Tales of Leadership

Joshua K. McMillion

Tales of Leadership is a veteran-owned podcast built to help you learn, grow, and tell your story—so you can lead with purpose, integrity, and inspired action. If you’re ready to expand your influence, sharpen your character, and become a more Purposeful Accountable Leader (PAL), you’re in the right place. This is your tribe—real conversations, real lessons, and practical tools to become the leader your family, your team, and your future deserve.   

  1. # 120: Joshua McMillion - Be All In

    May 31

    # 120: Joshua McMillion - Be All In

    We Want To Hear From You 🫡 In this solo episode of Tales of Leadership, Joshua McMillion breaks down what it truly means to be “all in” as a leader, husband, parent, teammate, and human being. Leadership is not built in comfort. It’s forged through adversity, discipline, accountability, and the willingness to move forward even when life feels heavy. Joshua shares the mindset and routines that have helped him navigate pressure, uncertainty, failure, and toxic leadership environments while staying committed to a mission bigger than himself. This episode challenges listeners to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start taking purposeful action right now. The episode dives into building an unreasonable mission, developing steadfast resolve through daily habits, surrounding yourself with unbreakable relationships, and cultivating resilience through deliberate discomfort. Joshua also discusses the real cost of toxic leadership and why developing Purposeful Accountable Leaders matters more than ever. This episode is a reminder that the world does not need perfect leaders — it needs leaders who are present, committed, and willing to step fully into the arena. Every day is a gift. Don’t waste yours. Tales of Leadership is a leadership platform dedicated to developing Purposeful Accountable Leaders (PALs) through real stories, shared experiences, and practical insight. Each episode breaks down the decisions, failures, and defining moments that shape leaders in the arena—offering honest, experience-driven lessons you can apply immediately. It’s built for those who want to grow with intention, elevate how they lead, and make a lasting impact—because leadership isn’t about rank, it’s about responsibility, and the greatest leaders live by one principle: deeds, not words.  👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/ 🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando 👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.com Every day is a gift. Don’t waste yours.  — Joshua K. McMillion ✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW ✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEK Visit Tale of Leadership  Support the show

    31 min
  2. #119: David Brown - A SEAL’s Journey Against the Odds—Grit, Leadership, and Triumph

    Apr 13

    #119: David Brown - A SEAL’s Journey Against the Odds—Grit, Leadership, and Triumph

    We Want To Hear From You 🫡 David Brown is a graduate of BUD/S class115 and member of Underwater Demolition Team 21 and SEAL Team 4. David went on to conduct Navy special warfare deployments in Central and South America, Europe the middle east and Africa. Later he served the federal government as a Special Agent for 28 years, retiring as a Senior Executive. David’s latest venture is a new book about perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and becoming a Navy SEAL by former Navy SEAL David "Brownie" Brown and NY Times Bestselling author Bob Gettlin. Connect with David Brown: -Website: www.udtdave.com -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UDTDave Tales of Leadership is a leadership platform dedicated to developing Purposeful Accountable Leaders (PALs) through real stories, shared experiences, and practical insight. Each episode breaks down the decisions, failures, and defining moments that shape leaders in the arena—offering honest, experience-driven lessons you can apply immediately. It’s built for those who want to grow with intention, elevate how they lead, and make a lasting impact—because leadership isn’t about rank, it’s about responsibility, and the greatest leaders live by one principle: deeds, not words.  👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/ 🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando 👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.com Every day is a gift. Don’t waste yours.  — Joshua K. McMillion ✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW ✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEK Visit Tale of Leadership  Support the show

    1h 26m
  3. #118: Joe Byerly - From Green Notebooks to Lasting Leadership Lessons

    Mar 15

    #118: Joe Byerly - From Green Notebooks to Lasting Leadership Lessons

    We Want To Hear From You 🫡 Joe Byerly is a combat arms officer with over 20 years of experience in both combat and training environments, serving at levels ranging from the tactical to the strategic. Passionate about leader development, he created this platform to help leaders share lessons learned from their own experiences, captured in their "green notebooks." Throughout his career, he has been fortunate to have mentors who encouraged him to read, write, and publish. Joe has contributed articles to notable publications such as ARMY Magazine, Military Review, Strategy Bridge, Small Wars Journal, Task and Purpose, and Foreign Policy. Featured on Forbes and a frequent guest on leadership podcasts, Joe has also spoken at prominent events, including the Annual AUSA Conference, the Future of War Conference, and the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum Annual Conference. Connect with Joe Byerly: -Website: https://fromthegreennotebook.com/    -LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joe-byerly-bb67a377  Tales of Leadership is a leadership platform dedicated to developing Purposeful Accountable Leaders (PALs) through real stories, shared experiences, and practical insight. Each episode breaks down the decisions, failures, and defining moments that shape leaders in the arena—offering honest, experience-driven lessons you can apply immediately. It’s built for those who want to grow with intention, elevate how they lead, and make a lasting impact—because leadership isn’t about rank, it’s about responsibility, and the greatest leaders live by one principle: deeds, not words.  👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/ 🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando 👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.com Every day is a gift. Don’t waste yours.  — Joshua K. McMillion ✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW ✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEK Visit Tale of Leadership  Support the show

    1h 4m
  4. #117: Brad Smith - How Purpose, Grit, and AI Are Rebuilding West Virginia

