Podcast Summary: Jocko Podcast Episode 474 - "Building More United Communities" with Force Recon Marine, Jake Harriman
Release Date: January 22, 2025
Host: Jocko Willink and Echo Charles
Introduction
In episode 474 of the Jocko Podcast, retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink and Echo Charles engage in a profound conversation with Jake Harriman, a Force Recon Marine Officer and the founder of Nuru International and More Perfect Union. The episode delves into Jake's transformative journey from a Marine Corps officer to a humanitarian leader striving to unify communities both abroad and at home.
Jake Harriman’s Early Life and Military Beginnings (00:00 - 10:08)
Jake Harriman shares his humble beginnings, growing up in the Wetzel Settlement, a tight-knit farming community in West Virginia. Raised on a mountaintop farm, Jake describes a childhood marked by self-sufficiency and community service, instilled by his parents who emphasized helping others as a moral duty.
- Notable Quote:
Jake Harriman (05:23): "Poverty is kind of a mindset. It's a condition of the mind."
Jake's father, a Navy veteran, served as a signalman during the Vietnam War, while his mother was a trained schoolteacher. Despite attending the Naval Academy, Jake initially resisted military life but felt a compelling need to serve, driven by his father's unspoken sacrifices.
Naval Academy and Early Military Career (10:04 - 28:14)
Jake recounts his journey through the Naval Academy, initially pursuing engineering but ultimately committing to the Marine Corps. Despite failing to secure a Spot in SEAL training (BUD/S) on his first attempt—a humbling experience akin to his friend Leif Babin's experience—Jake persevered and earned his designation as an Infantry Officer.
- Notable Quote:
Jake Harriman (13:15): "I tried to learn, I worked my butt off... but I failed to make the cut."
His determination led him to eventually join Force Recon after overcoming significant setbacks and embracing the lessons of humility and resilience taught by his enlisted comrades.
Deployments and Lessons in Leadership (28:14 - 53:06)
Jake details his deployments, including his first during the USS Cole incident and subsequent involvement in Operation Iraqi Freedom. These experiences exposed him to the harsh realities of war and the human cost of conflict, profoundly shaping his leadership philosophy.
- Notable Quote:
Jake Harriman (37:20): "Leadership is leadership. A lot of the same lessons apply. It doesn't matter where you are."
A pivotal moment occurred during the Battle of Nasseria, where Jake encountered a fleeing Iraqi father and his family, witnessing firsthand the desperation that fuels extremism. This encounter ignited his commitment to addressing the root causes of violence and poverty.
Transition to Humanitarian Efforts: Nuru International (53:06 - 89:39)
Driven by his wartime experiences, Jake founded Nuru International with the mission to eradicate extreme poverty in unstable regions, thereby combating violent extremism. His approach combined military discipline with sustainable development, focusing on empowering local leaders and building resilient communities.
- Notable Quote:
Jake Harriman (57:01): "We're in the best country in the world. We have to take ownership. We have to lead."
After witnessing the limitations of traditional aid organizations, Jake envisioned a hybrid model that integrated security with economic development. This model proved successful in increasing crop yields and fostering community cohesion, ultimately laying the groundwork for scaling these efforts globally.
Founding More Perfect Union: Uniting American Communities (89:39 - 135:15)
Returning to the United States in 2020, Jake observed deep political and social divisions exacerbated by societal isolation and economic disparity. Recognizing a parallel between the communities he served abroad and the fractured American society, he launched More Perfect Union (MPU US) to bridge these divides.
Mission and Vision: More Perfect Union aims to unite Americans across political, racial, and socioeconomic spectrums through community-building activities, fostering mutual understanding and collaborative problem-solving.
- Notable Quote:
Jake Harriman (101:09): "Prosperity brings peace. It actually creates a really solid front and a barrier to these extremists moving in."
Strategies and Initiatives:
- Brickyard Centers: Local chapters where veterans facilitate community service projects, social gatherings, and civic engagement programs.
- Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Goruck to amplify impact and resource sharing.
- Leadership Training: Equipping veterans with skills to lead community initiatives, emphasizing servant leadership and empowerment.
Jake emphasizes the importance of restoring agency and dignity to individuals, believing that empowered communities are less susceptible to extremist influence.
- Notable Quote:
Jake Harriman (118:53): "We’re going to reclaim our own agency. America’s so amazing because we have all these freedoms and rights. But those freedoms and rights come with responsibility and duty."
Impact and Expansion (135:15 - End)
Since its inception, More Perfect Union has rapidly grown to include over 35,000 members across 31 active Brickyard locations nationwide. Jake highlights successful projects such as rebuilding efforts post-wildfires and election security initiatives, underscoring the organization’s role in fostering national unity and resilience.
- Notable Quote:
Jake Harriman (132:10): "Imagine if you can scale that. Right. It doesn't. You don't have to create some crazy program or raise all this money. Just do small acts of kindness will go a long way."
Jake's concluding remarks inspire listeners to take actionable steps in their communities, advocating for personal responsibility and collective effort to mend societal fractures.
- Notable Quote:
Jake Harriman (130:50): "I challenge you, do something about it. You got to believe again in what America can be."
Conclusion
Episode 474 of the Jocko Podcast offers a compelling narrative of Jake Harriman’s dedication to leadership, service, and community building. From his experiences in the Marine Corps to his innovative approach in founding More Perfect Union, Jake exemplifies the values of humility, resilience, and proactive leadership. His insights provide a blueprint for individuals seeking to make meaningful contributions toward a more united and prosperous society.
Key Takeaways:
- Servant Leadership: Leading by example, listening, and valuing every team member.
- Humility and Resilience: Embracing failures as learning opportunities.
- Empowerment: Building local capacity and fostering self-sustaining communities.
- Unity through Action: Bridging divides with tangible community service and collaborative projects.
For More Information:
- More Perfect Union Website: mpu.us
- Jake Harriman’s Social Media:
- Twitter: @jakempu
- Instagram: @jake.ryan.harriman
- LinkedIn: Jake Harriman
This summary captures the essence of the conversation between Jake Harriman, Jocko Willink, and Echo Charles, highlighting the significant milestones and lessons learned throughout Jake’s journey from military service to leading efforts in unifying communities.