#276 Nick Brokhausen - The Deadliest Stories From Vietnam with MACV-SOG - Shawn Ryan Show Recap

Podcast: Shawn Ryan Show

Published: 2026-02-02

Duration: 3 hr 20 min

Guests: Nick Brokhausen

Summary

Nick Brokhausen, a former U.S. Army Special Forces operative, shares gripping tales from his time with MACV-SOG in Vietnam, highlighting the intense combat and camaraderie among soldiers. He discusses the psychological impact of war and explores alternative treatments for PTSD.

What Happened

Nick Brokhausen provides a vivid account of his experiences with the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam - Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), focusing on high-risk reconnaissance missions in Vietnam and Laos. He describes the extreme danger and high attrition rate faced by his team, with less than half of the original 4,000 personnel surviving the war. Brokhausen highlights the camaraderie and unique skills of his fellow soldiers, particularly the Special Forces medics known as 18 Deltas, whom he regards highly for their medical expertise.

He reflects on the intense combat situations, recalling specific missions like the Ashell recon, which immediately drew enemy fire upon landing. Brokhausen also recounts traumatic experiences, such as a failed prisoner capture mission and the haunting memories of enemies he killed, which contribute to his understanding of PTSD. He expresses skepticism towards traditional psychiatric treatments, advocating instead for alternative therapies like psychedelic mushrooms, 5MEO DMT, and Ibogaine, which he believes show promise in treating PTSD and addiction.

Brokhausen shares a poignant story about leaving Vietnam, emphasizing the deep bonds formed with his comrades and the local Montagnard tribesmen, whom he describes as natural warriors. His return to Vietnam years later for a project involving anaerobic microbes allowed him to reconnect with former allies and reflect on the war's impact on his life.

In addition to his military career, Brokhausen discusses his adventures post-military, including working with the Sonder Einsatzkommando in Berlin and participating in international rescue missions. He talks about writing his books 'We Few' and 'Whispers in the Tall Grass', which have become cult favorites among veterans, and reveals that his book 'Vagabonds', written during the COVID-19 lockdown, is being adapted into a Netflix series titled 'American Ronin'.

Brokhausen's personal life is also touched upon, including his challenges with marriage, legal troubles, and his eventual escape to Berlin, where he found solace and excitement. His experiences in Russia during the post-communist transition, engaging with former KGB officials, further illustrate the breadth of his post-military exploits.

The episode also covers the evolution of special operations forces and the potential restructuring of these units into an OSS-like organization, as suggested in a white paper by Kevin O'Connor. Brokhausen discusses the historical roots of these forces and the strategic intelligence roles they have played since WWII.

Key Insights