🎖What happens when high performance meets the hidden weight of mental health struggles?

In this episode ofTell This Story,Doug White sits down withNick O’Kelly—retiredGreen Beret and Night Stalker—to dive into themental cost of elite military service, the stigma surrounding mental health in the veteran community, and the power of seeking help.

Nick shares his journey from a high-achieving childhood in Seattle to therigorous demands of Special Forces training and flight school, theemotional toll of military service, and thechallenges of transitioning to civilian life. With raw honesty, he opens up abouthis personal struggles, the fear of judgment, and why real strength comes from facing the hard truths.

💡What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔The reality of mental health struggles in Special Operations & high-stakes careers
✔How stigma keeps veterans and first responders from getting help
✔The critical role of grace, relationships, and community in healing
✔Why seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness
✔Nick’s upcoming book,Stigma, and his mission to change the mental health conversation for veterans
✔How to build a financial future after military service

👊This episode is for veterans, first responders, and anyone navigating the transition from high-performance careers to a life of purpose, resilience, and growth.

🎙Guest: Nick O’Kelly – Retired Green Beret, Night Stalker, author, and mental health advocate.

Guest Links: www.cadencewealthpartners.com

LinkedIn: Nick O'Kelly

🔥 Brought to You by Polestar Coffee

☕Fuel your mission with Polestar Coffee—veteran-owned and operated craft coffee roasters in Melbourne, Florida.Use code “ThisStory” at checkout for 10% off.
👉Order now:https://polestarcoffee.com

📌Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0C4wNoBzyn8e8HwXqdEp7W
📌Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tell-this-story/id1705672345
📌Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6378e00d-episodes
📌iHeartRadio:https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tell-this-story-237345244/
📌YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@Tell_This_Story

📢 Connect with Doug White

🌎Website:https://dougwhiteofficial.com
📷Instagram:https://instagram.com/tell_this_story
💼LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-white-8a6b3b1b3/
📘Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/tellthisstorypodcast

Resources for Veterans & First Responders

Blue Line Rescue, Gold Line Rescue, & Redline Rescue →https://bluelinerescue.org
💡Boulder Crest Foundation – Resilience & Post-Traumatic Growth →https://bouldercrest.org
📞Copline (24/7 Crisis Support for Law Enforcement) →Call: 1-800-267-5463 |Website:https://www.copline.org
🔥My Arena – Breaking Mental Health Stigmas for First Responders →https://myarenallc.com
🛡Shields & Stripes – Healing Veterans & First Responders →https://www.shieldsandstripes.org
🚨The Overwatch Collective – Mental Health Advocacy →https://www.theoverwatchcollective.com
🏍Throttle & Thrive – Substance Misuse & Mental Health Treatment →Email:info@throttleandthrive.com |Phone: 805-701-1309
🏥UCF RESTORES – Trauma Recovery for First Responders →https://ucfrestores.com
🎖Warriors Heart – Private Treatment for Military & First Responders →Website:https://www.warriorsheart.com/admissions |Phone: 1-844-327-5310

📢 Join the Conversation & Leave a ReviewComment on this episode wherever you stream—we want to hear from you. Whether it’s feedback, guest suggestions, or topics you’d like us to cover, your input shapes this podcast.

📢If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a 5-star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Your support helps usreach more people and expand these crucial conversations.

🔥Thank you for tuning in toTell This Story. Remember, the way forward starts here. See you next time.