Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other

The Skipper’s Moral Compass: A Navy SEAL Commander on Ethical Leadership & Navigating Today’s Political Waters

2025-07-14

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Roger Herbert—retired Navy Captain, former SEAL commander, professor of ethics, and distinguished academic. Dr. Herbert’s career spans from leading undersea special operations to teaching future naval officers at the U.S. Naval Academy. We explore Dr. Herbert's remarkable journey marked by leadership, ethics, and profound moral challenges. Dr. Herbert shares stories of combat, personal transformation, and the vital importance of principled leadership—even under the most extreme conditions. --- CORRECTION: Roger has advis...

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CORRECTION: Roger has advised me that he misspoke when he described a SEAL operation in Anbar Province. Operation Redwings, the 2005 SEAL reconnaissance mission that inspired the book/movie "Lone Survivor," took place in Afghanistan's Kunar Province. (Anbar is a province in Iraq.)

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What We Discuss:

* The intense process of becoming and leading Navy SEALs

* How war can spark deep ethical reflection and personal evolution

* What moral leadership looks like in combat zones—and classrooms

* Why teaching ethics to future military leaders is more important than ever

* How pivotal life decisions can stem from unexpected, even humorous, moments

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Featured Quotes:

“The secret sauce of being a SEAL is learning how far you can really go—and it’s always further than you think.” – Dr. Roger Herbert
“We push candidates to what they *think* is their limit… and then some crazy few keep going. That’s where we find the SEALs.”
“Ethics isn’t just theory—it’s what helps you come home with honor.”
“We don’t swear loyalty to a person. We swear to a document. That’s the power of the U.S. Constitution.”

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Resources Mentioned:

* Dr. Roger Herbert’s Substack - rogerherbert.substack.com

* The Ethics of Special Ops: Raids, Recoveries, Reconnaissance, and Rebels - https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-Special-Ops-Recoveries-Reconnaissance-ebook/dp/B0CLGJK8R6?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1

* Ethics at War: How Should Military Personnel Make Ethical Decisions? - https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-War-Military-Personnel-Decisions-ebook/dp/B0CKFGDXQY?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1

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