Jocko Podcast 513: Be Big in the Little Things. Lessons from a Hero. With Ryan Manion

Release Date: November 5, 2025
Host: Jocko Willink (A), Echo Charles (B)
Guest: Ryan Manion (C), CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, author, and sister of fallen Marine Travis Manion

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode focuses on the legacy and character of Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, whose selfless life and ultimate sacrifice have inspired a movement of service and leadership. Through the lens of Ryan Manion’s new children’s book, Things My Brother Used to Say, the discussion uncovers not just Travis’s heroism, but his everyday discipline, compassion, and the foundational work carried forward by the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF). The conversation offers lessons on leadership, character development, and the value of "being big in the little things," aiming to inspire both kids and adults to make a positive impact.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Origins and Growth of the Travis Manion Foundation

• Founding Story: TMF was started after Travis’s death in 2007, initially as a local scholarship fund [04:12].
  • "We thought it would operate locally in Philadelphia, and I'll tell you what, you know, there was this moment where all of a sudden, we kind of looked at each other maybe 18 months, 24 months down the line, and we were like, oh, shit. Like, she's really doing something here." – Ryan Manion [04:58]
• Transition to National Organization: Under Ryan’s leadership (after her mother's passing), TMF grew into one of the nation’s largest veteran service organizations, now with over 300,000 members [08:25].
• Unique Model: Veterans lead all programs; focus is not only on direct veteran/family support but also on character-based youth programs [09:23, 10:10].

2. Character Development Programs & Impact

• Mission Evolution: TMF’s work with youth became a major arm, inspired by Travis’s character and mentorship experiences [10:10].
  • Over a million youth have participated in programs taught by veterans, covering servant leadership and character [10:55].
• Implementation: 70+ chapters, from in-school programs to assemblies and student-led service clubs [12:58].
  • "Our biggest issue as an organization is we can't fulfill the number of schools... that want to bring this program. We need more veterans.” – Ryan Manion [12:16]
• Community Engagement: Popular events like the Joggin’ for Frogmen and 9/11 Heroes Run ("not about the run, it's about galvanizing communities") [14:11–15:43].

3. The Army-Navy Game & TMF Tailgate: Patriotism in Action

• The TMF Tailgate: Started as a small family tradition; now a massive patriotic festival attended by thousands [17:43–20:56].
  • "This isn’t a tailgate. This is like a goddamn festival." – Baltimore Sun reporter (quoted by Ryan) [19:32]
• Purpose: Celebrates camaraderie, service, and gives veterans and families a space for community [15:09, 21:02].
• Gala: TMF’s annual elegant event to honor supporters and veterans ("recognized Jocko Fuel for their support") [22:08–25:17].

4. The Power and Challenge of Creating Children's Books on Character

• Genesis of ‘Things My Brother Used to Say’: TMF team wanted a way to reach younger kids with Travis's lessons; led to the children's book [25:54].
• Writing Process: Focused on real phrases Travis used; distilled down to five core lessons from many more [27:56].
  • "We had to cut down... What are the five most important ones we want in this book?" – Ryan [27:42]
• Making Travis Personal: Book opens with childhood photos to humanize Travis beyond his Marine image [31:17–32:27].
  • "It was just an amazing way to start off the book." – Jocko [31:58]

The Five Key Lessons from Travis Manion ([41:06–66:44])

1. Find Your Brendan

   • Based on Travis’s friendship with Brendan Looney, emphasizes surrounding yourself with people who challenge and lift you up [42:25].
   • "Friendship was about finding people that pushed you to be the best version of yourself." – Ryan [43:01]

2. Kindness Matters More Than You Know

   • Travis’s friendship with an unremarkable classmate shows the importance and impact of simple, inclusive kindness [45:32].
   • "The humanity in him... he just possessed so much compassion." – Ryan [47:36]
   • Years later, that friend (pseudonym 'Sam') wrote to the Manion family, expressing how Travis’s friendship changed his life [46:13].

3. Dream Big and Work Hard to Get There

   • Travis set and wrote down concrete, ambitious goals from a young age, working methodically toward them [51:03–53:49].
   • "If you can teach your kids that, you will be in a really, really good spot." – Jocko [60:20]
   • Discussion includes Travis's time at the Naval Academy, his temporary departure, and mature return [54:02–59:51].

4. Be Big in the Little Things

   • The idea of excelling in daily, ‘little’ actions (helping at home, caring for others, doing small kindnesses), which builds the foundation for heroic acts [61:03–63:48].
   • "How you do anything is how you do everything." – Jocko [63:15]
   • Travis would paint "Be Big in the Little Things" on his wall, teaching by example [61:03].

5. If Not Me, Then Who?

   • Travis’s guiding motto signifying personal responsibility and the courage to step up—whether in profound or small ways [63:48–65:19].
   • "If you ask yourself, if not me, then who, it's gonna change your attitude 100%." – Jocko [64:13]
   • "Those five words are not unique to Travis Manion... but they represent this entire generation of men and women who have volunteered to step up and serve." – Ryan [65:40]

5. The Lasting Legacy & Foundation’s Impact

• Expanding the Reach: TMF empowers veterans, provides them with purpose, and offers character programming to youth across America [70:21].
  • "We are making sure... at the forefront of everything we do is making sure that we're giving veterans continued purpose when they're taking off the uniform... helps their mental health..." – Ryan [70:21]
• Personal Reflections on Loss and Purpose:
  • "I would do anything to have him here. And I don't care about the legacy he's left... selfishly, he's my brother..." – Ryan [66:44]
  • "Your brother would not trade coming back to for the impact that his name and his story has created." – Unnamed friend (paraphrased) [67:39]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "If not me, then who?" — Travis Manion’s defining ethos [00:56, 63:48]
• "Be big in the little things." — Lesson and mindset Travis lived by [61:03]
• "Both those groups are looking for you... the kind of friends that you are looking for, you will find." – Jocko [44:24]
• "Being big in the little things... it made him even bigger in the big things, in the big moments, when it counted. I. E. April 29, 2007." – Ryan [63:24]

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:07 | Introduction, Travis Manion’s story, book context
• 04:12–09:23 | Founding and rapid growth of the TMF
• 10:10–14:41 | TMF programs for youth and role of veterans
• 15:09–22:09 | Community events: running series, Army-Navy tailgate, gala
• 25:54–31:58 | Genesis and intent of the new children’s book
• 41:06–66:44 | In-depth discussion of the five key lessons from Travis (core of the episode)
• 66:44–70:21 | Legacy, purpose, and TMF’s ongoing mission
• 72:25–74:02 | Book release details, how to support/buy

Resources & How to Get Involved

• Travis Manion Foundation: travismanion.org, social media @travismanionfoundation
• Ryan Manion: ryanmanion.com, IG/X: @rmanion
• Book: Things My Brother Used to Say (pre-sale on Amazon Nov. 5, full release Nov. 24; also available at TMF events and Army-Navy tailgate)
• Events: 9/11 Heroes Run, Joggin’ for Frogmen, TMF Gala, Army-Navy Tailgate

Closing Reflections

Be big in the little things: The episode closes with the challenge to all listeners to embody Travis’s philosophy, emphasizing that consistency in small, positive actions leads to significant impact over time:

"Little things add up and over time the little things become big things." – Jocko [END]

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration on leadership, service, and the enduring power of daily character. Ryan Manion’s heartfelt stories, Jocko’s thoughtful insights, and the legacy of Travis Manion offer valuable lessons for every generation.