Chris Voss's Blog, page 113
May 12, 2023
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – Razor 03: A Night Stalker’s Wars by Alan C. Mack
Razor 03: A Night Stalker’s Wars by Alan C. Mack
“A truly extraordinary book by a phenomenal pilot and warrior. Alan Mack was in the thick of every sensitive, harrowing, high-stakes operation in the decade following 9/11. His account of combat from the cockpit of the world’s most exceptional special ops aviation unit and of the toll it took on him and his family is forthright, riveting, raw, compelling, and inspirational. Readers will not be able to put Razor 3 down.” -General David H. Petraeus, US Army (Ret.), former Commander of the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and Coalition Forces in Afghanistan, and former Director of the CIAFinalist, 2022 Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Awards
The attacks of September 11, 2001, prompted the creation of a robust and deadly special operations force — Task Force Dagger. Alan C. Mack, Callsign Razor 03, led a team of MH-47E helicopters and armed MH-60s. Their two-fold mission – Personnel Recovery (PR) and Unconventional Warfare (UW) involved flying in terrain and weather previously not thought possible. If that wasn’t enough, they pushed the flight envelope of their specially modified Chinooks to the limit and beyond.
Mack shares his behind-the-scenes perspective of the Horse Soldier’s infill into Afghanistan. He discusses the hunt for Osama Bin Laden at Tora Bora and describes his shootdown during Operation Anaconda. Years later, he chased Bowe Bergdahl, rescued hostages in Iraq, and the U.S. Navy Seal ‘Lone Survivor’ from the Kunar Valley.
Mack’s near-death experiences and frequent deployments not only affected him, but pushed his wife toward prescription opioids. Her developing addiction led to friction as he kept her secret and continued to deploy.
He lived by his unit’s motto, Night Stalkers Don’t Quit! He wouldn’t quit on his unit – he couldn’t quit on his family. His story of success, tragedy, and ultimate happiness is as old as warfare itself.
About the Author
CW5 ALAN C. MACK retired from the Army as a Master Aviator. He served over 35 years in the Army, first as an aircraft mechanic then as a pilot.
He flew CH-47s in support of Operations Desert Shield and Storm. Additionally, he spent 17 years flying MH-47 Chinooks with the 160th SOAR. As a Night Stalker Flight Lead, he participated in Operations Desert Thunder, Desert Fox, Enduring, and Iraqi Freedom.
His awards include the Legion of Merit, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 10 Air medals – 1 with ‘V,’ and a Combat Action Badge. Alan finished his career as Commander of the West Point Flight Detachment. Now he and his wife Patti live happily in New York’s Hudson Valley.
May 11, 2023
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – What Should I Do with My Money?: Economic Insights to Build Wealth Amid Chaos by Bryan Kuderna
What Should I Do with My Money?: Economic Insights to Build Wealth Amid Chaos by Bryan Kuderna
An eye-opening panoramic guide providing the economic literacy you need to be in control of your money decisions and get on the path to long-term financial independence
“We are all on this earth together, and so is our money,” Bryan Kuderna writes. “You must understand that money, your money, rests at the heart of every major issue in the world.”
Kuderna, a Certified Financial Planner
and nationally recognized financial advisor, knows first-hand that the key to wise financial decisions is a deep understanding of economics. When his clients ask him, “What should I do with my money?” Kuderna has found the conversation quickly turns from one of personal finance to a 360-degree view of economics, illustrating why and how issues on the global stage and the kitchen table are directly connected.
In What Should I Do with My Money?, Kuderna explains how economies and markets are affected by the way people live, learn, love, work, play, and pray―for it is these behaviors that determine how groups, corporations, and nations make money or lose money. Using history, storytelling, and sage insights, Kuderna takes you on a panoramic tour of the nine most important domains impacting your wealth:
POPULATION―a rapidly growing and shifting balance of givers and takers
ENTITLEMENTS―the past, present, and future of Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, pensions, and stimulus programs
EDUCATION―costs and benefits of college and student loans
ECONOMIC PHILOSOPHY―political and monetary beliefs that govern our world
ENVIRONMENT―the sustainability of our planet amid global warming, plastics, and finite natural resources
TECH―opportunities and threats from the fastest-growing sector of the stock market
WAR―the use of proxy wars, civil military fusion, cyber, and economic attacks
RELIGION―how faith has steered economies from the stone age to the space age
PERSONAL FINANCE―a plan to attain the Three I’s: Impact, Independence, and Income
Each chapter includes special features explaining the “macro” problem and what it means to your personal “micro” world―helping you connect the dots of global issues to your own financial plan.
