Intentionally Disturbing: Robert D'Amico: Take a Compliment, Will Ya?

Release Date: May 15, 2025 | Host: iHeartPodcasts

In the gripping episode titled "Robert D'Amico: Take a Compliment, Will Ya?" from the Intentionally Disturbing podcast, host Dr. Leslie engages in a deep and unflinching conversation with Robert D'Amico, a former FBI agent and military operative. Drawing from his extensive experience in high-stakes environments, Robert provides listeners with a rare glimpse into the harrowing realities faced by those on the front lines of national security and law enforcement.

1. Introduction to Robert D'Amico

Dr. Leslie begins by lauding Robert's impressive background, highlighting his tenure with the FBI and his military service. "Rob has seen decapitated people and brains coming out, and then chickens eat the brains," Dr. Leslie remarks at [02:49], setting the tone for the intense discussion ahead. Robert humorously acknowledges his discomfort with compliments, a recurring theme throughout their conversation.

2. Traumatic Experiences in the Field

One of the most vivid accounts Robert shares is his involvement in a mission to intercept pirates in international waters. At [04:18], he recounts:

"We were trying to rescue four Americans, and it didn't work. They end up killing them, and then the SEALs boarded the sailboat and shot two of the pirates."

The situation escalates when Robert describes the gruesome aftermath on the sailboat, culminating in an almost decapitation incident that tested his team's resilience. "As I grabbed the pirate by the hip and hair to roll him over, his head almost came off," Robert narrates [07:40]. This moment, while horrifying, led to an unexpected reaction among his team, blending dark humor with the grim reality of their actions.

3. Coping Mechanisms and Dark Humor

Robert delves into the psychological strategies employed by operatives to handle extreme trauma. At [09:21], he explains:

"I find dark humor to be one of the more relevant ones that helps me."

He discusses the delicate balance between processing traumatic events and maintaining operational effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of compartmentalization. This mental separation allows him to function in life-and-death situations without becoming overwhelmed by the associated emotions.

4. Balancing Career and Personal Life

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the challenges Robert faced in reconciling his demanding career with his family life. At [14:45], he reflects:

"I thought it was pretty good as mature... some of the PTSD that you see if you're 18 and you're not able to make those distinctions... can get really tough."

Robert shares poignant anecdotes about the impact of his missions on his children, illustrating the emotional toll of constant deployment and the struggle to maintain a semblance of normalcy at home.

5. Memorable Operations and Achievements

Robert recounts several key missions that stand out in his career, highlighting both the strategic successes and the personal costs. At [17:48], he mentions:

"I did two years undercover against the mafia, and I went against the guy they wrote Sopranos about."

These stories not only showcase his operational prowess but also underscore the moral and ethical dilemmas faced during covert operations.

6. Interactions with Fellow Operators

The episode delves into Robert's relationships with fellow elite operatives, including Medal of Honor recipients. At [35:14], he shares:

"They're the quietest guy in the rooms probably killed the most people... they're just great people to be around."

These interactions highlight the camaraderie and mutual respect among those who have faced similar life-and-death scenarios, fostering a unique bond forged in the crucible of extreme stress.

7. Facing Mortality and Risk

Discussing close calls and near-death experiences, Robert offers insights into how repeated exposure to danger affects one's perception of mortality. At [29:17], he humorously addresses the unsettling notion of chickens consuming brains:

"Would probably eat them. If someone had cooked them up, I probably would have ate it."

His ability to find humor in such macabre situations speaks to his resilience and psychological fortitude.

8. Challenges in Transitioning Out of Service

As the conversation progresses, Robert touches upon the difficulties of leaving a high-intensity career. At [34:56], he admits:

"The hardest thing for me right now is I end up leaving the job I'd gotten out of the FBI for. It was a horrible, toxic place."

This candid admission sheds light on the often-untold struggles faced by individuals transitioning from specialized roles back to civilian life.

9. Final Reflections and Future Endeavors

In the concluding segments, Robert shares his plans to continue contributing through media and consulting. At [67:05], he reveals:

"I'm working on writing, helping write a TV series... there's a potential movie on the pirate thing."

This ambition to tell his stories underscores his commitment to shedding light on the complexities and ethical considerations of his work.

Notable Quotes

• Robert D'Amico at [04:18]:

  "There are things that are disturbing that most people find disturbing, and then there's things that affect me differently because... I find dark humor to be one of the more relevant ones."

• Robert D'Amico at [14:45]:

  "When you have a connection with it, it's one of those things that grips you harder... it's harder to disassociate."

• Robert D'Amico at [35:14]:

  "The quietest guy in the rooms probably killed the most people... they're just great people to be around."

• Robert D'Amico at [63:19]:

  "There are plenty of me out there. There's a whole team that was in that minefield with me."

Conclusion

This episode of Intentionally Disturbing offers a raw and unfiltered look into the life of Robert D'Amico, a man shaped by the relentless demands of his profession. Through his stories, listeners gain an appreciation for the mental resilience required to navigate the darkest corners of human conflict and the personal sacrifices made in the name of national security. Robert's inability to accept compliments, as highlighted by the episode's title, serves as a poignant reminder of the humility and understated heroism that characterize his journey.

For those seeking to understand the intricate balance between duty and personal well-being, Robert D'Amico's narrative provides invaluable insights into the often unseen struggles and triumphs of those who serve on the frontlines.

Note: Portions of the transcript contained misattributions labeling Robert D'Amico as the "Marsha P. Johnson Advocate." These have been corrected in this summary to accurately reflect the conversation between Dr. Leslie and Robert D'Amico.