion include:  How to become an FBI Hostage Negotiator Best tactics to achieve results in various business situations Learn to read people's conversations How to make people want to more The dangers of being too certain I invite you to listen to the full conversation, where we dive deep into topics only discussed in their book, “Convince Me: High-Stakes Negotiation Tactics to Get Results In Any Business Situation.” And now I give you Chip Massey and Adele Gambardella.

In this episode, Brian speaks with Jim Goldsmith. Jim has fought a brave battle with cancer over the past 5 years. Originally diagnosed with melanoma, Jim recently learned that the cancer has spread to his brain and spine. At the time of the podcast, Jim has been given less than 6 months to live. In the podcast, Brian and Jim discuss: The most meaningful experiences of Jim's life How the terminal diagnosis changed his perspective on what is important and what is not important The biggest challenges Jim has faced His advice for people facing a similar terminal diagnosis What advice Jim would give his younger self How Jim's faith has equipped him to face the prospect of his death What Jim still hopes to accomplish in his remaining months How Jim wants to be remembered by his wife, kids, and friends And a lot more. Talking about death and dying is hard for most people. But listening to Jim Goldsmith tell his story will change your entire perspective on what it means to live a good life and to die a good death. And now I give you, Jim Goldsmith.

Piracy, Kidnapping, & The Most Famous Case of the Past 20 Years: A Discussion of the Captain Phillips Case I was recently a guest on the “Great Trials” podcast. Great Trials is a wonderful podcast hosted by Steve Lowry and Yvonne Godfrey in which they discuss in details some of the most famous trials in the country. In this episode, we delve into the infamous Captain Phillips case. When the U.S. merchant ship the Maersk Alabama was hijacked by armed Somali pirates, it made worldwide news. When American Navy Seals rescued the crew, that also made national news. And when Tom Hanks made a movie about Captain Richard Phillips, the Hollywood publicity machine ensured that the situation was broadcast all over the world for years. Brian Beckcom and his law firm, VB Attorneys, uncovered the real story of Captain Phillips, including reckless conduct, negligent orders, and disregarding the directives of the United States Government and other Western powers. This is the true story of Captain Phillips, told by Brian Beckcom, the lawyer who represented the crew against Captain Phillips and the negligent shipping company, the lawyer who ultimately forced the companies to settle with his clients after years of denying any responsibility.  And now I give you, the true story of the Maersk Alabama, told by the lawyer who won the case.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Tobias Jensen, an expert in blockchain, AI, and other emerging technologies, for an episode of my podcast, Lessons From Leaders. Our wide-ranging conversation explored the potential impacts, both positive and negative, of technologies like large language models and chatGPT.While AI promises to augment human capabilities and transform entire industries, we also discussed crucial concerns around the concentration of power in big tech companies and the need for thoughtful regulation. Tobias drew insightful historical parallels to phenomena like the Microsoft monopoly and the Dutch tulip bubble.Some highlights of our discussion: The capabilities of AI versus uniquely human skills like fuzzy logic. While AI has speed advantages, human intelligence still excels at certain tasks. The rise of deep fakes and how blockchain could help verify authenticity by tying videos to a person's unique identifier. The intersection of tech and philosophy. Understanding the incentives and values encoded in algorithms is crucial. I invite you to listen to the full conversation, where we dive deeper into these important topics. As AI and other technologies continue advancing rapidly, podcast episodes like this one help us appreciate nuances, ask tough questions, and thoughtfully shape the future.   And now I give you, Tobias Jensen.

In this episode, I join Travis Motl on his show, the Elbows Tight Podcast. This is a podcast that is dedicated to all things Jiu-Jitsu, with hopes of informing existing practitioners and inspiring new ones.  In this episode titled "From The Courtroom To The Jiu-Jitsu Mats", Travis and I discuss various topics that relate to jiu-jitsu including my preference for gi over no gi, the importance of insurance in the jiu-jitsu community, the significance of wearing matching jiu-jitsu uniforms, and how the practice of jiu-jitsu has impacted our personal and professional lives. Additionally, I provide insight into the legalities surrounding self-defense techniques and the risks involved in practicing jiu-jitsu. I share stories of those I have helped through my law firm's legal services and how I have convinced others to take up the sport.

