Former Special Forces NCO and 160th SOAR aviator Nick O’Kelly lays out a practical roadmap for identity, mental health, and money after the uniform. We cover rituals for closure, building your next tribe, training attention and emotion, smart finance (emergency funds → investing), and how to protect time for family and travel. We also give brief, balanced context on the Tim Kennedy situation and why integrity—and what we amplify online—matters.
Resources & Links
The Nick O'Kelly-
Stigma Pre-Order - Silent Valor
Nick's YoutubeBrain to Brain Communication Article
Optimal Brain Health for Warfighters
SponsorsNick O’Kelly — Cadence Wealth Partners
Alone and Unafraid podcast: aloneandunafraid.org
Nick O’Kelly — Special Forces 18C (Engineer Sergeant) → 160th SOAR pilot → financial advisor. He focuses on behavioral finance, mindset, and practical frameworks that help veterans (and anyone under pressure) build resilient, wealthy, and meaningful lives.
“Talk about mental health out loud—or stigma wins by default.”
“Your DD-214 isn’t your identity—build a new mission and tribe.”
“Cash buys choices. Fund the emergency account first.”
“Name the feeling; then you can steer it.”
“Use social media with integrity—reputations are built (and burned) there.”
If you’re into this and you are a veteran, active duty service member, first responder, or anyone really, check out our podcast Alone and Unafraid. You can find it wherever you listen to podcasts and check out our website aloneandunafraid.org.
If the episode helped, share it with a teammate and leave a 5★ review—it really helps.
keywords: psychedelics for veterans, psychedelic therapy, psilocybin empathy, MDMA-assisted therapy (veterans), mental health stigma military, veteran transition, special operations mindset, behavioral finance veterans, emergency fund military, Tim Kennedy situation, military integrity, CrossFit risks, time management veterans, travel with family, networking after military
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