Show Notes

EP77: MISSION with Mark Greene, Navy SEAL (ret.), Author, Former D1 Athlete

About the Guest

Mark Greene is a retired Navy SEAL, motivational speaker, and author. His remarkable journey of resilience began as a collegiate athlete at Miami University of Ohio and later Kent State, where an injury ended his football career. This setback paved the way for his obsession with becoming a Navy SEAL, a goal he achieved against the odds. Mark’s military accolades include excelling in the SEAL qualification training and serving as an outstanding member of the elite special operations unit. Post-retirement, he pursued further education, earning two master’s degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School and the University of Southern California. Mark has transitioned into the corporate world, working with Dominion Energy in the security space, and recently added “author” to his list of achievements with his recent book release.

Summary

In this episode of “Becoming UnDone,” host Toby Brooks welcomes Mark Greene, whose story embodies resilience and the pursuit of excellence. After an unforeseen end to a budding football career, Mark transformed his physical pain and disappointment into a relentless drive to join one of the most elite military groups: the Navy SEALs. His tale is a testament to the power of determination, mental fortitude, and the ability to turn failures into stepping stones for success.

Mark takes us through the demanding Navy SEAL training where attrition rates are staggeringly high. His narrative details the psychological and physical barriers he overcame by compartmentalizing grueling experiences into manageable timeframes. This technique proved vital in not only completing the training but also in coping with life after military service. Key SEO phrases such as “Navy SEAL transition,” “overcoming setbacks,” and “mental fortitude in military training” emerge as core themes in this compelling conversation.

Key Takeaways

Mark’s journey from college quarterback to a Navy SEAL epitomizes transformation through adversity.
Navy SEAL training taught Mark critical lessons in mental and physical endurance by recognizing signals and breaking down challenges into smaller, manageable sections.
Post-service, Mark faced a daunting transition, grappling with his identity outside of the military and dealing with mental health challenges.
Finding new communities and seeking help, like through eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), was crucial for Mark’s path to recovery.
Mark wrote his book to share his struggles openly, with the aim to reach out and help others facing similar transitions in life.

Notable Quotes

“I was obsessed about the SEAL thing.”
“I knew once I showed up and made the commitment, then that part of the equation was done. I wasn’t going to quit.”
“When the light turns on, whatever you’re passionate about, you can’t extinguish it.”
“Being accepted into the SEAL community as a good operator…was the high point…The low was losing teammates and loss.”

Resources

Tune in to the full episode to explore the depths of Mark Greene’s transformative journey from collegiate athlete to Navy SEAL, and now, a voice for veterans navigating the tumultuous waters of post-military life. Stay connected for more insightful episodes from “Becoming UnDone,” where we uncover the stories that forge the human spirit into its greatest version.

Contact

Timestamp	Summary
0:00:00	Mark Greene’s football career ends due to a shoulder injury.
0:00:25	Mark becomes obsessed with becoming a Navy SEAL.
0:00:48	Mark mentally commits to becoming a Navy SEAL.
0:01:08	Mark shares his decision to become a Navy SEAL.
0:02:00	Toby Brooks introduces the podcast and its focus on high achievers.
0:03:33	Toby introduces Mark Greene and his journey.
0:04:15	Mark wanted to be in the Air Force like his dad.
0:05:01	Mark’s journey starts in college playing football.
0:06:08	Mark suffers a career-ending shoulder injury.
0:09:49	Mark flunks out of college and works at a video store.
0:12:20	Guy describes a movie about a woman turning into an alien.
0:13:04	Mark decides to join the Navy SEALs after injury ends his sports career.
0:14:51	Mark prepares for Navy SEAL training by doing pull-ups every night.
0:17:16	Mark faces challenges during Navy SEAL training but doesn’t quit.
0:19:23	Mark arrives at the Naval Special Warfare Center and begins training.
0:20:18	Mark jumps into the cold water and his swim buddy quits immediately.
0:21:18	Mark asks for help with swimming and shows determination to succeed.
0:23:06	Mark realizes he can handle the physical and mental challenges of training.
0:24:03	Symbol of unity, strength, and will; making it moment by moment
0:24:30	Lesson of perseverance and self-discovery
0:25:04	The instructors facilitate graduation or leaving
0:25:27	Graduation attrition: 166 to 18 original graduates
0:26:27	Breaking down BUDS experience into manageable chunks
0:27:18	Seal qualification training and learning the job
0:28:33	Being a new guy and learning from experienced teammates
0:29:16	High point: being accepted as a good operator
0:30:56	Low point: losing teammates and dealing with loss
0:31:26	Pursuing higher education to become an officer
0:32:53	Meeting Vice Presidential candidate Medal of Honor winner
0:35:17	Admiral’s intervention to get into OCS
0:35:58	Reluctantly pursuing two master’s degrees
0:35:45	Mark Greene receives a handwritten letter from an admiral.
0:35:58	Mark Greene reluctantly pursues higher education and earns two master’s degrees.
0:36:41	Mark Greene excels in his graduate studies at the naval postgraduate school.
0:38:39	Mark Greene reflects on the challenges of transitioning from the Navy to civilian life.
0:40:43	Mark shares his journey of finding a job at USC after retirement.
0:41:19	Mark discusses the difficulty of leaving behind his identity as a Navy SEAL.
0:43:02	Mark receives a job offer at USC after interviews.
0:44:59	Mark’s decision to take the job at USC leads to the start of his divorce.
0:47:14	Mark faces challenges in his new job and discovers he has brain injuries.
0:48:26	Mark shares his experience of suicidal ideation and the importance of his children and support network in his recovery.
0:49:23	The conversation highlights the disregard for mental health in athletics and the need for vulnerability and support.
0:50:35	Mark discusses finding a new tribe and support network at USC, which helped him through his struggles.
0:52:07	Mark shares his journey of trying different therapies and finding success with EMDR.
0:54:47	The impetus behind Mark’s book “UnSEALed” is discussed, focusing on the importance of sharing stories and seeking help.
0:57:51	Mark emphasizes the need for veterans to seek help during transitions and shares a personal story of struggling with a basic task.
1:00:34	The importance of building a new support network and recognizing one’s value is highlighted.
1:01:52	Mark explains why he wrote the book to help others going through similar experiences.
1:02:08	Mark talks about his job at Dominion Energy and the diverse workforce in the energy industry.
1:03:18	Mark discusses his positive experience working in a small team at Dominion Energy.
1:03:42	Mark shares his choice of song for a montage of his life: “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen.
1:04:57	Mark reveals that he has not completely repaired his relationship with his older children.
1:06:05	Mark reflects on his efforts to repair his relationship with his older children.
1:06:50	Mark provides his social media handles and website for connecting with him.
1:07:55	Mark encourages listeners to read his book and shares where it can be purchased.
1:08:27	Mark expresses his gratitude for being a guest and mentions the possibility of a future chapter.
1:09:47	Toby Brooks concludes the episode and previews upcoming episodes on veterans in mental health.

EP77: MISSION with Mark Greene, Navy SEAL (ret.), Author, and former D1 Athlete