How did wrestling impact Coleman Ruiz's academic performance and life structure?

Wrestling immediately improved Coleman's academic grades due to the discipline it instilled. He noted his grades were always better during wrestling season, and the sport provided a crucial channel for his innate 'wildness,' leading to a more structured and positive life path.

What motivated Coleman Ruiz to join the Naval Academy and later the SEAL Teams?

The Naval Academy represented an escape from a chaotic home life after his parents divorced. He was initially influenced by a family member who sent him Naval Academy paraphernalia. His choice to join SEAL Teams was driven by a desire for a 'super physical' role after not enjoying the Marine Corps and a comfort with water activities from his New Orleans upbringing.

What three anecdotal factors did Coleman Ruiz, as a BUD/S instructor, find predictive of success in Hell Week?

As a BUD/S instructor, Coleman Ruiz anecdotally observed that successful candidates often had one of three backgrounds: they were a varsity athlete in high school or college, their parents were divorced, or they had been suspended from school. He noted these correlated 90-95% of the time, suggesting a common thread of resilience, adaptability, and a strong drive to belong or prove oneself.

How did having divorced parents contribute to Coleman Ruiz's determination to succeed in BUD/S?

For Coleman, a divorced household created a feeling of being 'alone' outside the immediate family unit. This made him intensely loyal to his team, fostering a mindset of 'if I don't have this team, then what team do I have? I'm not leaving.' This deep need for belonging became a powerful non-quit factor.

What did Coleman Ruiz learn about combat from his first deployment in Iraq that his training couldn't prepare him for?

During his first combat deployment in Iraq in 2003, Coleman quickly realized that no instructor had the direct experience to train him for the real, unpredictable chaos. He learned that the actual battlefield didn't follow training manuals and required an adaptive, 'wild' mindset beyond rigid rule-following, despite the necessity of adhering to laws of armed conflict.

How did the death of his close friend and mentor, Doug Zembiec, impact Coleman Ruiz?

Doug Zembiec's death in 2007 shattered Coleman's sense of invincibility and order, making him realize all bets were off in life. He described it as 'the whole scaffolding of the world was just gone,' leading him to approach life with a more vigilant eye, believing he had to work even harder to stay alive.

What was Coleman Ruiz's process for transitioning from military to civilian life?

Coleman's transition was abrupt; within a week of getting out, he was a 'stranger' to the base. He initially struggled with a lack of context, experiencing night sweats and recognizing symptoms of PTSD. He found it difficult to perform basic civilian tasks and didn't know how to cope with his thoughts and feelings without the military's structured environment.

How did Joseph Campbell's 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces' help Coleman Ruiz understand his post-military experience?

The book helped Coleman recognize that his journey was not unique, fitting into the 'monomyth' of the Hero's Journey. He particularly resonated with the 'Refusal of the Return' stage, realizing he was trapped between the extraordinary military world and the mundane civilian world, needing a mentor to help him bridge the gap and find 'freedom to live.'

What was Coleman Ruiz's experience with psychedelics and its aftermath?

Coleman undertook physician-assisted Iboga and 5-MeO-DMT, describing it as a 'nuclear option' that was incredibly powerful and connected him to warrior cultures. However, without adequate preparation and integration, this experience 'shattered' his emotional 'ice sculpture,' leading to a severe, protracted depression a few months later, a shocking and physically painful experience that he was ill-equipped to handle.

How did Coleman Ruiz overcome his severe depression after his psychedelic experience?

He sought immediate talk therapy, despite his resistance, recognizing it was necessary. He also used a low dose of Wellbutrin for a few months and stopped drinking alcohol. Crucially, he relied on the support of close friends, who delivered both tough love and unwavering presence, allowing him to offload his burden and begin the slow process of rebuilding.

Why does Coleman Ruiz emphasize physical movement as crucial for mental well-being?

For Coleman, physical activity has always been a powerful way to clear his mind and manage stress, dating back to his childhood. He believes that when his body is in motion, his mind feels clearheaded, providing a consistent sense of well-being that helps counteract lethargy and emotional burdens.

What is Coleman Ruiz's current perspective on life and challenges, and what lessons has he learned?

