From The Green Notebook
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.
Wisdom Takes Work with Ryan Holiday
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New York Times bestselling author Ryan Holiday returns to From the Green Notebook for his third conversation with Joe—this time diving into the themes of his latest and final book in the Stoic Virtues series, Wisdom Takes Work.Â
In this wide-ranging conversation, Ryan and Joe discuss the importance of curiosity, humility, and deep reflection in a world where shortcuts and surface-level thinking often dominate. They explore how writing, reading, and journaling serve as tools for developing wisdom—and how, for both leaders and creators, clarity of thought begins with clarity on pa...
The LANDEURO Talks
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This is the longest episode ever of From the Green Notebook—and for good reason. Joe brings you a special LANDEURO Talks edition of the podcast, recorded at AUSA’s inaugural LANDEURO conference in Germany back in July.
While at LANDEURO, Joe participated in both the Generation Next Forum and the Leadership Forum, hosted by the AUSA Center for Leadership. These gatherings were designed to educate, inspire, and connect leaders across the Army, NATO, and European partners. During the conference, Joe also caught up with three impressive leaders for one-on-one conversations abou...
Surviving Separation: Deployments and Relationships with Dr. Galena Rhoades
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Dr. Galena Rhoades, coauthor of Fighting For Your Marriage, returns to From the Green Notebook to talk with Joe about the strain that deployments, training, and time apart place on military marriages—and how couples can stay connected through it.
Drawing on years of research and her work helping couples strengthen relationships, Galena explains why separation creates unique challenges, how communication often falls into “just logistics,” and what it takes to keep connection alive across distance. Together, she and Joe unpack lessons that every military family can use—lessons Joe wishes he had k...
Army Directive 2025-18 with Sergeant Major of the Army
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In this special Notebook Notes episode, Joe sits down with Sergeant Major Urzua and Sergeant Major Brady to discuss the Army Directive 2025-18, with a guest appearance from Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer.
The intent behind the new Army directive and what it means for Soldiers and leadersWhy appearance reflects discipline, professionalism, and Army valuesHow commanders and NCOs are empowered to enforce standardsClarifications on what’s included—and not included—in this directiveTimelines for implementationBroader leadership insights from SMA Weimer on professionalism, trust, and readinessWhy SMA Weimer doesn't wear Army PT sho...Turning Groups into Teams: Lessons for Leaders with Dr. Colin Fisher
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Author and researcher Dr. Colin Fisher joins Joe to unpack the invisible forces that shape teams—and why leaders ignore them at their own risk.
From his book The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups Dr. Fisher shows how group dynamics are always at play, whether in a locker room, a boardroom, or on the battlefield. Together, he and Joe explore why the myth of the lone genius persists, why synergy is real but rare, and how leaders can deliberately build trust, structure, and norms that drive high-performing teams.
...How Robotics and AI Will Transform Warfare and the Future of Human Conflict with George M. Dougherty
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Military strategist and author George M. Dougherty joins Joe to unpack how robotics, AI, and precision weaponry are reshaping the future of warfare—and what history can teach us about navigating this transformation.
From his book Beast in the Machine, George traces the roots of military robotics back over a century and shows how concepts like remote-controlled systems and autonomous weapons aren’t new at all—they’ve simply advanced with technology. Together, he and Joe explore the implications of universal precision, weapon–target asymmetry, and what it means for maneuver warfare in...
Who Are You Without the Rank? A Conversation on Leader Identity with Laura Weimer
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Army officer and Harvard-trained scholar Laura Weimer joins Joe to unpack leader identity—how it’s formed, why it matters, and what happens when we never stop to question it.
From leading Soldiers in the field to earning a PhD in organizational behavior at Harvard Business School, Laura has navigated both the operational Army and academia. Along the way, she’s learned that one of the most important questions a leader can ask is: Do I want to do this job—or do I just want to be selected for it?
In...
