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Overcoming Physical & Emotional Challenges | Coleman Ruiz

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Apr 8, 2024

Guest

Coleman Ruiz

Coleman Ruiz, a former Tier One U.S. Navy SEAL joint task force commander, shares his compelling journey of overcoming physical and emotional challenges, including PTSD. He speaks candidly about hitting rock bottom and the profound pain and struggles he faced. Mentorship and support from friends and family played crucial roles in his resilience. Coleman’s insights on vulnerability, the transformative power of therapy, and redefining masculinity offer listeners a raw and inspiring perspective on healing and growth.

03:13:53

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ANECDOTE

Clandestine Dive

Coleman recounts a memorable experience during his Naval Academy recruiting trip.
He participated in a clandestine pre-dawn swim in the diving well with other wrestlers.

insights

INSIGHT

Focus on People and Groups

Coleman Ruiz was driven by a focus on the person and the group.
This focus, rather than abstract ideas like patriotism, was his primary motivator.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Divorced Parents and BUD/S Success

Coleman shares his theory that divorced family background predicts BUD/S success.
He believes this stems from a heightened reliance on team and fear of being alone.

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Exploring Essential Health Tools and Resources

01:56 • 4min

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A Journey Through Childhood and Teenage Challenges

06:00 • 3min

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Embracing Wildness and Growth

09:25 • 19min

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Navigating Athletic Challenges and Personal Journeys

28:25 • 3min

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Navigating the Path to the Naval Academy

31:33 • 4min

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From Inadequacy to Acceptance

35:58 • 7min

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Navigating the Naval Academy

43:02 • 16min

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Journey of Aspiration: From Support to SEAL Training

59:10 • 3min

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The Grueling Path to Becoming a Navy SEAL

01:02:40 • 2min

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Trials of BUD/S: Surviving Hell Week

01:04:21 • 23min

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Reflections on Loss and Resilience

01:27:06 • 23min

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Navigating Transitions: The Hero's Journey Home

01:49:48 • 21min

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Healing Journeys: Therapy and Psychedelics

02:10:23 • 10min

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Healing Through Connection

02:20:25 • 24min

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Navigating Recovery: Emotions and Challenges

02:44:08 • 12min

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Balancing Mind and Body: Cold Therapy and Daily Routines

02:55:49 • 6min

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Redefining Masculinity: Surrender and Growth

03:01:43 • 14min

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Ways to Support the Podcast and Enhance Your Health

03:16:01 • 2min

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In this episode, my guest is Coleman Ruiz, a former Tier One U.S. Navy SEAL joint task force commander. He served in Afghanistan and Iraq and as a BUD/S training officer. He shares his journey from childhood through the Naval Academy to elite Navy SEAL special operations. He shares the physical and emotional challenges he has overcome and discusses his struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He also talks about the key role of mentors, family and friends in building resilience. Coleman gives us a raw, humble account of hitting rock bottom. He tells of the intense pain, fear, depression and suicidality in his journey of redemption. Coleman’s story is a real-life hero’s journey. He tells it with extraordinary vulnerability and humility. He explains the challenges and sudden tragedies that helped to ground, shape and renew him. His story will inspire listeners of all ages and backgrounds.

Note: This conversation includes profanity and topics that are not suitable for all audiences and ages.

For show notes, including additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com.

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Timestamps

(00:00:00) Coleman Ruiz

(00:02:12) Sponsors: LMNT & Waking Up

(00:06:06) Childhood, “Wildness”

(00:13:24) Wrestling, Combat Sports & Respect

(00:22:26) Divorce, College Applications & Naval Academy

(00:25:59) Sponsor: AG1

(00:31:22) Prep School, Patriotism, Fear

(00:40:08) Growth Mindset, 24-Hour Horizon

(00:43:02) Naval Academy, Mentor, Focus

(00:52:45) Wife, Work Ethic

(01:00:51) Navy SEALs, BUD/S, Hell Week

(01:04:51) BUD/S Success Predictors; Divorce & Aloneness; Rebellion

(01:16:30) Patriotism, Navy SEALs, Green Team

(01:22:15) Advanced Training, Tier One, Free-Fall

(01:26:13) Special Operations, Deaths & Grief

(01:36:08) Mentor Death & Facing Mortality

(01:47:49) Warriors & Compassion; Trauma, Family

(01:52:37) Civilian Life Adjustment

(01:57:39) Hero With a Thousand Faces, Civilian Return & PTSD

(02:07:03) Massage, Perspective, Space-Time Bridging

(02:14:10) Psychedelics, Connection, Warrior Culture

(02:19:15) Rock Bottom: Talk Therapy, Depression, Alcohol

(02:25:50) Emotional & Physical Pain, Vulnerability, Fighter Mentality

(02:30:42) Suicide, Asking For Help & Support

(02:38:32) Therapy, PTSD Recovery, Dread; Pharmacology

(02:44:54) Healing Process: Unsatisfaction & Asking For Help

(02:54:03) Daily Routine, Movement, Nutrition

(03:02:22) Manhood, Range, Parenthood, Surrender

(03:10:08) Current Pursuits

(03:16:01) Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

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