That part broke my heart, right there. I AM entertained by heroic stories like Dakota's, and to think I am a part of the pain he is carrying in his heart causes me to pause and rethink my motives and pray for these heroes.
Dear Dakota Meyer, Been planning to write you this letter, but I can’t get myself to start it, so gonna suck it up and post it here. Just want to say thank you for telling your story and let you know that listening to you talk to Jocko helped me understand my dad-Vietnam veteran. Huey mechanic, gunner. One of his jobs was to pull green berets out of bad situations. The rage. Anger. Frustration you articulated - put into words what my father never did (or would?). But yeah. As he gets older and I get ready to say goodbye one day-your story has made a huge difference to me. So, thank you.
If you are reading this and are fighting PTSD, stress and anxiety, know you are not alone. Keep fighting. Channel the pain, workout every day, get a dog, get outdoors and run. And try and get off the meds. Its hard and sucks at first but you deserve to live a full life. You have earned it. Never give up on yourself.
Hearing Dakota talk about his demons and finding his way to plant medicine and 5MEO-DMT was amazing. I really hope more people suffering from mental health can gain access to these powerful medicines.
No money in it, makes people better...the powers that be intend to kill as many of us as possible. They are not our guardians. They are our tormentors.
When I retired from the Marine Corps in 2012 I thought it was gonna be like being on leave forever.. It was horrible...The first 8 months I got into a pretty bad funk... Then I got a Job as a Wildland Firefighter at the age of 39. I fought wildfires for 4 years and it saved my life, gave me a sense of purpose again. Honor, pride, all that stuff. I needed it to get my shit together....IVe since left that job for a great gig but I still miss the adrenalin rush of fighting fire..........Semper Fi
Were you in one of the videos? Your user name always seems familiar to me. Also, can anyone do anything about the creepy fake ''jocko podcast'' user name. its wierd.... i know its not the real one bc if it was it would be flagged as such...but its still odd.
It takes a big person to openly talk about their struggles, trials, and personal pain. Once again, thank you Jocko for giving our nation's Warriors a platform like this. God bless you Dakota. I hope you continue to find relief amidst your struggle
Hearing these veterans discuss sacrifice and the pains that result from that service truly adds a level of commendability. As a civilian, I can live a disciplined life where I forgo leisure, work out daily, take cold showers; but those are ultimately things my body simply doesn’t want to do. These veterans have put their bodies in a position where the world wants to kill them, to end their lives. I have nothing but respect and admiration for these veterans and their sacrifices.
The way Dakota meyer and Marcus luttrell have the same mind set on their individual experiences is amazing I’d love to see them on the podcast together one day
Klonopin has done wonders for me so far. I quit college back in 2015 because I couldn’t be in the class room, I didn’t make much friends the last 6 years because I would avoid invites, hangin out or going to restaurants, bars and so on. I would stutter like a maniac if I had to talk to someone which would make me feel anxious and then bump up to me being aggressive. On klonopin I I can hold a conversation, ride the train and not feel like I have to get out and don’t feel weird around people. Which is nuts, I was a team leader in the Marine Corps with 2 deployments. Taught dozens of classes to 20 plus Marines on a weekly basis, was super confident and never even knew what anxiety was.
I also have been on low dose klonipin, long-term. It is highly controversial and there are very good reasons to be cautious with benzos, but for some of us, they are invaluable. In my youth I had a traumatic mental health incident that left an extremely serious imbalance and rendered me nearly totally socially dysfunctional. I ran through every SSRI/SNRI/DNRI available and things like CBT without result. It was only with a special class of drug that operate on GABA A receptors that I could find near perfect resolution. I hope there are new and equally useful drugs show up in the future that might provide the same relief but with a safer profile, but for now I'll use the tools that will work. Unfortunately in recent years benzos have gained an extremely bad reputation, like Xanax, and are highly abused. But there are cases where they can be appropriate - for me, with medication, it's not about exceeding what would be considered a normal social 'baseline' level of functioning - it's about being able to meet it when all other avenues have failed and there is a clear chemical imbalance.
We need to treat our warriors better. What we ask these young men to do for our nation, they do. We as a nation need to show more gratitude and be there for them, especially in the difficult times.
I may have not fought in any war, but I am carrying my father's PTSD from Vietnam. He really suffered from depression and on September 15th, 2001, I found him with a bullet wound to his head. I've been carrying his PTSD ever since. What he couldn't bare to see any longer - all was passed to me. It's really tough and as someone who is a son of a person who was involved in a war, you really see what depression can do. PTSD is no joke, but know you're not "disordered" per the medical label. You're hurting because life showed you how little control you have and sometimes that's a very hard thing to accept. What's more, is finding that next mission to carry your life's purpose in another direction. Keep baby stepping ahead - one foot in front of the other. The world does need you as hard as it may be to face that very world some days.