Coleman is now 'okay' with the constant challenges of civilian life, no longer expecting 'sunshine and rainbows.' He has learned to manage time, prioritize close relationships, and accept that life is a continuous journey, not a destination of complete rest. He now values 'range' in his character, blending his 'tough guy' mentality with kindness and calmness.

Key Moments

Overcoming Physical & Emotional Challenges | Coleman Ruiz

Andrew Huberman

Science & Technology6 min read199 min video

Apr 8, 2024|711,078 views|5,657|465

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Coleman Ruiz, a former Navy SEAL, shares his journey, military experiences, battle with PTSD, and path to healing.

Key Insights

Early immersion in wrestling provided critical structure and an outlet for his "wildness," improving his academics and discipline.

Entry into the Naval Academy and later the SEAL Teams was driven by a desire for purpose and belonging, especially following his parents' divorce.

Three key predictors for success in BUD/S were identified: varsity athletic experience, parental divorce, and school suspension, each fostering unique forms of resilience.

Combat experiences, including significant loss of teammates, led to a deep-seated fear and a belief in personal invincibility, which was shattered by tragedy.

Post-military life brought unrecognized PTSD, requiring a confrontation with emotional pain, seeking professional help, and adopting self-care practices.

The "hero's journey" framework, particularly the "refusal of the return" and "master of two worlds" stages, offered a pathway for understanding and integrating his transformative experiences.

Cultivating "range" in manhood, balancing strength with kindness and emotional openness, is essential for a more complete and functional life.

EARLY LIFE AND THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF WRESTLING

Coleman Ruiz, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, experienced a modest upbringing with his family. His early years involved typical neighborhood activities like skateboarding and BMX, alongside playing football and baseball. However, a significant turning point occurred in seventh grade when he discovered wrestling. This sport provided an immediate and profound sense of purpose, channeling his inherent "wildness" and rebellious energy into a structured, disciplined outlet. Wrestling not only became a passion but also dramatically improved his academic performance, instilling a level of focus and intensity that would define much of his future.

A PATH TO THE NAVAL ACADEMY AND THE MILITARY'S INFLUENCE

Ruiz's journey to the Naval Academy was largely influenced by his desire for an escape and a sense of belonging, especially after his parents' divorce during his senior year of high school. Despite initial rejection, his persistence and the intervention of his high school wrestling coach secured him a spot at the Naval Academy Preparatory School. This period introduced him to a highly structured military environment, a stark contrast to his earlier chaotic tendencies. He began to encounter individuals of exceptional achievement, like his mentor Doug Zembiec, which shifted his perception of what was possible, though he often felt a daily need to re-earn his place, fueled by an underlying fear of not being good enough.

PREDICTORS OF BUD/S SUCCESS AND THE "TEAM" ETHOS

As a BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) instructor, Ruiz identified three surprising, anecdotal predictors for success: having been a varsity athlete, having divorced parents, or having been suspended from school. For Ruiz, having divorced parents instilled a profound sense that if he didn't have his military team, he had no other "team," making quitting unimaginable. This deep-seated need for belonging and an unwavering commitment to the group became a powerful driving force, allowing him to endure the extreme physical and psychological challenges of BUD/S and later the SEAL Teams. The camaraderie and mutual reliance forged in these intense environments became his primary source of identity and purpose.

THE INTENSITY OF TIER ONE OPERATIONS AND PROFOUND LOSS

After a decade in the SEAL Teams, Ruiz advanced to a Special Mission Unit, often referred to as Tier One. This transition brought a new level of operational complexity, exemplified by dramatically more challenging tactical training, such as high-altitude, low-opening (HALO) parachute jumps from 25,000 feet. From 2006 to 2011, during intense wartime operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ruiz experienced immense personal loss, enduring the deaths of forty close teammates. Each fatality, beginning with his mentor Doug Zembiec in 2007, eroded his belief in invincibility and forced him to confront the stark realities of his profession. The constant cycle of mourning and redeployment created a dream-like, almost unbearable tempo of life.

