The Old Paratrooper Podcast

"HE DREW THE FIRE… SO HIS MEN COULDLIVE" In 2006, in the killing fields of Helmand, one man refused to hesitate. Corporal Bryan Buddof the Parachute Regiment didn’t just survive an ambush—he took control of it.Charging forward under intense enemy fire, he broke the attack, hunted downTaliban positions, and turned chaos into dominance. But it didn’t endthere. Later that same day, with his men pinned down andthe situation collapsing, Budd made a decision few could ever make—he steppedforward alone, drawing fire onto himself to give his team a chance to fightback. He was killed in action. His men lived. Awarded theVictoria Cross, his story isn’t just about bravery— it’s aboutleadership under fire, decisive action, and the kind of courage that doesn’twait. This is not Hollywood. This is real. This is the storyof a man who chose to move forward… when everything said stand still. #veteran #parachuteregiment #britisharmy #courageunderfire #vc #war #afghanistan #shorts #viral #reels

Ex Brit Mil? Struggling with your hearing? Click below to see if you are eligible for compensation , I did.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchFull Episode below and available on spotifyhttps://youtu.be/gLdtQvQ9uToPat Smith has lived both sides of the spectrum—extreme pressure and raw humour. His journey through military training wasn’t just tough, it was relentless. Pushed to breaking point, he experienced the kind of mental and physical strain most never see. But instead of staying there, he turned it into fuel. Today, Pat brings those experiences to the stage, blending hard truths with sharp humour—proving that sometimes the darkest moments create the strongest stories.#veteran #podcast #britisharmy #funny #comedy #shorts #viral #mentalhealthawareness #british #parachuteregiment

Full Podcast belowhttps://youtu.be/enbsfNZY7yABritish military and struggling with you hearing. Click Below to get started...https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchThis isn’t history—it’s lived experience.An SAS soldier breaks down the brutal reality of Northern Ireland’s hidden war, where the lines between right and wrong blurred, and survival came down to seconds. No politics. No spin. Just the raw truth from the ground.#sas #veteran #podcast #british army #viral #parachuteregiment #motivation #military #specialforces #interview #war #ira

OPPORTUNITY DOESN’T KNOCK — YOU KICK THE DOOR INEveryone’s waiting.Waiting for the right time.Waiting for permission.Waiting for someone to notice them.Let me tell you something—no one is coming.Opportunity doesn’t knock on your door…because most people never even build a door worth knocking on.You want a better life?You want more money, more freedom, more purpose?Then stop waiting—and start creating. #veteran #britisharmy #viral #motivation #funny #military #comedy #podcast #royalmarinecommando #parachuteregiment #shortsviral #shorts #opportunity

The Gibraltar Trading Co. is a veteran-owned and operated clothing brand based in the UK, founded by a former Royal Marine Commando and Firefighter. The company is built on an ethos of "Hard Work, Integrity & Sacrifice in Service" and is well-known as the "Home of Silkies" (specialist short shorts) in the United Kingdom.https://gibraltartradingco.com#veteran #britisharmy #royalmarinecommando #motivation #military #podcast #military #shorts #viral

This is the reality from the frontline—no filters, no politics, just truth.EX SAS Soldier Billy Billingham breaks down what’s really happening on the streets. Police are out there doing their job, putting hands on dangerous individuals, making arrests that should mean something… but don’t.Because the system keeps letting them walk.We’re talking about violent offenders—people assaulting police officers—back out in days. Not months. Not years. Days.The coppers aren’t the problem. They’re switched on, fearless, and doing everything they can.But when the system keeps recycling the same criminals back onto the streets, what’s the point?No consequences. No deterrent. Just a revolving door of crime.And the ones paying for it?Everyone.#veteran #sas #military #britisharmy #parachuteregiment #paratrooper #motivation #viral #shorts #specialforces #inspiration #instagram #facebook #war

Ex Brit Mil and struggling with your hearing? Click below to check your eligibility.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchForged in the ranks of the Parachute Regiment, he learned early that comfort is a lie—and pressure reveals everything. Earning his place the hard way, he built resilience where most people break.From elite soldiering to the brutal reality of life beyond the military, the mission didn’t end—it changed. Highs came in the form of representing at the top level in bobsleigh, chasing speed and precision. Lows came in leadership battles, transition struggles, and the fight to find purpose when the uniform came off.No shortcuts. No soft landings.Now, he turns experience into truth—raw, unfiltered, and earned. Writing what others won’t say. Speaking on what others avoid.Because resilience isn’t a buzzword.It’s survival.#veteran #parachuteregiment #viral #britisharmy #military #bobsleigh #sandhurst #interview #elite #teamgb