“I want to change the world. It sounds crazy but when I look deep at what I’ve done, even the things I did in Afghanistan, I did because I wanted to make the world I was living in a little bit better. It was never for me” -Dakota Meyer
"Its not a fair world" Dakota is giving me perspective, it seems that my experiences coming back from deployments was better. The unit did nothing, I got a taxi back to base, and went back to work. no greeting like other teams got, nobody there to pick me up. Nobody cared. Got fucked up in 04 on my last trip, and they treated me like I was malingering. Going from a strong capable powerful man, to barely being able to walk and being treated like you're faking it.. fuck man. Still can't walk very well, hurts all the time. Used to do amazing things that most people will never do, or could even imagine were possible. Now I'm an old guy, living alone in the woods, pushing everyone away, isolating myself because I don't fit with society. Can't have a relationship because they always fail, she takes off, and I am too old to start over a 3rd time from nothing when they give her everything I have worked for. How the fuck does Dakota go day to day, does he have the same thoughts I do? Are his worse? I am lucky to be a nobody, just some guy who wore a uniform, and nobody remembers or cares. I think that might be better than the dog and pony show they subjected him to. Taking the shit I am dealing with, cranking it up to 15, and the media trying to destroy him. I definitely have it better. VA shrinks are useless, they know somewhere between jack shit and fuck all about PTSD and the other shit I am dealing with. So I handle it myself. No self medicating, no crawling in a bottle, no smoking a pound a week. Rewire the mind, cut new pathways in my synapses, making new memories, flooding, writing long ass youtube comments nobody reads, sucking it up and trying to push down the thought that creeps in far too often, and making myself so busy with massive projects that I can't entertain those thoughts. How fucked is it that I miss it? Being part of something larger than myself, having a dangerous job even in CONUS, knowing death is waiting every time I put on the uniform and it only takes one asshole not paying attention, not doing the job right, and someone, maybe you, gets maimed or dies. Knowing nobody will ever make a movie about you, nobody cares what you did because its not glamorous kicking in doors and chucking grenades. Realizing you are fucked in the head so you will never fit with a peaceful society, dreading another conflict, but at the same time wishing for one so you can get the eviction notice from someone other than yourself. The first war is the one that felt like home, then 12 years pass and you're back in the second one making new memories you want to forget. Memories that make you feel like a punk ass bitch, a useless piece of shit, because now you can't push through the pain anymore. Get back, get put out, the VA takes almost two years to decide how fucked you are, shit piles up, can't work, no income, still indentured to another state for the actions of someone else. Punishment for doing the good things. Then more lies, more legal problems, in trouble for false accusations of things its physically impossible to do. Say fuck it stop giving a shit and just let them do what they want to you and get on with your life. Used to think nobody giving a fuck was a bad thing. Dakota made me realize people giving a fuck is a bad thing. Stories like his, Easy Company, Eugene Sledge, all the veterans Jocko has on telling their horror stories, gives me perspective. I have it good, even if I am destined to be alone the rest of my life, and then found perhaps months or years after I kick my air addiction. I give a fuck about myself, everyone else gives me empty platitudes. Embrace the suck, keep going, focus on something else. Me, two dogs, and old Pontiacs in the woods. Thats my world. Well... the good part of it. Nobody giving a shit is a blessing, I like that view. If anyone reads this, tell Dakota and the others it doesn't get easier, it gets different as you get older, we don't do well with easy. Easy is for wimps. Don't dwell on the past, and just let the future happen, do what you enjoy as well as what you have to do today. Start giving a shit about yourself. It will be better for your kids if you do. I hide all of this from my kids and everyone who knows me.. because if I mention it to someone, they cut ties.
I remember when I used to take the bus, I used to hear vets from different wars talking about how they hated having to go to the va and how they were treated.
@@davidr6563 medical is ok, mental health sucks. I could go on for hours about the female they told me to see. She came from family services where the man is always the guilty violent offender. It got to be rather fun ripping on feminism and other marxist ideology and watching her bristle at it. She was actually happy my ex wife was cheating.
@@jessejames3572 I am alone, life is less stressful alone. I build old cars to stay sane and ward off the thoughts. Too much shit to do to die. Big mess for my kids when I do.
The Jocko podcast doesn't have alot of happy/funny moments however the heavy subject material makes u appreciate the happy times in the podcast more. Love the podcast Jocko
This conversation needs to be heard by all youth gang members & those who come from that environment. I never thought id have so much in common with white vets in their 30's and 40's. A - because I never served. B - Because I'm from Any Hood, USA Same lessons written in blood. Same psychological scars. Same determination to THIVE. Salute to you Mr. Meyers & Thank you Jocko & Echo. You're impacting more civilians than you realize.
@@hirumbiffidum9145 I really hope nothing like this happens to you and yours in your lifetime as you clearly haven't got the mentality to deal with it.
Being a veteran of the Canadian military this was a hard one to listen to. Thank you Jocko for bring up all the stuff that people have a hard time talking about.
I haven't seen any better way to live w trauma than simply talking about it. BECAUSE u lived (not failed) u can share the heroism of u and ur team that we'd never hear of. Dakota, thank u for ur sacrifice in order for all to enjoy the privilege of living free. I can't imagine the rewards waiting for u on the other side.
This guy knows anxiety. My description: it's like an unmovable hand covering your mouth and nose, suffocating you. That's the exact feeling, the panic of being actively suffocated... for hours and days at a time. When you're out of it, it's like the hand has been removed and you can breathe again.
Proof again that nobody ever found the answer to their problems at the bottom of a bottle. All these guys need some serious support once they get back home and have to adapt to the real world
Will someone please tell Dakota, or make him read this comment: Dude, you saved a ton of ANA soldiers and you came out yourself. One of your guys survived, that is, you! and you say all the ANA guys were your guys, so a bunch of them survived, too. I know you lost the rest of your Marine team, but you did NOT fail that day.
It comes down to a question of personal standards. Not caring what people think goes both ways. He thinks he failed so he failed and he's dealing with it.
@@The_Osprey I think it makes a difference in considering the MoH and the recognition. Continuing to frame that experience as "the worst day of my life" and "failure" blocks out the possibility of recognizing the successes of the battle, most especially all the lives he saved. I don't suggest he ignore the loss of Gunny Kenefick, Doc Layton, and Lt. Johnson. But as I point out above, he didn't go 0-for-Marine, because HE survived. And he most certainly didn't go 0-for-ANA, he saved like 16 or so of those. Not just casualty evacuation, he applied tourniquets, did needle decompressions of sucking chest wounds, and other life-saving treatment. I think one of many steps on the path to healing for Dakota is recognizing at least a mixed bag of success and failure on that day. His characterization of his actions as "failure" is probably an expression of survivor guilt, for the most part. And while that is a real feeling, and a real phenomenon, it is not a healthy coping mechanism or a clear view of the events. In my opinion, that hard-headed Marine needs to get it through his skull that he didn't blow it. He dealt with a badly planned situation, took initiative, and saved lives. I'm just glad it's not my job to convince him. That is one determined dude. Getting an idea out of his head once it is fixed in there is probably not easy. But if I got a chance to talk to him, I would try.
you're right, but that doesn't help him with the guilt and pain. it's not always about the logic. sometimes saying ''it was my fault'' is the only thing that helps you control that uncontrollable guilt and pain. The fact that they chose that moment to give him recognition when in reality he was not feeling ok about what happened...he feels shame and pain, not pride. Ppl are stupid, they don't know how to actually connect, so they end up doing the wrong things at the wrong time.
