Former operators David Burnell and Jeffrey Denning dive into what happens to your mind and body when chaos erupts—physiologically (cortisol, adrenaline, dopamine) and practically (fight/flight/freeze, tonic immobility, decision-making under fire). Sparked by a recent attack at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints meetinghouse and Jeffrey’s conversation with 22 SAS CQB instructor Christian Craighead (the Nairobi hotel rescue), they unpack how elite training translates to civilian readiness: stress inoculation, when to hold vs push, accuracy on demand, and building a lifestyle of preparation—not paranoia.
Along the way: Nairobi lessons on small-team initiative, why some people get calmer as the danger rises, drills you can do without a “tier one” facility, and a faith-centered framework for managing fear using concentric “rings of control” (control, influence, everything else). It’s a candid, unscripted talk about courage, conscience, and competence—so you can protect what matters without losing your peace.
You’ll learn:
* How cortisol and other chemicals shape performance under stress
* Simple training ideas to build real decision speed (no hero cosplay required)
* When “wait” is the best tactic
* When surprise, speed, and violence of action save lives
* A practical, faith-anchored way to stay prepared without living in fear
Find this and other episodes from the Echo Valor Podcast by searching “Echo Valor Podcast” on your favorite podcast platform. You can also discover original music by searching “Echo Valor Music” on your favorite streaming platform, and explore books and written works by searching “David Burnell” on Amazon to visit his author page.
