#66 Sincerely America: Failure, Ego & Veteran Transition

#66 Sincerely America: Failure, Ego & Veteran Transition

In this episode of Alone and Unafraid, we welcome back Air Force EOD veteran, author, and coach Benjamin John Lee for a powerful conversation about identity, purpose, failure, and rebuilding yourself after life changes direction. Ben shares the collapse of his ambitious solar nonprofit, his transition into coaching and psychology, and how writing his book Sincerely America became a healing process for himself and others. We dive into military transition, addiction recovery, shadow work, intuition, ego, leadership, creativity, and why failure may be the most important thing that ever happens to you. This one goes deep. Sponsors & Partners This episode is proudly supported by: * Cadence Wealth Partners – Nick O’Kelly [https://www.cadencewealthpartners.com/nick-okelly?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * PoleStar Coffee [https://www.polestarcoffee.com/] Resources & Links * Benjamin John Lee Website * Benjamin John Lee Instagram * Sincerely America on Amazon * Warrior Surf Foundation * Alone and Unafraid Guest InfoBenjamin John Lee is an Air Force EOD veteran, author, speaker, and coach focused on identity transformation, shadow work, and helping people rebuild purpose after major life transitions. He is the creator of the Reforge Protocol and author of Sincerely America. Standout Quotes “Failure is just a necessary component of success.” “You don’t build character when things are easy.” “I’m not doing the work for you — I’m helping guide you to the crossroads.” “The identities that once kept us safe can become the chains that hold us back.” Call-to-Action If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it. If you are into this and you are a veteran, active duty service member, first responder, or anyone really, check out our podcast Alone and Unafraid. You can find it wherever you listen to podcasts and check out our website aloneandunafraid.org.

#65 Legacy Matters: Jiu-Jitsu, Identity & Life After War

Nick Shumpis shares his journey from Special Operations to life after the military—and the reality many veterans face when the mission ends. This episode explores two critical themes: Rebuilding Identity After War Transitioning out of the military often means losing structure, purpose, and direction. Nick breaks down how jiu-jitsu provides a new mission—restoring discipline, focus, and control. Organizations like the We Defy Foundation are using jiu-jitsu as a tool to help veterans rebuild identity and regain a sense of purpose after service. The Legacy You Leave Behind Legacy isn’t just what you choose—it’s also what carries forward if left unaddressed. We talk about how unresolved trauma—whether from war, childhood, or life experiences—can shape behavior, relationships, and the next generation. The conversation focuses on recognizing that and taking action to change the trajectory. We also dive into leadership, the challenges of transition, and what it takes to move forward with intention. Resources: We Defy foundation [https://wedefyfoundation.org/] Nick Shumpis [https://crosscountrymortgage.com/scottsdale-az-4542/nicholas-shumpis/]-Victor Alpha Group Nick's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nick.shumpis_loansandlockdowns/] Sponsors: Polestar coffee [https://www.polestarcoffee.com/] Cadence Wealth Partners-Nick O'Kelly [https://cadencewealthpartners.com/veteran/]

#64 The Art of Loneliness: A Green Beret’s Message to Veterans

In this episode, we sit down with former Special Forces Communications Sergeant Garrett Kossick to talk about the reality of life after the military—identity loss, loneliness, and finding purpose again. Garrett shares how writing became his outlet during a dark transition period and why mindset, service, and faith play a critical role in rebuilding a meaningful life.Resources and Links Garrett’s Substack: TrueNorth173 [https://substack.com/@truenorth173?utm_source=global-search] Cadence Wealth Partners – Nick O’Kelly [https://cadencewealthpartners.com/veteran/] Polestar Coffee – Fuel your day with purpose-driven coffee [https://www.polestarcoffee.com/] Guest Info Garrett Cossack * Former U.S. Army Special Forces (18 Echo) * Writer on Substack (TrueNorth173) * Focused on mindset, masculinity, and veteran transition Standout Quotes * “You’re not alone in the struggle—even if it feels like it.” * “You’re not trying to survive anymore. You’re trying to live.” * “Life is simple: be a good dude and work hard.” * “It’s not about me—it’s about the legacy of everyone who made me who I am.” * “Violence should always be the last option.” If you are into this and you are a veteran, active duty service member, first responder, or anyone really, check out our podcast Alone and Unafraid. You can find it wherever you listen to podcasts and check out our website: 👉 https://aloneandunafraid.org

