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Black Rifle Coffee Podcast#300 - Rowing Across the Atlantic - Brian Chontosh
This week on the BRCC Podcast Evan hosts Brian Chontosh. Brian is a retired United States Marine Corps officer, Navy Cross Recipient for his heroic efforts during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Brian also started the Big Fish Foundation (BFF), an organization with a mission "to enhance Veteran’s lives by reconnecting them to fundamental principles of service in order to reemphasize accountability towards each other through shared common purpose in a campaign to improve psychological wellness, effectively manage post traumatic/combat stress, and prevent suicide. In order to spread awareness for the Big Fish Foundation. Brian and 3 Nav...
2024-01-172h 23
Curious & CandidBrian Chontosh: Founder of Crooked ButterflyEpisode 4 of C & C features the Founder of Crooked Butterfly, Brian Chontosh!
Brian is a man of many endeavors. He is a retired Marine Officer who was awarded the Navy Cross. Brian is also the founder of Crooked Butterfly and the Big Fish Foundation.
Brian and I have a great conversation on this episode of the podcast, we discuss: leadership, military takeaways, CrossFit, Ego, Boulder, and more!
Connect with Brian:
https://www.instagram.com/tosh.crookedbutterfly/
Connect with C & C:
https...
2023-04-121h 12Curious & CandidBrian Chontosh: Founder of Crooked ButterflyEpisode 4 of C & C features the Founder of Crooked Butterfly, Brian Chontosh!
Brian is a man of many endeavors. He is a retired Marine Officer who was awarded the Navy Cross. Brian is also the founder of Crooked Butterfly and the Big Fish Foundation.
Brian and I have a great conversation on this episode of the podcast, we discuss: leadership, military takeaways, CrossFit, Ego, Boulder, and more!
Connect with Brian:
https://www.instagram.com/tosh.crookedbutterfly/
Connect with C & C:
https...
2023-04-121h 12
The More You Give with Jackie Barnum4- Leading with Compassion with Brian ChontoshJackie reconnects with her Company Officer from the Naval Academy, Major Brian Chontosh. Together they talk about the importance of authenticity and compassion as a leader and how to inspire others to have a growth mindset.
02:40 Brian’s experience as a Company Officer at USNA
05:10 Compassionate leadership
05:40 Jackie reminiscing about her service selection
08:20 The Marine Corps is a collection of personalities
12:00 Challenge your people where they are
16:30 Everyone is on their own growth trajectory
21:00 Leading with compassion
22:30 Crooked Butterfly origins
26:30 Dealing wi...
2022-05-0446 min
Combat Leadership PodcastBrian Chontosh - Part 1Brian Chontosh is a retired United States Marine, and served as both an enlisted man and commissioned officer. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. Standby for some incredibly valuable insights from this superb combat leader! Find out more about www.crookedbutterfly.com Find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-chontosh-3128215b/
2021-06-291h 37
War Stories with Preston and SayrePart II - 2003 Invasion of Iraq (1stLt Brian Chontosh, Al Diwaniyah Ambush)25MAR2003: Pushing north to Baghdad, 1stLt Brian Chontosh and the Marines in his CAAT platoon were leading the charge along Highway 1. Expecting enemy resistance, Chontosh's platoon as well as Marine tanks, stepped out ahead of RCT-5 to clear the path.
Nearing Ad Diwaniyah, the Marines focused on a berm alongside the road. Before long, the enemy attacked. An estimated battalion sized enemy force opened fire at close range with RPGs, machine guns, and small arms. All up and down the line, RCT-5 was engaged in close combat.
Positioned right behind friendly tanks, 1stLt Chontosh and his HMM...
2020-12-0329 min
Crooked Butterfly PodcastReal Time Self TalkI started the episode absolutely lost and absent, but just needed to get into it. What came out was on the spot self talk on getting through a 'moment'.
2020-09-0217 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastFrom Being Recharged to Max Drain RateJust getting off a great hunting trip in MT with amazing people and feeling renewed in spirit and humanity to being reconnected to the word and absolute disgust.What is going on!?
2020-08-2627 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastSelf Awareness as a FaultI'm finding that sometimes (unwittingly) our self awareness is what holds us back or provides excuses.It's the same as labels or stereotypes having an affect on us to only be just that. Except it is something we do to ourselves due to experiences and self awareness.Stop reinforcing who you are for the sake of who you are?
2020-08-1225 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastFighting Tasks & Burning WoodTalking out loud how it's easy to get buried and start to feel paralyzed by mounting tasks. I have some strategies that I try to ply and am aware at where I succeed, fall trap, and regress.Most of all, I am not allowing myself to look at others who make it seem easy or suggest they aren't actively managing the same issues and think there is something wrong with me or that I'm broken.The 4 hour week week is bullsh*t.
2020-08-0623 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastLoss of Accountability & Fear of ConfrontationHolding each other (ourselves) Accountable is NOT at odds with Tolerance, Patience, Understanding, or Forgiveness. In fact, it is ESSENTIAL in the process of growth & goodness.Podcasts links where I was a guest this week:The Sit Down w/ Sander Segershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yhb7zn8nQQThe Resilient Life w/ Ryan Manionhttps://ryanmanion.com/podcasts/The WFO Life w/ LtCol Story & Dr Curtishttps://wfolifepodcast.com/2020/07/24/ep-050-interview-brian-chontosh-doing-hard-things-pushing-margins-to-find-ourselves/Trail Runner Nation w/ Don and Scott [ Ep 480 & 482 ]...
