Atomic Rambo - My Life Isn't Amazing All The Time

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.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    Surviving Combat and Healing PTSD: An Unfiltered Conversation with Ted Shirley

    Ted Shirley served two tours in Afghanistan as a British Army sniper. He came home. But the war didn't stay in Afghanistan. In this episode, Dan sits down with Ted- author of Afghanistan Sniper- for one of the most honest conversations we've had on this podcast. Two men who've both lived with PTSD, both fought their way back, talking without a filter about what that actually looks like. Ted takes us from sniper training in Wales, through the heat of Helmand Province, to the moment everything unravelled back home. The anger, the blackouts, the numbness, the years of feeling like the person he used to be was gone. And then- the long, messy, non-linear road back. This isn't a neat recovery story. It's the real one. We get into EMDR, psychedelics, meditation, nature, community, colouring books and why healing looks different for everyone. We also talk about the silence and stigma that still kills people in the armed forces, and why the bravest thing a soldier can do is ask for help. If you're carrying something heavy, or you love someone who is- this one's for you. In this episode: Sniper training + Afghanistan deploymentThe first signs of PTSD: anger, dissociation, and risky behaviourBlackouts, depression, and the moment Ted knew something had to changeWhy mainstream mental health services let veterans down- and what works insteadThe role of psychedelics and natural medicines in trauma processingPractical tools: breathing, grounding, gratitude, and movementWhy silence and stigma in the armed forces is still costing livesTimestamps:  02:24 – Sniper training: stalking, shooting, and tactical skills  09:55 – The moment everything changed: losing a friend 11:47 – Operation Moshtarak: the largest British air assault since WWII  14:02 – The realities of war zones  20:08 – First signs of PTSD: anger, risky behaviour, and dissociation   28:48 – Depression, sleep issues 43:40 – Psychedelics and natural medicines in trauma 50:53 – The power of community and peer-led support  55:29 – Running, mountains, and honouring fallen comrades  60:08 – Alcohol, trauma triggers, and the dangerous cycle  65:13 – Meditation, gratitude, and slowing down  85:25 – Building resilience through therapy and self-awareness  90:50 – The dangers of silence and stigma in the armed forces  104:00 – Future projects: books, talks, and spreading awareness 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 Ted - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tedshirleyauthor Afganistan Sniper - https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=afghanistan+sniper&crid=5QWC3YKW0AOT&sprefix=afghanistan+sniper%2Caps%2C147&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

    1h 43m

  2. May 31

    Beyond the Drop Zone: Andy Williams

    Dan sits down with Andy Williams - Para veteran, author, and one of the most honest voices on military trauma you'll ever hear, for a conversation that goes straight to the places most people are too afraid to go. Andy's story started long before Afghanistan. A childhood shaped by abandonment and broken trust. A drive toward the Parachute Regiment that was about more than just service. This is an episode about war - but it's really an episode about what war does to a person long after they come home. Andy talks about the flashbacks, the PTSD, the night terrors, and the years of using alcohol to keep the lid on things that refused to stay down. He talks about the moment he knew something had to change, and the long, unglamorous road through therapy and brutal self-honesty that followed. The parallels with Dan's coaching work at ARC are impossible to miss! Main Topics Covered: Personal journeys into military service, early motivations, and decision-making processesRealities of daily life on deployment: contact, stressThe psychological toll of war: trauma, flashbacks, PTSD, and night terrorsThe importance of mental health support: therapy, journaling, EMDR, and peer supportThe role of alcohol and addiction in coping mechanisms and strategies for sobrietyBuilding purpose through endurance sports, community involvement, and ongoing self-improvement Timestamps: 05:25 - Personal history: childhood, family, and influences 10:05 - Motivation for joining the Paras and military aspirations 11:46 - Training, early experiences, and influences from family members 15:42 - First contact with enemy forces and initial combat experiences 31:04 - Breaching, weaponry, and operational tactics in Sangin 37:14 - Significant firefights, IED threats, and combat mentality 42:53 - Traumatic incidents: friend’s injury, loss of colleagues, and personal injuries 55:22 - Challenges of long-term exposure to combat stress and mental health 68:47 - Overcoming trauma: therapy, support, and post-traumatic growth 73:41 - Transition to civilian life: new careers, leadership, and advocacy 80:19 - Alcohol as a coping mechanism and journey to sobriety 89:22 - Reflection on Afghanistan's aftermath and the broader impact of war 99:22 - The significance of community, belonging, and shared experience 107:10 - Tools and therapies for mental health management: CBT, journaling, EMDR 112:50 - Transitioning careers: security industry, close protection, and military skills 118:35 - Modern warfare, intelligence gathering, and lessons learned 126:27 - The power of goal-setting, ultra-running, and personal growth 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 Andy: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthedropzone http://beyondthedropzone.com Podcast Music: Transition X by Mehul Chaudhary

