In this powerful episode, we sit down with Anthony Coughlan, MBE — a British veteran of the War in Afghanistan whose life was forever changed while serving with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. During his deployment, Anthony was gravely injured by a roadside bomb, suffering life-altering wounds in service to his country. As a result of these injuries, he became involved with veteran support networks and has since dedicated himself to helping others navigate life after conflict. Recognised for his outstanding contributions to the veteran community, Anthony was awarded an MBE for voluntary services to veterans. His story is one of resilience, courage, and compassion — from the battlefields of Afghanistan to the frontline of support for fellow injured servicemen and women. Tune in to hear his journey, insights on recovery, and the work that continues to inspire so many.

In this compelling second appearance on Frankie’s Pod — following his insightful Episode 74: Duty and Decision — Field Marshal The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux joins Frankie again for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, conflict, and the hard lessons that shape modern military strategy.

They revisit his journey from early command to the highest echelons of the British Armed Forces, including the decision-making behind major operations in Sierra Leone, East Timor, and Libya. Lord Richards discusses what made some campaigns succeed, where others struggled, and how strategic choices are influenced by political as well as military realities.

The episode also tackles:

Leading and commanding American troops in Afghanistan and the strategic lessons learned from that long conflict

The balance between values and vital national interests in global missions

The evolving threats from Russia and the role of global alliances

China’s influence in Africa and its implications for future security

The challenges of modern military recruitment and readiness

Tough decisions that demand moral courage in the fog of war

Insightful, honest, and deeply informed, this conversation goes beyond battlefield stories to explore how history, politics, and human judgment shape the world’s most consequential military decisions

Takeaways

Military Strategy

Operational Success

Strategic Failures, Ends, ways, and means must be in sync for political leaders to achieve their objectives.

The principles of war apply to different types of conflict, but the character of each conflict is different.

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In this episode, Frankie welcomes back Lewis Manalo for a deep dive into his military experiences and life after service. From growing up near Fort Detrick to witnessing the events of September 11th, Lewis shares his journey from a film school graduate to enlisting in the 82nd Airborne. The conversation explores the challenges and camaraderie of military life, the transition to civilian life, and Lewis's current role in the video game industry. Tune in for an insightful discussion on duty, identity, and the unexpected paths life can take.

Join Frankie as he sits down with Vardon, a former soldier who shares his journey from a unique upbringing in a religious cult to serving in the military. Vardon opens up about his experiences with undiagnosed autism and PTSD, the challenges of military life, and his transition to civilian life as a tattoo apprentice. This episode delves into personal growth, resilience, and the power of community support. Tune in for an inspiring and candid conversation.

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Join Andrew Dunn for a powerful and deeply personal conversation with Jel Bearder, a former British soldier whose story spans the streets of North London, the rigours of military service, and the challenges of finding purpose after hanging up the uniform. Jel opens up about the realities of Army life, the bonds forged under pressure, and the emotional and practical hurdles of transitioning back into civilian society.

From rediscovering himself through fitness and outdoor adventure to preparing for an ambitious expedition to Nepal, Jel shares the lessons, setbacks, and motivations that continue to shape his path. This episode is a raw and inspiring look at resilience, identity, and the pursuit of new dreams after service.

Tune in for an honest dialogue about strength, struggle, and stepping boldly into the next chapter.

Sponsor: https://www.kscivilsandgroundworks.co...Support the channel :https://paypal.me/FrankiesPodhttps://buymeacoffee.com/frankiespodPodcast, Veterans, British Army, Veterans Stories

In this episode, Frankie sits down with Danny Taylor, also known as "Stretch," to explore his journey from military service to becoming a content creator. They delve into Stretch's experiences in the Royal Logistics Corps, his transition to civilian life, and the challenges he faced along the way. The conversation touches on themes of mental health, personal growth, and the power of community, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into the life of a veteran navigating new paths. Join us for an engaging and heartfelt discussion that highlights resilience and the pursuit of purpose beyond the uniform.Episode sponsor https://www.kscivilsandgroundworks.co.uk/Support the channel :https://paypal.me/FrankiesPodhttps://buymeacoffee.com/frankiespod

🎙️ Podcast Episode Description (Special Edition)

In this powerful special episode, Frankie sits down with William Person, a former track-and-field athlete turned bobsledder, who shares his personal journey through the hidden pain of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). William opens up about the symptoms he’s lived with — memory issues, mood changes, and the emotional toll — and how he has become a fierce advocate for better support and recognition for athletes suffering from brain injury.

But this isn’t just a sports story. We use William’s experience as a lens to explore a shocking new investigation from ITV News, which reveals that thousands of British soldiers may be suffering from mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) — not from enemy fire, but from repeated exposure to “low-level blasts” generated by their own weapon systems. ITVX+2The Defense Post+2

According to the MoD, these overpressure blast waves — from weapons like mortars, machine guns, anti-tank systems, and explosive charges — can penetrate the skull, causing microscopic damage to neurons and blood vessels. ITVX Repeated exposure puts the brain’s ability to heal under strain, and symptoms (headaches, memory loss, personality change, light and sound sensitivity) often overlap with PTSD, making diagnosis difficult. STV News+2ITVX+2

Scientists are now racing to better detect and understand this issue:

• Biomarkers — chemicals released into the blood or saliva after brain injury — could offer a way to measure damage. ITVX

• Advanced neuro-imaging (like OPM-MEG) is being used to scan soldiers before and after training to identify subtle brain changes. STV News+1

• Brain donation programs are being launched to examine the long-term effects at a tissue level. ITVX

In this episode, we connect the dots between sports-related CTE and military blast-induced brain injury — exploring shared mechanisms, overlooked risks, and the urgent need for recognition and care. William’s story becomes a bridge, helping listeners understand that brain trauma doesn’t just happen in stadiums — it’s happening on the frontline too.

Join us as we confront this hidden health crisis head-on, asking: What does advocacy look like in military contexts? How can research and policy change to protect those at risk? And how do we support people whose injuries are invisible but deeply real?

In this episode, we sit down with Lance Bombardier Prout to relive one of the fiercest firefights of the Afghan campaign. On a mission to probe Taliban defences in Yatimchay, his platoon walked into a deadly ambush. Under heavy fire, Prout crossed open ground to rescue a wounded comrade and later coordinated artillery and air support that saved the entire patrol.
Through reflection and raw honesty, he shares what courage feels like in the moment — and how soldiers reconcile heroism, loss, and survival long after the gunfire fades.
Join us as we relive that day: the noise, the dust, the fear — and the resolve that transforms ordinary men into heroes

Join Frankie as he sits down with Michael Jenkins, a former military man, to discuss the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from military to civilian life. They delve into personal stories, the importance of mental health, and the journey towards finding purpose beyond the uniform. Whether you're a veteran or someone interested in the military lifestyle, this episode offers a candid look at life after service

Join Frankie for an unforgettable conversation with Sebastian Edwards-Beech — a former member of the prestigious Household Cavalry who served on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan. From the intensity of active duty to the challenges of finding purpose in civilian life, Sebastian shares his deeply personal journey with honesty and heart. Hear how he faced mental health battles head-on and turned his experiences into a force for good through his incredible work with NAAFI Break CIC, supporting fellow veterans in their return to everyday life.

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