Gina Atkinson shares her remarkable journey from military service to mental health advocacy, revealing how personal loss propelled her to raise awareness and funds for charities. With heartfelt anecdotes, she emphasises the importance of connection and nature in overcoming adversity.

• Gina’s early connection to the military and sense of belonging 
• Transitioning from military service to civilian life challenges 
• Realities of close protection work versus its glamorous portrayal 
• The impact of personal tragedy on her mental health journey 
• Transforming grief into fundraising for mental health charities 
• The therapeutic benefits of nature and physical activity 
• Current challenge of 5,200 miles to honour her brother 
• Encouragement for connection and support regarding mental health

Gina's LinkedIn

SSAFA

Woody's Lodge

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Forging Resilience supports Save A Warrior

Save A Warrior works with veterans and first responders facing complex PTSD and the reality of suicide.

Through this podcast, we’re supporting their work.

If you want to get behind it, you can do that by buying a bag of  Major Stoke Blend coffee.
All profits go directly to Save A Warrior.

Good coffee. Real conversations. Work that matters.

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Tom Satterly, a retired US Army veteran with a notable tenure in special operations, shares his compelling experiences. From being on the ground during Battle of Mogadishu, to playing a pivotal role in the capture of Saddam Hussein, Tom's military career was filled with high stakes and intensity.

However, the transition to civilian life brought its own set of challenges. We promise you'll gain a deeper understanding of this transition, as Tom candidly discusses the personal struggles and victories along the way, and how they led to the founding of the All Secure Foundation, a nonprofit committed to aiding veterans and their families.

Tom reflects on the essence of self-discovery after leaving the military, we touch on the significance of managing emotions, overcoming ego, and embracing a new sense of self. 

The conversation underscores the importance of family and home as stabilizing forces and the critical need for effective communication in strengthening these relationships. 

Mental health, often shrouded in stigma, especially within military circles, takes center stage in our conversation. We explore the barriers veterans face in seeking help, including fears of losing security clearance or facing judgment from peers. Tom proposes a shift in perspective, viewing mental health support as "training" rather than a fix for brokenness. 

From revealing the power of storytelling to shedding light on continuous growth, our dialogue with Tom offers a beacon of hope and an invitation to participate in building a supportive community.

Tom's Instagram

All Secure

All Secure Website 

Tom's account of the battle of Mogadishu on the Sean Ryan Show.

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Forging Resilience supports Save A Warrior

Save A Warrior works with veterans and first responders facing complex PTSD and the reality of suicide.

Through this podcast, we’re supporting their work.

If you want to get behind it, you can do that by buying a bag of  Major Stoke Blend coffee.
All profits go directly to Save A Warrior.

Good coffee. Real conversations. Work that matters.

Support the show

Follow my social media accounts | LinkedIn | Instagram | 

WARNING:  This podcast discusses and goes into details about a suicide attempt.

What does it take to rise from a childhood of abandonment? Join us in this episode as we welcome Andy Williams, author of "Beyond the Drop Zone," who shares his extraordinary journey from being raised by his sister after parental neglect, to finding identity and camaraderie in the Parachute Regiment. 

Andy opens up about the trials he faced, from intense military tours in Afghanistan to battling personal demons like cancer and renal failure. Discover how writing became his lifeline, a means to process trauma, and a legacy for his son, illustrating the transformative power of articulating one's experiences.

In the midst of life's chaos, how does one navigate the path of healing and recovery? Andy recounts the emotional and mental toll of his time in Sangin, Afghanistan, where danger and trauma were constant companions. Through reflective writing, he unravelled the complex layers of his past, understanding how shared experiences could yield different perspectives among soldiers. This episode sheds light on the silent battles faced by many veterans, emphasizing the courage required to confront one's past and the importance of seeking support when needed, along with Andy’s personal battles with PTSD and a suicide attempt that led to a turning point in his life.

Andy’s narrative offers hope and insights into managing lifestyle factors to support mental health, revealing the profound impact of writing as a tool for mental clarity. As listeners, you'll walk away with an understanding of the personal power found in resilience and the unwavering strength it takes to rebuild a life after trauma.

Andy's Instagram 

Beyond The Drop Zone Book

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Forging Resilience supports Save A Warrior

Save A Warrior works with veterans and first responders facing complex PTSD and the reality of suicide.

Through this podcast, we’re supporting their work.

