Join the H-Hour Patron Community at patreon.com/hkpodcasts ***** For H-Hour #279 I welcome back “Bags,” a former Royal Tank Regiment officer and military advisor for film, TV, and theatre, where we discuss reviving TV/film episodes—starting with a tank-film theme—and how cavalry and tank regiments evolved from WWI to today. Bags discusses his ongoing advisory role on Rogue Heroes (including season three’s production challenges, schedule compression, and historical-accuracy debates), the mixed military reaction to season one, and his views on the portrayal of Paddy Mayne while balancing authenticity against storytelling, budget, and time. The conversation ranges through theater work at the Globe, the appeal of live performance and improvisation, ticket pricing and ways to find cheaper seats, and how streaming has reshaped pay—especially the loss of residuals and disputes like Scarlett Johansson’s—alongside Netflix’s “second screening” influence and attention spans. We trade film recommendations and reflections and then address patron questions about how much productions act on military advice and whether media shapes public perceptions of war. The episode ends with a discussion of UK defence readiness, reliance on allies, and Bags’ new role at a British engineering firm building UGVs (uncrewed ground vehicles), plus thoughts on future instability, potential reserve service, and legacy prosecutions related to Northern Ireland.

Join the H-Hour Patron Community at patreon.com/hkpodcasts ***** In this H-Hour Icebreaker, I welcome back Bags Simmons after roughly 18 months since his last appearance on the show. Answering questions submitted by H-Hour Patrons, Bags explains that the British didn’t deploy tanks to Afghanistan, but used heavily protected armoured vehicles like Mastiff/Cougar variants, describing restricted visibility, the need to get out and speak with locals, and the major IED risk posed by predictable routes—especially canals—plus his fear of drowning if a vehicle rolled due to welded front doors and heavy rear exits. He argues the Afghanistan campaign’s aims shifted from al-Qaeda to the Taliban, lacked coherent long-term strategy, and misunderstood Afghanistan’s tribal “donut” dynamic and the Durand Line, concluding there wasn’t a clear “win” and the withdrawal was rushed on a US timeline, leaving allies behind despite strong on-the-ground performance. He also discusses pledging allegiance to the Crown and his views on the Royal Family, praising the Queen’s 70-year reign and saying Charles has transitioned well while criticizing controversies around Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, before previewing the full podcast.

Join the H-Hour Patron Community at patreon.com/hkpodcasts ***** Freddie Kemp returns to the H-Hour studio after three years to dive into his latest endeavors in the film industry. Kemp talks about his advisory role in the upcoming film 'Fuze,' the increasing dominance of streaming platforms in content creation, and the resilience required in acting careers. He recounts gripping untold military stories and reflects on notable war films and the evolving nature of storytelling. The discussion also touches upon the psychological impacts of military life and the intricate challenges faced by submariners.

Freddie Kemp is the CEO and founder of MFS Casting Ltd, a UK-based company specializing in providing military, police, and emergency services personnel for film and television productions. https://www.mfscasting.co.uk/

Join the H-Hour Patron Community at patreon.com/hkpodcasts ***** In this H-Hour Icebreaker episode, Freddie Kemp answers questions from H-Hour patrons. Topics explored include the perceived respect for reservists in the military, the discipline and commitment required of reservists, and the effectiveness of German military strategies in World War II. Freddy shares his experiences of serving in the reserves for over two decades and the positive feedback from regular soldiers working with his unit. They also delve into the open-mindedness and collaboration required when veterans transition to civilian roles, emphasizing that no single military background guarantees ease of working in civilian fields.

Freddie Kemp is the CEO and founder of MFS Casting Ltd, a UK-based company specializing in providing military, police, and emergency services personnel for film and television productions. https://www.mfscasting.co.uk/

Join the H-Hour Patron Community at patreon.com/hkpodcasts ***** H-Hour #277 Lee "Frank" Spencer. In this podcast, Lee 'Frank' Spencer, a former human intelligence operator with extensive experience in Afghanistan, shares his nuanced perspective on the conflict. The discussion covers the operational dynamics from 2006 to 2012, differences in military tactics between US and British forces, and the complex tribal politics that complicated the region's stability. Frank delves into his unique role in intelligence gathering, his challenging experiences with the Defence Humint Unit, and interactions with local agents. The conversation also touches upon the moral complexities of the Taliban, courageous restraint, and reflections on the broader implications of foreign interventions in Afghanistan. Frank's insights are further complemented by anecdotes from his service and his recently published book, 'The Rowing Marine.' https://leespencer.co.uk/

