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The Old Paratrooper Podcast

Author: Chris Binch

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A no frills podcast, just an ex Paratrooper, mercenary and firefighter chatting to a wide variety and diverse range of guests. From actors to sports personalities to military guests and veterans covering a multitude of topics from there careers ,life in general to how people cope with various forms of mental health. Sometimes funny , sometimes emotional but hopefully entertaining and something people can relate to.
https://youtube.com/@theoldparatrooperpodcast?si=lehGKUW0MlvaiRl6
120 Episodes
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Ex British Military ? Struggling with your hearing ? Click belowhttps://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchSniper Ted Shirley talks about going toe to toe with an enemy sniperFULL PODCAST BELOWhttps://youtu.be/8k29h9KZVCA?si=WQfCy0zcsl66uFTs#snipers #britisharmy #veteran #military #mindset #resilience #war #afghanistan
Ex British military? Struggling with your hearing? CLICK BELOW👇🏻https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchIn this episode of the Old Paratrooper podcast, Ted Shirley shares his remarkable journey from a young boy in North Wales to becoming a sniper in the British Army. He discusses his motivations for joining the military, the challenges he faced during training, and the realities of combat in Afghanistan. Ted provides insights into the rigorous sniper course, the emotional toll of taking lives, and the impact of his experiences on his mental health, particularly PTSD. His story is one of determination, resilience, and the complexities of military life. In this conversation, Ted Shirley shares his harrowing experiences as a sniper in combat, the psychological toll of war, and his journey through PTSD. He discusses the struggles he faced after returning home, including feelings of guilt, anger, and the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life. Ted emphasizes the importance of therapy, the power of creativity in healing, and the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the military community. He also introduces the concept of 'crap friends' as a way to encourage open communication about mental health struggles among veterans. * Ted's early life in North Wales shaped his military aspirations.* The impact of 9-11 motivated many to join the military.* Joining the Royal Welsh Fusiliers was a family-oriented decision for Ted.* Basic training was a challenging yet rewarding experience.* Ted's first tour in Afghanistan was a pivotal moment in his career.* The sniper course is known for its steep learning curve and high dropout rate.* Transitioning to a sniper role brought new responsibilities and challenges.* Combat experiences can have lasting effects on mental health, including PTSD.* The reality of taking a life is complex and deeply impactful.* Operation Moshtarak was a significant and challenging mission for Ted Combat engagement is a complex and emotional experience.* Soldiers often face a psychological toll after taking lives.* The desire for adrenaline and combat can lead to addiction.* PTSD manifests in intrusive thoughts and nightmares.* Creativity can be a powerful tool for healing.* Therapy is essential for understanding and managing PTSD.* Finding purpose after military service is crucial for recovery.* Breaking the stigma around mental health is vital for veterans.* Support systems, like 'crap friends', can help those in need.* Recovery is possible with dedication and the right support.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ted Shirley's Journey06:07 Joining the Royal Welsh Fusiliers11:48 First Tour in Afghanistan17:50 Transition to Sniper Role24:14 Preparing for the Second Tour29:50 Engaging the Enemy Sniper36:19 The First Kill: A Sniper's Perspective50:05 Operation Moshtarak: The Biggest Air Assault59:50 The Aftermath: Mental Health and Guilt01:13:39 The Transformation After War01:21:20 The Breaking Point and Seeking Help01:31:22 Finding Hope and Healing01:39:54 Overcoming PTSD: A New Beginning#snipers #britisharmy #viral #army #military #facts #royalmarinecommando #podcast #motivation #shorts #britisharmy #afghanistan #middleeast
Ex-Military ? Struggling with hearing ? Click below to see if your eligible to claim.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchChris Binch shares his extensive experience in the murky world of close protection, including his time in Iraq, key incidents, and lessons learned. This episode offers a rare inside look at the dangers, skills, and realities of private security operations in conflict zones.#veteran #military#paratrooper #britisharmy