    2h 18m

  3. May 24

    Redefining Impossible: Darren Edwards

    Dan sits down with Darren Edwards - adaptive adventurer, world record holder, and one of the most quietly extraordinary human beings you'll ever hear speak - for a conversation that gets straight to the heart of what it actually means to keep going when everything has been taken from you. Darren's story started on a cliff face in North Wales in 2016. A rock shifted. He fell 100 feet. He was paralysed from the chest down instantly - and told he'd never walk again. What followed was five months of intensive care, surgery, and rehab. His relationship ended. His identity as a mountaineer was gone. And then he decided none of that was the end of the story. This is an episode about resilience - but it's really an episode about identity. About who you are when the thing that defined you is stripped away, and what it takes to rebuild yourself around something new. Darren talks about the moment he made himself a promise on that mountain, the long road through grief and heartbreak, and how he went on to kayak the length of Britain, complete seven marathons on seven continents in seven days and attempt to ski to the South Pole and getting the record for the furthest distance travelled in the process. The parallels with Dan's coaching work at ARC are impossible to miss - whether you're lying in a hospital bed wondering who you are now, or standing at the bottom of a life that needs to change - the inner game is identical. In this episode we cover: The mindset shift post-injury: adapting and overcomingMountaineering lessons on patience and perseverancePushing physical and mental boundaries in extreme environmentsThe importance of community, purpose, and service in recoveryLessons learned from expeditions to Antarctica, South Pole, and beyondManaging mental health, grief, and the importance of open conversationsBuilding a foundation to inspire others facing trauma and disabilityChapters 02:23 Darren's background and adventurous spirit  10:56 The terrifying fall and moments of survival 17:32 The impact of support systems and relationships 34:02 Transitioning to adaptive sports 42:50 The Land's End to John O'Groats kayak adventure  50:33 World Marathon Challenge 60:25 Antarctic expeditions and redefining limits  92:24 Darren's family, his father's passing 103:53 Advice for young people struggling 106:01 Gratitude, reflection, and living with purpose  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 Darren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrenedwards_adventurer/ Learn more about Darren of book him as a speaker for your event: https://darren-edwards.com/ Darren's foundation:  https://redefiningimpossible.co.uk/ Podcast Music: Transition X by Mehul Chaudhary