Ex Brit Mil and struggling with your hearing? Click below to check your eligibility.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchKris “Tanto” Paronto isn’t just a former Ranger—he’s a man who lived through one of the most brutal firefights in modern history. On The Old Paratrooper Podcast, we sit down with Kris Paronto to uncover the truth behind the chaos.As a CIA security contractor during the 2012 Benghazi attack, he fought for 13 relentless hours against overwhelming enemy forces… when help never came.This isn’t Hollywood. This is the raw, unfiltered reality of war—courage, brotherhood, and survival under fire.From mortar rounds raining down to split-second life-or-death decisions, Tanto breaks down what it really means to stand your ground when everything is collapsing around you.No spin. No politics. Just the truth—and the men who refuse to quit.#veteran #britisharmy #viral #usrangers #podcast #war #parachuteregiment #mentalhealthawareness #shorts #reels #instagram #facebook #tiktok

Ex Brit Mil and struggling with your hearing? Click below to check your eligibility.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchFULL PODCAST BELOWhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0Vb4708KLrzG5VLU8fiAwW?si=DzQh5ojcTBunrsXtJu3OWQPat Smith’s story isn’t polished—and that’s exactly why it hits. After leaving the military, he found himself in that all-too-familiar place many veterans know: no structure, no brotherhood, no clear direction. Civilian life wasn’t what it was sold to be. It was quieter, lonelier—and a lot less meaningful.He threw himself into different paths trying to figure it out. Jobs in the city, chasing money, testing business ideas, trying to build something that felt like purpose—but never quite landing. Along the way came the chaos: drinking, bad habits, and that constant feeling of being slightly off track, even when everything looked “fine” on the outside.Then came the low points. Business setbacks, isolation, and the reality check that something had to change. Like many, COVID stripped everything back—no distractions, no noise, just time to think. And when you’re left alone with your own thoughts, you either avoid it… or you face it head on.Pat chose to face it.What started as a creative outlet turned into something much bigger. Writing, stand-up, content—putting himself out there in a completely different way. No rank, no uniform, no hiding behind anything. Just honesty. And that’s where he found his edge again.Now, Pat is building from that place—creating content that reflects real life, not the polished version. From sketch writing to podcasting, it’s about documenting the journey as it happens: the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between.This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s the truth.Failure, identity, pressure, rebuilding—told exactly how it is.No filter. No bullshit.#veteran #britisharmy #viral #comedy #motivation #rockbottom #shorts #funny #podcast #parachuteregiment #anglians

Former England international. Elite athlete. Relentless mindset.James Haskell doesn’t do average. From the brutality of top-level rugby to the chaos of life after the game, he’s built a reputation on saying what others won’t. In this episode, Haskell opens up on pressure, identity, mental battles, and what really happens when the spotlight fades. No filters. No clichés. Just hard truths from a man who’s lived it at the highest level—and paid the price for it.

The world of the Special Air Service is built on silence, precision, and men willing to walk into the dark when everyone else walks away. Todays guest is one of those men.Ex British Military? Struggling with hearing? CLICK BELOW TO SEE IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchMelvyn Downes is a former UK Special Forces SAS operator—a soldier forged in the hardest environments on earth. The kind of places where hesitation costs lives and courage isn’t a word… it’s a requirement.Before the stories, before the missions, before the reputation—there’s the reality of what it takes to operate at the very tip of the spear. Years of relentless training, operating in hostile territory, and carrying the weight of decisions that most people will never have to face.The SAS is known for one phrase: “Who Dares Wins.” But behind that motto are men who push their bodies and minds beyond breaking point. Men who understand that bravery isn’t loud—it’s quiet, controlled, and often unseen.Today, Melvyn Downes pulls back the curtain on a world few ever get to glimpse. From elite soldiering to the mindset required to survive the pressure, the chaos, and the responsibility that comes with wearing the winged dagger.This is not Hollywood.This is not a film.This is the reality of life inside one of the most elite fighting forces on the planet.#veteran #sas #specialforces #britisharmy #interview #military #motivation #podcast #shorts #viral

Ever wonder what true courage looks like? 🌟 Meet Joshua Leakey, the paratrooper who ran into gunfire to save lives.Tag someone who needs to hear this incredible story! In August 2013, during a routine patrol in Helmand province, a joint force found themselves ambushed by Taliban fighters. As chaos unfolded, Lance Corporal Joshua Leakey refused to stand back. He sprinted across open ground under enemy fire, saving wounded men and turning the tide of battle.His courageous actions led to him receiving the Victoria Cross, the highest honor for bravery in the British Armed Forces. But Joshua remains humble, stating he was just doing what needed to be done. What does courage mean to you? #CourageUnderFire #VictoriaCross #JoshuaLeakey #MilitaryHero #Inspiration #parachuteregiment #viral #podcast #veteran #shorts

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