Served in the military and left after 1987? Struggling to hear your mukkas down the pub? TV too loud? Click below and start your claim immediately before it's too late. 👇https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchIn this episode of the Old Paratrooper podcast, retired Major General Adrian Freer shares insights from his extensive military career, focusing on his experiences during the Kosovo conflict, leadership lessons learned, and reflections on his post-military career. He discusses the challenges faced during operations, interactions with Russian forces, and the importance of adaptability and resilience in leadership. Freer emphasizes the value of personal integrity and the significance of camaraderie among soldiers, while also reflecting on the evolution of military service and the opportunities available to new recruits today.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:29 Kosovo Conflict Overview11:40 Deployment and Operations in Kosovo21:23 Interactions with Russian Forces25:39 Impact of Kosovo on Military Structure31:26 Reflections on Equipment and Personnel35:36 Conclusion and Future Considerations37:19 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life39:51 International Military Advisory Training in Sierra Leone42:37 Mentoring in Kosovo: A Complex Role44:21 Reflecting on a Distinguished Military Career48:33 Life After Service: New Beginnings53:30 Leadership Lessons from the Military01:02:53 Advice for the Next Generation of Soldiers01:10:07 WhatsApp Video 2026-02-13 at 13.54.36.mp4#shorts #military #britisharmy #parachuteregiment #short #reel #viral #facts #facebook #instagram #tiktok
Leeroy Wheeler didn’t just grow up on a council estate — he was forged there. Concrete walls, tight money, people telling him to "be realistic." The kind of place where dreams are something you hear about, not something you chase.But Leeroy wasn’t built to stay boxed in.When he scraped together enough to buy his first property, something clicked. He realised this wasn’t just a purchase — it was a way out, a map, a weapon, and a future all in one. Brick by brick, deal by deal, he clawed his way from a life of limits to a life on his own terms.From council estate beginnings to millionaire status, Leeroy Wheeler lays out the real blueprint — not the sugar-coated version, but the raw, unapologetic journey of how he did it. The mistakes, the risks, the mindset, and the moves that changed his life.If you want the truth about escaping the bottom and building something real, this is where he tells it.#podcast #millionaire #property #mindset #motivation #resilience
Served in the military and left after 1987? Struggling to hear your mukkas down the pub? TV too loud? Click below and start your claim immediately before it's too late. 👇https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchIn this episode of the Old Paratrooper podcast, host Chris Binch engages in a lighthearted conversation with former Royal Anglian soldier and comedian Pat Smith. They explore Pat's journey from a childhood in Essex to military life, the challenges of training, and the transition to civilian life. Pat shares his experiences in the military, including overseas exercises and training foreign forces, and discusses his passion for stand-up comedy and writing a sitcom. The conversation highlights the importance of support networks, personal growth, and the therapeutic nature of comedy for veterans.* Military training can be both physically and mentally challenging.* Cultural differences can impact training effectiveness with foreign forces.* Transitioning to civilian life can be isolating and challenging.* Finding a passion post-military is crucial for personal fulfillment.* Stand-up comedy can be a therapeutic outlet for veterans.* The journey of creating a sitcom requires patience and dedication.* Networking and collaboration are key in creative industries.* Embracing failure can lead to new opportunities and growth.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Lighthearted Beginning02:04 Childhood Reflections and Early Life04:36 Transition to Military Life08:30 Training Challenges and Experiences12:43 Battalion Life and Overseas Exercises27:17 Training Foreign Forces and Cultural Insights32:31 Post-Military Transition and New Ventures40:47 Stand-Up Comedy Journey and Future Aspirations#veteran #britisharmy #viral #comedy #funny #motivation #mentalhealthawareness #military #shorts #reels #facts #instagram #podcast