Now more than ever you might feel overwhelmed, the victim of existing economic structures, but wait and see how there has been no better time for you to take control and build wealth.
May 10, 2023
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – The Leadership Shift: How to Lead Successful Transformations in the New Normal by Stuart Andrews
The Leadership Shift: How to Lead Successful Transformations in the New Normal by Stuart Andrews
Become a better business leader and transform your business with this practical guide on how to orchestrate transformational change!
Are you in a business leadership position?
Have you been charged with the task of creating change in your organization?
Leaders today face complex challenges and must adapt now more than ever.
Learn business leadership from an official member of Forbes Coaches Council, which includes world-class executives and senior-level executives in the coaching industry.
Author, Stuart Andrews, was vetted and selected by the Forbes review committee based on his diversity and experience.
The Leadership Shift offers a practical guide to leaders and executives responsible for orchestrating change and transformation.
The pace of change is unrelenting, and customers expect more than ever before. The new normal is the ultimate test for those in leadership roles and only the fittest and most innovative will survive.
Don’t miss your opportunity for ultimate business transformation and order your copy of The Leadership Shift, today!
What others say:
“The content is incredibly robust.”
“Great insights, can be used by leaders in many ways depending on their needs.” – Keith Meier, Chief Operating Officer of Assurant (A Fortune 500 Company)
Master & Dynamic MW75 Active Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones Review
I’be been reviewing the Master & Dynamic MW75 Active Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones for some time. Master and Dynamic is one of my favorite headphone companies in this price range space because of the quality and detail put into the products. I’ve reguarly used their headphones on the podcast for nearly 10 years. These headphones are designed for individuals who are looking for a high-end audio experience, with the added bonus of active noise-cancellation technology. I prefer the sound quality and features over the prior ANC headphones M&D made by far.
Design and Build Quality:
First and foremost, the MW75’s design is absolutely stunning. They are beautiful to the eye, sleek and finely detailed. The headphones feature a mix of premium materials such as anodized aluminum, stainless steel, and genuine leather, making them both luxurious and durable. The ear cups are well-padded and wrapped in plush leather that you can wear for hours, providing a comfortable fit even during extended listening sessions. The adjustable headband ensures a secure fit, and the folding design makes it convenient for on-the-go use.
Sound Quality:
The MW75 headphones deliver an exceptional audio experience. The 40mm beryllium drivers produce a rich and dynamic sound with impressive clarity, giving you a truly immersive listening experience. The bass is deep and punchy, without being overpowering, while the mids and highs are well-balanced and crystal clear. The soundstage is wide, and the separation of instruments and vocals is impressive, allowing you to fully appreciate the nuances of your favorite tracks.
Active Noise-Cancellation:
One of the standout features of the MW75 headphones is the active noise-cancellation (ANC) technology. The ANC to be quite effective in eliminating unwanted background noise in various environments, such as busy streets, public transportation, or a the office. If I go out alone to restraunts or coffee they are a must have as well as flying airlines. The ANC can be easily toggled on or off with the dedicated switch, giving you the flexibility to choose when you need to block out the world around you. You can also make adjustments in the mobile app it comes with as well as firmware updates.
Connectivity and Battery Life:
The MW75 headphones offer seamless wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a stable and high-quality connection with your devices. Pairing the headphones is simple and quick, no dropouts or lag during testing. The battery life is great with up to 20 hours of playback on a single charge. A USB-C port allows for fast charging, with a 15-minute charge providing around 5 hours of listening time.
Additional Features:
The MW75 headphones comes with a built-in microphone, allowing you to take phone calls and communicate clearly with others. The intuitive on-ear controls let you easily manage playback, volume, and calls without needing to reach for your device. The headphones also come with a premium carrying case for added protection, convenience when traveling.
Conclusion:
The Master & Dynamic MW75 Active Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones provide a fantastic listening experience with luxurious design, top-notch sound quality, and effective noise-cancellation. While the price tag is on the higher side, I believe the combination of premium materials, excellent audio performance, and ANC technology justifies the investment for those seeking a truly outstanding pair of headphones. I highly recommend them and their other products
May 9, 2023
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – The People’s Hospital: Hope and Peril in American Medicine by M.D. Ricardo Nuila
The People’s Hospital: Hope and Peril in American Medicine by M.D. Ricardo Nuila
Where does one go without health insurance, when turned away by hospitals, clinics, and doctors? In The People’s Hospital, physician Ricardo Nuila’s stunning debut, we follow the lives of five uninsured Houstonians as their struggle for survival leads them to a hospital where insurance comes second to genuine care.
