The Survival Debrief Podcast with Steven Kelly

Steven Kelly
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

British Commando and Naked and Afraid alum Steven Kelly sits down with survivalists to unpack what TV can’t show—split-second decisions, fieldcraft that actually works, and the mindset that keeps you in the fight when calories, comfort, and certainty vanish. Each episode breaks down the first hour on site, water–fire–shelter trade-offs, partner dynamics, and recovery back home, finishing with three practical takeaways you can use this weekend. No gossip, no spoilers—just honest debriefs from people who’ve been cold, hungry, and still got it done. “Naked and Afraid” is a trademark of its owner;

  1. 6d ago

    Ed Stafford: The Amazon, 60 Days Alone & Why He Won’t Do Naked and Afraid with Steven Kelly

    Ed Stafford joins Steven Kelly on The Survival Debrief for a wide-ranging conversation about extreme survival, military mindset, isolation, television and life after major expeditions. Ed talks about spending 860 days walking the Amazon, including being held at gunpoint, dealing with threats from drug traffickers and indigenous groups, and the mindset that kept him moving forward when things got dark. He also opens up about spending 60 days completely alone on Naked and Marooned, why isolation became one of the hardest experiences of his life, and how that challenge forced him to question his identity and eventually seek therapy. Steven and Ed discuss their British Army backgrounds, the difference military training makes when dealing with discomfort, and why dropping the traditional "tough guy" armour can actually make someone stronger. They also go behind the scenes of survival television, including the reality of self-filming, the pressure of making entertaining TV while genuinely struggling, and why the moments when you least want to turn the camera on are often the moments you should be filming. Ed gives his thoughts on First Man Out, racing survivalists such as Josh James and Donny Dust, and whether competition can push people into unnecessary risks. Steven also asks Ed directly whether he would ever compete on Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing. Ed gives a clear answer. The conversation then turns to a major Antarctica expedition that nearly happened, before Ed reveals that a new series of Marooned has already been filmed, with more episodes planned. A very open conversation about survival, fear, mindset, identity, family, masculinity, adventure and what happens when everything familiar is stripped away. Follow The Survival Debrief for more conversations with survivalists, explorers and adventurers.

  2. Jun 7

    Amanda Wilson & Ernie Hinojos: Fans to Naked and Afraid Survivalists

    In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, Steven Kelly sits down with Amanda “Mandy” Wilson and Ernie Hinojos from Naked and Afraid. Amanda and Ernie have one of the most unique stories in the franchise. They went from fans of the show to taking on a 14-day fan challenge together, then returned as a duo for a brutal 21-day challenge — surviving 35 days together across Mexico and Botswana. This conversation goes behind the edit and into what viewers did not fully see on screen: the mental pressure, the cold nights, the lack of food, the bugs, the danger, the arguments that were handled properly, and the bond that formed through real hardship. Amanda opens up about mindset, anxiety, gratitude and pushing through her lowest moments. Ernie talks honestly about the cold in Botswana, the pressure of survival, and why having the right partner can make or break a challenge. We cover: How Amanda and Ernie got onto Naked and AfraidWhat it felt like meeting each other naked for the first timeThe difference between Mexico and BotswanaThe unseen survival work that never made the episodeTheir lowest moments on challengeWhy neither of them tappedWhether they would take on another challenge together Hosted by Steven Kelly, former British Army Commando Forces soldier, SERE survival instructor, Naked and Afraid survivalist, and host of The Survival Debrief Podcast. For more episodes, visit:www.stevenkelly.uk/podcast Follow Steven Kelly / Survival Ste:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenkelly29TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survival_steX: https://x.com/survival_ste

  3. Jun 6

    Can You Really Learn Survival Skills Online? | William Johnson, Survival Mastery | The Survival Debrief Podcast

