Atomic Rambo Podcast

Dan Holder
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Self-Improvement

The place for inspirational stories from real people and lessons we can all learn from. Hosted by Dan Holder, a decorated former Royal Marines Commando, mountaineer, climber, endurance athlete, 2x IronMan, Positive Psychology Coach. In February 2026 Dan became the 7th person to complete the 293 mile Montane Arctic Spine Race. Dan will be joined on the Atomic Rambo Podcast by a broad range of guests from mountaineering legends, hardcore endurance athletes, elite military personnel, world class therapists and coaches as well as other more unique inspiring relatable people. You can expect honest, unfiltered conversations with fantastic people sharing their own experiences, their challenges, transformations, triumphs and losses. This will be a tool for Dan's clients who he works with at Atomic Rambo Coaching (ARC) to lead people to personal freedom through awareness, resilience, and commitment. Sharing these conversations publicly will allow listeners and insight into the ARC method.

  1. 6 days ago

    I Spent Every Day Hunting IEDs in Afghanistan | Bradley Knight

    Royal Engineer searcher Bradley Knight breaks down the real job of hunting IEDs in Afghanistan, the psychological toll of search, and rebuilding identity after the Army. A raw conversation on Herrick 7, Herrick 12, and life after combat. Bradley Knight grew up in Salford, Manchester, and joined the British Army at 16. He deployed to Afghanistan as a Royal Engineer combat engineer searcher on Herrick 7 and Herrick 12, working IED threat, road and building search, and lead searcher tasks in Nadi Ali. Since leaving the Army he has processed the trauma of search through writing, coaching, and self reflection. In this episode Dan and Bradley cover: Growing up in Salford and joining the Army at 16Herrick 7 as a young driver and first exposure to indirect fireThe searchers course: road search, building search, tunnels, sewersHow a ten liner callout becomes a full search taskIsolation, ATO exploitation, and secondary searchBecoming lead searcher and switching off emotion under pressureTaking contact while searching a compound and finding multiple devicesATO Gareth Wood and his Military CrossBritish search doctrine versus American EOD, shaped by Northern IrelandIdentity loss after leaving the militaryWriting a book about Herrick 12 as a way of processing itTransition to civilian life: bike shop, the post-COVID bike market crash, waste workBreath work, nature, exercise, and reconnecting with people as tools for managing his mental health now Timestamps 00:00 Opening the conversation and recognising the searcher role 01:02 Salford upbringing and unusual family story 02:28 Why he joined the Army at 16 03:56 Herrick 7 and early exposure to danger 06:45 What a combat engineer searcher actually did 08:56 Selected for the searchers course 10:29 Why search was more than roadside bomb hunting 11:24 Arriving on Herrick 12 in Nadi Ali 12:16 How a ten liner callout becomes a search task 13:43 Isolation, ATO access, searching for secondaries 15:06 Becoming lead searcher and turning off emotion 17:35 Cordons, infantry frustration, the reality of search 18:56 The role of the ATO and Gareth Wood 19:53 The patrol where a mastiff hit an IED 22:49 Close contact in the compound 25:34 Finding multiple devices under pressure 27:48 Getting swapped out after a long day 30:38 Moving to BRF and a more kinetic role 33:30 Taking direct fire and fighting from a compound 36:10 Why he would still do the job again 36:41 The anniversary of getting blown up 38:28 American EOD reactions to British search methods Watch more Atomic Rambo Podcast episodes and find out more about Atomic Rambo Coaching, Dan's veteran-led mindset and resilience coaching, at the links below. Keep in Touch:  Follow Dan in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dutyhappybloke/ Follow the pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atomicrambopodcast/ ARC website: https://www.atomicrambo.com Take the free ARC assessment: https://arcassesment.lovable.app/ Follow Bradley -  https://www.instagram.com/brimstone_bradk/ Youtube - Hidden in plain sight- Brimstone_42

  2. 30 Aug

    He Drank to numb himself for 20 Years. Here's What Broke the Cycle | Cameron Springett

