Frankie’s Pod: Uncorking the unforgettable

Davie talks to us about his life growing up in Dumbarton, Scotland, spending time in care, moving from place to place, getting in trouble with the law, and how this affected his decision to join the Army. He talks about his time in the Army and how later on he started to develop PTSD and how he tried to deal with this himself and then decided he needed to seek help. He talks about how he deals wit...

Today I'm chatting with Tracey Cruickshank a former British Army Nurse and veteran of the Gulf War. She talks about her childhood and what made her join the military. Her memories of serving and what it was like in the field hospital during the Gulf War in 1991. Tracey also discusses the work she and others have done regarding Gulf War Syndrom and the charities that help with this. https://justice...

Join us as we dive into the remarkable journey of Craig Douglas, a former Royal Artillery soldier whose story is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Serving on the frontlines of military life, Craig found himself in situations that tested his resilience and sometimes put him completely out of his depth. Yet each challenge only strengthened his resolve and adaptability. But Craig's story didn’t e...

Discover the remarkable story of Shane O'Rourke, recipient of the Queen’s Gallantry Medal (QGM) for his courageous actions in Iraq. Shane’s career began with the Royal Military Police (RMP), where he honed his skills in high-stakes situations that would later lead him to distinguished service in close protection. After Iraq, Shane took on crucial protective roles for the British embassy in Lebanon...

Meet John Scott, an octogenarian whose life is as dynamic as his TikTok following! A former soldier in the Royal Artillery, John began his journey during national service, enlisting as a young soldier and working his way up to gain a commission. Serving with the 94 Locating Regiment in Germany, John’s experiences laid the groundwork for a lifetime of adaptability and resilience. After his military...

Glen Ferguson, known by his call sign "RaiderDingo," is an American whose life reads like an adventure novel. Right after high school, Glen set out on an unconventional path, enlisting in the French Foreign Legion—a rare choice for an American. Through years of demanding service, he worked his way up to the rank of Sergent-chef, earning a reputation for resilience and adaptability. His time in the...

Daniel Hellings is a former British soldier recognized for his exceptional bravery during his service in Afghanistan, where he was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM). The QGM is one of the UK's highest honours for non-combat gallantry, awarded to individuals who demonstrate remarkable courage under conditions of extreme danger. Hellings’ experiences in Afghanistan placed him in situations w...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Binch—a man who has lived a life defined by service, resilience, and grit. Chris shares his journey from serving in the elite Parachute Regiment, including deployments to Northern Ireland, to working in Close Protection roles in the high-stakes environments of Iraq. Beyond the battlefield, Chris transitioned into the boxing ring and now serves his community...

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable story of Richy Thrower, the Founder of Peak Potential World and CEO of Motion Focus Media. Richy shares his journey from joining the British Armed Forces at the young age of 16 to becoming an entrepreneur dedicated to empowering others. He reflects on his time serving in combat zones like Afghanistan, where he cultivated resilience and leadership skill...

This episode dives into the remarkable story of Alex Harrison—a soldier whose courage earned him a "Mentioned in Dispatches" after a harrowing encounter in Afghanistan left him with a gunshot wound to the temple, the loss of an eye, and a battle with PTSD that nearly cost him everything. Known for his sharp humour and relentless resilience, Alex speaks candidly about the struggles, scars, and surp...

In this episode of Frankied Pod , we sit down with Andy Williams, the remarkable author of Beyond the Dropzone . Andy takes us through his journey as a former paratrooper, sharing the adrenaline-pumping experiences that inspired his book. From heart-racing moments in the drop zone to the deep personal reflections that followed, Andy opens up about facing fear, finding resilience, and the lessons l...

In this gripping episode, we dive into the incredible life story of Rich Jones, a former soldier with the Royal Tank Regiment who took a dark turn after leaving the military. Rich became one of Bristol’s most notorious drug kingpins, controlling a vast criminal empire until his eventual arrest and 15-year prison sentence. But that’s only half the story. While behind bars, Rich transformed his life...

