Declassified

Welcome, I'm Michael Coates, a former firefighter and also a former Soldier. This podcast documents amazing stories from members of the military community. Our guests include Military Cross winners, athletes, partners of those who have served, high ranking commanders and 'normal' veterans who have gained extraordinary experiences. By declassifying stigmas and perceptions we wish to open up issues around mental fitness and wellbeing, talk in depth around subjects such as post traumatic growth and delve into human development on a micro level. Our longterm vision is to provide hope, guidance, support and help for individuals who are suffering from both mental and physical illness or injury. This is part of the Declassified network and this is Declassified Awarded Best Interview Podcast and 3rd Best Wellbeing Podcast in the British Podcast Awards 2020

Remembrance Special - The Military Community

Remembrance is a personal time and moment for many within the Military Community. Here we speak about the reality of the 11th of November and what it really means to remember. From the battle fields of the first world war to living life right now. This is Declassified  Featuring: Michael Coates - Military Veteran and Host of the Declassified podcast Ben Taylor - Petty officer and Poet Dr Emily Mayhew - Historian and advisor to the Casevac Club David Wiseman - Military Veteran and Co-founder of the Casevac Club Nick English - Co-founder of Bremont Watch Company  Sean Jones MC - Military Veteran, Awarded Military Cross for Bravery in Afghanistan Levison Wood - Military Veteran and Photographer Helen Helliwell - Civil Servant  and Chair of the AFCFT Andy Mihalop - Military Veteran and Veterans & Allies Lead at Facebook Louise Fetigan - Military Spouse and founder of Little Troopers Jim Cameron - Military Veteran and founder of Mission motorsport Richard Sharp - Military Veteran and CEO of RE:act (formerly Team Rubicon UK) JJ Chalmers - Military Veteran, Invictus games medalist and currently on BBCs Strictly Come Dancing Prince Harry - Military Veteran and Advocate for the Wounded, Injured and Sick Community Maria Hunt - Mother of WO2 Nathan Hunt  Des Fraser - Military Veteran and Co-founder of Combat Pest Control Ash Alexander-Cooper OBE - Military Veteran and founder of the Unsung foundation Nathan Jones - RAF Pilot and Invictus Athlete Dr Dave Henson MBE - Military Veteran and Paralympian  Glenn Haughton OBE - Military Veteran 

11-12
01:07:42

Road to Recovery Special (LIVE) - Harry Parker, Gemma Morgan and Simon Brown

In this special episode we record LIVE from the National Army Museum in London.  We talk to a panel of 3 guests about their lives, service, injury and recovery.  A Road to Recovery Special with Harry Parker, Gemma Morgan and Simon Brown https://www.nam.ac.uk More Information - Simon:  https://blesma.org/news-media/blesma-news/2020/on-the-set-of-scars/ Harry: https://www.waterstones.com/book/hybrid-humans/harry-parker/9781788163101 Gemma: https://morganeight.com

03-15
01:12:52

Episode 55 - Roger Cruickshank DFC

Fighter pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross and the power of repetition.  We talk about his operations in Syria and Iraq, what it takes to perform at your best and why preparing for the worst allowed him a shot at a moving target.  We also speak about psychological fitness, mental I’ll-health and his mothers suicide.  From skiing at the Olympics to the speed of sound. Episode 55 - Roger Cruckshank - this is declassified Find Roger on Instagram - https://instagram.com/sos_coaching_ltd?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= And to read Rogers book, Speed of Sound -  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Speed-Sound-Mind-remarkable-making-ebook/dp/B01D0HWCLE

10-19
01:48:28

Stretcher-Bearer Special with Dr Emily Mayhew

From 'The Carry to The Casevac' we discuss the stretcher-bearers of the First World War.   We talk about their role, kit, training and firing-squads. We also speak about their heroics, constant workload and how they were almost lost to history.   A stretcher-bearer special with Dr Emily Mayhew Also,  For information about the upcoming charity event please visit https://www.justgiving.com/casevac Thank you, Michael 

