From The Green Notebook

In this engaging discussion, Bob O'Brien, a retired Army officer and lead for the Command Assessment Program (CAP), shares transformative insights on selecting future Army leaders. He reveals how CAP captures over 1,800 data points per candidate, emphasizing self-awareness and resilience. O'Brien debunks myths surrounding CAP, discusses the significance of executive coaching, and highlights the redemptive journey of candidates. Listeners will find practical advice on preparing for CAP and the vital role of reflection in leadership development.

Danny Ricker, an Emmy-nominated comedy writer and author, dives deep into the chaotic world of parenting. He hilariously likens parenting to a full-time assistant for little humans while highlighting the absurdities of modern parenting pressures. Ricker introduces the genius of the '17-Minute Birthday Party' and shares insights on creating ‘ruin rooms’ for guilt-free mess. With humorous anecdotes from writing for ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ he emphasizes cherishing small moments over big events and finding joy in the everyday chaos of family life.

Command Sergeant Major Christopher Mullinax, from the Army’s Training Directorate, shares insights on the revamped Army Fitness Test. He discusses the reasoning behind the changes, highlighting a more data-driven, soldier-focused approach. The conversation addresses common misconceptions and the removal of overly technical events. Mullinax emphasizes the link between physical fitness and combat readiness, and the importance of evolving standards that are adaptable for all soldiers. His insights are essential for anyone in the military navigating these changes.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a leading neuroscientist and author, shares her groundbreaking insights on emotions. She explains the theory of constructed emotions, where feelings are predictions shaped by our brain. Dr. Barrett emphasizes the importance of emotional granularity, helping us articulate specific feelings for better emotional control. The conversation also touches on how sleep, social connections, and storytelling can enhance emotional well-being. Listeners gain practical tools for navigating their emotional landscape with confidence.

Send us Fan MailIn this special episode, Joe sits down with Lieutenant General Greg Anderson, Commanding General of XVIII Airborne Corps, to discuss one of the most significant structural changes to the airborne community in decades. With 22,000 paid parachutist positions on the table for reclassification, LTG Anderson explains the data-driven process behind the decision, what it means for readiness, and how the Army is adapting to modern operational demands.They explore how emotional reactions to change can cloud understanding, why building consensus through transparency and method matters, and what this transformation says about leadership in complex organizations. Whether you're a paratrooper, a leader managing change, or someone passionate about the future of the force, this episode offers a rare inside look at how the Army balances tradition with transformation.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today! 

Victoria Trammel, a senior consultant at the Arbinger Institute, shares profound insights from the revised Leadership and Self-Deception. They discuss how self-deception impacts relationships and leadership, revealing patterns of collusion that inhibit collaboration. Trammel emphasizes the importance of an outward mindset and the power of self-reflection. Listeners learn practical tools for improving communication and accountability, alongside real-world stories that illustrate the transformation possible when one confronts their biases and embraces vulnerability.

General Randy George, the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, shares valuable insights from his extensive leadership experience. He talks about the transformative power of personal notebooks for reflection and decision-making. The discussion dives into the vital role of reading, especially military literature, in fostering intellectual curiosity. George highlights the importance of bottom-up innovation and consistent communication within the Army, emphasizing how engaging with troops drives progress. Personal values and honest feedback are key themes in his approach to effective leadership.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, host Joe sits down with Melody Wilding, an executive coach and author of Managing Up: How To Get What you Need From the People In Charge   to explore the dynamics of power, status, and influence in the workplace. Melody shares practical strategies for managing up effectively, not by being a sycophant, but by building stronger relationships, communicating with confidence, and navigating workplace dynamics with integrity. Together they discussWhat it really means to “manage up” (Hint: it’s not about being a suck-up)Why proximity to power can distort your focus—and how to avoid the status trapThe importance of upward empathy and understanding your boss’s pressuresHow to adapt to different leadership styles to build stronger relationshipsThe power of the “ME Manual” and why self-awareness is key to successHow to set boundaries at work—without damaging your reputationThe concept of “Pushback Power” and how to know when (and how) to say noWhether you work in the military, corporate world, or any hierarchical environment, this conversation will help you become a more effective leader from wherever you stand.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!FightCamp is the largest boxing and kickboxing community in the world. Their innovative fitness system combines real-time tracking, professional coaching, and an extensive workout library of over 3,000 sessions. Family-Friendly Access: Supports multiple user profiles under one subscription.Flexible Membership: After the trial, members can continue on a month-to-month basis with no contract obligations.To get the exclusive FREE offer and an additional 15% off accessories, email Joe@fromthegreennotebook for a listeners-only discount code at checkout. Free FightCamp Package: Includes punch trackers, quick wraps, and a 45-day membership trial to the FightCamp app. We will cover the shipping and taxes too (a $278 value per redemption). 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Joe welcomes Corie Weathers, licensed professional counselor, author, and expert on military culture, to explore the shifting landscape of service, leadership, and the personal challenges faced by military members and their families. Corie shares insights from her latest book, Military Culture Shift, offering her thoughts on the past 20 years of war and what it means for the future of the force.Together, they discuss the key moments and lessons that shape military service, leadership, and personal well-being, including:How the Global War on Terror shaped an entire generation of military leaders—and what comes next.The psychological toll of service, from combat stress to the unseen burdens of leadership.Generational shifts in the military—why Gen Z’s approach to work, leadership, and life is different from previous generations.The evolution of military family dynamics and the changing role of spouse support networks.Why taking time to reflect, heal, and process experiences is critical for long-term well-being.The importance of mental wellness and how leaders can foster a culture that encourages self-care.Tune in to hear Corie’s insights and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today’s military leaders.Corie Weathers, licensed professional counselor (LPC), is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and award-winning author. Corie has focused her career for the last 20 years as a clinician specializing in marriage, special forces, the service culture, and its impact on families. She has traveled internationally to visit troops and report on deployment conditions and has taught service families across the globe. Corie consults on military culture, produces content through interviews and videos, and facilitates meaningful and productive sessions and retreats on how to live, lead multi-generational teams, find purpose, and build relationships using their natural talents.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

Send us Fan MailThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!In this episode, Joe welcomes David Baker, former President & Executive Director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, to explore leadership, legacy, and the values that shape extraordinary careers. David shares lessons from his time working with NFL legends, his deep respect for the military, and his latest mission to impact youth sports.Together, they discuss the key moments and insights that shaped his career, offering valuable takeaways for leaders in sports, business, and the military. David and Joe dive into:Why success isn’t about a single job or title but about embracing the journey.Lessons in leadership from mentors like Jerry Jones, Roger Goodell, and Wellington Mara.The emotional power of "The Knock"—telling players they’ve been inducted into the Hall of Fame.How sports and the military share fundamental values like resilience, teamwork, and sacrifice.The importance of legacy—whether as a player, a leader, a parent, or a soldier.How his new initiative, World Youth Sports, aims to instill character and leadership in young athletes.Why every day matters, and how to make each one your masterpiece.Tune in to hear David’s incredible stories and gain timeless leadership lessons that can help you build your own Hall of Fame-worthy legacy.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.Onebrief, the transformative software platform redefining operational planning and military staff workflows.