#063 Sebastian Junger: Why Veterans miss war

We sit down with bestselling author and war journalist Sebastian Junger to unpack why so many veterans struggle after leaving the military—and why it’s not just about trauma. From Tribe to The Great Abandonment, we dive into the loss of human connection, the dangers of modern society, and what purpose, duty, and belonging really mean. Resources & Links * Sebastian Junger Website [https://www.sebastianjunger.com/] * Sebastian Junger Substack [https://substack.com/@sebastianjunger] * Sebastian's Books: Tribe, War, The Perfect Storm, In My Time of Dying Cadence Wealth Partners – Nick O’Kelly [nance4vets.com] Polestar Coffee [https://www.polestarcoffee.com/] Guest Info Sebastian Junger is a bestselling author, journalist, and filmmaker known for works like In My time of Dying, The Perfect Storm, War, and Tribe. He has reported from conflict zones including West Africa, Afghanistan and Bosnia and co-directed the documentary Restrepo. His work explores human connection, combat psychology, and the deeper meaning behind modern life. Standout Quotes * “We’re social primates—take us out of the group, and things go wrong.” * “Home is missing something—that’s why people miss war.” * “Love means: stay here.” * “Humans are not designed for comfort without purpose.” * “The loss isn’t just to society—it’s to the individual.” If this episode hit home, share it with someone who needs it—especially a veteran or first responder. If you are into this and you are a veteran, active duty service member, first responder, or anyone really, check out our website https://aloneandunafraid.org.

#62 Purpose & Impact: The Healing Power of Horses

When the mission ends, who are you? In this episode, former 75th Ranger Regiment NCO and 160th SOAR officer Danny Archer joins us to talk about the hardest part of military transition — losing your tribe, your identity, and your sense of purpose. We unpack why so many veterans struggle after service, why money doesn’t fix the void, and how Danny unexpectedly found healing through horses. The Equine Valor Project isn’t group therapy. There are no circles. No forced conversations. No pressure. Just horses, connection, and a quiet space where veterans can leave their armor at the gate. If you’ve ever felt obsolete after taking off the uniform, this conversation is for you. Resources & Links 🌿 Equine Valor Project https://www.equinevalorproject.com [https://www.equinevalorproject.com] ☕ Polestar Coffee [polestarcoffeee.com] 🏠 Victor Alpha Group Daniel Archer – VA Mortgage Guy [https://crosscountrymortgage.com/bluffton-sc-4540/daniel-archer/] 💼 Cadence Wealth Partners – Nick O'Kelly [https://cadencewealthpartners.com/veteran/] 🎙️ Alone and Unafraid – Available wherever you listen to podcasts🌐 https://aloneandunafraid.org Guest Info: Daniel Archer * Former 75th Ranger Regiment * Commissioned Officer & Warrant Officer, 160th SOAR * Founder of the Equine Valor Project * Co-founder of Victor Alpha Group (Veteran-led VA Loan Team) Danny’s focus today: purpose and impact — helping veterans heal emotionally and transition successfully into civilian life. Standout Quotes * “Purpose and impact. If you're not in it for the right reasons, I’m out.” * “You don’t lose your paycheck when you retire. You lose your tribe.” * “Before you hit rock bottom, raise your hand.” * “Plugging into a horse is like plugging your soul into a battery charger.” * “Combat obsolete — that’s the part nobody prepares you for.” If you are into this and you are a veteran, active duty service member, first responder, or anyone really, check out our podcast Alone and Unafraid. You can find it wherever you listen to podcasts and check out our website https://aloneandunafraid.org. If this episode helped you, share it with a veteran who might need it. Purpose doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.