Retired Navy SEAL Commander: Mindfulness, Survivor's Guilt, and Leading With Presence - Tango Alpha Lima

Retired Navy SEAL Commander: Mindfulness, Survivor's Guilt, and Leading With Presence - Tango Alpha Lima

Author: The American Legion July 21, 2026 Duration: 1:11:12

Jon Macaskill spent 24 years as a Navy SEAL Commander, leading special operations from 16-man teams to formations of 2,500. He was in the Joint Operations Center the night Operation Red Wings claimed 19 American lives in Afghanistan — men he called his own. What followed was a decade of self-medication and darkness. Then a Navy psychologist suggested mindfulness and meditation. Macaskill laughed at first but then tried it. And it changed everything.

Now a leadership coach, speaker, and co-host of the Men Talking Mindfulness podcast, Macaskill joins Tango Alpha Lima hosts Adam Marr and Joe Worley to talk about survivor's guilt, why he started blocking off mental health days in red on his calendar where his sailors could see them, and why hypervigilance and mindfulness are more alike than most veterans think.

Also in this episode: the DOJ takes action against a towing company targeting service members, the 80-year history of American Legion Boys Nation, and a myth-or-fact breakdown on meditation and the military.


SHOW NOTES

Learn more about American Legion Boys Nation

Enter The American Legion Drive for Freedom Sweepstakes

Learn more about Jon Macaskill

Check out the Men Talking Mindfulness podcast

The American Legion National Oratorical Contest

Read full article: Feds sue towing company for allegedly illegally auctioning off troops’ cars

Military Myth or Fact? — Mindfulness Edition


Hosted by three veterans of the Global War on Terrorism, the Tango Alpha Lima Podcast from The American Legion is a weekly conversation built on shared experience. Each episode sits down with fellow veterans and influential voices from the military community for discussions that are as substantive as they are engaging. Listeners will hear candid stories about the transition to civilian life, moments of valor, and the ongoing journey toward mental wellness, including frank talk about overcoming PTSD and navigating VA benefits. But this podcast is more than just interviews; it’s a reflection of military camaraderie. The hosts bring a familiar, often humorous dynamic to the table, blending playful joking and vibrant discussion with their takes on current events, interesting trends, and the quirky stories that resonate with those who have served. It’s a mix of heartfelt personal narratives, practical advice, and timely commentary, all delivered with the authenticity only insiders can provide. Tune in for a connection that feels like pulling up a chair with old friends who aren’t afraid to tackle the tough topics or share a laugh about the lighter side of life in and after the uniform.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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