Atomic Rambo Podcast

Dan Holder
  • 5.0 (1)
  • 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. 15h ago

    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

  2. 4d ago

    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

  3. Aug 16

    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

  4. Aug 9

    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

  5. Aug 2

    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/

  6. Jul 26

    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

  7. Jun 28

    He Lost His Arm in an Accident. Three Months Later He Was Back on Skis. | Dan Eden

    What do you do when the life you built gets taken away in an instant? For Dan Eden, a former soldier who lost his arm in a road traffic accident, the answer wasn't to retreat - it was to go further than he'd ever gone before. In this episode, Dan sits down with us for one of the most honest, raw, and genuinely inspiring conversations we've ever had on the podcast. Dan joined the military in 2015 and was building the kind of career soldiers dream about - AACC, RAPTC, a future full of purpose and identity. Then a single moment changed everything. What followed wasn't a clean recovery story. It was amputation, rehabilitation, PTSD, four separate bouts of sepsis, and the brutal process of trying to stay in the army he loved while his body and mind were fighting battles of their own. But here's the thing about Dan Eden - he doesn't just survive. He decides. Three months after losing his arm, he was back on skis. Within a few years he was competing on the GB para-snowsports pathway. And in what has become one of the most talked-about feats in the veteran sport community, Dan plans on breaking the 24hr Nordic ski record - not to chase glory, but to show others what direction life can go in. In this episode we get into all of it. The accident and what those first days really looked like. The identity crisis of leaving the military. The role that EMDR therapy played in helping him process trauma he'd buried for years. The moment Nordic skiing shifted from rehab to obsession. The planning, the pain, and the mental battle behind the world record. And what's next -Invictus, the 2030 Paralympics, and a long-distance vision that shows no sign of slowing down. Dan also talks openly about the childhood experiences that shaped him, the importance of finding the right people around you, and why he believes that speaking honestly about mental health isn't weakness - it's the foundation everything else is built on. This one will stay with you. Whether you're going through something hard right now, rebuilding after a setback, or just need reminding that the story isn't over - Dan Eden is proof that the hardest chapters don't have to be the last ones. Resources mentioned: Guinness World Records · Catalyst Project · Combat Fuel · The Redefining impossible Foundation · EMDR Therapy · Invictus Games ·  🎙️ Keep in Touch Follow Dan on Instagram: @dutyhappybloke  Follow the Pod: @atomicrambopodcast  ARC Website: atomicrambo.com  Free ARC Assessment: arcassesment.lovable.app Follow Dan Eden: @diffydan

  8. Jun 21

    A Grenade Nearly Killed Him. Grief Nearly Finished the Job. Then He Started Running. | Dave Coleman

    In this episode, Dan sits down with Dave Coleman, a former Royal Marine whose journey from combat to ultra endurance is one of the most raw and honest conversations you'll hear on this podcast. Dave opens up about his time in Afghanistan, the IED that nearly took his life, and the brutal medical battle that followed - including a terrifying brush with flesh-eating disease. But the physical injuries were only the beginning. Dave talks candidly about the mental health crisis that followed his return home: PTSD, medication, self-harm, and the isolation of decompression that so many veterans face but rarely speak about. Then comes the turning point - the loss of a close friend, and how that grief, alongside the chaos of COVID, pushed Dave toward something unexpected: ultra running. What started as a way to process pain became a lifeline, a form of therapy, and ultimately a new purpose. This conversation doesn't shy away from the realities of ultra endurance - the pain, the mental battles, the wrong turns, the moments where everything falls apart on course. Dave shares what he's learned training for and racing ultras, practical advice for anyone considering their first one, and how sobriety and lifestyle changes have amplified his mental strength. Main Topics Covered: The impact of trauma, PTSD, and mental health challenges post-serviceHow ultra running became a tool for healing, resilience, and purposeThe connection between addiction, mental health, and pushing physical limitsThe role of grief and grief-driven motivation in demanding physical challengesThe significance of mental health awareness and the power of community support Timestamps: 02:05 - Dave’s background: From Royal Marines to civilian training business 04:57 - The impact of social media and external influences on recruitment 09:13 - Surviving an IED and medical details of injury 18:05 - Medical evacuation from Afghanistan and subsequent health battles 22:22 - The role of decompression and isolated recovery post-deployment 25:14 - Grief, loss of a friend, and emotional relapse during COVID 43:12 - The reality of ultras: pain, mental battles, and themes of perseverance 50:49 - Setting ultra goals: learning and training for tough races 65:37 - The wild mental and physical journey of extreme endurance 73:47 - Reflection on race mishaps, lost routes, and mental resilience 85:15 - How sobriety and lifestyle changes amplify mental strength 86:13 - The therapeutic power of ultra running for mental health 87:26 - How ultra running shifts coaching perspectives and mental limits 93:39 - The link between addiction, mental health, and ultra runners' shared struggles 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/ Follow Dave - http://www.civvy2commando.com Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/civvy2commando/

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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
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dan Holder