Join the H-Hour Patron Community at patreon.com/hkpodcasts ***** In this H-Hour Icebreaker, Lee 'Frank' Spencer joins Hugh to discuss his journey through military service and his remarkable achievements post-injury. Lee talks about the mental and emotional challenges he faced, including his experience rowing solo across the Atlantic despite losing a leg. The conversation covers essential topics like resilience, the Royal Marines mentality, and the importance of being present in the moment. The discussion is enriched with personal anecdotes and insights into coping mechanisms, providing a deep dive into Lee's endurance and optimistic outlook. https://leespencer.co.uk/

For H-Hour perks, join the H-Hour Discord guild: https://discord.com/invite/KCb54MQNxd and follow H-Hour Hugh on X: https://x.com/HughKeir ****** "We need to stop regulating the product and start regulating those who misuse it."

In this episode of H-Hour, host Hugh Keir interviews Tom Sherwood about his groundbreaking work with Sentra AI, an innovative technology aimed at providing mental health support for veterans and blue-light workers. They discuss Tom's journey from the military to tech, the challenges of tackling PTSD, and the role of AI in enhancing mental resilience and performance. The conversation also touches on data privacy, the resistance from existing charities, and the future of AI in mental health. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of technology, mental health, and the need for innovative support systems.

https://getsentra.ai/

Tom Sherwood, a British Army veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sentra AI and a pioneer in trauma-informed, dual-use generative AI for mental health.

Sentra AI is a 24/7 AI companion specifically engineered for acute psychological crises and long-term resilience, serving both defence and security forces and civilian populations affected by trauma.

Join the H-Hour Patron Community at patreon.com/hkpodcasts ****** In this H-Hour Icebreaker, Tom Sherwood and Hugh delve into the multifaceted world of mental health, trauma, and the role of AI. Tom shares his experiences from serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, the inception of Sentra AI, and its potential impact on reducing veteran suicides. The discussion also covers mental health stigmas, the complexities of PTSD, and candid thoughts on governmental understanding and handling of AI technology. Enjoy this eye-opening conversation on resilience, innovation, and the future of mental health support.

https://getsentra.ai/

Tom Sherwood, a British Army veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sentra AI and a pioneer in trauma-informed, dual-use generative AI for mental health.

Sentra AI is a 24/7 AI companion specifically engineered for acute psychological crises and long-term resilience, serving both defence and security forces and civilian populations affected by trauma.

For H-Hour perks, join the H-Hour Discord guild: https://discord.com/invite/KCb54MQNxd and follow H-Hour Hugh on X: https://x.com/HughKeir ******* In this intriguing episode of H-Hour, Dr. Alastair Santhouse, author of No More Normal: Mental Health in an Age of Over-Diagnosis, delves into the delicate balance of psychiatric diagnoses, the potential pitfalls of overdiagnosis, and the nuances of self-diagnosis. Covering topics from the rates of neurodivergence to redefining trauma and anxiety in contemporary contexts, this episode offers a thought-provoking exploration aimed at fostering better understanding of mental health challenges and their societal implications.

Dr Alastair Santhouse is a consultant neuropsychiatrist at The Maudsley Hospital in London, and authored No More Normal: Mental Health in an Age of Over-Diagnosis, published by Granta Books in April 2025.

https://www.alastairsanthouse.com

https://www.amazon.co.uk/No-More-Normal-Mental-Over-Diagnosis/dp/1803511141

For H-Hour perks, join the H-Hour Discord guild: https://discord.com/invite/KCb54MQNxd and follow H-Hour Hugh on X: https://x.com/HughKeir ******Dr Alastair Santhouse, a consultant neuropsychiatrist at The Maudsley Hospital in London, authored No More Normal: Mental Health in an Age of Over-Diagnosis, published by Granta Books in April 2025.

In this H-Hour Icebreaker, a prequel to the full podcast, Alistair to tackles critical questions from H-Hour patrons about neurodivergence, self-diagnosis, and the evolution of psychiatric terms like trauma and depression. Santos delves into the rising diagnoses of autism and ADHD, the complexities of self-diagnosis, and the pressures on mental health services. The discussion also touches on societal issues like loneliness, financial insecurity, and the need for nuanced, accurate mental health diagnoses. This episode promises a rich conversation full of balanced, research-based insights on mental health and diagnosis.

https://www.alastairsanthouse.com

https://www.amazon.co.uk/No-More-Normal-Mental-Over-Diagnosis/dp/1803511141