Advertise on podcast: The Survival Debrief Podcast with Steven Kelly

What would you do if your guide abandoned you in the middle of one of the world's most dangerous jungles? In this episode of The Survival Debrief, Steven Kelly (Survival Ste) sits down with British explorer and adventurer Daniel Egginton to discuss his extraordinary expeditions into some of the world's most remote and dangerous environments. Daniel shares the incredible story of his three attempts to cross the notorious Darién Gap, a remote stretch of jungle between Colombia and Panama. After two failed attempts, Daniel finally made his crossing in 2022. Along the way, he encountered armed groups, discovered human remains deep in the rainforest and was abandoned by his guide just two days into the journey. With dangerous wildlife, swollen rivers and dense jungle surrounding him, Daniel had to navigate the remaining route alone. We also explore how Daniel's passion for adventure began at just 17 years old in the jungles of Sumatra, his expeditions through Guyana, and his ambitious plans to walk the entire length of the Congo River, a journey he estimates could take 14 to 15 months. Daniel also introduces the Darién Academy, his expedition training initiative designed to prepare people for operating in challenging jungle environments. Steven draws on his 23 years in the British Army and experiences on Discovery Channel's Naked and Afraid to discuss the realities of jungle survival, risk, preparation and pushing beyond your comfort zone. From encounters with armed groups to surviving alone in the rainforest, this is a fascinating conversation about exploration, resilience and the dangers of venturing into the unknown. In this episode: Crossing the notorious Darién Gap Finding human remains in the jungle Being abandoned by a guide deep in the rainforest Armed groups, dangerous wildlife and expedition risks Planning a 14–15-month Congo River expedition Launching the Darién Academy Essential advice for aspiring adventurers Follow Daniel Egginton Find Daniel on social media and discover more about his expeditions and the Darién Academy. About The Survival Debrief Hosted by Steven Kelly, also known as Survival Ste, a former British Army 29 Commando Regiment soldier and Discovery Channel Naked and Afraid survivalist. The Survival Debrief features real conversations with explorers, survivalists, adventurers and television personalities about survival, resilience and extraordinary experiences in the world's toughest environments. Follow the podcast for more episodes. Website: https://stevenkelly.uk Survival Training: https://www.southwestsurvival.co.uk

What does 71 days alone in the Arctic wilderness really do to your body and mind? In this episode of The Survival Debrief, British TV survivalist and former 29 Commando soldier Steven Kelly (Survival Ste) sits down with Welsh survival expert Andrew Thomas Price, who survived an incredible 71 days on Alone Season 13: World Championship, finishing fourth. Andrew opens up about the brutal reality of surviving alone in the Canadian Arctic, where freezing temperatures, starvation and isolation pushed him to his physical and mental limits. He reveals how his body began wasting away, why catching fish became a desperate daily battle, and how he built a traditional coracle in an attempt to improve his chances of survival. Andrew also shares a remarkable story about catching two large fish that never made the final television edit. With Steven having completed 56 days across Discovery's Naked and Afraid and Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse, the two experienced survivalists compare their challenges and discuss what television audiences don't see. In this episode, we discuss: Surviving 71 days completely alone in the Arctic The physical effects of severe starvation and muscle loss Why survival is 90% mental Building a coracle to reach better fishing grounds The temptation to raid the production camp for food The unseen fishing success that never aired Why Andrew ultimately decided to tap out Alone vs Naked and Afraid The difference between bushcraft skills and real survival Andrew's advice for anyone wanting to learn wilderness survival Andrew Thomas Price is the founder of Dryad Bushcraft and has spent over 20 years teaching traditional wilderness skills and working in outdoor television. This is an open conversation between two survivalists who have experienced extreme conditions firsthand. Follow Andrew Thomas Price YouTube, Instagram and Facebook: Andrew Thomas Price Follow Steven Kelly (Survival Ste) Website: https://www.stevenkelly.uk Survival courses: https://www.southwestsurvival.co.uk The Survival Debrief Podcast brings you conversations with survival experts, adventurers, military veterans and some of the biggest names in survival television. Follow the podcast on Spotify for more episodes. Which challenge would you rather attempt: 71 days on Alone or 21 days on Naked and Afraid?

Ed Stafford joins Steven Kelly on The Survival Debrief for a wide-ranging conversation about extreme survival, military mindset, isolation, television and life after major expeditions. Ed talks about spending 860 days walking the Amazon, including being held at gunpoint, dealing with threats from drug traffickers and indigenous groups, and the mindset that kept him moving forward when things got dark. He also opens up about spending 60 days completely alone on Naked and Marooned, why isolation became one of the hardest experiences of his life, and how that challenge forced him to question his identity and eventually seek therapy. Steven and Ed discuss their British Army backgrounds, the difference military training makes when dealing with discomfort, and why dropping the traditional "tough guy" armour can actually make someone stronger. They also go behind the scenes of survival television, including the reality of self-filming, the pressure of making entertaining TV while genuinely struggling, and why the moments when you least want to turn the camera on are often the moments you should be filming. Ed gives his thoughts on First Man Out, racing survivalists such as Josh James and Donny Dust, and whether competition can push people into unnecessary risks. Steven also asks Ed directly whether he would ever compete on Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing. Ed gives a clear answer. The conversation then turns to a major Antarctica expedition that nearly happened, before Ed reveals that a new series of Marooned has already been filmed, with more episodes planned. A very open conversation about survival, fear, mindset, identity, family, masculinity, adventure and what happens when everything familiar is stripped away. Follow The Survival Debrief for more conversations with survivalists, explorers and adventurers.

In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, Steven Kelly sits down with Amanda “Mandy” Wilson and Ernie Hinojos from Naked and Afraid. Amanda and Ernie have one of the most unique stories in the franchise. They went from fans of the show to taking on a 14-day fan challenge together, then returned as a duo for a brutal 21-day challenge — surviving 35 days together across Mexico and Botswana. This conversation goes behind the edit and into what viewers did not fully see on screen: the mental pressure, the cold nights, the lack of food, the bugs, the danger, the arguments that were handled properly, and the bond that formed through real hardship. Amanda opens up about mindset, anxiety, gratitude and pushing through her lowest moments. Ernie talks honestly about the cold in Botswana, the pressure of survival, and why having the right partner can make or break a challenge. We cover: How Amanda and Ernie got onto Naked and AfraidWhat it felt like meeting each other naked for the first timeThe difference between Mexico and BotswanaThe unseen survival work that never made the episodeTheir lowest moments on challengeWhy neither of them tappedWhether they would take on another challenge together Hosted by Steven Kelly, former British Army Commando Forces soldier, SERE survival instructor, Naked and Afraid survivalist, and host of The Survival Debrief Podcast. For more episodes, visit:www.stevenkelly.uk/podcast Follow Steven Kelly / Survival Ste:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenkelly29TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survival_steX: https://x.com/survival_ste

In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, Steven Kelly speaks with William “Bill” Johnson, founder of Survival Mastery — an online survival education platform designed to teach practical outdoor, preparedness, and self-reliance skills from anywhere in the world. Bill shares how his background in software development, aerospace, and military contract work led him to build a platform that combines streaming-style lessons with real-world tasks, instructor feedback, progress tracking, badges, and practical skill development. Steven and Bill discuss how technology can be used to get people outside rather than keep them indoors, why basic survival skills are being lost, and how platforms like Survival Mastery could support families, Scouts, schools, outdoor learners, and anyone who wants to live more prepared. They also cover Scouting America, Bear Grylls, disaster preparedness, fire lighting, shelter, water, bow making, field medicine, and the future of online survival training. Steven Kelly is a former British soldier from 29 Commando Regiment, British TV survivalist, and host of The Survival Debrief Podcast. He has appeared on Naked and Afraid, Naked Alone and Racing to Get Home, and Bear Grylls: Wild Reckoning. Check out Survival Mastery:https://survivalmastery.co More from Steven Kelly:Podcast page: https://www.stevenkelly.uk/podcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-survival-debrief-podcast-with-steven-kelly/id1844233698TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survival_steFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenkelly29X: https://x.com/survival_ste

In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, Steven Kelly sits down with Waz Addy, one of the biggest names in the Naked and Afraid franchise. Waz has completed five Naked and Afraid challenges, built up 170+ survival days, won Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing, and became known as Mr 10.0 after earning the first 10.0 PSR. This conversation goes deeper than the TV edit. Steven and Waz talk about the brutal reality behind survival television — the sleep deprivation, the insects, the cold, the weight loss, the mental pressure, the editing, and what viewers never really get to see. Waz breaks down his hardest challenge in the Peruvian Amazon, what made Montana so physically brutal, why he always planned to push beyond 40 days on XL, and what was going through his mind before winning Last One Standing. They also share behind-the-scenes stories from Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse in South Africa, including leadership, banter, survival teamwork, and the side of Waz that does not always come across on screen. Hosted by Steven Kelly — British TV survivalist, former British Army SERE instructor, and host of The Survival Debrief Podcast. Listen to more episodes and follow the show:www.stevenkelly.uk/podcast Follow Steven Kelly / Survival Ste:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survival_steFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenkelly29X: https://x.com/survival_ste Topics covered: Naked and Afraid, Waz Addy, Last One Standing, Naked and Afraid XL, survival mindset, Amazon survival, Montana survival, South Africa, survival TV, bushcraft, resilience, and behind-the-scenes survival stories.

n this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, I sit down with Jesse Lee to talk about her journey through Naked and Afraid, from her first challenge in Colombia to her redemption in South Africa. Jesse shares how she applied for the show while still serving in the military, what it was like going through the approval process with her chain of command, and how quickly the reality of the challenge hit once she stepped into the environment. We talk about being left effectively alone in Colombia, surviving without a real partner, the monkey encounter that stood out to viewers, the cold and body temperature drop that ended her first run on day 20, and what it felt like to come back and finally complete the challenge in South Africa. Jesse also opens up about partner dynamics, mindset, redemption, and why she would still say yes to another survival challenge. This episode is a strong listen for anyone interested in: Naked and Afraidsurvival mindsetmilitary resiliencesolo survival pressureredemption challengesoutdoor grit and adaptability

In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, I sit down with Nikki Smith to talk about her Naked and Afraid Season 14 challenge, Lost in Translation, filmed in South Africa with a partner who did not speak the same language. Nikki also shares her military background, the hoops she had to jump through to get approval to go on the show, and what it was like balancing service life with one of the hardest survival experiences of her life. We talk about the things the edit does not fully show — the pressure, the pain, the foot injuries, the blood blisters, the exhaustion, and the mindset needed to keep moving when your body is struggling. Nikki also opens up about surviving with a positive attitude, why she would take on another challenge, and the lessons she has for anyone wanting to get into the outdoors. This is a strong conversation about: military resilienceNaked and Afraid realitypartner dynamicssurvival mindsetpain toleranceoutdoor advice for beginners

In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, Steven Kelly sits down with survivalist Holly to talk about her journey from running a bush survival school in Australia to taking on the brutal challenge of Naked and Afraid. Holly shares how her background in bushcraft, primitive survival skills, and outdoor education shaped her approach to survival in the wild. We talk about the mental side of wilderness survival, the importance of positivity under pressure, problem-solving in extreme environments, and the lessons she learned from wildlife encounters, teamwork, and the physical demands of the challenge. This is a strong conversation about survival training, mental resilience, wilderness adventure, and what it really takes to stay effective when conditions get hard. Holly’s background in bush survival and survival trainingHer journey from Australia to Naked and AfraidThe role of mental resilience and positivity in survivalPrimitive survival skills and outdoor problem-solvingTeam dynamics and why partnership matters in the wildLessons from wildlife, pressure, and real wilderness challengesTips for aspiring survivalists and bushcraft enthusiasts“My partner is my number one asset.”“If I can do this, I can do anything.”“It’s a roller coaster of an experience.”If you enjoy survival, bushcraft, outdoor skills, Naked and Afraid, and real conversations with experienced survivalists, this episode is worth watching. Subscribe for more survival interviews, behind-the-scenes conversations, and real lessons from people who have lived it. #Holly #NakedAndAfraid #Bushcraft #Survival #MentalResilience #WildernessSurvival #OutdoorSkills #SurvivalTraining #StevenKelly #SurvivalDebriefPodcast In this episode:Key moments:

In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, Steven Kelly sits down with Tyler Dean Milligan to talk about his journey from a military background into the brutal world of Naked and Afraid. Tyler breaks down what it was really like facing the challenge, the mental and physical toll of survival, and how sleep deprivation, PTSD, stress, and extreme conditions can push a person to the edge. This is a raw conversation about mental toughness, resilience, adapting under pressure, and the lessons Tyler took from one of the toughest experiences of his life. We also get into Tyler’s reflections on tapping out, dealing with criticism afterwards, and why he would still love the chance to go back out there again. If you follow Naked and Afraid, survival TV, military mindset, outdoor adventure, or real conversations about resilience and mental strength, this episode is worth watching. Tyler Dean Milligan’s military backgroundHis journey onto Naked and AfraidThe brutal impact of sleep deprivationHow PTSD and stress affect survival performanceLessons in mental resilience and adaptabilityAdvice for outdoor enthusiasts and survival fans“Sleep deprivation is like torture.”“Lost 60 pounds in three weeks.”“I’d love to go back out there.”Subscribe for more survival interviews, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, and real conversations with people who have lived it. #TylerDeanMilligan #NakedAndAfraid #StevenKelly #SurvivalDebriefPodcast #Survival #MentalToughness #SleepDeprivation #Military #PTSD #OutdoorAdventure In this episode:Key moments:

In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, Steven Kelly sits down with Ivor, a Norwegian survivalist and kickboxer, to break down his experience on Naked and Afraid. Ivor talks about going from his background in Norway and Arctic-style conditions to facing a completely different survival challenge in Illinois. He shares what it was like entering the wilderness naked, the shock of dealing with an unfamiliar environment, and the brutal reality of sleep deprivation, lack of food, relentless rain, and mental fatigue. This is a raw conversation about survival mindset, mental resilience, teamwork, and the reality of tapping out when the environment pushes harder than expected. Ivor also opens up about his bond with his partner Fernanda, what he learned from the challenge, and why he would return immediately for a redemption challenge if given the chance. If you follow Naked and Afraid, survival TV, bushcraft, outdoor challenges, and real conversations about resilience, this episode is worth watching. Ivor’s background as a Norwegian survivalistWhat it was like facing Naked and Afraid in IllinoisThe mental and physical strain of survival without food, sleep, and comfortWhy survival is more about mindset than most people realiseTeamwork, resilience, and lessons learned from the challengeWhy Ivor wants a shot at redemptionSubscribe for more survival interviews, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, and real conversations with people who have lived it. #NakedAndAfraid #Ivor #StevenKelly #SurvivalDebriefPodcast #Survival #Bushcraft #MentalResilience #WildernessSurvival #OutdoorSkills #Redemption

In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, Steven Kelly interviews Ali Williams about her brutal 21 day survival challenge in Africa, the conflict with her partner, and how she kept going after he quit on day 3. Ali opens up about the tension between them, the mental and physical pressure of the challenge, and what it really took to continue alone in one of the toughest survival environments. This is a raw conversation about resilience, mindset, hardship, isolation, and pushing through when everything gets harder. Steven Kelly, British survival instructor, military veteran, TV survivalist, and founder of South West Survival, leads the discussion through Ali’s biggest struggles, the turning points in the challenge, and the lessons that came from finishing without a partner. In this episode, we cover: Ali Williams’ 21 day survival challenge in AfricaThe conflict with her partnerWhy her partner quit on day 3How Ali carried on and completed the challenge aloneThe mental and physical side of survivalWhat people do not see behind the scenesLessons in resilience, mindset, and enduranceIf you enjoy survival stories, bushcraft, outdoor challenges, and real conversations with experienced survivalists, follow The Survival Debrief Podcast with Steven Kelly for more interviews and survival content. #AliWilliams #StevenKelly #SurvivalPodcast #TheSurvivalDebriefPodcast #Survival #Bushcraft #OutdoorAdventure #MentalResilience #AfricaChallenge #Survivalist