2020-07-2931 min
WFO Life PodcastEp 050: Interview, Brian ChontoshIn this episode WFO LIFE Podcast, we interview Brian Chontosh. Retired Marine, Navy Cross, and Bronze Star recipient, ultra-endurance athlete, podcaster, and all-around bad-ass. Brian is the embodiment of a growth mindset and has a strong heart for service. This interview is packed full of powerful insights on life, struggle, failure, and purposefully choosing adversity to encourage growth.Topics CoveredBrian Chontosh BioWhy did he join the Marine Corps (Enlisted and Officer)The value of attempting hard things (success and failure)Giving credit, taking...
2020-07-241h 09Crooked Butterfly PodcastA Few Things I PracticeThis week I put together a few things that I keep in my pocket and always try to practice. They likely seem trite, but for me they transfer into success in many others areas.If you spend the time doing the easy stuff consistently and having it ingrained in your character, it makes the once in a while hard stuff much less hard.
2020-07-1532 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastRespect & LoyaltyLoyalty isn't simply given or granted. It can't be asked for, demanded, or bribed. Loyalty is earned through Mutual Respect. It is predicated on Trust.Anyone who plays the "loyalty card" under any circumstance is suspect. They will often shroud some sort of personal interest or character flaw/deficiency with some sort of appeal; another indicator to dig into some critical thinking and evaluation.
2020-07-0822 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastThresholds & ResponsesTake 2 on this episode. I needed to re-center and communicate with less frustration.No summary. Just listen.
2020-07-0254 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastLoud & Self Righteous = Red FlagA bit of a rant that was supposed to stay metered and simply use an example to articulate a way I am thinking about people who peacock their self righteousness or call to action.Boycotting is not a tool of the mature & informed that is used as a first resort. Not even a second or third. It is usually more of an almost last resort.Every time I see someone broadcasting loud and raising their hand hard & high about how they are standing against some injustice - it's a cautionary red flag. I already know 2...
2020-06-2444 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastIt's All In Your HeadProcessing Diesel Day ‘Grit Check’ to make the parallel between athletic endeavor and challenges of a Veteran.Current brain fodder:"How Will You Measure Your Life?" ~Clayton Christensen
2020-06-1735 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastUncertain TimesJust coming out of our Big Fish Foundation fundraiser event and into the CrossFit confusion. All of course amidst Covid-19 and the George Floyd injustices.I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling adrift. But here is where my head is at and how I am working through staying sturdy.
2020-06-1023 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastRebufferingI needed to sort through a few things about popularity, fitting in, and trying to get inclusion with the 'noticeable crowd' vs focusing on the crowd you have that accepts you and shares the more connected experiences. Lately, I think I've just fallen a little prey to the social media influence trap. It's just time resettle back in and acknowledge the great stuff right at hand with each other.
2020-06-0317 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastThoughts Post Memorial DayI recognize I'm a little off still, but Memorial Day is hard for me. I try to explain why.
2020-05-2715 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastDon't Feed the FoxDoing a little clean up from last week's episode after a few messages and comments in response. To punctuate - my overarching ambition of last week's dialogue was to inspect myself and look for ways to protect against falling into the trap of being expert, authority, finding positional privilege, mastery, greater experience, or whatever to the point that I lose a sense of humility and kindness towards others. There are many slippery little slopes to tumble down if you aren't aware of your footing.But, the major goal of this week was to talk about my standpoint...
2020-05-1437 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastMachinations of Manipulation & Self ImportAfter listening to this over I feel like I was a bit frenetic and not quite articulate in taking my thoughts into specifics. But, it's posted and I feel there are multiple layers of messaging.1st. I gave up FoxNews and CNN in favor of a few more 'less manipulative' media sources. I couldn't have found a better start to settling into some inner quiet again and affording myself the opportunity to think freely/ engagingly.2nd. Stanford Prison Experiment of 1971. The psychological effects of perceived power. https://www.prisonexp.org/ After watching countless v...
2020-05-0726 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastHow Do You Eat an Elephant?I suspect that for many who seek the motivational something somethings to help them find purpose, set goals, find success... that they really aren't wired to adopt the standard over played clichés of Goal Setting and whatnot. If they were, they wouldn't need those very same motivationals repeatedly?The same would hold true I suppose for the contrast. But, for me, 'one bite at a time' mentality and processes work as so much more a better strategy/ reminder. It helps with initiation, sustainment, expectation management, staying present, and positivity.Task Accomplishment vs Process Enjoyment
2020-04-2922 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastIs It Chatter, or Is It CommunicationToo many small instances this past week where I find myself looking back and thinking I wasn't communicating quite well.I deliberately phrase it this way instead of - 'I was misunderstood' or 'Somebody else wasn't listening'.I want to be responsible not only for my words that come out, but also for the manner that they arrive in another's head.Also, came across a really cool "House Rule" from @nicchristensen for her family:"#2 Don't hurt your own feelings." Spending some time in my head with this one; wonderful.
2020-04-2320 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastMy Week of Self CorrectionAfter a little pity party and negativity last week, I work through out loud how I processed and where I'm at today.Let's not confuse freedoms, rights & liberties with privileges, comforts, conveniences, wants, & desires. Especially not without a firm and healthy arrival at responsibilities, obligations, & duties or absent common decency, courtesy, integrity, patience, and release of entitlement.
