On the X

Latest Episodes:

Simon Sinek on Character vs. Skill: What SEAL Training Teaches About Hiring (Best Of) Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

This "best-of" clip is from a previous episode of On the X. You can watch the full interview with Simon Sinek here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ueqhl7OKWbM Known for his transformative ideas on leadership, Sinek has inspired millions with his concept of "Start With Why" and his work on building organizations that prioritize trust and collaboration. His books, including Start With Why, Leaders Eat Last, and The Infinite Game, have impacted thousands of leaders across many industries. Together, Chris and Simon explore the current state of corporate hiring, arguing that too often, skills are prioritized over character. Support the Mission: Become a $25/month recurring donor to the Navy SEAL Foundation and get our limited edition 250th U.S. Anniversary T-shirt. Join the mission at navysealfoundation.org/250 On the X is an IRONCLAD Original More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠ Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our ⁠Mobile Terms and Conditions⁠ (⁠60104-info.com⁠) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply. Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad

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Steven Pressfield: On Fear, Honor, and Writing Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

On this week's On The X, Chris Irwin sits down with Marine Corps veteran and bestselling author Steven Pressfield to discuss his 27-year road to publication and the craft that shaped novels like Gates of Fire, The Legend of Bagger Vance, and his latest book, The Arcadian. He shares the origin of Gates of Fire’s “battle in the shade” scene, one of the book’s most quoted passages among military readers.

They discuss the inspiration behind Steven’s new novel The Arcadian, reflect on what it takes to tell a compelling story, why discipline wins over inspiration, why “talent is bull****,” and how Steven knows when a piece of work is done.

Support the Mission: Become a $25/month recurring donor to the Navy SEAL Foundation and get our limited edition 250th U.S. Anniversary T-shirt. Join the mission at navysealfoundation.org/250

On the X is an IRONCLAD Original

More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠

Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our ⁠Mobile Terms and Conditions⁠ (⁠60104-info.com⁠) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.

Instagram:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠

https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-x/id1759222083 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3itWUNECnae8hkJKG7NMvV?si=0cfb5d256c1144cc

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The Placebo Effect Isn't Fake | Here's What's Actually Happening in Your Brain (Best Of) Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

In this Best Of On The X clip, Chris sits down with pioneering computational neuroscientist Dr. Read Montague (Director of the Center for Human Neuroscience Research at Virginia Tech) to break down how our brains use dopamine and serotonin to calculate expectations, navigate uncertainty, and drive human behavior. Watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R719PGAo6pI Support the Mission: Become a $25/month recurring donor to the Navy SEAL Foundation and get our limited edition 250th U.S. Anniversary T-shirt. Join the mission at https://navysealfoundation.org/250 On the X is an IRONCLAD Original More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠ Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our ⁠Mobile Terms and Conditions⁠ (⁠60104-info.com⁠) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/

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The Strength Span: Andy Speer on Training for a Long, Capable Life Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

Peloton strength and tread instructor Andy Speer joins On The X to break down why most people train the wrong way as they age. From his roots as a competitive gymnast and college pole vaulter to building Peloton’s TS60 program, Andy shares his “strength span” philosophy - the 5 key pillars for staying strong, mobile and capable for life. Andy and Chris dive into what a day as a Peloton instructor looks like, which supplements and recovery hacks are actually worth it, and Andy’s candid take on men’s mental health and self-compassion.

Support the Mission: Become a $25/month recurring donor to the Navy SEAL Foundation and get our limited edition 250th U.S. Anniversary T-shirt. Join the mission at navysealfoundation.org/250

On the X is an IRONCLAD Original

More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠

https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-x/id1759222083 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3itWUNECnae8hkJKG7NMvV?si=0cfb5d256c1144cc

Video Chapters:

00:00 Meet Andy Speer

00:57 From Gymnastics to Pole Vaulting

13:33 Turning Fitness Into a Career

31:26 Inside a Day as a Peloton Instructor

41:22 The Secret to Peloton's Addictive Community

45:09 The 5 Pillars of "Strength Span"

53:44 Why You Need to Move Like an Athlete as You Age

1:05:44 Supplements & Recovery Hacks: What Actually Works

1:20:24 Andy Gets Real About Mental Health

1:26:32 Final Thoughts

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"Too Stubborn to Quit" | Kirstie Ennis on Rebuilding After Losing Everything Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

Marine Corps veteran Kirstie Ennis survived a helicopter crash in Afghanistan that shattered her body and nearly broke her mind. After 40+ surgeries, a battle with the VA, and a suicide attempt, she made a choice: keep going. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, mental toughness, and rebuilding your life from the ground up.

