Greg Mak - U.S. Navy Deep Sea Diver Talks Trainings, Missions, and Adventures Post Military

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with Greg Mak who is a former United States Navy deep sea diver, and friend of Owen, Jen's husband. Owen makes a special appearance and we get to hear Greg and Owen share about their time in the military together, their deployments, and all about basic training and the missions they've completed in their diving careers. Greg details his experience with ice diving and the ins and outs of the dangers that come along with risky dives. Greg shares all about his post-military adventure of cycling the Pacific Coast Highway with his father, as well as his love for rock climbing, mountaineering, and trying any new sport he can. Jen and Dyana are convinced that Greg Mak is a real-life James Bond who has inspired us with his humility, adventurous spirit, and passion for helping others.

You can follow Greg on Instagram at @mak.geee

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:
6:05 Welcome, Greg Mak
10:11 What drew Greg And Owen to deep sea diving
12:46 Hardest aspect of basic training
21:49 Differences in equipment for deep sea diving vs recreational SCUBA
23:26 Mental preparation for risky dives
25:31 What classifies as a standard diving mission in the U.S. Navy
33:38 Ice diving in Minnesota
46:00 Cycling the Pacific Coast Highway while transitioning to civilian life
54:19 Canoe backpacking in Voyageurs National Park
59:11 Feeling overwhelmed by freedom

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Chapters

• 0:00 Intro
• 6:05 Welcome, Greg Mak
• 6:57 Welcome, Owen (Jen's husband)
• 10:11 What drew Greg And Owen to deep sea diving
• 12:46 Hardest aspect of basic training
• 18:50 What inspired Greg to become a deep sea diver
• 19:24 Greg's experience being a diving guide off Australia in the Great Barrier Reef
• 21:49 Differences in equipment for deep sea diving vs recreational SCUBA
• 23:26 Mental preparation for risky dives
• 25:31 What classifies as a standard diving mission in the U.S. Navy
• 32:33 Greg's most memorable dives
• 33:38 Ice diving in Minnesota
• 35:08 Dealing with hypothermia when diving in cold conditions
• 37:35 Hurricane Michael and Afghanistan evacuations
• 41:50 Climbing Mount Baker
• 43:53 How Greg got into rock climbing
• 46:00 Cycling the Pacific Coast Highway while transitioning to civilian life
• 50:02 An adventure or sport Greg wants to try
• 54:19 Canoe backpacking in Voyageurs National Park
• 59:11 Feeling overwhelmed by freedom
• 1:03:54 Advice for tackling big adventures
• 1:09:55 Private security in Rome
• 1:12:03 Where to follow Greg