Summary of Kelsi Sheren: War, Artillery, PTSD, and Love | Lex Fridman Podcast #230

This is an AI generated summary. There may be inaccuracies.
Summarize another video · Purchase summarize.tech Premium

00:00:00 - 01:00:00

Kelsi Sheren discusses her experience as a soldier, PTSD, and how marketing has played a role in her decision to stay in the military. Canada's recruitment videos are seen as the best by Sheren, while Russia's videos are meant to be more intimidating. Sheren competes in taekwondo and rugby, and describes a traumatic experience in which she lost an eye during an exhibition game.

  • 00:00:00 Kelsi Sheren is a veteran of the Canadian Forces who served in Afghanistan as a artillery gunner. She came home with severe PTSD, and founded Brass in Unity, a jewelry company that helps rehabilitate the lives of veterans and first responders. She has a big personality and big heart, and has an intense passion for life. When our conversation happened across, I knew we needed to talk. This is the Lex Friedman podcast to support it. Please check out our sponsors in the description and now here's my conversation with Kelsi Sharon. You mentioned that studying history had a big impact on you, and your grandfather was a World War II vet. So, people that have gone through World War II in my family too, they don't seem to talk about it much. Like the worse the tragedy, the less they talk about it. I mean, it's understandable. I can respect that. But, I don't think people fully understood the value in human stories over time and sharing that, that certain civilizations don't have written language, the value in that being passed down is extraordinary. We didn't really have that with the World War II vets it seems like. They kind of want to protect you from the pain. My grandfather, my grandmother
  • 00:05:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences during World War II, her thoughts on the psychological state of Adolf Hitler, and the parallels between him and modern-day extremists. Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences during World War II, her thoughts on the psychological state of Adolf Hitler, and the parallels between him and modern-day extremists. She believes that the people who created and followed Hitler are more interesting than the man himself, and that history would have played out in similar ways even if he hadn't existed.
  • 00:10:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences as a result of her time in the Korean War and her family's relationship with the North Korean regime. She also touches on the complexity of trauma and how it can affect people differently, even after years of healing.
  • 00:15:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences as a soldier and as a mother, and how both have affected her views on war and the military. She believes that, while there are positive aspects to looking at both suffering and love, drastic action to free North Korea is unlikely to happen.
  • 00:20:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experience as a soldier, PTSD, and how marketing has played a role in her decision to stay in the military. Canada's recruitment videos are seen as the best by Sheren, while Russia's videos are meant to be more intimidating. Sheren competes in taekwondo and rugby, and describes a traumatic experience in which she lost an eye during an exhibition game.
  • 00:25:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences with love, loss, and war in a candid and emotive interview. She talks about how 9/11 had a profound impact on her, and how she eventually decided to join the military. She reveals that her decision was influenced by her parents' belief that she would be a "cop with a gun" and her lack of experience with hunting. She talks about her time in the military, and how she eventually began to think more deeply about conflict. She says that therapy helped her to deal with her feelings, and that she is still working on reconciling her past experiences.
  • 00:30:00 Kelsi Sheren talks about her experience as an artillery gunner in World War II, how she became interested in it, and why she ultimately decided not to join. She shares her thoughts on infantry and armored troops and why she thought she was too small for either.
  • 00:35:00 In World War II, artillery was used to attack targets from a distance, saving infantry from danger. Today, artillery is still an important part of warfare, but is used for different purposes than in the past.
  • 00:40:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experience with war, artillery, PTSD, and love. Lex Fridman asks her to describe the experience of being under artillery fire. Sheren becomes numb, and the experience feels like a "radiation within you."
  • 00:45:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences as an artillery gunner during training, discussing the different types of guns she was trained on and her love of grenades. She also discusses her experience with side pieces, noting that as a non-officer, she never fired artillery with a side piece.
  • 00:50:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences as a soldier in Afghanistan, and her intense training to use various weapons systems. She also discusses the camaraderie and social aspects of being in the military.
  • 00:55:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences with artillery, PTSD, and love. She shares how her height and size helped her step up in difficult moments, and how difficult it was to learn new techniques. She talks about how a ship pump is a useless soldier, and how she and others deal with it. Finally, she discusses how artillery guns break down and how fascinating it is to see.

01:00:00 - 02:00:00

Kelsi Sheren is a Russian-born artist who now lives in the United States. In an episode of Lex Fridman's podcast, Sheren describes her experiences as a combat soldier in the military, her struggles with PTSD and memory issues, and how artillery shooting felt. She also discusses the experience of live fire training and Operation Maple Leaf.

