New Lex Fridman Insight: Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love
Sent June 11, 2026
Key Insights
- Kelsi Sheren used ayahuasca to transition off 10 medications, finding relief from PTSD symptoms.
- The Excalibur artillery round costs $500,000 and offers GPS-guided precision over 40 km.
- Kelsi's military service was influenced by a WWII veteran encounter on a bus after a Remembrance Day ceremony.
- Brass and Unity supports veterans' mental health, reflecting a gap in government care.
- The divorce rate among special operations families is approximately 95%, highlighting unique stressors.
How the conversation moved
Lex Fridman introduces Kelsi Sheren, framing the conversation around her experiences with war, trauma, and healing. Kelsi begins by reflecting on her family's history with World War II, emphasizing the personal connection and impact of historical trauma. This sets the stage for discussing the broader psychological effects of war and the human psyche's response to extreme conditions.
Kelsi shares her journey from a promising athletic career to military service, influenced by a chance encounter with a WWII veteran. She details the physical and emotional challenges she faced, including a severe rugby injury and personal betrayals, which shaped her resilience and decision to join the military. Her narrative highlights the complex interplay between personal trauma and professional choices.
Despite the depth of Kelsi's experiences, Lex does not challenge her views on alternative therapies or military strategies, leaving potential gaps in exploring the efficacy of such treatments. The conversation could have benefited from a deeper examination of the scientific backing for ayahuasca and cannabis as PTSD treatments, as well as the broader implications of military recruitment strategies.
The discussion concludes with Kelsi's advocacy for veterans' mental health through her organization, Brass and Unity. She emphasizes the importance of community support and alternative therapies, such as psychedelics, in addressing the mental health crisis among veterans. The episode ends on a hopeful note, with Kelsi's belief in love and human connection as fundamental to overcoming trauma and fostering resilience.
Surprising moments
In-depth
Artillery and Military Engineering
- The Excalibur round costs $500,000 and is GPS guided for precision.
- Artillery can shoot up to 40 km accurately with a 155 mm howitzer.
- Russia leads the world in the number of tanks.
Mental Health and Psychedelics
- Kelsi used ayahuasca and cannabis to manage PTSD, transitioning off pharmaceuticals.
- Heroic Hearts helps veterans through psychedelic therapy, with a significant waiting list.
- Brass and Unity supports veterans' mental health, filling gaps left by government.
Military Service and Personal Trauma
- Kelsi's military service was influenced by a WWII veteran encounter.
- The guest sustained a severe rugby injury, impacting their military readiness.
- The guest's coach's criminal actions deeply affected their trust and decision-making.
Family Dynamics and Military Impact
- The divorce rate among special operations families is 95%.
- Military life severely impacts personal relationships, necessitating targeted support.
- Kelsi emphasizes the importance of physical activity for mental health.
Notable Quotes
I think love is the only reason that we haven't destroyed ourselves.
Still open
- Lex asked if alternative therapies like ayahuasca could be integrated into mainstream PTSD treatment protocols.
- Kelsi wondered whether the military could better prepare soldiers for the psychological impacts of combat.