The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka 217. DJ Shipley: On Psychedelics, Discipline, PTSD & Rebuilding the Mind After War
Nov 11, 2025
DJ Shipley, a former U.S. Navy SEAL and entrepreneur, shares his journey from elite combat to healing from PTSD through Ibogaine therapy. He discusses the trauma of losing comrades, the challenges of balancing military life with family, and the profound impact of psychedelics on his mental health. DJ opens up about how a single 24-hour experience transformed his mindset, helped save his marriage, and unveiled the roots of his struggles. His insights provide hope for anyone facing mental health challenges, emphasizing the potential of alternative treatments.
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Loss Of A Best Friend In Combat
- DJ Shipley recounts the death of his best friend during a hostage rescue and the deep impact it had on him.
- The event crystallized how costly elite performance and sacrifice can be to personal life and relationships.
Shared Suffering Builds Trust
- SEAL culture produces relentless accountability: "we never say no" and solve problems together instantly.
- That shared suffering builds trust and a willingness to sacrifice for the group.
BUD/S 'Don't Quit' Moment
- During BUD/S, candidates hit a point where the mind tells them they'll die, yet no one quits and they push through together.
- That collective refusal to quit creates an internal strength unique to elite selection.