    Cam drank to cope with life from age 13. Twenty years later, a free 12-week program, therapy, and one hard decision broke the cycle - here's what worked when AA didn't. Dan sits down with Cam for an honest, unfiltered conversation about addiction, recovery, and the long road from self-destruction to stability. Cam traces his drinking back to age 13, with weed, coke, pills, and gear following through his teens — tied to social life, coping, and eventually self-harm. A move to Australia changed his environment but not the underlying issue, and returning home around his nan's death triggered a major emotional crash that led to two more years of heavy use. Cam and Dan both walked into AA and felt like they weren't "that bad" - and Cam explains why the identity of being powerless never suited him. What actually worked was different: a free 12-week CGL program in Crawley, weekly therapy, EMDR, PT, and a clear decision that alcohol was no longer on the table. They dig into why drinking kept him from ever knowing himself, and why the real work wasn't just quitting — it was learning to be okay with who he was without the coping mechanism. The conversation widens into "picking your hard" - the idea that quitting is hard, but continuing gets harder later because of consequences, and the real choice is which hard you're willing to live with. Cam talks about why journaling became a tool to get thoughts out of his head and reduce shame, how writing on X built him a community, and how one conversation exposed a gap in his own readiness to coach - he had no safeguarding, ethics, or supervision in place. Both agree that lived experience alone isn't enough, and that proper training exists to protect the people being coached. They close on grief, suicide, and the importance of checking in properly - discussing a friend's death and why you have to ask twice if someone seems off. The message: listen, don't just advise, and encourage real help when it's needed. For Cam, stopping drinking didn't just remove alcohol - it gave him the space to understand himself, build compassion, and move forward. This is a practical, grounded episode about what change really looks like when it's not clean, easy, or linear. TIMESTAMPS 04:04 - First drinking and drug use from early teens 06:34 - First AA meeting and why it didn't fit 17:10 - The turning point at 33 19:34 - The CGL 12-week program and how he quit for real 25:39 - What CGL gave him and why the tools still matter 31:09 - Why Cam writes things down 37:17 - Realising he had no safeguarding in place 44:22 - Dan's goal-driven route out of drinking 49:55 - Would he be here if he still drank? 52:11 - Ted's story, suicide, and the need to talk 55:48 - The biggest change: stopping drinking and learning himself "Picking your hard." — "I don't have a drink problem because I don't drink." Keep in Touch:  Follow Dan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dutyhappybloke/ Follow the pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atomicrambopodcast/ ARC website: https://www.atomicrambo.com Take the free ARC assessment: https://arcassesment.lovable.app/ Follow Cam on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/cameron_springett/ Cam Website- www.camspringett.cloud

  3. 23 Aug

    Uncovering London's Past: Mudlarking, Artifacts, and Community | Frank Mnich

    Roman coins. Medieval mail armour. Human teeth pulled straight from the mud. On this episode of the Atomic Rambo Podcast, Dan sits down with  mudlarker Frank Mnich to dig into what the River Thames has been hiding for centuries - and why searching for it might be one of the best things you can do for your mind. Frank a  tree surgeon  and  full-time relic hunter, spends his days scanning the Thames foreshore for objects that haven't seen daylight in hundreds - sometimes thousands - of years. In this conversation, he walks Dan through the regulations that protect London's buried history, the community of mudlarkers who trade discoveries and stories, and the surprising mental health benefits of slowing down and searching the riverbed with your own hands. What you'll learn in this episode: How mudlarking evolved from Victorian scavenging into a permit-regulated modern hobbyWhere to find Stone Age tools, Roman coins, and medieval beads along the ThamesWhat the Treasure Act means for anyone who finds something significantThe strangest finds Frank has pulled from the mud - including musket flints, flea traps, and a Great Fire of London coinWhy this hobby became a lifeline for so many people during lockdownHow a shared obsession with history builds real community Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction to Dan and Frank - the allure of mudlarking in London  00:40 – Historical origins of mudlarking in the Victorian era  02:10 – The extensive history of the Thames and its artifacts  05:05 – Getting permits through the Port of London Authority (PLA)  08:25 – Regulations around permitted zones and restrictions  13:42 – What happens when artifacts are found under the Treasure Act  16:08 – From Stone Age microliths to medieval objects  18:25 – A fragment of chainmail from the 1400s  30:05 – The Portable Antiquities Scheme and reporting finds  38:42 – Military relics: musket flints, bullets, and WWII remnants  54:53 – Human teeth and remains: a reminder of London's long history  61:43 – The Great Fire of London coin and its symbolic significance  69:14 – Mudlarking as a therapeutic hobby and mental wellbeing booster  73:00 – Encouragement for newcomers and respecting regulations  74:28 – Final thoughts on the significance of London's hidden history Keep in Touch:  Follow Dan in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dutyhappybloke/ Follow the pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atomicrambopodcast/ ARC website: https://www.atomicrambo.com Take the free ARC assessment: https://arcassesment.lovable.app/ Connect with Frank: Instagram: @frankfinds

