122: How Nick Lavery Returned to Combat as the First Above-The-Knee Amputee

The Nick Bare Podcast

May 26, 2025•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 122

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Episode description

In honor of Memorial Day, we sit down with Nick Lavery, a former Special Forces Green Beret who shares his remarkable journey from sustaining severe injuries in Afghanistan to becoming the first above-the-knee amputee to return to combat.

Nick discusses the insider attack that led to his injuries, his unwavering determination to rejoin his team, and the disciplined, team-based mindset that guided his recovery and return.

CHAPTERS:

03:47 Nick Lavery's Book and Unique Audiobook Approach

07:50 The Importance of Team and Mission

12:09 The Genesis of 'The Machine' Mentality

22:15 Nick Lavery's Journey to Becoming a Green Beret

32:12 Humility and Emotional Regulation in Special Operations

42:52 Understanding the ODA Structure

47:27 Objective Secure: Tactical and Personal

54:38 The Reality of Using a Prosthetic

01:00:25 The Attack

01:25:24 Life Changes and New Perspectives

01:30:31 Embracing Failure as a Path to Success