Served in the military and left after 1987? Struggling to hear your mukkas down the pub? TV too loud? Click below and start your claim immediately before it's too late. 👇https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchIn this episode of the Old Paratrooper podcast, Chris Binch welcomes back Bob Shepherd, a former SAS soldier, to discuss his extensive experiences in jungle warfare. Bob shares insights from his military career, including his passion for the jungle, the challenges of navigating this harsh environment, and the importance of personal administration. He reflects on wildlife encounters, cultural insights from the Iban people, and the impact of modernization on the jungle. The conversation emphasizes the significance of realistic training and the unique skills developed in jungle conditions.* Bob Shepherd's military career spanned from 1972 to 1994.* He developed a passion for jungle warfare during his military training.* The jungle environment requires a unique set of survival skills.* Personal administration is crucial for success in jungle operations.* Wildlife encounters can be both fascinating and dangerous in the jungle.* Cultural insights from the Iban people highlight the importance of indigenous knowledge.* Modernization is impacting traditional jungle environments.* Training in the jungle prepares soldiers for various operational environments.* Realistic training is essential for effective military preparation.* The jungle is a challenging but rewarding environment for those who embrace it.00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection02:10 Bob Shepherd's Military Career Overview05:45 Passion for Jungle Warfare11:50 Experiences in the Jungle19:52 Navigating the Jungle Environment25:47 The Importance of Personal Admin32:11 Wildlife Encounters in the Jungle39:56 Cultural Insights from the Iban People48:33 The Impact of Modernization on the Jungle58:34 Reflections on Training and Realism01:10:30 Final Thoughts and Farewellhttps://bobshepherdauthor.com#sas #specialforces #podcast #britisharmy #interview #viral #army #military #veteran #shorts #facts #jungle #soldier #legend
In this conversation, Chris Binch shares his experiences as a firefighter and a member of the parachute regiment, discussing the challenges, fears, and misconceptions associated with both professions. He reflects on close calls, the psychological aspects of fear and adrenaline, and the importance of mental health. Binchy emphasizes the camaraderie and leadership within these fields, while also addressing the addictive nature of risk and the life lessons learned from his career. He encourages open discussions about mental health and the significance of reaching out for help when needed.Served in the military and left after 1987? Struggling to hear your mukkas down the pub? TV too loud? Click below and start your claim immediately before it's too late. 👇https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch* Jumping out of a plane is scarier than firefighting.* Parachuting training is more challenging than it seems.* Movies often misrepresent firefighting techniques.* Adrenaline levels are similar in firefighting and combat situations.* Mental health is crucial in high-stress professions.* Coping mechanisms include humor and camaraderie.* Desensitization to trauma can occur in these jobs.* Leadership quality varies greatly in emergency services.Risk can be addictive for some individuals.Life is short, and we should cherish every moment.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of Questions03:14 Experiences in Firefighting and Parachuting06:05 Close Calls and Near-Death Experiences09:24 Misconceptions in Movies about Firefighting12:19 Psychological Aspects of High-Stress Jobs15:08 Coping Mechanisms and Mental Health18:00 Reflections on Intensity and Job Satisfaction21:21 Memorable Incidents and Split-Second Decisions27:17 First Fire Experience and Lessons Learned28:35 Brotherhood and Identity in the Paratroopers30:58 Camaraderie and Dark Humor in High-Stress Professions32:40 Leadership Insights from Military and Fire Service35:21 Traits for Survival in High-Risk Roles37:47 Perception of Danger and Risk Addiction41:10 Life Lessons from Dangerous Experiences43:54 Understanding Leadership and Responsibility45:25 Reflections on Career Choices and Regrets52:23 #subscribe #follow #podcast #veteran #military #parachuteregiment #britisharmy. #interview #viral #shorts #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters
David Smith, better known as The Mindset Soldier, is a prominent British mindset coach and former soldier recognized for his work in mental resilience and high-performance. Ex Military? Left after 1987? Struggling with your hearing? Click below👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchKey Background & ExperienceMilitary Service: A former British Army veteran, David served in Afghanistan and was awarded a Mention in Dispatches for saving a comrade's life under sniper fire.Personal Adversity: His coaching is rooted in overcoming extreme personal challenges, including a childhood in the care system, homelessness, loss of family members, and a subsequent battle with PTSD and suicidal ideation.Coaching Philosophy: He advocates for