  4. 19 Aug

    I Went Back to the Arena That Nearly Broke Me | Kyla

    ARC Client journey She survived the Manchester Arena bombing. Years later, she walked back through those doors - and rebuilt the identity she lost that night. Kyla  joins the Atomic Rambo Podcast to share her raw, honest journey through PTSD, trauma-informed coaching, and the moment she chose to face her fear head-on. Kyla worked one-on-one with Dan through Atomic Rambo Coaching's positive psychology programme - this episode is the story of that work, in her own words. In this episode, Kyla and Dan cover: - Her background and the lasting impact of the Manchester Arena bombing - How PTSD symptoms developed and why they didn't show up right away - The reality of accessing therapy, and how EMDR helped her process the trauma - Losing her sense of self - and the identity work that helped her find it again - The practical planning behind returning to the arena, safely and on her terms - Self-soothing strategies for managing anxiety in high-stakes moments - How reframing and acceptance became turning points in her healing - Moving from grief to growth - and using her story to help others - The role positive psychology and trauma-informed coaching played in her recovery - Her advice for anyone struggling: seek help, do the work, and trust the process. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction: Kyla story of trauma and recovery  00:23 – The aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing and initial struggles  02:09 – Challenges faced with therapy access and processing PTSD  05:32 – The approach of trauma-informed coaching and identity work  12:09 – Planning and preparing to revisit the arena safely  14:04 – The day of the concert and managing anxiety through simplification  17:05 – The emotional breakthrough of returning and the healing power of facing fears  24:15 – Grieving and moving on: the importance of closure  26:36 – Embracing a new perspective and helping others with her story  28:02 – Advice for others experiencing trauma and the importance of self-awareness  30:18 – Accepting vulnerability and setting healthy boundaries  32:07 – Progress, accountability, and future goals in her journey of recovery  33:27 – Final reflections and encouragement for listeners  This episode is a testament to resilience - proof that recovery is possible with the right tools, the right support, and the courage to face what scares you most. Kyla's transformation was made possible through Atomic Rambo Coaching's positive psychology programme, built to help people rebuild identity and resilience after trauma.  🔗 Listen to the full episode on all podcast platforms  🔗 Work with Dan Holder -ARC: www.atomicrambo.com Email us - info@atomicrambo.com

  5. 16 Aug

    I Finished the Arctic Spine. He's the Man Who Helps Make It Run. | Alex Buckland

    Exploring the Winter Spine and Arctic Spine with Dan and Alex 293 miles. Sub-zero cold. No sleep for days. Dan actually did it - he finished the Arctic Spine Race. On this episode, he sits down with Alex Buckland, who volunteers as Assistant Race Director for the Arctic Spine, to unpack what it takes to get runners across one of the most brutal courses on Earth, and what it looked like from the other side of the finish line. Alex went from a childhood of health issues to mountain biking to ultra running himself, before giving his time to the race as a volunteer, now supporting, tracking, and pulling competitors through the Spine and Arctic Spine - races where DNF (Did Not Finish) is the norm, not the exception. In this conversation, Dan and Alex get into what it's really like on both sides of the race: the mental health battles behind the miles, the community that carries runners through the darkest stretches, and what it means to know your limits when your body is screaming at you to stop. Whether you're an ultra runner, a weekend hiker, or someone who's never run further than the bus stop - this one will make you want to go outside and test yourself. Thanks to Alex for pulling back the curtain on what it takes to run a race like the Arctic Spine. What you'll learn in this episode: Dan's firsthand experience finishing the Arctic Spine RaceAlex's journey from mountain biking to ultra running to volunteering as Assistant Race DirectorWhy so many competitors say a DNF taught them more than a finish line ever couldHow cold-weather racing builds resilience and rewires your relationship with fearThe navigation, planning, and preparation courses that keep runners alive in extreme terrainTimestamps: 00:56 – Alex's journey from mountain biking to ultramarathons  04:58 – Overcoming childhood health issues and mental health battles  07:27 – The journey into ultra running and racing highlights  12:50 – Lessons from failed attempts and DNF experiences  18:42 – Supporting and volunteering in the Spine Race  24:17 – Long-distance Arctic expeditions and future aspirations  27:53 – What is the Arctic Spine Race? Details and challenges  31:33 – Race strategy, DNF rates, and participant stories  36:40 – Knowing your limits and preparing properly  44:04 – Training courses and community involvement  48:13 – The future of the Spine Race and upcoming initiatives  56:23 – Aspirations for Antarctica and other extreme explorations  59:17 – The allure of mountain adventures and Denali  60:31 – Family adventures and the human side of outdoor pursuits Keep in Touch:  Follow Dan in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dutyhappybloke/ Follow the pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atomicrambopodcast/ ARC website: https://www.atomicrambo.com Take the free ARC assessment: https://arcassesment.lovable.app/ Resources & Links: The Spine Race: https://thespinerace.com/ Connect with Alex: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/alexbuckland

