I want to apologize to this week’s terrific guest, Andy Stumpf, a famous Navy SEAL who I just met, as well as Greg Stumpf, a famous Green Beret I met years ago.
Over his 17-year military career, Andy Stumpf trained a lot of SEAL’s, saw a lot of action, survived a bullet through the belly at close range, and transitioned from an enlisted combatant to a highly decorated leader. Today, Andy has translated his military experience into actionable lessons for corporate leadership and personal development. He also hosts a podcast called “Cleared Hot,” and written an amazing book called “Drownproof,” which I recommend without reservation. Additionally, Andy likes to dive off mountaintops in one of those “wing suits,” which is probably why my producer, Chuck, decided to book him.
Sadly, as you’ll hear in the first few minutes of our conversation, I didn’t think I was going to be interviewing Andy Stumpf; I thought Chuck had booked GREG Stumpf, the fairly famous Green Beret who had also survived a horrific wound and went on to become a well-known author and motivational speaker. I confessed my confusion on the air, because I think my confusion is understandable. Unlike Andy Stumpf, I have actually met Greg Stumpf in person years ago, shortly after he published his own excellent book, “Conquer Anything: A Green Beret’s Guide to Building Your A-Team.” I was very flattered back then to learn that Greg and his buddies enjoyed watching Dirty Jobs while they were deployed, and even more flattered when Greg Stumpf gifted me his literal green beret as a token of his appreciation.
Unfortunately, this morning, as I was listening to this excellent episode, I realized the guy I remembered so vividly as Greg Stumpf – and referenced on the podcast by that name – is actually named Greg STUBE. I have no idea why I conflated Stumpf with Stube, but I did, and must therefore now apologize to both Andy and Greg, along with all the Stumpf’s and Stube’s, wherever they may be. But alas, it’s worse than that.
Since this episode dropped, it’s come to my attention that Andy Stumpf, my excellent guest, had invited me onto his own podcast a year before he came onto mine. Back then, he was hosting a podcast called Change Agents, and apparently, I accepted his invitation. In fact, we spoke for over an hour about my career, my foundation, and several other notable topics. The proof is here. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6MGAd7uc4IPZS4BpDpP6jy
In my defense, Andy’s podcast was one of a hundred podcasts I appeared on in 2025, and like most of those appearances, this one was virtual. In fact, it was recorded in my home office on my iPhone at the end of a very long day, so it’s not like we spent an hour in real life, face to face, solving the problems of the world. But still…it’s more than a little disconcerting to introduce yourself to an American hero, tell him how honored you are to finally meet him, apologize for thinking he was someone else with the same last name, and then, realize a month or so later that you misidentified a famous Green Beret on your own show, while introducing yourself to a famous Navy SEAL who had already interviewed you at length.
It’s worth noting that Andy Stumpf made no attempt to remind me that we had already met. For two hours, he ignored my dotage, and simply went about the business of being one of the best guests we’ve ever had on the show, sharing some extraordinary truths about what it means to put the lives of others before your own, and what it takes to throw yourself off of a mountain dressed like a flying squirrel.
Thus, on a personal level, this episode is one of the most humiliating I’ve ever had to listen to, but also, one of the most illuminating. I suspect you will find it one of the most enjoyable. Because Andy Stumpf, or whatever his name is, really is a hell of human being, and our conversation is truly unforgettable, even though I probably won’t remember it next week.
The audio version is here, complete with a humiliating preamble. https://open.spotify.com/episode/3KM0VF3UwRcoQYZpnqvN0A
YouTube is attached.
PS. Greg Stube, if you’re still out there, you’re welcome on the podcast anytime.
Full episode – https://bit.ly/TWIHI501AndyStumpf
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