On the X
IRONCLAD
The Official Podcast of the Navy SEAL Foundation and an IRONCLAD Original. Hosted by Chris Irwin, a retired SEAL and the Foundation’s Communications Director, On the X explores the latest expertise in mental health, physical fitness, nutrition, sleep, relationships, education, business, and more. Every week, Chris speaks with a thought leader at the forefront of their respective field, including renowned scientists, world-class practitioners, bestselling authors, and elite athletes. This is first-hand knowledge at the very center of topics that can change your life. This is On the X.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 27, 2026 • 1h 29min
Exploring Flow: Strategies for Focus, Peak Performance, and Cognitive Growth (with Steven Kotler)
On today's episode, Chris sits down with Steven Kotler, New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and expert on human performance. Steven is the co-founder of the Flow Research Collective and author of books including The Rise of Superman, Stealing Fire, The Art of Impossible, and Bold. In this conversation, they discuss the science and application of flow states, their impact on mental and physical performance, and potential therapeutic uses for conditions like PTSD and depression.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
Sponsors:
GHOSTBED:
Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/ONTHEX and use code ONTHEX for an extra 15% off sitewide.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 20, 2026 • 1h 2min
Improving Care for America’s Veterans: Secretary Doug Collins on Veteran Services, Community Care, and Healthcare Reform
On today's episode, Chris Irwin speaks with The Honorable Doug Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, about the Department of Veterans Affairs’ efforts to enhance healthcare and services for U.S. veterans. They discuss reducing disability claim backlogs, improving wait times, expanding community care, supporting mental health, and VA research initiatives.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
Sponsors:
GHOSTBED:
Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/OntheX and use code ONTHEX for an extra 15% off sitewide.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 13, 2026 • 48min
The Cost of Distraction: Mental Health, Presence, and Learning to Focus Again | Mind Matters Ep. 6
On this final installment of Mind Matters, Chris and Jeff discuss mental health, presence, and focus in the context of modern distractions. They talk about the impact of constant news and social media consumption, the challenges of maintaining attention, and the misconception of multitasking. The conversation also covers the value of mindfulness, having difficult conversations, and the role of writing and dialogue in clarifying thought.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 32min
How Social Media Is Shaping Mental Health and Identity (with Motivated Mind's Scott Lynch)
On today's episode, Chris speaks with Scott Lynch, mindset coach and host of The Motivated Mind podcast. The conversation covers Scott’s path into mindset coaching following the loss of his best friend to suicide, and how that experience shaped his views on mental health and personal development.
To listen to Scott's podcast, visit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-motivated-mind/id1438472688
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original.
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 16min
The Hidden Intelligence That Actually Drives Human Decision-Making (with Dr. Angus Fletcher)
On today's episode, Chris sits down with neuroscientist and Ohio State professor Dr. Angus Fletcher to explore how the human brain actually works when facing uncertainty, pressure, and complexity. Drawing from his research and his book Primal Intelligence: You Are Smarter Than You Know, Fletcher explains how intuition, imagination, emotion, and common sense form the foundation of human decision-making.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 7min
The Science of Detox: Restoring the Body After Chronic Illness and Toxic Overload (with Josh Macin)
Josh Mason, former Brazilian jiu-jitsu world and Pan American champion turned founder of Detox Dudes, rebuilt his life after a multi-year severe illness. He discusses chemical triggers, ayahuasca journeys, step-by-step detox sequencing, gut and liver repair, parasite and heavy metal removal, restoration technologies like saunas and NAD, and the emotional and spiritual work tied to lasting recovery.
Dec 16, 2025 • 37min
Beyond Hollywood: Zachary Levi’s Mission to Tell Human Stories
On today's episode, Chris sits down with actor, producer, and author Zachary Levi, known for Chuck and Shazam! franchise. They discuss his latest project, Not Without Hope, a true story of survival against the odds, and explore Zachary’s work in mental health advocacy through his books Radical Love and Go Love Yourself. He also shares his vision for Wildwood Studios, his production company focused on creating authentic, human-centered stories.
Watch the trailer for Zachary's new film Not Without Hope in theaters now!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzDAcL3rOcU
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original.
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 6min
Unlocking Mental Health Through Brain Health (with Dr. Daniel Amen)
On today's episode, Chris sits down with psychiatrist and brain health expert Dr. Daniel Amen to explore the critical connection between brain health and mental well-being. They dive into how trauma affects the brain, the science behind innovative tools like SPECT scans, and the effectiveness of treatments such as EMDR. The conversation also examines the potential benefits and risks of psychedelics, the role of environmental factors, and the importance of building brain reserve. Dr. Amen shares insights on why a paradigm shift toward brain-centered mental health is essential for lasting wellness.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 2, 2025 • 53min
Ken Burns on the Untold Stories, Music, and Human Complexity of the American Revolution
On today’s episode, Chris sits down with filmmaker Ken Burns to discuss the making of his latest series on the American Revolution.
The conversation also examines the challenges and decisions faced during the war, the experiences of ordinary soldiers, enslaved people, and Native nations, and how these stories were brought to the screen. Ken shares insights into how music and storytelling help convey the human dimensions of this period in history.
Watch The American Revolution on PBS: https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-american-revolution/
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original.
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 25, 2025 • 40min
Life After Service: Purpose, Identity, and Starting Over | Mind Matters Ep. 5
On today's episode of Mind Matters, Chris and Jeff discuss life transitions, sharing their experiences leaving active duty, exploring new career paths, and reassessing purpose and identity.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original.
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
