Mindset: Lessons from the Field

Gina Casazza
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Mindset: Lessons from the Field," hosted by Gina Casazza, children's author, comedian, filmmaker, and business owner, delves into her experiences from training with a Navy SEAL to facing kidnappings and overcoming personal health battles. This podcast unites former special ops veterans and extraordinary individuals to share their stories of resilience and mental toughness. Together, we aim to uncover what it really takes to push beyond our limits and embrace a never-quit mentality. Join our journey to harness untapped potential, master perseverance, and discover the strength of our minds. mindsetlessonsfromthefield.substack.com

  1. Cory Zillig – The Warrior Spirit Isn’t What You Think I Mindset #106

    3D AGO

    Cory Zillig – The Warrior Spirit Isn’t What You Think I Mindset #106

    What actually keeps you going… when your body is done, your mind is done, and quitting would be easier? In this episode, I sit down with former Navy SEAL Cory Zillig — who spent 20 years in the SEAL teams, including serving as an assault team leader on the mission that killed Osama bin Laden. But this conversation isn’t about war. It’s about what happens after the mission ends…When there’s no clear path.No structure.No one telling you what to do next. We break down: * Why devotion matters more than discipline * The difference between a mindset and a warrior spirit * How to keep going when life stops being linear * What failure, doubt, and identity loss really teach you * And why belief in yourself isn’t optional… it’s everything This is for anyone who feels stuck, lost, or unsure of their next move. Because the real battle?It’s not out there. It’s inside your head. And you either train for it…or it trains you. If you’re ready to stop waiting and start becoming — this one will hit. NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY!!!Connect with Cory:Buy his book: https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Attitudes-Primer-Developing-Warrior/dp/1637749147Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coryzillig/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coryzillig/Connect with Mindset Lessons from the Field:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmCukt91CDijj2-QMGQ_plwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsetlessonsfromthefield/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindsetLessonsFromtheFieldShow Sponsor: www.EmpowerLitNonprofit.orgBe the Reason a Child Believes in Themselves!Show Sponsor: www.Spheremoji.com (Use code MINDSET for 10% off!) Get full access to Mindset Lessons from the Field at mindsetlessonsfromthefield.substack.com/subscribe

    56 min
  2. Trevor Fortner – Calm Is a Skill, Not a Personality | Mindset #105

    MAR 25

    Trevor Fortner – Calm Is a Skill, Not a Personality | Mindset #105

    Most people don’t fail under pressure because they’re weak…they fail because they don’t know how to think. Today’s guest, Trevor Fortner, is a former Navy EOD operator who spent years operating in high-stakes environments where one wrong decision could cost lives. What he learned isn’t about toughness.It’s about control. In this episode, we break down the exact frameworks elite operators use to:• Stay calm when everything around them is chaos• Make better decisions under pressure• Control panic before it takes over• Avoid mistakes you can’t recover from This isn’t theory.This is real-world mindset training that applies to your life, your business, and the moments that matter most. Because pressure isn’t going anywhere…but how you respond to it can change everything. NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY!!!Connect with Trevor:Find your Spy Superpower: https://yt.everydayspy.com/45cuYfYExplore Spy School: https://everydayspy.com/ Listen to the podcast: https://youtube.com/@EverydaySpyPodcastLearn from a CIA Spy: https://youtube.com/@Andrew-BustamanteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayspy/?hl=daConnect with Mindset Lessons from the Field:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmCukt91CDijj2-QMGQ_plwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsetlessonsfromthefield/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsetlessonsfromfieldShow Sponsor: www.EmpowerLitNonprofit.orgBe the Reason a Child Believes in Themselves!Show Sponsor: www.Spheremoji.com (Use code MINDSET for 10% off!) Get full access to Mindset Lessons from the Field at mindsetlessonsfromthefield.substack.com/subscribe

    50 min
  3. Wells Jones – Curiosity, Courage & the Edge of Human Potential | Mindset #104

    MAR 18

    Wells Jones – Curiosity, Courage & the Edge of Human Potential | Mindset #104

    What if the thing that builds your resilience… is curiosity? In this episode, I sit down with Wells Jones — former U.S. Navy Antarctic Pararescue team member, adventurer, and storyteller — whose life has taken him from free-falling over the South Pole to trekking 1,100 miles across the Middle East. We dive into: * Why curiosity takes courage * How identity isn’t fixed — it evolves * The power of storytelling to bridge divides * What resilience really looks like beyond survival * How to quiet your mind and stay grounded in chaos Wells shares powerful lessons from extreme environments, real human connection, and a lifetime of saying yes to the unknown. This one will shift how you see fear, growth, and what you’re capable of. Listen in and ask yourself:Where am I playing small… when I could be exploring more? NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY!!!Connect with Wells:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wstadjones/Connect with Mindset Lessons from the Field:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmCukt91CDijj2-QMGQ_plwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsetlessonsfromthefield/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsetlessonsfromfieldShow Sponsor: www.EmpowerLitNonprofit.orgBe the Reason a Child Believes in Themselves!Show Sponsor: www.Spheremoji.com (Use code MINDSET for 10% off!) Get full access to Mindset Lessons from the Field at mindsetlessonsfromthefield.substack.com/subscribe

