Special Guest: US Navy Vet & Twin Screws Foundation Owner - Jesse Cook [Episode 29]

One of my most powerful podcast interviews to date, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jesse Cook—Navy veteran, submariner, outdoorsman, and founder of the Twin Screws Foundation. What unfolded was a deeply honest, inspiring conversation about nature, mental health, leadership, and the healing power of hard things.

US Navy Master Chief Jesse Cook

Jesse grew up in a small, homesteading community outside Olympia, Washington, surrounded by nature, animals, and two free-spirited, artistic parents who taught him that the outdoors was a form of church. That reverence for the wild stayed with him through 27 years of military service, from submarines to aviation command roles, and eventually shaped his path post-retirement.

After a brief stint in the corporate world (which he quit unapologetically right before hunting season), Jesse leaned into what truly mattered: building community, healing through shared hardship, and reconnecting with purpose. That mission led to the creation of Twin Screws Foundation—a nonprofit connecting active-duty service members and veterans through backcountry hunting, conservation, and outdoor retreats.

We talked about the mental, emotional, and spiritual impact of taking a life in the wild—not as a glorification of death, but as an act of deep responsibility, humility, and gratitude. Jesse’s passion for ethical hunting and land stewardship radiated throughout the episode. “You own that life when you pull the trigger,” he said. “You have to honor it by using every part, by remembering what it gave you.”

But this conversation wasn’t just about the hunt—it was about what happens after the uniform comes off. We explored the crisis of purpose many veterans feel in transition, the silent suffering behind the veteran suicide statistics, and how moments in nature—uncomfortable, physically demanding, soul-stretching moments—can create clarity, resilience, and growth.

Twin Screws Foundation

Twin Screws Foundation isn't your typical outdoor nonprofit. Jesse and his team don’t just take people hunting—they challenge them. They run archery Elk hunts that require hiking 20+ miles into backcountry terrain. They integrate fitness, manual labor, conservation education, and fireside chats into every retreat. They build brotherhood through silence, sweat, and shared purpose.

And as Jesse reminded me, this isn't about instant solutions. “If something we teach today prevents a suicide 10 years from now—that’s a win,” he said. “One life saved later is worth all the effort now.”

From hilarious stories of frozen bear hides and four-hour pack-outs to profound reflections on grief, leadership, and imposter syndrome, Jesse brought both raw authenticity and grounded wisdom. His story reminded me that healing doesn’t always happen in therapy rooms—it happens in still woods, in hard-earned victories, in showing up for someone when they need it most.

If you’re a veteran, a first responder, or someone struggling with your next chapter, I hope you listen to this episode. And if you're in a place to support this mission—or join a future event—you can learn more at https://twinscrewsfoundation.squarespace.com/.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience is built by doing hard things, especially in nature.

• Ethical hunting offers a spiritual connection to the food we eat and the life we take.

• Veteran suicide prevention requires community, purpose, and proactive engagement—not just reactive checklists.

• Leadership means empowering those around you so everyone rises.

• Nature is therapy—sometimes quiet, sometimes brutal, but always honest.

Thank you again, Jesse Cook, for your service, your leadership, and your honesty. Let’s keep doing the hard things—and bringing others with us.

🪵💪🏽🎯“You find out who you really are when you're alone on a ridge, aching and hungry, still choosing to push forward.”

– Jesse Cook