10-04
01:02:14

Episode 54 - James Stott

In this episode we speak with a former Royal Marine who has a talent for magic and a story of war.   We talk about his time in Iraq, seeking more in his life and his time in Afghanistan.   Grief, violence, reflection and adventure.  Episide 53 - James Stott - this is declassified  https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/run-4-ben-gregz?utm_term=ygWabxNp2

09-07
01:24:43

Episode 53 - John Fendley

Childhood, suicide, depression and helping other.  In this episode we speak with one of the countries best know sports presenters.   We talk about his Dads National service, understanding mental ill-health and speaking.  Episode 53 - John Fendley - This is Declassified 

07-26
01:32:10

British Podcast Awards 2022, Bronze Winners - Best Wellbeing Podcast

4 clips taken from episodes released last year showing how the podcast speaks about wellbeing.  In this audio montage we talk with Keith Abraham, Steve Japp and Alex Seymour about trauma, PTSD, depression, psychedelics and healing

06-22
14:59

Thames 26 Special - With Ash Alexander-Cooper, Nathan Jones and Michael Coates

Endurance, cold water, suffering and swimming,  Listen to how Nathan and Michael swam 26.2 miles in 10 degree water. 

06-01
01:48:13

Episode 52 - Nathan Dunne

Heroin addiction, childhood abuse, neglect and care.  In this episode we speak with a man whose childhood is beyond words. We talk about his early life in Liverpool, the chaos of addiction, bullying, safety and violence.   We also talk about failure, friendship, fighting and forgiveness.   A truly remarkable conversation that is full of pain and emotion.   Episode 52 - Nathan Dunne - This is Declassified   Nathan is currently walking 1350 miles barefoot. Support his endeavour  here:  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/walkamileinmyshoes22?utm_source=sms&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=walkamileinmyshoes22&utm_campaign=pfp-sms&utm_term=da4b74e201ae41c3abba41bfba1628f0 Instagram @walkamileinmyshoes22

05-11
01:21:01

Episode 51 - Tom Beaver

From building bridges to performance equipment.   In this episode we speak to the founder of BeaverFit. We speak about early life, getting stronger at school and working hard in life.   We also speak about the tragic death of his cousin, endurance sport and using his skills to make a real impact.  Episode 51 - Tom Beaver - This is Declassified  https://www.beaverfiteu.com

03-11
01:00:32

Gambling Special - Paul Merson

Gambling to the point of suicide, getting stabbed for choosing alcohol and the bravery he shows today.  This incredible, brutal and totally open conversation with one of the countries most loved football pundits. We talk about his anxiety, self-loathing, honesty and illness. We also speak about wanting the best for others, especially his family. A Gambling Special, Paul Merson - This is Declassified Pauls new book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hooked-Addiction-Long-Road-Recovery/dp/1472282531/ref=asc_df_1472282531/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=499348480770&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4868330826543593585&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006906&hvtargid=pla-1271388618630&psc=1&th=1&psc=1 For support: - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/gambling-addiction/ - https://giveusashout.org - https://www.samaritans.org

11-05
01:16:26

Episode 50 - Heledd Kendrick

From a near death experience as a child to severe domestic violence and the business she runs now.  This episode has been two years in the making and delves into the life of a person with absolute drive and determination for what she believes.  We speak about her loving family, the death of her father and why she will never give up.   Courageous, inspirational, humble and fun. Episode 50 - Heledd Kendrick, This is Declassified https://recruitforspouses.co.uk

10-13
01:16:58

Episode 49 - Mau Gris

From Mexico, to Mosul via Afghan and Syria, in this episode we speak with a former Cavalry officer who went from war-fighter to conflict documentarian.  Listen to his childhood dodging scorpions and being educated by monks to his multiple tours of Afghanistan, and life through a 'dangerous' lens as he witnessed and recorded the battle against ISIS.  For further details see:  http://www.threadfilms.co/about Episode 49 - Mau Gris - This is Declassified 

