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Episode 11: US Air Force Surgeon General Mark Ediger - Lessons From 32 Years in Public Service

Purpose in the Process

Release Date: 01/07/2019

Episode 29: Stars in the Darkness - What Changes Will Last? show art Episode 29: Stars in the Darkness - What Changes Will Last?

Purpose in the Process

My co-host and I discuss a few of the potentially lasting changes (hopefully good ones) from the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

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Episode 28: Mike Garrett  - FInding Purpose in Suffering show art Episode 28: Mike Garrett - FInding Purpose in Suffering

Purpose in the Process

My friend Mike Garrett joins us in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis to discuss the purpose in the process of suffering. Thank you for your patience as I took several months off to “counter balance” a few other goals and projects. I’m glad to be back doing the podcast, especially now, and I appreciate all of the continued positive feedback and support. Some links for what we discussed in this episode: , by John Newton (I quote from this book several times in this episode). I found this book in an Episcopal church book store during a break at the Austin Film Festival, and it has...

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Episode 27: Will Blackman - Staying in the Moment show art Episode 27: Will Blackman - Staying in the Moment

Purpose in the Process

My friend Will Blackman returns to help kick-off the second season of the podcast and give us an update. For his first visit, go check out Episode 19! In this episode, Will and I discussed: What Will has learned about the importance of staying in the moment - and how continuously returning to prayer throughout the day can help exercise that muscle Taking refuge within, despite “the shuffling of plates" How does Will feel about Viktor Frankl’s charge that we should strive to live in a manner “worth” our suffering? Learning to accept and embrace love (from both God and people) ...

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Episode 26: Peter Merriman - A Humble Approach to Hospitality show art Episode 26: Peter Merriman - A Humble Approach to Hospitality

Purpose in the Process

Famous chefs don’t become known because of their humility. But as it turns out, their restaurants might. In this episode of the podcast, I spoke with renowned chef Peter Merriman about his unique approach to hospitality in his restaurants. Why is it that a person always feels welcome when they check-in with his hosts? How does Peter motivate his entire staff to entertain like they are “throwing a party every night,” prepare each and every dish like they are “cooking for their mom,” and consistently go above and beyond to “do the right thing” for every customer they meet? In this...

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Episode 25: Dr. Hyla Cass - A Purposeful Approach to Functional Medicine show art Episode 25: Dr. Hyla Cass - A Purposeful Approach to Functional Medicine

Purpose in the Process

We go to the doctor with the goal of feeling better, so it should come as no surprise that conventional medicine is often aimed at helping us deal with symptoms, rather than identifying and addressing the underlying cause. Such an approach is all the more likely in an overwhelmed healthcare system where doctors are increasingly unable to spend the time required to identify and address the root issues behind many “chronic” conditions, especially those with no immediately apparent source. In this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Dr. Hyla Cass about what has fueled her career-long desire...

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Episode 25: Dr. Hyla Cass - A Purposeful Approach to Functional Medicine show art Episode 25: Dr. Hyla Cass - A Purposeful Approach to Functional Medicine

Purpose in the Process

We go to the doctor with the goal of feeling better, so it should come as no surprise that conventional medicine is often aimed at helping us deal with symptoms, rather than identifying and addressing the underlying cause. Such an approach is all the more likely in an overwhelmed healthcare system where doctors are increasingly unable to spend the time required to identify and address the root issues behind many “chronic” conditions, especially those with no immediately apparent source. In this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Dr. Hyla Cass about what has fueled her career-long desire...

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Episode 24: Discovering Your Seven Stories show art Episode 24: Discovering Your Seven Stories

Purpose in the Process

What accomplishments are you most proud of? When you think of the "top stories" of your life - those where you felt most empowered, full of joy, or simply had a great time doing something you were really good at - which experiences rise to the top? More importantly, what specific attributes seem to be common to each of those stories? On the heels of a couple deep philosophical episodes about finding “purpose,” I wanted to offer some concrete advice about the “process” someone might use to start figuring out what they want to be when they grow up. I’ve mentioned the “Seven Stories...

