Into the Fire – Taking on the Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse Challenge

They say once you’ve been on Naked and Afraid, nothing scares you. But when the producers call and offer Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse, you realise – there's always another level.

Steven Kelly on Naked And Afraid Apocalypse

This year, I stepped into a survival scenario designed to mimic the breakdown of modern civilisation. No rules. No backup. Just bare essentials, sheer grit, and the kind of pressure that pushes you far beyond your limits – mentally, physically, emotionally.

For those who don’t know me – I’m Steven Kelly. I’ve served 23 years in the British Army, in 29 Commando Regiment, operating in some of the harshest environments across the globe. Since hanging up my uniform, I’ve channelled that experience into running South West Survival and Commando Expeditions, teaching others how to thrive in the wild and reconnect with their instincts. But Apocalypse? That was a different beast.

Imagine a world where the grid’s gone down. No shops. No water on tap. No rescue. Just the wreckage of society and a fight for survival. That’s the challenge Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse throws at you – surviving in a post-apocalyptic world with a stranger, no clothes, no tools, and only what you can scavenge.

This wasn’t just about survival skills – this was about adaptability, mindset, resilience. Every decision counted. Every calorie mattered. Every moment tested the edge of what I thought I could endure. It wasn’t just physical suffering – hunger, exposure, dehydration – but the loneliness, the silence, the internal battles that came after dark when the fire was low and your stomach was empty.

What made this challenge even more intense? I couldn’t rely on the comfort of the jungle, the routine of the wild, or even the structure of military ops. This was raw chaos. And yet, as tough as it got – I loved it. I live for the hard miles, the unknowns, the grind.

Would I do it again? Probably. But not before a full English and a hot shower.

What’s Next?

This experience has added a whole new layer to what I teach in survival. Real-world collapse, urban decay, scavenging under pressure – it’s not just bushcraft anymore, it’s adaptation. I'm bringing those lessons into my courses, talks, and expeditions.

Catch me speaking about the challenge at upcoming events, or follow along on socials where I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes insights, kit tips, and real lessons from the edge.

Watch It Unfold

Keep an eye out for Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse – airing on Discovery Channel. I promise you, it’s not just another survival show. This one hits different.

Until then… stay wild.

Steven Kelly on Naked And Afraid Apocalypse