Great Big Owl
Great Big Owl
Nico Walker
Nico Walker
Nico Walker
Wednesday 17th March 2021
Nico Walker recounts his path from Iraq war medic to bank robber and author on 'More Than My Past'. Listen to his story of trauma, addiction, and recovery.
Explicit
36 minutes
Informative
Inspiring
Empowering
Hopeful
Supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Great Big Owl
Overview:
Categories:
Family Recovery from Addiction
Sobriety Success Stories
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Body & Mind
Creative Recovery Journeys
Links:
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Episodes:
28 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Nico Walker: From Combat Medic to Bestselling Author
One of the ways they make their ends meet, you know, is by convincing people that there are things that they can't do.
Ever thought about the journey from a war zone to a writing desk? Nico Walker's story is nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Nico joined the US Army at 19 and served as a medic in Iraq. But the battlefield left him with severe PTSD, which led him down a dark path of opioid addiction.
To sustain his habit and escape his mental health struggles, Nico turned to robbing banks—pulling off ten successful heists before getting caught and sentenced to 11 years in prison. While behind bars, Nico channeled his experiences into writing. His novel, 'Cherry', offers a raw, semi-autobiographical glimpse into the harrowing world of war and addiction. The book caught the eye of acclaimed filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo, leading to a film adaptation starring Tom Holland, now available on Apple TV+.
In this episode of 'More Than My Past', hosted by Jason Flemyng, Nico opens up about his tumultuous journey with candid honesty. He discusses his battles with PTSD, the depths of his addiction, and the hurdles he faced re-entering society after prison. Despite the stigmas tied to ex-convicts and addicts, Nico's tale is one of resilience and second chances. If you're interested in stories of redemption, overcoming addiction, or the transformative power of community support, this episode is a must-listen.
Nico's journey from a war hero to a bank robber, and finally to a celebrated author, is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for recovery and renewal.