  • 01:00:00 Kelsi Sheren describes her experience of deployment to Afghanistan and her feelings leading up to it. Sheren describes the different preparations she made for the deployment and the emotions she felt leading up to it, including excitement and fear. Sheren describes her experience of deployment, which was different from what she expected.
  • 01:05:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences as a combat soldier, including her time in the artillery unit. She describes how artillery practice is conducted, and explains the different fuses that are used to detonate the rounds. She also describes her experience with gastroenteritis, which made her realize the fragility of life.
  • 01:10:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experience as a soldier in the military, her struggles with PTSD and memory issues, and how artillery shooting felt. She also discusses the experience of live fire training and Operation Maple Leaf.
  • 01:15:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences as a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan, including the chaotic and confusing moments leading up to her deployment and the intense training she underwent before departing. Upon arriving in Afghanistan, she found herself in the midst of a war zone and experienced the chaos and confusion of combat.
  • 01:20:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experience with war, artillery, PTSD, and love. She describes how she first realized she was in danger when she heard enemy bullets and explosions while in Canada. She then discusses her first experience with live fire when she arrived in Afghanistan.
  • 01:25:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences during war, artillery, and PTSD. She also talks about her experience with ear protection, and how it was difficult to wear both while firing and while wearing a helmet.
  • 01:30:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her time in Afghanistan, her experiences with artillery and PTSD. She tells a story of how she was able to protect a young girl from an Afghan man who was trying to take her away.
  • 01:35:00 Kelsi Sheren describes growing up in Russia, where she experienced bullying and difficulties adapting to life in the United States. She discusses how humor can be a tool to cope with difficult situations. Kelsi Sheren is a Russian-born artist who now lives in the United States. In an episode of Lex Fridman's podcast, Sheren describes growing up in Russia, where she experienced bullying and difficulties adapting to life in the United States. She discusses how humor can be a tool to cope with difficult situations. She also describes a time when she and some other new arrivals to the United States were given a noose as welcome gifts. She recalls how at first the dark humor of the situation was funny, but now she views it more critically. She believes that humor can be a tool for both revealing the reality of abuse and coping with it.
  • 01:40:00 Kelsi Sheren tells the story of witnessing a colleague's suicide and how humor helped her cope. She explains that while some names have been censored to protect their privacy, she will mention other events that occurred during the suicide that were worse than she thought.
  • 01:45:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experience as a U.S. Army artilleryman during the War in Afghanistan and her reaction to seeing an ied detonate, killing one of her comrades. She discusses how the experience changed her and how she now tries to live life to the fullest.
  • 01:50:00 Kelsi Sheren talks about her time in Afghanistan, her experience with improvised explosive devices, and her post-traumatic stress disorder. She also discusses her experience as a soldier with a higher ranking than the other members of her unit, and how he helped her during a difficult time.
  • 01:55:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences during war, artillery, PTSD, and love. She describes how one moment shattered her sense of reality, and how running saved her and the other soldiers from being captured.

02:00:00 - 03:00:00

Kelsi Sheren is a war veteran who has struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this video, she discusses her experiences in the military, her anger and hatred after one incident, and how she eventually came to forgive her loved one's death. She also discusses the importance of mental health training for veterans and the difficulties of returning to civilian life.

  • 02:00:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experience of war, artillery, PTSD, and love. She explains that losing a loved one in combat is different than losing someone due to cancer, as death in the latter is something that is expected. She continues to discuss the weight of the sandbags on the ramp ceremony, how her young soldier was just doing his job, and how she is now a happier individual due to understanding and forgiving her loved one's death.
  • 02:05:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her time serving in the military, her experience with post-traumatic stress disorder, and her return to civilian life. She discusses the underlying anger and hatred she felt after one incident, and how it eventually led to a violent confrontation with a woman. She clarifies that she still sees the soldiers she fought against as human, but her perspective has changed drastically due to her regained humanity.
  • 02:10:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences while serving in the military, how radicalism can be defeated through education, and how Griff and Lee's company helps to empower women and illiterate children in Afghanistan.
  • 02:15:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences as a 14-year-old soldier during the Afghan War, the difficulties of trying to cope with the aftermath of war, and her criticism of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's handling of the Afghanistan War. She also discusses a recent lawsuit against the Canadian government by veterans, and her experiences with hearing loss and applying for disability benefits.
  • 02:20:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses the difficulties of being a veteran and the difficulties of returning to civilian life after serving in war. She also discusses the lack of mental health training that veterans receive and the dangers of loose cannons in leadership. She suggests that, as a society, we could do better in addressing these issues.
  • 02:25:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences as a soldier, artilleryman, and PTSD sufferer, and her love for art and design. She recommends a book by the same name, which offers advice on starting and completing creative projects.
  • 02:30:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences as a war veteran and the challenges she faced in her pre- and post-military life. She discusses the importance of forgiveness and how it has helped her to heal from her trauma. She encourages others to work hard and help others, as this is the key to happiness. The mug she designed, called "Help Somebody", is available for purchase on her website.
  • 02:35:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experience with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anger and hate. She says that if her leadership had intervened and backed her story, she would not be where she is now.
  • 02:40:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences as a soldier, including how being on medication for PTSD made her feel like she was "the one who said [she] don't this is wrong" and how she was robbed of the opportunity to process her trauma with other soldiers. She also talks about how the training she received to deal with trauma was valuable, and how she sometimes wonders if she would be better suited to be a soldier than a civilian.
  • 02:45:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences of war, artillery, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in an effort to help others who may be going through similar struggles. She suggests that those who are struggling should seek help from a professional, and that those in the military should be trained on how to best deal with mental health issues.
  • 02:50:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses how her experience with PTSD, artillery, and love has led her to develop major depressive disorder. She discusses the individual triggers that lead to her depression and how she has worked to overcome them over the past 10 years. She credits medication and therapy with helping her to cope and suggests that other sufferers should do the same.
  • 02:55:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and how it has affected her ability to enjoy life. She also discusses how Canada has been a great place to work and raise her son, despite the political and social challenges faced by its residents.