Silence is one of the most powerful forces in the world. And yet, in a world that is constantly filled with noise and distractions, it's easy to overlook the importance of silence. My next guests are Justin Zorn and Leigh Marz, the co-authors of a fantastic book called "Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise." In this episode, Justin, Leigh and I explore the many ways in which silence can be a valuable tool for personal growth and development, why silence is so important, and how sitting and just daydreaming is a super power. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into the power of silence.

Caren Kenney is the CEO and Founder of Evolve Leadership. Caren coaches and consults with C-suite executives, high level athletes, military officers, and other leaders. Before Evolve, Caren was part of the leadership team at Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute, where she built and launched several health and wellness initiatives.  Caren focuses on holistic leadership, meaning she focuses on the whole person, not just numbers or the “bottom line.”  In the show, Caren and I talk about the importance of being a complete leader, how meditation, mindfulness, and other mental training can help executives and athletes succeed as leaders, why focusing on numbers only is a recipe for failure, and a whole lot more. And now I give you, Caren Kenney.

Next to my father and my high school basketball coach, Ben Glass has had as much influence as a mentor as any person in my life.  When I had just started my law firm, I found Ben. Ben had run a successful law firm for many years and was starting a coaching and mentoring business to teach other lawyers how to run a successful business. Ben also gave me “permission” to live life on my own terms, as I see fit, which includes spending the summers with my kids in Colorado, the Christmas holidays on a beach in Maui, and my evenings doing whatever I want, while also running a business that has been profitable for 16 straight years. Two Renegade Lawyers, having a discussion about business, marketing, fitness and health, mediation, money, and life. I hope you enjoy.

Gerald has been a professional musician for almost 50 years. Gerald's musical talents have focused on jazz music in particular. Gerald is also the CEO of Principles of Execution, a Certified Minority Business Enterprise, and author of Workplace Jazz: How to Improvise.  In the podcast, Gerald and I talk about how to manage chaos, how his jazz experience informs his advice to entrepreneurs and business owners, the power of listening, how artistic people can thrive in. corporate environments, why to treat your employees like artists, and a whole lot more. And now I give you, Gerald Leonard.

Gary Bengier is the former Chief Financial Officer of Ebay. Gary was the CFO during the first two rounds of Ebay's public offering. He holds an MBA from Harvard and a philosophy degree from San Francisco State. Gary is the author of multiple books, including Unfettered Journey, a futuristic look at what humanity will look like in 140 years.  In the podcast, Gary and I talk about bioengineering, CRISPr gene editing, Artificial Intelligence, Consciousness, Panpsychism, our Economic Future, Robotics, Spirituality, and a whole lot more. And now I give you, Gary Bengier.

In this episode, Brian talks to David Lawrence. David is the author of "Are We Biochemical Robots?", a deep dive on the question of Free Will.  The question of free will has puzzled philosophers, theologians, and scientist for all of recorded human history. Today, there are a number of prominent thinkers, including the philosopher and neuroscientist Sam Harris, who believe that Free Will is an illusion. They believe that everything we do is already determined, the so-called "deterministic" viewpoint. David thinks the arguments against Free Will do not hold up under scrutiny, and in particular, that determinism is scientifically invalid. In the podcast, David and Brian talk about the nature of the Free Will question, determinism, reductionist scientific thinking and why reductionism and determinism fail on their own terms, the evolution of physics from Newtonian physics to General Relativity to Quantum Mechanics, the problems with causation and randomness, the nature of consciousness, and more. And now I give you, David Lawrence.

Mark Carpenter is a master storyteller. He teaches executives, professionals, marketers, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders how to identify stories in their life and then craft those stories to entertain, persuade, and present to people. In the podcast, Mark and I talk about -Why storytelling is the most effective method of communicating ideas -How to identify awesome stories in your own life -How to craft those events in your life into dynamic, persuasive stories and a whole lot more.............

