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
• PoleStar Coffee

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.

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

Nick Shumpis-Victor Alpha Group

Nick's Instagram

Sponsors:

Polestar coffee

Cadence Wealth Partners-Nick O'Kelly

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

Cadence Wealth Partners – Nick O’Kelly
Polestar Coffee – Fuel your day with purpose-driven coffee

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