Hosts Colin Howe and Aaron Edwards embark upon an illuminating exploration of resilience and adaptation, in the distinguished company of John Hall - veteran of the British Army, specialist in intelligence, humanitarian par excellence, and founder of the pioneering non-governmental organisation, “The Hive.” John narrative charts a singular course from youthful entry into the forces, through the crucible of armed conflict, to the vanguard of humanitarian innovation, delivering, in essence, a masterclass on confronting adversity and forging strength from tumult. John’s odyssey commences amidst the seismic events of the Falklands War, whose legacy imbued in him an early resolve, prompting enlistment directly from education. His formative tenure at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, an institution renowned for levelling the social field and fostering unlikely bonds, set the stage for an immersive posting with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. From the rigours of training to the stark realities of regimental life, Hall furnishes an unvarnished account of the culture and tribulations that indelibly shaped his worldview. Subsequent deployments to Northern Ireland, Iraq, and Afghanistan imparted ever-deepening complexity. In recounting his service amid the strife of Northern Ireland, John accentuates the imperative of grasping local intricacies, equating such nuance with tactical proficiency. His transition to intelligence appointments in Iraq and Afghanistan laid bare the relentless demands of transforming chaos into actionable intelligence, cultivating an aptitude for threat anticipation and for wrestling with intractable, ‘wicked problems’ that defy facile solution. Hall’s hard-won reflections distil the virtues of foresight, adaptability, and unflinching critical thought. He elucidates the transformative power and stark necessity of structured analytic methods in banishing bias and elevating decision-making, whether upon the field of battle or within the rarified air of the corporate boardroom. It was during the maelstrom of the Afghanistan withdrawal that John discerned a new calling: The Hive. Born of operational frustration yet animated by hope for enduring change, The Hive now delivers cutting-edge intelligence and resilience training, lending vital support to humanitarian operations within the world’s most volatile theatres. From clandestine civilian evacuations amidst the disorder of Sudan, to the formation of networks to outpace ever-evolving threats, this post-service chapter is distinguished by John’s indefatigable, hands-on engagement. The discourse throughout is interspersed with vivid, real-world case studies wherein intelligence is not mere information, but a veritable matter of life and death. Hall pays homage to those whose resilience endures at every echelon, whilst revealing how the noble ethos of military service may be transposed into humanitarian ventures that save lives and lay the groundwork for brighter tomorrows. Whether one’s interest lies in military history, the art of leadership at the coalface, or the intricacies of decision-making under duress, this episode proffers rare and actionable insight into what it truly demands to lead and to thrive, amidst the most unforgiving environments, from parade ground to the globe’s toughest crisis zones.

Host Colin Howe and Aaron Edwards are back, this time with a pulse-quickening deep dive into the world of bomb disposal, elite special operations, and raw human performance under fire. Joining them are Jonnie Barlow - British Army veteran of fourteen years and Dylan McKay, former Ammunition Technical Officer of the New Zealand Army, now co-founders of RenderSafe. Together, they peel back the curtain on a rarely-seen realm where life hinges on expertise, grit, and innovation. Dylan and Jonnie journey traverses the razor’s edge, from trenches alongside the UK and New Zealand’s top-tier special operations units to the relentless grind of high-risk explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). Their firsthand experiences both in the heat of live operations and in the controlled chaos of the training environment brought into sharp focus the gaps and shortfalls in how these warriors are prepared and supported. The result? RenderSafe: a game-changing enterprise on a mission to revolutionize how the world’s bravest are trained to survive and thrive. Listeners are treated to gritty accounts and battle-proven lessons, from nerve-fraying fast-rope insertions onto ships in black water darkness, to the “make or break” split-second choices with lives on the line. The discussion navigates the fast-evolving threats of today’s world from crude mechanical IEDs to next-generation weapons powered by microcontrollers and AI. Jonnie and Dylan make it clear: as threats keep morphing, so too must the way we train and prepare. What sets RenderSafe apart? Jonnie and Dylan share a window into their ground-breaking approach, fusing real-world scenarios (engineered with blockbuster realism and Hollywood-level effects), cutting-edge human performance research, and the latest in cognitive science. From tracking breathing behavior to harnessing educational capnography, they are crafting a new breed of operator: adaptable, resilient, and ready for the rarest and most dangerous contingencies. This conversation offers a rare backstage pass to the mindset, tools, and mental fortitude of bomb disposal specialists, the meticulous preparation, the quiet teamwork, and the moments when everything rides on training and trust. They talk stress inoculation, role-specific resilience, and how elite teams bounce back, adapt, and excel in some of the world’s most unpredictable arenas. If you’re fascinated by special forces, tactical training, or the science of resilience, this is your episode. Whether you’re a bomb tech, tactical instructor, emergency responder, security professional, or simply someone captivated by the chemistry of courage, be prepared to come away with new respect for the technical mastery, steady nerve, and relentless innovation demanded in the hardest jobs on earth. From technical precision to heart-stopping reality, this episode will leave you both informed and inspired, an unmissable look at what it truly takes to master chaos, and forge resilience where it matters most.

