Episode

#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
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4:26:21
Published: Mon Jun 20 2022
Description

Nick Lavery is an active duty member of The United States Army Special Forces. Nick is not just a warrior on the battlefield, but a warrior for the common American. In this episode we learn of the greatest battles you have never heard of. From small arms gun fights to being ambushed by trusted allies, Nick is an example to any person who has been pushed to the ultimate limit and emerged victorious. This is the greatest story you have NEVER heard. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website - https://www.shawnryanshow.com Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/VigilanceElite TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnryanshow Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shawnryan762 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chapters
Nick Lavery joins the show to share his incredible story of overcoming the impossible through perseverance, dedication, and patriotism.
00:00 - 01:29 (01:29)
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Patriotism
Summary

Nick Lavery joins the show to share his incredible story of overcoming the impossible through perseverance, dedication, and patriotism.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A woman shared a poignant experience about her husband's close encounter with death.
01:32 - 05:55 (04:23)
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Soldier
Summary

A woman shared a poignant experience about her husband's close encounter with death. Her husband has survived a suicide attempt and is now back in the army, serving 15 feet away from someone firing a machine gun.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The guest speaker discusses his journey in writing military memoirs, how to write a compelling narrative, and what publishers are looking for in a manuscript.
05:55 - 12:03 (06:08)
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Military Memoirs
Summary

The guest speaker discusses his journey in writing military memoirs, how to write a compelling narrative, and what publishers are looking for in a manuscript.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
Journaling not only has analytical value for documenting processes, but it's also a therapeutic mechanism that can help maintain one's own mental wellness and well-being.
12:03 - 16:11 (04:08)
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Mental Health
Summary

Journaling not only has analytical value for documenting processes, but it's also a therapeutic mechanism that can help maintain one's own mental wellness and well-being.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
Sweat is the ultimate enemy for an amputee wearing a prosthetic device with traditional socket system which causes pain and decrease in functionality.
16:11 - 20:17 (04:06)
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Prosthetic devices
Summary

Sweat is the ultimate enemy for an amputee wearing a prosthetic device with traditional socket system which causes pain and decrease in functionality.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A one-legged man's experience of getting back up after falling helped him develop a mentality of overcoming failure and embracing the process of learning from mistakes.
20:17 - 23:36 (03:19)
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Overcoming Failure
Summary

A one-legged man's experience of getting back up after falling helped him develop a mentality of overcoming failure and embracing the process of learning from mistakes.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The guest speaker discusses his difficult experiences in high school with constantly switching schools and difficulty in making friends, which had a low impact on his self-esteem.
23:36 - 30:16 (06:40)
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Overcoming Challenges
Summary

The guest speaker discusses his difficult experiences in high school with constantly switching schools and difficulty in making friends, which had a low impact on his self-esteem. The decision to pursue a collegiate football career prevented him from enrolling in the Marine Corps after high school.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The speaker talks about his curiosity regarding terms such as sabotage, subversion, resistance, movement, and insurgency, which led him to learn more about the history of the OSS and its activities in denied areas.
30:16 - 37:16 (06:59)
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History and Politics
Summary

The speaker talks about his curiosity regarding terms such as sabotage, subversion, resistance, movement, and insurgency, which led him to learn more about the history of the OSS and its activities in denied areas.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A Green Beret discusses his experience with enlisting in the military and how he was encouraged to become an officer due to his college degree.
37:16 - 40:15 (02:58)
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Military
Summary

A Green Beret discusses his experience with enlisting in the military and how he was encouraged to become an officer due to his college degree.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The speaker underwent a five to six-week block of physical training, including a variety of tests and assessments to prepare for military selection, which lasted for 14 days.
40:15 - 48:47 (08:31)
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Military Selection
Summary

The speaker underwent a five to six-week block of physical training, including a variety of tests and assessments to prepare for military selection, which lasted for 14 days.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The speaker talks about how his personality type clashed with his ability to effectively support and influence strong leaders, which made it difficult for him to succeed in that aspect of leadership evaluations.
48:47 - 54:49 (06:02)
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Leadership
Summary

The speaker talks about how his personality type clashed with his ability to effectively support and influence strong leaders, which made it difficult for him to succeed in that aspect of leadership evaluations.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A Green Beret goes through several training phases, including leadership training, small unit tactics, and language proficiency training.
54:49 - 1:00:09 (05:20)
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Green Beret
Summary

