<![CDATA[Atomic Rambo - My Life Isn't Amazing All The Time]]>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.

]]>www.atomicrambo.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sun, 17 May 2026 04:13:40 GMTSun, 22 Mar 2026 14:22:40 GMT60Dan Holder<p>The place for inspirational stories from real people and lessons we can all learn from.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />You can expect honest, unfiltered conversations with fantastic people sharing their own experiences, their challenges, transformations, triumphs and losses.</p><p><br />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.</p>episodicDan Holderinfo@atomicrambo.comyes<![CDATA[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 adversity
  • How physical hardship became a vehicle for emotional healing
  • Surviving Arctic expeditions — mindset, gear, and the moments that tested everything
  • Behind the scenes of SAS Who Dares Wins
  • Battling MS and what it taught him about acceptance and perseverance
  • Why men turn pain into destructive behaviour — and how to redirect it
  • The book Broken Boy, Unbreakable Man and the lessons behind it
  • How storytelling and self-awareness unlock transformation
  • Building 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 Welshman
  • 02:30 The Motivation Behind Writing the Book
  • 05:25 Childhood Challenges and Trauma
  • 19:03 The Journey into Arctic Expeditions
  • 26:06 Survival and Lessons from the Arctic
  • 30:10 Gear and Clothing for Extreme Conditions
  • 33:18 Mental Challenges in Endurance Events
  • 35:38 Experiences in High Altitude Mountaineering
  • 37:11 Behind the Scenes of SAS Who Dares Wins
  • 56:33 Family and Personal Sacrifices in Extreme Challenges
  • 58:01 Interrogation Insights and Personal Connections
  • 01:02:16 Reflections on Military Personalities and Media Representation
  • 01:11:25 Overcoming Personal Struggles and Helping Others
  • 01:16:37 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Identity
  • 01:24:55 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

]]>2786a85f-ef08-48d5-b5fe-f01b6628dfc7Sun, 10 May 2026 05:38:05 GMT<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>In this episode we cover:</p><ul><li>Childhood trauma → Arctic explorer: a life rebuilt through adversity</li><li>How physical hardship became a vehicle for emotional healing</li><li>Surviving Arctic expeditions — mindset, gear, and the moments that tested everything</li><li>Behind the scenes of SAS Who Dares Wins</li><li>Battling MS and what it taught him about acceptance and perseverance</li><li>Why men turn pain into destructive behaviour — and how to redirect it</li><li>The book <i>Broken Boy, Unbreakable Man</i> and the lessons behind it</li><li>How storytelling and self-awareness unlock transformation</li><li>Building resilience — not born with it, but built through it</li></ul><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>Chapters:</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to the Wild Welshman</li><li>02:30 The Motivation Behind Writing the Book</li><li>05:25 Childhood Challenges and Trauma</li><li>19:03 The Journey into Arctic Expeditions</li><li>26:06 Survival and Lessons from the Arctic</li><li>30:10 Gear and Clothing for Extreme Conditions</li><li>33:18 Mental Challenges in Endurance Events</li><li>35:38 Experiences in High Altitude Mountaineering</li><li>37:11 Behind the Scenes of SAS Who Dares Wins</li><li>56:33 Family and Personal Sacrifices in Extreme Challenges</li><li>58:01 Interrogation Insights and Personal Connections</li><li>01:02:16 Reflections on Military Personalities and Media Representation</li><li>01:11:25 Overcoming Personal Struggles and Helping Others</li><li>01:16:37 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Identity</li><li>01:24:55 The Power of Storytelling and Motivation</li></ul><p></p><p></p><p>Keep in Touch: </p><p>Follow Dan in Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/dutyhappybloke/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/dutyhappybloke/</a></p><p>Follow the pod on Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/atomicrambopodcast/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/atomicrambopodcast/</a></p><p>ARC website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.atomicrambo.com" target="_blank">https://www.atomicrambo.com</a></p><p>Take the free ARC assessment: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://arcassesment.lovable.app/" target="_blank">https://arcassesment.lovable.app/</a></p><p></p><p>Follow James: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/the_wildwelshman/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/the_wildwelshman/</a></p><p>Buy James’ book: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Welshman-Broken-Boy-Unbreakable/dp/B0GQCS2J1K" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Welshman-Broken-Boy-Unbreakable/dp/B0GQCS2J1K</a></p><p></p><p>Podcast Music: Transition X by Mehul Chaudhary</p>no01:26:3813From Broken Boy to Arctic Explorer with James, The Wild Welshman | Mental Resilience & Adversity full<![CDATA[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 reinvention
  • The hidden mental health crisis inside the police force
  • How pension reforms and systemic pressures fuel burnout
  • Recognising and breaking unhealthy dependencies
  • Grief, depression, and the slow road to personal transformation
  • Why men struggle to ask for help — and what changes when they do
  • The power of nature, fitness, BJJ, reading, and lifestyle discipline
  • Building 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 Intro
  • 05:26 Policing in London
  • 11:06 The Importance of Policing
  • 16:08 Role of Communication in Policing
  • 21:17 Transition to Traffic Policing
  • 26:48 Emergency Response Experience
  • 32:03 The Struggle of a Police Officer
  • 38:08 Work-Related Stress and Personal Struggles
  • 44:02 Reflections on Leaving the Police
  • 53:20 Transition to Tree Work
  • 01:00:25 Men's Mental Health and Societal Influences
  • 01:06:39 Health and Fitness Journey
  • 01:13:19 Learning and Growth from Personal Experiences
  • 01:19:53 Mindset Change and Self-Improvement
  • 01:26:26 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 Fuck by Mark Manson