In a compelling edition of the Rocky Road Resilience Podcast, host Colin Howe, joined by Aaron Edwards, welcomes Christopher Cully, Managing Director of Dilitas, to reflect upon a distinguished career spanning the shifting terrains of British law enforcement, corporate security, and global risk management. Mr Cully unveils decades of service in some of the most exacting roles across public and private spheres. His narrative commences with a compelling divergence: having once harboured ambitions of agricultural life and an army commission, Chris instead found himself conscripted into policing during the restless late 1970s. He endured the rigours of Hendon Police College, famed for its austere standards and demanding attrition rate. Only the most resolute prevailed, and Chris emerged shaped by tradition and relentless examination. On the beat, he swiftly became what seasoned officers termed a “thief-taker”, renowned for practical, tenacious policing. Chris’s path advanced into Special Branch, navigating a formidable selection process to oversee security at Heathrow Airport, where the spectre of IRA terrorism was ever-present. Transitioning to the private sector, Chris became a loss prevention specialist for Kentucky Fried Chicken’s EMEA operations, compelled to translate police acumen into business security and fortify corporate resilience across continents. The 1990s heralded the advent of global security. Chris joined, a pioneering consultancy company staffed by former military visionaries, where he orchestrated large-scale crisis management, including company lockdowns and simulated extortion, even recounting the infamous “Marsbar fraud”. Upon returning to Britain, he encountered a fragmented security industry, a “jungle of organisations”. A tenure as security manager for a leading London accountancy firm imparted sobering lessons about bureaucratic inefficiency, as elaborate plans too frequently faltered when a true crisis struck beyond working hours. Noting stark contrasts between British and American security cultures, Chris laments that too many UK firms relegate security to a mere extension of facilities management, whereas in the US it is unequivocally integral to strategy and resilience. As security director for a national office supply company, Chris comprehensively overhauled operations, upgraded contracts, retrained staff, and navigated acquisitions, before transitioning into a consultancy role, including with Pilgrims Security. His enduring passion for fieldwork led him to areas rarely seen, engaging with activist groups and equipping journalists for hazardous assignments. These formative experiences culminated in the founding of Dilitas, a boutique, intelligence-led agency where Chris champions hands-on mentorship and adaptability. Whether assembling surveillance teams, nurturing unconventional talent, or collaborating with UCL on anti-terrorism and financial crime, Chris persistently pushes the boundaries of modern security training. Chris speaks candidly of ongoing challenges, emphasising the necessity for ground-level intelligence, constant vigilance, and realistic exercises. To aspiring professionals, he advocates genuine experience, prudent networking, and discretion above superficial accomplishments. Never shirking from controversy, Chris voices concern over the diminishing discipline and regulatory drift afflicting both police and private security sectors, decrying the erosion of meaningful training and the widening gap between veterans and novices. As the episode concludes, Chris contemplates his early arrests and courtroom battles, underlining the need for restored structure and discipline in shaping future officers. He urges renewed collaboration between police and private security to retrieve efficacy lost amid continual change. Altogether, this episode presents not merely a career memoir, but a considered analysis of evolving societal risks offering a manifesto for resilience, adaptability, and practical intelligence. It is a testament to a life spent on the front lines, balancing strategy with hard-won experience and a commitment to preparing those who will secure the uncertain days ahead. If you have any specific stylistic preferences or wish to further refine the tone, do let me know!