2020-04-1542 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastDay One, Dollar ZeroI'm embarrassed to even upload this "sound event". I don't even want to call it a podcast. My intentions were to re-direct everyone to a Podcast I recorded with Will & Eli a day before with very little other than a quick explanation why I didn't feel ready to record this week.Then, I felt that it wouldn't be authentic of me to scrub and curate my own thoughts when that is exactly opposite of being open and real.I went back and listened to myself today ( a day late on my regular Wednesday publish ) and...
2020-04-1014 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastLeading During Hardship & UncertaintyAudio File of a video podcast we did to discuss leadership during these uncertain and stressful times.Leadership, Management, and Authority are not synonymous and it doesn't mean the three must co-exist. All three are essential components in life, are usually inter related, but not dependants.Three things that are largely consistent across most scenarios/situations that we can especially invite into our leading behavior are:-Consistency of personality and manner-Maintaining routines and innovating how they are executed-Listening & Leveraging (discernment between emotional vs rational, facts & opinions, and to avoid conditioning...
2020-04-011h 00Crooked Butterfly PodcastDeterrence vs DisciplineA few quick thoughts on increasing punishment (in both severity & quantity; with credibility) to prevent criminal activity. Rebalancing the risk vs gain ratio and recalibrating incentive to reward rehabilitation.I would much rather deter someone from breaking into my home than have to realize the damage and loss and then the hassle of catching and reconciling the activity.What if we adopted this mindset into other aspects of our way of life and leadership? Because right now the general prevail is opposite and that is a function contributing to many problems in our society, i...
2020-03-2516 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastJust be a Team PlayerAt a certain point, the last thing needed is someone sowing seeds of discord. Especially not from a position untempered from personal, petty, selfish, or whatever discontent position.In times of exception, the only thing to do is be part of the solution and support; however large or small. Criticism and challenge and narrow conversation are absolutely not needed. There can be a time for that post event, but it isn't midstream the execution. And beginning anew or reinvention of an 80% solution is absurd. The use of constructive conversation and perspective sharing (opinions - personal or...
2020-03-1829 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastMeaning Making Doesn't Have to be Always IntenseYou ever feel like something is wrong with you because you aren't super intense about goal setting, meaning making, or finding your purpose? Lately it seems there is such tremendous focus on living a purpose filled life, leadership, knowing your why, etc... that I get distracted from just living and enjoying the moment. The intensity and passion around all of this must be full steam or you aren't living up to your potential.I think there is value in chilling out and enjoying the moment as well. Returning to balance. Being normal again with the understanding that...
2020-03-1117 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastStop Stooping to the Lowest Common DenominatorUphold the standards of class and dignity that you expect from others. Or, want to see from the world. Regardless of the disappointing reality of what is. Be the ideology, as best you can, and put money in the bank to invest in a better reality.Stay the High Ground.It's too easy to allow cute little phrases and sayings to guile you into acting less than you are. For example, fight how they fight, eye for an eye, war is hell, hit harder and get hit less, etc. Stop looking for excuses & r...
2020-03-0419 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastPremeditating Thoughts at the DeathbedWhy is it that everyone asks for forgiveness at Death's doorstep? Wouldn't the time to prevent needing forgiveness be now? Through changed behavior?Maybe a better question would be - why do we allow people on their deathbed to be absolved of their bullshit when they have known better their whole loves? And chose not to change?It's all about comfort - for them and for us.Change requires Need. Want helps. Want can instigate. Want can sometimes be successful. But Need is absolute.Thought instigators this week:"At some...
2020-02-2624 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastEmbrace Stress to Empower ItI found myself falling into the trap of trying to seek comfort and escape from some recent daily stress; because I have the means, 'outs', and luxury to. And I am unravelling the more and more I opt to seek quick comfort fixes. That's the problem, we are creatures of conditioning. In both directions: positive (progress) and negative (regress). You develop skills, mechanisms, and strategies to cope with stress when you force yourself to deal with it. Not run away from it. It's time under tension that builds strength.Stop opening the fridge at the...
2020-02-1920 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastCalling Myself OutToo many little pokes here and there this week to not just dig into something in the moment.Peeling back some layers to what it means "not to fall in love with your own bullshit".From taking 'undue credibility', not correcting the truth, humility, self awareness, character, image management, ... to just simply being an ignorant, arrogant, self promoting, audacious load.
2020-02-1236 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastLeaving a LegacyI started up a conversation with myself on a long drive home; instigated, again, by: The First Agreement, listening to a Sam Harris interview w/ David Whyte, a Jordan Petersen quote about Character, and triggered by a few notable personalities stealing the truth about who they are through the use of feasible bullshit. Should I leave behind a legacy, what would it be, how would it be described?Spoiler alert - it would have very little to say about accomplishments or provide a list of 'been there done thats'.Thought instigators this week:
2020-02-0526 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastMind Your NarrativeSpending time digging into the 1st Agreement from "The Four Agreements". #1 Be Impeccable w/ Your Word.My mind has been racing all over from tell the truth, develop a vocabulary, positive self talk, be kind (honest/direct) towards others, reframing... I'm brought into something that I've read and listened to Jordan Peterson talk about in his "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos." Rule 10 - Be precise with your word.I've just been struggling a little about not reinforcing the negative moments, not relying on the last positive moment, and how to...
