Raising Warrior Kids: Jocko Willink on Parenting and Powering Up with Steak
Release Date: 06/13/2024
Raising The Steaks: Craft, Care, and the Customer: What Makes a Great Steak
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Welcome to Raising the Steaks, a special series within the Steak Bites podcast that takes you behind the scenes at Colorado Craft Beef. We tackle listener questions, break down industry trends, and dig into the real issues shaping our food system, health, and the future of American ranching. No fluff—just honest conversations, expert insights, and a closer look at what it takes to bring high-quality beef from our ranch to your plate. In this episode, we dive deep into what truly makes a great steak—from genetics and grazing to dry aging and consumer cooking habits. Kara shares the...
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From Octagon to Homefront: UFC’s Raquel Pennington on Feeding Strength
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It’s More Than Beef—It’s a Life’s Work
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Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes in rural veterinary medicine—or what it takes to ensure the health and welfare of the animals that become part of our food system? In this episode of Steak Bites, Dr. Darcy joins us to share her journey as a rural veterinarian and the lessons learned along the way. From middle-of-the-night calving calls to helping ranchers navigate vaccine protocols and antibiotic decisions, Dr. Darcy brings a practical, compassionate, and deeply human perspective to animal health. She talks about the long hours, the responsibility, and the grit it takes to...
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In this episode of Steak Bites, Kara Smith sits down with Katharine Lotspeich for a wide-ranging conversation on the intersection of food systems, policy, and how what we eat shapes the future of our nation. Katharine brings her unique perspective, growing up on a dairy farm and working in both state legislatures and the agritech sector, providing invaluable insight into how food and agricultural policies are created—and how they often miss the mark when applied in real-world settings. Together, Kara and Katharine explore the disconnect between food production and consumption in America....
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Ranching by Nature's Clock: What Really Fuels Great Beef
Steak Bites
In this episode, Jay Knight sits down with Kara Smith to explore the realities of spring on the ranch and the deep connection ranchers have with nature. Kara explains how spring turnout—when cattle are released to graze—isn’t just about a calendar date. It’s a careful balance of temperature, moisture, and pasture readiness, especially in the unique Colorado Sandhills, where native grass supports sustainable, efficient beef production. They dive into the complexities of managing cattle on native rangeland, touching on topics like short growing seasons, animal health, and the importance...
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joins the podcast to discuss his passion for barbecue and live fire cooking, which started at a young age under the influence of his Texas-born father. He shares how cooking over charcoal became a lifelong love, bringing people together and creating lasting memories. Jack explains how he turned this passion into a career by hosting high-end barbecue experiences, partnering with top brands, and working with luxury hotels to elevate the backyard barbecue into a five-star experience. His philosophy centers around building community through food, connecting people to their meals, and valuing...
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Raising the Steaks: Staying True to the Craft
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Welcome to Raising the Steaks, a special series within the Steak Bites podcast that takes you behind the scenes at . We tackle listener questions, break down industry trends, and dig into the real issues shaping our food system, health, and the future of American ranching. No fluff—just honest conversations, expert insights, and a closer look at what it takes to bring high-quality beef from our ranch to your plate. In this episode of Raising the Steaks, we dive into the philosophy and future of Colorado Craft Beef. The discussion centers on staying true to their expertise—producing...
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Own It All: Leadership, Parenting & Growth with Jamie Cochran
Steak Bites
In this episode of Steak Bites, host Kara Smith sits down with , Chief Operating Officer of Echelon Front, to explore leadership, resilience, and the power of extreme ownership. Echelon Front, founded by former Navy SEALs Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, is built on the principles outlined in their bestselling book, . shares her unconventional career path—leaving a secure role in higher education to take a risk with . As she initially stepped into an administrative role, her willingness to check her ego, add value, and embrace leadership ultimately led her to become COO of the company. The...
info_outlineIn the latest episode of Steak Bites, host Kara Smith interviews Jocko Willink, dealving into his insights on parenting, particularly in raising "warrior kids." Jocko, a retired Navy SEAL and leadership instructor, shares the genesis of his "Warrior Kid" books, inpired by his own experiences in raising his four children. Frustrated by the lack of children's literature that instills values he deems important, he crafted stories that blend his SEAL lessons with engaging narratives for kids.
Jocko emphasizes that parenting is a leadership exercise. He advises parents to avoid imposing rigid paths on their children, as it can lead to rebellion and rejection. Instead, he suggests allowing kids to develop their own identities while guiding them with a balance of discipline and freedom. This approach aligns with the leadership principles he applied in the military: giving autonomy and fostering responsibility.
Jocko's concept of a "warrior kid" involves instilling values such as hard work, responsibility, cleanliness, discipline, respect, and continuous self-reliance. For example, a child forgets to pack their lunch, they should experience the natural consequence of being hungry to learn the importance of preparation.
The discussion also touches on the significance of nutrition in raising children. Jocko highlights the importance of eating clean and maintaining a balanced diet, drawing from his background in the SEAL teams where nutrition was paramount. He endorsed steak as a vital part of a nutritious diet, aligning with the ethos of the "Steak Bites" podcast and its focus on high quality food.
Overall, Jocko's interview offers practical parenting advice rooted in leadership, autonomy, and real-world lessons, aiming to raise well-rounded, responsible, resilient children.
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For more information about Jocko's All-American Beef Box at Colorado Craft Beef, visit us here.
Stay connected, stay inspired, and keep fueling your legacy. Until next time, savor each bite of existence and let your actions resonate with the wonder of the world.