Episode
#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
4:12:59
Published: Thu Oct 14 2021
Description
Kelsi Sheren is a veteran, artillery gunner, and founder of Brass and Unity. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Shopify: https://shopify.com/lex to get 14-day free trial - Justworks: https://justworks.com - Novo: https://banknovo.com/lex - Indeed: https://indeed.com/lex to get $75 credit - Onnit: https://lexfridman.com/onnit to get up to 10% off EPISODE LINKS: Kelsi's Twitter: https://twitter.com/kelsiburns Kelsi's Website: https://brassandunity.com Kelsi's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsie_sheren Charity: https://www.heroicheartsproject.org/ Do the F*cking Work (book): https://amzn.to/3mGhguF Notes from Underground (book): https://amzn.to/3mN5TRF Brothers in Arms (song): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhdFe3evXpk PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (07:50) - World War II (18:54) - Yeonmi Park, starvation, and mental health (33:10) - Kelsi's 9/11 experience (36:39) - Becoming a soldier (43:07) - Artillery: The Hand of God (52:49) - Weapons training (1:10:35) - Pre-Deployment (1:26:42) - Arrival to Afghanistan (1:48:55) - Tragic war story (2:13:59) - Feelings after tragedy (2:17:41) - The Taliban (2:23:17) - Retrospective: 20 years in Afghanistan (2:39:57) - How war changes people (2:45:18) - PTSD (3:14:13) - Ayahuasca and mental recovery (3:46:09) - Love (4:04:12) - Advice for young people (4:07:33) - Death (4:13:22) - World War II
Chapters
The host suggests creating subtle, minimalist t-shirts inspired by favorite podcasts.
00:00 - 02:07 (02:07)
Summary
The host suggests creating subtle, minimalist t-shirts inspired by favorite podcasts. A Shopify ad follows, promoting their online selling platform. Later in the episode, a guest is featured who founded a jewelry company benefiting the rehabilitation of veterans and first responders.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Just Works is a great tool for small businesses that integrates with other tools and provides HR support by taking care of employment and tax regulation requirements and enabling access to national health insurance plans.
02:07 - 07:22 (05:15)
Summary
Just Works is a great tool for small businesses that integrates with other tools and provides HR support by taking care of employment and tax regulation requirements and enabling access to national health insurance plans.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on the Holocaust and how people can follow leaders blindly.
07:22 - 19:14 (11:52)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the Holocaust and how people can follow leaders blindly. They mention the irony of many Jewish people being persecuted despite being some of the best scientists and how it's fascinating that people can follow leaders with pride and love of their country.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The interview of a victim of trafficking can be emotionally challenging and it raises questions about how to address suffering in the world to make it a better place.
19:14 - 26:02 (06:47)
Summary
The interview of a victim of trafficking can be emotionally challenging and it raises questions about how to address suffering in the world to make it a better place.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A discussion about the Canadian Armed Forces' recruitment strategy involving deceptive commercials of soldiers going through quick movements and the uncertainty of a young person's life trajectory when considering joining the military.
26:02 - 29:11 (03:09)
Summary
A discussion about the Canadian Armed Forces' recruitment strategy involving deceptive commercials of soldiers going through quick movements and the uncertainty of a young person's life trajectory when considering joining the military.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares a childhood anecdote about her fitness obsession, where she would do sit-ups every morning until she had a visible six-pack.
29:11 - 31:51 (02:39)
Summary
The speaker shares a childhood anecdote about her fitness obsession, where she would do sit-ups every morning until she had a visible six-pack. She also mentions her background as a Taekwondo athlete.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker describes their experiences with childhood heartbreak and then witnessing the 9/11 attacks, causing them to feel sick and confused.
31:51 - 37:02 (05:11)
Summary
The speaker describes their experiences with childhood heartbreak and then witnessing the 9/11 attacks, causing them to feel sick and confused. However, they have never experienced physical injury or significant bloodshed.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A personal experience of wanting to join the military and the decision-making process behind that choice.
37:02 - 41:59 (04:57)
Summary
A personal experience of wanting to join the military and the decision-making process behind that choice.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The discussion covers the military's display of power and implementation of power, with a mention of Russia leading in number of tanks.
42:00 - 44:14 (02:13)
Summary
The discussion covers the military's display of power and implementation of power, with a mention of Russia leading in number of tanks.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The use of artillery in military operations is dependent on the specifics of each operation and target.
44:14 - 47:27 (03:13)
Summary
The use of artillery in military operations is dependent on the specifics of each operation and target. Gun troops typically consist of five to seven individuals operating the artillery.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The military is using AI and computer vision tools in their operations, such as cameras to see through fog and target acquisition.
47:27 - 52:49 (05:22)
Summary
The military is using AI and computer vision tools in their operations, such as cameras to see through fog and target acquisition. This technology can help soldiers in combat situations and improve their safety.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The rocket launcher seems like a pretty intense device at first glance, but in reality, one person can effectively hold and fire it, although it may leave them discombobulated.
