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.Use Ask Huberman Lab, our new AI-powered platform, for a summary, clips, and insights from this episode.Thank you to our sponsorsAG1: https://athleticgreens.com/hubermanLMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlabWaking Up: https://wakingup.com/hubermanTimestamps

Coleman Ruiz

Sponsors: LMNT & Waking Up

Childhood, “Wildness”

Wrestling, Combat Sports & Respect

Divorce, College Applications & Naval Academy

Sponsor: AG1

Prep School, Patriotism, Fear

Growth Mindset, 24-Hour Horizon

Naval Academy, Mentor, Focus

Wife, Work Ethic

Navy SEALs, BUD/S, Hell Week

BUD/S Success Predictors; Divorce & Aloneness; Rebellion

Patriotism, Navy SEALs, Green Team

Advanced Training, Tier One, Free-Fall

Special Operations, Deaths & Grief

Mentor Death & Facing Mortality

Warriors & Compassion; Trauma, Family

Civilian Life Adjustment

Hero With a Thousand Faces, Civilian Return & PTSD

Massage, Perspective, Space-Time Bridging

Psychedelics, Connection, Warrior Culture

Rock Bottom: Talk Therapy, Depression, Alcohol

Emotional & Physical Pain, Vulnerability, Fighter Mentality

Suicide, Asking For Help & Support

Therapy, PTSD Recovery, Dread; Pharmacology

Healing Process: Unsatisfaction & Asking For Help

Daily Routine, Movement, Nutrition

Manhood, Range, Parenthood, Surrender

Current Pursuits