No one decides to wake up one day, walk across Antarctica, or leave their bohemian parents and join the Navy Seals. Or any number of crazy, amazing things that people do. These aren’t the dreams most kids have. And yet, fascinating people have done them. How? Why?
HawkeTalk is a podcast all about the origin stories of the most interesting people in the world. Today, you know our guests are famous athletes, authors, and entrepreneurs, but there’s so much more to the story. How did they navigate upbringings that seem so far from what they eventually became? What pivotal moments steered them in a new and fascinating direction forever?
Buckle up: Everyone loves a good origin story.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
No one decides to wake up one day, walk across Antarctica, or leave their bohemian parents and join the Navy Seals. Or any number of crazy, amazing things that people do. These aren’t the dreams most kids have. And yet, fascinating people have done them. How? Why?
HawkeTalk is a podcast all about the origin stories of the most interesting people in the world. Today, you know our guests are famous athletes, authors, and entrepreneurs, but there’s so much more to the story. How did they navigate upbringings that seem so far from what they eventually became? What pivotal moments steered them in a new and fascinating direction forever?
Buckle up: Everyone loves a good origin story.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of HawkeTalk, we dive deep with Dr. Jason Halbert, a former FBI profiler, military operative, and the former Chief People Officer at Snap Inc. Dr. Halbert shares his incredible journey from the front lines of death row to elite special operations in Afghanistan, and his pivotal role in shaping the culture and growth of one of the world's most innovative companies.
We discuss his upbringing in New Orleans and Alabama, the influence of his decorated father, and the drive that led him to a career in behavioral science, psychology, and leadership. Dr. Halbert also offers a candid look at his time working with serial killers, his experience in high-stakes military operations, and the vital lessons he learned about human behavior, leadership, and empathy.
From interrogating terrorists to recruiting elite talent for Snap, Dr. Halbert reveals the power of curiosity and clear expectations in leadership. He emphasizes the importance of being transparent, setting high standards, and understanding the psychological complexities of those we work with. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone interested in human behavior, Dr. Halbert’s insights will leave you thinking about leadership and life in a whole new way.
In this episode:
Hawke Media
About Our Guest
Dr. Jason Halbert is a behavioral science expert and former military officer who has spent his career studying the complexities of human behavior in high-stress environments. After serving in the U.S. Army and working as a classified operative, Dr. Halbert transitioned to executive leadership roles, including his tenure as the Chief People Officer at Snap Inc. He has been a key figure in shaping corporate culture and talent strategies at some of the world’s most innovative companies. With a background in psychology and forensics, Dr. Halbert has a unique perspective on leadership, human interaction, and organizational behavior. Today, he continues to consult and advise on high-stakes human dynamics across various industries.
Dr. Jason Halbert
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.