    In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, Steven Kelly speaks with William “Bill” Johnson, founder of Survival Mastery — an online survival education platform designed to teach practical outdoor, preparedness, and self-reliance skills from anywhere in the world. Bill shares how his background in software development, aerospace, and military contract work led him to build a platform that combines streaming-style lessons with real-world tasks, instructor feedback, progress tracking, badges, and practical skill development. Steven and Bill discuss how technology can be used to get people outside rather than keep them indoors, why basic survival skills are being lost, and how platforms like Survival Mastery could support families, Scouts, schools, outdoor learners, and anyone who wants to live more prepared. They also cover Scouting America, Bear Grylls, disaster preparedness, fire lighting, shelter, water, bow making, field medicine, and the future of online survival training. Steven Kelly is a former British soldier from 29 Commando Regiment, British TV survivalist, and host of The Survival Debrief Podcast. He has appeared on Naked and Afraid, Naked Alone and Racing to Get Home, and Bear Grylls: Wild Reckoning. Check out Survival Mastery:https://survivalmastery.co More from Steven Kelly:Podcast page: https://www.stevenkelly.uk/podcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-survival-debrief-podcast-with-steven-kelly/id1844233698TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survival_steFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenkelly29X: https://x.com/survival_ste

  4. Jun 6

    Waz Addy: 175 Days Naked and Afraid, Last One Standing | The Survival Debrief Podcast - Steven Kelly

    In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, Steven Kelly sits down with Waz Addy, one of the biggest names in the Naked and Afraid franchise. Waz has completed five Naked and Afraid challenges, built up 170+ survival days, won Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing, and became known as Mr 10.0 after earning the first 10.0 PSR. This conversation goes deeper than the TV edit. Steven and Waz talk about the brutal reality behind survival television — the sleep deprivation, the insects, the cold, the weight loss, the mental pressure, the editing, and what viewers never really get to see. Waz breaks down his hardest challenge in the Peruvian Amazon, what made Montana so physically brutal, why he always planned to push beyond 40 days on XL, and what was going through his mind before winning Last One Standing. They also share behind-the-scenes stories from Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse in South Africa, including leadership, banter, survival teamwork, and the side of Waz that does not always come across on screen. Hosted by Steven Kelly — British TV survivalist, former British Army SERE instructor, and host of The Survival Debrief Podcast. Listen to more episodes and follow the show:www.stevenkelly.uk/podcast Follow Steven Kelly / Survival Ste:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survival_steFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenkelly29X: https://x.com/survival_ste Topics covered: Naked and Afraid, Waz Addy, Last One Standing, Naked and Afraid XL, survival mindset, Amazon survival, Montana survival, South Africa, survival TV, bushcraft, resilience, and behind-the-scenes survival stories.

  5. May 17

    Jesse Lee on Naked and Afraid, Colombia, South Africa and Survival Alone

    n this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, I sit down with Jesse Lee to talk about her journey through Naked and Afraid, from her first challenge in Colombia to her redemption in South Africa. Jesse shares how she applied for the show while still serving in the military, what it was like going through the approval process with her chain of command, and how quickly the reality of the challenge hit once she stepped into the environment. We talk about being left effectively alone in Colombia, surviving without a real partner, the monkey encounter that stood out to viewers, the cold and body temperature drop that ended her first run on day 20, and what it felt like to come back and finally complete the challenge in South Africa. Jesse also opens up about partner dynamics, mindset, redemption, and why she would still say yes to another survival challenge. This episode is a strong listen for anyone interested in: Naked and Afraidsurvival mindsetmilitary resiliencesolo survival pressureredemption challengesoutdoor grit and adaptability

  6. May 16

    Nikki Smith on Naked and Afraid, South Africa and the Reality of Survival

    In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, I sit down with Nikki Smith to talk about her Naked and Afraid Season 14 challenge, Lost in Translation, filmed in South Africa with a partner who did not speak the same language. Nikki also shares her military background, the hoops she had to jump through to get approval to go on the show, and what it was like balancing service life with one of the hardest survival experiences of her life. We talk about the things the edit does not fully show — the pressure, the pain, the foot injuries, the blood blisters, the exhaustion, and the mindset needed to keep moving when your body is struggling. Nikki also opens up about surviving with a positive attitude, why she would take on another challenge, and the lessons she has for anyone wanting to get into the outdoors. This is a strong conversation about: military resilienceNaked and Afraid realitypartner dynamicssurvival mindsetpain toleranceoutdoor advice for beginners

