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
Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 9min
How Losing His Job Helped Pat Flynn Learn Faster and Achieve Greater Success
On today’s episode, Chris Irwin talks with Pat Flynn about how losing his job as an architect became a turning point in his career. Pat explains how the experience pushed him to focus on Lean Learning, a method for learning the right skills at the right time. He discusses the steps he took to build new ventures, the role of mentorship and community in his growth, and how adapting quickly helped him succeed. Pat also shares examples from his experiences, including building a YouTube channel, creating Smart Passive Income, and applying Lean Learning to different areas of his work.
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/
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Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 30min
Marcus and Amber Capone: Building VETS and Breaking Barriers in Psychedelic Therapy for Veterans
On this episode, Chris talks with Marcus and Amber Capone about their journey from military service to advocating for psychedelic therapies in veteran care. Marcus, a former Navy SEAL with multiple combat deployments, shares the emotional struggles he faced after leaving the military and why traditional treatments fell short. Amber, co-founder of VETS (Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions), explains how their nonprofit helps veterans access therapies like Ibogaine and the importance of community support and medical oversight. Together, they discuss the risks, challenges, and promising future of psychedelics in addressing PTSD, depression, and trauma.
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
Aug 26, 2025 • 49min
Beyond the Diagnosis: Understanding PTSD | Mind Matters Ep. 2
In this episode of Mind Matters, a mental health-focused series within On the X, Chris welcomes back readjustment counselor Jeff Widenhofer for a candid conversation about PTSD.
They examine the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis, the ways trauma manifests, whether experienced directly or indirectly, and how overwhelming emotional states can disrupt daily life and relationships. The conversation highlights the instinctual human drive to avoid pain, the challenges of connection and communication, and the importance of normalizing PTSD to reduce stigma.
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
Aug 19, 2025 • 35min
Best of On the X: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
In this special compilation, Chris revisits conversations with guests who each experienced a pivotal mindset shift that changed their path.
Mat Fraser, five-time CrossFit Games champion, shares how a tough loss reshaped his perspective and introduced gratitude into his approach to competition.
Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr, six-time CrossFit Games champion and Olympian, reflects on the mental resilience that carried her when her body reached its limits.
Joshua Fields Millburn, author and co-founder of The Minimalists, explains how letting go of excess created space for what mattered most.
Remi Adeleke, former Navy SEAL, actor, and author, describes how being dropped from SEAL training became the starting point for rebuilding himself from the ground up. Together, these stories illustrate how perspective can drive lasting change.
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
Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 10min
What Relaunching a Brand Really Looks Like: TRX’s Journey
On today’s episode, Chris sits down with Randy Hetrick, former Navy SEAL and founder of TRX, and Jack Daly, CEO of TRX. They discuss Randy’s transition from military service to creating the TRX suspension trainer and the brand’s relaunch focused on digital content, trainer education, and community engagement. They cover the challenges of growing and maintaining the TRX brand and share insights from their entrepreneurial experience.
Learn more about TRX and its fitness community: https://www.trxtraining.com/
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
Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 8min
How Sorinex Grew from a Family Business to a Leader in Strength Training and Performance Culture (with Bert Sorin)
On this episode, Chris Irwin sits down with Bert Sorin, former Division I All-American track and field athlete and President of Sorinex, to talk about the evolution of the family-run company that helped shape the modern strength equipment industry.
Bert shares how his father, Richard Sorin, founded Sorenex with a focus on innovation and community, and how Bert’s athletic background and leadership pushed the company to new heights. They discuss the challenges of building a business, the impact of patented designs, and Sorinex’s ongoing mission to serve universities, pro teams, and the military.
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:
On the X is presented by Mechanix Wear: https://www.mechanix.com/
Mechanix Wear is proud to offer an exclusive 15% discount through the ID.me program to military, veterans and first responders. Click on the ID.me button in your shopping cart and follow the steps to verify your eligibility.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Emotional Spectrum as a Key to Mental Fitness | Mind Matters Ep. 1
In this episode of Mind Matters, a mental health-focused series within On the X, Chris Irwin talks with Jeff Wiedenhofer—a retired Navy helicopter pilot, former Broadway musician, and current readjustment counselor at the VA. They discuss emotional fitness, the impact of emotional suppression, and the importance of expanding the emotional spectrum. Jeff shares his experiences from military service and counseling, offering insights on emotional awareness, intuition, and strategies for personal growth.
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:
On the X is presented by Mechanix Wear: https://www.mechanix.com/
Mechanix Wear is proud to offer an exclusive 15% discount through the ID.me program to military, veterans and first responders. Click on the ID.me button in your shopping cart and follow the steps to verify your eligibility.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 8min
Mastering Happiness: How Time Management Unlocks Life Satisfaction (with Cassie Holmes)
On today's episode, Chris talks with Dr. Cassie Holmes, a professor at UCLA Anderson School of Management and author of Happier Hour. Cassie shares her research on the science of happiness and explains how managing time effectively can improve life satisfaction.
They discuss the concept of time poverty, why both too little and too much discretionary time can impact happiness, and how meaningful activities and mindfulness contribute to lasting joy. Cassie also offers practical strategies for reclaiming time and designing an ideal week to boost fulfillment.
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:
On the X is presented by Mechanix Wear: https://www.mechanix.com/
Mechanix Wear is proud to offer an exclusive 15% discount through the ID.me program to military, veterans and first responders. Click on the ID.me button in your shopping cart and follow the steps to verify your eligibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 15, 2025 • 31min
Best of On the X: What Makes a Great Leader
On this special compilation episode of On the X, Chris revisits moments from past conversations with four standout thinkers—Simon Sinek, Jocko Willink, Jason Jaggard, and Brian Gottlieb—to answer one timeless question: What is the most important trait of a leader? From courage to humility, nobility to authenticity, each guest offers a unique lens shaped by deep experience in leadership, personal growth, and high-stakes 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
SPONSORS:
On the X is presented by Mechanix Wear: https://www.mechanix.com/
Mechanix Wear is proud to offer an exclusive 15% discount through the ID.me program to military, veterans and first responders. Click on the ID.me button in your shopping cart and follow the steps to verify your eligibility.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 8min
Reducing Burnout Through Better Hiring: Dan Martell on Building Healthy, Scalable Companies
On today's episode, Chris Irwin speaks with entrepreneur and author Dan Martell about his personal and professional journey. Martell shares how early life challenges, including time in prison, shaped his path toward entrepreneurship. He discusses discovering coding, building multiple businesses, and developing the strategies outlined in his book Buy Back Your Time.
The conversation covers time management, delegation through the “buyback loop,” and hiring practices that prioritize character. Martell also addresses the mental health challenges faced by entrepreneurs and the importance of creating systems that support both business growth and personal well-being.
To purchase Dan's book: https://www.amazon.com/Buy-Back-Your-Time-Unstuck/dp/059342297X
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-x/id1759222083
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3itWUNECnae8hkJKG7NMvV?si=0cfb5d256c1144cc
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:
On the X is presented by Mechanix Wear: https://www.mechanix.com/
Mechanix Wear is proud to offer an exclusive 15% discount through the ID.me program to military, veterans and first responders. Click on the ID.me button in your shopping cart and follow the steps to verify your eligibility.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
