Combat Veteran to Recovered Addict: The Hardest Battle Came After I Came Home | Benjamin Lee

<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>In this raw and powerful conversation, Benjamin shares:</p><p>• The childhood dynamics that shaped his adult struggles</p><p>• What he would tell his younger self about worth and productivity</p><p>• Why he joined the Air Force and became an EOD technician</p><p>• The drinking culture and unprocessed weight carried in the military</p><p>• Why the hardest battle came after returning home</p><p>• Rebuilding identity after losing the warrior version of himself</p><p>• Finding purpose through recovery, coaching, and authentic living</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>Timestamps below ⬇️</p><p><br></p><p>#BenjaminJohnLee #CombatVeteran #Recovery #Identity #ConversationsWithSekani</p><p><br></p><p>If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. </p><p> If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. </p><p><br></p><p>Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Chapters </strong></p><p><br></p><p>0:00 - Intro & Welcome Benjamin John Lee</p><p>1:40 - Childhood Dynamics: Absence & Control</p><p>8:15 - What He Would Tell His Younger Self About Worth</p><p>15:30 - Joining the Air Force & Bec