5 Best John Dailey Podcasts in 2026

1. Episode 31: John Dailey - Author; Keynote Speaker; Performance Coach; SOF..

Follow Play Jul 16, 2025 48:12
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About Episode Hello everyone and welcome to the show notes for another insightful episode of Tactical Transition! Hosts Michele Lewis and Cyndi Po kicked off the podcast with their usual friendly banter, emphasizing their excitement for the conversation ahead. The episode began by highlighting their sponsor, Vet Mentor AI, a veteran-founded platform established in 2024 by Marine Corps veteran Paul Hylenski. This AI-driven tool simplifies and enhances the process of accessing VA disability benefits, born from Hylenski’s personal challenges with denied claims. Listeners are encouraged to check out the Vet Mentor AI YouTube channel for success stories and can save $50 off yearly access using the code "ESELSeminars". Michele and Cyndi stressed that they only endorse products they truly believe in. Michele shared that she was feeling refreshed after a 10-day vacation in the British Virgin Islands, underscoring the importance of planning vacations for transitioning service members to refresh and catch their breath. Cyndi then introduced their special guest, John Dailey, a Marine Corps veteran with over 20 years of service, much of it in special operations with tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. John received his MFA in creative writing in 2018 and shares his views through a weekly newsletter called "Walking Point" and thoughts on mental toughness at RTFU (Ruck the f up). His website is jadaiely.com. Cyndi recounted a serendipitous meeting with John at Soft Week, where she recognized his name from a book she had recently ordered after asking AI for recommendations on books by soft community members. John’s book, "Tough Rugged Bastards: A Memoir of a Life in Marine Special Operations", was the very one. Key points from the conversation with John Dailey included: The Therapeutic Power of Writing: John explained that writing was a natural path for him, and he strongly advocates for veterans to write, regardless of publication intent. He emphasized that "just sitting down and writing because you are taking what's in your head and getting it out of your head" can be wildly beneficial, especially for processing traumatic events. He mentioned the Lethal Minds Journal as a user-friendly platform for veterans to get their work published. Finding Purpose Post-Military: The discussion deeply explored the challenge of transitioning from military service and finding new purpose. John noted that while financial gain is often a motivator, many veterans later realize they lack the purpose they once had. Michele and Cyndi echoed this, highlighting how their transition classes address the "shock value" of civilian life and encourage attendees to find new impact and meaning. John's Delayed Transition: John shared that his own transition was delayed as he continued in a similar role within the Marine Special Operations Command. He gradually realized his new role was more about mentorship, which he now loves, drawing on his experiences with various life challenges. The Origins of His Marine Path: John recounted a pivotal moment at a 1976 Bicentennial parade at age seven or eight in Persville, Virginia, where he saw a Marine in uniform and instantly knew that was what he wanted to do. This story sets a strong foundation for his memoir. Humor and Impostor Syndrome in Writing: John intentionally infused humor into his book, recognizing its importance in connecting with readers and providing necessary breaks from heavy topics. He also discussed Impostor Syndrome, a common feeling among service members that he felt compelled to address. Michele shared that this resonated deeply with their transition class attendees, especially senior leaders, who often feel they lack transferrable skills despite their immense value to civilian employers. John views impostor syndrome positively, as it pushed him to "get better". Value of Veteran Skills: John highlighted that retired service members bring invaluable, often intangible, skills to organizations, such as the ability to coach, counsel, be punctual, and solve problems systematically. Family Perspective: Michele shared a personal anecdote about the challenges military spouses face. John acknowledged his wife Tracy's perspective on his book, noting she learned details she hadn't known before. He underscored the immense challenges families face back home, often without direct knowledge of the realities faced by their deployed loved ones. He praised the close-knit community support within special operations units for families. Future Endeavors: John is outlining a new book based on his "Walking Point" newsletter, focusing on leadership and personal growth, and potentially another from his "Ruck the F Up" writings. Fun Fact – Travel: As a fun fact, John shared that he and his wife Tracy have embraced extensive international travel since her retirement as a school teacher, seeing it as a valuable opportunity to gain new perspectives and appreciate their lives. The episode concluded with Cyndi and Michele highly recommending John’s book, emphasizing its value for transitioning service members, offering both relatable experiences and mentorship. They encouraged listeners to connect with John and utilize networking opportunities. John Dailey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daileyja/ Website: jadaiely.com MORE Podcast Title Tactical Transition
Podcast Description We will discuss mastering career strategies and planning for senior military leaders transitioning into the civilian job market.
Guest John Dailey
Producer/Network Cyndi Po & Michele Lewis
Apple Rating 5.0/5 Avg Length 54 min Format Long form Get Email Contact Get access to full database of 2.7M podcastsCreate podcast lists, export in spreadsheet or CSV file with email contacts and start your podcast outreach in minutes.Sign Up for Free with Email Continue with Google

