From the battlefield to rock bottom—and back again.
In Episode 12 of Beyond the Battlefield, I sit down with Dan Fielding, a former Royal Marine Commando who shares his raw, honest story of mental health collapse, addiction, and recovery after leaving the military.
Like many veterans, Dan was hit hard by the silence that follows discharge. He lost his identity, turned to alcohol and drugs, and used addiction to mask the mental pain and trauma he didn’t yet understand. He was suffering in silence—like so many others—told to just “Crack on, Royal.”
But eventually, the cracks became too deep to ignore.
Dan’s turning point came the day he walked into Turn to Starboard, a sailing-based veterans' charity based in Falmouth, Cornwall. From the moment he stepped through the door, Dan said it felt like coming home to family. Sailing gave him not just purpose, but peace.
Today, Dan is the Chief Operating Officer of Turn to Starboard and is helping others who are struggling the way he once did. His mission is clear: no veteran gets left behind.
This episode is an emotional deep dive into the real cost of service, the damage of suppressing pain, and the importance of community, support, and speaking out. If you’ve ever worn the uniform, known someone who has, or struggled with identity after service—this one will hit hard.
Topics Covered:
Royal Marines identity loss
Addiction and mental health in veterans
Alcohol and drug use post-discharge
PTSD and emotional suppression
The "Crack on Royal" mindset
Veteran rehabilitation through sailing
Turn to Starboard charity
Finding purpose after the military
Leadership through lived experience
Building a new life beyond the battlefield
What is Beyond The Battlefield ?
Warrior Wellness Movement presents: Beyond The Battlefield
Welcome to Beyond the Battlefield - the podcast that dives deep into the human spirit’s ability to overcome.
I’m Ollie Osborne - former Royal Marines Commando, holistic health, wellness and performance coach, and founder of Warrior Wellness Movement. After 14 years in the military and nearly two decades coaching, I know that life’s toughest battles aren’t always fought on the frontline - they happen in our minds, our bodies, and our daily lives.
Each episode, I sit down with extraordinary guests - military veterans, athletes, entrepreneurs, survivors, and everyday warriors - who have faced trauma, adversity, and life-altering setbacks. We uncover their raw, unfiltered stories of struggle, resilience, and ultimate comeback.
If you’re battling your own challenges, looking for inspiration, or searching for the mindset to push forward, Beyond the Battlefield will remind you: no matter how tough it gets, there’s always a way back.
Hit subscribe and join us - because the fight isn’t over, and neither are you.
#Resilience #Adversity #ComebackStories #MentalToughness #TraumaRecovery #SuccessMindset #Inspiration #WarriorSpirit #BeyondTheBattlefield #NeverGiveUp