In this powerful episode of Tell This Story, Doug White sits down with Nick O’Kelly—retired Green Beret, Special Operations Blackhawk Pilot, co-founder of Cadence Wealth Partners, and now-author—for a vulnerable, unfiltered conversation about identity, mental health, and building a purpose-driven life beyond the battlefield.
Nick opens up about the internal transition from elite operator to emotionally aware father, husband, andentrepreneur. Together, Doug and Nick discuss:
💡 The stigma of mental health in special operations and veteran culture
This episode is packed with honest reflections, hard-earned wisdom, and actionable takeaways for veterans, spouses, and anyone rebuilding life with clarity and conviction.
⏱️ Chapter Timestamps:
07:40 – The Journey of Storytelling and Authenticity
12:58 – Exploring Alternative HealingMethods
18:05 – Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
24:06 – Overcoming Online Criticism
29:12 – Navigating Parenting Challenges
33:34 – Learning from Past Mistakes
36:43 – Teaching Accountability
39:29 – Life Lessons from Parenting
42:34 – Experiences in Scotland
43:23 – Reflections on Physical Challenges and Personal Growth
45:55 – Building Relationships Through Shared Experiences 50:43 – Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Self-Perception 01:01:43 – Critiquing the Armchair Quarterback Mentality 01:02:34 – Understanding Mental Health and Its Misconceptions
01:03:14 – Normal Reactions to Abnormal Situations 01:04:32 – Curiosity Over Judgment in Mental Health 01:05:42 – Finding Meaning in Suffering
01:07:06 – The Impact of Personal Experiences01:08:58 – Locus of Control in Trauma Responses
01:10:14 – Empathy and Emotional Maturity
01:12:04 – The Power of Authenticity in Sharing Stories01:13:31 – Navigating Expectations in Writing and Speaking 01:15:19 – The Journey of Book Promotion and Impact 01:21:23 – Secrets to Success
01:22:28 –The Importance of Consistency 01:24:16 – The 20-Foot Interview 01:25:56 –Physical Appearance and Professionalism 01:28:09 – Managing Time and Priorities01:34:14 – Fitness and Emotional Well-being
01:36:22 – Transformative Fitness Journey
01:38:15 – The Audiobook Experience
01:41:58 – Navigating AI in Content Creation
01:43:42 – Growth Through Community and Experience 01:50:47 – Finding Purpose in Struggle
01:54:39 – Introduction to Nick O’Kelly and His Work01:55:02 – Engagement and Support for the Podcast 01:55:24 – Closing Thoughts and Future Connections
🎧 Listen & Subscribe toTell This Story: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tell-this-story/id1705672345Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6378e00d-episodesiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tell-this-story-237345244/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tell_This_StoryWebsite: https://dougwhiteofficial.com
🔗 Connect with Nick O’Kelly:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenickokellyWebsite: https://cadencewealthpartners.com
🛡️ Resources for Veterans &Families: Blue Line / Gold Line / Redline Rescue: https://bluelinerescue.org BoulderCrest Foundation: https://bouldercrest.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bouldercrestfoundationCopline (24/7 Law Enforcement Hotline): https://www.copline.org| 1-800-267-546 UCF RESTORES: https://ucfrestores.com
📣 Like, Comment & Subscribeif this story hit home—and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your story isn’t over. Your next mission matters.
#GreenBeret #VeteranMentalHealth#TellThisStoryPodcast #Storytelling #MilitaryTransition #Authenticity#PostTraumaticGrowth #PodcastingVeterans #MilitaryToCivilian #SpecialOperations#FitnessForMentalHealth #EmotionalAwareness #VeteranVoices
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