Join Jocko Underground: www.jockounderground.com/subs... The hidden devil behind alcohol... Even in moderation. Join the conversation on Twitter/Instagram: @jockowillink @echocharles
I have new found respect for Echo. Many people walking in these shoes don't even admit to themselves that there's a problem, letalone tackle it AND then talk about what happened, in front of everyone, so that others can learn from it.
Holy shit. I can't even explain how hard this hit me. Echo's experience is mine. Creative person, who just picked up some vices, in moderation, because of their association with my creative pursuits, never going too crazy with any of it yet never breaking entirely free of it. And then you're in your 40's, broke, divorced, and binging Jocko podcasts and sermons while running and lifting and praying for another chance.... This hit hard.
Right on and kudos to you for seeing your own path. That said...don't pray for another chance: you are building that other chance for yourself brick by brick. Just don't stop.
Not divorced yet and it’s not that we’ve not played with that gun. I’m 47 and working hard to “get my isle squared away”- one phrase I’ve stollen from Jocko for the sake of something way better. Very similarly booze has been just what I’ve heard here- that for all my efforts the drink renders them all nearly useless. Those of us who’ve found ourselves in this stage of life have our work cut out for us and most certainly don’t need more shit to hold us back. Echo Charles and Jocko if you see this Thankyou and we’re listening
Alcohol and drugs had me by the throat at 16. Dad bought me a little motorcycle, didn't take long to realize the two didn't mix. I went with the motorbike. Saved my life. I guess the moral of the story is, a sense of purpose goes a long way. Started working out 3x week at 23, never stopped. Another sense of purpose. I'm 70 now, retired, healthy, happy and still ride, got a street bike and a dirtbike. I owe my life to my Dad.
I didn't drink in high school, dabbled in college, and post law school, started getting drunk 3-4 nights a week. Kept that going until around 42, then I cut way back because I had fatty liver syndrome, the first sign of cirrhosis. But still didn't give it up completely. Early December 2020, I had one 4% beer. Woke up the next day hung over. Waited a week, had 3 ounces of whiskey--again, woke up hungover. Christmas Eve 2020, had one 4% beer again, woke up Christmas Day hungover. I stopped that day and haven't had a drop since. Talked to my doctor about it and he said all the new medical literature reads that alcohol is a toxin with no benefits. He thinks my body just hit a wall. My life is way better without alcohol. I look at all the time and money I wasted getting drunk. I wish I would have never started. Being sober is fantastic!
Hits home for me. Alcohol has helped ruin my life, helped derail my military career and I have struggled with it since I can remember. I’m saving this video as a reminder of why it is important to stay on the path of sobriety. Much love Jocko and Echo. This is exactly the kind of content someone like me, who struggles with this demon on a frequent basis, needs. I appreciate you guys taking the time to discuss this topic and the courage that Echo has to speak about his own struggles with this socially acceptable poison.
Definitely! That guy was about to destroy himself, for whatever reason, and he was saved by a random act of "what the hell are you doing, man?" Surrounding ones self with good people makes all the difference in the world!
Props to Echo for taking the bull by the horns and not only facing this thing head on, but for also being humble enough to put it out there into the world. Ugly bits and all. Kids and young adults out there, pay attention; this is what and who you want to be when you grow up. It'll get you to wherever else you want to get to.
Awesome one. I drank like an idiot from 18 to 42. Blackout drinking. Once I got married and we had your first child I just stopped. Then found jiu-jitsu and the combo of those 2 positive forces killed the alcohol thank God.
I'm 18, Freshman in college, and its everywhere. I am straightedge (like my amazing father) and am constantly shocked at how many people are missing out on life. All my friends from my home town are nowhere in life and lost their goals. They always said it was a superpower to say no, but would still put me down for it when they were on something. The human spirit knows alcohol and drugs are bad. With a lack of discipline you lose direction and purpose. Thanks Jocko and Echo for being a force of discipline in this undisciplined world.
