Bryan McGrath on Leadership in the Navy, Writing, Retirement, and His 'Own Walden'

Welcome to the Walks of Life podcast. Today's guest is Bryan McGrath, a longtime friend who writes The Conservative Wahoo blog on Substack. Bryan recently retired after a career as an officer in the United States Navy and then as a naval strategist, consultant and advocate. In the Navy, he served as a surface warfare officer, winning the prestigious Admiral Elmo Zumwalt Award for Inspirational Leadership, and then the ship he commanded, the USS Bulkeley, won the USS Arizona Memorial Trophy as the most combat-ready ship in the Navy. He retired with the rank of Commander and turned his energies to consulting on naval matters, tirelessly advocating for a modern, mighty and ever-ready US Navy. He lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. In his writings and in conversation, I always find Bryan a wellspring of clarity and wisdom. I've been eager to interview Bryan for a long time and I know you'll enjoy this conversation as much as I did.Episode Links* Bryan’s blog, The Conservative Wahoo* The Quiet Warrior: A Biography of Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, by Thomas Buell* Wielding the Trident: Admiral Raymond A. Spruance and America’s Victory in the Pacific, by Andrew K. Blackley (to be released March 17, 2026)* Unconventional Success: A Fundamental Approach to Personal Investment, by David Swensen(This article contains Amazon Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which means that by buying from these links, you are supporting Solvitur Ambulando. Thank you!) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sa.life