From 300 Pounds to Green Beret: Lee’s Journey of Positivity, Vulnerability, and Personal Growth.
- Security Halt Podcast
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
In a world flooded with curated perfection and social media negativity, it's refreshing to hear a story rooted in humility, vulnerability, and transformation. In this moving and deeply motivating episode of the Security Halt! Podcast, host Deny Caballero sits down with Lee, a Green Beret and content creator known for his transparent and inspiring approach to personal growth, military mindset, and lifestyle transformation.
Lee’s journey isn’t your typical highlight reel. It’s raw, real, and a masterclass in the power of mindset, accountability, mentorship, and humility—a journey that saw him go from a 300-pound reservist to becoming a member of one of the most elite military units: the Green Berets.
The Turning Point: From Rock Bottom to Relentless Discipline
At 21, Lee found himself overweight, struggling with military PT standards, and at risk of being separated from the reserves. The breaking point? Being turned away from a long-anticipated skydiving experience due to his weight. The sting of that moment—and the lie he told his friends to cover the shame—was the first spark of transformation.
That moment was followed by the threat of military discharge and the emotional blow of a breakup. But instead of falling into victimhood, Lee chose to take responsibility. His powerful insight?
“If your bad circumstances are your fault, that means your good circumstances can be your fault too.”
That belief would become the cornerstone of his philosophy—and the beginning of a transformation journey that would change his body, mind, and mission.
Food, Family, and Emotional Healing
What sets Lee apart is not just his physical transformation, but his honesty about the emotional and cultural influences that contributed to his struggles—particularly around food.
Growing up in a family where food = love, and with grandparents shaped by the scarcity of the Great Depression, Lee’s eating habits became a coping mechanism and emotional crutch. He offers a powerful reflection on how cultural influences and emotional eating can shape our relationship with ourselves—and how healing starts with self-awareness.
His transparency reminds us that military strength doesn't mean emotional numbness—it means confronting your history with courage.
The Power of Vulnerability, Leadership, and the 18 Good Guy
Now known online as the 18 Good Guy, Lee champions a refreshingly humble approach to mentorship and leadership. Despite earning the title of Green Beret, he doesn’t posture or gatekeep. Instead, he focuses on “talking to people the way I wish I was talked to.”
His goal? To motivate through empathy, not ego.
In a culture where toxic toughness and elitism can cloud mentorship, Lee stands out. He emphasizes that it’s not the title that makes you great—it’s the person you become in the process. His message resonates far beyond the military: in business, relationships, and personal development, growth comes from vulnerability, honesty, and owning your story.
From Ego to Empathy: A Path to True Greatness
Deny and Lee’s conversation on the Security Halt Podcast is a much-needed reminder that greatness is not a destination—it’s a process. They explore topics like:
Military service and lifestyle transformation
The link between culture, food, and identity
Ego vs humility in leadership and social media
Failure, mentorship, and what it means to truly support others
The role of Green Berets, social media, and storytelling in modern military culture
“The title isn’t the value. You becoming the kind of person who deserves the title… that’s the real value.”
Whether you’re a veteran, entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast, or simply on your own personal growth journey, this episode offers powerful takeaways about mindset, purpose, and resilience.
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If you’re seeking motivation, real talk, and a challenge to become a better version of yourself—this episode is for you. Tap in, share with a friend, and remember: Your circumstances don’t define you—your choices do.
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