EP 102: SEAC David Isom – From Navy SEAL to Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman

In this special 102nd episode of Frogman Friday, Ryan “Birdman” Parrott interviews SEAC David Isom, the 6th Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As the most senior enlisted member in the U.S. Armed Forces, Isom brings decades of experience from Navy SEAL Teams, JSOC, and global deployments.

Topics include his path from surfer to Navy SEAL, the legendary rescue of Jessica Lynch, leadership lessons from BUD/S and combat, and the unique role of SEAC today.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Intro: Birdman and SEAC Dave Isom
02:25 – The story behind “Birdman” nickname
05:35 – From North Carolina surfer to Navy enlistment
08:45 – Fleet Navy years and the path to BUD/S
12:00 – Hell Week, leadership, and lessons from BUD/S
18:30 – Life as a SEAL: deployments and culture
23:45 – The 2003 rescue of Jessica Lynch
30:10 – Becoming SEAC: the role and responsibilities
36:25 – Taking care of service members and families
42:00 – Leadership challenges across the joint force
49:15 – Finding your “why” in service and in life
55:50 – Recommended book: Legacy by James Kerr
01:01:30 – Advice to his younger self
01:09:15 – The mission: why service matters
01:15:00 – Who is SEAC Isom’s hero?
01:20:00 – Closing thoughts & gratitude

Connect with Ryan "Birdman" Parrott:
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x.com/FrogFridayShow

Follow SEAC David Isom & The Joint Staff:
Facebook.com/SEAC.JCS | Instagram.com/official_seac | LinkedIn.com/in/office-of-the-seac
Facebook.com/TheJointStaff | Instagram.com/thejointstaff | LinkedIn.com/company/thejointstaff | Twitter.com/thejointstaff | YouTube.com/thejointstaff

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