Nate Palin and James McLanahan discuss their journeys through military service and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. They explore the importance of finding a supportive community, maintaining physical fitness, and the value of mentorship. James shares insights from his experiences in the military and how they shaped his approach to life after service, including his creation of Primal Risk and volunteering with the Special Forces Association. The discussion emphasizes the need for veterans to stay active, both physically and socially, to foster resilience and a sense of purpose.

James McLanahan is a seasoned leader, educator, and operations specialist with over 20 years of experience in elite military and security roles. He has participated in over 300 direct action missions and developed systems that enhance efficiency and accountability under high-stakes conditions. James combines tactical expertise with strategic vision, having trained foreign forces, managed multimillion-dollar logistics, and learned Mandarin Chinese for cross-cultural operations.

James founded Primal Risk where he uses adventure as a teaching tool to empower tactical leaders, teams, and military members. In addition to his operational career, James has performed stunts over several seasons on the hit television series SEAL Team, blending action with storytelling.

James currently resides in Orange County, California with his wife Melanie and their two cats. He is a Mortgage Broker with Expert Home Loans.

Episode Takeaways

• Finding your people after service is crucial.
• Physical fitness impacts all areas of life.
• Community support can help in transitioning to civilian life.
• Continuous personal growth is essential for veterans.
• Training and mentorship can shape future leaders.
• The importance of maintaining a positive feedback loop in life.
• Engaging in challenging activities fosters resilience.
• It's easier to maintain fitness than to regain it.
• Building a network takes time and effort.
• Never underestimate the power of a supportive community.

In this episode of the Any Given Day podcast, Nate Palin and Jason Clark engage in a deep conversation about parenting, military experiences, personal growth, and the importance of mindset. They explore the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, the significance of embracing discomfort, and the power of truth in shaping one's identity. Jason shares his journey from an overweight kid to a dedicated Marine, and how those experiences have influenced his approach to coaching and fitness. The discussion emphasizes the need for continuous evolution and the importance of being present in life.

Jason was born and raised in Northern, VA. In July of 2001 he began his time in the Marine Corps at Parris Island, SC. He spent the next nine years serving in billets such as Combat Engineer, Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor Trainer , and Drill Instructor back home where it all started on Parris Island. From this point with absolutely no plan he left the Marine Corps and became a partner in a local gym in Beaufort, SC. The gym grew to multiple locations until the next calling came which he accepted to go back to work for the United States Marine Corps except this time as a civilian working with the Strength and Conditioning program known at the time as HITT. During this time he served as the program director for MCAS Beaufort and MCRD Parris Island as well as the advisory board for human performance HeadQuarters Marine Corps. The next door that came open was into Industry at a national level. He accepted a role at BeaverFit Key North America. This is still where he still resides as the Director of Training and Education as well as a voice in support of the areas of leadership, strategy, and performance.

His personal awards include being the best husband he can be to Christi and the best Dad he can be to Karma, TJ, Halen, Layla, Braxton, and Joshua. While serving in the United States Marine Corps he received a purple heart, combat action, navy achievement medal with multiple awards, and navy commendation with a “V”. Today his passion is opening minds on what is possible and never forgetting that it doesn't come from teaching people what to think but how.

Episode Takeaways

• Be present and real in parenting.
• Embrace the process, not just the outcome.
• Military experiences shape personal growth.
• Transitioning to civilian life requires adaptation.
• Mindset is key to continuous improvement.
• Touching the flame means embracing challenges.
• Truth can be uncomfortable but necessary.
• Labels can limit personal identity.
• Fitness should not come at the expense of family.
• Life is about evolving and not finding a peak.