H-Hour

H-Hour #266 features ex-SAS, 2 Para and activist Ben Griffin returns to discuss a wide range of topics from his controversial viewpoints on patriotism, the British military's interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya, to his personal experiences and struggles with PTSD. The conversation dives into moral and ethical debates within the military, the impact of governmental policies on war-st...

H-Hour Icebreaker #266 Ben Griffin - This icebreaker episode (prequel to a full H-Hour podcast) features features ex-22 SAS, 2 Para, and activist Ben Griffin who returns for an in-depth conversation, addressing challenging questions from H-Hour Platinum subscribers. He discusses his reluctance to participate in public interviews, citing his retirement from activism. The discussion touches on moral...

H-Hour #265 Paul Tyson - News Editor, British Army veteran, journalist. Veteran journalist Paul Tyson joins the podcast to offer an in-depth look into his career and the changing landscape of news reporting. From his days in the military to covering significant global events, Paul shares his experiences and the challenges of reporting on complex issues like war, climate change, and natural disaste...

H-Hour Icebreaker #265 Paul Tyson - News Editor, journalist and British Army veteran. This icebreaker episode (prequel to a full H-Hour podcast) features Paul and Hugh engaging in a dynamic discussion in for Paul's first ever interview. They cover the evolution of journalism, criticisms and defences of mainstream media, and the complexities of diversity in the industry. Tyson reflects on sign...

H-Hour #264 Tom Currigan - Apache Pilot Former Apache Pilot Tom Currigan offers a gripping account of his experiences, detailing near-death encounters in Afghanistan, the challenges of military life, and the harrowing process of making split-second, life-or-death decisions. Transitioning to civilian life, he discusses the therapeutic power of music and forming his band, Rogue Awakening, during the...

H-Hour Icebreaker #264 Tom Currigan - Apache Pilot. This icebreaker episode (prequel to a full H-Hour podcast) features ex Army Air Corps Apache Pilot Tom Currigan In this episode, Tom Currigan answers H-Hour subscriber's questions and shares harrowing accounts from his time as an Apache pilot, including a near-fatal encounter with a tug vehicle on a runway. The discussion transitions to life...

'I've been given that extra chance and I need to start giving back.' In this impactful episode, Karl recounts his harrowing experiences from being a military serviceman in Iraq to becoming a motivational speaker and endurance athlete. After surviving severe burn injuries and a 10-day induced coma, Karl discusses his recovery process, the role of medical staff, and the personal growt...

‘I wouldn't change a thing. I'd go through all that suffering again and again knowing that what I've got now is what I'll have at the end of it.’ In this engaging icebreaker with Karl Hinett, the discussion centres around a H-Hour patron Q&A held before the London Marathon. The episode dives into deep questions on politics, military life, and personal experiences. Karl refl...

“You have to take the bull by the horns, and make things happen for yourself.” Ollie Osborne of Warrior Wellness Movement joins Hugh to discuss the challenges and importance of health and wellness, both physical and mental, in military life. The conversation covers the issues of reliance on medicine, the concept of holistic health, and the impact of lifestyle on longevity as seen in the Blue Zones...

"It took me to have an absolute meltdown... for someone to realise how much pain I was in." Join Ollie Osborne to listen to him answer questions submitted by H-Hour subscribers - making for an insightful and deeply personal discussion on mental resilience, military experiences, and holistic wellness. Ollie is a former Royal Marine and Royal Navy PTI and the owner of Warrior Wellness Move...

“People experience psychedelics differently.” Aleksandra Wingert joins H-Hour to discuss her work in psychedelic research, emphasizing the complexities of microdosing and the differential impact of psychedelics on men and women. The conversation covers the unique challenges of studying neuroplasticity, the placebo effect in controlled trials, and the potential of using psychedelics for mental heal...

"I'm always trying to, you know, keep in my head, not to compare myself to other people, but to compare myself to the version of me that was yesterday." In this 20-minute icebreaker episode, academic Aleksandra Wingert answers intriguing questions about intelligence, psychedelics in the military, and the role of women in academia and STEM. She also shares her personal motivation beh...

