In this powerful episode, we sit down with Anthony Coughlan, MBE — a British veteran of the War in Afghanistan whose life was forever changed while serving with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. During his deployment, Anthony was gravely injured by a roadside bomb, suffering life-altering wounds in service to his country. As a result of these injuries, he became involved with veteran support networks and has since dedicated himself to helping others navigate life after conflict. Recognised for his outstanding contributions to the veteran community, Anthony was awarded an MBE for voluntary services to veterans. His story is one of resilience, courage, and compassion — from the battlefields of Afghanistan to the frontline of support for fellow injured servicemen and women. Tune in to hear his journey, insights on recovery, and the work that continues to inspire so many.
In this compelling second appearance on Frankie’s Pod — following his insightful Episode 74: Duty and Decision — Field Marshal The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux joins Frankie again for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, conflict, and the hard lessons that shape modern military strategy.
They revisit his journey from early command to the highest echelons of the British Armed Forces, including the decision-making behind major operations in Sierra Leone, East Timor, and Libya. Lord Richards discusses what made some campaigns succeed, where others struggled, and how strategic choices are influenced by political as well as military realities.
The episode also tackles:
Leading and commanding American troops in Afghanistan and the strategic lessons learned from that long conflict
The balance between values and vital national interests in global missions
The evolving threats from Russia and the role of global alliances
China’s influence in Africa and its implications for future security
The challenges of modern military recruitment and readiness
Tough decisions that demand moral courage in the fog of war
Insightful, honest, and deeply informed, this conversation goes beyond battlefield stories to explore how history, politics, and human judgment shape the world’s most consequential military decisions
Takeaways
Military Strategy
Operational Success
Strategic Failures, Ends, ways, and means must be in sync for political leaders to achieve their objectives.
The principles of war apply to different types of conflict, but the character of each conflict is different.
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In this episode, Frankie welcomes back Lewis Manalo for a deep dive into his military experiences and life after service. From growing up near Fort Detrick to witnessing the events of September 11th, Lewis shares his journey from a film school graduate to enlisting in the 82nd Airborne. The conversation explores the challenges and camaraderie of military life, the transition to civilian life, and Lewis's current role in the video game industry. Tune in for an insightful discussion on duty, identity, and the unexpected paths life can take.
Join Frankie as he sits down with Vardon, a former soldier who shares his journey from a unique upbringing in a religious cult to serving in the military. Vardon opens up about his experiences with undiagnosed autism and PTSD, the challenges of military life, and his transition to civilian life as a tattoo apprentice. This episode delves into personal growth, resilience, and the power of community support. Tune in for an inspiring and candid conversation.
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Join Andrew Dunn for a powerful and deeply personal conversation with Jel Bearder, a former British soldier whose story spans the streets of North London, the rigours of military service, and the challenges of finding purpose after hanging up the uniform. Jel opens up about the realities of Army life, the bonds forged under pressure, and the emotional and practical hurdles of transitioning back into civilian society.
From rediscovering himself through fitness and outdoor adventure to preparing for an ambitious expedition to Nepal, Jel shares the lessons, setbacks, and motivations that continue to shape his path. This episode is a raw and inspiring look at resilience, identity, and the pursuit of new dreams after service.
Tune in for an honest dialogue about strength, struggle, and stepping boldly into the next chapter.
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In this episode, Frankie sits down with Danny Taylor, also known as "Stretch," to explore his journey from military service to becoming a content creator. They delve into Stretch's experiences in the Royal Logistics Corps, his transition to civilian life, and the challenges he faced along the way. The conversation touches on themes of mental health, personal growth, and the power of community, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into the life of a veteran navigating new paths. Join us for an engaging and heartfelt discussion that highlights resilience and the pursuit of purpose beyond the uniform.Episode sponsor https://www.kscivilsandgroundworks.co.uk/Support the channel :https://paypal.me/FrankiesPodhttps://buymeacoffee.com/frankiespod
🎙️ Podcast Episode Description (Special Edition)
In this powerful special episode, Frankie sits down with William Person, a former track-and-field athlete turned bobsledder, who shares his personal journey through the hidden pain of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). William opens up about the symptoms he’s lived with — memory issues, mood changes, and the emotional toll — and how he has become a fierce advocate for better support and recognition for athletes suffering from brain injury.
