Episodes

  • America's Red Scares: Palmer & McCarthy
    Feb 19 2026

    In this episode, we explore the historical context of America's 'Red Scares,' examining the events of 1919 and 1950. We uncover how figures like A. Mitchell Palmer and Joseph McCarthy leveraged fear and suspicion to gain power, ultimately damaging institutions and individual lives.

    Chapters

    00:00 The 1919 Palmer Raids

    00:47 J. Edgar Hoover's Role

    04:33 McCarthyism in 1950

    11:49 Lessons from History

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    11 mins
  • Why Emotion Is the Enemy of Execution
    Jan 26 2026

    Inside the Process philosophy — and how separating action from outcome creates elite performance.

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    16 mins
  • Leadership Failure: Saddam's Paper Tiger Military
    Feb 18 2026

    In this episode, we analyze the catastrophic collapse of the Iraqi army in 1991, highlighting how Saddam Hussein's fear-based leadership led to a culture of misinformation and ultimately, military defeat. We also discuss the crucial role of psychological safety in command structures and how its absence can lead to organizational breakdown.

    Chapters

    00:00 Saddam's Fear-Based Leadership

    00:18 The 'Mother of All Battles' Mindset

    04:05 Fear-Based Command Structure

    06:43 Ground War and Leadership Paralysis

    09:49 The Highway of Death

    13:21 Lack of Mission Command

    17:05 Psychological Safety Checkpoints

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    11 mins
  • Imperial Japanese Navy's Fatal Flaws
    Feb 17 2026

    In this episode, we explore how the Imperial Japanese Navy's rigid hierarchy, over-complexity, and refusal to adapt led to their downfall in WWII. You'll hear about key leadership failures, strategic missteps, and the catastrophic Battle of Midway that sealed their fate.

    Chapters

    00:00 Victory Disease

    03:14 Yamamoto's Flawed Vision

    07:19 Midway: Over-complexity & Bad Intel

    12:08 Post-Midway Failures

    16:18 Leyte Gulf: Leadership Paralysis

    18:57 Yamato's Final Mission & Lessons

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    14 mins
  • Queen Elizabeth I's Magician & the Con Man
    Feb 16 2026

    In this episode, we explore the rise and fall of Dr. John Dee, Queen Elizabeth I’s brilliant advisor and polymath, who ultimately lost his way by trusting a charismatic con man named Edward Kelly. We learn about the critical leadership lesson of discerning between a true visionary and a deceptive charlatan.

    Chapters

    00:00 Elizabeth I and Dr. John Dee

    04:17 Dee's Search for Divine Insight

    08:10 Edward Kelly's Deception

    11:57 The European Expedition

    15:07 The Ultimate Betrayal

    17:19 Dee's Downfall and Wisdom

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    13 mins
  • Bill Bowerman's Coaching Philosophy and Nike's Origins
    Feb 16 2026
    In this episode, we explore the coaching philosophy of Bill Bowerman, legendary track coach and co-founder of Nike, examining how his experiences in life and war shaped his unique approach to athlete development. We unravel his groundbreaking strategies, from individualized training and injury prevention to his innovative shoe designs, and learn how his relentless pursuit of marginal improvement led to both athletic success and the creation of a global brand.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bill Bowerman01:53 Shaped by Early Life and War03:37 Innovation in Coaching and Footwear09:51 Prefontaine, Olympics, and Legacy
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    10 mins
  • Dan Gable: The Pursuit of Absolute Dominance
    Feb 15 2026
    In this episode, we explore the coaching philosophy of legendary wrestling coach Dan Gable, examining how personal tragedy and a single competitive loss shaped his relentless pursuit of perfection. We also discuss how Gable's unyielding standards and focus on extreme preparation transformed the Iowa wrestling program into a national powerhouse.Chapters00:00 Gable’s Unyielding Standard01:57 Personal Loss and Redirection03:33 The Defining Loss of 197005:32 Coaching at Iowa: Escalation08:52 Overwhelming Opponents13:59 Trusting the System & Legacy
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    11 mins
  • Newt Rockne's Football Legacy
    Feb 14 2026
    In this episode, we explore the strategic decisions and organizational brilliance of legendary football coach Newt Rockne. We discuss how he built a powerful program at Notre Dame through innovation, adaptability, and a focus on systematic excellence rather than individual talent.Chapters00:00 Rockne's Early Innovation00:22 The 1913 Army Game03:38 Building a Cohesive Program08:35 Adapting and Sustaining Excellence15:17 Confronting Complacency and Safety18:20 Rockne's Enduring Legacy
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    12 mins