If you want to get behind it, you can do that by buying a bag of  Major Stoke Blend coffee.
All profits go directly to Save A Warrior.

Good coffee. Real conversations. Work that matters.

Support the show

Follow my social media accounts | LinkedIn | Instagram | 

Phil Hilton,  was a magazine editor and writer, shares his journey from the 'lad mag' era of the 90s to his current endeavors in midlife fitness writing. 

We reminisce about the influence of 90s lad culture and the lifestyle fantasies they spun, shaping perceptions of masculinity for a generation. 

Together, we unpack how cultural shifts have redefined modern masculinity and the unique hurdles today's youth face in this algorithm-driven world.

Phil also opens up about the personal toll of professional setbacks, including the pressures of seeing a publication fail and the crucial journey of reclaiming one's confidence. 

Managing work and personal life becomes an essential theme, with reflections on maintaining boundaries to preserve well-being. 

This candid dialogue celebrates the authenticity of the human experience and the lessons gleaned from life’s peaks and valleys.

Phils' Instagram

Phil on LinkedIn 

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Forging Resilience supports Save A Warrior

Save A Warrior works with veterans and first responders facing complex PTSD and the reality of suicide.

Through this podcast, we’re supporting their work.

If you want to get behind it, you can do that by buying a bag of  Major Stoke Blend coffee.
All profits go directly to Save A Warrior.

Good coffee. Real conversations. Work that matters.

Support the show

Follow my social media accounts | LinkedIn | Instagram | 

This episode explores the concept of "living nudge to nudge" with Sam Smith, who discusses his transformation from a professional athlete to a coach focused on inner wisdom. Themes of self-discovery, intuition, and parenting are woven throughout, emphasising the importance of trusting our instincts and modelling self-love for the next generation.

• Discussion on the pressures of following a fixed plan
• Personal journey of transitioning from professional rugby to coaching
• Importance of listening to and acting on inner nudges
• Creating conditions for insight and intuition
• Parenting approach focused on modelling healthy self-worth
• Conversations around faith and trusting gut instincts
• The significance of vulnerability in personal growth
• Exploration of the Crazy Life Exercise and its impact

Get in touch with Sam on:

LinkedIn

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Forging Resilience supports Save A Warrior

Save A Warrior works with veterans and first responders facing complex PTSD and the reality of suicide.

Through this podcast, we’re supporting their work.

If you want to get behind it, you can do that by buying a bag of  Major Stoke Blend coffee.
All profits go directly to Save A Warrior.

Good coffee. Real conversations. Work that matters.

Support the show

Follow my social media accounts | LinkedIn | Instagram | 

Graham House shares his insightful journey from a troubled childhood to a dedicated advocate in youth leadership and personal development, underscoring the power of vulnerability and resilience. 

This episode explores themes of trauma, the importance of genuine connection, and the urgent need for educational reformation to foster emotional intelligence.

• Discussion of Graham's childhood and formative experiences
• Exploration of the impact of trauma on personal identity
• Insights from military experiences and challenges faced
• The role of collaboration in systemic change for youth
• Advocating for emotional intelligence in education
• Connecting kindness with resilience building

Graham on LinkedIn

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Forging Resilience supports Save A Warrior

Save A Warrior works with veterans and first responders facing complex PTSD and the reality of suicide.

Through this podcast, we’re supporting their work.

If you want to get behind it, you can do that by buying a bag of  Major Stoke Blend coffee.
All profits go directly to Save A Warrior.

Good coffee. Real conversations. Work that matters.

Support the show

Follow my social media accounts | LinkedIn | Instagram | 

Join us on Forging Resilience as we uncover the incredible journey of Dr. Sharon Pickering, a trailblazer in the world of aviation and human factors.

Sharon's insights into working at NASA Ames and Boeing offer a fascinating look into the evolution of human factors science. As she navigated male-dominated environments, Sharon learned the importance of leveraging personal connections and emotional intelligence to build credibility and foster meaningful conversations.

Her journey is a testament to the power of mentorship and curiosity, emphasizing a holistic approach that integrates both psychological and emotional elements to enhance safety and performance in high-stakes industries.

Discover how Sharon overcame burnout by setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, a vital lesson for anyone striving for sustainable productivity.

With a focus on continuous learning and shared communication, this episode offers a roadmap for turning obstacles into stepping stones, underscoring the importance of self-compassion and adaptability in achieving lasting success.