2. Tough Rugged Bastards with John Dailey

Follow Play Jul 05, 2025 53:39
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About Episode Send us a text Retired Marine Raider and author John Dailey joins the podcast to discuss his memoir, Tough Rugged Bastards, and the hard-earned lessons from a lifetime in Marine special operations. In this episode, Joe and John explore: The story behind the founding of Marine Special Operations—and what it took to prove they belonged Why breath work, meditation, and reading became essential tools for combat and recovery The power of broad commander's intent—and how trust enables bottom-up innovation How journaling and writing helped John process his experiences and reconnect with identity post-service Why being yourself is a leadership superpower—and how John learned to take off the many "coats" he wore in uniform What it means to “do windows”—and why no task is ever beneath the leader John Dailey left his home in West Virginia at seventeen to join the Marines, which led to a career of over twenty years. As a Platoon Sergeant in the Marine Corps’ 1st Force Reconnaissance Company on deployment in Australia on Sep. 11th, 2001, he and his men soon found themselves in Afghanistan battling the Taliban. In 2003 he was selected to serve as a team leader in the first Marine Corps unit assigned to U.S. Special Operations Command —Detachment-1. Det -1’s 2004 Iraq deployment solidified the Marines’ place in special operations and led to the formation of the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC). John received his MFA in creative writing from the University of North Carolina - Wilmington in 2018. John continues to train Marine Raiders, and he provides leadership training and performance coaching through his company, Walking Point LLC. He lives in Hubert, North Carolina with his wife, Tracy.  A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here! Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.  MORE Podcast Title From The Green Notebook
Podcast Description Named for the ubiquitous government-issued, hardcover notebooks seen in the hands of servicemembers worldwide - This podcast dives into the notebooks of military leaders, business professionals, authors, and entertainers to examine lessons that will help listeners lead with the best version of themselves.MORE Hosts Joe Byerly, Dan
Guest John Dailey
Producer/Network Joe Byerly
Email ****@fromthegreennotebook.com
Apple Rating 4.9/5Facebook 11.6KTwitter 4.8K Avg Length 65 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

