Frankie’s Pod: Uncorking the unforgettable

What if the people we love could continue sharing their stories, wisdom, and personality long after they're gone? In this thought-provoking episode of Frankie's Pod, I sit down with Miles Spencer to explore how Reflector is using artificial intelligence to preserve the voices, memories, and personalities of loved ones. By combining decades of photographs, voice recordings, videos, and fami...

In this episode of Frankies Pod , I sit down with former soldier Adam Lison , whose military career placed him in some of the most dangerous environments imaginable. From elite military training to covert operations in Afghanistan, Adam shares the reality of serving on the front line and what it was like to survive an incredible 22 IED strikes . Adam speaks candidly about the split-second decision...

In Episode 132, former soldier Taff Fitzgerald shares his journey from military service to founding Veterans Bridge UK. We discuss the realities of army life, the challenges many veterans face after leaving the forces, and why mental health support, community, and therapies such as EMDR are changing lives. This is an honest, inspiring conversation about resilience, recovery, and ensuring no vetera...

Former Royal Welsh sniper Ted Shirley joins Frankie's Pod to share his incredible journey from frontline combat in Afghanistan to becoming a passionate advocate for veteran mental health. Ted opens up about sniper operations, firefights, the loss of friends, and the lasting impact of war. He also discusses PTSD, moral injury, EMDR, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and other innovative treatments hel...

Most veteran stories are about heroism and medals — but behind the surface is a culture rooted in resilience, camaraderie, and the toughest lessons life teaches. In this gripping episode, ex-submariner and navy veteran Marcus Peters unpacks the raw realities of life beneath the waves and how those experiences shaped his journey well after the final dive. Marcus takes us into the secret world of su...

Most people believe suicide is a tragic, unavoidable outcome—until they hear how Claire Lilly's inspired Forcer Protocol is transforming prevention and saving lives. This episode uncovers the groundbreaking work behind a simple yet powerful safety mechanism that’s already located hundreds of vulnerable individuals with a military background, saving millions in emotional and financial costs. Claire...

Most veterans suffer in silence, but one man is building the UK’s first memorial dedicated solely to veteran suicide—shining a light on a crisis we all must confront. Ed Mackenzie, a lifelong soldier and veteran, shares raw stories from 14 tours, revealing the unseen pain behind military service and the devastating toll of mental health struggles. Discover untold stories, the reality of veteran su...

Join us as we dive into the incredible journey of Craig Woods, a triple amputee who sailed solo across the Pacific. From surviving a life-altering IED blast in Afghanistan to breaking records on the open sea, Craig's story is a testament to resilience and the power of mindset. Discover how Craig transformed trauma into triumph, embracing "post-traumatic growth" and redefining what it...

This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with Devin Fish, who shares his compelling life story, marked by a challenging upbringing in Rockford, Illinois. Devin recounts his experiences growing up in poverty, moving 16 times in 18 years, and facing instability and hardship. Despite these challenges, he joined the\ military, which provided a structured environment and a path to persona...

Most veterans carry their stories silently, but Andy Haynes, aka The Allotment Veteran, breaks the mold. From serving in Afghanistan as a soldier to sharing raw, unfiltered tales on TikTok, his journey reveals resilience, invaluable lessons, and the human side behind the uniform. In this gripping episode, Andy takes us through his childhood bouncing around military bases, the relentless training t...

In Episode 124, Dan Smith takes on the Yukon’s most unforgiving rivers — battling violent rapids, constant bear threat, and total isolation where rescue isn’t coming. This isn’t just an adventure story. It’s a raw look at what happens when you’re pushed to your limits with no one to rely on but yourself. From the gear that kept him alive, to the split-second decisions that could’ve ended it all, D...

Most veterans return home with a sense of duty, but rarely do they share how traumatic deployment, injuries, and loss shape a life. Tonight’s episode dives into the raw, unfiltered journey of a Chinook engineer who spent over a decade in Afghanistan—dealing with near-death experiences, personal tragedy, and mental health battles—yet still found a way to rebuild and find purpose. From the chaos of...

