Episode 208: Sean Murphy "Naval Special Warfare Development Group"
In this conversation, Sean Murphy shares his incredible journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a Navy SEAL. He discusses the influence of his mother, the importance of resilience, and the sense of belonging he found in the military. Sean reflects on his experiences in BUD/S training, the grueling Hell Week, and the camaraderie among SEALs. He emphasizes the lessons learned from overcoming adversity and the significance of teamwork in achieving greatness. Sean's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of personal growth through challenges. In this conversation, Sean Murphy shares his profound experiences as a Navy SEAL, detailing the transition from combat to civilian life, the challenges of leadership, and the importance of mentorship. He reflects on the emotional weight of taking a life in combat, the impact of fatherhood on his perspective, and the journey of finding purpose after leaving the military. Sean emphasizes the significance of resilience, personal growth, and the need for balance between professional and personal life, ultimately advocating for a life lived with intention and connection.00:00Introduction and Background05:52The Role of Family and Overcoming Adversity11:57Military Aspirations and Seeking Belonging17:55The Journey to Becoming a Navy SEAL33:21The Journey of Self-Discovery46:40Resilience Through Repeated Challenges54:11The Final Push to Success01:05:21First Steps into Combat01:12:25Survival and Resourcefulness in the Field01:21:04The Weight of Taking a Life01:27:58Reflections on Change and Identity01:34:08The Complete Warrior Concept01:52:32Balancing Personal and Professional Life01:58:09Reflections on Military Sacrifices02:05:52The Wake-Up Call of Fatherhood02:18:50Transitioning to Civilian Life02:23:46Hit the Surf: A New BeginningCHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS AT THE LINKS BELOWNOMADIC RESEARCH: https://nomadicresearch.com/HATCHET BREWING: https://hatchetbrewing.com/Stay connected and never miss an episode by subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform! Don't forget to hit that notification bell to be the first to know when a new episode drops.For exclusive full interviews and behind-the-scenes content, visit our official website: https://www.dtdpodcast.net/Follow us on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and more engaging content:🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dustin.kelly.79🔗 LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/DTDPODCAST_DJKELLY🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
INTRO and OUTRO music written,performed, and provided by the band Rattle Root. Check them out below.

Sean Murphy
Husband/Father/VP of Corporate Leadership
Sean Murphy – Navy SEAL (Ret.), Leader, Speaker, and Resilience Expert
Sean Murphy is a retired Navy SEAL with 22 years of distinguished service in Naval Special Warfare. His path to the Teams was far from ordinary—marked by early adversity, grit, and an unrelenting drive to prove he was built for more. Growing up in rural Oklahoma in a family of five boys, Sean learned the meaning of hardship early on. Living in a one-bedroom apartment with his mother and brothers, sharing floor space and food stamps, he found strength in simplicity and resilience in the struggle.
Initially without direction, Sean walked on to a college football team purely because a friend invited him. He studied criminal justice and considered law enforcement until a run-in with Army ROTC lit a fire. But it was a chance encounter with a Navy SEAL recruiting video—and the dismissive laughter of a recruiter—that locked in his mission: to become a SEAL, no matter the odds.
Sean’s journey through Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training is legendary. He endured multiple rollbacks due to injury and illness, spending more time in Hell Week than most SEALs ever experience. Where others quit, Sean adapted—learning, healing, and returning stronger. It took him five classes to graduate, but he never wavered.
Once in the Teams, Sean earned a reputation as a humble warrior, a servant-leader, and a relentless operator. He deployed around the globe and contributed to some of America’s most complex missions, including the hostage rescue of Jessica Buchanan in Somalia.
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