09-14
01:14:44

Best Bits from Some Previous Interviews

Featuring: Steven Japp Henry Glanz Mau Gris Heledd Kendrick  Paul Merton 

07-22
14:06

Episode 48 - Steven Japp

From physical injury to a brutal suicide attempt.   In this episode we speak with a former soldier who plummeted into poor mental health following a career in the military and private security.   We speak about his tours, his happy childhood, being sectioned and how he was incorrectly labelled with PTSD just because he had served.   We also discuss how he took his health into his own hands, a journey which led him to magic mushrooms and meaningful employment.  Episode 48 - Steven Japp - This is Declassified 

07-20
01:24:48

Episode 47 - Sivan Hurmuz

Born in the ancient city of Mosul, Iraq in this episode we speak with a former Iraqi soldier who escaped the Saddam regime in 1997.   We speak about going AWOL, capture, torture, the death sentence and his great escape. We also talk about the death of his mother and what life was like as a child and what life is like now in the UK.   From soldier, to refugee, to British citizen.   Episode 47 - Sivan Hurmuz - This is Declassified 

07-13
01:14:06

Episode 46 - Keith Abraham

From Paratrooper to Heroic Hearts UK.  In this episode we speak with a former member of the Parachute Regiment about how a 'drink' changed his life.   We also speak about addiction, recovery, purpose, conflict and how psychedelic plant medicine can unlock the door to treating those who have experienced trauma.  Episode 46 - Keith Abraham - This is Declassified  https://www.heroicheartsuk.com

07-06
01:27:55

Episode 45 - Henry Glanz

Surviving the holocaust by escaping on the last kinder transport.  During this episode we talk about sexual abuse, separation, his family being murdered and compassion.  We also talk about joining the American army, living in a castle and confronting a downed Nazi pilot in West London. Episode 45 - Henry Glanz Read Kate Thompsons article in the mirror here - https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/im-celebs-gwrych-castle-safe-23081047

06-22
48:38

Episode 44 - Alex Seymour

The Psychedelic Marine.  Following a brutal tour of Afghanistan and a chaotic childhood Alex looked for alternate medicines and therapies to help support his wellbeing.   We speak about life, joining the Royal Marines (twice), being a father and how a 'trip' down the Amazon River changed his life.  Alex's book is available at: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Psychedelic-Marine-Transformational-Journey-Afghanistan/dp/1620555794/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Psychedelic+Marine&qid=1623791023&sr=8-1 Please also check out: https://www.heroicheartsproject.org https://www.heroicheartsuk.com and https://maps.org

06-15
01:29:41

Save The Children Special

In this episode we speak about the true impact conflict has had , is having right now and will have in the future in relation to children.  We also speak about what members of the Military community are doing to support those young people who have been blown up, lost limbs and are now facing a life of uncertainty.  Talking about the links between Save the Children and the Centre for Blast injury Studies provides great hope for the lives of those most vulnerable - Children in conflict. For more information please visit : Centre for Blast Injury Studies Save the Children Those involved with this episode: Guest 1 - Dr Emily Mayhew Guest 2 - James Denselow Guest 3 - Dr Dave Henson MBE Host - Michael Coates

11-26
01:03:31

Ash Winter

Absolutely wonderful insight into one of the most experienced soldiers, thank you!

07-09 Reply

Dan Newns

informative and inspiring stuff mate, love it!

06-28 Reply

Stuart Taylor

one of my favourite podcasts. I've never been in the forces, declassified gives a brilliant insight into many aspects of military life not just the soldiers. my personal favourites are Marie Butwell's story and how Ziggy saved Richard Mearns life, Ziggy is truly remarkable. The teachings and lessons learned make a good crossover into civilian life. No story is the same and often bring a tear to the eye. Keep up the good work Micheal.

04-06 Reply

Mr Morden

All these podcasts give such amazing view into military life. Doctor Busuttil explanation of PTSD is so easy to understand

07-21 Reply

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