Lori Saitz is the CEO of Zen Rabbit, an award-winning writer, speaker, and broadcaster, and a nationally recognized expert in using gratitude and meditation to manifest goals faster. She's now on a mission to guide Gen-Xers to a place of unprecedented passion, clarity, peace, and to rediscover their purpose so they can get back to a place of liking themselves and their lives again In the episode, Lori and Brian do a deep dive on mediation, mindfulness, purpose, passion, gratitude, and happiness.

Michael Timms has discovered three powerful habits that are guaranteed to make you a better leader. Using a compelling combination of teaching principles and illustrations backed by loads of scientific studies, Timms reveals three habits of personal accountability that will transform you into an inspiring, passionate leader. In the show, Michael and Brian talk about Three habits of awesome leaders Gun culture in the United States and Canada How to hold yourself and others accountable How to stop "blame culture" Why being an accountable leader equals less stress and anxiety

Brian speaks with Dr. Harry Milman, a forensic toxicologist, pharmacologist, and author.

Brian speaks with Xavier Naville, a quadrilingual business leader with a track record of massive success in businesses around the world.

Brian speaks with Laurie Gilbertson, a former New York City sex crimes, organized crime, and homicide prosecutor, television analyst, educator, and entrepreneur.

In this episode of the podcast, Brian Beckcom speaks with Colin Hunter, author, coach, and the Founder and CEO of Potential Squared, an international business that specializes in teaching leadership to business professionals. 

In this episode of the podcast, Brian Beckcom speaks with one of the most dangerous men in the world, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Superstar Pedro Marinho.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Texas A&M 12th Man tradition, and a big part of that tradition is the 12th Man Kickoff Team. Back in 1982, Jackie Sherrill, Texas A&M's football coach, decided that he would start a kickoff squad made up entirely of walk-ons, thus creating one of the best traditions in college football. Our guests today, Dave Coolidge, Ike Liles, and Dennis Mudd, will be sharing their experiences being involved in the 12th Man Kickoff, as well as their reasons for joining that tradition in the first place, and the leadership lessons they learned along the way. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: www.brianbeckcom.org/dave-coolidge-ike-liles-and-dennis-mudd  

Ki Harris is the Executive Director of the Freedom Project Network, a system of youth empowerment programs serving students across the state of Mississippi. A fierce advocate for educational equity, Ki leverages his experiences to empower traditionally marginalized communities. Today he joins the show to discuss the history of segregation and oppression, including the work his team is doing to dismantle these systems and what you can do to drive positive social change today. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: www.brianbeckcom.org/ki-harris 

Neste episódio, Brian fala com a lenda do Jiu-Jitsu brasileiro Ulpiano Malachias sobre sua paixão pelas artes marciais, liderança, negócios, empreendedorismo e sua jornada do Brasil para os Estados Unidos. Ulpiano "Piano" Malachias é 4º Dan no Jiu-Jitsu brasileiro sob a orientação de Carlos Gracie. Jr. e detém vários títulos da International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), incluindo 1º lugar em três campeonatos na IBJJF's American Nationals. Ulpiano também é um empresário e empreendedor de muito sucesso que iniciou a primeira franquia Gracie-Barra nos Estados Unidos e agora lidera uma das maiores e melhores franquias Gracie-Barra de todos os tempos, a academia Gracie Barra Westchase com sede em Houston.

In this episode, Brian speaks with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Ulpiano Malachias about his passion for martial arts, leadership, business, entrepreneurship, and his journey from Brazil to the United States.   Ulpiano “Piano” Malachias is a four-stripe black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Carlos Gracie. Jr. and holds several International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) titles, including three 1st place championships in IBJJF's American Nationals.  Ulpiano is also a wildly successful businessman and entrepreneur who started the first Gracie-Barra franchise in the United States and now leads one of the largest and best Gracie-Barra franchises ever, the Houston-based Gracie Barra Westchase gym.

