In this episode of Taming Thumos, I sit down with Dafydd (Davs) Dennis, a former Royal Marine, 15 year CrossFit gym owner and CrossFit Seminar Flow Master, to discuss the importance of physical training for your mental health, trust and the transition from military to civilian life. We also talk about the grueling upcoming charity challenge for our mutual friend, McCoy Turner, whose passing serves as the catalyst for raising awareness about the “silent epidemic” of male suicide.
Scroll down if you’d like to watch the conversation or if you’re listening on Spotify please visit the Substack page here.
The Power of “Shared Suffering”
Davs and I explore why CrossFit gyms and military service create such unbreakable bonds. Davs explains that communities forged through shared physical suffering—whether in the Marines or a CrossFit box—create a “safety network” and mental stability that is difficult to find in typical civilian life or in “globo gyms”.
Transitioning from the Military
We talk about how joining the Royal Marines at age 16, significantly shaped our lives, for better and for worse. Difficulty trusting people in “Civvy Street,” where in the Marines you were about to trust people with your life. I reflect on my early desire to shed my “Marine” identity to fit into civilian life, while Davs discusses the initial embarrassment—and eventual pride—associated with his service.
Remembering McCoy
We share memories of our friend McCoy, the “perfect actor” who could lead seminars with high energy while privately struggling with complex PTSD and depression. We discuss the isolation trap and how McCoy’s move to Bali may have contributed to his struggles by removing the “structure and community” that had previously kept him grounded.
The 3 Peaks 10k
To honor McCoy’s life and support his family, Davs, Rob Lawson and Dave Palfreman are participating in an extreme version of the UK Three Peaks Challenge. Where they will climb the UK’s three highest peaks with 35kg Rogue Echo rowers strapped to their backs. At the summit of each mountain, they will row 10km before descending and driving straight onto the next mountain. All with the intent of raising funds for McCoy’s two sons, Brodie and Tommy, and to raise awareness of men’s mental health and the silent epidemic of male suicide.
“Every single step will be fucking god-awful... but it’s not as bad as what he went through.” — Davs Dennis
Support the Cause
I hope you enjoyed the conversation with Davs! Please share your “take aways” in the comment section below and consider sharing the episode with your friends and family.
You can support the 3 Peaks 10K challenge and McCoy’s family by donating to their JustGiving page here. You can also follow the progress of the team on Davs’ Instagram here.
Also…
If you’re struggling with your mental health and experiencing suicidal ideation, do not hesitate to contact your local mental health crisis service:
Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14
UK: 111 or 116 123 for the Samaritans or text SHOUT 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text "YM" if you're under 19
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