Frankie’s Pod: Uncorking the unforgettable

In this episode of Frankie’s Pod, Frankie sits down with Paul Shilling, a former soldier with the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR) and the founder of Operation Jackdaw — a wild camping experience for veterans near Canterbury, Kent. Paul shares stories from his military career, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and how the outdoors became a lifeline for him and fellow veter...

Strap in for an unforgettable conversation with Gareth Jones—a man forged in the hills of Brecon, tested in the ranks of the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC), and hardened in the prison service. But Gareth’s story doesn’t end there. Today, he's the driving force behind Bulldogs Boxing Community Wales , where he's turning blood, sweat, and years of frontline experience into real change for young peo...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Frankie sits down with Claire Aves — athlete, survivor, and winner of Who Dares Wins — to talk resilience, healing, and the life-changing role sport played in her recovery. Claire opens up about the darkest chapter of her life: leaving home at 17, enduring nearly three years of mental and physical abuse, and the painful isolation that followed. She sha...

In this episode, I sit down with Lewis Manalo and Matt Patak — military veterans turned AAA game developers and Co-Founders of an exciting new studio. Lewis Manalo served in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne , and has written for Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon , Dying Light 2 , Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodhunt , Exoborne , and more. Matt Patak served in Iraq with the Third Infantry Division , and ha...

This week on Frankie's Pod, we dive deep with a man whose story redefines resilience. Steve joined the army at just 16, driven by a mission to make a difference. But nothing could prepare him for the moment he watched tragedy unfold before his eyes—powerless to stop it. That moment changed everything. Haunted by the weight of inaction, Steve spiraled into a battle with his mental health. But i...

In this powerful episode of Frankie’s Pod, I sit down with Mark Ormrod – former Royal Marine, Invictus Games athlete, author, motivational speaker, and an incredible example of human resilience. Mark shares the raw and inspiring story of his journey: from growing up and choosing to join one of the world’s toughest military units, to enduring the unimaginable after stepping on an IED in Afghanistan...

In this episode of Frankier’s Pod , we sit down with Roy Fitzgerald, a veteran whose military journey spans decades, continents, and disciplines. Roy takes us back to where it all began—joining the Royal Artillery in 1988 and training at Woolwich before serving in 4 RA. From working the guns to shifting into artillery intelligence, Roy recounts the realities of life in the regiment, including cand...

In this powerful episode of PTSD Progress Through Scuba Diving , we sit down with Kevin James , a former British Army Physical Training Corps instructor whose groundbreaking work is helping people overcome PTSD—through scuba diving. Kevin’s journey began in the Royal Military Police , later transitioning into the Army Physical Training Corps. Drawing from his military discipline, physical training...

Finding Purpose After the Storm: David Heaviside on Veterans and Mental Health. 🗣️ Episode Summary: In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Frankie sits down with David Heaviside , a former soldier with the British Army who served in 2nd Battalion, The Light Infantry (2 LI) —later part of 3 Rifles . David opens up about his military service, including a life-changing deployment to Iraq on Op...

this episode of Frankie’s Pod , we sit down with Zoe Robson—former Royal Military Police Corporal, trailblazer, and fierce advocate for rehabilitation and recovery. Born in Northern Ireland and raised across military bases as a proud pads brat, Zoe knew from childhood that she was destined to wear the red beret. Her journey with the RMP took her to Germany and beyond, but it wasn’t all smooth sail...

In this deeply personal episode of Frankie’s Pod , we hear from a former Royal Artillery serviceman, David Harmar, who shares his honest and inspiring journey of living with undiagnosed Autism throughout his military career and beyond. From struggling with clumsiness, poor motor skills, and social challenges during his time at Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Artillery (JLRRA) Bramcote, to unexpected...

In this powerful and revealing episode, I sit down with General Sir David Richards, former Chief of the Defence Staff, to explore his remarkable journey through the military. From early experiences to leading at the highest levels, General Richards shares candid reflections, untold stories, and the leadership lessons forged through decades of service. This conversation offers a rare, behind-the-sc...

