Episode Details

Benjamin John Lee is a combat veteran, recovered addict, author, spiritual life coach, and founder of The Initiation Source. He served multiple combat tours as an Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician in some of the most dangerous environments imaginable.

After returning home, he faced battles that were far harder to navigate — addiction, depression, isolation, and the painful loss of identity that so many veterans and people in major life transitions understand all too well. What followed was a long journey of recovery, self-discovery, and rebuilding his life from the ground up.

Today, Benjamin serves as the lead coaching coordinator for the College of Charleston Life Design Coaching Center, hosts the Low Country Life Design Podcast, and helps people navigate identity transformation, authenticity, and purpose.

In this raw and powerful conversation, Benjamin shares:

• The childhood dynamics that shaped his adult struggles

• What he would tell his younger self about worth and productivity

• Why he joined the Air Force and became an EOD technician

• The drinking culture and unprocessed weight carried in the military

• Why the hardest battle came after returning home

• Rebuilding identity after losing the warrior version of himself

• Finding purpose through recovery, coaching, and authentic living

If you’re in your 20s navigating identity loss, addiction recovery, major life transitions, or simply feeling like you no longer recognize yourself, this episode offers hard-earned wisdom and hope.

Timestamps below ⬇️

#BenjaminJohnLee #CombatVeteran #Recovery #Identity #ConversationsWithSekani

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Chapters

0:00 - Intro & Welcome Benjamin John Lee

1:40 - Childhood Dynamics: Absence & Control

8:15 - What He Would Tell His Younger Self About Worth

15:30 - Joining the Air Force & Becoming an EOD Technician

23:10 - The Drinking Culture & Unprocessed Weight in Service

31:45 - Why the Hardest Battle Came After Coming Home

40:20 - Losing the Warrior Identity in Civilian Life

48:50 - The Long Journey of Recovery & Self-Discovery

57:15 - Rebuilding Purpose Through Coaching & Authenticity