**Objective Arete** is a call to action—a continuous quest to become better human beings. Join us as we learn from others, openly share our experiences, learn from failures and successes, and explore new ideas as we strive to positively impact society. Live life with purpose, embrace challenges, pursue excellence, and aim to become legendary.
#11. Atomic Athlete - Faster, Stronger, Harder to Kill with Jake Saenz
Atomic Athlete dives into high‐performance fitness, mental toughness, and the wilderness mindset. In this episode, former Ranger‑inspired trainer Jake Saenz (founder of Austin’s Atomic Athlete gyms) reveals where true toughness originates, how quitting ranges on a spectrum—not just all or nothing—and how bow hunting elk rewires resilience and gratitude. You’ll uncover the 3 H’s framework (Hug, Hear, Help) for stronger relationships, smarter training routines, and why mindset matters more than muscle. Perfect for athletes, veterans, and anyone pursuing purposeful strength and longevity. Tune in to sharpen body, mind, and character—no fluff, all force.
6 May 2025
#10. No MBA, No Ego, No Excuses - The Leadership of Terry Peters
Objective Arete Podcast | Episode Title: No MBA, No Ego, No Excuses – The Leadership Legacy of Terry Peters
Terry Peters is more than a retired Green Beret—he’s the embodiment of authentic leadership. As a legendary Senior Enlisted Leader in the U.S. Army Special Forces, Terry wasn’t a man who just spoke about values—he lived them. He led from the front, always placing character before comfort and people before personal gain.
After an elite military career, Terry traded camouflage for strategy, founding Leader Solutions and Decision Support (LSDS)—a company that’s quietly dominated its space for over 14 years. No MBA. No shortcuts. Just relentless integrity, clarity of mission, and leadership that delivers.
In this episode, we go beyond the resume. We dive into Terry’s core leadership philosophies, the failures that shaped him, and the lessons every aspiring leader needs to hear. Whether you’re stepping into your first leadership role or trying to lead at a higher level—this conversation is a masterclass.
22 Apr 2025
#9. You Can't See Whats Under Your Bed Lurking - Overcoming Yourself (Rob Richards)
A powerful and deeply personal episode. Special Forces Command Sergeant Major Rob Richards opens up about a hidden battle he didn’t even know he was fighting—emotional numbness after a decade of high-stakes deployments. He and Chuck dive into what self-efficacy means, how experiential learning shapes elite operators, and why ignoring what’s “under your bed” can quietly erode your joy, leadership, and life.
Rob shares how therapy, medication, and innovative treatments like the stellate ganglion block helped him reconnect with his emotions, his family, and his purpose. They also tackle leadership across generations, the evolving demands of service, and why fulfillment—not just success—is the true north.
This episode is a lesson in resilience, emotional honesty, and redefining strength.
8 Apr 2025
#8. (Ceci Craft) Finding Equilibrium - Thoughts on Mental Performance and Life
Want to level up—like, truly level up?
Most people hit the gym but ignore the one muscle that drives everything: the mind. Mental performance isn’t just for elite athletes—it’s the foundation for showing up strong in every part of life. But what is mental performance, really?
In this episode, we dive deep with Ceci Craft, Director of Mental Performance, Life Skills, and Education for the Philadelphia Phillies, and founder of Edge Mentality. Ceci breaks down what it means to train your brain, how to build real resilience, and why sharpening your mental edge can change everything.
You’ll learn:
• What mental performance actually is—and why it matters
• Tools for navigating adversity like a pro
• The surprising power of always carrying a pencil
• The difference between a side hustle and a side piece (yes, seriously)
Whether you’re chasing big goals or just trying to show up better each day, this conversation is your next step forward.