2020-01-2929 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastMaybe It's Just Me, I Suspect Not Though.Digging in on some weird tosh psychological stuff here in how my response to certain things tune me.I'm not going to summarize as I hope everyone listens. A short synopsis will not do anything justice this week and I would likely dilute/ distort my message.Two thought move instigators for me this week:Quote-"Forgiveness is the scent the violet gives off to the heel that has crushed it." ~Mark TwainBook-"Wild at Heart" ~John Eldredge https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_at_Heart_(book)
2020-01-2242 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastSo... You're Different and Have a Problem?I'm tiptoeing here and over the last few weeks around trying to get after some direct straight talk on suicide. In my head it all circles back and forth around hyper sensitivity, entitlement, the effort to be different, and a desire/need to have a problem for identity. Maybe it is all just a sense or enmesh of validation?I had to start talking it aloud because I was getting lost in my own head. As with all concepts, I suppose, it's best to start with a broad conversation and generalization and then work inward to...
2020-01-1535 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastIf You Want / Need to be Weak, Go Sit in the CornerPeople have problems. It is normal, natural, and psychologically healthy - to have and process them.It is absurd to need them for Identity. It feels like the world is growing where everyone needs to have problems, have them recognized, and even goes to the extent of encouraging them. Like, if you don't have a problem and are not sharing it there is something wrong with you. It's a reinforcing cycle of weakness and inevitable downfall.Isn't there room to just be and accept what is. To be able to give some feedback...
2020-01-0733 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastResolutions, Compromise, Calling Out Bullshit, SuccessHappy New Year and Welcome to Season 2!I started out with a plan to dig into a few ideas I've been chewing on for weeks. Then I went off script and into a few things more pertinent to the day and a runoff from there. Resolutions are suspect; just another way to eventually break a contract with ourselves and further reinforce that it's ok to do so. Then, it bleeds into other behaviors.Compromises are cute ways of giving yourself an out or told you so. Decisions are the word choice....
2020-01-0128 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastConfrontation Default ResetJust back from an amazing total reset vacation and the contrast back into 'regular' life made me recognize how many subtle signals we're saturated with that keeps pushing us towards confrontation default.
2019-12-1828 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastCrooked Butterfly Podcast 2020We're going to start off struggling out loud about last weeks episode ad how not satisfied I was (am still in this moment as I type this) with it.Then, we are going to dig into stepping up to the plate with a little more effort and intent moving forward.Next season's podcast is going to have some more structure to it. Some guests, direct leadership statements/discussion, continued ramble sessions, and some challenges. Looking forward to receiving any input from listeners.
2019-12-1118 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastBigFish Foundation (BFF)This episode isn't ultimately about announcing the non-profit we're launching as much as it is about the why, how, and what driving me to do it. I have a tendency to think small. Or maybe better stated - not think big; big enough. It's weird, because during my career I prized myself as seeing a little more robust. When I really think about it, it's that I don't think big enough picture when it comes to myself and endeavors. Then, if I do, I find myself waffling on whether it's a good idea or too much or n...
2019-12-0420 min
Project WarmanBrian ChontoshOn Episode 100 I sit down with Brian Chontosh aka Tosh. Brian is a retired USMC Infantry Officer who now works on the CrossFit HQ staff, competes in ultramarathon races, is an avid outdoor adventurer and now, Podcaster. Brian was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
I truly hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
Everyday People. Life-changing Stories. This Up Before You.
Go check out https://www.crookedbutterfly.com/
Go to https://stonocreekapothecary.com/ and use code, "UpBeforeYou" at check out...
2019-11-2856 minCrooked Butterfly Podcast'The Hard Way' commentsWe recently released the full length video of "The Hard Way". Super happy with how it turned out and how every time I watch it, I'm brought brings back into the moment. To reflect and grow from the thoughts, emotions, and overall experience.This episode just talks a little about what the intent was and drifts into some thoughts about how I tackle challenge, life, and design events. Some of the why.Many thanks to Preston Smith, Jonathon Mayfield, and Con Williamson for supporting capturing the real and authentic aspects of the process.h...
2019-11-2840 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastHey, Tommy Tough Nuts...Working through getting into when the programmed aggression / tough guy mode needs to be switched over to patient / prudent. Like, at what age or career progression through life is it time to start evolving through an anger originated behavior pattern. At what point do you start to be the tired cliche and marginalize your own effectiveness?Be the man you needed twenty years ago for someone else today. Hey Commander or Colonel or First Sergeant or COO or whatever, isn't it time to stop being all "operator" asshole aggro and tough nuts? It's a conversation I...
2019-11-2032 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastFilling a Hole or Making it DeeperEntertaining a question received from a friend about the endurance events I enjoy so much. ~paraphrasing~When you commit and find yourself consumed with participating in these endurance events, are you trying to fill a hole and do you end up making it deeper?I think the question is answered differently for everyone. And the conversation can be applied to more 'obsessions' or 'passions' than just endurance sports.I'm a fan of balance. Drifting to one side or the other from time to time but generally coming back to center. It's when y...
2019-11-1321 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastToughness through TeamworkIt's a simple conversation about how putting others first over your superficial personal needs will make you tough.Deciding not to do a write up about this one. Just listen.
