JP Dinnell Podcast 120: Planning for 2026 Plus Q&A

Hosts: JP Dinnell & Lucas Pinckard
Release Date: January 9, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on planning for 2026 with a blend of spiritual discussions, leadership insights, personal updates, and a Q&A session tackling everything from personal growth to tactical advice. JP and Lucas chat candidly about faith-driven habits (like fasting and prayer), strategies for resilience, family, martial arts, business ventures, and address hot-button listener questions around veteran affairs and current events.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mechanical Gremlins & Life Skills (00:00–03:00)

• Lucas recounts vehicle troubles, sparking a discussion on the importance of basic mechanical skills.
• JP reflects on how his dad intentionally bought fixer-upper cars so his sons would learn to repair and resell them, a formative life skill.

2. Spiritual Fasting: Purposes, Methods, and Experiences (03:00–17:30)

Lucas Describes His Church's 21-Day Fast "ROAD" (03:00–06:38)

• Acronym ROAD:
  • Restoration – restoring relationships (with God, self, family)
  • Orientation – direction and guidance
  • Adoration – devoting oneself to God
  • Desperation – interceding for those in urgent need
• Lucas provides biblical examples (Nineveh, Joel) and emphasis on a contrite heart for true restoration.
• Quote (05:08):
  "Instead of comparing ourselves to each other, we compare ourselves to the goodness of God... to press into the Lord so that my relationship is restored through repentance and fasting and prayer." – Lucas

Fasting as Spiritual Denial vs. Replacement (10:05–14:30)

• It's not about replacing one indulgence with another ("No Coke, but now Diet Coke? That’s replacement, not denial.")
• Draws parallels to marriage vows and self-denial for deepening relationships.

Memorable Illustrations and Quotes

• JP describes a friend’s 40-day liquid fast (09:13) and how fasting practices vary.
• Quote (14:30):
  "The point is not which fast you do, but your heart posture." – JP

Marcus Luttrell's Fasting Ritual (15:03–17:26)

• Discusses Marcus Luttrell's method: whenever he felt hunger during a 40-day fast, he’d wash his face and comb his hair as a reset.
• Lucas ties this to Matthew 6 where Jesus says to keep up appearances when fasting, not to seek sympathy.

3. Lessons from Fighting, Marriage, and Raising Kids (17:30–26:57)

Stoic Posture in Adversity (19:19–20:23)

• JP shares MMA advice: Never let opponents know you're tired—stand tall, keep head up for both mental and external resilience.

On Resilience and Parenting (20:23–23:15)

• Both recount toddler “get back up” moments, linking them to enduring hardship and the life lesson in getting up after falling.

4. The Power of Corporate Prayer (23:15–27:25)

• JP describes impactful moments at his church’s "Prepare" event, with collective prayer for healing, conception, salvation of loved ones, and business success.
• Quote (24:13):
  “Our prayers don’t stop at the ceiling. We can intercede and pray on behalf of people anywhere.” – JP

5. Faith, Leadership, and the Enemy of Clarity (27:01–31:06)

"The Enemy of Faith is Clarity" (27:01–29:29)

• Lucas unpacks a pastor's statement: clarity is the enemy of faith, not fear.
• Sometimes if God gave all the details, we'd never take the step of faith.

Leadership Application & Taking Ownership

• Lucas shares a recent leadership misstep and the importance of taking ownership, apologizing, and how doing the right thing post-error can build trust.
• Quote (32:12):
  “If we handle things the right way moving forward, even a situation that could have broken trust can actually build it.” – Lucas

6. Looking Ahead: Optimism, Family, and Intentionality (33:24–36:03)

• Reflects on the past year’s ups and downs and the outlook for 2026.
• JP highlights intentional family planning, especially regarding his son Hayden, and the importance of seizing opportunities and perspective:
• Quote (34:45): "My worst day is someone’s dream. Even a 'bad' year for me is a great year for someone else." – JP

7. Personal Update: Injury Recovery & Jiu Jitsu Return (36:03–42:02)

• JP discusses his rapid recovery from arm surgery, use of peptides, and plans to return to Jiu Jitsu—months ahead of schedule.
• Quote (36:28):
  “Tomorrow night I’m going back.” – JP, on his Jiu Jitsu comeback at 11 weeks post-surgery.