This episode is the recording of a presentation Brian gave to the United States Military on the fundamental principles of good leadership.   Brian started a podcast on leadership in the middle of a global pandemic, during national racial protests, and in the middle of some of the worst political times in our nation’s history.   He started the podcast because he was sick of all the negativity and nonsense from our so-called national “leaders.” Brian wanted to highlight good leaders and to learn from them, so he could pass along his experience to others.   Brian has since interviewed some of the most amazing leaders you will ever meet, including US Congressmen, sports stars, coaches, highly decorated combat Marines, Air Force Combat Jet Pilots, New York Times best-selling authors, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, judges, and many, many more.    While producing the podcast, Brian started to see patterns in what his amazing guests were saying. Leadership leaves clues, and the amazing leaders Brian interviewed were saying the same thing, fundamentally.    In March 2021, Brian was invited by the United States Air Force to give a presentation on leadership.   This is the presentation.   We hope you enjoy it.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with entrepreneur and bestselling author Nick Jankel about the connection between leadership and science, the importance of compassion in capitalism, and solutions to the problems that plague business owners, executives, and everyday leaders alike.    Nick’s work on transformational leadership and regenerative innovation has been featured in popular publications such as United Kingdom’s The Times, BBC News, Psychologies Magazine, and Forbes. Nick has worked on strategic innovation projects for some of the world’s biggest companies, including Disney, Microsoft, and Wal-Mart. Today, Nick is the co-founder of SWITCH ON, a company that deploys embodied wisdom technologies, coaching kits, and other programs for organizations in need of transformational leadership. Brian and Nick discuss: Resiliency and how the COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted many of the pre-existing inequities in our society  The bizarre ways in which our minds function in high-stress environments Why we must apply scientific and non-scientific thinking into our thought processes in order to become truly effective leaders Science and morality: why you can’t derive ‘ought’ from ‘is’ The imbalance between capitalism and compassion  How toxic emotions stifle growth and the importance of becoming “whole” His latest book “Now Lead the Change,” and invaluable advice for business owners, executives, and everyday leaders alike  And other topics   Nick Seneca Jankel started his first company at the age of 24 and grew it exponentially to be a world leader in breakthrough innovation. After a purpose awakening, he pivoted to embodied wisdom, transformation, and regenerative innovation. Today, Nick is co-founder of two enterprises: SWITCH ON, which deploys transformation and wisdom technologies, coaching kits & leadership programs, and FUTUREMAKERS, a consultancy that partners with organizations that want to become regenerative. Nick is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and a pioneer of leadership as it relates to personal and business development. To learn more about Nick Jankel and his work, visit his website at www.SwitchOnNow.com.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with retired Marine Corps Captain John Warren about his combat experience in Afghanistan. Brian and Captain Warren also discuss the leadership principles John learned during his time as the Deputy Director of the Infantry Officer School, where he prepared incoming Marine Officers for combat assignments in war zones.  Captain John Warren served as the “Tip of the Spear” with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, leading combat operations in Southern Afghanistan immediately after September 11th; his Marine company was one of the first sets of boots on the ground following the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Captain Warren then returned to Quantico to serve as the Deputy Director of the infantry officer school, teaching Marines how to overcome hardships, conquer tough challenges, and thrive in the face of adversity.  In this episode, Brian and John discuss: His upbringing and the life experiences that led him to a life of military service  John’s formula for overcoming anxiety and climbing uphill battles Where he was at the time of the September 11th terrorist attacks and the mental shift that took place when he realized that he’d be deployed into a hot combat zone The most surprising thing that happened to him during deployment (a Christmas story) What it was like mentoring young Marines, preparing them to survive, and equipping them with the skills they’d need to perform under the most hostile environments imaginable His pivot out of the Marine Corps and into the construction industry where he began by building barracks and homes for other Marines How to stay tough through the tumultuous times we’re living in And other topics   Captain John Francis Warren was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Following graduation from the University of Texas A&M, John was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the USMC. He became an infantry officer and served with the 15th Marine expeditionary unit, leading combat operations in Southern Afghanistan immediately after 9/11. Later, John was selected as 1 of 12 instructors at the infantry officer course to become the Deputy Director, a role where he essentially taught incoming Marines how to be Marines. After serving for nine years, John resigned his commission to work in the commercial construction industry, where he’s led over $1.3 billion in major construction projects. John is currently the HJD Capital president, a commercial construction company in San Antonio, where he lives with his wife, boys, and three dogs.