2019-11-0626 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastThe Truth - Because, not If"The truth hurts because you let it"I overheard someone say this the other day and I found it curious. I also found it oddly coincidental given some feedback and conversation about last week's podcast and calling out bullshit. I don't think the truth hurts 'IF' you let it. It hurts 'BECAUSE' you let it. That suggests ownership of your actions/ decisions/ judgment before a controllable "oops" happens. Not a mechanism of control after the fact.But, seems like these days people generally tend towards a desire to control others as it relates t...
2019-10-3011 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastThoughts from the Cheap SeatsIn response to a handful of messages, reach outs, and conversations regarding my IG post on Big Talkers.I've been occupied in my head and heart for a few weeks actually, going back to another post I made about Tough Guys.The world is made up of a wonderful spectrum of characters. All with their 'flavor'. Whether I like a flavor or not isn't the discussion, rather it's the thought processes that go on about the why and why different.I do my best to be free of judgment and open to consideration...
2019-10-2356 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastThe Message isn't about HuntingI didn't intend to ramble on for 20 minutes about hunting. And I didn't completely. There are a few spots in here where I digress (or progress?) into a message. I jut didn't punctuate it or capstone it in a final thought stream.Do what you do passionately; with intention and authenticity. Stay vigilante that you don't create narratives that foster and support your own bullshit. Do what you do with integrity and be absent at the table of other's judgment.
2019-10-1624 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastSelf Examination on My Coarse Side of LeadershipDuring this past hunting trip I spent countless hours soul searching the harsher aspects of my leadership / personality style. I know I'm not exactly easy to work for; for many reasons and although not necessarily at all times. I struggle with communicating. Not communicating what to do or how to do it, but rather communicating the thought processes and bigger picture. Not communicating the decision analysis, considerations, and planning. I also struggle with "happy to glad" changes and "idea factories".I default to decide and execute, which can get fussy for others because I...
2019-10-0923 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastA Short Conversation on Why, Again.I just wanted to remind myself aloud to reinforce who I want to be beyond this privacy of my office and microphone.Not a know it all, not an aggressive opinionated prick, and not someone who isn't looking to learn and refine.I share via this podcast in hopes to help people learn to think and ask themselves questions.The podcast I was referring to was Will Grimes and Day One Dollar Zero.Pre-recorded.
2019-10-0213 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastNew Quote Relating to Mood & the MomentI came across a post on Instagram from @powerofspeech that is a great way of articulating not allowing your mood majority vote; like I like to say."Don't exchange what you want most for what you want in the moment."This leads me to circle around and tie conversations about "actions speak louder than words" and "the path to happiness lies through discipline".They are all interwoven. Pre-recorded.
2019-09-2515 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastLife Doesn't Get in the Way, It is the WayThis past week I realized I had been getting tense, off balanced, or stressed about things to a greater alarm than typical. Some events planned, some spontaneous, and others happening to me. I found myself using a variation of a phrase that never felt really proper: "Life got in the way."So, this podcast takes the opportunity to improv the topic even though I've only half digested it in the past and was planning on discussing at some point down the road.Also, don't make choices in life - make decisions. There is a...
2019-09-1813 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastLoyaltyI get a little long in the tooth reminiscing on a formative lesson I learned early on in my Marine Corps career regarding loyalty. It started the process of really thinking about the deeper and finer aspects of relationship bonds vs right & wrong and detangling emotions, convenience, sympathy, laziness, mood, etc... when trying to rationalize.I wanted to use the specifics of a family situation but felt it would be too insulting or, at minimum, cause hurt through exposing circumstance. But, I think we can say the conversation is planted well enough for each their own to...
2019-09-1128 min
First Class Fatherhood#238 Brian Chontosh
Episode 238 Brian ‘Tosh’ Chontosh is a First Class Father and Retired United States Marine. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. His platoon was ambushed and Tosh aggressively attacked an entrenched enemy position killing at least 20 enemies and wounding many others. In this Episode, Brian Chontosh talks about becoming a young father while on deployment, how his parenting mindset has shifted over the years, his philosophy on raising children to be free thinkers, the challenges and benefits of being a long distance Dad, his plans for the future and so much more. He also...
2019-09-1130 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastThrowing a Few Things Out ThereA collection of half developed comments that popped up while on the road the last 12days. It all revolves around what I'm trying to identify as a root cause to some of the problems we face in our lives today. My identifying isn't to find fault and fix blame, it's more to build a set of items for self investigation into where I add to the problem in my life and where I can start to repair.
2019-09-0418 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastDelivering an Authentic YouI started out not really having anything much to dig through this week. This led me into trying to develop something for an audience to 'please them powerfully' and it felt less than right. It then related into trying to be someone that we assume another wants us or would like us to be. Pleasing others in a sort. I make an attempt to pick at that a little and appreciate why personal authenticity is pretty special.
2019-08-2818 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastWhat the Airport Teaches MeThis episode started out as a small mini rant, absent strong emotion, and evolved into a reflection. I'm determined to remain tolerant, compassionate, considerate, respectful, and courteous regardless of what is going on for me. Having a sense of personal awareness and social presence seems lost on too many too often.
2019-08-2126 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastRiding through a Rough SetHey man, super fragile in sharing this. Not looking for fixes, ideas, pity, sympathy, judgment, help, motivation, worry, or anything. Simply needed to open up and share.My hesitation mostly comes from now, interactions with anyone who has listened will be altered - tedious or over sensitive and awkward.I do have a renewed idea of what my role is in support of others in managing the very same.
