Ep. 063: Seattle. Steven Rinella talks with the beautiful and deadly Rorke Denver, along with Ryan Callaghan of First Lite, and Janis Putelis of the MeatEater crew.

Published: 2017-05-11 18:48:00

Description Show ▼

Subjects discussed: the psychology of pansieness; Young Lions; Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL training; universal service; Hells Bells as the soundtrack of Seal training; to "fall" in combat; "this is fishin' and we don't complain"; being in Act of Valor; shared misery; Camp Cancer; drinking coffee like a lunatic; Rorke's take on public lands; training in a purposeful way; stump shootin'; what all this means for hunters, and more.

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Referenced Books

My Early Life

by Winston Churchill

Rourke Denver discusses how his father sent him a copy of this autobiography during his senior year of college. Churchill wrote it in the twilight of his life, cataloging his first thirty years including his experiences as a war correspondent and in various wars. This book was pivotal in inspiring Rourke to pursue military service.

Referenced at 00:00:08

None

by None

Rourke mentions reading a book that was a compilation of short stories about Special Forces, Green Berets, and Air Force personnel in Vietnam. He states 'I wish I knew the name of the book' but notes it had a chapter on SEALs that inspired him to pursue SEAL training. The book mentioned high attrition rates and described SEALs as commandos who came from the water.

Referenced at 00:00:08

Damn Few: Making the Modern Seal Warrior

by Rourke Denver

Rourke's first book, described as more autobiographical, covering how he grew up and what led him to military service. He explains it focuses on why SEALs do what they do and includes discussion of the country's perspective on combat. He notes there's a lengthy section about the BUD/S class and mentions a story about 'random acts of instructor violence.'

Referenced at 00:00:08

Worth Dying for: A Navy Seals Call to a Nation

by Rourke Denver

Rourke's second book, described as more forward-looking and focused on leadership principles learned in SEAL training and how they apply to life. The book also discusses how to make the country stronger, including the concept of universal service that he advocates for.

Referenced at 00:00:08