The Skipper's Moral Compass: A Navy SEAL Commander on Ethical Leadership & Navigating Today's Political Waters

The Skipper's Moral Compass: A Navy SEAL Commander on Ethical Leadership & Navigating Today's Political Waters

Author: Scan Media, LLC July 15, 2025 Duration: 1:18:11
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Roger Herbert—retired Navy Captain, former SEAL commander, professor of ethics, and distinguished academic. Dr. Herbert’s career spans from leading undersea special operations to teaching future naval officers at the U.S. Naval Academy. We explore Dr. Herbert's remarkable journey marked by leadership, ethics, and profound moral challenges. Dr. Herbert shares stories of combat, personal transformation, and the vital importance of principled leadership—even under the most extreme conditions. --- CORRECTION: Roger has advised me that he misspoke when he described a SEAL operation in Anbar Province.  Operation Redwings, the 2005 SEAL reconnaissance mission that inspired the book/movie "Lone Survivor," took place in Afghanistan's Kunar Province.  (Anbar is a province in Iraq.)  --- What We Discuss: * The intense process of becoming and leading Navy SEALs * How war can spark deep ethical reflection and personal evolution * What moral leadership looks like in combat zones—and classrooms * Why teaching ethics to future military leaders is more important than ever * How pivotal life decisions can stem from unexpected, even humorous, moments --- Featured Quotes: “The secret sauce of being a SEAL is learning how far you can really go—and it’s always further than you think.” – Dr. Roger Herbert “We push candidates to what they *think* is their limit… and then some crazy few keep going. That’s where we find the SEALs.” “Ethics isn’t just theory—it’s what helps you come home with honor.” “We don’t swear loyalty to a person. We swear to a document. That’s the power of the U.S. Constitution.” --- Resources Mentioned: * Dr. Roger Herbert’s Substack - rogerherbert.substack.com * The Ethics of Special Ops: Raids, Recoveries, Reconnaissance, and Rebels - https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-Special-Ops-Recoveries-Reconnaissance-ebook/dp/B0CLGJK8R6?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1 * Ethics at War: How Should Military Personnel Make Ethical Decisions? - https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-War-Military-Personnel-Decisions-ebook/dp/B0CKFGDXQY?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1 --- 📣 Call to Action: If you found this conversation insightful, please:✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform.✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics✅ Check out our substack: coreysnathan.substack.com✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect on Social Media: It's @coreysnathan on... Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack TikTok Our Sponsor: Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com --- Thank you for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨

In a world where discussions about faith and government often devolve into shouting matches, Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other offers a different space. This podcast from Scan Media, LLC operates on a radical idea: that we can deeply disagree on fundamental beliefs while still respecting each other as people. It’s a show built for those who feel exhausted by the performative outrage and tribal warfare that dominate news and social media, who suspect there’s more nuance to every story than the extreme voices allow. Each episode models the kind of dialogue that seems in short supply-conversations where curiosity replaces condemnation and listening is the first step, not a lost art. You’ll hear explorations of how spiritual values intersect with civic life, examinations of current events without the predictable partisan spin, and genuine attempts to understand perspectives that challenge the hosts' own. The goal isn’t to reach a bland consensus, but to prove that thoughtful, even passionate, debate doesn’t require personal animosity. If you’re looking for a podcast that tackles the subjects we’re told to avoid, but does so with humility and a commitment to civil discourse, this is that rare find. It’s for anyone who believes these conversations are too critical to be left solely to the screamers and who wants to engage with the messy, important intersections of news, religion, and spirituality without leaving their humanity at the door.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other
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