A British Army Sniper on What War Doesn't Let Go Of | 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 friend11:47 – 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 issues43:40 – Psychedelics and natural medicines in trauma50:53 – 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 awarenessKeep 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.comTake the free ARC assessment: https://arcassesment.lovable.app/Follow Ted - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tedshirleyauthorAfganistan Sniper - https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=afghanistan+sniper&crid=5QWC3YKW0AOT&sprefix=afghanistan+sniper%2Caps%2C147&ref=nb_sb_noss_1