Host Colin Howe and Aaron Edwards return with a compelling conversation featuring Jay Hart - a man whose path from post-9/11 aspiration to military service, innovation, and global adventure has shaped the armored vehicles standing guard in the world's volatile hotspots. In this revealing episode, Jay peels back the steel-plated curtain on his journey and the evolving landscape of resilience on four wheels. Jay traces his unlikely trajectory, from aspiring actor to the disciplined ranks of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in the wake of 9/11’s world-altering impact. As economic headwinds hit in the 2010 recession, he navigated the abrupt shift from uniformed service to the unknowns of civilian life, learning to adapt with the same resolve that would become a hallmark of his career. In shaping the future of armored mobility, Jay’s joins Jenkle, crafting luxury to operational vehicles trusted to protect ambassadors, royalty, and elite operators. As a field service representative or “flying spanner,” Jay became a global troubleshooter, called on to repair, upgrade, and train forces using bespoke vehicles wherever danger demanded. Jay stepped to the forefront as a consultant and close protection provider. He cuts through the Hollywood myths and marketing hype, explaining the realities of the armored vehicle world. Most vehicles, he notes, are reinforced Land Cruisers—upgraded with strengthened suspension, braking, and bodies, tailored to threats from simple sidearms (B6) up to assault rifles and even RPGs (VR7/VR9). Jay is candid: there’s no such thing as “bulletproof,” only bullet-resistant, an important distinction for those who rely on these machines for their lives. Jay sheds light on how advances in design and catastrophic lessons learned have made today’s armored vehicles safer than ever. He discusses the eternal balancing act of defense procurement, meeting frontline requirements while wrestling with budgets and the constant quest for improvement, driven by user feedback from those who test these vehicles under the harshest conditions. Jay opens up about his extraordinary travels, servicing armored embassies, installing UN fleets in Pakistan, and braving high-risk assignments in regions that never make the headlines. His stories underscore the non-negotiable importance of training, ongoing maintenance, and those small but life-saving engineering tweaks that separate survival from tragedy. His remarkable tally of 56 countries visited only fuels his hunger for new frontiers, fresh partnerships, and a deeper impact in the field of protective mobility. Jay shares vignettes from his most unforgettable projects, offers insights on balancing ever-advancing technology with the human element, and reflects on the enduring appeal of a life spent pushing the boundaries of safety under fire. His passion for growth, mentoring, and constant adventure defines both his personal path and the spirit of military resilience explored throughout the episode.

Host Colin Howe and Aaron Edwards return with a compelling conversation featuring Andrew Fox - former British Army officer, frontline combat veteran, academic, Middle East researcher, and hands-on humanitarian. Fox lays bare a journey stretching from the kinetic battlefields of Afghanistan to the intellectual trenches of global policy analysis, offering a masterclass on resilience, service, and integrity in an era of shifting frontlines. Andrew Fox brings 16 years of service including time in the Parachute Regiment (3 Para), leading soldiers through three tours in Afghanistan, as a platoon commander and attachments with US Special Forces - along with operational stints in Bosnia and Northern Ireland. Now a researcher at the Henry Jackson Society, Andrew’s work ushers him from think tanks to urban warzones, recently reporting from Gaza and Hezbollah tunnels in Lebanon. His narrative traces the dramatic evolution of combat—from open firefights to the silent dread of IED warfare, and the perpetual tension of command decisions that could cost lives. He offers unfiltered honesty about the weight of leadership, the invisible burdens officers carry, and the moments that etched themselves permanently in memory. Serving alongside American Green Berets, Fox dispels Hollywood myths, describing them as modest, highly capable “quiet professionals.” He unpacks the reality of advanced military technology in-field, sharing riveting accounts of AC-130 gunships overhead and hard choices dictated by mission-critical assets. Fox pays tribute to the professionalism and courage of Afghan National Army commandos, many of whom stood shoulder-to-shoulder with British and US forces. These stories set the stage for later - when, after the fall of Kabul, Fox moved mountains to support these same allies in their hour of need. Forced into medical retirement by severe PTSD, Andrew speaks openly about the reality of “going fully mental” after service, and the tough road to recovery. He describes how teaching at Sandhurst became an unlikely path to healing—sharing lived experience, sparking dialogue, and reframing trauma as a teaching tool. In the wake of the 2021 Taliban sweep, Fox pivoted to direct action, helping coordinate the evacuation of around 3,000 Afghans through his charity, Azardi (now “Free from Fear”). From remote safe houses to grassroots covert networks in Kabul (and even logistical wrangling from his kitchen table), his efforts illuminate the ongoing struggle to translate military loyalty into meaningful, post-service action. Now embedded in active research, Fox provides rare on-the-ground insights from today’s hotspots, including the labyrinthine tunnels of Hezbollah and the communities devastated in Gaza. He presents a fiercely independent perspective, critiquing polarized narratives in the Israel-Palestine debate, and urging listeners to seek nuance in a landscape flooded with misinformation. Andrew sounds the alarm about the US retreating from global leadership, warning of an emboldened China and the danger of authoritarian momentum in a “post-truth” era. He explores how social media, deepfakes, and AI are turning truth into quicksand and advocates for discernment, dialogue, and refusing the pull of extremes. Fox draws moving parallels between the steadfast resilience of Gazan children and his own comrades, reminding listeners how, time and again, humans adapt and endure, even when the worst becomes the “new normal.” The episode explores what true resilience looks like in both military and civilian life, and how adversity, when faced with honesty and unity, becomes a crucible for growth.