  6. 9 Aug

    Double Peak Syndrome: Why Winning Never Feels Like Enough | Will Foden

    Achieving every goal but still feeling empty? Will Foden — professional rugby player, ultra-endurance athlete and coach - breaks down "Double Peak Syndrome" and what it really takes to build unshakeable mental resilience. Will Foden has lived high performance from every angle:  professional rugby, Ironman triathlons and Ultra marathons.  In this episode he unpacks the mental models, emotional control, and hard-won philosophy that carried him through injury, identity loss, and extreme endurance racing - and what he learned about purpose, ego, and authenticity along the way.  TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction to Will's background & upcoming challenges  03:26 – Stress inoculation and performance environments  05:03 – Double Peak Syndrome: when achievement isn't enough  09:55 – Military experience and the transition to civilian life  13:09 – Injury, identity loss, and resilience in recovery  16:01 – Mental toughness and emotional regulation  20:29 – Overcoming hurdles in rugby & endurance racing  24:41 – Lessons from ultramarathons and mountain expeditions  29:51 – Calibrating control and flow in high-stakes environments  33:40 – Authenticity: managing ego vs. performance  39:20 – Emotional intelligence and self-awareness strategies  44:01 – Building mental capacity through hard experiences  48:55 – Purpose and meaningful pursuits  53:58 – The adventure mindset and living intentionally  58:05 – Mountaineering, exploration, and the art of failure  63:33 – Lessons from ultra-endurance disciplines  68:14 – The power of acceptance & surrender under pressure  73:22 – Past trauma and PTSD's influence on performance  78:37 – Community, connection, and shared purpose  83:09 – Final reflections on humility and lifelong growth Keep in Touch:  Follow Dan in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dutyhappybloke/ Follow the pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atomicrambopodcast/ ARC website: https://www.atomicrambo.com Take the free ARC assessment: https://arcassesment.lovable.app/ Follow Will: https://www.instagram.com/willfoden/ Company - Built for Pressure.net Podcast Music: Transition X by Mehul Chaudhary

  7. 2 Aug

    Why Longevity Beats Ego (And Why Your Shoes Are Wrecking You) | Reiss

    Most runners train like they're 25 forever - until their body sends the bill. Reiss is here to explain why longevity beats ego every single time, and why the shoes on your feet might be quietly wrecking your stride. In this episode of the Atomic Rambo Podcast, Dan sits down with Reiss, a Chester-based sports therapist and run coach, for a wide-ranging conversation about longevity, running, recovery, and what it actually takes to build a body and mindset that last - not just for one big race, but for life. Reece's own path started far from the trails: a move from Essex to Dubai, an unexpected love affair with endurance sport, and years of hands-on work as a therapist watching bodies break down from the inside. Out of that came a coaching philosophy built on one simple idea - longevity over ego. From ultras and mountain races to the quiet, unglamorous work of injury prevention, this conversation is a masterclass in sustainable training for anyone who's ever pushed too hard, too fast, and paid for it. Dan and Reiss dig deep into the five pillars of health - sleep, strength, stress management, social connection, and nutrition - and why skipping even one of them undermines everything else you're trying to build. They talk through the 10% rule and progressive overload, why "listening to your body" is a skill most people never learn, and how modern shoes, weak feet, and hours of sitting are quietly reshaping the way an entire generation moves. This isn't a conversation about chasing extremes. It's about ambition without self-destruction - how to train hard, recover properly, and still show up for the people who need you, whether that's your training partners or your own kids. Reiss brings the technical knowledge of a therapist and the lived experience of an athlete who has actually walked the path from injury to insight, and the result is one of the most practical, honest episodes we've recorded. Whether you're a weekend 5k runner, deep into ultra training, or just someone who sits at a desk all day and wonders why your feet feel weird - this episode will change how you think about movement, recovery, and what "fit for life" really means. Key Topics Covered: Reece's background in sports therapy and run coachingMoving to Dubai and discovering endurance cultureWhy longevity matters more than "hardness"The five pillars of health: sleep, strength, stress management, social connection, nutritionProgressive overload and the 10% ruleRest, recovery, and injury preventionListening to your body when trainingRunning form, forefoot landing, and footwear choicesWeak feet, modern shoes, and the impact of prolonged sittingBalancing ambition, parenting, and the mental side of endurance Keep in Touch:  Follow Dan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dutyhappybloke/ Follow the pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atomicrambopodcast/ ARC website: https://www.atomicrambo.com Take the free ARC assessment: https://arcassesment.lovable.app/ Reiss - https://www.discoverstrive.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/discover_strive/

