What makes a great military leader — talent, toughness, or something deeper? In this episode of The Black Pearl Podcast, host Alex breaks down the leadership philosophy of General James “Jim” Mattis, the Marine Corps legend whose obsession with reading shaped every decision he made in combat.
From the Gulf War ambush he solved because he’d seen the pattern in a book, to his early operations in Afghanistan where cultural understanding mattered as much as firepower, this episode explores how Mattis used study as a strategic weapon. You’ll hear how junior officers like Chris Woodbridge and Jeff Hooks made life‑or‑death decisions shaped by preparation, not luck — and how those lessons influenced Alex’s own journey as a young Army officer.
If you’re interested in military leadership, combat decision‑making, professional development, or the mindset behind one of America’s most respected generals, this episode delivers practical insights you can use today.
Study or bleed — Mattis lived it. Now you can learn from it.
Welcome to The Black Pearl Podcast — where military history meets real‑world leadership. Host Alex takes you inside the battles, decisions, and hidden stories that shaped the world, from ancient warfare to modern conflict.
Each episode blends immersive storytelling, combat psychology, and actionable leadership lessons drawn from warriors, commanders, and moments that defined history.
If you’re looking for a podcast on military strategy, leadership under pressure, and true stories of courage, you’re in the right place.
Prepare to think deeper, lead better, and see history in a whole new light.
In this episode Alex reviews the book Platoon Leader by James McDonough and provides commentary on lessons learned, leadership development, and the importance of reading.
Platoon Leader is the first-hand account of then 2LT James McDonough's experiences as a PL in the Vietnam War while serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Taking command of a platoon immediately upon landing, young McDonough sets to lead his men, set expectations, and engage and destroy the enemy while defending a key Vietnamese village.
Themes throughout the novel include leadership, the burden of command, decision making, defensive tactics, offensive tactics, Vietnam, and the mental fortitude required to lead in combat. I personally recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their small unit leadership abilities and tactics from 2LTs to NCOs.
DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
In this episode Alex discusses many of the big headlines in the press relating to the U.S Army. From the revival of the 'Be all that you can be" slogan and the new Army recruiting commercial, to the newly released U.S Army Cadet Command (USACC) enlisted referral program, and the much-anticipated ACFT height and weight guideline changes.
I provide my opinions, thoughts, and insight on all of these areas and offer commentary that you won't find anywhere else.
LINKS:
Army Recruiting Commerical: OVERCOMING OBSTACLES | BE ALL YOU CAN BE | GOARMY - YouTube
USACC ERP: U.S. Army Cadet Command (ROTC) | Fort Knox KY | Facebook
SMA ACFT Announcement: Army won’t change weight tables after body composition study (armytimes.com)
DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
In this episode Alex discusses five key things that Army ROTC MSIII cadets need to know to be successful not only Advanced Camp (CST) but as Army officers and leaders.
DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
In this episode I detail my experiences with rifle marksmanship and the range at Advanced Camp and provides tips for how you can succeed while qualifying, grouping and zeroing, and stress shooting. A must pass event cadets often worry tremendously about this event, including myself but I am here to tell you not to worry about the event.
More Advanced Camp episodes will follow, so stay tuned!
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DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
In this episode Alex provides a detailed account of what you can expect in garrison as a cadet at U.S Army ROTC Advanced Camp in order to help you prepare, plan, and ultimately succeed. With the bulk of your time spent in garrison, this episode will detail what you can expect while living and sleeping the barracks.
More Advanced Camp episodes will follow, so stay tuned!
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DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
In this episode Alex provides the listener with a high-level overview of the U.S Army ROTC's Advanced Camp (CST) to help prepare them to succeed at Advanced Camp this next summer.
This is episode one in Advanced Camp series so be sure to stay tuned for the next episode. Alex will provide further episodes that will go in depth on each aspect of Camp.
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DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
In this episode I discuss land navigation at CST, to include the written and practical test, and what you can expect when you attend CST.
POST EDITING NOTE, I miss spoke when I stated the land nav standards for CST. Actual standards from the CST 22 Welcome Packet can be found here: AC-CST 22 --Cadet Welcome Packet.pdf - Google Drive
DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
In this episode Alex outlines the career of the commander of Nellis Air Force Base and the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) which includes Area 51. So, if you want to see what it takes to command of one of the U.S's most secretive military facility then give this episode a listen.
USAF Official Bio: MICHAEL G. RIDER > Nellis Air Force Base > Display (af.mil)
USAF Fact Sheets: Fact Sheets (af.mil)
DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
Hey everyone, just wanted to let you all know that I will be taking an extended vacation to start the new year. There will be no new episodes until February 2023. Please take the time to enjoy the holidays and listen to my older episodes that you may have missed. Thank you for your continued support, have a safe and happy holiday as well as a happy New Year. See you in 2023!
DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
In this unscripted episode, Alex discusses the recent announcement of SMA Grinston's replacement and retirement. We will outline the career of the current command sergeant major replacing him in August 2023 and what we can (likely) expect him to do.
Army Times Article: Meet the next Sergeant Major of the Army (armytimes.com)
DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
In this episode Alex discusses the career of Colonel Phillip Brown Jr, a decorated Green Beret and leader of Joint Task Force Bravo in Honduras.
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DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
In this episode, Alex discusses the legendary 173rd Airborne Brigade which is the U.S Army's permanent contingency response force in Europe. As Sky Soldiers they are a decorated Airborne Brigade Combat Team (BCT) based in beautiful locations across Italy and Germany.
Join me as I discuss their history, including how they got their nickname, and provide you with more information on one of the coolest units in the Army.
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DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
In this episode Alex discusses the USMC Embassy Security Group, the U.S military component that is responsible for providing physical security for U.S embassies, consulates, and missions across the world.
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DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
In this episode Alex details the life and career of Brigadier General Guillaume "Will" Beaurpere, a decorated U.S Army Special Forces officer and leader. He further discusses the three different units within U.S Army Special Forces.
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DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
In this episode, Alex summarizes the history of the newly reactivated 11th Airborne Division which calls Alaska home. A unit with extensive history, the 11th Airborne is the Army's premier Artic warfare unit and trains, defends, and operates within Alaska and the Artic Circle.
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DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
In this episode Alex outlines how you can become an officer in the United States military whether that be the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, or Navy. A ROTC cadet himself, he then talks a little bit about his experience in ROTC and then details three things that you should not do when trying to join a commissioning source.
DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
In this episode, Alex highlights the life and career of Captain Michael Abrashoff a published author and former of the USS Benfold. Abrashoff was a great Naval leader, but now as a civilian he has proven to be a great author.
The author of several NY Times Best Sellers, Abrashoff tells his leadership story in his book Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy which chronicles his leadership journey from the halls of the US Naval Academy to the bridge of a guided missile destroyer.
In simple and easily digestible terms, Abrashoff provides the reader with practical leadership lessons that can be implemented immediately in both business and the military.
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DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.
In this episode Alex discusses the leadership principle of standing up for subordinates using the recent events surrounding Major General Patrick Donahoe, an U.S Army officer who came under fire for some of his tweets in which he defended the role of women in the Army. Standing up for your subordinates is essential for leaders to do, no matter the consequences.
Support the Show: Military Leaders of Today • A podcast on Anchor
DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this podcast and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense and are that of my own.