Dale Brisby & Marcus Luttrell: 40 Days of Fasting, Mental Toughness and Wisdom From A Cowboy

Mind Over Body & Boots on the Ground:
A Candid Conversation with Marcus Luttrell and Dale Brisby
In this powerful and unexpectedly entertaining episode, Marcus Luttrell sits down with rodeo icon and Western humorist Dale Brisby for a wide-ranging conversation that blends discipline, faith, grit, and good-natured cowboy wisdom.
Marcus opens up in remarkable detail about his recent 40-day fast, sharing the physical, mental, and spiritual journey that led to a staggering 70-pound weight loss. He speaks candidly about the motivation behind the fast, the challenges he faced, the mental toughness required to stay the course, and the deeper lessons learned about self-control, clarity, and resilience.
From there, the conversation shifts gears as Dale Brisby brings his trademark humor and rodeo expertise to the table. Dale dives into the realities of rodeo life, cowboy culture, and the mindset required to perform under pressure—drawing surprising parallels between the discipline of elite warriors and the toughness demanded in the arena.
Throughout the episode, Marcus and Dale find common ground in themes of mental fortitude, accountability, faith, tradition, and personal growth, proving that whether on the battlefield or in the rodeo ring, excellence is earned through consistency, sacrifice, and grit.
This episode is equal parts raw, motivating, and entertaining—a conversation that challenges listeners to push past comfort, embrace discipline, and never underestimate the power of commitment.
In this episode you will hear:
• I knew there was a higher power. I just didn’t understand the faith. I didn’t understand what that meant and how to apply it. (2:28)
• There’s a difference between surviving and living. I was just surviving. (3:04)
• After you’ve had one fight, the next fight coming at you is gonna be harder. (3:48)
• I didn’t know that every time you read the bible it said something different at a certain age. (7:29)
• The 2 greatest days of your life are the day you’re born and the day you find out why. (9:58)
• [When I was fasting for 40 days] I would get up 5 or 6 times a night to go to the restroom ‘cause I was drinking so much water, and then I would fall back into the dream I was in. So, I was basically sleep-walking. (22:06)
• A lot of people’s algorithm might be girls, but Marcus’ is steak and food. (27:12)
• [Dale] Q: How many pounds did you lose? [Marcus] A: 70. (28:37)
• It’s a lot easier to go through hell when you’ve got a buddy. (32:45)
• If God’s your spotter, and you start to drop your weight, He’ll lift it. (52:42)
• Most rodeo cowboys ignore, rather than accept what could potentially happen. (54:40)
• Most people aren’t afraid of dying; they’re afraid of getting mangled. (59:06)
• You can drill and hammer your training so hard, but at the end of the day you can’t help where a bullet might fly. (60:04)
• Be good. Be responsible. Take control of yourself. (68:34)
• The deadliest weapon out here is the double edge sword that comes out of your mouth – the tongue – and the word. (69:40)
• I came off the scope and I could see my dog laying in the ditch. So, I ran up on her and I kicked her. She didn’t move. (84:22)
• I only fight when it’s necessary. (105:39)
• The quote from a pastor of mine: “God will always call believers to a task that is above their ability, so they learn to depend on God and give Him credit. You can’t be both brave and safe.” (120:27)
• I want you on the edge where the demons live; I’ll pull you back when I think you’ve had enough. (131:05)
• If they’ve got that Trident on their chest, they better act like that. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. I don’t want no pussies in there. They why that thing exists. (131:13)
• When you hang up by a spur, if somebody doesn’t help you, God help you… (140:38)