Episode 18

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Published on:

2nd Dec 2025

How My Dad JB Built Unshakeable Mental Toughness as a Vietnam POW | 018

As I talk with my dad, JB, you get an inside look at what real mental toughness looks like over a lifetime, not just in a war zone. He shares how bouncing between homes as a kid, riding trains alone for 23 hours with his sister, and grinding through brutal early-morning swim practices in an ice-cold outdoor pool shaped the grit that later helped him survive years as a POW in North Vietnam.

You’ll also hear the life lessons he wants to leave for his grandson, Baby JB, and for you. JB opens up about why honesty and integrity matter more than comfort, how he “substituted determination for intelligence,” and how simple money and career rules helped him climb from poverty into a stable, purposeful life. This is a rare chance to hear a man who has seen extreme hardship explain, in plain language, how to suffer well, live clean, handle money wisely, and choose the right people and path for your future.

Key Highlights:

  • How a miserable winter in a freezing Florida pool forged the mental toughness that later helped JB endure the Hanoi Hilton.
  • How he used “stupid and cowardly” as a deliberate interrogation strategy to protect secrets and keep his honor intact.
  • Why he believes radical honesty, living by the Ten Commandments, and refusing to lie to yourself are the foundation of a successful life.
  • The simple money rules he used to escape poverty, save half his Navy pay, avoid bad debt, and buy very few new cars.
  • How to choose careers and friends by following what you truly enjoy and surrounding yourself with smart, driven, high-character people


About Jase:

Jase Souder is a nationally recognized speaker, best-selling author, and founder of World Class Speaker Academy. Known for his informal, straight-to-the-point style, Jase helps entrepreneurs become world-class speakers who attract clients, create massive impact, and build thriving coaching businesses. With over 10,000 hours of coaching and 1,000+ presentations under his belt, he equips purpose-driven leaders with the tools to turn their message into a movement.


https://worldclassspeakeracademy.com/

https://www.instagram.com/worldclassspeakeracademy/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasesouder/


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About the Podcast

To The Promised Land Podcast
Where Leaders Become Catalysts for Change
Are you a coach, speaker, or mission-driven leader with a message that can transform lives? Then To the Promised Land is your next must-listen.

Hosted by Jase Souder—nationally recognized speaker, best-selling author, and founder of World Class Speaker Academy—this podcast is your roadmap to reaching the people you’re called to lead and guiding them through real, lasting change.

Jase believes your God-given mission can be fulfilled and funded through your business. And he’s here to help you speak with purpose, sell with heart, and lead with power.

You’ll explore everything from digital marketing and offer creation to faith, personal growth, and becoming the kind of leader people trust to take them through the rough terrain—toward their transformation.

If you're ready to grow your influence and impact, you're in the right place.

Let’s get your people To The Promised Land.