I understand the sentiment, but if you think this is what he needs to hear, you weren't listening. There's a world full of people trying to tell him similar things. It isn't how he wants to carry it. Respect that.
@@dylanamaro-mcintyre9852 Coping is a complex phenomenon. There are many different means, some more effective, some less, and some dysfunctional and even harmful. I'm advocating for his coping to become more functional, so that he feels less negative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy basically means learning to think and act in healthier ways. You can change what you think, change the terms and definitions you use, change the habitual word choice of your interior dialogue, etc. Someone can process events in their life in the best way they know how, and still end up unhappy. Learning a better process, better coping skills, and new ways of looking at those events can result in that person being happier. There is absolutely no lack of respect in wishing that for someone.
Dakota and Jocko. I wish you guys were on my list of people I could call for sharing and support. Great podcast. This whole talk was really close to home.
So Dakota was talking about the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous system. Stim, Stellate Ganglion Block, Coherent Breathing these are all things you can use to help you manage PTSD, Anxiety and other Trauma responses. Dakota hits the nail on the head when he says you have to do the work to get where you need to go. Semper Fi Brother! If you need help reach out.
Never heard of the Alpha Stem or SGB. I was a medic and all I experienced in Iraq (1991) was an in-vehicle explosion where the soldiers behind me and next me received shrapnel in arms, legs and one bloke in his eyes. I was physically untouched but at the moment of the explosion I shit myself and I felt strange after the explosion which I can recall in exact detail, the odour, the changing colour and strength of the smoke and the screams, one bloke was screaming at the top of his lungs; I can still hear him, “My fucking legs, my fucking legs,” the corporal behind me had blood coming out of his eyes and was leaning back and just moaning. I was so frightened. I was shaking and had no idea what to do and froze in my seat. Luckily the corporal sitting next to the other corporal who had bleeding eyeballs (and this was fucking amazing) ordered me to help with the injured. Thanks to him my cowardly reaction abated and we got the injured out and treated on the road. From that moment I was incessantly a nervous, cowardly wreck. My whole time in Iraq I was a jumping fearful rabbit and afraid of everything and everyone and the thing was I held all of that all inside because I was scared of showing my cowardly thoughts. I just wanted to go home. We saw no combat and only one mortar attack outside the line which again scared the living fuck out of me. I almost shot a child and when I left Iraq all I could think of was counting down the days until I could discharge. I was not a warrior, hardly a soldier, cowardly and frightened, that single explosion opened something negative in my brain because I have been drinking for a sense of personal peace ever since. One fucking moment, a second of life and my mind was locked into whatever the fuck has happened to it.
Fuck man, that sounds rough and I don't know what else to say. I too struggle with feeling of cowardice, for whatever that's worth to ya... And I fucking hate it.
Thank you for what you do! My boyfriend is a Iraq combat vet. You give me insight into what he goes through on the daily. It helps me know how to be his support system.
Matthew 11:28-30 NASB "Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. [30] For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light."... SF Dakota.
This poor guy has got some serious demons that he’s dealing with, and it sounds constant. He feels like he failed his people. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to be him. It sounds like he’s in a better place now.
Here is how I describe panic/anxiety attacks. Imagine death coming at you , now have that feeling without death being present.. ive had them since I was 5. Misdiagnosed 4 or 5 times as a child.. they happen randomly and at any time . No triggers. Horrible
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Your interviews always give me a new perspective on life. This is my therapy! Thank you too all the amazing warriors you interview! And a huge thank you to you!!!!
I spent my life in law enforcement, injured In the line of duty, hand to hand combat, two firearms in play, I survived. I took some damage. Damage that my agency and surgeons said put me out of service. I lost it all. My career. My wife. My kids. And gained an addiction to opiates and a dark depression. I struggle to go on every day. I listen to Jacko for inspiration, but today I learn that I should feel like less of a man because I know I "was a warrior". I'm no longer a warrior. I saved lives when I was, now I'm destroyer of lives. Mine included. Punchin out.
those are some pretty legitimate and heavy problems, they sound like they'd be really hard to endure. i've felt like that too sometimes, really bad.... but, around the time those ideas of ending it were floating around in my head, i found myself listening to jocko talking to mike day, and that guy had it way worse than i ever did, he quoted a conversation he had with a social worker post military service.. he had told her about suicide, and wanting to die because it was getting too hard "she immeadiatly replied, well, did you ever think about how if you killed yourself, how much that would hurt those closest to you, or the ones you loved" man, that hit so hard... because personally i think, when you're in that state, you are so focused on your problems, or how you feel.. you dont think about the cascading effect the act of suicide would have on those around you... once mike told that story, i just stopped for a long while, and thought about other people, and things. hope you do too
Thank you brother for shedding a light on what we as first responders actually go thru on a daily basis. EMS is the red headed step child of the medical field
*“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”* ―Dale Carnegie Have a Nice Day! 🖤
You are a good man, Dakota Meyer. You may not know all the answers to your questions and you may never know them but you are doing an honorable search for them. . Man to man, I am proud of you.
I suffered PTSD when I was 15 when I witnessed my best friend get hit and killed by a car, Im 43 now and still affected by it to this day. My heart goes out to Dakota because I see how tormented he is.
A tiger can’t change his stripes. You dealt with extraordinary circumstances as a regular dude. Remember that jarhead. You did what you had to do. Wear that medal with pride & humility. Be the man that represents it.
YES! For adaptogens, fitness, working on your deamons / monsters - doing the harder thing. I am committed to being one of the helping guides along the way. Dakota , maybe you can visit our AES units and help us with our training for EMT refresher courses and help us out with addressing PTS etc.. We'd love to host you. ~~ Your friendly neighborhood AES sister.