    1h 50m

  4. May 17

    From Fear to Summit: Alex Riley on Goals, Climbing & Faith

    Dan sits down with Alex Riley - elite climber, Mountain Leader, and founder of HowToClimb.co.uk for a conversation that cuts straight to the heart of what it actually takes to achieve something hard. Alex's journey started with a fear of heights. It ended at the top of some of the most demanding routes in British climbing. And what carried him there wasn't talent or natural ability - it was goals, habits, faith, and the willingness to show up every single day.   This is an episode about elite performance - but it's really an episode about the gap between where you are and where you want to be, and what it takes to close it. Alex talks about the psychology of fear on a grade that punishes mistakes, the power of small daily habits over big dramatic moments, and the unexpected role that faith has played in his life on and off the rock.   The parallels with Dan's coaching work at ARC are hard to miss - whether you're standing at the bottom of a route that terrifies you or the bottom of a life that needs to change - the inner game is identical. In this episode we cover: From fear of heights to elite climbing - Alex's unlikely journeyGoal setting for climbers (and for life) - how to aim at something that feels out of reachWhy big goals are won by small daily habits, not big dramatic momentsManaging fear and the psychological battle of high-grade climbingThe role of faith in performance and personal growthHow to build a community around something you loveInjury prevention, recovery, and the long gameWhy mentorship and coaching can change everythingThe mindset behind elite performance - and how it applies far beyond climbing Whether you're a climber, someone chasing a big goal, or just trying to make sense of where you are right now — Alex's story will remind you that where you start is not where you have to finish. Chapters 00:00 Balancing Parenthood and Climbing38:19 Technical Aspects of Climbing40:33 Climbing with the Right Mindset44:25 Consistency in Climbing Techniques49:29 Preparing for Big Wall Climbing55:56 Managing Fear in High-Grade Climbing01:00:52 Injury Prevention and Recovery01:03:57 The Role of Faith in Climbing01:17:20 Building a Climbing Community 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 Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtoclimb.co.uk/ For more on climbing with Alex visit: https://www.howtoclimb.co.uk/ Podcast Music: Transition X by Mehul Chaudhary

    1h 22m

  5. May 10

    From Broken Boy to Arctic Explorer with James, The Wild Welshman | Mental Resilience & Adversity

    Dan sits down with James — the Wild Welshman — a man who turned a childhood scarred by trauma into a life defined by extraordinary courage. In this honest and gripping conversation, James opens up about growing up in the shadow of his father's decline, the rage and destructive tendencies he carried for years, and how extreme physical challenges became the unlikely doorway to healing. From Arctic expeditions to SAS Who Dares Wins, James didn't just survive the hard stuff — he used it. And in doing so, he found something people can spend a lifetime searching for: a sense of purpose forged through pain. But this isn't just a story about pushing limits. It's about what happens when you stop running from your past and start building something with it. In this episode we cover: Childhood trauma → Arctic explorer: a life rebuilt through adversityHow physical hardship became a vehicle for emotional healingSurviving Arctic expeditions — mindset, gear, and the moments that tested everythingBehind the scenes of SAS Who Dares WinsBattling MS and what it taught him about acceptance and perseveranceWhy men turn pain into destructive behaviour — and how to redirect itThe book Broken Boy, Unbreakable Man and the lessons behind itHow storytelling and self-awareness unlock transformationBuilding resilience — not born with it, but built through it Whether you're carrying old wounds, chasing something bigger than yourself, or just trying to make sense of the hard chapters — James's story will remind you that your background doesn't have to define your destination. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Wild Welshman02:30 The Motivation Behind Writing the Book05:25 Childhood Challenges and Trauma19:03 The Journey into Arctic Expeditions26:06 Survival and Lessons from the Arctic30:10 Gear and Clothing for Extreme Conditions33:18 Mental Challenges in Endurance Events35:38 Experiences in High Altitude Mountaineering37:11 Behind the Scenes of SAS Who Dares Wins56:33 Family and Personal Sacrifices in Extreme Challenges58:01 Interrogation Insights and Personal Connections01:02:16 Reflections on Military Personalities and Media Representation01:11:25 Overcoming Personal Struggles and Helping Others01:16:37 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Identity01:24:55 The Power of Storytelling and Motivation 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 James: https://www.instagram.com/the_wildwelshman/ Buy James’ book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Welshman-Broken-Boy-Unbreakable/dp/B0GQCS2J1K Podcast Music: Transition X by Mehul Chaudhary