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

Rebuild by Ralph Brewer

Music: Transition X by Mehul Chaudhary

]]>6f84ae32-ca04-4615-abf8-6d16bdfcc5c9Mon, 04 May 2026 21:13:31 GMT<p>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.</p><p>But this isn't just a story about what broke — it's about what was built from the rubble.</p><p>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.</p><p><b>In this episode we cover:</b></p><ul><li>Army → Policing → Tree Surgery: a journey forged by reinvention</li><li>The hidden mental health crisis inside the police force</li><li>How pension reforms and systemic pressures fuel burnout</li><li>Recognising and breaking unhealthy dependencies</li><li>Grief, depression, and the slow road to personal transformation</li><li>Why men struggle to ask for help — and what changes when they do</li><li>The power of nature, fitness, BJJ, reading, and lifestyle discipline</li><li>Building resilience in the modern world<br /></li></ul><p><b>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.</b></p><p></p><p><b>Chapters</b></p><ul><li>00:00 Intro</li><li>05:26 Policing in London</li><li>11:06 The Importance of Policing</li><li>16:08 Role of Communication in Policing</li><li>21:17 Transition to Traffic Policing</li><li>26:48 Emergency Response Experience</li><li>32:03 The Struggle of a Police Officer</li><li>38:08 Work-Related Stress and Personal Struggles</li><li>44:02 Reflections on Leaving the Police</li><li>53:20 Transition to Tree Work</li><li>01:00:25 Men's Mental Health and Societal Influences</li><li>01:06:39 Health and Fitness Journey</li><li>01:13:19 Learning and Growth from Personal Experiences</li><li>01:19:53 Mindset Change and Self-Improvement</li><li>01:26:26 Embracing Natural Environments and Physical Activity</li></ul><p></p><p>Keep in Touch: <br />Follow Dan: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/dutyhappybloke/" target="_blank">@DutyHappyBloke</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.atomicrambo.com" target="_blank">https://www.atomicrambo.com</a><br />Take the <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://arcassesment.lovable.app/" target="_blank">free ARC assessment</a><br /><br />Follow Rob: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/the_wildennis/" target="_blank">@The_Wildennis</a></p><p></p><p>Books mentioned:</p><p>Dead Bedroom Fix by Dad Starting Over</p><p>No More Mr Nice Guy by Dr. Robert Glover</p><p>The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck</p><p>Stolen Focus by Johann Hari</p><p>Deepwork by Cal Newport</p><p>Atomic Habits by James Clear</p><p>Chimp Paradox by Prof. Steve Peters</p><p>Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson</p><p>Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins</p><p>Rebuild by Ralph Brewer</p><p></p><p>Music: Transition X by Mehul Chaudhary</p>no01:34:3312Police Burnout & Starting Over with Rob Dennis | Mental Health & Resiliencefull<![CDATA[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 Upbringing
  • 06:22 Training and Resilience
  • 13:00 Deployment and War Preparation
  • 19:29 Incident in Iraq
  • 27:44 Post-War Struggles
  • 39:17 Substance Abuse and Coping Mechanisms
  • 44:24 Setting Goals and Finding Purpose
  • 51:28 Therapy and Healing
  • 59:36 Transition to Coaching and Mental Health Support
  • 01:20:05 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

]]>8636f883-87a8-4a2a-9ef3-2dcd59c5c3faFri, 24 Apr 2026 15:12:07 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p><b>Takeaways</b></p><ul><li>Resilience is a key theme throughout the guest's experiences, from childhood to military training and deployment.</li><li>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.</li><li>Community support and coaching play a crucial role in mental health and well-being.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Chapters</b></p><ul><li>00:00 Early Life and Upbringing</li><li>06:22 Training and Resilience</li><li>13:00 Deployment and War Preparation</li><li>19:29 Incident in Iraq</li><li>27:44 Post-War Struggles</li><li>39:17 Substance Abuse and Coping Mechanisms</li><li>44:24 Setting Goals and Finding Purpose</li><li>51:28 Therapy and Healing</li><li>59:36 Transition to Coaching and Mental Health Support</li><li>01:20:05 Men's Mental Health and Community Support</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Keep in Touch: </b><br />Follow Dan: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/dutyhappybloke/" target="_blank">@DutyHappyBloke</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.atomicrambo.com" target="_blank">https://www.atomicrambo.com</a><br />Take the <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://arcassesment.lovable.app/" target="_blank">free ARC assessment</a></p><p></p><p>Follow Andy: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWJiLXBOYmFCLUp2aXhPdFMzX0tRX1A1cFhEQXxBQ3Jtc0tud1Byc0FBR3p3NWVIcjlKRkI1MTdVZm94QnBDR2FtWjBqZDRGd3ExeHVmYWpjMkZIUkNTRHE3cFZ5d0ExTmxHdjl2WG1SaVhNbmh1bmFsMXFvTFdZSXFIZmRfRVVUdHpHZHFiWmFReDNSclZnd3laQQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fyour_comebackcoach%2F&amp;v=9IMyWzrOp1M" target="_blank">@Your_ComebackCoach</a></p><p>Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://yourcomebackcoach.co.uk" target="_blank">yourcomebackcoach.co.uk</a></p><p></p><p>Music: Transition X by Mehul Chaudhary</p>no01:21:5811Andy Keavney on War, PTSD, Drugs and Recovery in the Mountainsfull