Dakota, I hope you can find peace. I recent only went back and watched your last podcast with Jocko and was pleasently surprised to see this new one this morning. Anyway, you did everything you could to avoid that situation but got the green weenie and you did everything you could to keep your men alive. I wish you the best.
Watched episode 115 and a seriously thought a wouldn't see this man (again) back on! He is like a new man so happy for him and his family Jocko Thanks for this
I just tried to watch some 'news'. Damn......our country sure is going crazy..good thing Jocko and Dakota dropped this podcast...steadies my nerves listening to rational dudes.....thank you for grounding my gray matter.
Great episode! I have so much respect for both you guys! I'm glad you take the time to talk to Dakota when he needs you! Keep fighting the good fight fellas!!!!🤜🤛🇺🇸🇺🇸
This is such a powerful podcast. Tbh, I can understand the immense pressure that social media puts on everyone & it's infuriating coz once they start hyping you - they then split into supporters vs haters teams and unnecessarily put this increasing pressure on the person. So if the person makes a mistake, let's shout about it or if they don't fulfill their expectations - they still have something to say yet only the person knows that terrible feeling of isolation and battling other demons. So while we didn't know how to help the ww2 veteran, we also know what happened to sniper Chris Kyle and kudos to Dakota Meyer for sharing such important lessons. 💕
Every time the bad memories come alive, the good thing is so do my brothers. And I get to see them forever. I know they are getting for me in silence. When my days and nights are over, I belong by their side. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of them. I love you brothers ❤💙
Within chaos lies opportunity and I am right there with him. The more chaotic the better I roll. The less chaotic the less I am interested. Kind of like a spring wound tight and the chaos helps me unwind, almost like a drug. I served my time but nothing like what these guys went through. SF
As kids, we all had the fantasy of how our military story would go, we'd make all the right decisions and all the support would be there. And most importantly You never get killed.
![POLYCAT - ข้อความรูปยิ้ม [Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/lBhIgPGCgbI/mqdefault.jpg)
“Imagine walking into a room and everyone wants to talk to you about the worst day of your life”
Damn
That part broke my heart, right there. I AM entertained by heroic stories like Dakota's, and to think I am a part of the pain he is carrying in his heart causes me to pause and rethink my motives and pray for these heroes.
Yup that’s why I refuse to talk about anything
amen its not a day he wants to relive thankfully he has his two lil girls to ground him in the now
Dear Dakota Meyer,
Been planning to write you this letter, but I can’t get myself to start it, so gonna suck it up and post it here. Just want to say thank you for telling your story and let you know that listening to you talk to Jocko helped me understand my dad-Vietnam veteran. Huey mechanic, gunner. One of his jobs was to pull green berets out of bad situations. The rage. Anger. Frustration you articulated - put into words what my father never did (or would?). But yeah. As he gets older and I get ready to say goodbye one day-your story has made a huge difference to me. So, thank you.
*“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending...”*
*―C. S. Lewis*
Seconded! C.S. has a lot of quotes but this is one I was not familiar with. THANKS!
Bro, you never failed, you survived. Live your life for the ones that didn't.
If you are reading this and are fighting PTSD, stress and anxiety, know you are not alone.
Keep fighting. Channel the pain, workout every day, get a dog, get outdoors and run. And try and get off the meds.
Its hard and sucks at first but you deserve to live a full life. You have earned it. Never give up on yourself.
I like the dog part, good advice.
VetCenter's, VA groups, social media groups, etc. The help is out there
Thank you.
Great advice David.
@@FromTheHood2TheWoods some fake page.. report their ass
Always blows my mind how someone could dislike ANY of these episodes... thank you jocko, echo and dk! Get some.
So far there are 20 weaklings who've disliked this.. I don't get it.
@Jocko Podcast wish I could, can't even afford 1 stock of those man.
@@jlrockafella that's a fake page lol.. but you can buy fractions of bitcoin. Pretty high to buy now tho
My touch screen has me liking and disliking videos by accident,
all the time,
im sure everyone does it
There are communist, leftists in this country that HATE the military and police
Rip master chief Ernie hall my father.He passed April 14 2021.He served with honor and pride.He was my hero.
God bless you and your family. 🇺🇸🙏👍🏻
@@dustinbanneddotvideo2082 thanks brother
God bless your father and your family.
@@offthegrid5078 thanks brother
Hearing Dakota talk about his demons and finding his way to plant medicine and 5MEO-DMT was amazing.
I really hope more people suffering from mental health can gain access to these powerful medicines.
I'm imagining a VetCenter or a VA counselor administering 5DMEO during an EMDR session lol. The future of PTSD therapy!
No money in it, makes people better...the powers that be intend to kill as many of us as possible. They are not our guardians. They are our tormentors.
When I retired from the Marine Corps in 2012 I thought it was gonna be like being on leave forever.. It was horrible...The first 8 months I got into a pretty bad funk... Then I got a Job as a Wildland Firefighter at the age of 39. I fought wildfires for 4 years and it saved my life, gave me a sense of purpose again. Honor, pride, all that stuff. I needed it to get my shit together....IVe since left that job for a great gig but I still miss the adrenalin rush of fighting fire..........Semper Fi
...technically....you could do volunteer firefighting. just saying....
@@andrabook8758 technically.. he's passed that stage in his life and has already obviously moved on... just saying..hint wink
@@stopdroolin8418 obviously not tho, since he still misses ''the adrenalin rush of fighting fire"
@@stopdroolin8418 read the last sentence ''wink, wink* :P
Jocko always knows how to give us a dose of perspective.
Were you in one of the videos? Your user name always seems familiar to me.
Also, can anyone do anything about the creepy fake ''jocko podcast'' user name. its wierd.... i know its not the real one bc if it was it would be flagged as such...but its still odd.
As do all good leaders.
