From Combat to Calm: Neil Markey on Healing, Meditation, and Purpose
Guest: Neil Markey, CEO & Co-Founder of Beckley Retreats
Overview:
In this episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Neil Markey, a former U.S. Army Special Operations Captain turned wellness entrepreneur. Neil shares his inspiring story of transformation—from leading missions in Iraq and Afghanistan to healing from PTSD and depression through mindfulness, meditation, and holistic practices. Now the CEO of Beckley Retreats, Neil is on a mission to bring others the tools he discovered on his journey to well-being.
Key Topics:
Military Journey & Turning Point
Neil joined ROTC after 9/11 and served in both Iraq and Afghanistan with the elite Ranger Regiment. Despite thriving in a high-performance environment, he experienced deep trauma, sleep issues, and emotional burnout upon returning to civilian life.
Mental Health & Mindfulness
Struggling with PTSD and conventional treatments, Neil found a breakthrough in meditation. Guided by a fellow student, he began long-form programs that changed his life. He now meditates multiple times a day and uses gratitude as a daily grounding practice.
Building Beckley Retreats
After careers in entrepreneurship, consulting, and private equity, Neil returned to purpose-driven work. He partnered with a longtime psychedelic researcher to found Beckley Retreats—a space blending science-backed mindfulness, nature, and community for deep healing experiences.
Advice for Seekers
Many of Beckley’s clients are successful professionals who feel something’s missing. Neil advises leaning into that awareness. "If you’re noticing something’s off, keep going—self-exploration is the path forward," he says.
Daily Rituals
Neil recommends morning meditation, mindful meeting spacing, evening reflection, and daily gratitude. Even five minutes a day can help regulate the nervous system and build resilience.
Purpose & Gut Health
Neil reflects on advice he’d give his younger self: start meditating early and focus on gut health. Gut imbalance can deeply impact mental wellness, and functional medicine can often reveal what conventional care overlooks.
Living a Fantastic Life
Neil and Dr. Lycka agree: great lives are forged through storms. Purpose, health, balance, and daily habits help unlock fulfillment and resilience.
Contact Neil Markey:
- Website: www.beckleyretreats.com
- Instagram: @beckleyretreats
- LinkedIn: Neil Markey
Resources:
- www.drallenlycka.com
- Subscribe for weekly “Golden Pearls” of wisdom—and enter to win a dream vacation!
Closing Thoughts:
You don’t need to be perfect to live fantastically—just aware, consistent, and committed. Tune in, take notes, and take action.
#LiveFantastic
BIO:
Neil Markey is the co-founder and CEO of Beckley Retreats, dedicated to promoting the science-backed benefits of psychedelics and holistic wellbeing. A former Captain in the US Army Special Operations 2nd Ranger Battalion, Neil served in Iraq and Afghanistan before studying at Columbia University, where he struggled with depression and PTSD. This led him to explore mindfulness and psychedelics as part of his healing journey.
Social Media:
Website: http://www.beckleyretreats.com
LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilpmarkey/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckleyretreats/
YouTube Channel: @beckleyretreats