From growing up in a three-generation Marine family to climbing six of the Seven Summits as an above-the-knee amputee, Kirstie's story redefines what's possible when you refuse to accept someone else's limits. Her mindset shift from anger to gratitude, her daily discipline practices, and her message on the power of community and personal growth makes this conversation one you don't want to miss.

Support the Mission: Become a $25/month recurring donor to the Navy SEAL Foundation and get our limited edition 250th U.S. Anniversary T-shirt. Join the mission at navysealfoundation.org/250

On the X is an IRONCLAD Original

More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-x/id1759222083 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3itWUNECnae8hkJKG7NMvV?si=0cfb5d256c1144cc

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Jim Harbaugh: Principles, Purpose, and the Long Game Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

On today's episode of On the X, Jim Harbaugh, All-American quarterback, 15-year NFL veteran, and one of the most decorated coaches in football history - sits down to share the principles, mentors, and mindset that have driven him to a national championship at Michigan and the helm of the LA Chargers. He opens up about the life philosophy passed down from his parents, his rules for never quitting, and what it truly means to honor the people who came before you. This is a rare, unfiltered look at the man behind the wins. Support the Mission: Become a $25/month recurring donor to the Navy SEAL Foundation and get our limited edition 250th U.S. Anniversary T-shirt. Join the mission at navysealfoundation.org/250 On the X is an IRONCLAD Original More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠ Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our ⁠Mobile Terms and Conditions⁠ (⁠60104-info.com⁠) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply. Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-x/id1759222083 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3itWUNECnae8hkJKG7NMvV?si=0cfb5d256c1144cc

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Patrick Vellner Reflects on a Decade of CrossFit, Athlete Safety, and Life After Competition Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

On today's episode, Chris sits down with Dr. Patrick Vellner, the nine-time CrossFit Games athlete and Doctor of Chiropractic. Patrick reflects on a decade competing at the highest level of CrossFit, the burnout that reshaped his career in 2019, athlete safety and the case for real reform, the gymnast versus powerlifter debate, and what the sport needs to do to stay relevant in a fitness industry that has caught up to it.

Support the Mission:

Become a $25/month recurring donor to the Navy SEAL Foundation and get our limited edition 250th U.S. Anniversary T-shirt. Join the mission at navysealfoundation.org/250

On the X is an IRONCLAD Original

More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠

https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Eye of the Hurricane: Finding Stillness Under Pressure (w/ George Mumford) Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

On today's episode, Chris sits down with George Mumford, the mindfulness coach Phil Jackson called his secret weapon, who has worked with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and countless other elite performers over more than 35 years. George shares his unlikely path from addiction to coaching champions, and breaks down the core ideas behind his work: finding the eye of the hurricane, getting comfortable being uncomfortable, and why mastering the next play matters more than reliving the last one.

George's book, The Mindful Athlete: Secrets to Pure Performance, second edition, is out in July 2026.

On the X is an IRONCLAD Original

More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: https://www.navysealfoundation.org/

Become a recurring donor at $25/month or more and receive a limited-edition Navy SEAL Foundation T-shirt: https://www.navysealfoundation.org/donate/

Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Missing Pillar: Why Social Health Matters as Much as Diet and Exercise (w/ Kasley Killam) Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

On today's episode, Chris sits down with Harvard-trained social scientist Kasley Killam, author of The Art and Science of Connection, to break down why social health belongs alongside physical and mental health as a core pillar of well-being.

To learn more about Kasley and download the free 5-3-1 Connection Plan, visit: https://www.kasleykillam.com/

On the X is an IRONCLAD Original.

More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: https://www.navysealfoundation.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/

https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Dopamine & Serotonin Actually Shape Decisions, Motivation & Learning ( w/ Dr. Read Montague) May 26, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode, Chris sits down with pioneering computational neuroscientist Dr. Read Montague (Director of the Center for Human Neuroscience Research at Virginia Tech) to break down how our brains use dopamine and serotonin to calculate expectations, navigate uncertainty, and drive human behavior.

They dig into "Reward Prediction Errors," how your brain shifts between "explorer" and "exploiter" modes, the hidden neurochemical impact of social media, and how modern AI algorithms (like Reinforcement Learning) are actually modeled after the human dopamine system.

On the X is an IRONCLAD Original

More about The Navy SEAL Foundation: ⁠⁠⁠

https://www.navysealfoundation.org/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-x/id1759222083

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3itWUNECnae8hkJKG7NMvV?si=0cfb5d256c1144cc

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices