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”Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform” is brought to you by the Northern Ireland Veteran’s Commissioner’s Office. Hear personal stories of veterans, as they share their experiences from wars and conflicts. This podcast offers an intimate look into the lives of those who served, giving first hand accounts of their experiences and the lasting impact on their lives. Join us as we honour their journeys, explore life beyond the uniform and celebrate the strength, resilience and sacrifices of our veterans, whilst preserving their legacy for future generations.
18 Episodes
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Today we feature Frank McCracken, Irish Guards and Royal Irish Regiment veteran, and currently serving on the committee of the Irish Guards Association in Northern Ireland. With decades of dedication to the veteran community, Frank is the quiet engine behind annual events, regimental support, and charity outreach. His work ensures that the brotherhood of service doesn’t end at discharge, but evolves into a lifelong network of care.
Today we meet Phillip 'Barney' Gillespie, a Royal Irish Veteran from Ballymena who lost a leg while serving in Afghanistan - but gained a new purpose. Now a respected cadet instructor, Barney mentors young people with courage and conviction, helping shape the next generation of service minded youth. His story is one of resilience, humour and refusing to let injury define legacy.
This is Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, this episode is one you won’t forget.
Jay Millar served in the Royal Irish, but his toughest battles came after the uniform came off. Addiction, pain, and hitting rock bottom, only to rise again through faith, purpose, and an unexpected calling: cutting hair. Founder of Jay’s Barber Academy and champion of dignity for the homeless, Jay’s story is about redemption, generosity, and what it really means to come home.
From the Tower of London to Castlerock, one veterans journey as a Yeoman Warder to settling in NI.
Welcome to Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform.
In this episode, we’re joined by Shaun Huggins, a former British Army soldier whose second act saw him don the iconic red and gold of a Yeoman Warder or Beef-eater at the Tower of London. Known for his engaging presence with the public and steeped in centuries-old tradition, Shaun brings a rich ceremonial perspective to what it means to serve. Shaun reflects on identity, heritage, and the quiet pride of life beyond the Tower.
In this episode of Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, we speak with Rachael Harger, a former Royal Military Police officer who completed two tours in Afghanistan.
Rachael shares her journey through military life, the challenges of being part of a service family, and the transition to civilian life. Now working with the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office, she supports veterans with the same dedication she brought to her service.
This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and continuing to serve beyond the uniform.
In this episode, we meet Big Phil Campion, a man whose journey from the care system to the elite ranks of the 22 SAS is nothing short of remarkable.
Given up for adoption and raised through hardship, Phil left school at 16 with no qualifications but a burning desire to serve. He joined the Royal Hampshire Regiment, conquered both the Royal Marines Commando Course and P Company, and went on to earn his place in the SAS, serving on operations worldwide, including the famous hostage rescue in Sierra Leone.
After leaving the Army as a Staff Sergeant, Phil went on to lead private security teams in some of the world’s most hostile environments. Now a podcaster and speaker, with a motivation to promote the military, it’s a privilege to sit down with him to hear his story of resilience, fearlessness, and the drive to push beyond limits.
In this episode we sit down with Steven Clarke, a former Royal Navy officer with a career that took him across oceans - and ultimately to Northern Ireland. In this candid conversation, Steven shares what drew him to a life at sea, the places and people that left the biggest mark, and what transitioning into civilian life taught him about leadership, identity, and the enduring bond of service.
This is Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform.
In this episode, we meet Anthony McToal, known across Northern Ireland as the Cold Water Warrior. A Royal Irish veteran who faced debilitating PTSD after Afghanistan.
Anthony found healing where many wouldn’t dare go - the freezing waters of Ballygally Beach.
300 days of sea swims. One mission: mental health awareness.
Hear how discipline, discomfort, and cold water saved his life - and inspired a movement.
This weekend marks the 125th anniversary of the formation of the Irish Guards, and to honour the occasion, the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner had the privilege of sitting down with Captain John Gough of the Irish Guards.
Captain Gough served during Operation Market Garden in World War II and is believed to be the last surviving Irish Guards officer from that time. His story provides a remarkable first-hand account of courage, sacrifice, and history in the making.
This conversation is not only a record of one man’s service but also a vital reminder of the legacy carried forward by the Irish Guards and all who served during the war. It has been both a privilege and an honour to capture and share his extraordinary experiences.
Join us as we reflect on this milestone anniversary and listen to the memories of a man who lived through history.
In this episode of Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, we speak with Janet - a former Ulster Defence Regiment Greenfinch who served during some of the most turbulent years of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Janet reflects on her unique experience as a female soldier on the frontlines at home, balancing service and motherhood in a time of immense pressure and uncertainty. Today, she continues to serve through her work with the Royal British Legion Women’s Section, supporting veterans and their families - especially those involved in the Invictus Games.
Join us for a heartfelt conversation about courage, compassion, and the vital role of women in both conflict and community.
In this episode of Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, we speak with Graham Fergus, a former Irish Guardsman who shares an honest account of life after service - the struggle of losing structure, hitting rock bottom, and finding strength through his military roots.
Graham recently completed Operation Home, spending 10 days in the Mourne Mountains to raise awareness of veteran homelessness, relying only on the kindness of strangers to get through.
He reflects on how his time in the Irish Guards helped carry him through his darkest moments, and the lasting bond within the regiment - highlighted the regiment's support to the recent centenary birthday of Captain John Gough, the oldest living Irish Guardsman.
In this episode of Once A Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, we sit down with David Johnstone, Northern Ireland's Veterans Commissioner, to get straight to the point - why did he take on this role, what real change does he plan to deliver, and how will he fight to make life better for veterans in Northern Ireland? No fluff, no politics - just honest answers about the challenges, the battles ahead, and the future he's working to build.
In this episode of Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, we speak with a female veteran, who served as an engineering officer in the RAF. Now deeply involved in the Women's Network in Northern Ireland working with Ashes to Gold, she continues to inspire and support others through her work. We explore her journey through military service, leadership, and her mission beyond the uniform.
Former paratrooper John Ross sits down with Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone in the latest episode of our podcast 'From Falklands to the Future' to talk about everything from his inspiration to join the parachute regiment to his time in the Falklands war.
In this episode 'Surviving the Shadows' we speak to Glen Espie, former UDR Soldier about his time in service. Hear Glen's first hand account from the front line's of Northern Ireland's past. His harrowing account of surviving multiple attempts on his life will captivate you from start to finish.
Join us in this special episode, where we speak to UK Minister for Veterans and People Alastair Carns MP, about his time serving in the Royal Marines to the transition to MP.
In the second episode of our podcast, we talk to Rosie Rowbotham about her time in service in the Royal Army Medical Corps.
Tune in for our very first podcast. We speak to Charlie Marno, as he reflects on his time in Service in Northern Ireland.
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