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Host: Steven Kelly
Podcast: The Survival Debrief
Guest: David Story (Executive Producer)
Topic: Naked and Afraid
If you’ve ever watched Naked and Afraid and thought, “How on earth do they actually make this show?” — this episode is for you.
On The Survival Debrief, I sit down with executive producer David Story for a straight, behind-the-curtain conversation about what it takes to build one of the world’s most talked-about survival series—without the usual fluff.
As a British Army Commando veteran, survival instructor, and Naked and Afraid alumnus, I’m obsessed with one thing: what’s real, what’s edited, and what survival lessons actually transfer to real life. David brings the production perspective that viewers almost never hear.
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9DwFA9mvX1x0wmdFWyG_Ng
Podcast hub (all episodes):
https://www.stevenkelly.uk/journal/the-survival-debrief-podcast-real-talk-with-steven-kelly
Spotify (show):
https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEywXoYZsNr3De4cdLQ1U
Apple Podcasts (show):
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-survival-debrief-podcast-with-steven-kelly/id1844233698
Amazon Music (show):
https://www.amazon.com/Survival-Debrief-Podcast-Steven-Kelly/dp/B0FTY49H4Y
This isn’t a polished PR interview. It’s a practical breakdown of how survival TV is made—and what that teaches you about human behaviour under stress.
Here’s the hard truth: most people don’t fail in the wild because they lack kit. They fail because they lack systems—water discipline, shelter priorities, energy management, and decision-making under fatigue.
One of the strongest themes in this episode is how the camera doesn’t create the pressure—it reveals it. When you strip comfort away, you don’t become “someone else.” You become more of what you already are.
That’s why I built my training around the fundamentals that keep you alive when you’re cold, wet, hungry, and making mistakes.
If you want to learn the real-world version (not the TV version), train with me here:
https://www.southwestsurvival.co.uk
Whether you watch Naked and Afraid for entertainment, inspiration, or education, understanding the production side helps you separate:
If you’ve ever wondered why certain choices get made on screen—this is the conversation that gives you context without ruining the magic.
David Story is an executive producer known for his work in unscripted television. In this episode, he shares insights from the production side of survival TV and what it takes to build compelling, high-stakes storytelling while operating in extreme environments.
The Survival Debrief is where we strip away the gimmicks and talk survival, mindset, and performance under pressure—with guests from the field, the forces, and the world of survival TV.
Start here:
https://www.stevenkelly.uk/journal/the-survival-debrief-podcast-real-talk-with-steven-kelly
Is Naked and Afraid “real”?
It’s a real survival challenge presented through a TV format. This episode explores how production turns real experiences into a coherent story—without pretending the wilderness is forgiving.
How do survivalists cope mentally?
Energy deficit, poor sleep, cold, insects, and stress stack up fast. The most reliable performers prioritise water, shelter, and calm decision-making—especially when emotions spike.
What’s the biggest mistake people make in survival?
Trying to “win” early. The smart move is building stability first: hydration, insulation, then calories. Survival isn’t heroic—it’s disciplined.
Got a question you want me to ask future guests? Drop it in the comments or message me on social media.
Note: Naked and Afraid is a trademark of its respective owners. This article is commentary and discussion.
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