March 4, 2021
No trip to San Diego would be complete without interviewing at least one Navy SEAL, which is exactly what I got up to on a recent trip to Southern California.
Nick Norris is a graduate of both the United States Naval Academy and Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL (BUD/S) Class 247. Upon completion of SEAL training in 2004, Nick assumed progressively higher positions of leadership within Naval Special Warfare. His deployed roles included combat advisor to Iraqi and Afghan military units, Cross-Functional Team Leader, and Ground Force Commander during combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Nick was most recently assigned to Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command — SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) as Officer in Charge prior to transitioning off active duty. Originally from Chicago, Nick received his bachelor's in science from the United States Naval Academy in 2003 and his master's in science in real estate from The University of San Diego in 2013. He is currently the executive director of the C4 Foundation, which provides support and resources through science-based programs to active-duty Navy SEALs and their families, and is a board member of Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, a nonprofit focused on ending the veteran suicide epidemic via resources, research, and advocacy related to psychedelic-assisted therapy. Nick is also the co-founder and CEO of Protekt Products, a wellness company that is committed to positively impacting customer health via both personal care products and nutritional supplements. Both Protekt and the C4 Foundation value the power of time spent in the outdoors and the positive impact it has on overall well-being.
During this discussion, you'll discover:
-Nick's history with the Navy SEALs…7:15
- Nick's interview with Tim Ferriss
- Graduated SEAL training in 2004
- Served in Iraq in the mid-2000s alongside multi services
- BGF podcasts with Mark Divine
- Mark Divine's Kokoro program (Ben says this is one of the more difficult things he's done)
-Developing a mindset to overcome uncertainty and the unknown…11:00
- COMT gene (shared by serial killers)
- Means you clear dopamine slower than others
- Driven by Dr. Doug Brackmann
- Driven: Understanding and Harnessing the Genetic Gifts Shared by Entrepreneurs, Navy SEALs, Pro Athletes (& Maybe You), With Dr. Doug Brackmann.
- What separates SEALs from the rest of their peers; it's also a barrier to civilian life when they leave the service
- High-stress environment in SEAL training enables those not genetically endowed to operate under extreme stress
-The most important quality of a SEAL leader in Nick's view…14:37
- Nick was part of a drill carrying a very heavy object
- People were falling out, quitting left and right
- This led to Nick being extremely frustrated, nearly losing control of his emotions
- He realized that being in control of his emotions was the most important quality of being an officer in the SEALs
- Dr. Andrew Huberman of Stanford U.
- Sometimes the best thing you can do is something to make you feel like you're making forward progress
- Lattice climbing group in the UK
-Ibogaine used as treatment for PTSD…21:45
- Oura Ring
- Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions organization Nick mentions
- Blake Mycoskie and Pat Dossett of Madefor
- Studying Ibogaine as a treatment for PTSD/micro TBI
- Chris Bell documentary on Ibogaine
- Typical dose is around 800 mg; smaller than when used for opioid addiction
- Risk of cardiac arrhythmia, EKG is needed prior to treatment
- Ibogaine microdose for energy prior to workout
-How Nick has treated neural inflammation and PTSD…27:15
- Nick struggled with shame associated with PTSD (was reluctant to open up on Ferriss' podcast)
- SEALs are great at “compartmentalizing”; great for their job, not so much in civilian life
- Felt “flat” after leaving the SEALs
- Initially approached it from an endocrine standpoint
- Docs labeled it as clinical depression
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- Eventually led to Ibogaine on the recommendation (and social proof) of fellow SEALs
- Approach Ibogaine with much caution
- Hot/cold contrast therapy
- Morozko Forge (use code BENFORGE to save $150)
-Dealing with unhealthy habits Nick took from the military to civilian life…43:30
- Compartmentalization
- Fear of judgment; you're either “in” or “out” as a SEAL
- Overcoming “messiah” complex
- Relate love for our children with the love God has for us
- Unconditional love from a greater power
-Nick's approach to sleep in and out of the military…49:50
- Sleep was messed up for most of his military career (REM sleep was non-existent)
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy
- Multi-modal approach
- Meditation to prepare for the experience of ibogaine
- Sam Harris' Waking Up app
- Developed his own meditation practice (mindfulness and breathwork)
- Intuition
- Driven by Doug Brackmann
- Staying vigilant and operating between green and yellow is a good thing
-Nick's fitness regimen post-military…56:00
- Bouldering keeps him outdoors
- Ambulating under load (walking for an extended period of time with weight)
-Why drinking water is not the best way to hydrate…1:00:30
- Protekt Products
- “Keep it simple” is the mantra for the brand
- Book on hydration – Quench by Dana Cohen (drinking water is inefficient for hydrating)
- Consume foods that are naturally plenteous in water (not dehydrated variants)
- What's in the water and water content of the food you eat is the most important factor
- Exercise and a good meal in the afternoon and evening often contradict conventional wisdom
-Why Nick feels like he's living on borrowed time…1:09:00
- Nearly drowned while cliff jumping on the Big Island of Hawai'i
- Belief in eternal life as a panacea to FOMO
- Heaven by Randy Alcorn
-Life advice Nick shares with his children…1:14:00
-And much more!
Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.
Resources from this episode:
– Nick Norris:
- Protekt Products
- Use code BEN for 15% off
- C4 Foundation
- Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions
- Nick's Interview with Tim Ferriss
– Podcasts and articles:
- Potent Breathwork Tactics From a Navy SEAL Commander, Staring Down Your Wolf, Operating Calmly Under Stress & More With Mark Divine.
- Secrets of the Navy SEALs: How to Train, Eat & Think Like the World’s Toughest Fighters With Mark Divine.
- Driven: Understanding and Harnessing the Genetic Gifts Shared by Entrepreneurs, Navy SEALs, Pro Athletes (& Maybe You), With Dr. Doug Brackmann.
- The Man Who is Curing Blindness and Alzheimers, Growing New Brain Cells & Elegantly Fabricating Some of The Most Powerful Nootropics Known to Humankind, With Dr. Andrew Huberman.
- Why You Can’t Afford Not to Meditate (& One Simple Mindfulness Exercise You Can Do Today)
- The Ultimate Breathwork Ninja Guide: How to Banish Stress & Kiss High Cortisol Goodbye
– Books:
– Other resources:
- Oura Ring
- Morozko Forge (use code BENFORGE to save $150)
- Mark Divine's Kokoro Program
- Waking Up App
- Dr. Andrew Huberman of Stanford University
- Chris Bell Documentary on Ibogaine
- Psychedelic-assisted Therapy
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- Intuition Meditation
- COMT Gene
- Lattice Climbing
- Bouldering
Episode sponsors:
–Kion: My personal playground for new supplement formulations, Kion blends ancestral wisdom with modern science. Ben Greenfield Fitness listeners, save 10% off your first order with code BEN10.
–Organifi Red Juice: Enjoy all the benefits of the 11 superfoods and their micronutrients that help increase resting metabolism, support cardiovascular health, and remove toxins to turn back the hands of time! Receive a 20% discount on your entire order when you use discount code BENG20.
–Clearlight Saunas: You can be sure that I researched all the saunas before I bought mine and Clearlight was the one that stood out from all the rest because of their EMF- and ELF-shielding and their lifetime warranty. Mention BEN GREENFIELD, and you’ll receive an extra discount on your purchase.
–Thrive Market: Organic brands you love, for less. Your favorite organic food and products. Fast and free shipping to your doorstep. Receive a gift card worth up to $20 when you begin a new membership.
Where is the link to this podcast?
Where can i listen the podcast? Here is no player nor download options? Any advice?
The player is now located at the bottom of your web browser. Let me know if you're still having trouble.
Thanks Ben, for help and all your hard work, researches etc. The player is now excatly where it needs to be.
Always enjoy your podcasts, Ben, they are informative and enjoyable. Also, enjoyed listening to Nick Norris as well. Great guest!
Based on your medicinal experiences and Nick’s near-death experience, I wanted to share with you a spiritual practice that has helped me (20+ years now) to have those experiences without having to take anything, for free, and in your own home. You can find more information on this at eckankar.org under experience and then Soul Travel. You may or may not want to try it. Up to you…I’m just passing along the information. Keep up the great work! Look forward to exploring more topics with you.
Dear Ben, Thanks for all you do. You are helping to move the world forward to a better place.
I loved the podcast with Nick Norris. The last section that touched on the value of speaking openly about love was very good.
As a man of faith, who studies scripture, and who has also had deep inner experience, I wish to recommend Nevelle Goddard. He was a member of the “new thought” movement and lectured extensively in the USA and England in the 1960’s. He has a unique perspective and message that he gleans from scripture. He is very knowledgeable. I find his insight profound, inspiring and very practical. The way I access this knowledge is primarily through two very excellent Youtube channels. The first is Brian Scott—The Reality Revolution and second, Joseph Rodrigues. They both have many excellent presentations on Nevelle. Nevelle only published a few short books. A profound message often needs few words.
Here is an old saying that Nevelle quotes in one of his books:
“He that would perfect himself in any art whatsoever, let him betake himself to the reading of some sure and certain work upon his art many times over, for to read many books upon your art produceth confusion rather than learning.”
With love and blessings to you, your family and the many followers
you love—we carry you in our hearts as a friend,
Sven Oscar Hansen
Thanks! I'll check this out.
There no podcast for Nick Norris !
Ben, where’s the download button? Looks like you changed up the podcast player set up. I don’t have or want Itunes or any other podcast player/subscription.
Thanks!
Mike
Hi Ben,
I got some trouble to download your podcast lately and as i got no internet at home it’s not really possible to stream it. Do you know if there is a way to download your podcast somewhere else or by another mean.
By the way.. Thank you so much for your reflexions, podcast and your amazing book Boundless. I learned a lot thank to you and as I’m currently working in an organic shop, what you teach helped me as well to help my customer and to take my job to another level.