What It Really Takes to Survive Navy SEAL Hell Week (And Why Most Fail)

Urban Valor: the podcast

This episode of Urban Valor highlights the incredible life of U.S. Navy SEAL veteran Johnny Collins. Growing up in Sykesville, Maryland, Johnny overcame personal challenges, including his parents' divorce, to pursue his dream of becoming a SEAL.
Enduring six grueling BUD/S classes and three Hell Weeks, he demonstrated determination to earn the coveted SEAL Trident.
Johnny shares powerful stories of rigorous training, deployment experiences, and how he transitioned his tactical skills into civilian success.
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Video Chapters:
00:47 Impact of Parents' Divorce
01:21 Becoming a Navy SEAL
04:19 Pre-Navy Life
07:53 First Phase of BUD/S: Physical and Mental Challenges
12:25 Hell Week: The Ultimate Test of Endurance
16:15 Tight Timelines and Training Routines in BUD/S
20:33 Overcoming Setbacks and the Journey Through Medical Rolls
24:15 Hell Week Revisited: Grit and Determination
32:31 Pool Comp and Facing Personal Fears
40:25 Transition to Second Phase and Underwater Training
57:15 Returning to BUD/S After Medical Setbacks
1:13:20 Earning the SEAL Trident and Graduation Day
1:36:09 Deployment Experiences and Working with Service Dogs
2:07:36 Transition to Civilian Life and Reflections on the Navy
2:23:13 Current Role as Safety Director and Life Beyond Service
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