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with Joe ‘Big Money’ Wilbert III about his basketball career, raising competitive athletes, the time he knocked out a Texas Tech fan who was attacking his head coach, sports as a tool to bridge racial and cultural differences, and a whole lot more. Joe Wilbert III is a Texas A&M Basketball legend. Joe is ranked second overall in Texas A&M University history for the number of points scored in a single season. Joe was good enough to play professional basketball after his college career. Joe was also involved in a fight after the Texas Tech game in Lubbock, when the Texas Tech authorities failed to control and protect the Texas A&M players and coaches after the game, (a consistent pattern in Lubbock, which has a reputation of having idiot fans). The Texas Tech fans attacked the Texas A&M head coach, and Joe came to his defense, knocking out an attacker cold with one punch.  After playing basketball professionally in Europe, Joe came back to his hometown of Bryan, Texas, to work as a probation officer. He eventually supervised over 40 juvenile detention officers.  Later, Joe started his own business designing and building custom homes and has become a successful entrepreneur. Joe continues to feed his passion for basketball as a dedicated NCAA basketball official.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with Dr. Bowen Loftin about his role leading Texas A&M University to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the most momentous decision in college sports history, as well as his role as a pioneer in the fields of AI and VR, his leadership philosophy, and the importance of not taking yourself too seriously.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with Professor Robin Hanson about the unconscious motives that drive human behavior and their impact on our everyday lives. Brian and Professor Hanson talk about how to confront our hidden motives, examine them, and see clearly so that we can better understand ourselves and our fellow human beings.  Robin Hanson is the co-author of The Elephant in the Brain: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life.” In his book, Robin explains how our minds actually work. He explains how and why we deceive ourselves and others. And he describes how our unconscious motives impact more than just our private behavior; they influence our institutions, art, medicine, schools, and politics.   Robin Hanson’s work is relevant today considering the bizarre place we find ourselves in history.  Brian and Professor Robin Hanson discuss: How he transitioned from STEM fields into social science  Predetermined human behavior and the duplicity of free will Why humans act based on hidden motives and why we fail to detect them  How our unconscious motives have shaped the political landscape we see today The essence of science and the differences between “experts” and “elites” How to effectively deal with disagreements on difficult topics Why so many spouses hate cryonics (the low-temperature freezing and storage of a human corpse or severed head) Why we haven’t seen aliens and when to expect them! And other things Robin D. Hanson is an economics professor at George Mason University and a research associate at the Future of Humanity Institute of Oxford University. He has a doctorate in social science from the California Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in physics and philosophy from the University of Chicago, and nine years of experience as a research programmer, at Lockheed Martin and NASA. Professor Hanson has 4510 citations, a citation h-index of 33, and over ninety academic publications ranging from Algorithmica and Information Systems Frontiers to Social Philosophy and Social Epistemology. Robin has diverse research interests, with papers on spatial product competition, product bans, evolutionary psychology, voter information incentives, incentives to fake expertise, self-deception in disagreement, wiretaps, image reconstruction, the origin of life, the survival of humanity, and interstellar colonization. To learn more about Professor Robin Hanson, please visit his bio at https://www.overcomingbias.com/bio.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with his Dad, Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Augustus Beckcom III, about overcoming adversity and the characteristics of great leadership.  Lieutenant Colonel Ed Beckcom served during the Vietnam war, flying over 200+ combat missions navigating B-52 Bombers. He flew the last B-52 mission of the war from Guam, which sparked the negotiations that would ultimately bring the war to an end.  