There’s a moment after war—when it’s quiet—when the bill shows up. Not for what you did… but for what war did to you.
KJ “Tadpole” Spradley (author of War Junkie: A Cautionary Tale) breaks down the addiction to intensity, the cost to marriage and peace, and what it takes to finally come home for real.
In this conversation, we go beyond the highlight reel:
-Why “War Junkie” isn’t a flex—it’s a diagnosis
-Childhood trauma, abuse, and the protector identity
-Bad leadership, disillusionment, and the price good leaders pay
-The brutal truth: you can love the job, but it won’t love you back
-Counseling, rebuilding, and having more than one tool in your toolbox
-“You’re going to get everything you asked for… and it’s a blessing and a curse.”
Get the book: War Junkie: A Cautionary Tale
Website: kgspradleyauthor.com
Social: @KGspradleyauthor (Facebook / Instagram / X)
Dynamic Tales Delivered (DTD)
The mission ended — but the story didn’t.
DTDpodcast.net
Instagram: @dtd_podcast | Facebook: DTD Podcast | YouTube: Dynamic Tales Delivered
Sponsor: Nomadic Research
Stay Mobile — nomadicresearch.com
Hats, shirts, hoodies, bags & field gear built for movement.
