Join us as we dive into the remarkable journey of Craig Douglas, a former Royal Artillery soldier whose story is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Serving on the frontlines of military life, Craig found himself in situations that tested his resilience and sometimes put him completely out of his depth. Yet each challenge only strengthened his resolve and adaptability. But Craig's story didn’t end with his military service. After leaving the Army, he took on an entirely new mission: helping aspiring authors bring their voices to the world. With a leap of faith and a lot of grit, he founded his own self-publishing company, creating a platform where writers can realize their dreams of publication without the usual hurdles.

In this episode, Craig shares the highs, lows, and lessons from his Army days, revealing the unexpected skills he carried over to his entrepreneurial life. Whether you're interested in military stories, self-publishing, or the resilience it takes to forge new paths, Craig's story will leave you inspired and eager to tackle your own dream

Discover the remarkable story of Shane O'Rourke, recipient of the Queen’s Gallantry Medal (QGM) for his courageous actions in Iraq. Shane’s career began with the Royal Military Police (RMP), where he honed his skills in high-stakes situations that would later lead him to distinguished service in close protection. After Iraq, Shane took on crucial protective roles for the British embassy in Lebanon, working in one of the world's most complex and volatile environments.

In this episode Shane shares insights into his journey through the RMP, recounting the discipline he also talks about his experiences later with his own mental health.

Meet John Scott, an octogenarian whose life is as dynamic as his TikTok following! A former soldier in the Royal Artillery, John began his journey during national service, enlisting as a young soldier and working his way up to gain a commission. Serving with the 94 Locating Regiment in Germany, John’s experiences laid the groundwork for a lifetime of adaptability and resilience.

After his military career, John transitioned into a successful role as a patent lawyer, navigating the intellectual property world with the same determination he brought to the Army. Now, with a bit of tech help from his grandchildren, John has become a surprising TikTok star, charming followers of all ages with his stories, humor, and insights. From Guns to Gadgets offers a heartwarming look at how John’s remarkable life continues to inspire, proving that age is just a number when it comes to embracing new adventures.

Glen Ferguson, known by his call sign "RaiderDingo," is an American whose life reads like an adventure novel. Right after high school, Glen set out on an unconventional path, enlisting in the French Foreign Legion—a rare choice for an American. Through years of demanding service, he worked his way up to the rank of Sergent-chef, earning a reputation for resilience and adaptability. His time in the Legion gave him experience in some of the world’s most challenging environments and prepared him for the next chapter in his life.

After leaving the Legion, Glen collaborated with adventurer Bear Grylls on the Channel 4 show Escape to the Legion, where he brought viewers into the rigorous and intense world of legionnaire training. But Glen wasn’t ready to settle down just yet. He returned to the United States, joined the Airborne Forces, and embarked on a new wave of international service, deploying to numerous global hotspots.

After his military service, Glen transitioned to a career as a Private Military Contractor (PMC), where he worked closely with the U.S. State Department on security and advisory missions in some of the world’s most high-risk areas. Now retired, Glen has settled in Scotland, where he lives a quieter life, far from the intensity of his years in service but with a wealth of stories and experiences that few can match. His journey from a young American enlisting in the French Foreign Legion to a seasoned veteran reflects a life lived on the edge, defined by courage, adventure, and dedication.

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Daniel Hellings is a former British soldier recognized for his exceptional bravery during his service in Afghanistan, where he was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM). The QGM is one of the UK's highest honours for non-combat gallantry, awarded to individuals who demonstrate remarkable courage under conditions of extreme danger. Hellings’ experiences in Afghanistan placed him in situations where his quick thinking and courage were critical, often helping to protect others under challenging and life-threatening circumstances.

Despite his heroism, Hellings is known for his humility, often downplaying his actions and focusing instead on the importance of teamwork and the dedication of those around him. His service and the QGM have left a significant legacy, inspiring others in both the military and civilian communities. After his military service, Daniel has continued to be an inspiring figure, sharing insights from his journey and often advocating for the resilience and adaptability needed both during and after military life. His story serves as a reminder of the quiet strength and humility that true bravery often carries

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Binch—a man who has lived a life defined by service, resilience, and grit. Chris shares his journey from serving in the elite Parachute Regiment, including deployments to Northern Ireland, to working in Close Protection roles in the high-stakes environments of Iraq. Beyond the battlefield, Chris transitioned into the boxing ring and now serves his community as a firefighter.

We explore the pivotal moments of his military career, the lessons learned from his time overseas, and what inspired him to start The Old Paratrooper Podcast. Chris opens up about the power of storytelling, the importance of camaraderie, and how he balances his past experiences with his current mission to make a difference both on and off the mic.

Tune in for a conversation filled with raw insights, humor, and inspiration from a man who’s always ready to answer the call—no matter the fight.

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable story of Richy Thrower, the Founder of Peak Potential World and CEO of Motion Focus Media. Richy shares his journey from joining the British Armed Forces at the young age of 16 to becoming an entrepreneur dedicated to empowering others. He reflects on his time serving in combat zones like Afghanistan, where he cultivated resilience and leadership skills that would later define his life and work.

After leaving the military in 2014, Richy faced a difficult transition into civilian life. Despite reaching out to well-known military charities, he found himself on endless waiting lists with no support, a reality he still grapples with today. Homeless and without guidance, Richy relied on his determination to teach himself the skills needed to thrive in the civilian world. This self-reliance led to the founding of Motion Focus Media, a leading UK marketing and video production company known for delivering impactful visual content and strategic solutions.

Richy's experiences and the struggles of fellow veterans inspired him to create Peak Potential.World—a comprehensive online platform designed to empower individuals, especially ex-forces personnel, by providing accessible resources like masterclasses, webinars, and a supportive community. The platform is rooted in the mission to make growth opportunities affordable, with membership tiers starting at just £14.99 per month. Committed to giving back, Richy dedicates 10% of Peak Potential. World’s turnover to initiatives supporting veterans with accommodation, mental health counselling, and education, while also documenting these stories through Motion Focus Media.

Join us as Richy shares how he turned adversity into purpose, building businesses that not only generate success but foster a movement for growth and transformation, empowering veterans and individuals worldwide to unlock their potential.

This episode dives into the remarkable story of Alex Harrison—a soldier whose courage earned him a "Mentioned in Dispatches" after a harrowing encounter in Afghanistan left him with a gunshot wound to the temple, the loss of an eye, and a battle with PTSD that nearly cost him everything. Known for his sharp humour and relentless resilience, Alex speaks candidly about the struggles, scars, and surprising moments of laughter that have marked his path to healing. This is a journey through the darkness with a guide who knows how to find light, no matter how tough the fight gets.

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