We sit down with bestselling author and war journalist Sebastian Junger to unpack why so many veterans struggle after leaving the military—and why it’s not just about trauma. From Tribe to The Great Abandonment, we dive into the loss of human connection, the dangers of modern society, and what purpose, duty, and belonging really mean.

Resources & Links

• Sebastian Junger Website
• Sebastian Junger Substack
• Sebastian's Books: Tribe, War, The Perfect Storm, In My Time of Dying

Cadence Wealth Partners – Nick O’Kelly

Polestar Coffee
Guest Info

Sebastian Junger is a bestselling author, journalist, and filmmaker known for works like In My time of Dying, The Perfect Storm, War, and Tribe. He has reported from conflict zones including West Africa, Afghanistan and Bosnia and co-directed the documentary Restrepo. His work explores human connection, combat psychology, and the deeper meaning behind modern life.

Standout Quotes

• “We’re social primates—take us out of the group, and things go wrong.”
• “Home is missing something—that’s why people miss war.”
• “Love means: stay here.”
• “Humans are not designed for comfort without purpose.”
• “The loss isn’t just to society—it’s to the individual.”

If this episode hit home, share it with someone who needs it—especially a veteran or first responder.

If you are into this and you are a veteran, active duty service member, first responder, or anyone really, check out our website https://aloneandunafraid.org.