Bro, stay straightedge! Nothing, and I do mean Nothing good will result from drinking or smoking! You have a chance to not make those mistakes. Stay on the path! You don't want to wake up one day and look back to "what could have been"
You’re 18 brother. Don’t worry too much about what anybody else is doing around you unless they’re someone you’d like to be or someone showing you how to get to where you want to go. The Path will not be followed by everyone.
I've been listening to you guys for a couple years and in all of the podcasts put together before this one I hadn't heard echo speak as much as this one. It was awesome! A few remarks. You won't have to think of alcoholism as a battle you have to fight, it is one with a very real adversary. You may lose some battles along the way be patient and keep fighting because the wars not won unless you die sober. The big book of AA is a invaluable source of help for understanding alcoholic allergy and has a section in it for the employer and for the family that could dramatically help anyone who is struggling or might encounter someone and would like to understand the best they can. I'm really proud of you Echo as it's very brave to be open and vulnerable on the chance you may help someone else, even a stranger. That kind of honesty is the bravery that will save your own life. I'll be praying for you and your family and I encourage you to find friends of Bill W if you ever need support. You two have been instrumental in my own battle and I'm eternally grateful. God Speed❤️
Glad to hear Echo has mustered the strength to overcome any issues with alcohol. A friend of mine visited and drank alcohol for the first time in two years and was reminded of the horrible taste in addition to zero beneficial effect. He's defied the odds with past demons and has no desire for alcohol or any drug. He takes a litany of sedating medications from blood pressure to anti-seizure. Sleep is all screwed up as he's tried to ween off some of his meds only to give him terrible insomnia which he combats with listening to music, playing video games and scrolling. Conquering one's addiction(s) is often times only half the battle while deeply engrained mental health issues remain. The choice is to either check out in life with regrets or realize we are only gifted with so many days, time to work towards life goals that will help bring some happiness for family and friends.
Hell yea Echo. This podcast hits home for me, I quit drinking 5 months ago,i was a high functioning alcoholic. I’ve had a slip up or two but when i did I realised I don’t even like alcohol anymore it just makes me feel shit rather than buzzed. Even more motivation to stay sober and on the path
I never drank more than a few beers a week but recently took the month off drinking. It's crazy how subtly alcohol effects your life. Especially when you use it for social anxiety, feelings moderation etc.
Great podcast. Shout out to Mr. Charles for opening up for us. I think I'll use Jockos answer as to why he doesn't drink anymore, "it doesn't help me".
Congrats to Echo for joining the AA Jocko branch Break the cycle It's crazy alcohol is legal and cannabis isn't It really goes to show you, everything in moderation, including moderation. But some people just can't, and that's ok too. Just be honest tho, and truth will set you free.
Recently gave up drinking as well. That was 8 months ago now. Dropped 20 lbs of fat, put on 5lbs of muscle. Did a half marathon. The funny thing is I don't miss it at all, and I was doing it a whooole lot.
Ehh, said I've got "no stretch left" 20 pounds muscle in the abdomen and back, 4% body fat plus multiple tasks. Then a back injury.. I kept going for it to back medical. STAY STRONG!! KEEP GOING! Home sweet home!! Dammmnn I'm heavier. I was solid as a brick wall at 206lbs to "pack pack" for essential medicine.
Man..........I could tell you my nonsense, but it doesn't matter. Relatable, that's all I'll say. Thank you Echo and Jocko for making this video. I want to be better.
Echo! That devil analogy hit me. Never a problem with alcohol but I’ve struggled with an ED and yeah that’s nothing but the devil’s work. I’ll remember that .1 the next time I think it won’t matter or add up. Thanks for being so real and sharing your story.
My mother once told me that 'drinking makes your world smaller'. I can make my world work just fine while drinking, it's just so much smaller. Eventually I look around and my world is so small it is crushing my spirit. Drink less, experience more. Now if I can just give my son this lesson with less suffering than I needed to drive it all home.