THE MALADAPTIVE MINDSET OF WAR AND POST-MILITARY STRUGGLE

The intense, life-threatening environment of special operations fostered a highly adaptive, yet ultimately maladaptive, mindset characterized by an unwavering belief in one's own immortality and an extreme 24-hour operational focus. Upon leaving the Navy in 2011, this ingrained mental framework proved ill-suited for civilian life. Ruiz found himself disoriented, struggling with basic tasks and an unrecognized form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He intellectualized his challenges, believing he could overcome them through sheer mental effort, rejecting the need for introspective work or professional help, a testament to the pervasive stigma around mental health in warrior cultures.

THE HERO'S JOURNEY AND THE SHOCK OF DEPRESSION

A turning point came when a friend introduced Ruiz to Joseph Campbell's "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," particularly the stages related to the "return to the Ordinary World." This framework helped him recognize his emotional "trap"—the refusal to return and reintegrate his extraordinary experiences. His initial attempts at healing through plant medicines, while profoundly impactful, inadvertently "shattered" his emotional defenses, leading to a period of severe, debilitating depression. This experience was physically agonizing and profoundly shocking, as he had never believed such depth of emotional pain was possible for him. The realization that he was not immune to such struggles was a catalyst for seeking comprehensive professional help.

THE HEALING PROCESS: THERAPY, PHARMACOLOGY, AND SUPPORT

Coleman's path to healing involved confronting his deep-seated resistance to vulnerability and asking for help. He began regular talk therapy with a skilled therapist, a process he initially found more terrifying than combat. He also briefly utilized a low dose of Wellbutrin, recognizing pharmacology as a tool to create necessary "space" from his overwhelming emotional state. Crucially, his close friends and family, particularly his wife Bridget, provided unwavering support, rallying around him when he opened up about his struggles. This period taught him the immense strength required to admit weakness and accept external assistance, dissolving his ingrained self-reliance that had become a significant barrier to recovery.

REDEFINING MANHOOD AND EMBRACING "RANGE"

Through his healing journey, Ruiz began to redefine his understanding of manhood, moving beyond a solely "tough guy" persona. He learned the importance of "range," as described by David Epstein, a balance between aggressive fortitude and quiet introspection, kindness, and emotional openness. While he maintains the protective instincts honed by his military service, he actively works to prevent this powerful, but narrow, aspect of his identity from dominating his life. This broader perspective has allowed him to cultivate more fulfilling relationships with his family and integrate his past experiences into a more complete, functional self, making him a more effective leader, husband, and father.

LIVING WITH GRIT AND GRATITUDE IN THE "ORDINARY WORLD"

Today, Coleman Ruiz embraces a life that balances his professional demands as Chief Operating Officer at Lid Sports Group with dedicated self-care practices. He prioritizes consistent physical training, diligent sleep hygiene, and a mindful approach to diet. While he is no longer on a mountaintop of constant bliss, he finds contentment and purpose in his daily routine and has a healthier relationship with the demanding nature of civilian life. He now understands that the "ordinary world" is not without its challenges but has developed the tools and perspective to navigate them effectively. This period marks a profound sense of renewal, a feeling of being "on another level" that he hasn't experienced since entering college, living with a newfound gratitude and an ongoing commitment to growth.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Supplements

●Products

●Software & Apps

●Companies

●Organizations

●Books

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Common Questions

Coleman Ruiz describes his early teenage years as filled with 'wildness,' leading to detentions and fistfights. He connects this behavior to a dislike for rules and authority, seeking exciting, uncontrolled experiences. He later channelled this energy into wrestling.

Topics

Leadership Mental Health & Psychology Human Performance Mindset & Self-Improvement Personal Growth Psychedelic Therapy Trauma Processing Military Transition Post-traumatic Stress

Mentioned in this video

Companies

BetterHelp

An online platform offering professional therapy with licensed therapists, mentioned as a sponsor of the podcast.

Eight Sleep

A company that makes smart mattress covers with cooling, heating, and sleep tracking capabilities to optimize sleep quality.

Plunge

A company manufacturing self-cooling cold water plunges and saunas, recommended for mental and physical health benefits, including increased adrenaline and dopamine.

Lids Sports Group

The largest brick-and-mortar licensed sports retailer in North America, where Coleman Ruiz currently serves as Chief Operating Officer.