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Episode 23: Finding Meaning In Responsibility show art Episode 23: Finding Meaning In Responsibility

Purpose in the Process

In this second part of a two-part special series I focus on the importance, and process, of finding meaning and purpose in life, as found in the book Man’s Search For Meaning, by Viktor Frankl. Frankl explains how responsibility to oneself and others (and to what life is asking of you) is a vital counterpart to freedom, a concept echoed by many present-day authors, including notable thought leaders like Jordan Peterson and Jocko Wilink. If you only listen to one of these two episodes on Frankl’s book, this is the one to listen to for sure, because we talk and reflect on the second section...

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Episode 22: Viktor Frankl - Man's Search For Meaning show art Episode 22: Viktor Frankl - Man's Search For Meaning

Purpose in the Process

In this special episode of the podcast I wanted to respond to a listener request by offering some takeaways from the globally renowned book Man’s Search For Meaning, by Viktor Frankl. I’ve mentioned this book in past episodes when discussing the importance of living a life of purpose with various guests, because at the end of the day Frankl’s message regarding the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life is core to the whole point of this podcast. This is not intended to be a summary by any means, and is certainly not a scholarly attempt to interpret what Frankl wrote in 1946 -...

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Episode 21: Staying Safe on the Road show art Episode 21: Staying Safe on the Road

Purpose in the Process

They say courtesy is not so common anymore - this seems to be especially true on the road. As I start to teach my son how to drive, I’ve been noticing that even some of the most experienced adult drivers are no longer driving in the kind of courteous and safe manner most likely to avoid both accidents and tickets. In this episode of the podcast I summarize a few principles about safe driving, and offer my insights as both a former police officer and attorney into some of the top ways to stay safer on the road, including how to avoid and deal with road rage. I hope you enjoy this episode...

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Lieutenant General (Dr.) Mark A. Ediger retired last year after serving as the Surgeon General of the Air Force, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Va. General Ediger served as functional manager of the U.S. Air Force Medical Service. In this capacity, he advised the Secretary of the Air Force and Air Force Chief of Staff, as well as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs on matters pertaining to the medical aspects of the air expeditionary force and the health of Air Force people. General Ediger had authority to commit resources worldwide for the Air Force Medical Service, to make decisions affecting the delivery of medical services, and to develop plans, programs and procedures to support worldwide medical service missions. He exercised direction, guidance, and technical management of a $6.1 billion, 44,000-person integrated health care delivery and readiness system serving 2.6 million beneficiaries at 76 military treatment facilities worldwide. Prior to that assignment, General Ediger served as Deputy Surgeon General, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Va. General Ediger is from Springfield, Missouri. He entered the Air Force in 1985 and has served as the Aerospace Medicine Consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General, commanded two medical groups, and served as command surgeon for three major commands. He deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Southern Watch.  Full bio.

I was so thankful that General Ediger, who retired just last year after 32 years in the military, agreed to be interviewed for the podcast to discuss a distinguished career spanning six administrations. We had a great conversation about everything from combat medicine advancements to tips on leadership, and even some quick advice on staying healthy and fit. His rise to the top of medical leadership the United States Air Force, from joining as a reservist to eventually becoming the Air Force Surgeon General, was (as he explains) the result of a quest for life-long learning, staying open to new experiences and opportunities, and building strong relationships with solid mentors. Truly great advice for all of us - and our kids!

We discussed several important topics during this episode, including:

  • Advancements in combat medicine that he witnessed serving from the Cold War until now

  • The remarkable ways in which the modular and agile USAF expeditionary medical systems (EMEDS) are being used to support special forces missions in the fight against ISIS (as well as to assist civilian populations caught in the crossfire of war and in other humanitarian crises)

  • The role of a flight surgeon in keeping airmen fit and ready for difficult roles, whether as jet fighter pilots or special forces missions

  • The rewarding mindset that comes from focusing on serving others, regardless of occupation

  • Advice for anyone considering a military career

  • His thoughts on what made his own career so rewarding and successful

  • What it’s like to be deployed, and how we can support veterans and their families as they transition back to civilian life

Links and More Information on this Topic:

Here are links to a few of the things we discussed:

Here’s a link that will take you to the national website for the BSA Explorers, and you can also find several posts in your own area specializing in medicine, fire, police, and so on. https://www.exploring.org/about-us/

The Civil Air Patrol (the USAF Auxiliary unit that includes both cadet and senior opportunities for service and exposure to Air Force). https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/

The article on health concerns arising from the youth vaping epidemic: https://www.surgeongeneral.gov/news/2018/09/statement-on-fda-youth-e-cigarette-prevention-campaign.html