Host Colin Howe and Aaron Edwards welcome Andy Dawling to the studio - a man whose journey from turbulent schoolboy to decorated soldier and elite athlete offers a raw and riveting look at what true resilience means on the front lines, both of conflict and professional sport. In this powerful conversation, Andy lifts the lid on a life forged by adversity, camaraderie, and the unbreakable spirit that defines the “That Mentality” ethos. Andy’s formative years set him on an unconventional trajectory: expelled from school at just 15, he found his way into the army at 17, following in the footsteps of his father, who served with the Queen’s Flight. Frequent childhood moves laid the groundwork for a life of constant adaptation—a skill Andy would soon need in spades. After braving basic training at Woolwich in 1992, he joined the storied 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, a unit that would shape the next 22 years of his life. Cutting his teeth as a gun number on the regiment’s artillery pieces, Andy’s early army days were defined by hard graft and the relentless pursuit of earning his coveted parachute wings—a goal dramatically nearly thwarted when he collapsed just 400 meters from finishing the grueling 10k speed march. But setbacks soon gave way to new opportunities: Andy transitioned to forward observation, diving into specialized roles that demanded razor-sharp fitness and the ability to mark targets for devastating firepower. Yet it was rugby that truly became Andy’s anchor. Recruited by the legendary Captain Martin Lewis, Andy quickly became a centerpiece of a fearsome side that regularly stormed the Army Cup finals. As rugby turned professional in 1995, doors opened outside the regiment: a semi-pro contract with Newbury RFC, and soon after, an invitation from his boyhood team, Gloucester RFC—realizing a dream nurtured growing up in the Forest of Dean. Andy’s operational career was anything but routine. Deployed to Kosovo in 1999, he was confronted with haunting trauma—witnessing mass graves and enduring the loss of brothers in arms. The mental and emotional toll manifested physically when his back gave out later that year, and doctors declared his rugby days over. Refusing to accept defeat, Andy fought through a grueling rehabilitation at Headley Court, defying all expectations to return, fitter than ever, for the Army/Navy match. The soldier-rugby player duality continued to define Andy’s trajectory. He was among the first across the border in Iraq in 2003, and his fighting spirit saw him play for clubs such as Coventry and Harlequins, all while remaining at the army’s beck and call. Afghanistan was his final and perhaps most harrowing posting—providing artillery support and conducting repatriations amidst relentless operational demands. After two decades of service, Andy hung up his boots and uniform in 2013. His post-military chapter saw him devote a decade to teaching at an independent school and joining the Saracens RFC family, where he cultivated a new generation of rugby talent—including future England stars Jamie George and Owen Farrell. But Andy’s battle wasn’t only on the sports field or front line. Grappling with chronic PTSD, his personal struggles became a platform for advocacy. Organizing the remarkable “Wolf Pack Pilgrimage”—a 1,100-mile trek around Wales—Andy raised vital awareness for military mental health, using his own journey as a beacon for others. He continues to honor fallen comrades, notably through the Adi Powell Memorial matches, keeping alive the memory and values of lost brothers from 7 Para RHA. Andy’s story embodies the continual evolution of military service and elite sport—where the disciplines of parachute training, operational grit, and team rugby all converge in a singular drive for excellence. Throughout the interview, Andy shares candid insights into what it means to push through pain, to meld the bonds of brotherhood with the pressures of professional play, and to transform even the darkest moments into a force for good. Today, Andy channels his relentless determination into mentoring, coaching, and helping others find their way through adversity. His legacy is one of unwavering resolve and a deep belief in the power of community, both on the battlefield and on the pitch—a testament to the “That Mentality” philosophy he lives and breathes.