Sharon on LinkedIn

https://www.sphumanelements.com/

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Forging Resilience supports Save A Warrior

Save A Warrior works with veterans and first responders facing complex PTSD and the reality of suicide.

Through this podcast, we’re supporting their work.

If you want to get behind it, you can do that by buying a bag of  Major Stoke Blend coffee.
All profits go directly to Save A Warrior.

Good coffee. Real conversations. Work that matters.

Support the show

Follow my social media accounts | LinkedIn | Instagram | 

Chris Tamdjidi, co-founder of Awaris and co-author of "The Resilience Culture," joins us to explore how mindfulness and resilience intersect in today's fast-paced business landscape. He shares his journey from his upbringing in Asia to his academic pursuits in London and the U.S., all of which fueled his deep interest in mindfulness.

Chris offers personal insights from his consulting days, drawing parallels between the core objectives of consulting—examining reality and enhancing functionality—and mindfulness practices. Listen as we redefine resilience not as mere endurance but as the skill of regulating internal states amidst external pressures.

How organizations can foster resilience by promoting healthier work habits and offering supportive environments is work that Awaris thrive at. We discuss the benefits of aligning with a higher purpose, nurturing openness and curiosity, and the positive impact of simple joys like outdoor activities.

 Whether you're striving for personal growth or seeking to enhance organizational culture, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights and practical strategies.

Awaris

Chris on LinkedIn

The Resilient Culture

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Forging Resilience supports Save A Warrior

Save A Warrior works with veterans and first responders facing complex PTSD and the reality of suicide.

Through this podcast, we’re supporting their work.

If you want to get behind it, you can do that by buying a bag of  Major Stoke Blend coffee.
All profits go directly to Save A Warrior.

Good coffee. Real conversations. Work that matters.

Support the show

Follow my social media accounts | LinkedIn | Instagram | 

Meet Ross Tomkins, a former NHS physiotherapist turned healthcare entrepreneur, who shares his captivating journey from sports enthusiast to founding Alphagenics. Ross sheds light on how his personal experiences with physiotherapy motivated him to create a business that not only addresses his health challenges but also aims to improve healthcare outcomes on a grand scale.

Ross also delves into the profound connection between spirituality and leadership. Through heart-led initiatives and a deep understanding of empathy, he unveils how moments of self-discovery, such as a transformative ayahuasca retreat during the pandemic, have shaped his approach to leadership and decision-making.

The conversation takes an insightful turn as Ross candidly shares his personal health journey, which led to the birth of Alphagenics. Facing misdiagnoses and a struggle with low testosterone, he emphasizes the critical need for better awareness in men's health.

Listeners will gain practical tips on lifestyle changes to naturally boost testosterone and understand the broader societal impact of overlooked health issues.

Get in touch with Ross or give him a follow on the below channels.

https://www.instagram.com/rosstomkins4/

https://alphagenix.co.uk/

https://rosstomkins.co.uk/

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Forging Resilience supports Save A Warrior

Save A Warrior works with veterans and first responders facing complex PTSD and the reality of suicide.

Through this podcast, we’re supporting their work.

If you want to get behind it, you can do that by buying a bag of  Major Stoke Blend coffee.
All profits go directly to Save A Warrior.

Good coffee. Real conversations. Work that matters.

Support the show

Follow my social media accounts | LinkedIn | Instagram | 

Join us as we uncover the fascinating journey of David O'Neill, a former London Fire Brigade officer with over three decades of experience, now at the helm of the Institute of Search and Technical Rescue and the charity FireAid.

From leading search and rescue teams across the globe to pioneering the redistribution of fire equipment to countries in need, David's story is one of resilience, leadership, and profound dedication.

You'll gain insights into the rigorous selection and training processes for these high-pressure roles and learn from David's candid reflections on the psychological impact of international disaster operations.

This episode offers an intriguing blend of authenticity, connection, and support, providing valuable lessons not just for leaders and responders, but for anyone navigating complex emotional landscapes.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-o-neill-mbe-finstr-ficpem-4596b618/

https://rescue-institute.org/

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Forging Resilience supports Save A Warrior

Save A Warrior works with veterans and first responders facing complex PTSD and the reality of suicide.

Through this podcast, we’re supporting their work.

If you want to get behind it, you can do that by buying a bag of  Major Stoke Blend coffee.
All profits go directly to Save A Warrior.

Good coffee. Real conversations. Work that matters.

Support the show

Follow my social media accounts | LinkedIn | Instagram |