It takes a big person to openly talk about their struggles, trials, and personal pain. Once again, thank you Jocko for giving our nation's Warriors a platform like this. God bless you Dakota. I hope you continue to find relief amidst your struggle
I couldn’t tell you both how much this podcast meant to me. Thank you Jocko and Thank you Dakota.
“The worst day of my life is someone else’s entertainment.” So powerful.
I wonder if he’ll ever understand it’s not our entertainment; it’s our inspiration
Respect to Dakota for his brutal honesty and integrity in living to overcome his challenges.
Leaving for basic training as an 11x on Monday! Pray for a brotha!💪🏽🤘🏽
69
🙏🏻
Send it bro!
God Speed be with you always ❤️ Angels will shield you as you serve. My Dad served WWII & Korea while my youngest Son served in Iraq 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
You’ll be in my prayers brother. Best of luck !
Hearing these veterans discuss sacrifice and the pains that result from that service truly adds a level of commendability. As a civilian, I can live a disciplined life where I forgo leisure, work out daily, take cold showers; but those are ultimately things my body simply doesn’t want to do. These veterans have put their bodies in a position where the world wants to kill them, to end their lives. I have nothing but respect and admiration for these veterans and their sacrifices.
Whenever i hear Dakota, my hope for him is he manages to find peace within himself. I hope that for all the veterans that served our country..
The way Dakota meyer and Marcus luttrell have the same mind set on their individual experiences is amazing I’d love to see them on the podcast together one day
In case you didn't know, the Luttrell brothers have a podcast called, "Team Never Quit". They've had some great guests.
Dakota Meyer had Marcus Lutrells twin brother Morgan on his podcast a while back
Klonopin has done wonders for me so far. I quit college back in 2015 because I couldn’t be in the class room, I didn’t make much friends the last 6 years because I would avoid invites, hangin out or going to restaurants, bars and so on. I would stutter like a maniac if I had to talk to someone which would make me feel anxious and then bump up to me being aggressive. On klonopin I I can hold a conversation, ride the train and not feel like I have to get out and don’t feel weird around people. Which is nuts, I was a team leader in the Marine Corps with 2 deployments. Taught dozens of classes to 20 plus Marines on a weekly basis, was super confident and never even knew what anxiety was.
I also have been on low dose klonipin, long-term. It is highly controversial and there are very good reasons to be cautious with benzos, but for some of us, they are invaluable. In my youth I had a traumatic mental health incident that left an extremely serious imbalance and rendered me nearly totally socially dysfunctional. I ran through every SSRI/SNRI/DNRI available and things like CBT without result. It was only with a special class of drug that operate on GABA A receptors that I could find near perfect resolution. I hope there are new and equally useful drugs show up in the future that might provide the same relief but with a safer profile, but for now I'll use the tools that will work. Unfortunately in recent years benzos have gained an extremely bad reputation, like Xanax, and are highly abused. But there are cases where they can be appropriate - for me, with medication, it's not about exceeding what would be considered a normal social 'baseline' level of functioning - it's about being able to meet it when all other avenues have failed and there is a clear chemical imbalance.
We need to treat our warriors better. What we ask these young men to do for our nation, they do. We as a nation need to show more gratitude and be there for them, especially in the difficult times.
I may have not fought in any war, but I am carrying my father's PTSD from Vietnam. He really suffered from depression and on September 15th, 2001, I found him with a bullet wound to his head. I've been carrying his PTSD ever since. What he couldn't bare to see any longer - all was passed to me. It's really tough and as someone who is a son of a person who was involved in a war, you really see what depression can do. PTSD is no joke, but know you're not "disordered" per the medical label. You're hurting because life showed you how little control you have and sometimes that's a very hard thing to accept. What's more, is finding that next mission to carry your life's purpose in another direction. Keep baby stepping ahead - one foot in front of the other. The world does need you as hard as it may be to face that very world some days.
“I want to change the world. It sounds crazy but when I look deep at what I’ve done, even the things I did in Afghanistan, I did because I wanted to make the world I was living in a little bit better. It was never for me” -Dakota Meyer
Dakota and Jocko doesn´t even know I exist, yet they have saved my life multiple times
"Its not a fair world" Dakota is giving me perspective, it seems that my experiences coming back from deployments was better. The unit did nothing, I got a taxi back to base, and went back to work. no greeting like other teams got, nobody there to pick me up. Nobody cared. Got fucked up in 04 on my last trip, and they treated me like I was malingering. Going from a strong capable powerful man, to barely being able to walk and being treated like you're faking it.. fuck man. Still can't walk very well, hurts all the time. Used to do amazing things that most people will never do, or could even imagine were possible.
Now I'm an old guy, living alone in the woods, pushing everyone away, isolating myself because I don't fit with society. Can't have a relationship because they always fail, she takes off, and I am too old to start over a 3rd time from nothing when they give her everything I have worked for.
How the fuck does Dakota go day to day, does he have the same thoughts I do? Are his worse? I am lucky to be a nobody, just some guy who wore a uniform, and nobody remembers or cares. I think that might be better than the dog and pony show they subjected him to. Taking the shit I am dealing with, cranking it up to 15, and the media trying to destroy him. I definitely have it better.
VA shrinks are useless, they know somewhere between jack shit and fuck all about PTSD and the other shit I am dealing with. So I handle it myself. No self medicating, no crawling in a bottle, no smoking a pound a week. Rewire the mind, cut new pathways in my synapses, making new memories, flooding, writing long ass youtube comments nobody reads, sucking it up and trying to push down the thought that creeps in far too often, and making myself so busy with massive projects that I can't entertain those thoughts.
How fucked is it that I miss it? Being part of something larger than myself, having a dangerous job even in CONUS, knowing death is waiting every time I put on the uniform and it only takes one asshole not paying attention, not doing the job right, and someone, maybe you, gets maimed or dies. Knowing nobody will ever make a movie about you, nobody cares what you did because its not glamorous kicking in doors and chucking grenades. Realizing you are fucked in the head so you will never fit with a peaceful society, dreading another conflict, but at the same time wishing for one so you can get the eviction notice from someone other than yourself.