2019-08-1428 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastRecalibrating Judgment & CriticismI've recognized that I'm pretty critical and judgmental in identifying others' manner recently. It pops up in my thoughts more and more frequently and is less protected through my language than it has been before. Now, I am hyper aware of how it manifests in my advice I try to offer when queried or how I may be unduly reinforcing the same negative patterns in others. At a minimum, I am being unfair to those I am being critical of.There's room for different manners in execution that can still be authentic and purposeful even though they...
2019-08-0721 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastWhere's the Leadership?Finding myself frustrated with the Government and the loss of civility & collegiality in Politics. It amazes me that there is such an absence in fundamental Leadership and Humanity among the elected to represent the People and Country.And the Media's role in manipulating, sensationalizing, polarizing and preying on the common citizen.
2019-07-3135 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastWhy try so hard to be an Extra?I hope everyone gets through the false close and into the last 90sec thought.Talking my way through my desire to be an extra on someone else's set vs spending more energy on my own main character. Despite trying to bullshit myself that I am fine or don't, there are a handful of indicators and signals that I'm in fault.I feel repurposed and energized moving forward after this one.I want to be my own main character so I can author the story that sets conditions for my children and immediate loved...
2019-07-2424 min
Best Hour of Their Day | Podcast47. Brian Chontosh | Becoming a leaderBrian Chontosh is a retired Marine officer who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions in Iraq. Tosh is also one hell of a coach. Brian is a L4 CrossFit coach and part of the CrossFit seminar staff. Listen in as he talks about leadership, challenging yourself, and improving your mindset.
Support Tosh: tosh.crookedbutterfly
Rate/subscribe in Apple Podcasts!
Find us on Instagram: @besthouroftheirday + @thejasonackerman
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2019-07-191h 08Crooked Butterfly PodcastSelf Doubt Struggles and Small WInsA conversation about struggling in the moment and the awareness in it for the small win. Putting a small action together on the heels of the awareness creates a lifting sensation and opens up the opportunity to reinforce a positive pattern in the eventuality of the next struggle.
2019-07-1718 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastFamily ThoughtsWe recently returned from a cousin's wedding and a flood of memories from childhood regarding family has occupied my mind since. Mostly the greatest and fondest of sorts, but also some hard or uncomfortable ones. Along with those came a tremendous appreciation for the things that make my family so wonderful and how much I value them.I started to entertain thoughts from this on a grand scale of citizenship, working my way back to a smaller population pool to where I might start to find these same feelings. It was an open ended thought that needs...
2019-07-1028 min
Run a Profitable GymTwo-Brain Radio With Sean Woodland, Episode 8: Brian ChontoshTwo-Brain Radio With Sean Woodland, Episode 8: Brian ChontoshOn today’s episode, Sean speaks with Brian Chontosh, retired U.S. Marine and founder of Crooked Butterfly.Brian—aka "Tosh"—served 21 years in the United States Marine Corps, where he rose to the rank of Major. He received two Bronze Stars and the Navy Cross for his actions in March of 2003 during the Iraq war. He is also the founder of Crooked Butterfly, which helps people from all walks of life develop leadership skills. Brian talks with Sean about the incident for which h...
2019-07-1045 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastAnnual Madness ChallengeJust wandering around what the Annual Madness is and why I host it.I had a truly unique and remarkable experience with a cadre of peers while an instructor at the Infantry Officer Course. I was surrounded by the best of the best at our craft and pressed everyday to be better than my best. Somehow somewhere an unspoken something something developed in the way we loved and respected each other. Predicated on experiences and values and a way of professionalism that was never intentionally designed. It was incredible and I look back at those guys and...
2019-07-0344 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastStart w/ Right & Wrong and Work Your Way to CenterSo much to unpack in the episode this week.Starting out by calling myself out and then walking through Black & White to reduce Grey Area and circumstantial / exception thinking and mentality. I like being definitive at both ends of extremes and working my way inward to identify where I can spend time developing thought, consideration, and consciousness.I'm not a fan of individuals who have such strong opinions or are rationalizationaries (another new word) who do not have a sturdy foundation on what they believe, value, or stand for - don't play 'move the line...
2019-06-2629 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastHolding onto Barriers is ExhaustingReturning from the Keala Leadership Camp, I spent a lot of time thinking about the common theme that young adults need instead of the specific needs of a specific audience/community might have.Holding onto Anger or Hate is an absolute way to inhibit yourself to being present / mindful. Holding onto either is to shackle you to the past. Holding on to Being Cool is another way through tie yourself to artificial constructs of what is actually cool. It's all a part of building up walls - and that upkeep is expensive.Then, I put...
2019-06-2031 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastResponse to a comment on Giving It FirstI recently recorded a short podcast for Spartan Race for my Monday show: Spartan Stand. It was about giving first whatever it is you most want out of life. It will always return and then, tenfold. But you can't give it for the sake of it returning, you must give for the pure function of giving. A much hard thing to do at first, especially when introduced the concept. But, you can habituate it by growing goodness.Anyways, it's a fitting conversation as I head to work with the Keala Foundation for a week whose tagline is...
2019-06-1219 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastLonging, Lost Appreciation, & Re-CenteringI find myself longing tremendously for a few things when I am apart from them; not talking about tangible material items. Then, not so conversely, my appreciation and awareness of the value when I'm with them is not so magnificent as the longing was. Or, at least, along the same recognition wavelength.I'm working myself through on what this is all about and how I can influence changes in the imbalance of appreciation. I refuse to accept the "well, maybe it's natural that it is like this" rationale.