3. S6 E8 - John Dailey — Forging the Foundation of MARSOC

Follow Play Jun 18, 2025 1:04:33
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About Episode ?️ Before there was MARSOC, there was Det One — a hand-picked Marine unit tasked with proving that the Corps could integrate into U.S. Special Operations Command. And at the center of that mission was Force Recon Marine and plank holder John Dailey. In this episode, John joins SOFcast to talk about his journey from rural Virginia to becoming a team leader in Det One — and how that experimental unit would ultimately pave the way for what we now know as Marine Raiders. He shares how the Recon community bridged the gap into SOCOM, how his team picked their operators by reputation and character, and what it meant to fight for validation in the early days of the GWOT. Now a civilian shaping the next generation of Raiders, John reflects on the formation of the MARSOC training pipeline, the difference between institutional memory and adaptive thinking, and why “tough, rugged bastards with hard feet” still matter in tomorrow’s fight. This is a story about standing something up from scratch — and then standing by it for two decades. Listen now. #SOFcast #QuietProfessionals #MARSOC #ForceRecon #VeteranVoices #SpecialOperations #Leadership #JohnDailey #DetOne #RaiderHeritageMORE Podcast Title SOFcast
Podcast Description SOFcast is the official podcast of U.S. Special Operations Command. Listen to members of America's elite special operations forces discuss leadership, overcoming challenges, and current issues for the force. Hear from special operations personnel like Navy SEALs, Army Green Berets, Army Rangers, Marine Raiders, Air Force Special Operators, pilots, medics, communicators, and more!MORE Host Matt Parrish
Guest John Dailey
Producer/Network USSOCOM
Email ****@taskforcedagger.org
Apple Rating 4.8/5Facebook 386KTwitter 170.9KInstagram 333.1K Avg Length 68 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

4. John "White Hawk" Dailey

Follow Play Apr 28, 2025 47:34
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About Episode In this raw field interview John Dailey sheds light on the Battle of Point Pleasant, Thunderbird Legends, and the murder and origin of the curse of Chief Cornstalk.  John is a distant relative to Chief Cornstalk and is Chief of the Middle Island Creek people in Northwestern, West Virginia. MORE Podcast Title Eyes of the Mothman The Podcast
Podcast Description Eyes of the Mothman is a critically acclaimed documentary feature film produced by Red Line Studios and directed by Matthew J. Pellowski. It is known for being one of the most thorough, expansive, and exhaustively journalistic approaches to the subject matter known as the "Mothman sightings" that took place in Point Pleasant, West Virginia during the late 1960s. This podcast is a compilation of the uncut raw interviews with the eye witnesses, specialists, and experts featured in the documentary.MORE Guest John Dailey
Avg Length 67 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

5. Tough Rugged Bastards

Follow Play Apr 16, 2025 2:14:50
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About Episode John Dailey is a United States Marine Corps Special Operations veteran and the author of TOUGH RUGGED BASTARDS, a memoir detailing his time as a sniper, Force Recon Marine, and founding member of MARSOC Det One - the first USMC SOCOM unit.  After retiring in 2008, after two decades of service, John shaped the future of Marine special operations as Training and Education Branch Director at the Marine Raider Training Center.   FOLLOW JOHN Instagram:  @j.a.dailey  Facebook: @WaIkingPointOrg LinkedIn: @daileyja Website: https://www.jadailey.com/ FOLLOW JACK Instagram: @JackCarrUSA  X:  @JackCarrUSA Facebook:  @JackCarr  YouTube:  @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing - BCM Stock MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-stock-mod-3-black/  and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr  P365 Collection: P365XL with Red Dot Optic, P365, P365X-Macro, P365 Custom with True Precision, and P365 Legion. Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here: https://jackcarr.co/gear MORE Podcast Title The Jack Carr Channel
Podcast Description Go beyond the books. Jack Carr spent 20 years as a Navy SEAL, where he served as a Team Leader, Platoon Commander, Troop Commander, Task Unit Commander and a sniper. Now, he’s a speaker and the author behind the bestselling Terminal List series. Inspired by actual experiences serving in conflict areas around the world, the novels follow James Reece, a Navy SEAL who becomes embroiled in the world of conspiracies, international espionage and revenge. Now, on his new podcast Danger Close, Jack takes fans beyond the books with conversations from real-life warriors, tactical experts and fellow writers about the world of the Terminal List, real conflicts, gear and a ton more. New episodes drop every Wednesday Presented, by Sig Sauer.MORE Host Jack Carr
Guest John Dailey
Producer/Network Jack Carr
Email ****@simonandschuster.com
Apple Rating 4.9/5Facebook 178.3KInstagram 459.3K Avg Length 59 min Format Long form Get Email Contact