Welcome to Behind the Vision with Alan Henry , a captivating podcast that takes you backstage with one of the most versatile creatives in the entertainment industry. Alan Henry is a multi-talented TV director, vision mixer, A1 radio DJ, private pilot (PPL), and the bass player for the popular tribute band The Very Beautiful South . Born and raised in Motherwell and now living in Cambridgeshire, Al...

In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Garth, a former member of 19th Regiment Royal Artillery. Garth reflects on his upbringing in Rhodesia before moving to the UK and joining the Army in 1998, beginning his journey at Rowallan Troop before attending Sandhurst. As a Gun Position Officer, Garth's military career was abruptly altered when he sustained a life-changing neck injury duri...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jason Gillard, a proud veteran of the Royal Signals, After years of dedicated service, Jason has channelled his experience and passion into creating the Northern Ireland Veterans Awards . His mission? To bridge the gap between the veteran community and the business world, showcasing the invaluable skills, resilience, and leadership that veterans bring to...

In this episode, I sit down with Roy White, who served with 3 RHA and later 19 Regiment Royal Artillery. Roy takes us through his experiences on the OPs and shares powerful memories of his time in Bosnia. We also dive into the challenges he faced transitioning from military life to civilian life, exploring the highs and lows of finding his way after leaving the Army. Join us for an honest and insi...

In this episode of Frankeis Pod, we sit down with Andy Cammiss, the founder of the East Durham Veterans Trust. Andy shares his inspiring story of overcoming adversity and using his experiences to help others. We delve into his time in the military, the challenges he faced upon returning home, and the mental health struggles that led him to establish the trust. Andy discusses the invaluable support...

In this episode of Frankie’s Pod, I sit down with Dan, a former member of the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC), who shares captivating stories from his military career. Dan’s service took him to various parts of the world, including Bosnia and Iraq, giving him a wealth of experiences to recount. We explore what it was like for him growing up on the South Coast and in Norfolk, and how those formative yea...

In this compelling episode of Frankies Pod, we sit down with Phill Barwise, the inspiring voice behind the popular Guys Talking podcast. Phill shares his remarkable journey from his military career to life after service, highlighting the pivotal experiences that shaped him. We explore the motivations that drove him to launch Guys Talking , a platform that has become a safe space for men to open up...

Today I'm talking with Dan Smith , a former Army veteran who set out to canoe the entire length of Britain. In this captivating podcast, Dan shares stories of his military experiences, his passion for adventure, and the challenges and triumphs of navigating the UK's waterways from end to end. From the discipline of Army life to the solitude of the rivers, Dan's journey is one of resilience, discov...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Hugh Andree, a former British Army officer turned entrepreneur who’s on a mission to transform the transition from military to civilian life. Hugh shares his journey from serving on the front lines to launching a successful recruitment company, where he dedicated himself to helping others find purpose beyond the uniform. Most recently, he's founded We Se...

This episode sounds like a truly inspiring conversation with Sally Orange! Her unique blend of military service, world record achievements, and advocacy for mental health paints a picture of resilience and purpose. Running marathons on every continent—especially in fruit costumes—is not just a testament to her physical endurance, but also her creativity and determination to raise awareness for imp...

In this episode, I have a conversation with Sammy Freeman, who enlisted in the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) in 1995. Sammy shares his experiences growing up in a tough neighbourhood in Glasgow and how those early challenges shaped him. He reflects on his time in the military and speaks openly about the difficulties he faced after leaving, including struggles with his mental health. Sammy also discus...

In this episode, I sit down with Dave Lamb, a veteran whose military career began with the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery in the mid-1980s. Dave takes us back to his early days of rigorous training and shares vivid, personal stories from his time with the regiment, highlighting both the challenges and the strong bonds of camaraderie that defined his service. In a deeply emotional part of the c...

In this compelling episode, we explore the remarkable life of Gareth Thomas, a man who has faced war and personal battles with unyielding courage. Starting his career in the Royal Navy as a submariner, Gareth transitioned to life as a professional boxer and doorman before re-enlisting with the British Army. Serving with the Queen’s Dragoon Guards, Gareth was deployed to Afghanistan as a Joint Term...