People

Daniel Cormier

A highly impressive athlete mentioned as a talent from Louisiana, four years younger than Coleman, who excelled in wrestling and later in MMA.

Mike Tyson

Former professional boxer, mentioned in the context of feeling fear every day, despite being a formidable competitor.

Adam Brown

A Navy SEAL and close friend of Coleman Ruiz, whose story is chronicled in the book 'Fearless' and highlighted for his battle with addiction.

George Lucas

Creator of 'Star Wars,' who publicly credited Joseph Campbell's book for inspiring the narrative arc of the film series.

Paul 'Buddy' Bucha

A West Point graduate and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient from Vietnam, who advised Coleman Ruiz to acknowledge and deal with PTSD.

Robert Wright

Princeton Professor and author of 'Why Buddhism Is True,' offering an online course that Coleman took, further informing his intellectual journey.

Bessel van der Kolk

Author of 'The Body Keeps the Score,' whose work on trauma and somatic experiences is referenced by Coleman Ruiz regarding his difficulty in verbalizing his feelings.

Tim Armstrong

A good friend of Andrew Huberman, who offered advice about needing to 'hit every branch on the way down' for stubborn individuals.

Sam Sheridan

Author of 'A Fighter's Heart,' a book recommended for insights into the human spirit and self-discovery through martial arts.

Willie Gatson

Coleman Ruiz's high school wrestling coach, described as 'old school' and influential in Coleman's development.

Ali Crum

A former guest on the Huberman Lab podcast, described as an incredible scientist, Division I gymnast, and licensed clinical psychologist, known for her work ethic and diverse background.

Colonel John Ripley

A Marine Corps officer, Vietnam veteran, and Navy Cross recipient, known for his actions at the 'Bridge of Dong Ha.'

Marcus Capone

Co-founder of Veteran Solutions, mentioned in connection with psychedelic treatments for veterans. Partner of Amber Capone.

Dan Crenshaw

A US Congressman who spearheaded a bipartisan bill to fund psychedelic treatments for PTSD in the military.

Ben Affleck

Actor mentioned in the context of the movie 'The Town'.

Doug Zembiec

A Marine Corps officer, All-American wrestler, and mentor to Coleman Ruiz at the Naval Academy, known for his exceptional physical and mental toughness. He was killed in 2007 while working for the Agency.

David Epstein

Author of the book 'Range,' mentioned by Coleman Ruiz in the context of the importance of diverse experiences and adaptability.

Tom Ripley

A close friend of Coleman Ruiz and the person for whom he ran companies in private equity, also his current workout partner.

Andrew Huberman

Host of the Huberman Lab podcast and a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine.

Coleman Ruiz

A former Tier One Navy SEAL special operator and the guest on the podcast, sharing his life journey and experiences.

Jeremy Renner

Actor mentioned in the context of the movie 'The Town', whose character embodies a 'wild and excited' attitude.

Mark Carter

A member of Coleman Ruiz's troop who was killed during a deployment in Iraq in 2007-2008.

Master Chief Martin

A Vietnam veteran with 100 combat missions, whom Coleman met when checking into SEAL Team 3, signifying a serious and experienced presence.

Tommy Valentine

Coleman's troop chief who was killed in a parachute accident after returning from a deployment in Iraq.

Paul Conti

Dr. Paul Conti, a psychiatrist whose work on mental health and trauma is referenced by Coleman Ruiz, particularly in the context of talk therapy.

Joseph Campbell

Professor and author of 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces,' whose work on the monomyth provided Coleman Ruiz with a framework for understanding his life's journey after the military.

Sam Harris

Author of 'The End of Faith' and 'The Moral Landscape,' whom Coleman Ruiz followed for years, influencing his intellectual journey into self-discovery.

Carol Dweck

Psychologist who coined the phrase 'growth mindset,' mentioned in relation to the development of resilience. Andrew Huberman later mentions her as 'Carol Jac'.

Amber Capone

Co-founder of Veteran Solutions, mentioned in connection with psychedelic treatments for veterans. Partner of Marcus Capone.

Richard Feynman

Physicist whose 'Pale Blue Dot' concept is referenced by Coleman Ruiz as a way to gain perspective and 'back away from the small picture.'