But this isn’t just a sports story. We use William’s experience as a lens to explore a shocking new investigation from ITV News, which reveals that thousands of British soldiers may be suffering from mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) — not from enemy fire, but from repeated exposure to “low-level blasts” generated by their own weapon systems. ITVX+2The Defense Post+2
According to the MoD, these overpressure blast waves — from weapons like mortars, machine guns, anti-tank systems, and explosive charges — can penetrate the skull, causing microscopic damage to neurons and blood vessels. ITVX Repeated exposure puts the brain’s ability to heal under strain, and symptoms (headaches, memory loss, personality change, light and sound sensitivity) often overlap with PTSD, making diagnosis difficult. STV News+2ITVX+2
Scientists are now racing to better detect and understand this issue:
Biomarkers — chemicals released into the blood or saliva after brain injury — could offer a way to measure damage. ITVX
Advanced neuro-imaging (like OPM-MEG) is being used to scan soldiers before and after training to identify subtle brain changes. STV News+1
Brain donation programs are being launched to examine the long-term effects at a tissue level. ITVX
In this episode, we connect the dots between sports-related CTE and military blast-induced brain injury — exploring shared mechanisms, overlooked risks, and the urgent need for recognition and care. William’s story becomes a bridge, helping listeners understand that brain trauma doesn’t just happen in stadiums — it’s happening on the frontline too.
Join us as we confront this hidden health crisis head-on, asking: What does advocacy look like in military contexts? How can research and policy change to protect those at risk? And how do we support people whose injuries are invisible but deeply real?
In this episode, we sit down with Lance Bombardier Prout to relive one of the fiercest firefights of the Afghan campaign. On a mission to probe Taliban defences in Yatimchay, his platoon walked into a deadly ambush. Under heavy fire, Prout crossed open ground to rescue a wounded comrade and later coordinated artillery and air support that saved the entire patrol.
Through reflection and raw honesty, he shares what courage feels like in the moment — and how soldiers reconcile heroism, loss, and survival long after the gunfire fades.
Join us as we relive that day: the noise, the dust, the fear — and the resolve that transforms ordinary men into heroes
Join Frankie as he sits down with Michael Jenkins, a former military man, to discuss the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from military to civilian life. They delve into personal stories, the importance of mental health, and the journey towards finding purpose beyond the uniform. Whether you're a veteran or someone interested in the military lifestyle, this episode offers a candid look at life after service
Join Frankie for an unforgettable conversation with Sebastian Edwards-Beech — a former member of the prestigious Household Cavalry who served on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan. From the intensity of active duty to the challenges of finding purpose in civilian life, Sebastian shares his deeply personal journey with honesty and heart. Hear how he faced mental health battles head-on and turned his experiences into a force for good through his incredible work with NAAFI Break CIC, supporting fellow veterans in their return to everyday life.
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Join Frankie as he delves into the intriguing world of espionage with former intelligence operative and author Gavin Stone. Discover the secrets behind covert operations, the challenges of private investigations, and the art of storytelling that brings these experiences to life. Whether you're fascinated by spycraft or curious about the life of a private investigator, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into a world of intrigue and adventure.
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Frankie sits down with Steve Jones MBE, a distinguished veteran of the British Army’s Royal Artillery, for an honest and captivating conversation about life in and after the military.
From tours in Afghanistan to his posting at NATO Headquarters, Steve shares first-hand stories from the front line and behind the scenes — revealing what it’s really like to serve Queen and Country in some of the world’s toughest environments.
He opens up about the camaraderie, the discipline, and the challenges of leaving the Army behind — offering an unfiltered look at the realities of transitioning to civilian life after years in service.
Whether you’ve worn the uniform yourself or simply want to understand what drives those who do, this episode is packed with grit, heart, and insight into one of Britain’s proudest professions.
#BritishArmy #RoyalArtillery #VeteranStories #MilitaryLife #UKVeterans #Afghanistan #NATO #ForcesPodcast #LifeAfterService #ServiceToCivilian #ArmyVeteran #BritishMilitary #MBE #Leadership #Resilience #MilitaryTraining #FrontlineStories #BritishForces #ArmyLife #VeteransUK
What does it take to come back stronger after failure? Pasha Monroe knows. Raised in Scunthorpe, he joined the Royal Marines, faced defeat during SBS selection, and refused to let it define him. Instead, he transformed it into fuel — mastering the Mountain Leaders course and returning to achieve the impossible. Join Frankie's Pod as Pasha shares the mindset, moments, and meaning behind his extraordinary journey.
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In Episode 94, Frankie sits down with Gina Ginelli—Royal Signals veteran, globetrotter, and award-winning inspiration.
From competing for England in Alpine Skiing to serving in the Army Ski Team, and later raising over £250,000 for veterans and cancer charities through endurance challenges—including a 5,200-mile walking mission—Gina’s story is one of service, resilience, and purpose beyond the uniform.