Lieutenant Colonel Ed Beckcom’s military experiences taught him mental toughness and discipline, but it was his life experiences that taught him how to deal with adversity.  When his boys were 5 and 3, Col. Beckcom found out that his wife had terminal breast cancer. Col. Beckcom was on the military fast track, but he put his military career on the back burner to focus on raising his sons after their mother, and his wife, ultimately lost her five-year struggle with cancer.  Despite the hardships, Lieutenant Colonel Ed Beckcom continued to be optimistic. He counted his blessings, worked hard, and learned to lead through adversity.    In this episode, Brian and Lieutenant Colonel Ed Beckcom discuss: His lifelong habit of exercise and the characteristics that distinguish people who exercise from real athletes What it was like growing up as a military brat, being uprooted from his life in the states to live in the Middle East at the age of 14 The reasons why he decided to follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, joining the A&M Corps of Cadets and devoting his life to military service What it was like flying B-52 bombers for 1,300+ hours into the heart of combat zones The challenges he faced after losing his wife to breast cancer and raising two boys as a single father while simultaneously upholding his duties to the Armed Forces The value of staying positive, working hard, and keeping life simple The characteristics that make someone a good person and a good leader Mentorship and the lasting imprints great leaders leave on others And other things Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Augustus Beckcom was born on May 15th of 1943. He spent most of his youth as a military brat, traveling in and out of the states until he made his way back to Texas (on his own at the young age of 17). He graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.A. in History and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.  From there, he would go on to navigate B-52 bombers during the Vietnam War. He flew 200+ combat missions in Southeast Asia for a total of 1,300 hours of combat flight. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and 11 Air Medals. After his distinguished military career, Col. Beckcom taught Air Force Junior R.O.T.C. at Western Hills High School in Fort Worth, Texas, before retiring in 2002. Today, Colonel Ed Beckcom is retired and lives in Fort Worth, Texas with his loving wife, Janice, a retired law enforcement officer.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with Brigadier General Joe Ramirez about the fundamental and timeless principles of leadership. General Joe Ramirez’s father was a career military man. General Ramirez thought he would enlist in the Marine Corps like his father. However, a chance encounter with the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets and Aggie Band changed the trajectory of his life entirely. General Joe Ramirez was first drawn to A&M when he saw the Corps of Cadets marching alongside the Aggie Band in Downtown Houston in the early ‘70s.  General Joe Ramirez was commissioned in the United States Army and worked his way through the ranks, ultimately achieving the rank of Brigadier General. He served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for US Central Command, where he managed various strategic, political, and diplomatic responsibilities in the Middle East. Today, General Joe Ramirez is Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at A&M, one of the few remaining 24-hour ROTC units outside of military academies.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with Colonel John Gallemore about the invaluable leadership lessons that he’s learned throughout his remarkable military career.   Colonel Gallemore is a Combat Pilot for the United States Air Force with over 3,900 flight hours, including 200 combat flight hours. Colonel Gallemore is a former Thunderbirds pilot and is currently an active-duty Colonel for the 57th Adversary Tactics Group (ATG). Colonel Gallemore is an outstanding fighter pilot, a true American patriot, and an extraordinary leader.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with California firefighter Nick Kalt. Nick is a retired United States Marine Corps officer and a Purple Heart Recipient. After he retired from the USMC, Nick became a firefighter for the city of Long Beach, California. Brian and Nick talk about the intense rigors of firefighting, the expansion of the fire season, and the devastation wildland fires have caused across the American West.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with Robert Wright. Robert is the New York Times bestselling author of The Evolution of God (a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize), Nonzero, The Moral Animal (named one of the ten best books of the year by The New York Times Book Review), Three Scientists and their Gods (a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award), and Why Buddhism Is True.  Robert has written for The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The New York Times, Time, Slate, and The New Republic. He has taught in the psychology department at the University of Pennsylvania and the religion department at Princeton University, where he also created the popular online course “Buddhism and Modern Psychology.”