First, we meet Stephen, the restaurant franchise manager who signed up for his company’s lowest priced plan, only to find himself facing insurmountable costs after a cancer diagnosis. Then Christian—a young college student and retail worker who can’t seem to get an accurate diagnosis, let alone treatment, for his debilitating knee pain. Geronimo, thirty-six years old, has liver failure, but his meager disability check disqualifies him for Medicaid—and puts a life-saving transplant just out of reach. Roxana, who’s lived in the community without a visa for more than two decades, suffers from complications related to her cancer treatment. And finally, there’s Ebonie, a young mother whose high-risk pregnancy endangers her life. Whether due to immigration status, income, or the vagaries of state Medicaid law, all five are denied access to care. For all five, this exclusion could prove life-threatening.
Each patient eventually lands at Ben Taub, the county hospital where Dr. Nuila has worked for over a decade. Nuila delves with empathy into the experiences of his patients, braiding their dramas into a singular narrative that contradicts the established idea that the only way to receive good healthcare is with good insurance. As readers follow the movingly rendered twists and turns in each patient’s story, it’s impossible to deny that our system is broken—and that Ben Taub’s innovative model, which emphasizes people over payments, could help light the path forward.
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – Conversations with Nobody: Getting to Know ChatGPT by Tom Bunzel
Conversations with Nobody: Getting to Know ChatGPT by Tom Bunzel
Have you been wondering about all the buzz on Artificial Intelligence?
Are you interested in how artificial intelligence works? Maybe you may feel like all this new technology is leaving you behind. Do you enjoy stimulating conversation?
Written by a retired business and tech author with expertise in video and graphics, the book will let you share his experience as he engages with ChatGPT on a wide range of topics. Living alone, he uses AI to help him find meaning and connection.
This is how ChatGPT actually describes our book:
“Are you curious about the world of artificial intelligence and what it can do? Conversations with Nobody is an engaging and thought-provoking introduction to AI and its real-world applications. But this isn’t your typical textbook – this book takes the form of a dialogue between the author and ChatGPT, a large language model trained by OpenAI.
Through a series of conversations, you’ll explore the basics of AI, including natural language processing, machine learning, and computer vision. You’ll also gain insight into the ethical and social implications of AI, such as bias in algorithms, job automation, and privacy concerns.
But the conversations don’t stop there. Conversations with Nobody goes beyond the technical aspects of AI to delve into the deeper questions of consciousness, identity, and the nature of reality. You’ll discuss whether the mind arises from the physical processes of the brain, the relationship between self and the external world, and the limits of human perception and understanding.
What makes Conversations with Nobody truly unique is the dynamic and engaging conversation between the author and ChatGPT. You’ll feel like you’re following a real conversation with an intelligent being, as you explore a variety of topics, from the nature of creativity and free will to the potential risks and benefits of advanced AI.
Conversations with Nobody is a fascinating and accessible introduction to the world of AI and the mysteries of the human mind. Whether you’re a newcomer to the field or a seasoned expert, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of the complexities of AI and the potential for this technology to shape our future.”
Order your copy of Conversations with Nobody today and enjoy a conversational book about AI, written with AI, that will actually let you experience Artificial Intelligence.
Hint: You will get no real answers but may encounter some very interesting questions.
May 8, 2023
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – Follow Me to Hell: McNelly’s Texas Rangers and the Rise of Frontier Justice by Tom Clavin
Follow Me to Hell: McNelly’s Texas Rangers and the Rise of Frontier Justice by Tom Clavin
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Tom Clavin’s Follow Me to Hell is the explosive true story of how legendary Ranger Leander McNelly and his men brought justice to a lawless Texan frontier.
In turbulent 1870s Texas, the revered and fearless Ranger Leander McNelly led his men in one dramatic campaign after another, throwing cattle thieves, desperadoes, border ruffians, and other dangerous criminals into jail or, if that’s how they wanted it, six feet under. They would stop at nothing in pursuit of justice, even sending 26 Rangers across the border to retrieve stolen cattle―taking on hundreds of Mexican troops with nothing but their Sharps rifles and six-guns. The nation came to call them “McNelly’s Rangers.”
