Sean Hagerty: From Special Operations to Author- Why Special Forces Never Say “We Can’t” episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 21, 2026 · 1H 4M

Sean Hagerty: From Special Operations to Author- Why Special Forces Never Say “We Can’t”

from Straight Talk - Mind and Muscle Podcast · host straight talk mind and muscle

Sean Hagerty is a retired Special Operations Soldier with more than 25 years of military experience, beginning with the 1st of the 75th Ranger Regiment before being selected in 2005 for a Special Operations unit at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.He spent 16 years there and retired as a Sergeant Major, receiving numerous awards including three Bronze Stars. After several years at the Pentagon, Sean resigned as the Senior Advisor for the Department of Defense Science Board to pursue his passion for writing, storytelling, and publishing.His first novel, Jones Point, introduced the Dane Cooper series, followed by Cabal, the second book, with a third novel now completed and expected in 2027.What makes Sean's transition from Special Operations to fiction particularly interesting is that these aren't simply military novels—they are stories informed by decades of operational experience, historical research and an understanding of what happens when the mindset of a Special Operations soldier is applied to problems outside the battlefield.In this conversation, we go well beyond Sean's military résumé. We discuss perseverance, critical thinking, problem-solving and knowing when to step back and re-attack, and how those qualities have continued to shape his life after the military. Sean explains how he deliberately separated his military identity from his family life, why finding purpose can be one of the hardest challenges of leaving a long military career, and how writing gave him a new mission and an outlet that could continue for the rest of his life.We also explore parenting, maintaining relationships and connection after service, the importance of finding your tribe, and why veterans should take advantage of every transition programme and opportunity available to them. Sean takes us inside the thinking behind the Dane Cooper novels, including how his Special Operations experience, historical research, technology and the psychology of a father protecting his child have been woven into the stories.Along the way, we discuss critical thinking in an age of misinformation, the dangers of blindly accepting what we are told, and why being able to say "I don't know—I don't have all the facts" may be one of the most important skills a person can develop.🔗 Connect with Sean HagertyOfficial Website: https://authorseanhagerty.com/Insta https://www.instagram.com/authorseanhagerty/Books: Available through Sean's official website and major book retailerI am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com and www.saferthanyouarenow.comAnd you are listening to my STRAIGHT TALK MIND AND MUSCLE PODCAST sponsored by www.mystait.com- the ultimate daily formula for optimum hormone health, stress management, energy and performance. 100% natural and clinically proven ingredients, it provides everything you need to raise your game, in a convenient gut-friendly capsule.  And the Mason Survival Protocol - https://www.carnivoreretreat.com/post/masonsurvival-protocol-carnivore-retreatLinks for my former shows are here- WATCH on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpt-Zy1jciVn7cWB0B-y5WATyzrzfwucZLISTEN on: spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rlAGRXCwLIJfQCQ5B3PYB?si=UmgsMBFkRfelCAm1E4Pd3QItunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-talk-mind-and-muscle-podcast/id1315986446?mt=2Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5bce2d31-a171-4e83-bada-d1384c877e76Subscribe for more amazing tips, interviews and wisdom from phenomenal guests ------- And get your ** FREE Video Workshop here- https://www.hownottodieguy.com/

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