52:49 - 56:37 (03:47)
Summary
The rocket launcher seems like a pretty intense device at first glance, but in reality, one person can effectively hold and fire it, although it may leave them discombobulated.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The hosts discuss the practicality and potential risks of using grenades in warfare, questioning whether they are still commonly used.
56:37 - 59:13 (02:36)
Summary
The hosts discuss the practicality and potential risks of using grenades in warfare, questioning whether they are still commonly used.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This episode explores the precision and coordination involved in firing a gun through the lens of an artillery unit.
59:13 - 1:03:48 (04:34)
Summary
This episode explores the precision and coordination involved in firing a gun through the lens of an artillery unit. From the right way to say something on the radio to the deployment of the gun, every aspect requires attention to detail and teamwork.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker overcomes physical limitations by adapting and finding ways to perform optimally in their job while being supported by their superior.
1:03:48 - 1:06:43 (02:55)
Summary
The speaker overcomes physical limitations by adapting and finding ways to perform optimally in their job while being supported by their superior. The military term, "ship pump", refers to a useless soldier.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode includes a conversation about the mechanics of aircraft engines, specifically the Triple Seven Triple Seven, and how they are broken down to ball bearing size during maintenance checks.
1:06:43 - 1:09:42 (02:58)
Summary
This podcast episode includes a conversation about the mechanics of aircraft engines, specifically the Triple Seven Triple Seven, and how they are broken down to ball bearing size during maintenance checks.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker describes his experience with a military training exercise, which includes running, deploying, and being surprised with treats like Tim Hortons.
1:09:42 - 1:14:42 (05:00)
Summary
The speaker describes his experience with a military training exercise, which includes running, deploying, and being surprised with treats like Tim Hortons.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Exploring a unique type of firework fuse that resembles a small ice cream topper and is placed on top of fireworks.
1:14:42 - 1:17:58 (03:16)
Summary
Exploring a unique type of firework fuse that resembles a small ice cream topper and is placed on top of fireworks. The fuses are commended for their durability and functionality in producing impressive firework displays.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A conversation about military training for detecting bombs and handling firearms.
1:17:58 - 1:23:22 (05:23)
Summary
A conversation about military training for detecting bombs and handling firearms. They also discussed their experiences riding fighter planes and helicopter flying.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A military recruit describes their excitement for live fire exercises in a combat arms unit, and the rotation that comes with being in a deployable unit.
1:23:22 - 1:26:50 (03:28)
Summary
A military recruit describes their excitement for live fire exercises in a combat arms unit, and the rotation that comes with being in a deployable unit.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker describes their brief experience at a military base and their realization that it was not something they wanted to participate in long-term.
1:26:50 - 1:30:02 (03:12)
Summary
The speaker describes their brief experience at a military base and their realization that it was not something they wanted to participate in long-term.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about how people reached out to him after he did Jocko, asking about patches and what he felt.
1:30:02 - 1:35:08 (05:05)
Summary
The speaker talks about how people reached out to him after he did Jocko, asking about patches and what he felt. He also explains why a plane is flown in a certain way due to the danger of RPGs.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the various types of earplugs and communications used for shooting, including specialized plugs that block out certain gun-associated sounds and comms used for communication outside the wire.
1:35:08 - 1:38:49 (03:40)
Summary
This podcast discusses the various types of earplugs and communications used for shooting, including specialized plugs that block out certain gun-associated sounds and comms used for communication outside the wire.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In parts of the world where freedom is taken away from the populace, small moments of humanity like shaved legs, trying new technology, or tasting new food can bring magic and wonder into their lives.
1:38:49 - 1:45:44 (06:55)
Summary
In parts of the world where freedom is taken away from the populace, small moments of humanity like shaved legs, trying new technology, or tasting new food can bring magic and wonder into their lives.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on the absurdity of human struggle for power and love, and how it often leads to suffering and suicide, especially in the veteran community, as seen through the death of famous comedians like Robin Williams and Bourdain.
1:45:44 - 1:51:15 (05:31)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the absurdity of human struggle for power and love, and how it often leads to suffering and suicide, especially in the veteran community, as seen through the death of famous comedians like Robin Williams and Bourdain.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A person reflects on their experience of handling human bodies and the lack of differentiation between body parts.
1:51:15 - 1:56:24 (05:08)
Summary
A person reflects on their experience of handling human bodies and the lack of differentiation between body parts.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The use of the environment as a tool in warfare dates back centuries to simple traps and camouflaging, whereas today, the tactic has evolved into the use of landmines, improvised explosive devices, and much more complex booby traps that can be difficult to detect.