The first war is the one that felt like home, then 12 years pass and you're back in the second one making new memories you want to forget. Memories that make you feel like a punk ass bitch, a useless piece of shit, because now you can't push through the pain anymore.
Get back, get put out, the VA takes almost two years to decide how fucked you are, shit piles up, can't work, no income, still indentured to another state for the actions of someone else. Punishment for doing the good things. Then more lies, more legal problems, in trouble for false accusations of things its physically impossible to do. Say fuck it stop giving a shit and just let them do what they want to you and get on with your life.
Used to think nobody giving a fuck was a bad thing. Dakota made me realize people giving a fuck is a bad thing. Stories like his, Easy Company, Eugene Sledge, all the veterans Jocko has on telling their horror stories, gives me perspective. I have it good, even if I am destined to be alone the rest of my life, and then found perhaps months or years after I kick my air addiction. I give a fuck about myself, everyone else gives me empty platitudes. Embrace the suck, keep going, focus on something else. Me, two dogs, and old Pontiacs in the woods. Thats my world. Well... the good part of it. Nobody giving a shit is a blessing, I like that view.
If anyone reads this, tell Dakota and the others it doesn't get easier, it gets different as you get older, we don't do well with easy. Easy is for wimps. Don't dwell on the past, and just let the future happen, do what you enjoy as well as what you have to do today. Start giving a shit about yourself. It will be better for your kids if you do. I hide all of this from my kids and everyone who knows me.. because if I mention it to someone, they cut ties.
I read your comment.
I remember when I used to take the bus, I used to hear vets from different wars talking about how they hated having to go to the va and how they were treated.
@@davidr6563 medical is ok, mental health sucks. I could go on for hours about the female they told me to see. She came from family services where the man is always the guilty violent offender. It got to be rather fun ripping on feminism and other marxist ideology and watching her bristle at it. She was actually happy my ex wife was cheating.
@@jessejames3572 I am alone, life is less stressful alone. I build old cars to stay sane and ward off the thoughts. Too much shit to do to die. Big mess for my kids when I do.
@@SweatyFatGuy you ever thought about a writing a book? I’ll buy one if you do brother.
The Jocko podcast doesn't have alot of happy/funny moments however the heavy subject material makes u appreciate the happy times in the podcast more. Love the podcast Jocko
Dakota's inability to pull out has always brought out the best in him. Semper Fi
The piece about first responders gave me the chills. Thank you, Dakota.
This conversation needs to be heard by all youth gang members & those who come from that environment. I never thought id have so much in common with white vets in their 30's and 40's. A - because I never served. B - Because I'm from Any Hood, USA Same lessons written in blood. Same psychological scars. Same determination to THIVE. Salute to you Mr. Meyers & Thank you Jocko & Echo. You're impacting more civilians than you realize.
Medal of honor for the pigeon!
No kidding......
@@heinzprebus5184 the pigeon is actually taxidermied at the pentagon
We are proud to claim this man here in Kentucky. Always enjoy listening to Dakota
Can I claim this man in Boston?
Can I claim him in Texas!
5:55 🕊 That pidgin was made for it!
Thank you for your service!
My cousin twice removed is Richard Ira Bong MOH recipient. He deid at the Age 24. 1945
Remorse can keep you up for hours at night. A lot of veterans cannot sleep properly even decades after
@@hirumbiffidum9145 you clearly don't get it, remorse doesn't mean we regret signing that dotted line
@@hirumbiffidum9145 lmao hope you get your shit rocked
Its not even regrets about the things one has done. Survivors guilt.
@@hirumbiffidum9145 this is nonsense, did you look into your own mental health?
@@hirumbiffidum9145 I really hope nothing like this happens to you and yours in your lifetime as you clearly haven't got the mentality to deal with it.
Being a veteran of the Canadian military this was a hard one to listen to. Thank you Jocko for bring up all the stuff that people have a hard time talking about.
the canadian side needs these kinds of podcasts too.
I failed my father, and I think about him daily. Sometimes, there is no peace from the prison we place ourselves in.
Write him a letter, even he's not with us anymore, and then forgive yourself.
Algo has me waking up every. single. time. at 5AM with a Jocko podcast 2-3 hours deep from a completely unrelated video.
I haven't seen any better way to live w trauma than simply talking about it. BECAUSE u lived (not failed) u can share the heroism of u and ur team that we'd never hear of. Dakota, thank u for ur sacrifice in order for all to enjoy the privilege of living free. I can't imagine the rewards waiting for u on the other side.
This guy knows anxiety. My description: it's like an unmovable hand covering your mouth and nose, suffocating you. That's the exact feeling, the panic of being actively suffocated... for hours and days at a time. When you're out of it, it's like the hand has been removed and you can breathe again.
Proof again that nobody ever found the answer to their problems at the bottom of a bottle. All these guys need some serious support once they get back home and have to adapt to the real world
I just want to hug Dakota a guy who's goodness is so obvious and pure. 🧸
Mr Meyer, never forget man, you DESERVE this beautiful life !!!!
Will someone please tell Dakota, or make him read this comment: Dude, you saved a ton of ANA soldiers and you came out yourself. One of your guys survived, that is, you! and you say all the ANA guys were your guys, so a bunch of them survived, too. I know you lost the rest of your Marine team, but you did NOT fail that day.
It comes down to a question of personal standards. Not caring what people think goes both ways. He thinks he failed so he failed and he's dealing with it.
@@The_Osprey I think it makes a difference in considering the MoH and the recognition. Continuing to frame that experience as "the worst day of my life" and "failure" blocks out the possibility of recognizing the successes of the battle, most especially all the lives he saved. I don't suggest he ignore the loss of Gunny Kenefick, Doc Layton, and Lt. Johnson. But as I point out above, he didn't go 0-for-Marine, because HE survived. And he most certainly didn't go 0-for-ANA, he saved like 16 or so of those. Not just casualty evacuation, he applied tourniquets, did needle decompressions of sucking chest wounds, and other life-saving treatment. I think one of many steps on the path to healing for Dakota is recognizing at least a mixed bag of success and failure on that day. His characterization of his actions as "failure" is probably an expression of survivor guilt, for the most part. And while that is a real feeling, and a real phenomenon, it is not a healthy coping mechanism or a clear view of the events. In my opinion, that hard-headed Marine needs to get it through his skull that he didn't blow it. He dealt with a badly planned situation, took initiative, and saved lives.