"I just felt like my arm had exploded.", Chris Stothers shares his profound and challenging journey in the PSNI, covering his struggles with PTSD, the near-drowning incident resulting in his diagnosis, and the complexities of policing in Northern Ireland. He delves into his experiences with public disorder, interactions with the British military, and critical incidents, including being s...

This icebreaker is a preliminary interview before the full podcast. Former Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) police officer Chris Stothers, opens up about his experiences within the police service, discussing his battle with PTSD, the lack of timely mental health support, and the complexities of policing in Northern Ireland. The conversation touches on ethical dilemmas, public perceptions, an...

“In a normal lifetime, emergency services workers will experience between 600 to 800 traumas.” In this episode, Gaz Hayes (a former British Transport Police Officer) chats with Hugh to explore the nuances of mental health in the police force, tackling the issues around PTSD, the importance of talking about mental struggles, and the challenges officers face. Chris shares insights from his own caree...

"Talk to someone. You are only feeling the way you are because you've experienced a trauma." This icebreaker is a preliminary interview before the full podcast. In this icebreaker, Gaz Hayes (a former British Transport Police Officer) delves into the challenges police officers face, particularly focusing on mental health issues like PTSD that are often overlooked. He answers questio...

"This is what being shot at feels like." Chris Burtenshaw joins H-Hour to discuss his intense experiences as a paratrooper in Afghanistan, the camaraderie and hardships faced at Checkpoint Quadrat, and the lasting impact of wartime events. He delves into his battle with PTSD, the therapeutic journey, and his current focus on training for the London Marathon to support military charities....

"Conditioning is built up to be effective out there; to go out and do your job." This icebreaker is the lead into the full conversation with Chris Burtenshaw, ex 3 Para. Chris provides a profound look into his experiences as a new para during Afghanistan, beginning with his deployment in 2010 just before Herrick 13. The discussion navigates through the challenges faced, including near-de...

"No good deed goes unpunished." Nigel Ely joins the H-Hour podcast to share his incredible journey from SAS veteran to war journalist. He recounts his daring escapades, including acquiring a chunk of Saddam Hussein’s statue, navigating the chaos of the Iraq invasion, and the bizarre aftermath back in the UK. The episode also delves into the psychological and social dynamics among Falklan...

"I respect the Argentinians. I can't say I forgive them. It's been 40 odd years and I still can't," This icebreaker is the lead into the full conversation with Nigel, a veteran of 22SAS and 2 Para, who discusses the peculiar journey of Saddam's artifacts, including the challenges of auctioning Saddam Hussein's butter sculpture. He details the interest from major...

"Filled with challenging questions and profound insights, Anna's episode is a must-listen for those interested in global politics, ethics, and strategies for activism." Anna Stavrianakis and I dive deep into the murky waters of the international arms trade and its corollaries in a multifaceted discussion for H-Hour #256. We explore moral and political dimensions, scrutinize British...

This icebreaker is the lead into the full into the full conversation Anna who researches and teaches on the international arms trade, UK arms export policy, international arms transfer control, and militarism and security in North-South perspective. She often works in collaboration with civil society organisations, social movements, journalists and parliamentarians, and engages publicly on arms tr...

Chris Branch joins Hugh on H-Hour to discuss the mental and physical benefits of ultra running, sharing insights from personal experiences and professional expertise as an osteopath. He covers topics such as the transformative power of running on mental health, effective training strategies, and overcoming common running injuries. Chris also delves into the importance of nutrition, the role of res...

This is the Icebreaker episode, with questions chosen by H-Hour Platinum Subscribers and Patrons. Chris Branch joins Hugh on H-Hour to discuss the mental and physical benefits of ultra running, sharing insights from personal experiences and professional expertise as an osteopath. He covers topics such as the transformative power of running on mental health, effective training strategies, and overc...

Follow H-Hour on WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRAeu4opIrQElJN1belo33 ********** In 2006, 88 soldiers consisting mainly of paratroopers from 3 Para and two platoons of Royal Irish soldiers found themselves at the mercy of hundreds of Taliban in the town of Musa Qaleh, Helmand Province. Faced with relentless attacks from all directions, and a combination of direct and indirect weaponry, the v...