The Great Guns Podcast

Leaving the military can feel like stepping into the unknown, but for former Royal Marine medic Ryan Watters, it was also the beginning of a new mission.

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, Ryan shares his journey from a young man with no military background to earning the coveted Green Beret and serving as a Royal Marine medic. He reflects on the challenges of training, the opportunities that military life provided, and the experiences that shaped him along the way.

Ryan also opens up about one of the biggest decisions many service leavers face: knowing when it's time to move on.

After nearly a decade in the Royal Marines, Ryan took the leap into civilian life and co-founded LRT Medical Solutions alongside fellow former Marines. Together they are building a business dedicated to delivering high-quality medical and first aid training while helping others develop the confidence and competence to respond when it matters most.

This is a conversation about transition, taking calculated risks, embracing uncertainty, and creating purpose beyond the uniform.

• Transition starts long before you hand in your ID card.
• Military service provides transferable skills that can be applied anywhere.
• Sometimes the biggest opportunities come from taking a calculated risk.
• Asking questions during transition can unlock support, funding and opportunities.
• Building a business requires the same commitment and resilience as military service.
• Confidence comes from competence and continual learning.
• Support networks make the transition journey significantly easier.
• Leaving the military is emotional, but it can also be exciting.
• There is no single right path after service.
• Creating your own mission can be one of the most rewarding parts of transition.

"Ask questions. The one question you don't ask could be the difference between having a job when you leave."

"Just throw yourself in the deep end. If it works, brilliant. If it doesn't, try something else."

"The fastest year of my life was my last year in the Marines."

"We've built this company from the ground up. This is our baby now."

"It's never too late to learn something new."

"Confidence and competence save lives."

"I knew I'd made the right decision."

LinkedIn

LRT Medical Solutions

#GreatGunsPodcast #LRTMedicalSolutions #RoyalMarines #MilitaryTransition #VeteranOwned #LifeAfterService #Entrepreneurship #VeteranBusiness #Leadership

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with former West Midlands Police officer Ian Cook, founder of Blue Light Lifestyle, to talk openly about policing, wellbeing and the realities of life behind the badge.

After serving for 18 years across neighbourhood policing, response teams and traffic, Ian shares the highs and lows of a career dedicated to public service — from chasing fast cars and thriving in specialist teams to witnessing burnout, broken systems and a culture that too often leaves people suffering in silence.

This is an honest conversation about identity, transition and purpose. It explores why so many emergency service workers struggle, why asking for help still feels difficult, and why meaningful change starts with creating environments where people feel safe enough to speak.

More than anything, it is a conversation about people.

Because behind every uniform is still a human being.

• Behind every uniform is a person who still needs support
• Burnout in emergency services often happens gradually and silently
• Mental health struggles do not discriminate against experience or rank
• Culture can either create safety or create silence
• People perform better when they feel trusted and valued
• Looking after yourself is not selfish — it is essential
• Being honest about struggling is a sign of strength, not weakness
• Leadership is about people, not just performance metrics
• Sometimes the biggest risk is staying where you no longer belong
• Purpose often continues long after the uniform comes off

• "The biggest risk wasn't leaving — the biggest risk was staying."
• "Behind every uniform is still a human being."
• "A problem shared is a problem halved."
• "Police officers relate to police officers."
• "You are replaceable in a job — you are not replaceable to the people who love you."
• "Don't complain about a life you once dreamed of having."
• "Culture creates either safety or silence."

Connect with Ian

Blue Light Lifestyle

LinkedIn

Code 0

#GreatGunsPodcast #BlueLightLifestyle #MentalHealth #PoliceWellbeing #Leadership #LifeAfterService #EmergencyServices #VeteranCommunity

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with John Dailey, a US Marine veteran with over 20 years’ service, including time in US Special Operations Command and as part of the team that helped build the Marine Raiders from the ground up.

John shares his journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a sniper and leader in one of the world’s most elite military environments. But this conversation goes far beyond war stories.

It dives into something many don’t prepare for:

What happens when the uniform comes off.

From transition challenges and loss of purpose, to building a new identity and translating military experience into civilian life, an honest look at life after service.

We also explore leadership, planning, identity, and why veterans must learn to “think like a general, fight like a sergeant” when navigating their next chapter.

• Transition doesn’t happen overnight — even when it looks smooth on the surface
• Losing purpose, tribe, and identity can hit harder than expected after leaving service
• You must actively define who you are beyond the uniform
• Planning your future is essential — even if the plan changes
• Veterans often underestimate the value they bring to the civilian world
• Building a new tribe is just as important as maintaining the old one
• You can’t move forward if you’re constantly looking in the rear-view mirror
• The best transitions come from clarity, not drift
• Leadership skills from service are highly transferable — if communicated properly
• Your next chapter can be just as meaningful as your time in uniform

• “Think like a general, fight like a sergeant.”
• “You can’t drive forward while staring in the rear-view mirror.”
• “You don’t lose your value when you leave — but you have to learn how to communicate it.”
• “The military gives you purpose… but it’s on you to find it again when you leave.”
• “Planning might not survive contact — but not planning is worse.”
• “Your next chapter should be the best one yet.”
• “Most veterans already have what employers want — they just don’t realise it.”

Connect with John

LinkedIn

Website

#GreatGunsPodcast #JohnDailey #ToughRuggedBastards #VeteranTransition #Leadership #LifeAfterService #MilitaryToCivilian

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Fair Metcalfe — Army veteran, former Combat Medic, and now PhD researcher — for a powerful and fun conversation that spans military service, transition, education, and breaking down barriers around learning differences.

Fair shares her journey from joining the Army at just 16, serving on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, through to leaving service and stepping into academia — a transition that brought its own challenges and growth.