Tune in for a powerful conversation about life in the military, the transition to veteran life, and the extraordinary drive that keeps Gina moving forward.
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In this powerful episode, we sit down with Veterans into Logistics founder Darren Wright, who once served with 21 Air Assault (Gibraltar 1779–1783) Battery, Royal Artillery. Darren shares the deeply personal story of losing his close military friend, Jamie Doyle, in 2018—just months after Jamie left the Army. That loss became the spark that inspired Darren to create Veterans into Logistics, a charity dedicated to supporting ex-military personnel as they transition into civilian life.
Darren opens up about his own struggles adjusting after service, the importance of meaningful employment for veterans, and how HGV driver training is transforming lives. From tackling homelessness and unemployment to restoring confidence and purpose, this conversation shines a light on why logistics is more than just a career path—it’s a lifeline.
In this compelling episode, join Frankie as he sits down with world champion master's cyclist David LeGrys. Dive into David's journey from a young cyclist inspired by Olympic dreams to a seasoned athlete navigating the highs and lows of competitive sports. Discover how mental health challenges, including dark thoughts and reckless behaviour, shaped his path and led him to explore neuro-linguistic programming as a tool for personal growth and coaching others. This episode offers a raw and honest look at the intersection of mental health and sports, revealing the resilience and determination required to overcome life's hurdles. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that sheds light on the power of mindset in achieving greatness.
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From the RAF to world-class health consultancy — Cain Leathem’s journey is all about discipline, knowledge, and redefining human performance.
In this episode, Frankie is joined by Cain Leathem — a veteran who proudly served with the RAF and is now one of Britain’s leading Exercise and Nutrition Consultants. As the founder of GB Fitness, Cain has spent more than 30 years helping everyone from complete beginners to elite international athletes unlock their full potential.
With expertise spanning biomechanics, endocrinology, nutrition, NLP, mental health, and clinical testing, Cain offers a holistic perspective on health and performance. He shares how his unique journey — from military service to international consultancy — shaped his mission to challenge mainstream health myths, empower individuals through education, and promote wellness in both life and the workplace.
Whether you’re an athlete, a business leader, or simply someone looking to cut through the noise of social media “experts,” this conversation will inspire you to rethink what optimal health really means.
At just 23, Colin MacLachlan became one of the youngest soldiers in two decades to join the SAS. From Iraq to Sierra Leone, he’s led hostage rescues, counter-terrorism operations, and some of the most dangerous missions on the planet. Now a TV personality on Who Dares Wins, Colin shares what it really takes to survive high-pressure situations, lead under fire, and transition from the battlefield to civilian life. A raw and gripping look into the secretive world of Special Forces.
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In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Frith, a former soldier from Tamworth who served with the Staffordshire Regiment. Anthony reflects on his military career, from his early deployment to Kosovo through to his tours of duty in Iraq, where he witnessed both the challenges of service and the devastating loss of comrades.
He shares powerful memories from July 2005, when three of his fellow soldiers—Pte Phillip Hewett, Pte Leon Spicer, and 2nd Lt Richard Shearer—were killed by a roadside bomb. Nearly two decades later, Anthony has channelled that experience into leading the campaign for the Staffordshire 3 Memorial in Tamworth, a lasting tribute to their sacrifice.
This conversation explores service, loss, resilience, and remembrance—charting Anthony’s journey from peacekeeping in Kosovo to the battlefields of Iraq, and finally to building a memorial that ensures his brothers in arms will never be forgotten.
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In this gripping episode, we delve into the extraordinary life of Chris Thrall, a former Royal Marines Commando whose journey from elite military service to the depths of addiction and the underworld of Hong Kong is nothing short of remarkable. After serving in the Northern Ireland Conflict and Arctic warfare, Chris left the military to seek fortune in Hong Kong. However, his path took a dark turn as he became homeless and addicted to crystal meth, eventually working for the notorious 14K triad as a nightclub doorman in the infamous Wan Chai district .
Chris's bestselling memoir, Eating Smoke, chronicles his descent into drug-induced psychosis and life within Hong Kong's criminal underworld. Despite the harrowing experiences, he found a way out, rebuilding his life through resilience and determination. Today, Chris is a bestselling author, adventurer, and motivational speaker, having traveled to over 80 countries across all seven continents, and completed extreme endurance feats like running an ultra-marathon a day for 37 days to raise awareness for veterans' mental health .
Join us as Chris shares his incredible story of transformation, offering insights into overcoming adversity, the importance of mental health, and the power of human resilience. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on Frankie's Pod.
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Podcast, Veterans, British Army, Veterans Stories