In this episode, Theresa Carpenter speaks with Rob Sweetman—a former Navy SEAL turned sleep scientist—on transforming the lives of veterans, first responders, and high performers through better sleep and holistic health practices. As the founder of 62 Romeo and Sleep Genius, Rob brings his battlefield experience and scientific insight into a mission of healing and human optimization.
🎙️ Guest Spotlight: Rob Sweetman
Rob Sweetman served eight years as a Navy SEAL after enlisting at the age of 28. His maturity helped him push through the physical demands of SEAL training and the emotional toll of deployments. Following the suicide of his teammate Ryan Larkin, Rob shifted his focus to addressing the root causes of military mental health issues—beginning with sleep.
He now speaks globally, leads retreats, and runs wellness programs through Sleep Genius, helping others recover from trauma and optimize their performance through science-backed methods.
🧠 Key Takeaways from the Interview
1. From SEAL Teams to Sleep Science
Rob joined the SEALs later in life, bringing maturity and resilience. He found the most value in the elite training and teamwork. The tragic loss of his platoon mate prompted a deep dive into sleep science and brain health.
2. Addressing the Root Causes of Mental Health Struggles
Rob critiques the military and VA’s reliance on medication and CPAP machines for sleep disorders. He argues for a more foundational approach focused on sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
3. Psychedelics for Healing—With Caution
While recognizing the potential of psychedelics like Ibogaine to heal trauma and brain injury, Rob stresses the need for proper preparation, integration, and spiritual support—not just clinical treatment.
4. Sleep Genius & Behavioral Health Tools
Through Sleep Genius, Rob delivers keynotes and a "Sleep 101" program that teaches breathwork, behavioral habits, and relaxation techniques to regulate the nervous system and improve sleep.
5. “Weaponizing Wellness” for Military Readiness
Rob champions a bold initiative to make sleep and health a strategic priority in the military, improving lethality and mission success by first taking care of the human being.
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Rob Sweetman is on a mission to transform warrior wellness. From elite combat to neuroscience, his insights offer a powerful roadmap for healing the brain and body without over-relying on pills or outdated systems. His message is clear: true strength starts with recovery, rest, and responsibility.
Resources:
📧 Contact Rob: [email protected]
🌐 More Info: Sleep Genius