Johnny Ball, a former British Army soldier with 22 years of service, shares his powerful story of war, resilience, and recovery. From deployments in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Afghanistan to the challenges of mental health and life after service, this episode explores the true cost of war and the importance of community, storytelling, and support for veterans. We discuss the Invictus Games, the...

Join us as we unravel the extraordinary career of Colonel Peter Bates, OBE, a veteran of the Royal Artillery whose journey spans from the Falklands War to leading charitable projects for veterans and underserved communities worldwide. Discover insights into military leadership, combat stories, and his current initiatives supporting global youth and veterans. Main topics: Peter Bates’ military jour...

This episode is a candid deep dive into the often-hidden struggles of mental health, trauma, and addiction. Dan shares how alcohol initially served as an escape, how narcissists manipulate relationships, and the painful journey of fighting for his son amid abuse and courtroom battles. You’ll discover the subtle signs of narcissistic abuse, the stepping stones to recovery through AA, and how person...

In Episode 119 of Frankie’s Podcast, we dive deep into the journey from Gosport to the front lines—and everything in between. This isn’t the polished version of military life. It’s the raw reality. From long days at sea to the mental toll of service, this episode explores what it truly means to adapt, survive, and grow under pressure. We talk about how the military shapes identity, the hidden chal...

Join us as Rachel Webster shares her harrowing journey through military lawfare. After serving in Iraq, Bosnia, and Northern Ireland, Rachel faced an unjust investigation that led to unwarranted detention and legal battles. Her story highlights systemic failures in military justice and the urgent need for reform. Discover how Rachel's resilience and advocacy for mental health and legal reform...

Description: Defense analyst and veteran Tim Ripley breaks down the hard lessons of Iraq and Afghanistan, revealing how overconfidence, flawed intelligence, and political missteps turned early victories into long-term conflicts. In this episode, we explore how Western forces underestimated the complexity of Iraqi society, why poor planning fueled insurgency, and how the optimism of intervention qu...

Most military stories don’t capture the raw reality of survival under fire like this one. Steve Heaney, a former Pathfinders operator, takes us inside the chaos of Sierra Leone’s brutal jungle warfare — where odds are 80 to 1, ammunition is scarce, and survival hinges on instinct, resourcefulness, and incredible resilience. In this episode, Steve shares gripping firsthand accounts from his deploym...

Join host Frankie Dunn for an unforgettable conversation with bestselling author and combat veteran Geraint Jones , whose remarkable journey spans frontline service, creative writing, and deep conversations about life after the military. Geraint served in the British Army with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan , earning commendations for his courage before leaving the forces to protect...

In this powerful episode of Frankie’s Pod , host Frankie Dunn sits down with Mick Riley MBE , former Army veteran and founder of Tommy’s Lounge , for an honest and deeply moving conversation. Mick opens up about his upbringing in Merseyside, what drove him to join the Army, and the realities of military life—from the unbreakable camaraderie to the personal battles faced behind the scenes. He speak...

Most guys leave the Army and try to slow down. Fraser Carson left and decided to run towards three different fires at once. In this episode, Frankie sits down with a former Royal Artillery soldier who thought he’d seen it all—until he walked into a civilian emergency room. Fraser opens up about the whiplash of transitioning from the regimented chaos of the military to the unpredictable chaos of th...

Andy returns for a powerful and eye-opening conversation. Step into the boots of a police officer thrust into one of the world's most complex peacekeeping missions: Kosovo after the war. Fresh from his experiences with the IUC, Andy shares his unexpected deployment with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Hear firsthand about the daunting challenge of building law and order from the...

In this compelling conversation, Frankie sits down with Stu Wright , founder of Operation Cairngorms CIC , to explore his transformative journey from military service into building meaningful community support for veterans and serving personnel. After his time in the Royal Artillery and years of reflection on the challenges many face when leaving the forces, Stu shares how he turned personal exper...

In this gripping episode, Andrew Dunn interviews Dr. Simon Lee Maryan — a former Royal Marine Commando, psychological resilience specialist, and trauma expert whose life has unfolded under extraordinary pressure. Drawing on his military service, intelligence work, and lived experience of surviving multiple kidnappings, Simon shares rare insights into how the human mind responds to extreme threat a...