    1h 27m

  6. May 4

    Police Burnout & Starting Over with Rob Dennis | Mental Health & Resilience

    Dan talks to longtime friend, Rob Dennis. In this raw and honest conversation, Rob opens up about his journey from military service to policing, and what it really cost him along the way. We dig into the pension changes that shifted the ground beneath officers' feet, the daily grind of community policing, and the slow erosion of mental health that so many in the force quietly endure. But this isn't just a story about what broke — it's about what was built from the rubble. After leaving the police, Rob found his way back to nature through tree surgery and consultancy — and with it, a journey of deep self-reflection, a commitment to fitness, and a mindset overhaul that changed everything, including his relationship with grief, purpose, and the men around him. In this episode we cover: Army → Policing → Tree Surgery: a journey forged by reinventionThe hidden mental health crisis inside the police forceHow pension reforms and systemic pressures fuel burnoutRecognising and breaking unhealthy dependenciesGrief, depression, and the slow road to personal transformationWhy men struggle to ask for help — and what changes when they doThe power of nature, fitness, BJJ, reading, and lifestyle disciplineBuilding resilience in the modern world Whether you're in a high-stress career, navigating a personal reinvention, or just trying to become a better version of yourself — Rob's story will hit home. Chapters 00:00 Intro05:26 Policing in London11:06 The Importance of Policing16:08 Role of Communication in Policing21:17 Transition to Traffic Policing26:48 Emergency Response Experience32:03 The Struggle of a Police Officer38:08 Work-Related Stress and Personal Struggles44:02 Reflections on Leaving the Police53:20 Transition to Tree Work01:00:25 Men's Mental Health and Societal Influences01:06:39 Health and Fitness Journey01:13:19 Learning and Growth from Personal Experiences01:19:53 Mindset Change and Self-Improvement01:26:26 Embracing Natural Environments and Physical Activity Keep in Touch: Follow Dan: @DutyHappyBloke https://www.atomicrambo.com Take the free ARC assessment Follow Rob: @The_Wildennis Books mentioned: Dead Bedroom Fix by Dad Starting Over No More Mr Nice Guy by Dr. Robert Glover The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck Stolen Focus by Johann Hari Deepwork by Cal Newport Atomic Habits by James Clear Chimp Paradox by Prof. Steve Peters Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k by Mark Manson Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins Rebuild by Ralph Brewer Music: Transition X by Mehul Chaudhary

    1h 35m

  7. Apr 24

    Andy Keavney on War, PTSD, Drugs and Recovery in the Mountains

    The conversation covers Andy's early life, upbringing, and experiences in the army, including training, deployment, and a significant incident in Iraq. It delves into struggles with substance abuse and coping mechanisms post-war, highlighting the impact of trauma and resilience. The conversation delves into the journey of overcoming addiction, finding purpose, and the impact of military experience on mental health. It also explores the role of therapy, coaching, and community support in mental health and well-being. Takeaways Resilience is a key theme throughout the guest's experiences, from childhood to military training and deployment.The conversation sheds light on the long-term impact of trauma, substance abuse, and coping mechanisms, providing insight into the complexities of post-war struggles. Overcoming addiction and finding purpose is a transformative journey.Community support and coaching play a crucial role in mental health and well-being. Chapters 00:00 Early Life and Upbringing06:22 Training and Resilience13:00 Deployment and War Preparation19:29 Incident in Iraq27:44 Post-War Struggles39:17 Substance Abuse and Coping Mechanisms44:24 Setting Goals and Finding Purpose51:28 Therapy and Healing59:36 Transition to Coaching and Mental Health Support01:20:05 Men's Mental Health and Community Support Keep in Touch: Follow Dan: @DutyHappyBloke https://www.atomicrambo.com Take the free ARC assessment Follow Andy: @Your_ComebackCoach Website: yourcomebackcoach.co.uk Music: Transition X by Mehul Chaudhary

    1h 22m
  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

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
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dan Holder

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