In this riveting episode, I’m joined by Gary F O’Shea, a former Royal Engineer whose remarkable journey takes us from the high-stakes world of bomb disposal to the global stage with the United Nations. Gary opens up about the intense experiences that defined his military career and shares captivating stories from his subsequent work in some of the most challenging hotspots around the world.

From navigating danger to fostering peace, Gary’s insights reveal the resilience and determination required in both military and humanitarian efforts. Tune in and be inspired by his adventures and the profound lessons he’s learned along the way. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!**

f you've enjoyed this podcast and want to fuel more engaging conversations like this one, consider hopping over to buymeacoffee.com/frankiespod and treating me to a virtual coffee! Your support goes a long way in helping me bring more fascinating stories and insightful discussions to you. Every cup counts—thank you for being part of this journey!

Join me in this compelling episode as I sit down with Ash Winter, a veteran whose journey through the military is both inspiring and thought-provoking. Ash takes us through his transformative experiences, from his initial enlistment in The Queen's Royal Hussars to navigating the challenges and triumphs that shaped his life.

Now, Ash is making a profound impact in the community by organizing monthly meetings for Men Walking and Talking—a unique support group dedicated to encouraging men to connect, share their stories, and prioritize mental health while enjoying the outdoors.

Tune in to hear Ash’s insights on resilience, the power of conversation, and how reaching out can forge meaningful connections. This episode offers a raw and honest look at the trials of military life and the healing journey that follows. Don’t miss it!

https://www.menwalkingandtalking.co.uk/

If you've enjoyed this podcast and want to fuel more engaging conversations like this one, consider hopping over to buymeacoffee.com/frankiespod and treating me to a virtual coffee! Your support goes a long way in helping me bring more fascinating stories and insightful discussions to you. Every cup counts—thank you for being part of this journey!

In this captivating episode, I sit down with Vern Littely, a remarkable individual whose journey spans the worlds of military service and historical exploration. After serving in the Royal Artillery, Vern transitioned from the trenches of battle to the halls of academia, where he pursued a degree that deepened his passion for history.

Join us as Vern shares his unique experiences—from the adrenaline-fueled moments of military life to the profound lessons learned on the battlefield. He reveals the inspiration behind his work as a battlefield tour expert in France and the Netherlands, guiding travelers through the echoes of history that shaped our world.

Discover how Vern combines his love for storytelling, history, and education, making the past come alive for those eager to understand the sacrifices made in the name of freedom. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the impact of war on our collective memory, this episode promises a fascinating dive into the mind of a veteran turned historian.

Tune in for a powerful conversation that bridges the gap between our past and present, and learn how Vern's journey can inspire us all to honor history in our own lives.

If you've enjoyed this podcast and want to fuel more engaging conversations like this one, consider hopping over to buymeacoffee.com/frankiespod and treating me to a virtual coffee! Your support goes a long way in helping me bring more fascinating stories and insightful discussions to you. Every cup counts—thank you for being part of this journey!

In this episode of Frankies Pod I sit down with Andrew Thurgood to discuss his incredible journey from growing up and joining the Parachute Regiment to transferring to the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) and eventually gaining employment at the NHS. Andrew shares his unique experiences, challenges, and insights gained from his diverse military and healthcare background.

Join us as we explore the lessons learned along the way and how they have shaped his perspective on service and resilience.

If you enjoy this episode and want to support the podcast, please consider buying me a coffee! Your contributions help keep the show going and ensure we continue to bring you inspiring stories. Check it out at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/frankiespod.

Tune in and be part of this fascinating conversation!

In this episode, Riche talks about growing up and the various misadventures he had when first joining the Army. Ultimately leading him to leave only later to rejoin and have a more successful time. Richie also talks about his final decision to leave the Army and how his military service has helped him succeed in civilian life. An often funny but Frank conversation this one is not to be missed

If you like this podcast and the previous ones, please consider buying me a Coffee

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If you’re looking for polished hero stories, look elsewhere. I sit down with Trevor Couldt MC to rip the Band-Aid off his life — from growing up in Belfast to earning the Military Cross in combat, and the absolute shitshow that followed when the war ended but the demons didn’t. We talk near-death experiences, military-grade gallows humor, and why life after the military sometimes feels like a bad sitcom with no punchlines. Dark, brutal, and occasionally hilarious — this is Trevor’s story, served with a side of “laugh so you don’t cry.”

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/frankiespod⁠⁠, it helps to fund the software and hosting.

In this episode, Mark talks about his time in the military and the struggles he has had since leaving

He talks about where he grew up and why he joined the Army. He takes us through his career and explained why he decided to leave. We then talk about the struggles he has had since he left.

It is an honest episode with a trigger warning about attempted suicide.

If you like this podcast and the previous ones, please consider buying me a Coffee

⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/frankiespod⁠⁠

In this episode, we delve into the mysterious life of a Pads Wife, or Military Spouse. Talking to Shophie gives us a humorous insight into what it's like married to a soldier and all that can entail. Often funny but thought-provoking join us as we talk about everything to do with Pad Wifery

If you would like to help the Channel out please buy me a coffeehttps://buymeacoffee.com/frankiespodDon't forget to like and subscribe

If you like this podcast and the previous ones, please consider buying me a Coffee

⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/frankiespod⁠⁠

Davie talks to us about his life growing up in Dumbarton, Scotland, spending time in care, moving from place to place, getting in trouble with the law, and how this affected his decision to join the Army. He talks about his time in the Army and how later on he started to develop PTSD and how he tried to deal with this himself and then decided he needed to seek help. He talks about how he deals with flashbacks and how he also setup a podcast to highlight Mental Health issues with service leavers.

If you like this podcast and the previous ones, please consider buying me a Coffee

⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/frankiespod⁠⁠

Today I'm chatting with Tracey Cruickshank a former British Army Nurse and veteran of the Gulf War.

She talks about her childhood and what made her join the military. Her memories of serving and what it was like in the field hospital during the Gulf War in 1991. Tracey also discusses the work she and others have done regarding Gulf War Syndrom and the charities that help with this.

https://justice4veterans.co.uk/

https://www.ngvfa.org.uk/