JP Dinnell Podcast Episode 115 Summary

Episode Title: Is Discipline Genetic?
Hosts: JP Dinnell, Lucas Pinckard
Date: December 5, 2025

Overview

In this episode of the JP Dinnell Podcast, JP and Lucas return from Thanksgiving for a candid, Q&A-driven conversation exploring questions from their community. The central theme is the nature of discipline—whether it is genetic or learned—framed through JP’s experience as a Navy SEAL, leadership instructor, and father. The duo also delve into topics ranging from parenting and martial arts to spiritual practices like fasting, adding personal anecdotes and actionable advice throughout.

Key Discussions & Insights

1. Reading Proverbs and Kicking Off With Faith [00:00–04:38]

• JP opens with Proverbs 3, emphasizing wisdom, loyalty, kindness, and especially the role of discipline in personal growth and favor with God and man.
• The suggestion: if you’re unsure where to start reading the Bible, read the Proverb corresponding to the day of the month.

“If you’re kind of wondering... where should I read in the Bible? Start in Proverbs.” – JP [04:24]

2. Thanksgiving Recaps: Humility, Family, and Sportsmanship [04:38–16:41]

• Lucas recounts meeting a humble Super Bowl champion and witnessing his son’s good sportsmanship after losing at foosball.
• Emphasizes letting kids lose as an important character builder.

“If you just give your kids everything... you’re going to have children as adults.” – JP [09:08]

3. Being Present with Family [16:41–19:20]

• JP highlights the challenge and value of unplugging from work during family gatherings.
• Stresses intentionally prioritizing family presence and healthy habits.

4. Jocko Fuel and Clean Energy Drinks [16:41–19:20]

• Discussion about Jocko Fuel’s origin and the importance of clean, pasteurized ingredients over shelf-stabilizing chemicals.
• JP endorses Jocko Fuel, mentioning his own flavor, “Sour Apple Sniper.”

“He’s like, you’re one of the reasons why I needed to create a healthy energy drink.” – JP recounting Jocko [17:55]

5. Main Q&A Section

A. Is Discipline Genetic or Learned? [19:29–24:31]

• Summary: Both, but primarily learned. Some possess structure-oriented tendencies, but discipline is mostly an acquired skill built over time.
• JP and Lucas discuss the parallels to leadership—some qualities are innate, but greatness is developed through effort and habits.
• Key Insight: Discipline produces desire; repeated effort breeds increased motivation.
• Notable quote:

“Discipline is a skill set... you have to be disciplined with all the little things so that you can be disciplined with the big things.” – JP [20:23]

B. Lessons from Parenting on Discipline [24:31–24:31]

• Using structure and consequences to instill discipline in children, paralleling approaches in leadership at work and at home.

C. Sleep, Genetics, and Self-Discipline [23:16–24:31]

• JP contrasts Jocko’s genetic ability to function on little sleep with his own need for rest, connecting this to the theme that discipline is about working with your personal limits.

6. Martial Arts: If Not Jiu Jitsu, Then What? [28:12–32:45]

• JP’s alternatives if he couldn’t do jiu jitsu: traditional, hardcore Shotokan karate or Muay Thai.
• Shares stories of growing up training karate with world champion-level mentors.
• Brief discussion on other martial arts, their efficacy, and the importance of finding high-quality, uncompromised instruction.

7. Recovery from Injury [33:46–36:31]

• JP updates on his biceps injury recovery: ahead of schedule, doing self-guided PT, but stresses caution and not shortcutting the process.

8. Reflections on Serving with Jocko [37:15–44:01]

• Theme: Empowerment, Trust, High Standards, and Accountability.
• JP describes Jocko as a leader who empowers, loves, and holds his team to a high standard, explaining why he was so effective.
• JP reads from a never-before-delivered church talk, expressing the spiritual and practical impact Jocko, Leif Babin, and Seth Stone had on him:

“He empowered us. He gave us ownership. He gave us responsibilities. He held himself accountable, and he held us accountable.” – JP [37:37]

• The importance of legacy, integrity, and honoring leaders who truly care.

9. Spiritual Fasting: Practices and Motivation [45:16–57:43]

• JP and Lucas dive into fasting as a spiritual discipline, answering listener questions.
• JP prefers full water fasts (1–3+ days), connecting the practice to spiritual clarity and discipline—emphasizing the importance of heart posture over method.
• Acknowledging different fasting styles (Daniel fast, partial meal fasts) and the role of intention.

“I don’t think it’s so much like what you do, but it’s why you do it. Like your heart posture.” – JP [50:18]

• Encouragement for listeners to try a 24-hour fast and see the mental and spiritual benefits.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Kids and Losing:
  “Afterwards, you didn't give him, like… some freebies?” – JP [07:38]
  “Not at all—annihilated.” – Lucas [07:41]

• On Leadership and Discipline:
  “Discipline is a skill set… and the more you do it, the more you’ll desire it if you’re reaping the benefits.” – JP [22:56]

• On Fasting and Spiritual Growth:
  “Don’t be trying to make yourself look emaciated… in order to get praise from others. Like, ‘Look at how he’s fasting.’” – Lucas [50:23]

• On Jocko as a Leader:
  “He empowered us. He gave us ownership. He gave us responsibilities. He held himself accountable, and he held us accountable.” – JP [37:37]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamps | |-----------------------------------------|--------------| | Proverbs 3 Reading & Faith Kickoff | 00:00–04:38 | | Thanksgiving/Humility/Sportsmanship | 04:38–16:41 | | Being Present with Family | 16:41–19:20 | | Jocko Fuel & Healthy Habits | 16:41–19:20 | | Q&A: Discipline Genetic or Learned | 19:29–24:31 | | Martial Arts Alternatives | 28:12–32:45 | | Biceps Recovery Update | 33:46–36:31 | | Serving with Jocko: Reflections | 37:15–44:01 | | Fasting As a Spiritual Discipline | 45:16–57:43 |

Natural Flow & Tone

The episode balances humor, personal storytelling, and practical advice. JP’s seasoned, straight-talking approach is complemented by Lucas’ relatable anecdotes, making the show accessible and motivational. Faith, personal growth, and integrity are recurring motifs, all delivered in the hosts’ affable, direct style.

Final Notes & Resources

• Listeners are encouraged to submit more questions, check out Echelon Front’s leadership resources, and explore Jocko Fuel products (use code JPpod20).
• JP highlights Rob Jones’s new memoir "Put Your Legs On" and recommends Dave Burke’s "The Need to Lead."
• Stay tuned for future episodes on fasting and leadership, and follow the show on Instagram and other platforms for updates.

“Go out there. Do the work that’s needed in our lives, put in the effort, build our legacy, and never settle.” – JP [67:00]