A Green Beret goes through several training phases, including leadership training, small unit tactics, and language proficiency training. Language proficiency is critical for Green Berets to fulfill their role in their area of operation.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
During the Q Course experience, injuries or situations like a medic showing up caused individuals to recycle certain phases or, in some cases, drop out altogether.
1:00:09 - 1:06:01 (05:52)
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Q Course
Summary

During the Q Course experience, injuries or situations like a medic showing up caused individuals to recycle certain phases or, in some cases, drop out altogether. The speaker says that people were coming and going throughout his own experience, indicating a relatively high dropout rate.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The speaker discusses his expertise in small arms and combat weaponry, including sniper systems and indirect systems like mortars.
1:06:01 - 1:10:29 (04:28)
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Small arms, Combat weaponry
Summary

The speaker discusses his expertise in small arms and combat weaponry, including sniper systems and indirect systems like mortars. He suggests that weapons experts may benefit from having team members with complementary skills such as radio operation.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
During the activation process of a Special Forces company, soldiers go through various sections and meet the sergeant major who reveals that the entire company is forward, creating a historic moment for every SF guy.
1:10:29 - 1:16:20 (05:51)
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Special Forces
Summary

During the activation process of a Special Forces company, soldiers go through various sections and meet the sergeant major who reveals that the entire company is forward, creating a historic moment for every SF guy.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The speaker talks about his experience being part of a unique team in Afghanistan that was made up of entirely senior SF guys that had transitioned from traditional SF ODA to other activities.
1:16:20 - 1:22:18 (05:58)
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Military
Summary

The speaker talks about his experience being part of a unique team in Afghanistan that was made up of entirely senior SF guys that had transitioned from traditional SF ODA to other activities. He describes his exposure to a wide range of what SF ODA is capable of doing.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The speaker discusses the importance of building and growing communities in conflict zones rather than setting up short term infrastructure that won't last.
1:22:18 - 1:27:54 (05:36)
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Sustainable Communities
Summary

The speaker discusses the importance of building and growing communities in conflict zones rather than setting up short term infrastructure that won't last. He also references the practice of village stability operations and mentions his own living quarters.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A member of a US military team describes his experience arriving in a dangerous, unknown environment with the help of a new team on the ground.
1:27:54 - 1:35:26 (07:32)
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US Military
Summary

A member of a US military team describes his experience arriving in a dangerous, unknown environment with the help of a new team on the ground.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The speaker describes the Army terminology "POG" and recalls a period of hibernation during deployment in early months of the year.
1:35:26 - 1:39:32 (04:06)
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Military
Summary

The speaker describes the Army terminology "POG" and recalls a period of hibernation during deployment in early months of the year.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The speaker describes the shock one experiences after being shot and the mental and physical toll it takes on the body and mind.
1:39:32 - 1:45:43 (06:11)
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Health
Summary

The speaker describes the shock one experiences after being shot and the mental and physical toll it takes on the body and mind.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
When a medical situation in the field quickly went awry, a team had to reconfigure their approach to treat a wound with antiseptic gauze.
1:45:43 - 1:49:26 (03:43)
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Medical Field
Summary

When a medical situation in the field quickly went awry, a team had to reconfigure their approach to treat a wound with antiseptic gauze.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A soldier recounts how he needed a flight back to his team and the potential consequences when he asked for it.
1:49:26 - 1:52:24 (02:58)
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Military
Summary

A soldier recounts how he needed a flight back to his team and the potential consequences when he asked for it.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The speaker describes his uncontrolled outburst during combat and how he demanded a helicopter to return to his team without realizing the danger he was in.
1:52:24 - 1:56:57 (04:33)
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Military
Summary

The speaker describes his uncontrolled outburst during combat and how he demanded a helicopter to return to his team without realizing the danger he was in.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The speaker recalls a moment where he let a potential threat go but later realized he needed to check the vehicle.
1:56:57 - 2:03:57 (07:00)
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Security
Summary

The speaker recalls a moment where he let a potential threat go but later realized he needed to check the vehicle. Despite feeling uneasy, he approached the truck and realized it was just bullets from a gun that had fallen out.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A soldier recounts the harrowing experience of rescuing his bleeding teammate on the battlefield, putting himself in danger to save a life.
2:03:57 - 2:08:08 (04:11)
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Military
Summary