The History of the (Green) Notebook and How It Can Change Your Life with Roland Allen
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Author Roland Allen joins Joe for a deep-dive into his book, The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper, and the surprising legacy of one of humanity’s most powerful tools: the humble notebook.
Whether it’s a green notebook in your cargo pocket, Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches, or a modern writer’s Moleskine, notebooks have shaped how people think, learn, and lead for centuries. In this fascinating conversation, Roland shares how these simple collections of thoughts, drawings, and quotes—what he calls “the first mixtape”—have been central to creativity, memo...
How We Grow up with Matt Richtel
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Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Matt Richtel joins Joe for a powerful conversation about his new book, How We Grow Up: Understanding Adolescence.
Blending neuroscience, history, and real-life stories from teens and families across the country, Matt offers a transformative understanding of adolescence—not as a problem to fix, but as a critical phase of growth. Whether you’re a parent, military leader, coach, or mentor, this conversation is packed with insight on how to support young people as they step into the most intense learning period of their lives.
Tough Rugged Bastards with John Dailey
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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 belongedWhy breath work, meditation, and reading became essential tools for combat and recoveryThe power of broad commander's intent—and how trust enables bottom-up innovationHow journaling and writing helped John process his experiences and reconnect with identity post-serviceWhy being yourself is a...Perseverance > Endurance with Blayne Smith and Brandon Young
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Army veterans and leadership experts Brandon Young and Blayne Smith join the podcast for a powerful conversation about their new book, Perseverance > Endurance: Lead with Resilience. Grow Through Adversity. Win Together.
Blending combat-tested wisdom, lived leadership experiences, and hard-earned insight from both military and civilian life, Brandon and Blayne break down what it really takes to lead through uncertainty—not just by gutting it out, but by growing through it.
In this episode, they explore:
The critical difference between endurance and perseverance—and why one leaves you tired and...Model the Courage: CSM JoAnn Naumann on Feedback, Innovation, and the NCO’s Role
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U.S. Army Special Operations Command Sergeant Major JoAnn Naumann returns to the podcast—this time from the range at Fort Bragg—for a conversation on leadership, transformation, and enabling the next generation of special operations forces.
With nearly three decades in uniform and two years as the senior enlisted leader of USASOC, CSM Naumann shares the mindset shifts, hard-won lessons, and bottom-up insights that have shaped her time in the seat.
In this episode, they explore:
Why she believes she has the best job in the...The Army’s Origin Story: Rick Atkinson on War, Leadership, and Legacy
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In this special Army Birthday Week episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson joins Joe to explore the deep roots of the U.S. Army and what its 250-year journey can teach today’s leaders. Known for his Liberation Trilogy and now two volumes into his Revolution Trilogy, Atkinson brings the American Revolution to life—warts, wonder, and all—and makes a compelling case for why understanding our founding story is essential for anyone in uniform.
In this episode, they explore:
What it was like growing up as an Army brat—and how...No More Business as Usual: Secretary Dan Driscoll on Fighting for the Force
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In this candid conversation, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll joins Joe to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to modernize a military while staying grounded in soldier-level feedback. From wrestling with “irrationality and stupidity at scale” in the Pentagon to launching the Army Transformation Initiative, Driscoll shares why he’s flipping tables—sometimes almost literally—to give soldiers the tools and trust they need to win the next fight.Â
In this episode, they explore:
How a 15-year “gap decade” in law, finance, and private equity enriched...Wandering into the Woods: Sarah Blake Morgan on Ego Death and Finding Purpose
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In this powerful conversation, award-winning journalist turned Army officer Sarah Blake Morgan joins Joe for a raw and reflective discussion on identity, purpose, and what happens when we step away from the life we always thought we wanted.
From chasing stories as a national correspondent for the Associated Press to standing in formation at Army basic training at age 31, Sarah opens up about what led her to leave a successful journalism career behind—and what she’s discovered about herself in the process.
In this episode, they explore:
The...On Character with General Stanley McChrystal
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In this powerful conversation, retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal joins Joe to discuss his new book, On Character: Choices That Define a Life. Drawing from decades of military leadership and personal reflection, General McChrystal breaks down why character is more than just a word—it's a daily practice rooted in conviction and discipline.