I'm just glad it's not my job to convince him. That is one determined dude. Getting an idea out of his head once it is fixed in there is probably not easy. But if I got a chance to talk to him, I would try.
you're right, but that doesn't help him with the guilt and pain. it's not always about the logic. sometimes saying ''it was my fault'' is the only thing that helps you control that uncontrollable guilt and pain. The fact that they chose that moment to give him recognition when in reality he was not feeling ok about what happened...he feels shame and pain, not pride. Ppl are stupid, they don't know how to actually connect, so they end up doing the wrong things at the wrong time.
I understand the sentiment, but if you think this is what he needs to hear, you weren't listening. There's a world full of people trying to tell him similar things. It isn't how he wants to carry it. Respect that.
@@dylanamaro-mcintyre9852 Coping is a complex phenomenon. There are many different means, some more effective, some less, and some dysfunctional and even harmful. I'm advocating for his coping to become more functional, so that he feels less negative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy basically means learning to think and act in healthier ways. You can change what you think, change the terms and definitions you use, change the habitual word choice of your interior dialogue, etc. Someone can process events in their life in the best way they know how, and still end up unhappy. Learning a better process, better coping skills, and new ways of looking at those events can result in that person being happier. There is absolutely no lack of respect in wishing that for someone.
"How to be ok when its not Chaotic" Man that hit home. Thanks
Dakota and Jocko. I wish you guys were on my list of people I could call for sharing and support. Great podcast. This whole talk was really close to home.
So Dakota was talking about the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous system. Stim, Stellate Ganglion Block, Coherent Breathing these are all things you can use to help you manage PTSD, Anxiety and other Trauma responses. Dakota hits the nail on the head when he says you have to do the work to get where you need to go. Semper Fi Brother! If you need help reach out.
Never heard of the Alpha Stem or SGB. I was a medic and all I experienced in Iraq (1991) was an in-vehicle explosion where the soldiers behind me and next me received shrapnel in arms, legs and one bloke in his eyes. I was physically untouched but at the moment of the explosion I shit myself and I felt strange after the explosion which I can recall in exact detail, the odour, the changing colour and strength of the smoke and the screams, one bloke was screaming at the top of his lungs; I can still hear him, “My fucking legs, my fucking legs,” the corporal behind me had blood coming out of his eyes and was leaning back and just moaning. I was so frightened. I was shaking and had no idea what to do and froze in my seat. Luckily the corporal sitting next to the other corporal who had bleeding eyeballs (and this was fucking amazing) ordered me to help with the injured. Thanks to him my cowardly reaction abated and we got the injured out and treated on the road. From that moment I was incessantly a nervous, cowardly wreck. My whole time in Iraq I was a jumping fearful rabbit and afraid of everything and everyone and the thing was I held all of that all inside because I was scared of showing my cowardly thoughts. I just wanted to go home. We saw no combat and only one mortar attack outside the line which again scared the living fuck out of me. I almost shot a child and when I left Iraq all I could think of was counting down the days until I could discharge. I was not a warrior, hardly a soldier, cowardly and frightened, that single explosion opened something negative in my brain because I have been drinking for a sense of personal peace ever since. One fucking moment, a second of life and my mind was locked into whatever the fuck has happened to it.
Fuck man, that sounds rough and I don't know what else to say. I too struggle with feeling of cowardice, for whatever that's worth to ya... And I fucking hate it.
And yet you served your country so that others could live. You’re still a hero to me brother
I can’t remember how I came to find Jocko’s content but I sure can thank the lord I did.
passion pain & demon slaying.
Many people don't want to look at their demons, but not Dakota Meyer.
Great album
Thank you for what you do! My boyfriend is a Iraq combat vet. You give me insight into what he goes through on the daily. It helps me know how to be his support system.
Matthew 11:28-30 NASB
"Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. [30] For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light."... SF Dakota.
As a medic I’ll agree with Dakota it’s absolutely crazy everyday.
Shout out to a fellow medic!
This poor guy has got some serious demons that he’s dealing with, and it sounds constant. He feels like he failed his people. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to be him. It sounds like he’s in a better place now.
Dakota saw major flaws with the mission his teammates were ordered to do, and couldn't do anything about it.
Here is how I describe panic/anxiety attacks. Imagine death coming at you , now have that feeling without death being present.. ive had them since I was 5. Misdiagnosed 4 or 5 times as a child.. they happen randomly and at any time . No triggers. Horrible
probably the most important converstation for PTSD recovery to ever hit the planet.
More Dakota Meyer. Keep getting after it, brother!
Thank you for your service.
🙏🏻 agreed
This was really eye-opening. God bless these two strong gentleman
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Very insightful.
Your interviews always give me a new perspective on life. This is my therapy! Thank you too all the amazing warriors you interview! And a huge thank you to you!!!!
I spent my life in law enforcement, injured In the line of duty, hand to hand combat, two firearms in play, I survived. I took some damage. Damage that my agency and surgeons said put me out of service. I lost it all. My career. My wife. My kids. And gained an addiction to opiates and a dark depression. I struggle to go on every day. I listen to Jacko for inspiration, but today I learn that I should feel like less of a man because I know I "was a warrior". I'm no longer a warrior. I saved lives when I was, now I'm destroyer of lives. Mine included. Punchin out.
those are some pretty legitimate and heavy problems, they sound like they'd be really hard to endure.
i've felt like that too sometimes, really bad.... but, around the time those ideas of ending it were floating around in my head, i found myself listening to jocko talking to mike day, and that guy had it way worse than i ever did, he quoted a conversation he had with a social worker post military service.. he had told her about suicide, and wanting to die because it was getting too hard "she immeadiatly replied, well, did you ever think about how if you killed yourself, how much that would hurt those closest to you, or the ones you loved"
man, that hit so hard... because personally i think, when you're in that state, you are so focused on your problems, or how you feel.. you dont think about the cascading effect the act of suicide would have on those around you... once mike told that story, i just stopped for a long while, and thought about other people, and things.
hope you do too
you ARE a warrior. Dont take the easy way out. Do what warriors do. Keep fighting.