a "bulletproof mindset," teaching that discipline is trainable and that growth comes from consistency rather than temporary motivation. Core Coaching PrinciplesDavid frequently shares actionable mental health and performance strategies through his Instagram and YouTube channels:Action Over Motivation: Taking action before waiting to "feel" motivated is essential for progress.Identity-Based Habits: Focus on installing daily non-negotiable routines to rebuild confidence and focus.Self-Trust through Consistency: Keeping small, daily commitments to oneself as a way to build long-term confidence.Separating Setbacks from Identity: Viewing difficult days as temporary events rather than personal failures. Media and ProgramsMindset Soldier Podcast: A platform where he discusses the mentalities of athletes and entrepreneurs.Built Around Fitness: A program designed to help professionals rebuild their health and mental resilience.Public Speaking: He is a frequent guest on podcasts and a speaker at fitness and wellbeing expos. https://www.instagram.com/mindset.soldier/?hl=en#veteran #ptsd #military #podcast #viral #motivation #mindset #britisharmy #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth
Ex Military? Left after 1987? Struggling with your hearing? Click below👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchBob Shepherd as an adviser to a media team, Khost Province, Afghanistan. 2007Bob Shepherd is a British Special Forces veteran, and co-author of three books with journalist Patricia Sabga. Their first collaboration, The Circuit, was a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller. They’ve also written two critically acclaimed novels; The Infidel and The Good Jihadist. During his nearly twenty years of service with 22 SAS Regiment, and the three years previous to that Bob participated in the Dhofar War 1972-76, the Iranian Embassy siege in London in 1980, The Falklands War in 1982, the first Gulf War in 1991 and the Bosnia war in 1994. He left the Regiment in late 1994 as a Warrant Officer and went to work on the international security circuit as an adviser to media, diplomats, VIPs and others. Bob’s work in the private sector has taken him to some of the most volatile places on earth including The Balkans, Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He is a regular media commentator on security issues and geopolitics, and has appeared on CNN International, BBC One, BBC World, BBC Radio and SKY News. He has also authored several articles in newspapers and magazines.In addition to writing and lecturing, Bob continues to advise individuals operating in hostile environments.#sas #specialforces #jungle #mentalhealthawareness #viral #podcast #interview #shorts #reels
Served in the military and left after 1987? Struggling to hear your mukkas down the pub? TV too loud? Click below and start your claim immediately before it's too late. 👇https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchDave "DC" Coleman is a former Royal Marines Commando and the founder of Civvy 2 Commando (C2C), a training and coaching platform. His work focuses on preparing civilians for the physical and mental rigours of elite military selection while sharing his personal journey of overcoming a severe stammer, PTSD, and depression. #veteran #britisharmy #royalmarinecommando #veteran #viral #podcast #military #fyp #motivation #interview #shorts www.civvy2commando.com
I get asked all the time about online stuff and set up podcasts and ideas for this and that ....I'm no expect, but I had an idea and ran with it ...he's my experiences and the mistakes I made. #motivation #inspiration #whynot #takeachance #shorts #viralvideo #reels #britisharmy #veteran #parachuteregiment #military
What really matters in life isn’t the constant chase for more, but the quiet moments that make us feel alive and connected. It’s the people who see us as we are, the love we give and receive, and the sense of purpose that makes our days meaningful. Success, money, and recognition may come and go, but kindness, integrity, and shared experiences leave lasting marks on our hearts. In the end, a good life is built less on what we accumulate and more on how deeply we live, how honestly we love, and how gently we treat ourselves and others.#veteran #life #whatreallymatters #love #military #mentalhealthmatters #parachuteregiment #britisharmy #health #onelife