    53 min
  4. Trenton Miguez – Intelligence Frameworks for Better Decisions | Mindset #103

    MAR 11

    Trenton Miguez – Intelligence Frameworks for Better Decisions | Mindset #103

    In this episode, we sit down with Trenton Miguez, a former military intelligence officer who served in contested regions across the Middle East supporting counterterrorism and protection missions. He later helped design the Army’s training program for new intelligence officers and now teaches leaders how to think more clearly in complex environments through his work with EverydaySpy. This conversation dives into how intelligence professionals approach decision-making, risk, and leadership when the stakes are high and the information is incomplete.Inside this episode:• Why most people misunderstand decision-making• The intelligence framework for evaluating productive vs. counterproductive choices• The difference between data, information, and true knowledge• How perceived risk can be more dangerous than real risk• Why curiosity is the most powerful trait in intelligence professionals• How leaders communicate and make decisions in uncertainty• The power of keeping an experience ledger to build real wisdomIf you want to sharpen your thinking, make better decisions, and develop a stronger mindset when life gets uncertain — this episode is packed with lessons you can apply immediately.🎙 Mindset Lessons from the Field explores how elite performers — from special operators to entrepreneurs — build discipline, resilience, and mental toughness to perform at their best.NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY!!!Connect with Trenton:Find your Spy Superpower: https://yt.everydayspy.com/45cuYfYExplore Spy School: https://everydayspy.com/ Listen to the podcast: https://youtube.com/@EverydaySpyPodcastLearn from a CIA Spy: https://youtube.com/@Andrew-BustamanteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayspy/?hl=daConnect with Mindset Lessons from the Field:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmCukt91CDijj2-QMGQ_plwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsetlessonsfromthefield/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsetlessonsfromfieldShow Sponsor: www.EmpowerLitNonprofit.orgBe the Reason a Child Believes in Themselves!Show Sponsor: www.Spheremoji.com (Use code MINDSET for 10% off!) Get full access to Mindset Lessons from the Field at mindsetlessonsfromthefield.substack.com/subscribe

    52 min
  5. Leo Casiple – The Long Road to Healing | Mindset 102

    MAR 4

    Leo Casiple – The Long Road to Healing | Mindset 102

    Born under martial law in the Philippines, Leo Casiple grew up surrounded by violence, fear, and instability. After immigrating to the United States, he dropped out of high school, struggled to find where he belonged, and eventually enlisted in the U.S. Army with a GED and a green card. He failed Special Forces selection twice. Most people would have stopped there. Leo didn’t. On his third attempt he earned his Green Beret and went on to serve more than 21 years in elite counterterrorism and hostage rescue roles. But the toughest battles weren’t always on the battlefield. In this conversation, Leo shares the deeper story—childhood trauma, anger, PTSD, broken relationships, and the painful process of rebuilding himself and his family. This episode is about perseverance, forgiveness, and learning how to heal when life has knocked you down again and again. A powerful reminder: resilience isn’t about never breaking.It’s about rebuilding. NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY!!!Connect with Leo Casiple:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardcasiple/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leeyokwah/Connect with Mindset Lessons from the Field:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmCukt91CDijj2-QMGQ_plwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsetlessonsfromthefield/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsetlessonsfromfieldShow Sponsor: www.EmpowerLitNonprofit.orgBe the Reason a Child Believes in Themselves!Show Sponsor: www.Spheremoji.com (Use code MINDSET for 10% off!) Get full access to Mindset Lessons from the Field at mindsetlessonsfromthefield.substack.com/subscribe