In this episode, they explore:
Why journaling would have made him a better leaderA practical method he used to align his time with his priorities in AfghanistanHow reading shaped his thinking both in and out of uniformThe su...It’s Not Balance, It’s Trade-Offs: Lessons in Leadership and Life with Lieutenant General Mary K. Izaguirre
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In this episode, Joe sits down with Lieutenant General Mary Izaguirre, the 46th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army and Commanding General of Army Medical Command, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, vulnerability, culture, and purpose. Drawing on over three decades of service, LTG Izaguirre shares hard-earned lessons on how to lead authentically and navigate professional complexity.
Together, they discuss the evolving role of Army Medicine, the power of modeling vulnerability, and how intentionality—not balance—is the key to managing life’s trade-offs. Joe and LTG Izaguirre cover:
Why vu...The Command Assessment Program Episode with Bob O'Brien
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In this Notebook Notes episode of From the Green Notebook, we sit down with Bob O’Brien, the Army’s lead for the Command Assessment Program (CAP), to take a deep dive into how CAP is transforming how the Army selects and develops its future leaders. Bob explains how this multi-day assessment process captures over 1,800 data points per candidate to provide a more complete picture of leadership potential—beyond what a single OER can show. Together, Bob and Joe Discuss:
How the Command Assessment Program WorksThe Importance of Self-AwarenessMyths About CAP DebunkedCommunicating Under...Wow, You Look Terrible! Parenting, Humor, and Embracing the Chaos with Danny Ricker
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In this Mother's Day episode, Joe sits down with Danny Ricker, Emmy-nominated comedy writer, producer, and author of Wow, You Look Terrible!: How to Parent Less and Live More, for a laugh-out-loud conversation on the highs and lows of parenting young kids. Drawing from both personal experience and sharp comedic insight, Danny unpacks the pressure modern parents face to do it all—and why doing less might actually be the key to doing it better.
Together, they explore:
Why parenting today often feels like a full-time personal assistant gig for un...The Army Fitness Test Episode with Command Sergeant Major Christopher Mulllinax
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In this special edition of From the Green Notebook, Joe sits down with Command Sergeant Major Christopher Mullinax from the Army’s Training Directorate to break down the most recent changes to the Army’s fitness assessment—the newly updated Army Fitness Test (AFT).
After years of collecting data from the field and listening to feedback from soldiers and leaders at all levels, the Army is rolling out a revised approach to physical fitness. CSM Mullinax explains the changes.
Joe and CSM Mullinax discusses how the Army continues to evolve...
Mastering Your Emotions with Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett
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In this episode, Joe sits down with Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a leading neuroscientist and author of How Emotions Are Made, to explore groundbreaking insights on how emotions are formed and how we can better understand and regulate them. Together, they dive deep into the science behind emotions, how the brain predicts our feelings, and how we can gain more emotional agency in our personal and professional lives. Joe and Dr. Barrett cover:
The theory of constructed emotions and how emotions are predictions, not reactionsThe role of the brain in regulating the...The Future of Airborne: A Conversation with Lieutenant General Greg Anderson
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In this special episode, Joe sits down with Lieutenant General Greg Anderson, Commanding General of XVIII Airborne Corps, to discuss one of the most significant structural changes to the airborne community in decades. With 22,000 paid parachutist positions on the table for reclassification, LTG Anderson explains the data-driven process behind the decision, what it means for readiness, and how the Army is adapting to modern operational demands.
They explore how emotional reactions to change can cloud understanding, why building consensus through transparency and method matters, and what this transformation says about leadership...