  8. 26 Jul

    16 Years Old, Straight Into the Military — Then He Built a Business Empire | Dave Hamlet

    From a 16-year-old soldier to building a multi-industry business empire - Dave Hamlet shares the raw truth about resilience, imposter syndrome, and the mindset it takes to survive chaos and come out stronger on the other side. Dave Hamlet joined the military at just 16 and has since become a serial entrepreneur and investor across FMCG, health, sustainability, and tech. From Northern Ireland to the Dolomites, from imposter syndrome to building D&G Group, he's lived a life most people only read about - and he holds nothing back in this conversation. In this episode, Dan and Dave unpack: Dave's journey from military service at 16 to becoming a multifaceted entrepreneur and investorHow military training built resilience, discipline, and mental toughness that carried into businessNavigating imposter syndrome and finding purpose in chaosBuilding multiple ventures across FMCG, health, sustainability, and techModern wellness trends, hydration products, and health tech innovationWhy community, humility, and mental resilience matter more than everThe current state of societal entitlement — and the resilience we've lostThe role of AI in business, manipulation, and the future of human connectionWhether you're an entrepreneur, a former soldier, or just someone looking for a reason to keep going — this one will resonate. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and guest background with Dave Hamlet 02:17 The role of backgrounds and environment in personal growth 04:26 Dave's entrepreneurial start and military influence 05:50 Overview of Dave's companies 08:22 Managing imposter syndrome and mental health in business 09:43 Lessons from Northern Ireland — resilience and adversity 16:29 Family, traditional values, and societal contrasts 20:22 Mountaineering adventures and lessons in humility 24:08 Endurance challenges: Kyrgyzstan, Dolomites, and altitude sickness 33:14 Purpose and discipline in overcoming habits like alcohol 36:34 Military lessons: resilience, teamwork, and life perspectives 44:45 Societal entitlement, masculinity, and personal strength 55:28 Building business relationships and marketing honesty 62:15 The impact of diversifying ventures and ecosystems 73:16 Innovations in health tech: hydration, diabetes prevention, and supplements 86:38 The power of community and strategic partnerships in growth 92:32 The influence of AI, manipulation, and the future of human interaction 105:51 The significance of mindset, purpose, and self-awareness in success 107:26 Closing thoughts on resilience, societal shifts, and future opportunities Keep in Touch:  Follow Dan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dutyhappybloke/ Follow the pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atomicrambopodcast/ ARC website: https://www.atomicrambo.com Take the free ARC assessment: https://arcassesment.lovable.app/ Dave Hamlet - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/davehamlet D&G Group Holdings: https://dandg.com/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/davehamlet

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The place for inspirational stories from real people and lessons we can all learn from. Hosted by Dan Holder, a decorated former Royal Marines Commando, mountaineer, climber, endurance athlete, 2x IronMan, Positive Psychology Coach. In February 2026 Dan became the 7th person to complete the 293 mile Montane Arctic Spine Race. Dan will be joined on the Atomic Rambo Podcast by a broad range of guests from mountaineering legends, hardcore endurance athletes, elite military personnel, world class therapists and coaches as well as other more unique inspiring relatable people. You can expect honest, unfiltered conversations with fantastic people sharing their own experiences, their challenges, transformations, triumphs and losses. This will be a tool for Dan's clients who he works with at Atomic Rambo Coaching (ARC) to lead people to personal freedom through awareness, resilience, and commitment. Sharing these conversations publicly will allow listeners and insight into the ARC method.

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Holder
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dan Holder

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