    44 min
  6. Fred Dummar — Lead with Love & Conquer the Ego Helmet | Mindset #101

    FEB 25

    Fred Dummar — Lead with Love & Conquer the Ego Helmet | Mindset #101

    After 29 years in the U.S. Army Special Forces Regiment, Fred Dummar understands leadership under pressure, suffering, and what truly sustains human resilience. In this episode, Fred shares powerful lessons from combat deployments, guiding a blind teammate through marathons and mountains, and leading elite teams where humility mattered more than rank. We explore:• Leading when you don’t have all the answers• The danger of ego — and when you actually need it• Why love is the missing word in leadership• Mental toughness vs. emotional intelligence• Flow state, suffering, and endurance mindset• How service to others unlocks strength you didn’t know you had This conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, resilience, and what it really means to serve. If you’re building a team, leading a mission, or pushing through your own hard season — this one will stay with you. Listen. Reflect. Lead better. NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY!!!Connect with Fred Dummar:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddummar/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FCDoom/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doom_fred/Substack: https://substack.com/@guidehumanConnect with Mindset Lessons from the Field:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmCukt91CDijj2-QMGQ_plwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsetlessonsfromthefield/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsetlessonsfromfieldShow Sponsor: www.EmpowerLitNonprofit.orgBe the Reason a Child Believes in Themselves!Show Sponsor: www.Spheremoji.com (Use code MINDSET for 10% off!) Get full access to Mindset Lessons from the Field at mindsetlessonsfromthefield.substack.com/subscribe

    50 min
  7. Ryan Birdman Parrott – From IED Survivor to Purpose Warrior – Mindset #100

    FEB 18

    Ryan Birdman Parrott – From IED Survivor to Purpose Warrior – Mindset #100

    After answering the call following 9/11, Ryan “Birdman” Parrott served with SEAL Team 7, surviving an IED blast in Iraq that changed everything. Instead of retreating, he rebuilt — turning pain into purpose through nonprofit work, veteran advocacy, and leadership.In this powerful conversation, we dive into:• Surviving trauma and rebuilding identity• The mindset that gets you through Hell Week — and life• Why purpose beats motivation every time• Brotherhood, belonging, and life after elite service• How to quiet the chaos and reconnect with yourselfRyan bridges the gap between elite military service and civilian life, reminding us that resilience isn’t about toughness — it’s about choosing to keep going. This episode will challenge how you see struggle, purpose, and your own potential.NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY!!!Connect with Ryan "Birdman" Parrott:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-“birdman”-parrott-33180032/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BirdmanActual/Website: https://birdseyeviewproject.org/about-the-birds-eye-view-project/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdmanactual/Podcast:https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@FrogmanFridayShow⁩ Connect with Mindset Lessons from the Field:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmCukt91CDijj2-QMGQ_plwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsetlessonsfromthefield/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsetlessonsfromfieldShow Sponsor: www.EmpowerLitNonprofit.org Be the Reason a Child Believes in Themselves!Show Sponsor: www.Spheremoji.com (Use code MINDSET for 10% off!) Get full access to Mindset Lessons from the Field at mindsetlessonsfromthefield.substack.com/subscribe

    54 min
  8. Michael “Sully” Sullivan – From Green Beret to Team Red, White & Blue | Mindset #99

    FEB 11

    Michael “Sully” Sullivan – From Green Beret to Team Red, White & Blue | Mindset #99

    After 23 years in U.S. Army Special Forces and six combat deployments, Michael “Sully” Sullivan didn’t walk away from service—he redirected it. In this episode of Mindset Lessons from the Field, Sully shares what elite military leadership really teaches you about teamwork, humility, resilience, and purpose—and how those lessons carry over into life after the uniform. We dive into: * What Green Beret selection reveals about who actually belongs on a team * Why leadership fails when ego takes over * How to lead without rank, authority, or control * The identity shock veterans face after leaving service * Building community, accountability, and purpose through Team Red, White & Blue * Preparing mentally before life delivers its hardest tests This episode isn’t just for veterans. It’s for leaders, nonprofit founders, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating transition or pressure—and looking for a way to lead, live, and serve with intention. If you want to build stronger teams, develop real mental toughness, and stay grounded when things get hard—this conversation delivers. Train your mind before life tests it. NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY!!!Connect with Michael “Sully” Sullivan:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-985a8a2b/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mpsulli335Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sully_rwb/?hl=enTeam Red, White & Blue: https://teamrwb.org/michael-sullivanConnect with Mindset Lessons from the Field:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmCukt91CDijj2-QMGQ_plwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsetlessonsfromthefield/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsetlessonsfromfieldShow Sponsor: www.EmpowerLitNonprofit.org Be the Reason a Child Believes in Themselves!Show Sponsor: www.Spheremoji.com (Use code MINDSET for 10% off!) Get full access to Mindset Lessons from the Field at mindsetlessonsfromthefield.substack.com/subscribe

    53 min
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Mindset: Lessons from the Field," hosted by Gina Casazza, children's author, comedian, filmmaker, and business owner, delves into her experiences from training with a Navy SEAL to facing kidnappings and overcoming personal health battles. This podcast unites former special ops veterans and extraordinary individuals to share their stories of resilience and mental toughness. Together, we aim to uncover what it really takes to push beyond our limits and embrace a never-quit mentality. Join our journey to harness untapped potential, master perseverance, and discover the strength of our minds. mindsetlessonsfromthefield.substack.com

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