Podcast Title: Jocko Podcast
Host/Author: Jocko Willink and Echo Charles
Episode: 500: We Came To Live
Release Date: July 23, 2025

Introduction

In the milestone 500th episode of the Jocko Podcast, retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink and his co-host Echo Charles commemorate a decade of insightful discussions on discipline, leadership, and adversity. Recorded live at the Vic Theater in Chicago, Illinois, this special episode titled "We Came To Live" delves deep into the personal and collective experiences of military service, the profound impact of war, and the enduring principles of leadership that transcend the battlefield.

Celebrating a Decade of Podcasting

Jocko opens the episode by expressing gratitude for the journey he has shared with Echo and the podcast's listeners over the past ten years.

Jocko Willink [00:08]: "We are at podcast 500. It has been almost 10 years, almost one decade with you, and I thought that it would be cool for this episode to share a live event."

Echo echoes these sentiments, highlighting the diverse community they've built, encompassing everyone from veterans and first responders to everyday individuals striving to stay disciplined and resilient.

The Emotional Toll of War

A significant portion of the episode features a poignant monologue by Seth Stone, reflecting on the psychological scars left by war. Seth grapples with feelings of guilt, trauma, and the struggle to reintegrate into civilian life.

Seth Stone [04:46]: "What did the war do to me? Sometimes I tear up when I hear the national anthem. Is there something wrong with me?"

He shares vivid memories of comrades lost and the harrowing experiences in Ramadi, illustrating the profound and lasting effects of combat exposure. Seth's narrative underscores the internal battles soldiers face long after the physical wounds have healed.

Choosing a Positive Perspective

Echo Charles challenges the prevailing narrative of war's devastation by presenting alternative perspectives. Drawing inspiration from Arkady Babchenko's One Soldier's War, he emphasizes that while war undeniably leaves its mark, individuals have the agency to choose how they interpret their experiences.

Echo Charles [16:39]: "What did the war do to us? Is there something wrong with us? I think that depends on which perspective we choose to take."

He contrasts Seth's initial despair with stories of resilience and transformation, illustrating that the choice to view war as a catalyst for personal growth is both possible and empowering.

Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield

Jocko delves into the essence of effective leadership, sharing anecdotes from his military career that highlight the often counterintuitive nature of true leadership principles.

Jocko Willink [75:03]: "When you're in a leadership position, you're in charge of a mob. You have to detach and assess if the mob is going in the right direction."

He emphasizes the importance of extreme ownership, teamwork, and decentralized command, arguing that true leaders prioritize their team's well-being over personal ego. Jocko recounts stories of training and leadership challenges, illustrating how discipline and strategic detachment can lead to successful outcomes even in chaotic situations.

Caring for the Team: A Core Principle

Echo and Seth share heartfelt stories that exemplify the principle of "taking care of your people", a foundational tenet of their leadership philosophy. From battlefield rescues to supporting wounded comrades, they illustrate how genuine care fosters loyalty and resilience within a team.

Echo Charles [93:11]: "You take care of your people. That's leadership."

Seth recounts moments where fellow SEALs demonstrated unwavering commitment to their teammates, even at great personal risk. These narratives underscore the reciprocal nature of care in effective leadership, where looking out for others ultimately ensures the team's overall success and cohesion.

Overcoming Adversity Through Choice

The episode culminates with a powerful message about the choices individuals make in the face of adversity. Echo reflects on the collective losses they've endured, redefining their experiences not as curses but as blessings that have shaped their character and purpose.

Echo Charles [98:15]: "We were blessed to have known these guys. We were blessed to have served alongside them."

He contrasts the enemy's mantra of "we came to die" with his own affirmation of living purposefully, urging listeners to embrace life with intention and resilience.

Echo Charles [105:03]: "We came to live. We came to build. We came to help. We came to grow."

Conclusion

In this landmark episode, Jocko Willink and Echo Charles offer an unflinching exploration of the multifaceted impacts of war and the enduring strength of disciplined leadership. Through personal anecdotes, reflective narratives, and heartfelt gratitude, they inspire listeners to make conscious choices that foster growth, unity, and resilience. "We Came To Live" serves as a testament to the podcast's decade-long commitment to sharing stories of leadership, sacrifice, and the unwavering human spirit.

Notable Quotes:

• Jocko Willink [75:03]: "When you're in a leadership position, you're in charge of a mob. You have to detach and assess if the mob is going in the right direction."

• Seth Stone [07:08]: "We were the prophets of doom, destruction, end quote. I think about that. We were the prophets of doom and destruction and Seth was light, life and laughter."

• Echo Charles [93:11]: "You take care of your people. That's leadership."

• Echo Charles [98:15]: "We were blessed to have known these guys. We were blessed to have served alongside them."

• Echo Charles [105:03]: "We came to live. We came to build. We came to help. We came to grow."

Final Thoughts

Episode 500 of the Jocko Podcast not only celebrates a significant milestone but also encapsulates the essence of what has made the podcast resonate with so many listeners. By intertwining personal stories with universal lessons on leadership and resilience, Jocko and Echo provide a compelling narrative that honors the past while inspiring future endeavors. Whether you're a long-time follower or new to the podcast, "We Came To Live" offers invaluable insights into leading with purpose and living with intention.