What happens when the mission that defined your life suddenly ends?
US Navy veteran, submariner, martial artist, and author Rob Robertson joins The Toosday Crüe for a powerful conversation about six years aboard the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Louisville, the pressure of earning his submarine dolphins, and the lessons that came from serving in an environment where trust, discipline, teamwork, and accountability were not optional.
Rob takes The MisFitNation beneath the surface and into a world most civilians will never experience.
He shares what daily life aboard a nuclear attack submarine was really like, including long stretches without sunlight, demanding qualification standards, sonar operations, cramped living conditions, intense watch schedules, and the constant understanding that even a small mistake could become a serious problem.
But this conversation goes far beyond submarine life.
After leaving the Navy, Rob faced an entirely different mission: adapting to civilian life while dealing with service-connected injuries, chronic pain, struggles with the VA system, and the challenge many veterans face when the structure, purpose, and identity of military service suddenly disappear.
Rob explains why he believes veterans are often wired to be mission-focused—and why losing that mission without finding a new outlet can become dangerous.
He also shares the mindset that helped him continue moving forward: pursuing three college degrees, earning three black belts, building a career in management and security, teaching martial arts, and continuing to learn even through adversity.
In this episode, Rob and The Toosday Crüe discuss:
• What it really takes to earn submarine dolphins
• Why trust between submariners can literally be life-or-death
• Staying mentally focused in high-pressure environments
• Life aboard a nuclear-powered attack submarine
• What sonar operators actually hear beneath the ocean
• Leadership, accountability, and attention to detail
• Why the Navy taught Rob how to truly study and prepare
• The transition from military service to civilian life
• Finding purpose after losing the structure of the military
• Service-connected injuries and navigating the VA
• Why veterans need community, connection, and a new mission
• Martial arts, resilience, discipline, and continuing to move forward
• Why failure does not mean the journey is over
Rob also discusses the story behind his book:
A Submariner’s Tale: After the Dolphins: The Cost of Carrying On
The book explores his journey from becoming a submariner to navigating the physical, emotional, and personal challenges that followed his military service. It is ultimately a story about endurance, identity, adaptation, and learning how to keep moving forward when life changes the mission.
📚 Find Rob Robertson’s book on Amazon:
One of the most important themes of this conversation is simple:
You may not be able to control every situation you face—but you can control how you respond, what you learn, and whether you continue moving forward.
For veterans, military families, leaders, first responders, and anyone rebuilding their sense of purpose after a major life transition, this is an episode worth hearing.
If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who may need to hear it.
And remember: check on your people.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988. Veterans can press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
Welcome to another conversation from The MisFitNation.
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