JRE #1787 – Dakota Meyer

This podcast features retired United States Marine, veteran of the War in Afghanistan, and Medal of Honor recipient, Dakota Meyer. He discusses topics related to his military experiences, mental health, and life lessons learned from overcoming adversity. Provocative, controversial, and viral topics include his suicide attempt, the high suicide rate among veterans, the challenges of coping with PTSD, the importance of mental health, and the role of adversity in shaping character. Underlying themes explore the search for purpose, the power of gratitude, the importance of accountability, and the need for connection and community.

Podcast Topics

1. Dakota Meyer’s Suicide Attempt:

• Meyer describes a dark period in his life after leaving the Marine Corps where he was struggling with PTSD and self-pity.
• He was heavily drinking, blaming the world for his problems, and surrounding himself with people who enabled his self-destructive behavior.
• Meyer recounts the moment he pulled over at his friend’s welding shop and attempted suicide by putting a gun to his head.
• The gun clicked without firing, providing him with a sobering realization and a turning point in his life.

2. The High Suicide Rate Among Veterans:

• Meyer reveals a startling statistic: more veterans have died by suicide than in combat.
• He emphasizes the difficulty of transitioning back to civilian life after experiencing the horrors of war.
• The podcast explores the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly for men, and the need for greater support and resources for veterans.
• Meyer’s own experience with PTSD serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking help and breaking down barriers to mental health care.

3. Overcoming PTSD and Mental Health:

• Meyer’s journey to recovery involved a combination of personal commitment, support from loved ones, and seeking professional help.
• He highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences and avoiding enabling behaviors.
• Meyer emphasizes the need for self-accountability and taking ownership of one’s actions, rather than using PTSD as an excuse for destructive behavior.
• He shares his personal experience with ibogaine and DMT, which helped him confront his inner demons and find peace.

4. The Role of Adversity in Shaping Character:

• Meyer advocates for embracing challenges and adversity as opportunities for growth and personal development.
• He draws parallels between the experiences of veterans, firefighters, and jujitsu practitioners, highlighting how difficult situations build resilience and character.
• Meyer suggests that avoiding adversity can lead to a fragile and easily-disrupted sense of self.
• He emphasizes the importance of seeking out experiences that test one’s limits and push them to grow.

5. The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with Good People:

• Meyer believes that surrounding yourself with positive influences is essential for personal growth and happiness.
• He highlights the importance of building a community of people who support your goals and hold you accountable.
• Meyer suggests that avoiding toxic relationships and negative influences is crucial for well-being.
• He emphasizes the power of positive role models and the importance of choosing to be around people who inspire you to be your best self.

6. The Impact of Ego on Happiness:

• Meyer’s experience with ibogaine revealed the destructive nature of ego and its role in blocking happiness.
• He describes a feeling of liberation and peace after his ego was broken, allowing him to focus on what truly mattered.
• The podcast explores the idea that letting go of ego can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
• Meyer emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and not allowing external validation to define your worth.

7. The Importance of Empathy and Understanding:

• Meyer recounts a harrowing story of rescuing a man from a submerged truck, highlighting the importance of empathy and compassion.
• He emphasizes the need to understand other people’s perspectives and the challenges they face.
• The podcast explores the importance of seeing the world through others’ eyes, particularly in situations of conflict.
• Meyer advocates for a more empathetic and understanding approach to human interaction.

8. The Role of Fear and Anxiety in Modern Society:

• Meyer discusses the pervasiveness of fear and anxiety in modern society, particularly in the context of the pandemic and the stockpiling of toilet paper.
• He suggests that fear is often contagious and can lead to irrational behavior.
• The podcast explores the concept of “first world problems” and the tendency to overreact to minor inconveniences.
• Meyer encourages a more rational and resilient approach to facing challenges.

9. The Problem of Victimhood:

• Meyer criticizes the culture of victimhood that has emerged in modern society, where complaining and playing the victim is seen as a source of validation.
• He argues that this culture discourages accountability and personal responsibility.
• The podcast explores the dangers of letting victimhood become one’s identity, preventing them from seeking solutions and growing.
• Meyer emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and taking action to improve one’s life.

10. The Role of the Military Industrial Complex:

• Meyer critiques the influence of the military industrial complex on US foreign policy and the way it profits from war.
• He discusses the role of corporations like Raytheon and General Dynamics in perpetuating conflict.
• The podcast explores the dangers of allowing financial interests to drive military decisions.
• Meyer emphasizes the importance of holding powerful corporations accountable for their actions and the impact they have on human lives.

