In this powerful episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Dan Cnossen, a former Navy SEAL and Paralympic gold medalist, to explore his extraordinary journey of resilience, mental toughness, and elite performance. After a life-altering injury on the battlefield, Dan refused to let adversity define him. Instead, he turned his setbacks into a springboard for unstoppable success.
In this conversation, Dan shares the mindset that allowed him to overcome the fear of failure, find optimism in the face of challenges, and unlock the secrets to achieving greatness. He also discusses his involvement with the Mountain Seed Foundation, which helps Ukrainian soldiers through outdoor activities. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, peak performance tips, or a masterclass in perseverance, this episode will motivate you to conquer your own obstacles.
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“After my injury, there were days when I didn’t know if I’d ever walk again, let alone compete. But I kept reminding myself that my story wasn’t over, that I had the power to write the next chapter.”
dan cnossen
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.
Overcoming Adversity: The Inspiring Journey of Navy SEAL and Paralympian Dan Cnossen
In honor of remembering 9-11, I am incredibly honored to share the story of a true American hero, Lieutenant Commander Dan Knosson. This isn’t just another episode; it’s a masterclass in resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Dan’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. After growing up on a fifth-generation family farm in Kansas, Dan pursued his dream at the U.S. Naval Academy of becoming a Navy SEAL, leading him to elite leadership and multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. But in 2009, his life took a dramatic turn when a mission in Afghanistan left him severely injured, resulting in the loss of both legs.
What could have been the end of the story was just the beginning for Dan. He not only learned to walk again with prosthetics, but he also discovered a new passion: cross-country skiing and biathlon. Dan’s incredible drive led him to the 2014 U.S. Paralympic team and a standout performance at the 2018 Paralympic Games, where he won six medals and was named Best Male Athlete of the Games. But Dan didn’t stop there. He’s since earned two degrees from Harvard and is now training for the 2026 Paralympic Games.
This conversation dives into Dan’s strategies for overcoming the fear of failure, embracing optimism, and achieving greatness despite the odds.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Overcoming fear of failure: Dan explains how acknowledging and confronting failure can fuel progress and push you toward success.
- Power of optimism: He delves into the mindset of maintaining positivity in the darkest of moments and how it contributes to a fulfilling life.
- Elite performance mindset: Dan shares the mental framework that enabled him to reach the pinnacle of success in both the military and the Paralympics.
- Finding purpose through service: His involvement with the Mountain Seed Foundation highlights the healing power of helping others and giving back to the community.
- Resilience through adversity: Learn how Dan turned a devastating injury into an opportunity to grow, adapt, and excel at a global level.
- Daily discipline for greatness: Dan emphasizes the importance of structure, discipline, and small daily habits that lead to extraordinary results.
WHY IS THIS A MUST-LISTEN?
This episode isn’t just about overcoming physical challenges; it’s about the resilience of the human spirit and the power of mindset. Dan Cnossen’s story will inspire anyone facing obstacles—whether personal, professional, or emotional—to see adversity as an opportunity for growth. His insights into elite performance and the role of service in healing provide valuable lessons for all. If you’re looking to transform your life, find purpose, or simply be inspired by someone who has done the seemingly impossible, this episode is a must-listen.
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Dan Cnossen’s Inspiring Journey from Tragedy to Triumph: A Story of Recovery and Resilience
During the inspiring interview on the Passion Struck Podcast, Navy SEAL Lieutenant Dan Cnossen shared the pivotal moment that forever changed his life. In 2009, while leading a mission in Afghanistan, Dan stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED), which resulted in the loss of both his legs above the knee. What followed was an intense, grueling period of recovery that tested his mental, emotional, and physical limits. But rather than being defeated by his injury, Dan faced the challenge head-on, using the experience as a catalyst for growth and transformation.