03:00:00 - 04:00:00

Kelsi Sheren talks about her experiences with PTSD and how it has impacted her life. She shares how art and artillery have helped her to cope, and how her company, Brass and Unity, helps to support veteran- and first responder-related organizations.

  • 03:00:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and how her love of art and artillery has helped her cope. She shares how Andrew Huberman, a Stanford neuroscientist and top podcast in the world in health, helped her understand her condition and how to best help herself.
  • 03:05:00 Kelsi Sheren tells the story of her journey from using ayahuasca to eventually being off all pharmaceutical drugs. Sheren shares how her doctor gave her the opportunity to try cannabis and how it helped her get off of the medications.
  • 03:10:00 Kelsi Sheren tells her story of how she went from struggling with PTSD to becoming a successful jewelry designer. She lost her company in 2015, but was able to rebuild it and now makes jewelry with the help of her sponsor, Griff Combat Flip-Flops.
  • 03:15:00 Kelsi Sheren talks about her experience with PTSD and how it led her to explore ayahuasca, a psychoactive plant. She shares memorable moments from her journey, including the importance of supportive friends and the relief it afforded her when she finally overcame her fear.
  • 03:20:00 Kelsi Sheren tells the story of how she was able to overcome PTSD and anxiety through a process of meditation, shamanic ceremonies, and mental integration. Jesse gave her journals as a tool to remember and reflect on her experiences.
  • 03:25:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experience of war and PTSD, and how Lex Fridman helped her to process her experiences. Sheren talks about how it's important to have space to process emotions, and how writing can be a way to connect to memories and feelings. Sheren encourages listeners to access their inner power and be warriors, even in the face of difficult emotions.
  • 03:30:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experience with PTSD and how it has impacted her life, including her struggles with leadership and working through difficult emotions. Her shaman helps her to understand that she doesn't have to be the traditional leader and that she can be in the back of the pack.
  • 03:35:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences with war, artillery, PTSD, and love. She says that love is the only reason that humans haven't destroyed themselves and that it is the root of all good.
  • 03:40:00 Kelsi Sheren tells the story of how she met her husband, a professional motocross racer, through a mutual friend. They started dating shortly after she returned from serving in the military, and he eventually helped her get on her feet after she was discharged. Sheren shares that although her husband's family was accepting of her, she was still "numb" and "dead inside" at the core of her being due to the PTSD she was still experiencing from her time in Afghanistan. However, they managed to have fun together despite her lack of emotional response.
  • 03:45:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her experiences as a veteran and how she and her fiancé decided to get married after four years of dating. She also discusses how her company, Brass and Unity, helps to support veteran- and first responder-related organizations.
  • 03:50:00 The all secure foundation provides free care and treatment to veterans and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Honor House also provides a home away from home for these families, and has since opened branches in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
  • 03:55:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her work with families affected by PTSD, artillery, and war. She provides advice for young people on how to balance their career and personal lives.

04:00:00 - 04:05:00

Kelsi Sheren is a veteran who has struggled with suicide, PTSD, and love. In this video, she discusses her experiences and how they have shaped her. She believes that happiness comes from the small moments of joy in life despite the challenges.

  • 04:00:00 Kelsi Sheren discusses her struggles with suicide, PTSD, and love. She believes there is no rhyme or reason why some people survive while others do not and that happiness comes from the small moments of joy in life despite the challenges.
  • 04:05:00 Kelsi Sheren speaks about her experiences of war, artillery, PTSD, and love. She discusses how her experiences have shaped her into the person she is today. Lex Fridman thanks her for her time and promises to continue listening to her podcast.

Copyright © 2025 Summarize, LLC. All rights reserved. · Terms of Service · Privacy Policy · As an Amazon Associate, summarize.tech earns from qualifying purchases.