Thank you jocko and echo. As a card caring alcoholic approaching 2 years of sobriety in January. I can only speak of my own experience but it is without a doubt a line in the sand I can't have 1 beer, I have 1 sip of booze I've already went over the cliff, and don't know how I ended up with a half gallon. God bless yall I listen all the time and love yalls shit thank you for putting your time and effort into it. Yall inspired me to get into jujitsu as well and I love it had my first experience recently with it being meditative while taking people apart at the same time. I know I had that smile going myself. Thanks again.
I think this sends a great message out about drinking but i kinda wish Jocko would stop saying there is nothing good about drinking. I feel like it instantly isolates people who drink and makes it harder to convince them to come around to not drinking and make them aware of all the positives of going sober. But then again, Jocko is Jocko haha
I was a Kaneohe Bay Marine from 1988 to 1992 I made it out of the Marine Corps honorably. That was a blessing ironically I went into the Marine Corps to quit drinking. I would leave the Marine Corps to stop drinking. On January 18, 1993. I would get help for alcoholism and stay clean and sober to this day. If I can go back in time and do one thing over in my life, it would be never to pick up alcohol or drugs. Today my life is good and I’m proud of my service, but I robbed myself at the opportunities. I could’ve taken advantage of in the military because I was too busy getting drunk or nursing a hangover alcohol and drugs are just plain bad I live in San Diego and operate a security company today, I have beautiful people in my life a lot of great memories and I do my best every day to get afte it
Most matters in life live in the grey area. Your conversation about alcohol consumption is one of those black or white matters. Alcohol does nothing but suck any desire, willingness and drive to be productive. It destroys live's, families and being a meaningful member of society. It takes everything. As a person who is in recovery I really needed to hear this message. It reinforces the reality of truth. Thank you for this podcast and the honesty it brings. I will definitely share this with people who struggle and people who have chosen the path of recovery. Very grateful for this message. Thank you for this message, very motivating.
Learn an instrument and educate yourself-your soul will be uplifted!!✨🎵🎻📚Thank you guys for sharing-it’s an important conversation…was listening to your morning 2min videos while I was cleaning up and this one came up next…It’s a great discussion!!
great episode - thanks a lot for being vulnerable and sharing. This has helped me immensely and the episode appeared as I was questioning my own relationship with alcohol.
I have very busy weeks and I can only really work on my hobbies and goals on the weekends, I don't drink alcohol so I can wake up earlier and focus on my work while the world is asleep and doesn't bother me. People have been looking weirdly at me or mocking me but my long term goals are more important to me than short term gratification. I also believe that avoiding alcohol makes you a more socially capable person, without alcohol you have to consciously make an effort to be a good conversationalist and build genuine confidence.
I quit drinking about 2 years ago and absolutely one of the best things I ever did. I wasnt a full blown alcoholic but i definitely had a problem. After a messy night out i woke up and just realised this path was leading me down a slipperly slope and decided enough was enough. I drew my line in the sand and havent looked back. Now my free time is focused around fittness/training and i have more energy time and money to pursue things I enjoy and absolutley not drinking is a blessing. Really enjoyed this podcast and thanks for spreading this important message.
Thanks for sharing your story, Echo 🙏🏻 On my part, Im too addicted to comfort where I dont get things done 😔 but im working on it getting that discipline going
It’s kind of ironic I stopped drinking when I joined the Air Force. I would party pretty hard and go to bars with friends back home but as soon as I left I felt like the fun of it disappeared. I’ll have a drink or two at certain social events but I haven’t gotten drunk in years. Now that I’ve gotten serious about getting back into shape, I’ve completely just stopped drinking out right and I always encourage my friends to do the same. It’s such a waste of money and takes a big toll on the body.
@49:51. - I was one of those guys. I would drink so much every weekend was a blackout. Wake up wallet missing, afraid to look at my bank account. My demeanor was always a crap shoot. Sometimes I'd be the life of the party and sometimes I'd get kicked out of the party. Wound up in jail more than once. I was too drunk to notice all the signs telling me to stop drinking. I am fortunate in that once I figured out how bad alcohol was for me, I had no desire to drink ever again. Of course my life pretty much instantly got better and has been improving ever since. That was 6 years ago and there's no amount of money you could pay me to have another drink.