2019-06-0531 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastWeak People SuckIt's easy to automatically assume I mean physically weak and I'm a meathead jerk. Maybe I was a dozen or so years ago when I started using this phrase. But, it means so much more to me today.What I've come to believe is that people who are weak in any of the 4 areas: Physically, Emotionally, Intellectually, & Spiritually; are sucking at life. And, it's not on an absolute / comparative scale. It's in relation to oneself and their own capacity to develop.I just want to touch on opening up the conversation about what it is...
2019-05-2922 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastThe Road Less TraveledBe careful, or you'll misread it again...This week is a short tie in between Ignorance, The Road Less Travelled, The High Road, and Thinking Outside the Box.Not to insult anyone (Over Inflation...) I kept it a touch short to allow space for your own thoughts to keep wrestling.Be critical.I recommend reading the poem by Robert Frost and maybe a few interpretations before using the phrase again.
2019-05-2219 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastIt's Easier to Keep Up, than Catch UpOn a physical sense this is pretty obvious. The expenditure to catch back up to something after you've fallen behind is greater than it would have been to just put the little extra effort in to keeping up in the first place. This is only then exacerbated by age, time, increased life demands or responsibilities...The parallel into the psychological sense is pretty tight. Once we start falling behind, if there is a desire to catch up, we start to look for short cuts and call them "efficiencies". If there is less desire than there is need...
2019-05-1522 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastBeing Consistent & Lessons from a Bad DayWe start out with a discussion on a recent IG post I hung about Consistency. How only a small slice of the concept, the paradigm slice maybe, is precise routine. If this is the only appreciation we have for the concept we likely fail and get disappointed, thrown off track, and require large amounts of inertia to regain momentum. But consistency is relative on a slider from a macro to micro scale.There were a few tangents this week - from Mountain Lions to Being Gentle with oneself.We somehow miraculously arrive at the instigating...
2019-05-0832 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastStereotypes, Profiling, and An Eye for InconsistencyI find myself, at times, going down a path of reacting on assumptions or passing judgment that I'm not particularly proud of. Not that it isn't natural or normal, to a degree, but that I don't want it to digress any further than a simple reaction or initial starting point to confirm or deny. Ideally, working me back away from being 'ugly'.When I land navigate and find myself creeping into uncertainty or disorientation I like to tackle the map solution with "Why am I not where I think I am?" vs "I must be right here...
2019-05-0134 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastWhy the High Road?It's been constantly coming up for me lately to question why. Why am I working so hard to be self aware, to have a consciousness, to strive to be good, better.It seems like everywhere you look there are people taking short cuts, taking the road less high, leaving little room for the consideration of others, etc... and they seem to get further, farther, faster just fine.I'm not sure I have resolved anything or that it is a question that even gets run full circle to ground. Kinda like the meaning of life. So...
2019-04-2416 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastPlaying Dumb as a StrategyIt started out as a strategy for a few different purposes somewhere in my career. It was a way to identify people who didn't respect you, were full of shit, or would take advantage of you. It was a chess move of sorts to unfold as an ambush down the road. Or, it was also a way of not being received as the no-it-all or be that annoying person who was always one upping.Somewhere it habituated into a normal pattern of behavior; likely reinforced with other character traits and personalities, where people tend to not take...
2019-04-1729 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastDon't let your Mood have Majority VoteThis is just another way of saying don't be an emotional based decision maker, don't be impulsive, or think about what you are doing / not doing. For me, phrasing it this way simply invites engaging about what it means to not allow a transitory feeling or emotion to rule on my actions.I start to introduce the power of feedback mechanisms and discipline. When we give in to mood we have an often temporary high followed with a low of sorts. [ It doesn't always have to be the pleasure & guilt dynamic. ] What happens is the decision to...
2019-04-1026 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastStrong Opinions & Loud VoicesAfter getting fired up by a comment and response thread on the IG this week, I spent a few days engaged with frustration, grumpiness, and thoughts regarding the relationship / indicators of inexperience w/ opinion & ignorance w/ the loud voice.Ultimately it came full circle on a reflection of myself and resisting to pass judgment or make assumptions. The timeliness of a thing I saw "Carry yourself with the confidence of a mediocre white man" couldn't have been more positioned."Look at yourself now from five to ten years down the road" Will you be impressed?
2019-04-0327 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastReflections from GodZoneI recently returned from participating in the GodZone Adventure Race in South New Zealand and wanted to share a couple of pull outs from the experience. These ultra endurance tests inevitably provide tiny (sometimes not so tiny) snapshots of character that I'm fascinated with. While I'm not always proud of some of these selfies, I get a glimpse of myself and they provide incredible opportunities for self awareness and growth.
2019-03-2736 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastA ramble on Learning & Growth?As this episode publishes I am finishing up (if all went well) and traveling home from GodZone in New Zealand.This episode starts out discussing After Action Reports and meanders through Iterative Learning, Shared Common Experiences, Meaning Making, Reframing and Opportunities for Growth.I'd love to dissect these all a little more in future recordings and looking forward to feedback if anything is of interest.
2019-03-2025 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastAdventure / Ultra Endurance RacingI'm pre-recording and cutting in a conversation I shared with Jon Kinnick & Moe Naqvi from CrossFit Beyond the WhiteBoard about some struggles and failures I've had during a handful of events.It seemed fitting as when this episode releases I'll be 3+ days into GodZone, a 600km Adventure Race in New Zealand.
