Frankie’s Pod: Uncorking the unforgettable

n this unforgettable episode of Frankie’s Pod , we sit down with Mick Hawkes QCB — legendary former 22 SAS trooper , decorated war veteran, undercover operator, and elite security expert. From humble beginnings and a dream of becoming a footballer, Mick’s journey took him through the Parachute Regiment, 29 Commando, and eventually into the UK’s most elite special forces. After 14 years in the SAS...

Join host Andrew Dunn (or Frankie Dunn if this is for Frankie’s Pod) as he sits down with Simon Brown, a British Army veteran whose life changed forever during the Iraq War. What began as a promising military career became a fight for survival, resilience, and ultimately, transformation. Simon enlisted in the Army at 18, following in his father’s footsteps and joining the Royal Electrical and Mech...

Join Frankie as he delves into the riveting life of Dr. Roy G. Taylor, a decorated veteran and former police chief. From his early days inspired by his father's dual careers to his own journey through the military and law enforcement, Dr. Taylor shares gripping stories of resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of justice. Discover the challenges and triumphs of a man who has dedicated his lif...

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 netwo...

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, incl...

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...

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...

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 in...

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...

🎙️ 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 be...

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...

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...

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 turn...

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 cap...

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...

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 extr...

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 u...

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 ch...

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-lin...

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 compl...

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...

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 so...

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...

In this explosive episode, Frankie sits down with Dave Saben — a military veteran and former platoon commander during Australia’s involvement in Vietnam — for a raw, firsthand account of one of the most defining moments in Aussie military history: the Battle of Long Tan. With bullets raining, brutal conditions, and the odds stacked against them, hear how a band of young Australian soldiers faced a...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Peter Watt, former Royal Navy Deckhand and a leading member of the Hebburn Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club. Peter takes us back to his roots in Jarrow, sharing stories of growing up in the North East before setting sail with the Navy. He opens up about life at sea, the lessons learned, and the challenges faced — both during service and after....