Former operators David Burnell and Jeffrey Denning dive into what happens to your mind and body when chaos erupts—physiologically (cortisol, adrenaline, dopamine) and practically (fight/flight/freeze, tonic immobility, decision-making under fire). Sparked by a recent attack at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints meetinghouse and Jeffrey’s conversation with 22 SAS CQB instructor Christian Craighead (the Nairobi hotel rescue), they unpack how elite training translates to civilian readiness: stress inoculation, when to hold vs push, accuracy on demand, and building a lifestyle of preparation—not paranoia.

Along the way: Nairobi lessons on small-team initiative, why some people get calmer as the danger rises, drills you can do without a “tier one” facility, and a faith-centered framework for managing fear using concentric “rings of control” (control, influence, everything else). It’s a candid, unscripted talk about courage, conscience, and competence—so you can protect what matters without losing your peace.

You’ll learn:

* How cortisol and other chemicals shape performance under stress

* Simple training ideas to build real decision speed (no hero cosplay required)

* When “wait” is the best tactic—and when surprise, speed, and violence of action save lives

* A practical, faith-anchored way to stay prepared without living in fear

(Hosts: David Burnell • Echo Valor | Jeffrey Denning • Crisis Response & Firearms Training)

Where to stream the Echo Valor Podcast?

Get full access to Echo Valor: Stories of Service, Sacrifice & the Human Spirit at echovalor.substack.com/subscribe