8. Q&A Rapid Fire (42:02–65:10)

Supplement & Gear Recommendations

• Jocko Fuel: Start with Creatine 100, Collagen & Colostrum, and Joint Warfare for joint health.
• Origin Maine: For lifestyle wear, recommend the lightweight RTX hoodie, Delta 68 jeans, or Mocto boots. Praise for products being 100% US-made and benefits of all-cotton garments.

Anniversaries and SEAL Reflections

• Discusses the weighty anniversaries coming up: 25 years since 9/11, 20 since Mark Lee and Mikey Monsoor’s deaths, and the Battle of Ramadi.
• Quote (52:34):
  “I think those will be the most impactful for me this next year, for sure.” – JP

Life After Active Duty & Reservist Regret

• JP wishes he’d transferred to the SEAL reserves upon leaving active duty—could have still contributed through training and support.

Addressing Listener Questions: SEAL Community Drama and Public Perception

• JP flatly denies having “insider info” on current SEAL media feuds. Stresses loyalty and not airing community disputes.
• Quote (57:48):
  “If I did have any inside thing, I wouldn’t share it because it’s not for me to share, and I’m not going to do that to our community.” – JP

Viral Moment: The Origin Hoodie Incident

• Clarifies he nor Jocko orchestrated the recent viral "Origin hoodie" incident in Venezuela. Appreciates the positive publicity for US-made goods.
• Quote (61:33): “I also love just the publicity it’s given to Origin, because so many news networks are sharing…100% American made.” – JP

On Giving Opinions in Media Hot Takes

• Both caution against leaping to conclusions on limited or early information—"be slow to give your opinion", referencing Proverbs.
• Quote (64:01):
  “You know what is always a safe answer? The truth.” – JP

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Restoration & Fasting:
  “Instead of comparing ourselves to each other, we compare ourselves to the goodness of God...” – Lucas (05:08)
• Marriage & Denial:
  “It’s not replacement. It’s self-denial…just like our marriage vows.” – Lucas (10:08)
• Spiritual Reset:
  “Every time he’d feel hungry…he’d go wash his face and comb his hair.” – JP, on Marcus Luttrell (15:58)
• On Prayers Traveling:
  “Our prayers don’t stop at the ceiling.” – JP (24:13)
• Leadership Growth:
  “If we handle things the right way moving forward…can actually build trust.” – Lucas (32:12)
• Perspective:
  "My worst day is someone’s dream." – JP (34:45)
• Q&A About Recent SEAL Drama:
  “If I did have any inside thing, I wouldn't share it...I wish it did not have to be what it is right now.” – JP (57:48)
• Caution on “Internet Truth”:
  “Be quick to listen and slow to speak.” – Lucas (65:10)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• Church Fast “ROAD” Explanation: 03:29–06:41
• Marriage Adoration/Fasting Parallels: 10:05–14:30
• Marcus Luttrell Fasting Example: 15:03–17:26
• Stoic Resilience/Fighting/Kids: 19:19–23:15
• Corporate Prayer Power: 23:15–27:25
• "Enemy of Faith is Clarity": 27:01–29:29
• JP’s Reflections on the Coming Year: 33:24–36:03
• JP’s Arm Recovery & Jiu Jitsu Return: 36:03–42:02
• Product Recommendations (Origin & Jocko Fuel): 42:07–48:16
• SEAL Anniversaries & Reflections: 49:36–52:34
• Active Duty, Reserves, and Regret: 52:51–56:24
• SEAL Community Drama—Listener Question: 56:31–59:39
• Origin Hoodie Viral Incident: 60:04–61:56
• On Social Media Hot Takes & Proverbs: 64:01–65:20
• Final Thoughts on Preparation and Discipline: 69:18–end

Final Thoughts

JP closes with encouragement for listeners to prepare, execute the fundamentals, and act with discipline:
“Preparation is what allows us to win and what gives us the winning edge. This requires discipline and being intentional with the work that we put in daily.” (69:18)

Top Takeaways:

• Spiritual and physical discipline go hand in hand for a successful year.
• Resilience, faith, and leadership are practiced daily at every level—home, work, community.
• Real growth comes from transparency, learning from mistakes, and acting with integrity.
• Don’t chase rumors; root yourself in patience, humility, and the truth.

This summary captures the candid and practical wisdom of JP and Lucas as they launch into 2026, weaving together leadership, faith, resilience, and everyday life with humor and conviction.