In this episode of Skull Sessions, Andy Riise and Nate Last sit down with retired Navy SEAL Master Chief and co-creator of the U.S. Navy’s Warrior Toughness Program, Stephen Drum, for a raw conversation about mental toughness, leadership, emotional regulation, resilience, and performing under pressure.

Stephen shares lessons from 27 years in the Navy SEAL Teams, including BUD/S training, combat leadership, and helping develop the Navy’s Warrior Toughness program. He opens up about self-doubt, anger, stress, identity, and how mental skills like visualization, mindfulness, detachment, and preparation helped him navigate life both on and off the battlefield.

The conversation dives into:

• The reality of SEAL training and elite performance

• Why commitment matters more than confidence

• Emotional regulation and managing stress

• Mental rehearsal and visualization under pressure

• The concept of “Life on the X”

• Leadership, preparation, and performance psychology

• The importance of recovery, self-awareness, and self-forgiveness

• Stephen’s work with the Mental app and practical mental fitness tools for men

Stephen also discusses his new book, Life on the X, and how the lessons learned in high-stakes military environments apply directly to business, leadership, parenting, relationships, and everyday life.

Find more about Stephen and his company here.

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