In this episode, Jordan B. Peterson talks with Kelsi Sheren, a Canadian veteran turned entrepreneur. They discuss her military journey, including the challenges faced by women in combat roles, the importance of solace for soldiers reintegrating into society, and the transformative power of psychedelics in overcoming PTSD. Kelsi's unique path from martial arts success to infantry deployment in Afghanistan sheds light on the realities of war and the healing process for veterans.
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Quick takeaways
Physical and mental training in martial arts instilled discipline and resilience in Kelsi from a young age.
Kelsi emphasizes the necessity of maintaining rigorous standards and accountability in the military.
Challenges of inclusion in the armed forces highlight the importance of upholding ethics and professionalism.
Narrative of post-traumatic healing explores the transformative role of psychedelics and community support in recovery.
Deep dives
Kelsey's Early Martial Arts Journey and Military Entrance
Kelsey, from a young age, was involved in martial arts, training rigorously as a child and becoming a national champion by the age of 12. Her disciplined and focused approach in Taekwondo instilled values of self-reliance, determination, and individual responsibility. Martial arts provided her with a strong sense of identity and the ability to face bullying with resilience, preparing her for challenges later in life. Despite being small in stature, her dedication to training and competitive spirit made her excel in martial arts, shaping her mindset from a young age.
Military Training and Experience in Afghanistan
Kelsey joined the Canadian military at a young age and received training in artillery, becoming skilled in handling various weapon systems. Deployed to Afghanistan with a French unit, she adapted to the combat environment, engaging in missions and gun operations within the FOB Ramrod. Her initial exposure to the war zone revealed the harsh realities of combat, emphasizing the constant threat of danger and the need for quick and effective responses to ensure mission success. Kelsey's role primarily involved manning the guns and following orders, highlighting the intense and focused nature of her military experience.
Insights on Women's Role in the Military and DEI Challenges
Reflecting on her military service, Kelsey shares insights on women's integration in the armed forces and challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She emphasizes the importance of maintaining rigorous standards across genders, especially in combat roles, to ensure operational effectiveness and safety. Kelsey critiques the erosion of military standards, highlighting instances of misconduct and the impact on unit cohesion and mission readiness. She underscores the need for strong leadership, accountability, and a culture of respect to address issues of assault and misconduct within the military.
Observations on Military Culture and Service Realities
Having navigated through the dynamics of military culture and service realities, Kelsey sheds light on the complexities and shortcomings within the Canadian military. Her experiences reveal instances of misconduct, inadequate leadership, and deteriorating standards, leading to a decline in operational efficiency and morale. She advocates for upholding traditional values, discipline, and professionalism in the armed forces to ensure readiness and effectiveness in fulfilling national defense responsibilities. Kelsey's candid reflections underscore the critical need for ethical conduct, accountability, and a renewed commitment to excellence in military service.
Mental Health Struggles and Military Experience
The excerpt highlights a poignant narrative of a military individual's struggle to reconcile personal aspirations with familial concerns regarding military deployment. The individual recounts a significant event where their father provided essential gear and insights to prepare them for combat, showcasing the intricate balance between familial support and the harsh realities of military service.
Challenges and Realizations in Combat
The narrative delves into the intense experiences encountered during combat missions, emphasizing the complexities of engaging with local populations, especially women in hostile environments. The speaker reflects on the ethical dilemmas faced, recounting distressing encounters that left a lasting impact, leading to profound introspection and a heightened sense of moral responsibility.
Journey of Healing and Transformation
The compelling journey of post-traumatic healing unfolds through various modalities, including psychedelics, holistic treatments, and community support. The individual's path towards recovery and self-discovery culminates in the establishment of a purpose-driven initiative aimed at aiding veterans and promoting mental health wellness, underscoring the transformative power of resilience, hope, and communal connections.
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sits down in person with veteran, entrepreneur, podcaster, and author, Kelsi Sheren. They discuss her upbringing, the discipline required for service, the necessity and reality of women in the armed forces, the lapse in standards at the hands of DEI, the trauma and PTSD incurred from combat, and how soldiers find solace when reintegrating with civilized life.
Kelsi Sheren is CEO of Brass & Unity and author of “Brass and Unity, One Woman’s Journey Through the Hell of Afghanistan and Back.” Kelsi is a distinguished Canadian veteran, who served as a Gunner and Female Searcher during her deployment in Afghanistan. At Brass & Unity, Kelsi transforms bullet casings into jewelry, donating a portion of the profits to support veterans battling mental health issues. In addition to her work in the military, Kelsi is a champion in Taekwondo, and host of the Brass & Unity podcast.
- Links -
2024 tour details can be found here https://jordanbpeterson.com/events
Peterson Academy https://petersonacademy.com/
For Kelsi Sheren:
On X https://twitter.com/KelsiBurns?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kelsie_sheren/?hl=en
“Brass & Unity: One Woman’s Journey Through the Hell of Afghanistan and Back” (Book) https://www.amazon.com/Brass-Unity-Journey-Through-Afghanistan/dp/1637588917
