Podcast Summary: "Jeremy Stalnecker: Reveals Lessons in Leadership From Military Service"

Podcast: Mick Unplugged
Host: Nick (Realm)
Guest: Jeremy Stalnecker
Date: August 28, 2025

Overview

This episode of Mick Unplugged features Jeremy Stalnecker—Marine Corps veteran, pastor, CEO of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, and author—as he shares profound lessons in leadership drawn from his military and personal journey. The conversation centers around the transition from trauma to purpose, the importance of servant leadership, the impact of unseen wounds of war, and how living out your “because” can transform lives. Designed for leaders and those aspiring to serve, the episode offers actionable advice, vulnerable storytelling, and a compelling call to act with purpose.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power of "Because": Finding Purpose After Trauma

• Jeremy's "Because":

  • Jeremy reflects on returning from Iraq with a strong faith and family network, yet still struggling deeply with post-combat trauma.

    "I had all of the pieces that we would tell men and women coming back from combat to have. I had them. And the bottom still fell out of my life."
    — Jeremy Stalnecker, 02:58

  • It took nearly a decade, a reunion with former comrades, and hearing their struggles—including stories of suicide and broken homes—for Jeremy to realize the collective weight of these unseen wounds.

  • He became driven by a responsibility to not only heal himself but to provide hope for other veterans:

    "I figured it out because I had the right people in my life and...I had a responsibility now to take that to the men that I had served with... There is an answer. There is a path forward.”
    — Jeremy Stalnecker, 04:50

2. Unseen Wounds and Their Impact

• Understanding Invisible Scars:

  • Jeremy distinguishes between visible and invisible wounds, stating that invisible wounds like PTSD can be more damaging because they often go unaddressed:

    “It’s almost like walking with a limp, right? You’re getting by... but not fully to the way that you were created or to the ability that you actually have.”
    — Jeremy Stalnecker, 06:29

  • Emphasizes that trauma isn't exclusive to veterans—survivors of abuse and many others share similar struggles.
  • Cites statistics on veteran suicide to underscore the urgency (22 veterans and 4 active duty service members take their own lives daily).

• Supporting Families:

  • The Mighty Oaks Foundation offers free programs funded by donations, run by combat veterans who’ve gone through the process themselves.

    "It starts by giving hope... There is a place that my friend, family member, loved one can go to and get the help that they need."
    — Jeremy Stalnecker, 09:17

  • Resources include books, digital downloads, and online content for both veterans and their families.

3. Leadership Philosophy: From Doing to Being

• Leadership as Stewardship:

  • Jeremy contrasts aggressive military leadership with passive-aggressive civilian leadership, advocating for servant leadership grounded in character.

    "Real leadership is about using the tools, the resources, the opportunities that you have, viewing those from a stewardship perspective. I have these for the benefit of others." — Jeremy Stalnecker, 14:09

  • Leadership isn't about tactics or checking boxes—it’s about embodying character and making others better.

• Practical Application:

  • Leadership is transferable—if you focus on being the right kind of person, you can lead in every sphere, not just in designated roles.

    "Leadership is not about learning a list... but being. Be a person of character. Be a person who listens and understands." — Jeremy Stalnecker, 15:20

4. Cultivating Character and Virtue

• How to Develop Character:
  • Be intentional—character must be prioritized and cultivated on purpose.
  • Jeremy’s approach includes:
    • Immersion in scripture and spiritual literature (for him as a Christian)
    • Reading biographies and wisdom from those who faced hard things
    • Mentorship—having trusted people who can speak truth
    • Starting with small acts: keeping your word, being on time, leading at home

    "Start by keeping your word to your kids. Start by doing what you said you’re going to do with your spouse. Start by showing up on time. Let your character grow through these really small acts." — Jeremy Stalnecker, 19:45

5. Navigating Change and Information Overload

• Modern Challenges for Leaders:
  • Jeremy warns about the overwhelming volume of information in the digital age and the risk of losing one’s sense of self.

    "If you don't know who you are or why you're here, then you will be dragged all over the place." — Jeremy Stalnecker, 22:41

  • Suggests developing a personal mission statement to anchor oneself amid chaos.
  • Push aside distractions and focus on fulfilling your central purpose.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Time | Speaker | Quote | |---------|---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:58 | Jeremy Stalnecker | "I had all of the pieces...and the bottom still fell out of my life." | | 04:50 | Jeremy Stalnecker | "I had a responsibility now to take that to the men that I had served with..." | | 06:29 | Jeremy Stalnecker | "It’s almost like walking with a limp...but not fully to the way that you were created."| | 09:17 | Jeremy Stalnecker | "There is a place that my friend, family member, loved one can go to and get the help."| | 14:09 | Jeremy Stalnecker | "Real leadership is about using the tools...for the benefit of others." | | 17:53 | Jeremy Stalnecker | "You have to make the decision to be a person of character." | | 19:45 | Jeremy Stalnecker | "Start by keeping your word to your kids... Let your character grow through these small acts." | | 22:41 | Jeremy Stalnecker | "If you don't know who you are or why you're here, then you will be dragged all over." | | 25:32 | Jeremy Stalnecker | "We get sucked into that vortex. Right. It's like, I want more...I just have to get on my phone and it's there." |

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [02:36] Jeremy’s “Because” and Initial Struggles Post-Service
• [05:50] Unseen Wounds and the Importance of Addressing Trauma
• [09:12] Helping Families and Community Through Mighty Oaks Foundation
• [12:47] From Marine Corps Leadership to Servant Leadership
• [17:53] Cultivating Character: Practical, Everyday Steps
• [21:17] Facing Modern Leadership Challenges in the Age of Info-Overload
• [25:41] Jeremy's March or Die Podcast and Resources for Veterans
• [27:29] Books and Programs: Leadership by Design, March or Die
• [28:46] How to Find Jeremy & Mighty Oaks Online; Daily Devotionals

Resources & Additional References

• Mighty Oaks Foundation & Programs: mightyoaksprograms.org

  • Free programs for veterans, service members, first responders, and their families.

• Jeremy’s Books:

  • Leadership by Design (expanded edition + upcoming online course)
  • March or Die (stories and lessons from Iraq)

• Podcast:

  • March or Die Podcast (principles for resilience, co-hosted with a law enforcement veteran)
  • Daily devotionals and content updates on Instagram: @jeremystalnecker

Conclusion

This episode delivers a candid, heartfelt exploration of modern leadership, trauma recovery, and the responsibility that comes from overcoming adversity. Jeremy Stalnecker challenges listeners to reframe their motivations, live with character, and “march or die”: keep moving forward—no matter what obstacles arise. Nick wraps up by reminding listeners, “Your because is your superpower. Go unleash it.”