The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show
Episode: Resilient by Design: A Navy SEAL-Turned-Doctor’s Roadmap to Success | Shane Kronstedt MD
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Introduction and Background
In this compelling episode of The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show, host Dr. Gabrielle Lyon welcomes Dr. Shane Kronstedt, a multifaceted individual whose journey from a Navy SEAL to a distinguished urologist exemplifies resilience and dedication. Dr. Lyon introduces Shane with warmth, highlighting his impressive credentials, including his top-of-class graduation from medical school and over 50 authored publications in the field of men’s health and reproductive medicine.
Journey to the SEALs
Shane shares his unconventional path to becoming a Navy SEAL. Growing up in a single-parent household in Virginia, he developed a strong foundation in martial arts from the age of four, earning a black belt and competing in national championships. Despite struggling academically, Shane's passion for physical challenges led him to enlist in the Navy in 2008. He transitioned from a nuclear engineering role to the SEALs through a competitive pipeline, ultimately shipping out for training in 2009.
Shane Kronstedt (00:02:09): "I had to have a lot of self-discipline and comfortableness in your own skin because you tell your friends that no one believes in you. You have to break things up in your head. You can't think about how overwhelming everything is."
SEAL Training and Mental Toughness
Shane delves into the grueling SEAL training process, emphasizing the mental and physical challenges that test one's limits. From enduring Hell Week—six continuous days of training with minimal sleep—to overcoming failures during land navigation courses, Shane illustrates the relentless demand for resilience.
Shane Kronstedt (00:12:10): "You have to be very strategic about all these things. When you have the plan B, you're planning to fail. It’s plan A only."
He recounts moments where his determination was tested, such as being the last to drop out during Hell Week and facing potential failure despite hitting targets in land navigation. These experiences underscored his belief that overcoming adversity is crucial for success.
Transition to Medicine
Shane’s transition from a combat medic to pursuing a medical degree was sparked by his experiences in Afghanistan. Witnessing the dire need for medical expertise in combat zones inspired him to become a trauma surgeon. Balancing his military duties with night school, he endured a demanding schedule that included teaching combat trauma courses while preparing for medical school.
Shane Kronstedt (00:54:16): "I did head rotations in the OR and the ER. I knew it was something I wanted to do."
Handling Adversity and Building Resilience
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on strategies for handling adversity. Shane emphasizes the importance of breaking challenges into manageable moments, maintaining discipline, and seeking support from those who believe in you.
Shane Kronstedt (00:21:37): "You have to take it moment to moment, evolution to evolution. Just make it through that single evolution."
He advocates for techniques like box breathing to manage stress and anxiety, and highlights the need to confront fears head-on rather than succumbing to them.
Personal Life and Relationship Dynamics
Dr. Lyon and Shane share intimate insights into their relationship, portraying themselves as teammates who support each other’s goals while maintaining a strong family foundation. They discuss the importance of mutual support, especially during challenging times such as Shane’s residency and Dr. Lyon’s pregnancy.
Shane Kronstedt (00:63:58): "We have been able to position our relationship where it doesn't create a ton of strain. We have a great dynamic while going after meaningful things."
Their partnership exemplifies a balanced dynamic where both prioritize family, fitness, and professional growth without letting external pressures overwhelm their bond.
Family, Parenting, and Fitness Integration
The couple discusses their approach to parenting, emphasizing the integration of fitness and discipline into their children’s lives. Activities like rock climbing, Jiu Jitsu, and structured workout routines are cornerstones of their family life, promoting physical health and resilience in their children.
Shane Kronstedt (00:79:11): "We go rock climbing, go to the gym together. We do workouts with the kids, and we make it fun."
They also touch on the importance of nutrition, established routines, and creating non-negotiable family moments to foster gratitude and strength.
Research and Professional Insights
Shane and Dr. Lyon collaborate on significant research projects in the field of andrology and urology. They highlight their work on the impact of environmental exposures on bladder and prostate cancer, contributing to policy changes like the PACT Act, which grants service connection for related illnesses.
Shane Kronstedt (00:89:13): "We presented at their conference and gave them all our data. They went to Congress, and it got approved in January to cover burn pit-related illnesses."
This collaboration underscores their commitment to advancing medical knowledge and supporting veterans’ health.
Mental and Physical Wellness Strategies
Throughout the conversation, Shane shares practical wellness strategies that have guided his success. From rigorous workout schedules to mental toughness hacks like box breathing, he provides actionable advice for listeners seeking to enhance their resilience and health.
Shane Kronstedt (00:93:22): "Best mental toughness hack is 4x4 box breathing. Breathe in for four seconds, hold for four, breathe out for four."
He advocates for consistency in fitness routines, setting non-negotiable workout times, and incorporating physical activity into daily life to maintain balance and strength.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and Shane Kronstedt conclude the episode by reinforcing the importance of resilience, discipline, and mutual support in achieving personal and professional success. Their shared experiences as military professionals and medical experts provide a rich framework for listeners to navigate their own challenges.
Notable Quotes:
- Shane Kronstedt (00:12:10): "You have to be very strategic about all these things. When you have the plan B, you're planning to fail. It’s plan A only."
- Shane Kronstedt (00:21:37): "You have to take it moment to moment, evolution to evolution. Just make it through that single evolution."
- Shane Kronstedt (00:54:16): "I did head rotations in the OR and the ER. I knew it was something I wanted to do."
- Shane Kronstedt (00:93:22): "Best mental toughness hack is 4x4 box breathing. Breathe in for four seconds, hold for four, breathe out for four."
This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience and the impact of unwavering dedication, both in the battlefield and the medical field. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and Dr. Shane Kronstedt provide listeners with invaluable insights into building a resilient mindset, fostering strong relationships, and maintaining balance amidst life's challenges.