Set against the backdrop of 200 years of thrilling Texas Rangers history, this page-turner takes readers into the tough life along the Texas border that was tamed by a courageous, yet doomed, captain and his team of fearless men.
It was one hell of a ride!
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – The Earth Transformed: An Untold History by Peter Frankopan
The Earth Transformed: An Untold History by Peter Frankopan
A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF THE YEAR: A revolutionary new history that reveals how climate change has dramatically shaped the development—and demise—of civilizations across time
*Detailing many years of extensive research, endnotes for this edition run to more than 200 pages. They are available online via a link contained in the book.*
Global warming is one of the greatest dangers mankind faces today. Even as temperatures increase, sea levels rise, and natural disasters escalate, our current environmental crisis feels difficult to predict and understand. But climate change and its effects on us are not new. In a bold narrative that spans centuries and continents, Peter Frankopan argues that nature has always played a fundamental role in the writing of history. From the fall of the Moche civilization in South America that came about because of the cyclical pressures of El Niño to volcanic eruptions in Iceland that affected Egypt and helped bring the Ottoman empire to its knees, climate change and its influences have always been with us.
Frankopan explains how the Vikings emerged thanks to catastrophic crop failure, why the roots of regime change in eleventh-century Baghdad lay in the collapse of cotton prices resulting from unusual climate patterns, and why the western expansion of the frontiers in North America was directly affected by solar flare activity in the eighteenth century. Again and again, Frankopan shows that when past empires have failed to act sustainably, they have been met with catastrophe. Blending brilliant historical writing and cutting-edge scientific research, The Earth Transformed will radically reframe the way we look at the world and our future.
May 6, 2023
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – Strategy Sprints: 12 Ways to Accelerate Growth for an Agile Business by Simon Severino
Strategy Sprints: 12 Ways to Accelerate Growth for an Agile Business by Simon Severino
You can grow your revenue and scale your business without sacrificing your whole personal life. It’s all about working smarter, not longer. Strategy Sprints is the blueprint that you need to increase your effectiveness, grow your revenue and secure business resilience.
Using the “Sprints” method, agile expert Simon Severino shows you how to transform your business with 12 assignments or “sprints” that will make you more impactful as a business leader, grow your revenue and make your strategy execution rock. Through these tried and tested exercises, businesses blow the competition out of the water. Strategy Sprints will teach you to identify the bottlenecks that are weighing your business down, turn you and anyone in your team into a sales superstar and streamline processes so you spend time where it matters. The outcomes you’ll master include:
– developing a compelling vision
– mapping out where you can make the most money
– increasing your conversion rates to sales
With plenty of practical tools and templates that work, learn how Strategy Sprints can transform your business.
May 5, 2023
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most by Adam Alter
Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most by Adam Alter
A groundbreaking guide to breaking free from the thoughts, habits, jobs, relationships, and even business models that prevent us from achieving our full potential.
Almost everyone feels stuck in some way. Whether you’re muddling through a midlife crisis, wrestling writer’s block, trapped in a thankless job, or trying to remedy a fraying friendship, the resulting emotion is usually a mix of anxiety, uncertainty, fear, anger, and numbness. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Anatomy of a Breakthrough is the roadmap we all need to escape our inertia and flourish in the face of friction.
Adam Alter has spent the past two decades studying how people become stuck and how they free themselves to thrive. Here he reveals the formula he and other researchers have uncovered. The solution rests on a process that he calls a friction audit—a systematic procedure that uncovers why a person or organization is stuck, and then suggests a path to progress. The friction audit states that people and organizations get unstuck when they overcome three sources of friction: HEART (unhelpful emotions); HEAD (unhelpful patterns of thought); and HABIT (unhelpful behaviors).
Despite the ubiquity of friction, there are many great “unstickers” hidden in plain sight among us and Alter shines a light on some exceptional stories to share their valuable lessons with us. He tells us about the sub-elite swimmer who unstuck himself twice to win two Olympic gold medals, the actor who faced countless rejections before gaining worldwide fame, the renowned painter who became paralyzed and had to relearn to paint with a brush strapped to his wrist, and Alter’s own story of getting unstuck from a college degree that made him deeply unhappy.
Artfully weaving together scientific studies, anecdotes, and interviews, Alter teaches us that getting stuck is a feature rather than a glitch on the road to thriving, but with the right tweaks and corrections we can reach even our loftiest targets.
