S5E31: By Water Beneath the Walls: The Rise of the Navy SEALs – Ben Milligan

Original Recording Date: 2026JUN12.

Co-host John Simpson.

Audio editing by Stephanie Bosch.

Views and opinions of the participants are their own.

 

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Guest:

Ben Milligan – served as a U.S. Navy SEAL from 2001 to 2009, earning the Bronze Star and several other awards. He is now a Chicago-based writer and historian, known for By Water Beneath the Walls: The Rise of the Navy SEALs, and a sought-after speaker on leadership and U.S. military history, presenting to audiences from elite military units to Yale students.

 

Topics:

In the lead-up to America’s 250th birthday, we take an in-depth look at the process of writing big history—from years of research to bringing it to print. We explore the larger-than-life figures of SEAL history and the often-overlooked role the broader U.S. military played in shaping its origins.

 

References & Resources:

1. Ben’s website: https://www.benhmilligan.com/
2. Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.h.milligan
3. Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-milligan-a1162464
4. Find John Simpson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-simpson-b6114b59
5. John Simpson’s books are available below!

Foundations of Patrol Rifle Marksmanship

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2T629L6

https://blue360media.com/products/foundations-of-patrol-rifle-marksmanship

 

Foundations of Sniper Marksmanship

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2T1QN2X

https://blue360media.com/products/foundations-of-sniper-marksmanship

 

Snipers Notebook

Send check or money order for $30.00* to:

Simpsonian Institute

2774 N. Cobb Parkway, Suite 109 #141

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For more information, contact the author at: the-institute@live.com

 

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