“Maybe I’m the Problem”: Leadership and Self-Deception with Victoria Trammel
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In this episode, Joe sits down with Victoria Trammel from the Arbinger Institute to explore the life-changing insights from the newly revised edition of Leadership and Self-Deception. Together, they dig into the patterns of self-justification, the emotional energy we waste on false narratives, and the practical tools leaders can use to shift from an inward to an outward mindset. Joe and Victoria cover:Â
The concept of self-deception and how it shows up in leadership and relationshipsHow “collusions” form between individuals and groups, sabotaging collaborationThe difference between being helpful and looking helpfulReal-world stories of se...Write It Down: General George on Reflection, Reading, and Readiness
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In this episode of From the Green Notebook, General Randy George, the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, returns to discuss the habits, practices, and mindset that have shaped his leadership journey. From the pocket-sized notebook he started as a field grade officer to the lessons he's learning from visiting troops and reading deeply, General George offers a candid reflection on growth, command, and staying grounded in your values.
In this conversation, they discuss:
The leadership lessons General George captured in his personal notebook and how reflection...Managing Up Without Sucking Up: Insights from Melody Wilding
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In this episode, host Joe sits down with Melody Wilding, an executive coach and author of Managing Up: How To Get What you Need From the People In Charge  to explore the dynamics of power, status, and influence in the workplace. Melody shares practical strategies for managing up effectively, not by being a sycophant, but by building stronger relationships, communicating with confidence, and navigating workplace dynamics with integrity. Together they discuss
What it really means to “manage up” (Hint: it’s not about being a suck-up)Why proximity to power can distort your fo...Understanding the Military Culture Shift with Corie Weathers
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In this episode, Joe welcomes Corie Weathers, licensed professional counselor, author, and expert on military culture, to explore the shifting landscape of service, leadership, and the personal challenges faced by military members and their families. Corie shares insights from her latest book, Military Culture Shift, offering her thoughts on the past 20 years of war and what it means for the future of the force.
Together, they discuss the key moments and lessons that shape military service, leadership, and personal well-being, including:
How the Global War on Terror shaped an entire...Building a Hall of Fame Life: David Baker on Sports, Service, and Significance
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In this episode, Joe welcomes David Baker, former President & Executive Director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, to explore leadership, legacy, and the values that shape extraordinary careers. David shares lessons from his time working with NFL legends, his deep respect for the military, and his latest mission to impact youth sports.
Together, they discuss the key moments and insights that shaped his career, offering valuable takeaways for...
Breaking the Myth of the Charismatic Leader with Sam Walker
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In this episode, Joe welcomes Sam Walker, author of The Captain Class: A New Theory of Leadership, to dive into the world of leadership and team dynamics. Sam shares the surprising insights from his 11 years of research, studying over 25,000 teams since the 1880s, to uncover what truly makes teams great and sustains their success.
Together, they explore the counterintuitive behaviors and traits that separate extraordinary leaders from the rest...
The Science of Better Conversations with Alison Wood Brooks
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In this episode, Joe welcomes Harvard professor and author Alison Wood Brooks to discuss her groundbreaking book, Talk: The Science and Art of Being Ourselves. Together, they explore the science behind conversations and how they shape our personal and professional lives.
Alison introduces her TALK framework—Topics, Asking, Levity, Kindness—providing actionable strategies to improve communication. She shares why talking can feel so cognitively demanding, the myth of natural char...
Leading with Purpose: A Conversation with Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth
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The 25th Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth joins Joe for a candid conversation about leadership, self-awareness, and the evolving challenges of guiding the largest branch of the U.S. military. With over three decades of experience in national security, she shares her expectations for Army leaders, the importance of self-development, and why critical thinking and communication skills are essential for success at the highest levels.
Secretary Wormuth also...
Rich McGuinness- More Than A Game: Lessons on Character and Legacy
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Joe sits down with Rich McGuinness, the visionary founder of the U.S Army Bowl, to discuss how football is more than just a game—it’s a catalyst for building character, shaping lives, and creating lasting impact.
Rich shares the inspiring journey of how he turned a bold idea into one of the nation’s most iconic high school football events, showcasing All-Americans from around the country and touchi...
