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Jesse Stevenson

EP 026 Β· 21 SEPT 2025

How Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Saved This Afghanistan Combat Engineer | Jesse Stevenson

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The cost of service is often measured in the scars carried home. Jesse Stevenson is here to talk about the road back.

In this raw and deeply moving episode of The Grey Man Podcast, we sit down with Afghanistan war veteran Jesse Stevenson. Jesse opens up about his time on the front lines as a Combat Engineer, a role where the pressure is constant and the stakes are life and death. He shares the weight of the war, the struggle of the aftermath, and the long journey toward recovery.

Jesse reflects on how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) became more than just a sportβ€”it became a lifeline that provided discipline and community when he needed it most. We also dive into the healing power of purpose and the unwavering support of his wife and two children, who played a vital role in helping him find his way back to himself. This is a powerful story of resilience, the importance of family, and rediscovering strength after the uniform.

In this episode, we cover: Life as a Combat Engineer: The reality of the front lines in Afghanistan. The Weight of War: Processing the loss and the mental toll of service. BJJ as a Lifeline: How Brazilian Jiu Jitsu aids in veteran recovery and mental health. Strength in Family: The role of a support system in the healing journey. Finding Purpose: Rediscovering identity and mission after the military.

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πŸ‘‡ Drop a comment: Has BJJ or another sport helped you navigate your own mental health journey?

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