As a alcoholic in recovery that struck a serious chord with me too. My biggest triggers are when I'm feeling my best ,like great workouts, good company and settings .Like the Big Book of AA says our disease is "cunning, baffling and powerful " . Kudos to Jocko for being so tuned in and Echo's experience.
I drank in my 20s bc that's what all my friends where doing go to the clubs go to the bars drink and dance, and as time went on I just decided to not drink anymore bc I hated the next morning and I never really liked the tipsey feeling I didn't like the way drunk people act especially young drunk people, I didnt like to feel not in control of my own self, if I wanted to leave a place I felt uncomfortable at I didnt want any reason to why I couldn't leave. And today i see some old friends I use to go out with and I see the effects alcohol has had on them and on some cases it's so sad
Good stuff! I was in the infantry, and one night, a mate and I went out and got DRUNK I can remember a few things.... 90 bucks for out first bill of long island ice teas, strangling a dude and poking him repeatedly in the eye, starting a bar fight, punching a paramedic, crying and hugging the other one, getting hit with a chair... The next day, I woke up in a hospital bed, on various tubes and things, thinking....oOoOooOOh no....what this time? Long story short, they said based on my alcohol levels, I should be dead, then I was in for w week, having tests. I had given myself brain damage. They told me it would last about 15 years. This was in 2007. This is REALLY normal behaviour in the military. I know people who have done much worse. Glad I was there and did it, but wouldn't do it again!
Can we get a podcast about Echo editing videos. It's a cool mindset to analyze. I'm very much a person who is into technology, video games and dabled in videos and other digital content. But I can't get myself to sit at the computer and be productive during the day. I'm more likely to procrastinate on a day off or endulge in going to the café where I'm more likely to just watch RU-vid. And latter finally getting out and doing chores or a work out (Muay thai, Jujitsu). But even on a work day if I have a project to working on I'm burning the midnight oil instead. For some reason I can stay up all night. it feels like when the world shuts down I'm free to get my one things done.
Great conversation for me. I started listening to Jocko and Echo back around the time that, for the 2nd time, I ruined my MEP into the Marine Corps due to alcohol. Many times have a "quit" drinking but recently I seriously drew that line for my 2nd time. My first time that I seriously swore off the booze I made it over 2 years. Let's make this one stick!
If you have a problem. You have to draw a line in the sand. However drawing the line doesn't make the desire go away. That comes for some and doesn't for others on its own time. That's why a support system is a good idea so you are not tackling your moments of desire on your own. Good job jocko.
While his musical endeavors are great, Henry will let you down as a human. Mainstream democrat, VERY anti gun, smug, condescending, just to name a few red flags. Really a case where I have to separate the art from the artist.
Drinking is annoying due to side effects. I LIKE to feel good, I am as degenerate as the next guy, but drinking feels disgusting the second I start coming down, and I come down pretty quick. It is just disgusting, tastes stupid, makes me fat, wastes money, feels good for 2 seconds. There are better vices.
It's not surprising people become alcoholics, or reach for other substances. Life is generally just rough, it's full of struggle, pain and learning experiences. And when all that piles up too much, people look for a way to numb the constant stress one way or another. However for those who, rather than try work on their life's situation, reach for the bottle hoping that it'll all fly over.. those are the ones in danger of becoming addicted. I wish I knew the ''cure'' but frankly, as long as you live, you'll be tempted to numb the pain.. either through alcohol, or through a healthier ways.
Yeah, people don’t do enough spiritual development and it shows more and more after age 20. People who spend hours working out a week often won’t spend one hour a week on spiritual strength. If you don’t have a system to help you cope with suffering or see it as meaningful, of course you’ll get caught in a cycle of trying to avoid it with whatever is available. You can just exist in our society for 5 minutes and know that’s what’s happening, and the effects pile up over time.
Well I'm kinda sick so I have this "oh I'm sick I better maximize recovery" value. So I'm like resting super hard. Then I was depressed because my neighbours died so I bought chips and I bought chips again.