2019-03-1329 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastUnpacking "The Box" (part 2)Here is the second half of last week's recording. This section begins to open into the transition to where I'm growing in outlook and approach at addressing things I've stashed away and bunkered in.Ultimately, I think it's been a progression from hiding & ignoring, to protecting, through acknowledging then managing, and ideally now reckoning & growth. ...I'm not looking for constructive feedback or acknowledgment/permission on the manner I've chosen to handle things. I am just sharing in the event that it helps others understand the thought processes and circumstance for how and why I...
2019-03-0627 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastUnpacking "The Box" (part 1)I've been working for the last few years at pulling out "The Box" of experiences I wasn't ready to process; for various different reasons.I don't know if it was a healthy thing to do, or constructive, or responsible, or whatever in how I chose to compartmentalize and bury it deep. I do know that it had its benefits and also drawbacks, not only for myself but for the example it may have set for others.I'm not looking for constructive feedback or acknowledgment/permission on the manner I've chosen to handle things. I am...
2019-02-2741 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastSuffering, Really?I protect certain words of my vocabulary in order to preserve the power and value of that word. I've never truly suffered. I've faced some serious adversity, experienced pain, and have been in absolutely punishing environments, but I've never truly suffered. I don't like to associate anything that I chose to do as a process to experience suffering. To me, it takes away my responsibility in success or enduring and it also forces me to take responsibility for failing.
2019-02-2015 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastWhat kind of Leader was I?I received a DM from gym_stu79 this week that took me off guard. Not because it was an off-putting query but more because I needed time to really dig in and think about it. I didn't want to answer in text so decided to take some time to reflect and now share.What kind of Leader was I?As I fumble through various categorizations and walk through the timeline of the beginning of my career until now, only a few things seem to pattern consistently. I was always evolving. Going from getting c...
2019-02-1330 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastLiars, Cheats, & ThievesI'm taking a stance on this one and trying not to come off as righteous or on some high finger pointing platform. I'm also not saying I'm perfect or don't fail at times. But I am saying it's all the same and it's all Stealing. Stealing the truth, stealing opportunity, and just downright stealing. Where have we started to draw the line at almost tolerating cheats and accepting liars as kinda commonplace? I don't know, but I do know where the slippery slope starts: fibbery, white lies, and embellishment.
2019-02-0619 min
Cleared HotCleared Hot Episode 70 - Brian Chontosh and John DudleyThis podcast comes to you from Texas, and an incredible hunting outfitter, CS Outfitters. Brian and John are both repeat guests, but this is the first time we have shared a hunting camp, and hunting experiences. Many people think that hunting is solely comprised of killing, and they could not be further from the truth. In 2.5 days we busted our ass, walked, crawled, laughed, drank, and learned. I think it has to be experienced to truly be understood. Brian Chontosh is a retired Marine Corps officer, endurance athlete, and aspiring bow hunter. You will g...
2019-02-041h 33Crooked Butterfly PodcastOver-Inflated Self AssessmentI got triggered late last week to look at my own opinion of myself as I was tempted to respond to a few questions generally about self-promotion. I remember the gist of a phrase about letting others speak your worth is worth ten times you speaking your own. I decided to not go to adamantly down that path and ended up rambling about a research article I was presented on ignorance and self assessment. I don't want to be ignorant. I certainly don't want to be accused of it, but the former would be the greater of two worses.
2019-01-3023 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastLead, Follow, or Get Out of the WayI've spent a lot of time thinking about Followership and can't help but to dislike the term. Spell check even says it isn't a word. I'm not a fan of the Leading & Following dichotomy. To follow suggests passivity and an absence of responsibility. And if it doesn't suggest it, I can't help but to feel soft when I take on the receipt of "follower". I'm always leading. I'm not always 'in charge' or at the endstate of authority / responsibility, but I am always leading; actively engaged in supporting the cause. Following drifts into mindlessness and creates patterns of dependency.
2019-01-2327 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastA Process to ResilienceWhat started out as a conversation about a 7 day no calorie eating challenge ended up identifying a process to resilience, grit, mental toughness, ... ... whatever you want to call it.
2019-01-1620 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastForgiving & ForgettingSpent an amazing last week+ digging into great things and it put me in a wonderful hole of introspection regarding forgiveness. Decided to try to talk it through what's in my head out loud to see if I could make any greater connections with it. I'm trying to not let things; especially simple things, bring me to increasingly agitated states and responses so quickly. I think there is a self correction in personal behavior that I can make that will have direct affect on my emotional reactions to other's behavior.
2019-01-0924 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastConsistency between Belief, Word, & ActionTalk about a few little simple things that I habituate myself doing that carries forward to much bigger things. From "leaving it better than I found it" to the simple courtesies of please, thank you & you're welcome, and small acts that default to thinking of others first I'm grabbing back onto a few habits I somehow lost over the recent past.
2019-01-0231 minCrooked Butterfly PodcastShifting Efforts & SelfishnessLately I've found myself increasingly sensitive to taking things personal. I think there's a handful of things going on as I deconstruct this and one area I think that's contributing to it is selfishness. I quickly touch on building a personal trigger and mechanism to autocorrect other potential areas that I am being less than the best I desire of myself.
2018-12-2624 min