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with Ben Hunt. Ben is the creator of Epsilon Theory and the inspiration behind Second Foundation Partners. Over 100,000 professional investors across 180 countries read Ben’s work. As Chief Investment Officer, Ben is responsible for the company’s investments and portfolios, as well as producing a constant stream of important articles about thinking clearly and rationally. Ben was a political science professor for 10 years, first at New York University and then at Southern Methodist University.  Ben also founded and then later sold two successful technology companies.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with former Tarrant County prosecutor Jake Banks about his involvement in an international drug-smuggling conspiracy, his imprisonment abroad, and his path to redemption.    Jake Banks tried 45 criminal trials in his first year as a prosecutor and won every single case except his first case.  Next thing he knew, Jake was imprisoned in solitary confinement 23 hours a day in a prison in France. After spending two years in solitary confinement, Jake overcame his self-destructive nature and found personal and professional success.  Jake then wrote and published “Lawyer X,” a story about the many missteps that landed him in a foreign prison and his road towards redemption. This is a story about how money can indeed be the root of all evil, and it is also a story about how a human being can redeem himself even after hitting absolutely rock bottom.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with American football player Bucky Richardson.  Bucky Richardson played quarterback for the A&M Aggies in the late ’80s and early ’90s and was drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1992. Bucky is best known for his impressive college football career, having won two Conference Championships and three Bowl Games, including the 1990 Holiday Bowl where his captivating performance (passed, ran, and caught a TD) led the Aggies to a 65-14 win after BYU and the news media gave A&M no chance in the game. More impressive than his football career has been Bucky’s post-football career. Bucky is an accomplished businessman and entrepreneur, father, husband, and an outstanding leader and American patriot.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with screenwriter and Hollywood producer Javier Chapa about his journey from a bartender with a law degree to the founder and CEO of a successful Hollywood multimedia company.   Javier first got the acting and film bug in college, when he worked as a military extra on Ed Zwick’s Gulf War action-drama “Courage Under Fire,” an experience that changed his life’s trajectory forever.  Javier made his first film, “Harvest of Redemption,” for only $25,000. The film is a true story about a Latino boy who witnesses his father’s murder and his struggles as a migrant farmworker. The film was awarded the best foreign drama at the 2007 International Family Film Festival. Later, Javier was chosen to be part of the prestigious Disney-ABC directing fellowship, where he worked on shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Castle. Since then, Javier has worked with Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, and Renee Zellweger.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with former American football player and coach, Jackie Wayne Sherrill.  In the early ‘60s, Jackie played as a linebacker and fullback for the University of Alabama, where he won two national championships playing under coach Paul William “Bear” Bryant.  In his career as a head coach, Jackie coached the likes of Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino, Hugh Green, and Tony Dorsett. Coach Sherrill carries a compelling 180-120-4 record as a college football coach, holding three SWC championship titles and one SEC championship title. Additionally, coach Sherrill was the first college football coach in history to have ever been publicly paid more than a million dollars, sparking new controversies and paving the way for college football coaches to come.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with Toby Ramirez-Johnson, author and suicide prevention advocate, about mental wellness and suicide prevention.  Toby is the author of "The Last Seven Days," a book she wrote after her brother, a U.S. Army Sergeant who served two tours of combat in Afghanistan, committed suicide. To raise awareness about the troubling mental health disparity that many of our brave servicemen and women face, Toby founded a non-profit organization called "Keep Our Troops Alive" (K.O.T.A.). Toby's organization offers a focus on coping and provides support to families who have experienced the death of a loved one as a result of suicide.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with Ron Peters. Ron is the Executive Director of Katy Responds, a non-profit organization helping families recover and rebuild their homes after the historic flooding during Hurricane Harvey.  Katy Responds was established in 2018 by a group of Katy churches and other local community organizations. Still today, many homes need rebuilding and restorations, especially as the pandemic adds another layer of despair for thousands of families who continue living with Harvey’s devastating aftermath. Though Katy Responds was created due to Hurricane Harvey, they continue to work, design, and prepare for the next storm.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with district attorney Dusty Boyd about substantive solutions to conflict and crisis within our communities. They address the justifiable mistrust in America’s legal system and examine ways in which we can lead our communities through to positive solutions.  During the show, they discuss the origins of MAPS. A program that has sparked meaningful dialogue about ways in which minority communities interact with law enforcement. Dusty has created a modern and forward-looking model for collaboration between minority communities and law enforcement despite being from a small Texas county.

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with Harris County Criminal Court Judge Jesse McClure III about the state of criminal trials during the COVID-19 pandemic.  During the show, they discuss how criminal courts are managing the coronavirus pandemic to ensure that the wheels of justice continue moving forward. Brian and Jesse also discuss over-policing, the failures of the so-called War on Drugs, “cancel culture,” and free speech expression in the United States.