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Jocko Willink says online platforms are radicalising and brainwashing children

Name: Jocko Willink says online platforms are radicalising and brainwashing children
Uploaded: 2026-07-22T08:48:00+00:00
Description: Jocko Willink argues that internet-connected devices enable bad actors to target and manipulate children at scale, describing this as widespread brainwashing and radicalisation. He says parents can reduce the risk by building strong relationships, instilling values and boosting children’s confidence.

Jocko Podcast · Jocko Podcast 550: The Company Commander's Playbook for Leadership · July 22, 2026

Jocko Podcast

Jocko Podcast 550: The Company Commander's Playbook for Leadership

""Right now, the amount of brainwashing that is available through the interwebs is psychotic. It is truly psychotic. And some of the people, some of these kids that have been brainwashed. It's it's horrific to see.""

Jocko Willink argues that internet-connected devices enable bad actors to target and manipulate children at scale, describing this as widespread brainwashing and radicalisation. He says parents can reduce the risk by building strong relationships, instilling values and boosting children’s confidence.

About this episode

Jocko Willink and Echo Charles walk through parts of the US Marine Corps Company Commander’s Handbook (originally written in 1989 and later updated), using it as a framework for practical leadership guidance inside and outside the military. They discuss preparation for command, including questions about motivation, family impact, and personal suitability; early actions in a new role such as learning SOPs, gathering feedback without over-weighting gossip, and writing a “philosophy of command” that clarifies values, goals, evaluation methods, and how rewards and punishment will work.

Willink repeatedly emphasises listening as an underrated leadership skill, urging leaders to spend time with frontline personnel, communicate standards early, avoid criticising predecessors, and avoid heavy-handed ‘new sheriff’ messaging. He covers relationships with key counterparts (executive officer, first sergeant, sergeant major, battalion commander) and the importance of developing subordinate leaders while buffering them from higher headquarters.

The episode also includes several personal anecdotes: Willink describes rejecting an informal ‘spot promotion’ before a deployment because he did not want to misrepresent his rank, and both hosts reflect on anger and ‘performative’ versus genuine temper loss, with Charles recounting an incident involving an off-leash dog chasing his child. Willink later broadens the discussion to parenting, arguing that trust, respect, influence and consistent values reduce the risk of children being manipulated online.

Key takeaways

The hosts use the Marine Corps Company Commander’s Handbook as a leadership ‘guide book’ for civilian and military contexts.
Willink argues leaders should write and communicate a command philosophy early to reduce uncertainty and policy churn.
They stress listening as a core leadership skill, alongside direct engagement with frontline personnel outside formal meetings.
Willink says leaders should develop subordinates, allow non-career-ending mistakes, and avoid micromanagement.
Charles recounts an incident where an off-leash German shepherd chased his nine-year-old son, prompting a heated confrontation.
Willink warns that children can be manipulated online and says parent-child relationships and values are a key safeguard.