J. Furman Daniel III- Blood, Mud, and Oil Paint
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Joe Byerly sits down with Furman Daniel, author of Blood, Mud, and Oil Paint: The Remarkable Year That Made Winston Churchill. Together, they explore a transformative year in Churchill’s life—a time of political humiliation, personal reinvention, and the development of five life-changing gifts, including painting, friendship, and a modern perspective on warfare. Furman shares how Churchill’s resilience and adaptability during his darkest days laid the foundation for his iconic...
Dr. Galena Rhoades- Fighting For Your Marriage
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In this episode, Joe Byerly sits down with Dr. Galena Rhoades, co-author of Fighting for Your Marriage, to explore the essential skills needed for strong, lasting relationships. Drawing from her extensive research, Dr. Rhoades shares practical insights on improving communication, navigating conflict, and rekindling connection. They discuss the unique challenges faced by military couples, the importance of being intentional in marriage, and how to address hidden issues beneath everyday disagreements. Dr...
Command Sergeant Major Walter J. Zajkowski- On Leading Yourself
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In this episode, Joe Byerly talks with CSM Walter J. Zajkowski, Senior Enlisted Leader of Special Operations Command Pacific. With 30 years of service, CSM Zajkowski reflects on his journey from young Ranger to senior leader, sharing lessons on leadership growth, feedback, and learning from both great and challenging leaders.
Key topics include:
The role of ego in leadership and how embracing tough assignments can lead to transformation.The...Stephen Riggio- The Tale of the Beati Paoli
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In this episode, Joe sits down with Stephen Riggio, former CEO of Barnes & Noble, to uncover the personal journey that led him to translate Sicilian Avengers, an epic historical novel set in 18th-century Sicily. But this is more than a conversation about a book—it's a story of deep roots, personal loss, and a quest to rediscover purpose.
Stephen opens up about reconnecting with his Sicilian heritage alongside hi...
General Randy A. George- Transforming in Contact
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The 41st Chief of Staff of the Army invites Joe to the Pentagon for a discussion on innovation, leadership, and the continuous transformation needed to keep the Army at the forefront of modern warfare. General George shares insights from his recent experiences leading the Army through complex changes, touching on battlefield innovation, training at combat training centers, and how leaders at every level must embrace risk to drive progress. In this...
Joseph McCormack- How to Quit Being a Scattered Leader
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Joe McCormack returns to the show to discuss his newest book: Quiet Works: Making Silence the Secret Ingredient of the Workday . Together, Joe and Joe explore how quiet time enhances leadership, reduces distractions, and improves communication. They share insights on managing workplace noise, the balance between collaboration and focus, and practical strategies to help leaders and teams achieve clarity and purpose through intentional quiet moments. They also discuss:
Chase Jarvis- Quit Playing it Safe!
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In this episode, Joe welcomes Chase Jarvis, a creative powerhouse, entrepreneur, and author of Never Play It Safe. Chase shares how his own journey, from professional soccer aspirations to becoming a world-renowned photographer, taught him that real growth happens on the other side of fear. Together, they dive into actionable strategies for reclaiming creativity, focusing your attention, and leveraging failure as a tool for success. Joe and Chase also discuss:
Jack Carr- The Untold Origin Story of the War on Terror
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Joe Byerly welcomes back Jack Carr, former Navy SEAL and bestselling author to discuss his first nonfiction work, Targeted Beirut, which explores the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, a pivotal moment in U.S. military history and the War on Terror. Together, they discuss the strategic missteps, the human toll of national security decisions, and the lessons that remain relevant for military leaders today. Jack and Joe also cover:
Erin Wade- Mac & Cheese, Mental Health, and Managing Teams
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Erin Wade, founder and former CEO of Homeroom, a mac-and-cheese restaurant in Oakland, to discuss her latest book: The Mac and Cheese Millionaire: Building a Better Business by Thinking Outside the Box and her journey from being an unfulfilled attorney to a successful entrepreneur. Erin opens up about the lessons learned while building a company culture that balances freedom with structure, and how she turned her passion into a thriving...
