#332 Alex West - SEAL Team 6 Operator on Crashing a Black Hawk Into Bin Laden's Backyard
Summary
Shawn Ryan interviews Alex West, a retired Navy SEAL who led the Osama bin Laden raid and now works as a therapist for veterans. West discusses his childhood in Africa, his father’s Vietnam-era PTSD, and how these experiences shaped his path to mental health advocacy. He highlights his nonprofit, One More Wave, which uses surf therapy to help wounded warriors heal from trauma and isolation.
Topics discussed
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Guest background: Childhood in Africa
Growing up in Lesotho and Cairo
Decision to join the military
SEAL BUDS training and Hell Week
SEAL Team 3 and 9/11 response
Deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq
Transition to Delta Force
Combat operations and loss of friends
Briefing for the Bin Laden raid
The raid on Osama bin Laden
Post-mission struggles and PTSD
Founding One More Wave nonprofit
Recovery through Ibogaine therapy
Closing thoughts and reflection
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