Welcome to the Grit Show!
In this episode, we sit down with Mark Owen, a man who has seen it all. Mark takes us on a journey back to the day when he was onboard the helicopter during the Osama raid, recounting the harrowing experience of surviving the helicopter crash. The emotions ran deep, and upon returning home after the Osama raid, he found himself grappling with numbness.
Mark's reflections lead us into the heart of his upbringing in Alaska, where he unearthed invaluable life lessons that would later guide him through the turbulent aftermath. Drawing parallels between his Navy SEAL training and the specialized regimen of SEAL Team 6, Mark sheds light on the unique challenges they face.
From the very beginning, Mark embodied the unwavering mindset of "I AM going to make it through this," a mentality forged in the crucible of his rigorous SEAL training. He shares how his training not only equipped him for life's most demanding moments but also shaped the core of his identity, emphasizing the readiness for "game time."
Venturing deeper, Mark delves into the grueling hooded box drills meticulously designed to push SEALs to their limits, ultimately revealing the indomitable resilience and unwavering determination required to emerge unscathed.
Mark's most powerful insight lies in his refusal to succumb to the feeling of being broken. He recounts his strategy of channeling his focus into problem-solving, taking each challenge one step at a time, even when faced with the most daunting adversity. He shares a heart-pounding tale of confronting his fear of heights on a towering 300-foot rock climbing face, revealing the life-changing concept of the "three-foot world" that empowered him to conquer it.
Mark fondly recalls the camaraderie of the SEAL community, a connection he deeply misses since leaving the team. He candidly discusses the challenges of transitioning out of the SEAL scene, offering valuable advice on how to persevere through life's harshest trials.
Highlighting the importance of volunteering, Mark underscores the significance of giving back to society and providing support to fellow veterans. To wrap up on a lighter note, he leaves us with a humorous anecdote about an encounter with someone pretending to be a SEAL Team 6 member, while he himself was dressed as a crossing guard.
Join us for this extraordinary episode as Mark Owen takes us through a life filled with resilience, determination, and an unyielding spirit to conquer life's most daunting challenges.
Mark Owen is a former Navy SEAL who served his country for 14 years. During his career, he deployed over 13 times in support of combat operations and the GWOT. Owen received his bachelor's degree in 1998 and upon graduating from college, enlisted in the Navy to pursue his dream of serving his country as a Navy SEAL.
Please send your guest requests to james@ironcowboy.com or through Instagram.
Keep tuning in to learn from more gritty people!
