In this powerful episode, former Royal Marine and Special Boat Service operator James Hill takes us deep inside the world of the UK’s most elite military unit. From a tough childhood and finding purpose in the Marines, to surviving brutal commando training, multiple Afghanistan tours, piracy missions at sea, and the gruelling Special Forces selection process, James reveals the reality behind the uniform.

He opens up about firefights, IED blasts, live combat, the mental toll of constant danger, and the moment he was shot five times during a daring operation. James also shares rare insight into SBS culture, selection, evasion training, and what civilians never truly understand about the people who protect the country in complete silence. This is a raw, honest and emotional conversation about courage, brotherhood, trauma, sacrifice and the price paid by the few who stand between danger and the rest of us.

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⌚️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction: Inside the UK’s elite SBS

02:08 - Childhood and early struggles

04:37 - Discovering the Royal Marines

08:54 - Joining the Marines: first shocks & toughest lessons

12:22 - Commando training

21:26 - The military brotherhood

28:30 - Qualifying and the first tour

36:54 - The Afghanistan tour

45:20 - The brutal reality of the UK Special Forces

56:34 - The mission that ended my military career

01:10:30 - The aftermath: recovery, identity & trauma

01:18:45 - Leaving the military and finding purpose again

01:34:40 - Final reflections: what civilians should know

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