The Old Paratrooper Podcast

A former Royal Marines Commando and Falklands war veteran. Along with his combat service medals, Neil was presented with Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant award for "17 Years outstanding military service, as a member of the Forces in the Service of Her Majesty The Queen and the Country".He was a Free-Fall Parachute instructor and team leader, Tandem-Master, Ski Instructor and represented his country i...

The Somme. A name that means so much to so many, yet until you stand here, it’s impossible to truly understand its scale. This was my first visit, and no amount of reading, documentaries or photographs could prepare me for what it feels like to walk these battlefields. Today they’re peaceful fields, lined with crops, trees and quiet country roads. But just over a century ago, this landscape witnes...

Richard French (Frenchy) joined the Army in 1999 and served for 17 years in the Coldstream Guards and 3 Para. Trained early in his career as a sniper and later sniper commander, he deployed on eight operational tours and multiple training team deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Saudi Arabia and Anti-poaching in Africa. Frenchy was wounded by a Taliban grenade in Afghanistan and later in a...

How much value do different countries place on those who serve? In this clip, we discuss how veterans, serving members of the armed forces, and emergency services personnel are viewed and treated around the world. From public respect and recognition to healthcare, support networks, benefits, and opportunities after service, the differences between countries can be striking. Having served in the mi...

In the final part of our conversation, John Hunter reflects on a life that most people could only imagine. From the Parachute Regiment to the world of close protection, high-risk environments, and experiences that tested him both physically and mentally, John shares the lessons learned along the way. Despite the extraordinary stories, the dangerous situations, and the unique career path, John'...

As you can imagine, over the years I've been asked all sorts of questions. Some about the military, some about firefighting, and plenty about life after both. This particular question seems to come up more than most, so I thought I'd share my thoughts on it. I'm not saying I'm right, and everyone's situation is different, but it's a question I've been asked countless ti...

Simon Weston is one of Britain's most recognised veterans and an enduring symbol of resilience, courage and determination. A former Welsh Guardsman, Simon was serving aboard the RFA Sir Galahad during the Falklands War when the ship was attacked, leaving him with severe burn injuries. Following years of surgeries, rehabilitation and personal challenges, he rebuilt his life and became one of th...

Two government resignations have sent shockwaves through Westminster, tensions continue to rise in Northern Ireland, and we take a look at the real power of networking and how the right connections can change the course of your life and career. We also discuss the latest ultra-endurance challenge on the horizon and ask the question: Which ultra is next? Tune in for sundays controversial podcast wi...

Jason Holbrook is undertaking an extraordinary challenge — spending more than two years walking the entire coastline of the United Kingdom. But this journey is about far more than miles covered and maps completed. Driven by personal experiences and a desire to make a difference, Jason is raising funds for six charities close to his heart while using his journey to shine a light on the realities of...

The guest on this episode is Chris Oldfield, a former Royal Engineer whose military career took him to some of the world's most volatile conflict zones. Serving on operational tours in Iraq (x2), Afghanistan, Kosovo, Northern Ireland and the Falkland Islands, Chris experienced the realities of modern warfare first-hand, operating under the constant threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)...

At just 29, this British Army veteran’s life changed forever after a devastating road traffic collision cost him his right arm. But rather than let tragedy define him, he found a new mission. Now competing in Para XC skiing, he’s pushing physical and mental limits while helping drive awareness and support for wounded veterans through the Armed Forces Para Snowsports Team. From loss and identity to...

Full episode out soon

Marc Rhodes is an ultra-endurance athlete, performance coach, and founder of Uncharted Performance. From the scorching Sahara to the Amazon jungle and the frozen Arctic Circle, Marc has tested himself in some of the most unforgiving environments on earth. A former Army hopeful whose path took a different turn, he rebuilt through hardship, discipline, and relentless self-development. Today, he help...

Former Paratrooper Tom Pardoe joins The Old Paratrooper Podcast for a raw conversation about life inside the Parachute Regiment. From the realities of military culture and pressure to discipline, identity, and brotherhood, this episode gives an honest insight into the mindset built through service. No Hollywood version. No over-dramatisation. Just real conversation about what the Regiment gives yo...

They talk about the trauma of the job…But not enough people talk about what poor leadership does to good firefighters. Years of service. Experience. Loyalty. Destroyed by weak management, station politics, egos, and toxic culture behind closed doors. John opens up about the reality many in the emergency services know all too well, sometimes the fire isn’t on the incident ground… it’s inside the st...

PART 2 Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below. www.theoldpara.co.uk Ex British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchFROM WAR ZONES TO FIRE GROUNDS… THIS IS JOHN HUNTER.John Hunter isn’t just another guest—he’s lived multiple...

Ex British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation. https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch I’ll be honest… it’s been a bit quiet on here. Not because nothing’s happening, more the opposite. Been flat out behind the scenes trying to get things right. Chasing people, sorting episodes, redoing bits that just weren’t...

Ex British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchBlindfolded. Exhausted. Broken down to nothing. In this clip, Melvyn lifts the lid on the interrogation phase — where it’s not just physical punishment, it’s psychological warfare. Sleep-deprived, disoriented, and pushed to th...

Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below. https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuie PART 1…..FROM WAR ZONES TO FIRE GROUNDS… THIS IS JOHN HUNTER.John Hunter isn’t just another guest—he’s lived multiple lifetimes most wouldn’t survive. A former Paratrooper and Falklands War veteran, John went from the i...

I’ve seen situations like this before—different uniform, different country, same chaos. What people don’t understand is how fast these moments unfold. One second it’s control, the next it’s unpredictable. Everyone watching from the outside sees a still image… but that’s not reality. Reality is noise, adrenaline, decisions made in fractions of a second. My reaction? It’s not about jumping on a band...

As reports surface of experienced SAS soldiers seeking early exit, the question hits hard — who carries the blame? After years operating in the shadows, facing life-or-death decisions in places like Afghanistan and Northern Ireland, many now find themselves under the microscope long after the battlefield has gone quiet. This clip dives into the growing tension between duty and accountability — and...

“Male Ego – The Weapon and the Weakness”Let’s talk about ego. Not the Instagram version. Not the motivational quote version. The real one. The one that gets men in trouble…and the same one that gets them through hell. #veteran #britisharmy #viral #podcast #military #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #royalmarinecommando #reels #motivational #mentalstrength

Ex British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchOUT NOW.A career built in service—ripped apart by accusations. Arrested in her own home. Targeted. Investigated. Branded. Was this justice… or a witch hunt driven by Keir Starmer and Phil Shiner? Rachel Webster is a decorated...

Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below. https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuie Ex Brit Military and struggling with your hearing ? Click below you may be eligible for compensation. https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch Ex Royal Marine Commando awarded the Bronze Star with Valo...

This isn’t a guide to enlightenment. It’s a raw, unfiltered account of a life lived off the rails — fuelled by booze, gambling, sex, cults, cocaine and chaos. No hero arc. No clean redemption. Just a man trying to turn things around while not having a clue how. If you’ve ever felt like a fraud in your own skin… a sexual failure… a bloke drifting with no direction, paralysed by what everyone else t...