Nicholas Allen speaks with retired Green Beret Nick Williams about his transition to civilian life and his work at the Brain Treatment Center of Fayetteville, exploring innovative magnetic resonance therapies for PTSD, depression, and brain health. They also discuss breaking the stigma around mental health treatment, the role of community support, and the importance of open conversations about grief, healing, and life after service.

Nicholas Allen speaks with former Green Beret and Green Beret Racing founder Nick Merrick about the challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life and the importance of identity, discipline, and camaraderie after service. They explore how competitive sports and community-driven nonprofits can restore purpose, build connection, and support veterans through leadership and shared struggle.

Nicholas Allen speaks with JJ Pinter, Deputy Director of Team RWB, about the organization’s mission to support veterans through health, fitness, and community, including the challenges of nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and avoiding mission creep. They explore mental health, accountability in the transition to civilian life, and initiatives like GWOT 100 that use physical activity and storytelling to move veterans beyond a victim narrative and toward connection and personal growth.

Nicholas Allen speaks with former Coast Guardsman turned strength and conditioning coach Andrew Siepka about his transition from military service to civilian life, exploring authenticity in coaching, resilience through hardship, and the search for purpose after service. The conversation touches on mental health, vulnerability, social media’s influence on fitness culture, empowering women in the industry, and the importance of community, mentorship, and teamwork in personal growth and healing.

Nicholas Allen speaks with renowned tactical fitness coach and author Stew Smith about the evolution of military training, emphasizing mobility, swimming proficiency, mental toughness, and the importance of recovery, nutrition, and mindset in special operations preparation. They also explore mentorship, community, and the challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian life, highlighting resilience and adaptability as keys to long-term success.

Nicholas Allen speaks with Michael Green about the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, emphasizing the importance of purpose, leadership, networking, and hobbies in maintaining mental health and personal growth after service. Their conversation also addresses toxic relationships, the experiences of women in the military, the suicide epidemic, and the need for quality civilian training to empower individuals through knowledge, competition, and self-defense skills.

Chris Murillo, former Green Beret and founder of G-Chief Leather, talks with Nicholas Allen about the emotional challenges of transitioning out of the military and the search for purpose after service. He shares how leather crafting, mentorship, and community support have helped him navigate retirement while giving back to fellow veterans.

Nicholas Allen and Rob Bailey explore the therapeutic power of music, fitness, and community as tools to help veterans rediscover identity and purpose after service. Rob shares his journey through mental health struggles and vulnerability, underscoring the importance of gratitude, connection, and building a tribe to combat isolation and veteran suicide.

Nicholas Allen speaks with Geoff Dardia about the deep mental health challenges veterans face, from childhood trauma to substance abuse, and the cultural changes needed within the military to better support healing. Their conversation explores systemic failures in healthcare, the impact of chronic stress and toxicity, and Dardia’s call for veterans to take ownership of their wellbeing while advocating for meaningful community and policy change.

Nicholas Allen talks with former Air Force Combat Controller and MMA fighter Connor Matthews about his journey through special operations, professional fighting, and building his gym, Mom’s Basement MMA. They explore the challenges of transitioning into civilian life, the evolution of combat sports, and Connor’s pursuit of becoming a firefighter while staying committed to service and mentorship.

Nicholas Allen interviews Joseph Luplow of the 75th Ranger Regiment and StageFourTraining.com, exploring his evolution from Ranger School to fitness coach while diving into the emotional burdens of service—including preparation, survivor’s guilt, honoring the fallen through challenges like Murph, and the growing importance of vulnerability, community, and emerging mental-health tools such as psychedelics in supporting veterans’ growth and legacy.

Nicholas Allen speaks with retired Lieutenant Colonel and author Matthew Butler about his journey from Green Beret to shamanism, exploring mental health, spirituality, and the healing potential of plant medicine while discussing mentorship, community connection, and the ongoing pursuit of purpose, service, and holistic healing for veterans.

In this episode of Lesser Known Operators, host Nicholas Allen speaks with Dr. Harrison Lewis, former Army Ranger and founder of GRND Fitness, about his transition from special operations to entrepreneurship, exploring themes of mental health, resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of excellence in fitness, business, and life.

Nicholas Allen speaks with former pararescueman and Shields and Stripes founder Steven Nisbet about his journey from military service to veteran advocacy, discussing the intense demands of pararescue training, the impact of loss and trauma, and the importance of community, resilience, and mental health support in finding purpose and joy after service.

Nicholas Allen speaks with former Green Beret and current Border Patrol agent William Bengel about his journey from military police to special forces and law enforcement, exploring the challenges of border security, the evolution of military and policing practices, and the importance of humility, purpose, and situational awareness in life after service.

Nicholas Allen speaks with Walter Herd, National Director of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), about the evolution of TAP, the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, and the importance of leadership, mental health support, and community in helping veterans find purpose after service.

Nicholas Allen speaks with former Australian Special Forces member Shane Cav about his journey from military service to civilian life in Tasmania, exploring themes of self-sustainability, mental health, and veteran support while discussing the realities of special operations training, cultural differences, personal loss, and the responsibilities of parenthood in a changing world.

In this episode of Lesser Known Operators, host Nicholas Allen speaks with retired Green Beret and musician Bob DePrato about his transition from military to civilian life, exploring the healing power of music, the evolution of Special Forces, and the challenges of modern warfare while emphasizing empathy, community, and purpose in life after service.

Nicholas Allen speaks with AJ Jaxin about his journey through military service and the transition to civilian life, exploring themes of mental health, authenticity in leadership, and alternative healing through community and motorsports, while discussing the challenges of the VA system, hormone health, and the evolving culture within Special Forces.

In this episode of Beyond the Trek, host Nicholas Allen speaks with civil affairs officer and podcast founder Chad Ballestrazze about the evolution of the show, the role of physical fitness, and the transition from military to civilian life, exploring leadership, mental health, entrepreneurship, and the unique mission, training, and team dynamics of Civil Affairs within special operations.