Matt Dawson is a former investment banker turned multi-record-holding endurance athlete and founder of Dawson's Peak Foundation. Known simply as "Dawson," Matt’s journey is extraordinary—from dominating corporate finance to conquering some of the world’s most extreme challenges. Dawson dives into his epic year of Project Seven for Soldiers, where he completed a groundbreaking lineup of global expeditions, including summiting the Seven Summits, skiing to the South Pole, and rowing across the Atlantic Ocean.

Dawson’s story is one of resilience, overcoming a severe leg condition that halted his pursuit of professional football, only to rise stronger as an elite adventurer and coach. He shares insights on mastering mental and physical endurance, the drive behind his passion for serving veterans, and what fuels his relentless pursuit of the impossible. This episode is a deep dive into the mindset of an elite performer who defies limits in boardrooms and on the world’s toughest terrains.

https://dawsonspeakfoundation.org/

I have heard a lot of talk about how the United States is either on the brink of a 2nd Civil War or steadily marching toward it. I can't say that I agree, and perhaps the blowhards should just sit down for a bit.

https://spartanforge.ai/

Rob Bailey is an entrepreneur powerhouse, creating the lifestyle brand Flag Nor Fail, Run Everything Labs, and a series of ventures from gyms to high-performance automotive shops. Known for his unique path to success, Rob turned a $400 investment and a garage printing press into a global brand. Rob has a unique approach to blending his passions for fitness, music, and business to create an empire while building a community of like-minded, relentless individuals.

Flag Nor Fail:

https://flagnorfail.com/

CCV Coaching:

https://ccvcoaching.com/

Traditional Friday Q and A for today.

Three listener-submitted questions:

1. A 26-year-old Navy veteran grappling with post-service identity and family priorities.

2. A husband seeking advice on saving a struggling marriage.

3. A father confronting the heartbreaking realities of bipolar disorder in his daughter.

Enjoy

Nelson Grant is a Sheriff's Deputy and Search and Rescue Team member in the Flathead Valley. In addition to his current duties, he has previous experience on the SWAT Team and Narcotics Task Force. Normally, Nelson and I get the chance to hunt yearly, but this year he decided to turn his foot 180 degrees in the wrong direction while recently riding his dirtbike.

When not on duty Nelson enjoys partaking in just about every activity that Northwestern Montana has to offer. Bowhunting, rifle hunting, river raft guiding, dual-sport motorcycle guiding, backcountry split boarding and skiing, touring, trekking, downhill mountain bike riding, jiu-jitsu, and probably even more that I am forgetting.

If there was ever a renaissance man of the Montana mountains, Nelson is it.

Link to Nelson's Youtube page: / @wldwestadventure

What does it mean to be an American in today's world? Are the greatest dangers we face external, or do they stem from internal division? What are the core values that define the nation? Are they freedom, integrity, and unity? while also addressing the real threats that challenge these principles. What role should we seek to play as neighbors, community members, and citizens?

Jake Harriman and Garrett Cathcart are both distinguished Iraq War veterans that have turned their focus inward, tackling one of the most pressing battles on American soil: political divisiveness. They share the compelling story behind +More Perfect Union, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking down barriers and promoting unity across communities in a time of unprecedented polarization.

Jake, a Marine Force Recon Platoon Commander and recipient of honors like the Unsung Hero of Compassion award from the Dalai Lama, and Garrett, a U.S. Army Cavalry Officer awarded three Bronze Stars for his service, reveal how their shared experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan forged a bond and a vision for a stronger America. They discuss their latest campaign, the "Coffee + Courage" challenge—a social media movement encouraging people from all walks of life to sit down, share a cup of coffee, and find common ground.

A single listener submitted question for this Friday episode.

But first, some reflections on 47 laps around the sun, then:

1. How do you want to live your life? Do you want to avoid all risk, take every opportunity, or something in between?

Enjoy