11. The Ukraine-Russia Conflict:

• The podcast dives into the complex geopolitical dynamics of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
• Meyer analyzes the historical context, the role of NATO, and the economic interests driving the conflict.
• He expresses concern for the civilian casualties and the dangers of escalating tensions.
• The podcast encourages a more nuanced and informed perspective on the conflict, emphasizing the importance of understanding all sides.

12. The Dangers of Misinformation:

• Meyer discusses the prevalence of misinformation in the media and the challenges of discerning truth from falsehood.
• He highlights the tendency for news outlets to prioritize sensationalism and profit over accuracy.
• The podcast explores the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in a digital age.
• Meyer encourages a healthy skepticism of the media and a commitment to seeking out diverse perspectives.

13. The Impact of “Woke Culture” on the Military:

• Meyer expresses concern about the infiltration of “woke culture” into the military.
• He argues that focusing on issues like identity politics detracts from the core mission of the military.
• The podcast explores the importance of maintaining a focus on combat readiness and core values like discipline, accountability, and resilience.
• Meyer believes that catering to overly sensitive sensibilities undermines the military’s effectiveness.

14. The Power of Discipline and Hard Work:

• Meyer emphasizes the importance of discipline, hard work, and consistent effort in achieving personal goals.
• He draws inspiration from figures like Jocko Willink and David Goggins, who embody the principles of extreme ownership and pushing beyond one’s limits.
• The podcast highlights the power of mental toughness and the ability to overcome physical and mental obstacles.
• Meyer advocates for a lifestyle that embraces discipline and prioritizes physical and mental well-being.

15. The Importance of Finding Purpose and Meaning:

• Meyer’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of finding purpose in life.
• He believes that having a sense of purpose is essential for overcoming challenges and finding happiness.
• The podcast explores the idea that purpose can be found in serving others, pursuing personal goals, or contributing to something bigger than oneself.
• Meyer encourages listeners to find their own sense of purpose and to use it as a guiding force in their lives.

16. The Music Industry:

• Meyer discusses the predatory nature of the music industry and the challenges faced by artists who don’t own their music.
• He criticizes the exploitative contracts that often leave artists struggling to recoup their investments.
• The podcast highlights the importance of artists understanding the financial aspects of the music industry.
• Meyer advocates for greater transparency and fairness in the music industry.

17. The Dangers of Political Corruption:

• Meyer expresses concerns about the increasing influence of money in politics and the corruption it breeds.
• He highlights the role of special interest groups and lobbying in shaping policy.
• The podcast explores the dangers of allowing financial interests to override the needs of the people.
• Meyer advocates for greater transparency and accountability in government.

18. The Future of America:

• Meyer expresses a cautious optimism about the future of America, despite the challenges facing the country.
• He believes that America’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity is a source of hope.
• The podcast explores the importance of individual action and the power of collective change.
• Meyer encourages listeners to engage in civic discourse and to work towards a better future.

19. The Threat of Nuclear War:

• The podcast discusses the ever-present threat of nuclear war, particularly in the context of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
• Meyer explores the potential consequences of nuclear escalation and the dangers of a nuclear winter.
• He emphasizes the need for diplomacy and de-escalation in a tense geopolitical environment.
• The podcast serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preventing nuclear war and preserving the future of humanity.

20. The Mystery of UFOs:

• Meyer speculates on the possibility of government-developed advanced propulsion systems and the role of classified technology in UFO sightings.
• He discusses the potential for government cover-ups and the need for greater transparency.
• The podcast explores the implications of advanced technology and its potential impact on humanity.
• Meyer encourages listeners to remain curious and to seek out information beyond mainstream narratives.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “If I’m gonna put the car in drive and go home, that, like, this is not an option ever again.” – This quote reflects Meyer’s determination to change his life after his suicide attempt.
• “If I don’t wanna do it for myself, then I need to live a life that’s worthy of their sacrifices.” – Meyer’s powerful realization that he needed to honor the sacrifices of his fallen comrades by living a meaningful life.
• “The only thing we owe is the bank.” – A humorous and poignant observation about the pressure veterans often face to feel indebted to their country.
• “I don’t care what people think. I don’t care.” – A defining moment in Meyer’s ibogaine experience where he breaks free from the shackles of ego and societal expectations.
• “I think we’re all getting played.” – A chilling question raised about the possibility of a larger cosmic conspiracy, highlighting the need for critical thinking and questioning established narratives.