Dan’s recovery was anything but easy. He underwent multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation and had to relearn basic functions. However, during this time, Dan discovered a more profound sense of purpose and inner strength. His mindset shifted from focusing on what he had lost to what he could still achieve. The discipline and perseverance he developed as a Navy SEAL became the foundation for his recovery, allowing him to adapt to his new reality and eventually pursue greatness in a new arena: Paralympic sports.
Throughout the conversation, Dan emphasized how his injury brought a new perspective on life rooted in resilience, optimism, and service. Instead of allowing his injury to define him, Dan turned it into an opportunity to inspire others. His journey from the battlefield to becoming a multi-medal-winning Paralympic athlete is a testament to his unwavering determination and mental fortitude. Competing in both biathlon and cross-country skiing, Dan earned gold, silver, and bronze medals, proving that no setback is too significant to overcome with the right mindset.
Dan’s story serves as a shining example of resilience. His achievements—both in the military and in sports—demonstrate how adversity can be a powerful teacher, offering the chance to discover untapped potential. During the podcast, Dan’s reflections on the mental and emotional battles he fought during his recovery resonated deeply with the audience, showing that challenges are often the springboards to success. His involvement with organizations like the Mountain Seed Foundation and his commitment to helping fellow veterans further solidify his role as a beacon of inspiration. Dan’s ability to channel personal pain into something greater serves as an enduring message that the human spirit can overcome anything.
His story is one of physical recovery and emotional and mental growth, proving that true greatness comes from resilience in the face of adversity.
Climbing to Heal: How The Mountain Seed Foundation Empowers Ukrainian War Widows and Their Families Through Mountaineering and Therapy
The Mountain Seed Foundation, established by Marine veteran Nathan Schmidt, empowers Ukrainian war widows and their children through mountaineering, equipping them with essential climbing skills that translate into inner strength, courage, and resilience.
In addition to the physical challenge, the program offers group therapy sessions led by a clinical psychologist. These sessions are designed to help widows process the grief of losing their husbands while discovering the emotional fortitude needed to rebuild their lives alongside their children.
Navy SEAL veteran and Paralympian Dan Cnossen, who lost his legs to an improvised explosive device (IED) during a nighttime mission in Afghanistan, was among the volunteers guiding the participants. Remarkably, this was Cnossen’s first attempt to climb since the 2009 incident that changed his life.
Click to donate to support the foundation.
THANKS, DAN CNOSSEN
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RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH DAN CNOSSEN
Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!
- Dan Cnossen’s Website
- Show your support for the Mountain Seed Foundation
- Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
- Listen to Passion Struck’s interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
- Check out Passion Struck’s Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.
Listen to my interview with CAPT John Doolittle on Why Anything is Achievable with Perseverance
Can’t miss my episode with Oksana Masters on How the Hard Parts Lead To Triumph
Watch my episode with Staff Sergeant Travis Mills on How You Bounce Back and Rise Above Adversity
Catch my interview with Jenn Drummond on the 7 Secrets to Realizing Your Life Dream
Listen to Mark Divine On Living a Life of Excellence
Can’t miss my interview with Hari Budha Magar on Defy Your Limits to Conquer Your Everest
About Today’s Guest, Dan Cnossen
Dan Cnossen is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander, Paralympic gold medalist, and inspirational speaker whose remarkable journey from a devastating combat injury to elite athletic success has touched countless lives. In 2009, while serving in Afghanistan, Dan stepped on an IED, resulting in the loss of both his legs above the knee. Instead of being defeated by this life-altering event, Dan embraced the challenge with resilience and determination, transforming adversity into triumph.
After an intense recovery process, Dan discovered a new passion for Paralympic sports, excelling in biathlon and cross-country skiing. He went on to win a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Paralympics, along with six other silver and bronze medals. Beyond his athletic achievements, Dan is dedicated to inspiring others through his story of perseverance, optimism, and the power of a positive mindset. He continues to motivate individuals and organizations worldwide, demonstrating that true success comes from overcoming adversity and embracing life’s greatest challenges.
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