Join Carl Simpson, former RAF Regiment serviceman turned Personal Trainer and Certified Online Coach, as he shares his journey from military discipline to transforming lives through fitness. On From Regiment to Results , Carl brings you real talk on mindset, motivation, and movement—blending lessons from the front line with cutting-edge fitness coaching. Whether you're chasing personal goals o...

Join us for an exhilarating episode featuring Rusty Firmin, a legendary figure in the world of military special operations. In this candid conversation, Rusty takes us on a riveting journey that began with his enlistment in the Royal Artillery, where he honed his skills and discipline as a soldier. From there, he shares the intense challenges and triumphs of completing the Commando Course and join...

In this episode, we chat with the ever-charismatic Rodd Glenn —actor, author, and all-around creative powerhouse. From gritty film roles to gripping novels, Rodd spills the tea on what made him trade a “normal” life for one filled with dramatic monologues, fake blood, and the occasional diva. We dive into why he chose acting as a profession (spoiler: it wasn't for the fame or free snacks), how sto...

Right then, lads and lasses – in this bonus episode, I chinwag with the absolute weapon-grade legends who run Fire Mission , the annual piss-up/festival/mega hangout put on by Gunners, for Gunners. Whether you're a salty old vet, still serving, or part-time hero (cheers, Reservists), this weekend’s all about swinging the lantern, spinning some proper dits, necking a few scoops, and soaking up...

Join us for today's podcast featuring Amber Guymer-Hosking, a former member of the Royal Army Medical Corps who served both in the UK and in Afghanistan. Amber shares her inspiring journey, from her challenging upbringing to her pivotal decision to enlist in the military. She opens up about the struggles she faced during her service, including the abuse she endured, and the difficulties that follo...

In this riveting episode, I’m joined by Gary F O’Shea, a former Royal Engineer whose remarkable journey takes us from the high-stakes world of bomb disposal to the global stage with the United Nations. Gary opens up about the intense experiences that defined his military career and shares captivating stories from his subsequent work in some of the most challenging hotspots around the world. From n...

Join me in this compelling episode as I sit down with Ash Winter, a veteran whose journey through the military is both inspiring and thought-provoking. Ash takes us through his transformative experiences, from his initial enlistment in The Queen's Royal Hussars to navigating the challenges and triumphs that shaped his life. Now, Ash is making a profound impact in the community by organizing monthl...

In this captivating episode, I sit down with Vern Littely, a remarkable individual whose journey spans the worlds of military service and historical exploration. After serving in the Royal Artillery, Vern transitioned from the trenches of battle to the halls of academia, where he pursued a degree that deepened his passion for history. Join us as Vern shares his unique experiences—from the adrenali...

In this episode of Frankies Pod I sit down with Andrew Thurgood to discuss his incredible journey from growing up and joining the Parachute Regiment to transferring to the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) and eventually gaining employment at the NHS. Andrew shares his unique experiences, challenges, and insights gained from his diverse military and healthcare background. Join us as we explore the l...

In this episode, Riche talks about growing up and the various misadventures he had when first joining the Army. Ultimately leading him to leave only later to rejoin and have a more successful time. Richie also talks about his final decision to leave the Army and how his military service has helped him succeed in civilian life. An often funny but Frank conversation this one is not to be missed If y...

If you’re looking for polished hero stories, look elsewhere. I sit down with Trevor Couldt MC to rip the Band-Aid off his life — from growing up in Belfast to earning the Military Cross in combat, and the absolute shitshow that followed when the war ended but the demons didn’t. We talk near-death experiences, military-grade gallows humor, and why life after the military sometimes feels like a bad...

In this episode, Mark talks about his time in the military and the struggles he has had since leaving He talks about where he grew up and why he joined the Army. He takes us through his career and explained why he decided to leave. We then talk about the struggles he has had since he left. It is an honest episode with a trigger warning about attempted suicide. If you like this podcast and the prev...

In this episode, we delve into the mysterious life of a Pads Wife, or Military Spouse. Talking to Shophie gives us a humorous insight into what it's like married to a soldier and all that can entail. Often funny but thought-provoking join us as we talk about everything to do with Pad Wifery If you would like to help the Channel out please buy me a coffeehttps://buymeacoffee.com/frankiespodDon&...