Frankie's Pod, Uncorking the Unforgettable

In this episode, I sit down with Dave Lamb, a veteran whose military career began with the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery in the mid-1980s. Dave takes us back to his early days of rigorous training and shares vivid, personal stories from his time with the regiment, highlighting both the challenges and the strong bonds of camaraderie that defined his service. In a deeply emotional part of the conversation, Dave reflects on the heartbreaking loss of a close friend during his time in the military, offering an honest look at how grief and trauma shaped his mental health and outlook on life.

As his career evolved, Dave transitioned to the Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS) and later the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS), where he continued to serve with dedication. Throughout the episode, Dave’s story is one of resilience, growth, and the lifelong impact of military service. Whether you’re interested in the highs and lows of military life or the strength it takes to rebuild after loss, this episode offers a compelling and authentic look into the journey of a soldier.

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

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In this compelling episode, we explore the remarkable life of Gareth Thomas, a man who has faced war and personal battles with unyielding courage. Starting his career in the Royal Navy as a submariner, Gareth transitioned to life as a professional boxer and doorman before re-enlisting with the British Army. Serving with the Queen’s Dragoon Guards, Gareth was deployed to Afghanistan as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and Fire Support Team (FST) member, where he faced the harsh realities of combat.

Later diagnosed with cancer, Gareth continues to fight another battle each day — one for his health. He shares how he uses his experiences, resilience, and love for cycling to inspire others through his social media platforms, "Gareth Cycling Through Cancer." Join us for a conversation about military service, personal grit, and the daily determination to overcome life’s toughest challenges.

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In this episode, I sit down with former Member of the European Parliament and military veteran, Godfrey Bloom, for a look into his fascinating career and views on the current state of the world. We explore his time serving in the British Army, the lessons he learned during his military career, and how those experiences shaped his views on politics, economics, and global affairs. Godfrey offers candid insights into pressing global issues—from the shifting geopolitical landscape to economic instability—and shares his thoughts on what the future holds. Prepare for a no-holds-barred conversation that’s as thought-provoking as it is eye-opening!

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

⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/frankiespod⁠⁠

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In this Episode, I'm talking with Gareth Wilson who I served with in 3 RHA and 34 Battery. Gareth tells us what it was like growing up in the North East and deciding to join the Army. Gareth Served with 3 RHA and other regiments. He tells us what it was like to serve and some of the struggles he has had whilst serving and Since leaving the Army and setting up his own locksmith business.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 3 of Roys Story

I recorded this episode months ago but we had some serious issues with the sudo and I wasn't going to release it. However, I feel it's such an important story that it deserves to be put out there. This is the first part of a three-part special.

Roy Selstrom Served with Pioneer Corp during the late 80s and later with the RLC. He served in Northern Ireland and Germany. As a Lance Corporal in the Royal Pioneer Corps, he was assigned to collect bodies during the 1991 Gulf War. A job the he was given little training for and afterwards very little help.

In this episode, Roy continues his story and talks about what happened to him and the failings of his chain of command.

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Part to of Roys Story

I recorded this episode months ago but we had some serious issues with the audio and I wasn't going to release it. However, I feel it's such an important story that it deserves to be put out there. This is the second part of a three-part special.

Roy Selstrom Served with Pioneer Corp during the late 80s and later with the RLC. He served in Northern Ireland and Germany. As a Lance Corporal in the Royal Pioneer Corps, he was assigned to collect bodies during the 1991 Gulf War. He was given little training for a job afterwards very little help.

In this episode, he carries on with his story from the first Gulf War

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I recorded this episode months ago but we had some serious issues with the audio and I wasn't going to release it. However, I feel it's such an important story that it deserves to be put out there. This is the first part of a three-part special.

Roy Selstrom Served with Pioneer Corp during the late 80s and later with the RLC. He served in Northern Ireland and Germany. As a Lance Corporal in the Royal Pioneer Corps, he was assigned to collect bodies during the 1991 Gulf War. A job the he was given little training for and afterwards very little help.

In this episode, he tells us what it was like growing up and joining the Army. Serving in NI and deploying to the Gulf war.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back, in this episode, I am chatting with Col Richard Collinge. Richard served with the Royal Artillery completing tours around the world and commanding d Battery RHA on a tour of Iraq. Richard tells us what it was like growing up, joining the Army, and Serving with different command appointments. He tells us how proud he was to command Pirbright and the recruits there and what it was like being the Regimental Col of the Royal Artillery.

Later he describes what it was like to volunteer for Ambulance duties during the COVID lockdown.

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

⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/frankiespod⁠⁠

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi, welcome back. In the episode, we chat with Louise Walters, who started her Army career with the Dental Corps, later moved over to the REME, and was later commissioned into the AGC. She tells us what it was like becoming the first female Dental Corps soldier to become a training instructor. She also explains why she chose to leave the Army and move to Dubai.

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

⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/frankiespod⁠⁠i where she has set up a veterans club.

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In this episode, I’m talking to Mark Baker. Marks has had a varied life and, this podcast was a bit of a surprise to me when we recorded it. Mark served with the Royal Artillery and 34 Battery. Mark tells us what it was like in training and when he served with 34 Bty. He also tells us what happened to him after being discharged from the Army for failing a compulsory drug test, ending up on the wrong side of the law, and being sentenced to 12 years.

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.