A soldier recounts the harrowing experience of rescuing his bleeding teammate on the battlefield, putting himself in danger to save a life.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A friend of the speaker's suggested using drugs in the ICU to help him relax, despite the protocol against it.
2:08:08 - 2:11:24 (03:16)
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Drugs
Summary

A friend of the speaker's suggested using drugs in the ICU to help him relax, despite the protocol against it.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The speaker recounts his experience of refusing pain medication during a medical procedure despite his doctor's recommendations, expressing the desire to remain clear-headed and aware of the procedure.
2:11:24 - 2:16:12 (04:48)
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Health
Summary

The speaker recounts his experience of refusing pain medication during a medical procedure despite his doctor's recommendations, expressing the desire to remain clear-headed and aware of the procedure.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A former military member shares the importance of pre-mission briefings and operational security measures to minimize risks during deployments.
2:16:12 - 2:27:00 (10:48)
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Military deployments
Summary

A former military member shares the importance of pre-mission briefings and operational security measures to minimize risks during deployments. He also emphasizes the need to keep sensitive information discreet to avoid potential security breaches.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The speaker recounts a story where he attempted a wrestling move and accidentally hurt the other kid, causing him to feel guilty.
2:27:01 - 2:30:58 (03:56)
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Wrestling
Summary

The speaker recounts a story where he attempted a wrestling move and accidentally hurt the other kid, causing him to feel guilty.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A soldier recounts the medical training received during a deployment, after he was injured by multiple rounds to his leg.
2:30:58 - 2:34:55 (03:57)
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Military
Summary

A soldier recounts the medical training received during a deployment, after he was injured by multiple rounds to his leg.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
In this podcast, a man recounts his experience with an "eyeball explosion" and how a third tourniquet saved his life by shunting blood inward to protect his organs.
2:34:55 - 2:38:18 (03:23)
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Medical emergency
Summary

In this podcast, a man recounts his experience with an "eyeball explosion" and how a third tourniquet saved his life by shunting blood inward to protect his organs.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
After enduring multiple battles and experiences on the battlefield, a soldier was almost killed by someone they were working with.
2:38:18 - 2:42:57 (04:39)
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War
Summary

After enduring multiple battles and experiences on the battlefield, a soldier was almost killed by someone they were working with. The medevac took nearly an hour and a half to take him to safety.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The host shares his experience with a blood transfusion incident and finds value in being able to share his mistake with others in the medical community.
2:42:57 - 2:49:29 (06:32)
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Medical Mistake
Summary

The host shares his experience with a blood transfusion incident and finds value in being able to share his mistake with others in the medical community.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The speaker describes their experience of feeling a pins-and-needles sensation in their body for six weeks, which is similar to a tingle sensation like ginger ale fizzing in your foot, due to the nerves being connected to their brain.
2:49:29 - 2:57:46 (08:17)
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Sensations
Summary

The speaker describes their experience of feeling a pins-and-needles sensation in their body for six weeks, which is similar to a tingle sensation like ginger ale fizzing in your foot, due to the nerves being connected to their brain.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The notification process for military families can set them up for failure when hearing of their loved one's injuries, and in the early stages of injury, it is important to focus on doing what the injured person wants to do to avoid any triggers that may lead to depression.
2:57:53 - 3:03:58 (06:05)
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Military Veterans
Summary

The notification process for military families can set them up for failure when hearing of their loved one's injuries, and in the early stages of injury, it is important to focus on doing what the injured person wants to do to avoid any triggers that may lead to depression.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
Returning to civilian life after serving in the military can be challenging, especially when transitioning from the structure of the hospital environment to everyday routines.
3:04:03 - 3:11:41 (07:38)
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Military Transition
Summary

Returning to civilian life after serving in the military can be challenging, especially when transitioning from the structure of the hospital environment to everyday routines. In addition, physical limitations can impact one's ability to meet standard military requirements, making it difficult to readjust to the new reality of post-service life.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A wounded veteran shares his journey of pushing his physical limits and overcoming adversity, inspiring others through his determination.
3:11:41 - 3:18:08 (06:27)
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Wounded Veteran
Summary