In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, Steven Kelly sits down with Alexa Towersey to break down her brutal survival journey across the Naked and Afraid franchise. Alexa talks about her 21-day challenge in Colombia, her experience on Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse in South Africa, and the big announcement of Naked and Afraid: Global Showdown, set to be released this year. This is a raw, honest survival conversation covering mindset, suffering, resilience, strategy, and what it really takes to survive when everything is against you. If you are a fan of Naked and Afraid, bushcraft, survival TV, endurance, and behind-the-scenes stories from elite survivalists, this episode is for you. In this episode: Alexa Towersey’s 21-day Naked and Afraid challenge in ColombiaHer experience on Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse in South AfricaThe announcement of Naked and Afraid: Global ShowdownSurvival mindset, pressure, and what the audience does not see on screenBehind-the-scenes insight from one of the franchise’s standout survivalistsSubscribe for more survival interviews, bushcraft content, TV survival breakdowns, and real conversations with the people who have lived it. #AlexaTowersey #NakedAndAfraid #NakedAndAfraidApocalypse #GlobalShowdown #StevenKelly #SurvivalDebriefPodcast #Survival #Bushcraft #DiscoveryChannel #Survivalist

In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, Steven Kelly interviews Cole Wilks, a 3x Naked and Afraid survivalist, about his survival challenges in Africa, Colombia, and Florida. Cole Wilks breaks down what it was really like taking on multiple Naked and Afraid environments, the different pressures each location brought, and how survival changes depending on the terrain, climate, wildlife, and mindset needed to push through. From Africa to Colombia to Florida, this is a raw conversation about resilience, suffering, bushcraft, adaptation, and what it takes to keep going when conditions turn brutal. Steven Kelly, British survival instructor, military veteran, TV survivalist, and founder of South West Survival, leads the conversation through Cole’s experiences, lessons learned, and the realities behind survival television. In this episode, we cover: Cole Wilks’ Naked and Afraid survival challenges The differences between surviving in Africa, Colombia, and Florida Bushcraft, survival skills, and adaptation under pressureThe physical and mental side of extreme survival What people do not see behind the scenesLessons learned from multiple wilderness environments If you enjoy Naked and Afraid, survival stories, bushcraft, outdoor adventure, and real conversations with experienced survivalists, follow The Survival Debrief Podcast with Steven Kelly for more interviews and survival content. #ColeWilks #StevenKelly #NakedAndAfraid #SurvivalPodcast #TheSurvivalDebriefPodcast #Bushcraft #SurvivalSkills #OutdoorAdventure #MentalResilience #SouthWestSurvival 🔗 Connect With Me on Social Media:📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenkelly29📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survival_ste🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/survival_ste🎯 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/survival_ste🧭 Train With Me In PersonWant to go beyond the screen? Check out South West Survival to book a course, hire me for a team event, or take part in bespoke 1-to-1 training."It's not the gear that saves you—it’s the mindset."Welcome to the tribe. Let’s get back to basics. Let’s get back to nature.Subscribe now and start your survival journey.

In this episode of The Survival Debrief Podcast, Steven Kelly sits down with fellow Naked and Afraid survivalist Tyler for an honest conversation about his challenge, why he tapped on day 3, and what was really happening behind the scenes. Tyler opens up about the physical and mental pressure of the Naked and Afraid experience, the reality of surviving in extreme conditions, and the reasons that led to his early tap. This is a raw breakdown of survival, mindset, hardship, and what people watching at home often do not see. Steven Kelly, British survival instructor, military veteran, TV survivalist, and founder of South West Survival, leads the discussion through the key moments of Tyler’s challenge, the lessons learned, and the truth about being pushed to your limit in the wild.In this episode, we cover: Why Tyler tapped on day 3 What the Naked and Afraid challenge was really likeThe mental and physical side of survival What viewers do not always see on survival TV Lessons learned from pressure, discomfort, and failure How extreme environments expose your mindset fast If you enjoy Naked and Afraid, survival stories, bushcraft, outdoor challenges, and real conversations about resilience, make sure you follow The Survival Debrief Podcast with Steven Kelly for more interviews with survivalists and adventurers. #NakedAndAfraid #StevenKelly #SurvivalPodcast #TheSurvivalDebriefPodcast #Bushcraft #SurvivalSkills #OutdoorAdventure #MentalToughness #TapOut #Survivalist🔗 Connect With Me on Social Media:📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenkelly29📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survival_ste🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/survival_ste🎯 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/survival_ste🧭 Train With Me In PersonWant to go beyond the screen? Check out South West Survival to book a course, hire me for a team event, or take part in bespoke 1-to-1 training."It's not the gear that saves you—it’s the mindset."Welcome to the tribe. Let’s get back to basics. Let’s get back to nature. Subscribe now and start your survival journey.