Podcast Episode #11

Ben Davis

US Navy Seal

Eavesdrop on a captivating exchange between Ben Davis, a former Navy SEAL, and Derek Wolfe. Ben opens up about his upbringing in Virginia, his affinity for rock climbing and kayaking, and his eventual enlistment in the Navy SEALs after grappling with direction during college. Sharing candidly, he recounts his time in the SEALs, from grueling deployments to intense training and the challenges of sustaining brain injuries. After almost a decade of service, Ben made the bold decision to relocate to Colorado, briefly exploring private equity before finding his calling with the nonprofit Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group (VOGA). VOGA champions the integration of outdoor recreation therapy into mental health treatment for veterans through partnerships with the VA.

Derek empathetically discusses his own retirement journey, emphasizing the significance of discovering purpose beyond military service. The dialogue shifts to Derek’s passion for hunting and the restorative power of outdoor pursuits. Together, they brainstorm potential avenues for VOGA’s future, including the creation of an outdoor recovery center tailored to veterans’ needs.

 

In this episode, Derek and Ben discuss:

  • Ben’s life growing up and what lead him to the Navy
  • The rigors of becoming a Navy SEAL are real – do you have what it takes?
  • After giving 20-years to the SEALs, how would he start his next chapter?
  • Ben’s passion project: Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group (VOGA)
  • Derek and Ben discuss finding their purpose after such grueling careers
  • What is the best hunting technique: bow hunting, rifle hunting?
  • Derek and Ben discuss future plans for VOGA
  • How the support of their wives made the highest impact on their lives after retirement

Listen:

Watch:

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In This
Episode

Ben Davis

Ben Davis is the Executive Director of Veterans’ Outdoor Advocacy Group (VOGA). Ben is a 20-year veteran of the Navy SEALs, who, when he retired, move to Colorado to pursue his passion of the outdoors. Combining his experience and passion, he created a non-profit dedicated to promoting the power of outdoor therapy.

Instagram | VOGA website

Derek Wolfe

Subscribe for updates on Derek’s latest hunts, training, podcast episodes, and events.

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