Served in the military and left after 1987? Struggling to hear your mukkas down the pub? TV too loud? Click below and start your claim immediately before it's too late. 👇https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchHenline enlisted in the United States Army in 1989 at 17 years of age. After completing basic training, he served in the Gulf War and was Honorably Discharged from service in 1992. Following the September 11 attacks of 2001, Henline re-enlisted into the Army and served 3 additional tours during the Iraq War. On his 4th tour he was part of the 82nd Airborne Division and during a convoy transporting soldiers and supplies the Humvee Henline was riding in hit an IED. The four other soldiers he was riding with were all killed and Henline was set ablaze in the explosion. He suffered severe burns on almost 40 percent of his body with his head and face being burned down to the skull. Henline was put into a medically induced coma and transported to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He awakened after two weeks, and underwent six months of treatment. Currently, Henline has undergone 48 surgeries including multiple skin grafts and reconstructions.While hospitalized Henline would often use humor as a means of dealing with his extraordinary circumstances. As his treatment was ending, his occupational therapist suggested that he attend an open mic at the Comedy Store. In August 2009, Henline made his debut and from there he did open mics three times a week. He was contacted by a talent agency in L.A. which led him to a part in the Showtime documentary "Comedy Warriors: Healing Through Humor". He went on to perform at events and comedy clubs across the nation including such venues as Brad Garrett's Comedy Club; Hollywood Improv; Laugh Factory; Krackpots; L.A. Comedy Club; Stardome; LOL San Antonio; LA Comedy Club (Laughlin, NV) and more.After his recovery Henline started traveling and speaking to a wide range of audiences, including injured veterans and burn victims. He helped found the Bravo748 Military and Law Enforcement Speakers Bureau and travels around the world with the organization to do speaking engagements. Henline and his wife Jamie started the charity organization Forging Forward, The Bobby Henline Foundation with the goal of helping military personnel and first-responders and their families deal with the injuries and traumas that can occur in that work.https://www.instagram.com/bobby_henlinehttps://www.facebook.com/BobbyHenlinehttps://bobbyhenlinecomedy.com#veteran #viral #podcast #military #paratrooper #usarmy #usa #short #shorts #viralvideos #britisharmy #parachuteregiment #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness
Served in the military and left after 1987? Struggling to hear your mukkas down the pub? TV too loud? Click below and start your claim immediately before it's too late. 👇https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchBrian Wood MC is a highly decorated former British Army soldier, renowned for his extraordinary bravery and leadership during his military service.Awarded the Military Cross for his exemplary courage in the face of enemy fire during the Battle of Danny Boy in Iraq, Brian's actions have become emblematic of heroism and dedication. Following his distinguished military career, Brian has authored the acclaimed book "Double Crossed" and has become a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing his experiences to inspire resilience and perseverance. Beyond his professional endeavours, Brian is deeply committed to charity work, particularly supporting veterans and their families, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to service and community.Project Fire & Ice: Mission Accomplished in the Arctic CircleIn a remarkable feat of endurance, resilience, and brotherhood, the Project Fire & Ice team—comprising veterans Jason Fox, Aldo Kane, Brian Wood MC, and Karl Hinett—successfully completed the 500km Bright Equipment Lapland Arctic Ultra on March 12th at 09:43 AM in Överkalix, Sweden. Over ten grueling days, these men ventured deep into the Arctic Circle, pushing beyond physical and mental limits to raise awareness and vital funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.https://givestar.io/gs/project-fire-ice#veteran #podcast #viral #military #shorts #fireandice #viral #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #motivation #warcrimes
Served in the military and left after 1987? Struggling to hear your mukkas down the pub? TV too loud? Click below and start your claim immediately before it's too late. 👇https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchDale "Paratrooper" Fenton's fighting career started the way most good stories do – completely by accident.He was doom scrolling through Facebook on an all-inclusive holiday in Turkey when he saw a post from Spartan Ring Warz. They needed a last-minute fighter for their Cumbria Carnage event at Box Arena in Carlisle. Weight requirement: 88kg.Dale wandered down to the hotel lobby and jumped on the scales. 