A wounded veteran shares his journey of pushing his physical limits and overcoming adversity, inspiring others through his determination.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The speaker shares his experience in military training, breaking down the events into small chunks and repeating them in sequence.
3:18:08 - 3:21:49 (03:40)
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Military Training
Summary

The speaker shares his experience in military training, breaking down the events into small chunks and repeating them in sequence. He recounts a humorous moment where a teammate makes a bold statement to the group commander.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
After recovering from injuries sustained in combat, the speaker reflects on his desire to return to the teamwork mentality within his military unit.
3:21:55 - 3:29:11 (07:16)
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Military
Summary

After recovering from injuries sustained in combat, the speaker reflects on his desire to return to the teamwork mentality within his military unit. He recognizes his own selfishness and competitiveness, which ultimately helped him get through tough times.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A former team sergeant discusses the responsibility of putting the team's well-being above all else and the concerns one may have when leaving a team for a new opportunity.
3:29:11 - 3:35:16 (06:05)
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Teamwork
Summary

A former team sergeant discusses the responsibility of putting the team's well-being above all else and the concerns one may have when leaving a team for a new opportunity.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The speaker talks about his employment experience in the military, where he started slow with a team sergeant and then progressed to teach in military schools usually reserved for senior leaders.
3:35:16 - 3:41:03 (05:47)
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Military Employment
Summary

The speaker talks about his employment experience in the military, where he started slow with a team sergeant and then progressed to teach in military schools usually reserved for senior leaders.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A senior team member discusses his experience dealing with junior teammates and the importance of focusing on their growth.
3:41:03 - 3:49:19 (08:16)
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Teamwork
Summary

A senior team member discusses his experience dealing with junior teammates and the importance of focusing on their growth.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The speaker shares his experience of overcoming physical limitations to become a Navy SEAL diver, including facing skepticism from others and dealing with fear and discomfort during training.
3:49:19 - 3:57:09 (07:49)
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Navy SEAL
Summary

The speaker shares his experience of overcoming physical limitations to become a Navy SEAL diver, including facing skepticism from others and dealing with fear and discomfort during training.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A former U.S. Army Special Forces member describes the rigorous physical examination required to attend Dive School, which is part of the Special Warfare Center.
3:57:09 - 4:00:57 (03:48)
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Army Dive School
Summary

A former U.S. Army Special Forces member describes the rigorous physical examination required to attend Dive School, which is part of the Special Warfare Center. The training is physically demanding and requires students to push past their body's limits.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A 37-year-old Army warrant officer with one leg opened up about the challenges he faced to prepare for dive school, including figuring out how to pass the required events with only one leg and convincing his team that he was serious about attending.
4:00:57 - 4:06:46 (05:48)
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Army, Dive School
Summary

A 37-year-old Army warrant officer with one leg opened up about the challenges he faced to prepare for dive school, including figuring out how to pass the required events with only one leg and convincing his team that he was serious about attending.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A Navy diver discusses the challenges and training required to overcome physical disabilities in order to become a fully capable diver.
4:06:46 - 4:10:54 (04:08)
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Navy Diving
Summary

A Navy diver discusses the challenges and training required to overcome physical disabilities in order to become a fully capable diver.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
A Navy SEAL recounts how his left leg became incredibly strong after a diving accident and how it made him able to handle the one-man confidence test at dive school with ease.
4:10:54 - 4:18:09 (07:15)
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Navy SEAL
Summary

A Navy SEAL recounts how his left leg became incredibly strong after a diving accident and how it made him able to handle the one-man confidence test at dive school with ease.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
The belief in one's purpose as a leader enables you to overcome challenges and setbacks.
4:18:09 - 4:23:46 (05:37)
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Leadership
Summary

The belief in one's purpose as a leader enables you to overcome challenges and setbacks. Moving up in leadership broadens your level of influence and what you can affect.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show
In this episode, Nick Lavery encourages listeners to send in their questions about being an amputee, physical training, or life as an SF guy.
4:23:46 - 4:25:31 (01:44)
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Nick Lavery
Summary

In this episode, Nick Lavery encourages listeners to send in their questions about being an amputee, physical training, or life as an SF guy. He also shares the website, social media pages, and podcasts where listeners can find more information.

Episode
#28 Nick "Machine" Lavery - Active Duty Army Special Forces Amputee
Podcast
Shawn Ryan Show