1:56:24 - 1:59:51 (03:27)
Summary
The use of the environment as a tool in warfare dates back centuries to simple traps and camouflaging, whereas today, the tactic has evolved into the use of landmines, improvised explosive devices, and much more complex booby traps that can be difficult to detect.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A veteran describes the harrowing experience of being shot at and running from mortars.
1:59:51 - 2:04:12 (04:20)
Summary
A veteran describes the harrowing experience of being shot at and running from mortars.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The brain remembers and allows us to remember what it wants to, and sometimes memory can be distorted by perception.
2:04:12 - 2:06:53 (02:41)
Summary
The brain remembers and allows us to remember what it wants to, and sometimes memory can be distorted by perception.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about her difficulty in using certain things after losing her husband and how the trauma affects basic actions.
2:06:53 - 2:13:24 (06:31)
Summary
The speaker talks about her difficulty in using certain things after losing her husband and how the trauma affects basic actions.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker explores the concept of recognizing basic humanity and discusses how failing to do so can lead to legit hatred towards others.
2:13:24 - 2:18:44 (05:19)
Summary
The speaker explores the concept of recognizing basic humanity and discusses how failing to do so can lead to legit hatred towards others.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker suggests that there should be better solutions to empower women and educate people, without resorting to mass warfare, but instead in a sneaky way through love as a suit of armor.
2:18:44 - 2:24:07 (05:23)
Summary
The speaker suggests that there should be better solutions to empower women and educate people, without resorting to mass warfare, but instead in a sneaky way through love as a suit of armor. They also discuss how teaching girls to read is a powerful tool in empowering them.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses his firsthand account of working to move a high-priority nine-person family out of Afghanistan who were in danger and worked for the government.
2:24:07 - 2:31:42 (07:35)
Summary
The speaker discusses his firsthand account of working to move a high-priority nine-person family out of Afghanistan who were in danger and worked for the government. He praises those who stepped outside the chain of command to help.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the complexity of war and the importance of effective leadership and collaboration between civilians and military officials.
2:31:42 - 2:36:07 (04:24)
Summary
The speaker discusses the complexity of war and the importance of effective leadership and collaboration between civilians and military officials. He also expresses gratitude towards specific individuals who assisted his family during a difficult time.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker is discussing the opportunity of having a mug sponsor his/her business of a jewelry and sunglass company by partnering with a mug company that has similar sayings on their products.
2:36:07 - 2:38:32 (02:24)
Summary
The speaker is discussing the opportunity of having a mug sponsor his/her business of a jewelry and sunglass company by partnering with a mug company that has similar sayings on their products.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares her experience of dealing with her daughter who was being bullied at school and how it affected her parenting.
2:38:32 - 2:44:52 (06:20)
Summary
The speaker shares her experience of dealing with her daughter who was being bullied at school and how it affected her parenting.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about the mental preparation necessary for handling emotional trauma in the military, referencing the experience of having someone close to them "blow up" and the importance of having a sense of shared understanding and support from fellow soldiers.
2:44:52 - 2:51:23 (06:30)
Summary
The speaker talks about the mental preparation necessary for handling emotional trauma in the military, referencing the experience of having someone close to them "blow up" and the importance of having a sense of shared understanding and support from fellow soldiers.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A podcast host discusses his struggles with finding the right balance of pushing his team while maintaining personal relationships with them and reflects on his leadership style.
2:51:23 - 2:54:24 (03:01)
Summary
A podcast host discusses his struggles with finding the right balance of pushing his team while maintaining personal relationships with them and reflects on his leadership style.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The military often pushes soldiers beyond their limits in order to see who can handle the most stress and exhaustion, but where is the line between breaking and strengthening a person?
2:54:24 - 2:57:35 (03:10)
Summary
The military often pushes soldiers beyond their limits in order to see who can handle the most stress and exhaustion, but where is the line between breaking and strengthening a person? Basic training involves screaming and sleep deprivation, and pilots must undergo similar training to prepare for the possibility of capture.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares their experience with being diagnosed with PTSD and major depressive disorder, and discusses the struggle of dealing with triggers and dark thoughts.
2:57:35 - 3:02:08 (04:32)
Summary
The speaker shares their experience with being diagnosed with PTSD and major depressive disorder, and discusses the struggle of dealing with triggers and dark thoughts.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses how being self-critical can make life more fun and challenging, ultimately leading to productivity by getting a hit of good neurochemistry.
3:02:08 - 3:08:40 (06:32)
Summary
The speaker discusses how being self-critical can make life more fun and challenging, ultimately leading to productivity by getting a hit of good neurochemistry. They express gratitude towards those who can keep going even when they are empty and have nothing left.
Episode#230 – Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses their shamanic experience of astral projection and integration coaching, and how integration of the experience is key.
3:08:40 - 3:58:12 (49:31)
Summary
The speaker discusses their shamanic experience of astral projection and integration coaching, and how integration of the experience is key. They also discuss their experience with a group of soldiers, and the importance of feeling at home in the group.