Books

The End of Faith

Sam Harris's first book, read by Coleman Ruiz in 2006, contributing to his intellectual exploration.

Range

A book by David Epstein, which Coleman Ruiz references in his discussion about the importance of 'range' in personal development and leadership.

The Hero with a Thousand Faces

Joseph Campbell's book detailing the 17-stage Hero's Journey (monomyth), which heavily influenced Coleman Ruiz's understanding of his post-military transition.

John Ratey

Psychiatrist and author, referenced by Coleman Ruiz for an anecdote about sea squirts and the importance of movement for neural function.

A Fighter's Heart

An excellent book about different fight sports and the path of self-discovery through martial arts, recommended by Andrew Huberman.

The Moral Landscape

Another book by Sam Harris, part of Coleman Ruiz's extensive reading that shaped his perspective.

The Bridge of Dong Ha

A book about Colonel John Ripley's heroic actions in Vietnam.

The Body Keeps the Score

A book by Bessel van der Kolk, which Coleman Ruiz read, helping him understand the physical manifestation of emotional pain.

Fearless

A book about Navy SEAL Adam Brown, recommended for its insights into addiction, family, and tenacity, with little focus on the SEAL Teams per se.

Why Buddhism Is True

A book by Robert Wright that contributed to Coleman Ruiz's understanding of different forms of thought.

Concepts

Pale Blue Dot

A famous concept derived from a photograph of Earth taken by the Voyager 1 space probe, often used to illustrate the vastness of the universe and the insignificance of human concerns, used by Coleman as a perspective tool.

BUD/S

Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL, the rigorous training program for aspiring Navy SEALs, known for its high attrition rate and challenging 'Hell Week'.

Supplements

DMT

A powerful psychedelic, specifically 5-MeO-DMT, which Coleman experienced as a 'liftoff' resulting in a perfect geometric mosaic and a warrior culture connection.

AG1

A nutritional supplement providing vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, and micronutrients, used by Andrew Huberman for foundational nutritional support.

Organizations

Stanford School of Medicine

Where Andrew Huberman holds his professorships in neurobiology and ophthalmology.

UFC

Ultimate Fighting Championship, mentioned in the context of combat sports and the respect among fighters.

Stanford University

Mentioned as another institution Coleman applied to, known for its academic prestige and wrestling team.

Navy SEALs

Elite special operations force of the United States Navy, where Coleman Ruiz served as a special operator.

Naval Academy

The institution Coleman Ruiz attended after prep school, where he met his wife and furthered his military career.

Lehigh University

The university that a competing wrestling recruit for the Naval Academy Prep School ultimately chose, opening a spot for Coleman.

Veteran Solutions

A group supporting veterans' use of psychedelics for PTSD treatment, co-founded by Marcus and Amber Capone. Highlighted for its potential benefits.

Alcoholics Anonymous

A 12-step program for recovery from alcoholism, referenced by Coleman Ruiz as a framework for addressing his 'low-grade irritation,' despite not having a chemical dependence on alcohol.

Media

The Town

A movie mentioned by Coleman Ruiz, featuring Ben Affleck and Jeremy Renner, to illustrate the 'wildness' factor in his youth.

Star Wars

Film series whose narrative arc was famously built around Joseph Campbell's 17-stage Hero's Journey.

Software & Apps

Waking Up

Sam Harris's meditation app, implied by context as part of Coleman's self-education on mindfulness.

Drugs & Medications

bupropion

An antidepressant, more dopaminergic/noradrenergic in action, which Andrew Huberman used for a short run during a depressive episode, and Coleman Ruiz later also took a low dose of it.

MDMA

A psychedelic currently being considered by the FDA as a potential treatment for PTSD, highlighting the evolving legal landscape for plant medicines.

Iboga

A plant medicine (nuclear option) mentioned as having been part of Coleman's profound psychedelic experience. It is noted for its powerful effects and the need for a controlled environment.

Products

Maui Nui Venison

A brand offering nutrient-dense venison products, including steaks, ground venison, bone broth, and jerky. It's highlighted as a quality protein source.

Locations

Newport, Rhode Island

Location of the Naval Academy Preparatory School, where Coleman spent a year before entering the main Academy.