    Feb 15

    #117: Brad Smith - How Purpose, Grit, and AI Are Rebuilding West Virginia

    We Want To Hear From You 🫡 Brad D. Smith became president of Marshall University in January 2022 after a globally recognized career in leadership and philanthropy. Formerly CEO and executive chairman of Intuit, Brad co-founded the Wing 2 Wing Foundation with his wife, Alys, to support education and entrepreneurship in Appalachia. The foundation's Ascend WV program recruits remote workers to West Virginia. A Marshall alumnus with a bachelor’s in business administration, Brad is committed to empowering future leaders. A proud “boy from Kenova,” Brad champions opportunities for his home state and its people.  🫡 Our mission is simple: To develop Purposeful Accountable Leaders — PALs — who do the right thing because it is the right thing to do and choose people over ego. Tales of Leadership shares real-world lessons, hard-earned wisdom, and practical tools that equip you to step into the arena, lead with purpose, live with integrity, and make an inspired impact. Whether you are leading yourself, your family, an organization, or your community, we stand beside you as you become the leader this world needs.  👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/ 🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando 👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.com Every day is a gift. Don’t waste yours.  — Joshua K. McMillion ✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW ✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEK Visit Tale of Leadership  Support the show

    1h 10m
  5. #116: Mike Durnin - How Servant Leadership Turns Tragedy Into Purpose

    Jan 15

    #116: Mike Durnin - How Servant Leadership Turns Tragedy Into Purpose

    We Want To Hear From You 🫡 Mike has dedicated his career to higher education, serving as a football coach, instructor, and administrator at multiple colleges and universities. Throughout his tenure, he contributed to several conference championships, coached numerous All-Conference and All-American athletes, and mentored countless current teachers and coaches across the Midwest and beyond. As the President and Founder of Via Crucis Leadership, LLC, Mike is a dynamic speaker who brings passion, humor, and heartfelt stories to audiences. He emphasizes essential leadership skills based upon his “Handful of L’s” as a foundation for those striving to navigate and lead in today’s complex, “Chaordic” world (forces of chaos & order colliding). Guided by his mission of “1-0 Every Day in Every Way: Living life creating a transformation of self and others.” Mike inspires individuals to unlock their potential, embrace resilience, and foster meaningful change in themselves and others. Mike also serves as the President of the Chris Norton Foundation and was featured in the acclaimed documentary “7 Yards.” He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree and continues to lead with purpose and impact. 🫡 Our mission is simple: To develop Purposeful Accountable Leaders — PALs — who do the right thing because it is the right thing to do and choose people over ego. Tales of Leadership shares real-world lessons, hard-earned wisdom, and practical tools that equip you to step into the arena, lead with purpose, live with integrity, and make an inspired impact. Whether you are leading yourself, your family, an organization, or your community, we stand beside you as you become the leader this world needs.  👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/ 🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando 👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.com Every day is a gift. Don’t waste yours.  — Joshua K. McMillion ✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW ✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEK Visit Tale of Leadership  Support the show

    1h 12m
  6. #115: Ben Eden - From HR Executive to Purpose-Driven Coach

    12/15/2025

    #115: Ben Eden - From HR Executive to Purpose-Driven Coach

    We Want To Hear From You 🫡 Ben Eden is a keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the creator of the Eden Model, a transformative framework designed to help high-achieving leaders evolve from the inside out. With a background as an HR executive and as the author of How We See Ourselves, Ben has developed a unique ability to guide successful business owners and corporate leaders who, despite their outward achievements, seek greater clarity, balance, and fulfillment. Ben specializes in helping those who carry the weight of performance realign with their true selves, enabling them to lead with increased confidence, deeper connections, and greater time freedom. His work combines practical leadership wisdom with profound insights into personal identity, making him a sought-after guide for leaders looking to make meaningful transformations. Connect with Ben Eden: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benedenspeaks/ - Book: https://howweseeourselves.com/  🫡 Our mission is simple: To develop Purposeful Accountable Leaders — PALs — who do the right thing because it is the right thing to do and choose people over ego. Tales of Leadership shares real-world lessons, hard-earned wisdom, and practical tools that equip you to step into the arena, lead with purpose, live with integrity, and make an inspired impact. Whether you are leading yourself, your family, an organization, or your community, we stand beside you as you become the leader this world needs.  👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/ 🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando 👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.com Every day is a gift. Don’t waste yours.  — Joshua K. McMillion ✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW ✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEK Visit Tale of Leadership  Support the show

    1h 17m
  7. #114 Robert Yarnall - From Battlefield Lessons to Everyday Leadership

    11/15/2025

    #114 Robert Yarnall - From Battlefield Lessons to Everyday Leadership

    We Want To Hear From You 🫡 Robert Yarnall is the VP of Development & Impact at the Robert Irvine Foundation. A retired Master Gunnery Sergeant with 25 years of service in the USMC, Robert also spent 20 years as a civics teacher and coach. In addition to his military and teaching career, he is a community leader, involved in local government and charitable organizations, and a small business owner. Connect with Robert Yarnall: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-yarnall-the-mission-makers/ -Website: https://robertirvinefoundation.org/ -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobertIrvineFoundation 🫡 Our mission is simple: To develop Purposeful Accountable Leaders — PALs — who do the right thing because it is the right thing to do and choose people over ego. Tales of Leadership shares real-world lessons, hard-earned wisdom, and practical tools that equip you to step into the arena, lead with purpose, live with integrity, and make an inspired impact. Whether you are leading yourself, your family, an organization, or your community, we stand beside you as you become the leader this world needs.  👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/ 🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando 👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.com Every day is a gift. Don’t waste yours.  — Joshua K. McMillion ✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW ✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEK Visit Tale of Leadership  Support the show

    1h 23m
5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Tales of Leadership is a veteran-owned podcast built to help you learn, grow, and tell your story—so you can lead with purpose, integrity, and inspired action. If you’re ready to expand your influence, sharpen your character, and become a more Purposeful Accountable Leader (PAL), you’re in the right place. This is your tribe—real conversations, real lessons, and practical tools to become the leader your family, your team, and your future deserve.