88kg flashed back at him.The rest is history.Prior to this Dale shares his harrowing experience of suffering traumatic injuries from a 600-foot fall and the subsequent struggle to receive recognition and compensation for his injuries. He discusses the challenges he faced with authorities who dismissed the connection between his fall and his injuries, attributing them to unrelated past incidents instead. • Dale fell 600 feet. • He sustained multiple traumatic injuries. • Authorities refused to connect his fall to his injuries. • He faced unreasonable excuses from officials regarding his condition. • Dale fought for two years to receive compensation. • The struggle for recognition can be exhausting and frustrating. • Personal experiences can be dismissed by those in power. • Fighting for justice often requires persistence and resilience. • Dale’s story highlights the importance of accountability. • Traumatic injuries can have long-lasting effects on individuals. • The journey to justice is often filled with obstacles.The nickname comes from his time serving with the Parachute Regiment, where he learned the kind of mental toughness that doesn't fade when you hang up the uniform. The Paras don't teach you to back down from anything, and that attitude has served him well in his new career.With ten days notice, no boxing experience, no coach, and no corner team, Dale stepped into the ring against an experienced bare knuckle boxer with four wins in five fights. There was no crowd to cheer him on either.Dale threw his best shot and caught him clean on the upper jaw, knocking him out cold. The poor guy spent two hours on oxygen backstage before going to hospital.Just two weeks after that first fight, Dale went in for his third knee surgery. The news wasn't good – no cartilage left at all, just bone on bone grinding away. The clock was ticking.Dale's journey back to fighting fitness hadn't been straightforward. Before his accident, he was 109kg, but dropped all the way down to 69kg during his recovery. After five years out of the gym, he'd had enough. He started training again in January and went hard, building himself back up to 85kg.So when he decided to take fighting seriously, he did what any sensible person would do: He threw himself into a six-week training camp.Charlie Sheppard took him under his wing. If you don't know Charlie, he's a former British, Commonwealth, intercontinental and world champion. Having him tighten the screws and sharpen the blade made all the difference.Dale put his head down and worked. Every day, almost, for six weeks.The result? Eight seconds of complete dominance.Dale's second opponent was one of Scotland's leading amateur prospects, trained by Scotland's own bare knuckle champion, Jack Blair. On paper, this should have been a much tougher test.It lasted eight seconds.Complete dominance. The kind of performance that has people talking, sharing videos, and asking who the hell this Paratrooper guy is.Since then, the phone hasn't stopped ringing. Dale's name is everywhere on social media, gaining serious attention after just two fights.https://www.instagram.com/dalefenton#veteran #parachuteregiment #motivation #boxer #interview #podcast #britisharmy #mentalhealthawareness ##bkb #shorts #viral #reels
Served in the military and left after 1987? Struggling to hear your mukkas down the pub? TV too loud? Click below and start your claim immediately before it's too late. 👇https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchLindsay Bruce is a former UK Special Forces (22 SAS) soldier turned performance, fitness & mindset coach and is the founder of the Modern Warrior Project — a personal development coaching programme aimed primarily at helping men (often over 30 or 40) transform their lives physically, mentally, and emotionally.Lindsay Bruce served as a Special Forces operator with the British Army’s 22 SAS, one of the most elite military units in the world. After military service, he worked in security and advisory roles, including as a security specialist in conflict zones and as a personal bodyguard. PoddtoppenHe transitioned into fitness and coaching, founding gyms and later focusing on mindset, lifestyle, and transformation coaching for men.The Modern Warrior Project is a structured personal development and coaching programme designed to help participants elevate their overall lives by focusing on:Mindset & Purpose: Helping men discover and pursue their true purpose with clarity and intention. Physical Fitness & Nutrition: Personalized training plans and bespoke nutritional guidance to improve body composition and performance. The Modern Warrior ProjectAccountability & Support: Weekly check-ins and live coaching calls with Lindsay and access to a private community of participants. Community & Events: Monthly meet-ups and twice-yearly in-person “Warrior Weekend” events for connection and deeper growth.#sas #specialforces #veteran #podcast #britisharmy #interview #shorts #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #viral #youtube #instagram #tiktok