  7. May 6

    Holly Breaks Down Naked and Afraid, Bushcraft & Survival Mindset

    In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, Steven Kelly sits down with survivalist Holly to talk about her journey from running a bush survival school in Australia to taking on the brutal challenge of Naked and Afraid. Holly shares how her background in bushcraft, primitive survival skills, and outdoor education shaped her approach to survival in the wild. We talk about the mental side of wilderness survival, the importance of positivity under pressure, problem-solving in extreme environments, and the lessons she learned from wildlife encounters, teamwork, and the physical demands of the challenge. This is a strong conversation about survival training, mental resilience, wilderness adventure, and what it really takes to stay effective when conditions get hard. Holly’s background in bush survival and survival trainingHer journey from Australia to Naked and AfraidThe role of mental resilience and positivity in survivalPrimitive survival skills and outdoor problem-solvingTeam dynamics and why partnership matters in the wildLessons from wildlife, pressure, and real wilderness challengesTips for aspiring survivalists and bushcraft enthusiasts“My partner is my number one asset.”“If I can do this, I can do anything.”“It’s a roller coaster of an experience.”If you enjoy survival, bushcraft, outdoor skills, Naked and Afraid, and real conversations with experienced survivalists, this episode is worth watching. Subscribe for more survival interviews, behind-the-scenes conversations, and real lessons from people who have lived it. #Holly #NakedAndAfraid #Bushcraft #Survival #MentalResilience #WildernessSurvival #OutdoorSkills #SurvivalTraining #StevenKelly #SurvivalDebriefPodcast In this episode:Key moments:

  8. May 4

    Tyler Milligan Reveals What Broke Him on Naked and Afraid | Survival Debrief Podcast

    In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, Steven Kelly sits down with Tyler Dean Milligan to talk about his journey from a military background into the brutal world of Naked and Afraid. Tyler breaks down what it was really like facing the challenge, the mental and physical toll of survival, and how sleep deprivation, PTSD, stress, and extreme conditions can push a person to the edge. This is a raw conversation about mental toughness, resilience, adapting under pressure, and the lessons Tyler took from one of the toughest experiences of his life. We also get into Tyler’s reflections on tapping out, dealing with criticism afterwards, and why he would still love the chance to go back out there again. If you follow Naked and Afraid, survival TV, military mindset, outdoor adventure, or real conversations about resilience and mental strength, this episode is worth watching. Tyler Dean Milligan’s military backgroundHis journey onto Naked and AfraidThe brutal impact of sleep deprivationHow PTSD and stress affect survival performanceLessons in mental resilience and adaptabilityAdvice for outdoor enthusiasts and survival fans“Sleep deprivation is like torture.”“Lost 60 pounds in three weeks.”“I’d love to go back out there.”Subscribe for more survival interviews, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, and real conversations with people who have lived it. #TylerDeanMilligan #NakedAndAfraid #StevenKelly #SurvivalDebriefPodcast #Survival #MentalToughness #SleepDeprivation #Military #PTSD #OutdoorAdventure In this episode:Key moments:

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British Commando and Naked and Afraid alum Steven Kelly sits down with survivalists to unpack what TV can’t show—split-second decisions, fieldcraft that actually works, and the mindset that keeps you in the fight when calories, comfort, and certainty vanish. Each episode breaks down the first hour on site, water–fire–shelter trade-offs, partner dynamics, and recovery back home, finishing with three practical takeaways you can use this weekend. No gossip, no spoilers—just honest debriefs from people who’ve been cold, hungry, and still got it done. “Naked and Afraid” is a trademark of its owner;

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