Thank you brother for shedding a light on what we as first responders actually go thru on a daily basis. EMS is the red headed step child of the medical field
*“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”*
―Dale Carnegie
Have a Nice Day! 🖤
0407 and can’t turn it off. Thank you guys for making this kind of material.
You are a good man, Dakota Meyer. You may not know all the answers to your questions and you may never know them but you are doing an honorable search for them. . Man to man, I am proud of you.
Ah nothing better than listening to jocko at night
His words are bitter medicine, even for those who never served
Just woke up with the doom and this guy drove me to get up. Just from his words. So powerfull. His brutal honesty should get a medal. 💯🏴
Bruce Rivers is so considerate he made sure to mention that Lyft is an option as well 😂
Brah , from what I remember about your story, YOU didn’t let your friends down. The command let YOU and your friends down.
Yep,he told them it was a bad mission and there was nothing he could do about it.
The greatest generation. Through WW1, the Great Depression, The Spanish Flu, WW2, Korea. I hope our generation can make them proud.
There’s no way I can express just how much this conversation meant to me. Thank you.
"Sometimes you find your self in
the middle of nowhere, sometimes in the middle of nowhere you find yourself"
Dakota Meyer
4am - There is nothing like a freshly dropped Jocko Podcast.....
Thanks for the heartfelt sharing.
Cheers
I suffered PTSD when I was 15 when I witnessed my best friend get hit and killed by a car, Im 43 now and still affected by it to this day. My heart goes out to Dakota because I see how tormented he is.
Dakota your best days are in front of you. What you are doing now is far more important than that trinket they gave you.
A tiger can’t change his stripes. You dealt with extraordinary circumstances as a regular dude. Remember that jarhead. You did what you had to do. Wear that medal with pride & humility. Be the man that represents it.
Honored to be listening to greater men than myself. Thank you Jocko and Dakota.
YES! For adaptogens, fitness, working on your deamons / monsters - doing the harder thing. I am committed to being one of the helping guides along the way. Dakota , maybe you can visit our AES units and help us with our training for EMT refresher courses and help us out with addressing PTS etc.. We'd love to host you. ~~ Your friendly neighborhood AES sister.
Dakota, I hope you can find peace. I recent only went back and watched your last podcast with Jocko and was pleasently surprised to see this new one this morning. Anyway, you did everything you could to avoid that situation but got the green weenie and you did everything you could to keep your men alive.
I wish you the best.
Watched episode 115 and a seriously thought a wouldn't see this man (again) back on! He is like a new man so happy for him and his family Jocko
Thanks for this
My grandfather was a real KY man. He was also a tank sergeant and a badass in the fighting the Korean war. I would like to see his name be known
I just tried to watch some 'news'. Damn......our country sure is going crazy..good thing Jocko and Dakota dropped this podcast...steadies my nerves listening to rational dudes.....thank you for grounding my gray matter.
I wish I had the time to listen to this, I just imagine myself in 50’s or something watching this.
I was busy during the 50’s, having better success in the 60’s. There’s never enough time, it’s got to be really wanted.
I feel you. Ended up listening to the Podcasts on my way to work in the car
Another 3 and a half hour heater!
If everyone watched the Jocko Podcast the world would be a better place.
Love getting that notification of a new podcast to listen to on my daily workout especially when it says, Dakota Myers!
Dakota is the most badass certified nanny in the country!
If you are struggling with PTSD check out the Road Home Program. Outstanding treatment.
This one hit me HARD. I would like to meet all 3 of them someday and thank them for the help and insight they have given me.
When he said. People just want see you fail so they can feel better. Is sadly true. When most of them had easy life.
Semper Fidelis, Gentlemen. God Bless you all.
Thank you gentlemen, you guys help me out more than you know.
I support this. We gotta keep searching for methods of relief for our warriors.
Great episode! I have so much respect for both you guys! I'm glad you take the time to talk to Dakota when he needs you! Keep fighting the good fight fellas!!!!🤜🤛🇺🇸🇺🇸
I passed thru Dakotas home town an saw the memorial they had for him and man it gave me chills . Much love an respect ✊
That pigeon earned a reincarnation level up. Maybe it reincarnated as Dakota
i hated that part :(....i hate stories of animals getting hurt, especially if its in service to humans. :''(
Hands down, best pod cast ever.
If you can't see it, y'all never understand.
This is such a powerful podcast. Tbh, I can understand the immense pressure that social media puts on everyone & it's infuriating coz once they start hyping you - they then split into supporters vs haters teams and unnecessarily put this increasing pressure on the person. So if the person makes a mistake, let's shout about it or if they don't fulfill their expectations - they still have something to say yet only the person knows that terrible feeling of isolation and battling other demons. So while we didn't know how to help the ww2 veteran, we also know what happened to sniper Chris Kyle and kudos to Dakota Meyer for sharing such important lessons. 💕
Every time the bad memories come alive, the good thing is so do my brothers. And I get to see them forever. I know they are getting for me in silence. When my days and nights are over, I belong by their side. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of them. I love you brothers ❤💙
Within chaos lies opportunity and I am right there with him. The more chaotic the better I roll. The less chaotic the less I am interested. Kind of like a spring wound tight and the chaos helps me unwind, almost like a drug. I served my time but nothing like what these guys went through. SF
As kids, we all had the fantasy of how our military story would go, we'd make all the right decisions and all the support would be there. And most importantly You never get killed.
Praise God, and God praise Dakota. Much Love