The team went to bed at around midnight. Not long afterwards, in the early hours, they were awoken and alerted to an incident. As a firefighter, Ricky was well used to having to get ready quickly, going from "being asleep in your pants to being fully rigged and driving a fire engine" in the space of around 60 seconds.By the time he got to the watch room, Ricky realised it would be a tough job ahead of them. The slip was still printing due to the amount of resources required to extinguish the massive blaze that awaited them. Ricky told The Mirror: "We knew from that point it was a big job. It was actually a working fire. And it was going to be a long night."With no time left to lose, the firefighters swooped across North Kensington to a 24-storey '60s era tower block, built to house around 600 people. The name of the looming Brutalist building was Grenfell Tower.Looking back on his earliest impressions of the now infamous scene, Ricky, 44, recalled: "It was obvious from the outset, from arrival, that the building wasn't reacting as it should do to the fire. It was a very dynamic incident in every sense. So, it was a chaotic scene at the start, but it was what I always refer to as organised chaos. Everyone had their job. Everyone knew what they were doing, but everyone was running somewhere."In the chaos that ensued, Ricky witnessed people being pulled from the burning building, bits of which were falling down all around. At one point, one of the fire engines was very nearly caught alight after a smouldering piece of debris landed on it. He remembers he and his colleague being "in a sort of queue to go into the tower", getting their first briefing. The harrowing scenes that unfolded from that point onwards made it clear that this was no ordinary fire.Ricky shared: "To get a sense of the situation, when we first arrived and we're standing in the lobby area, one of the first things I saw were three firefighters carrying out two girls who looked around between sort of 11 and 14, I would guess."And they were on their backs, limp, unconscious, not breathing, with black soot coming out the corners of their mouths and black soot coming out their nostrils. Not alive. And as the first two firefighters carried the girls past us, the third firefighter made eye contact with me randomly, and he just stopped and said to me: "Be careful in there."Ricky is now a mental health advocate and speaks out about supporting mental health for veterans and emergency services.#veteran #podcast #firefighter #grenfelltower #sas #whodareswins #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #viral #shorts
The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or management.James Cameron Davidson OBE is an English stand-up comedian, actor, singer and TV presenter. He hosted the television shows Big Break and The Generation Game. In 2014 he was the winner of the 13th series of Celebrity Big Brother.Ex Military and struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you're eligible for a claimhttps://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchTo check Jim's ustream channel click the link below 👇🏻 https://ustreme.com/videos/jd_the_too_risky_video-mp4/691f3fb12821c8c5bedd248b#podcast #britisharmy #comedian #parachuteregiment #viral #mentalhealthmatters #military #veteran #shorts #viralvideo
Served in the military and left after 1987? Struggling to hear your mukkas down the pub? TV too loud? Click below and start your claim immediately before it's too late. 👇https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchHarry Gow served seven tours with the Parachute Regiment, before qualifying for the secretive and extremely selective 14 Intelligence Company. He then travelled to South Africa and passed the gruelling selection for South African special forces.He then completed six years with the SAS, including two within anti-terrorism teams, before joining the Royal Ulster Constabulary - where he received two commendations for bravery during a six-year service ended by a bad car accident. After his career in the police came to an end, he trained in law and is now a successful barrister based in the northwest of England, working in civil and criminal courts. He is also an author and written several fantastic novels.#sas #parachuteregiment #britisharmy #veteran #viral #shorts #legend #podcast #mindset #barrister #motivation #mentalhealthawareness #interview #military
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Comments (1)

Mountain Plodder

love listening to this podcast but Matt wasn't correct about the first double amputee on the summit of Everest. That was the Kiwi Mark Inglis 20 years ago. He was below the knee amputation but he set the standard for others to follow.

Mar 3rd
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