Don Mann with Damian Porter: Leadership, Resilience, and The Navy SEAL Playbook
Don Mann is quite simply the toughest and most humble man I have ever met. A former U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six (DEVGRU) operator, endurance athlete, bestselling author, television host, and one of the world's most accomplished adventure racers, Don returns to the show to discuss his outstanding new book.
The Navy SEAL Playbook—the sequel to his highly acclaimed memoir, Inside SEAL Team Six. It’s not another “ look at me” war story, this new book distils decades of leadership, resilience, teamwork, and performance into practical lessons that anyone can apply, whether in business, sport, or everyday life.
While serving with Devgru- he raced in and became team captain in some of the toughest endurance races on the planet, competing in events such as the Raid Gauloises, Eco Challenge, in fact- over a thousand multisport races. After this amazing chapter- he has authored many books, hosted the television series Surviving Mann, and continues to inspire others through his writing, teaching, and example.
Throughout our conversation, Don shares the experiences that shaped his philosophy of relentless self-improvement and service to others. He reflects on the four daily habits he taught his grandson—becoming stronger, faster, smarter, and doing something good for someone else every day—as the foundation for building character. We discuss the leadership lessons he learned inside SEAL Team Six, the influence of Richard Marcinko in establishing the unit, and why the greatest leaders make everyone around them better. Don also recounts pushing himself beyond human limits, cheating death on at least 3 occasions, during years of triathlon and adventure racing, the dangers of overtraining, and his near-fatal battle with high altitude cerebral and pulmonary oedema while attempting Mount Everest. His story illustrates that true resilience is not simply enduring hardship, but learning where the limits lie, adapting, and continuing to move forward with purpose.
Today, Don continues to mentor others through writing, public speaking, television, and leadership education, helping translate elite military principles into lessons for everyday life. We explore why communication often outweighs confrontation, how humility and self-reflection become more valuable with age, the sacrifices required during elite military service, and the responsibility experienced operators have to pass their knowledge on to the next generation. From SEAL Team Six and endurance racing to Everest, leadership, and family, Don's message remains remarkably consistent: excellence is earned through daily discipline, growth comes from stretching beyond your comfort zone, and the greatest legacy isn't what you achieve yourself—it's what you leave behind in others.
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About the Host: Damian Porter
Damian is a former New Zealand SAS Commando in D Squadron and a former Australian Police Officer. He teaches Special Forces Combatives and Streetwise Self Defence to Mums, Dads, Teens, Elderly, Elite fighters and Government Agencies and all those in-between. He is also known as the "How Not to Die Guy", using his his vast knowledge and experience in the field after 23 years and paying it forward to help others - he teaches everyday people how to appropriately look after and protect themselves from every day threats.
Damian teaches how to upgrade/downgrade responses depending on the situation and how this boils down to proper training and exposure to danger.
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About STAIT
STAIT® health products, an Australian company and 2024 recipient of the prestigious Australian Enterprise Awards for Best Performance Enhancement Supplement Brand, stands out as a leading provider of premium, organic health solutions. Renowned for their commitment to quality and innovation, STAIT® offers a comprehensive range of health products designed to optimize overall wellbeing.
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About The Navy SEAL Playbook
This comprehensive guide delivers the complete SEAL mindset and leadership system, combining proven psychological techniques with practical exercises you can implement immediately. Every chapter is designed to build your capacity for excellence, whether you're facing boardroom challenges or personal obstacles.
