Just the fact that this book has a foreword by Jocko Willink already puts it on my to-read list. The fact that it was written by Andy Stumpf makes it a MUST-read.
I’ve been (loosely) following Andy Stumpf through his podcast since 2018.
Though I don’t have time to listen every single week and have developed a backlog of episodes from his podcast, Cleared Hot, I do know that he has FOR YEARS adamantly insisted that he would never write a book.
Just like Jocko says in the foreword, Andy is ‘funny—actually, to be more accurate, he was hilarious.’ He has a dry sense of humor and is sarcastic in a funny way, not hurtful in a malicious way. He reminds me of my big brother—ready to listen when you need/want to talk, is quick to say ‘I don’t know the first thing about that, tell me more’ (or ‘explain as if I’m an idiot’), ‘speak on that’ (when he’s curious about a throwaway line/comment), etc.
Andy reminds me a lot of my ‘backrow boys’; there are always a few in the classroom, making comments from time to time, some audible and some not so audible, but there’s always a titter, a smirk, or a snort afterwards. First I was one (even though I am female. I was a tomboy in my youth), and then I knew how to manage them when I was in the front of the classroom as the teacher.
All that to say, I think I’m going to enjoy this book. THEN I’ll listen to the podcasts (that I already subscribe to) that he’s been on for his comments and personal thoughts. I predict that someone tricked him into writing this book.
Chapter 1: Thoughts while I read
- He says there are SEAL books of all kinds and lists a few topics. Dude, left out the main genre. Fitness and novels. The fact that he put leadership at the top of the list makes me think he’s taking pot shots at Jocko. 😉 Still, the cookbook comment made me smile
- I like how the story of what happened to Tuscon is very complete. He tells the story from time to time on his podcast, and there are always a few little additional tiny details added or subtracted. I love how he added the email he got from the arresting officer.
- Most importantly, I like how he continually stresses that it’s so important for people to take responsibility (dare I say, ownership 😉) for everything that happens in their lives.