Sponsors:
Edge Mentality: https://edgementality.com/
Atomic Athlete: https://atomic-athlete.com/
Project Sapient: https://projectsapient.com/
Crispian Consulting: https://bethefulcrum.com/
Contact Ceci:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-clark-craft-a6479170/
Email: ceciclark@gmail.com
Edge Mentality: https://edgementality.com/
Please support our show! Please help us continue our mission and produce more shows that will impact society in positive ways! The link below allows for small donation support. All proceeds go towards the mission.
buymeacoffee.com/objectivearete
1 Apr 2025
#7. Dominate Your Fitness: Master Your Body, Master Your Life | Bonus Episode – Objective Arete
Dominate your fitness levels. Work around injuries, train for longevity, and accomplish your goals in life. Mike Lerario sits down with Chuck Ritter and Greg Walker in the famous Falcon Snail Pub to discuss how to program your fitness programs intelligently and with purpose. We talk about important references everyone should have on their bookshelves and how to train past severe injuries.
25 Mar 2025
#6. (Ayman Kafel) The Resolute Path - Overcome Your Inner Demons and Reclaim Control
In this powerhouse of an episode, Mike (Who has fabulous hair) sits down with Ayman Kafel (Who has an intimidating shaved head)—a U.S. combat veteran, seasoned law enforcement officer, and editor-in-chief of Objective Arete—to discuss the mental health crisis facing veterans and first responders. A respected writer for the Havoc Journal and co-founder of Project Sapient, Ayman shares powerful insights into PTSD, suicidal ideation, and the internal battles many in uniform face long after the mission ends.
11 Mar 2025
#5. Be Brilliant, Be Brief - Be a Master Communicator
Unlock the power of clear and concise communication. Learn how to communicate effectively, minimize noise and distractions, and engage in "Deep Work." In this discussion, Mike Lerario speaks with Joe McCormack, the author of the books "Brief," "Noise," and "Quiet Work." Joe also leads the Brief Lab in Southern Pines, NC, where he teaches U.S. Special Operations forces how to become the most effective communicators in the world.
25 Feb 2025
#4. Live With Purpose - Chuck Ritter
Use failure as a stepping stone to achieve greatness. Understand that failure and defeat are not synonymous. Embrace challenges, be open to failure, and distinguish between acceptable risks and mere attempts to avoid risk. Winning often requires taking informed risks.
11 Feb 2025
#3. I Never Lose, I Win or I Learn - Greg Walker
"I never lose, I win or I learn" - Nelson Mandela
From being a Special Forces Officer to starting a successful brewing company to being the CEO of Objective Arete, Greg has learned many of life's lessons through failure. When one views failure as a mechanism to become legendary, they can become legendary.
28 Jan 2025
#2. Be the Fulcrum - Balance Your Life
A fulcrum is a balance point. A successful, fulfilled life requires finding balance in almost every aspect. To do that, you must know yourself, others, and the situation and become the fulcrum, moving to provide balance in any situation.
Mike Lerario, host of the Objective Arete Podcast, is also a practitioner and teacher of leadership, management, and life balance. He covers the principles in his bestselling books "Leadership in Balance" and "Management in Balance." Learn how to achieve balance in your life. You must lead yourself first to truly be successful.
28 Jan 2025
#1. Objective Arete - Embrace Adversity
Mike Lerario, Greg Walker, and Chuck Ritter introduce the concept of Objective Arete. We discuss the idea and the philosophical roots of 'Arete' in classical Western philosophy and how we can use it for modern personal growth. Objective Arete aims to create a community and provide a mindset and toolsets that help individuals in various domains of life, including mental, physical, social, and professional development. The founders share their backgrounds, reflecting on their journeys from military service to forming this self-development platform, emphasizing the importance of intentional self-improvement and learning from failures. The episode also highlights the importance of mentorship, community support, and the project's holistic approach to achieving personal fulfillment and resilience.
26 Jan 2025
#0. Intro - Why Should You listen to Objective Arete?
There are countless podcasts. This three-minute summary explains why you should listen to the Objective Arete Podcast and join us on our journey of conquering life and becoming better human beings.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
19 ratings
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