Elias Kfoury: From Hunter to Protector, Ep. 117

Listen to this episode from Building the Elite Podcast on Spotify. Elias Kfoury was born in Beirut, Lebanon, and immigrated to the United States at an early age in search of a brighter, safer future. After college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving 21½ years before his medical retirement. Beginning as a Hospital Corpsman supporting the U.S. Marine Corps, he soon entered the Special Operations community as a Deep Sea Diving Medical Technician and completed advanced medical training to support Naval Special Warfare units. Following his service in Little Creek, Virginia, he successfully screened for Naval Special Warfare Development Group, where he spent the majority of his career as a Squadron Medic in multiple roles. After retiring, Elias transitioned into the business world, but soon recognized the deeper need to heal himself and his family. Today, he dedicates his life to supporting others on their own journeys while cherishing time with his family.Eli's Book Recommendations for special operations candidates (aside from Building the Elite):Breath – James NestorThe Way of the SEAL – Mark DivinePeak Performance – Brad Stulberg & Steve MagnessThe Talent Code – Daniel CoyleThe Obstacle Is the Way – Ryan HolidayWith Winning in Mind – Lanny BasshamDeep Survival – Laurence GonzalesCall Sign Chaos – Jim Mattis & Bing WestLegacy – James KerrTimestamps:00:00:21 Introduction to Eli Khoury00:00:52 Where Did Eli Khoury Grow Up?00:01:36 Experience of Growing Up in a War Zone00:05:54 How "Real Mortal Danger" Shapes Your Mental Health00:08:59 How Many Children Currently Don't Have Physical "Third Spaces"00:12:05 Formative Moments That Clarified "Who Eli Is"00:18:20 Eli's Educational Background00:24:43 The Goal of Coaching00:27:48 Common Things People Struggle to Let Go of00:29:43 Improving the Coaching Process for the Future00:32:04 Coaching Families00:34:04 Utilizing Tools like Psychedelics00:36:18 Teaching How to Give Up Control While Using Psychedelics00:40:40 Teaching How to Let Go Without Psychedelics00:48:20 The Skill of "Sitting With Stillness"00:52:48 What Military Skills Transfer to the Rest of the World?00:58:04 Teaching Resilience to People Early in Their Career01:13:45 Advice for Someone Trying to Enter BUDS01:14:49 Advice for Someone in a Special Operations Medical Path01:16:33 Advice for Someone Who Wants to Screen for a Tier 1 Unit01:18:20 One Book that Everyone Should Read01:18:37 Sponsor Note - Our Book, "Building the Elite"01:19:05 Best and Worst Advice Ever Received 01:21:48 Outro