This is a conversation that goes beyond transition — it’s about confidence, communication, and ensuring people aren’t held back by something that, with the right support, can become a strength.

• Transition is not just about career change — it’s about adapting to completely new environments
• Dyslexia and learning differences are more common than many realise within the military
• Lack of awareness can lead to individuals struggling in silence
• Early support and intervention can significantly improve outcomes
• Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
• Confidence often comes from understanding how you learn best
• Your challenges can become strengths when properly supported

• “I joined the Army at 16, just after finishing school.”
• “Ask for help early — it makes a big difference.”
• “You don’t lack ability — you just need the right support.”
• “If people understand how they learn, everything changes.”
• “You’re not the problem — the system just needs to adapt.”

Connect with Fair

LinkedIn

#GreatGunsPodcast #VeteranTransition #FairMetcalfe #MilitaryLife #LifeAfterService

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Symon Smith, an Army veteran with 14 years’ service, to unpack the realities of transition — from planning your exit to navigating life on the outside.

Symon shares a refreshingly honest take on his journey — not driven by a lifelong ambition to serve, but by a decision made in the moment when faced with an alternative path.

But where this episode really stands out is in its exploration of dyslexia in the military — a topic rarely spoken about openly.

Symon shares his own experience of navigating service with dyslexia, the lack of visibility around it, and how that led him to co-found the Defence Dyslexia Network.

What becomes clear is this:

dyslexia isn’t a limitation — it’s often a hidden strength.

This episode is about more than transition.

It’s about ownership, awareness, and building support for others coming behind you.

• Transition is smoother when you plan early and create a soft landing
• You don’t need to have everything figured out — process and preparation matter more
• Dyslexia is far more common in the military than people realise
• Many struggle in silence due to lack of awareness and support
• Your strengths often sit alongside your challenges — not in spite of them
• Support networks and shared experience can dramatically reduce friction in transition
• Ownership doesn’t end when you leave service — it becomes even more important

• “I didn’t realise I wanted to join… until I had another option.”
• “Do a safe landing first — then make bigger decisions later.”
• “It’s a bit like a duck on water — calm on the surface, chaos underneath.”
• “No one talks about dyslexia — but it’s everywhere.”
• “If you support the bottom of the spike, you get the top.”
• “No one should leave feeling like they’re on their own.”

Connect with Symon

LinkedIn

Website

#GreatGunsPodcast #VeteranTransition #DyslexiaAwareness #Leadership #LifeAfterService

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Jenny Roberts, RAF veteran turned coach, for a conversation about transition, identity, and stepping into a new chapter with confidence.

Jenny shares her journey from life in the RAF to building her own coaching business, and the realities that come with leaving a structured environment and stepping into the unknown.

This episode explores the internal side of transition — the mindset shifts, self-doubt, and growth that often go unseen.

Jenny brings honesty, clarity, and practical insight into what it really takes to move forward — not just professionally, but personally.

This is a conversation about ownership, belief, and creating a life that aligns with who you are now — not just who you were in uniform.

• Transition is as much an internal shift as it is an external one
• Leaving service often means redefining identity and direction
• Confidence is built through action, not waiting for certainty
• Self-awareness is key to making better decisions post-service
• The structure of the military doesn’t disappear — it needs to be recreated intentionally
• Growth comes from stepping into discomfort and trying new things
• You are allowed to evolve beyond your military identity

• “You don’t need to have it all figured out to take the first step.”
• “Confidence comes from doing, not waiting.”
• “You’re not starting from scratch — you’re starting from experience.”
• “The structure doesn’t disappear — you have to build it for yourself.”
• “You’re allowed to change direction.”

Connect with Jenny

LinkedIn

Website

#GreatGunsPodcast #VeteranTransition #LifeAfterService #RAF #JennyRoberts #PersonalGrowth

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Erika Morris for a powerful and honest conversation about identity, voice, and stepping into life after service.

Erika shares her journey of navigating transition, the challenges of being heard, and the importance of owning your story — even when it feels uncomfortable.

This episode cuts straight to the heart of what many veterans experience but don’t always say out loud:

• Feeling overlooked
• Struggling to translate experience
• Finding confidence in a new environment

What comes through loud and clear is this — your voice matters, and learning to use it is a critical part of moving forward.

This is a conversation about growth, self-belief, and having the courage to step up, speak out, and take ownership of your next chapter.

• Transition isn’t just about employment — it’s about finding your voice again
• Many veterans struggle to articulate their value outside the military environment
• Confidence doesn’t just appear — it’s built through action and exposure
• Being heard starts with believing your perspective matters
• Growth often comes from stepping into uncomfortable conversations and spaces
• You don’t need permission to speak — you need ownership

• “Your voice matters — even if you don’t think it does yet.”
• “Transition isn’t just about what you do, it’s about how you show up.”
• “You’ve got the experience — you just need to learn how to express it.”
• “Confidence comes from doing, not waiting.”
• “If you don’t speak up, people can’t hear you.”

Connect with Erika:

Website

LinkedIn

#GreatGunsPodcast #VeteranTransition #FindYourVoice #LifeAfterService #VeteranCommunity

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Jonny Ball — Army veteran, former Intelligence Corps NCO, Afghanistan veteran, Invictus Games competitor, and leading voice in the UK veteran community.

Jonny’s story isn’t a straight line.

From joining the Army Cadet Force at 13, serving as an infantry soldier during the closing phase of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, to later deploying to Afghanistan as a Pashto linguist, service has always been part of his DNA.

But the path wasn’t always smooth.

Rejected from commissioning, navigating civilian life, redeploying through the reserves, and later surviving a life-changing motorcycle accident that ultimately ended his military career.

Yet that wasn’t the end of the mission.

Through the Invictus Games, sport, community, and storytelling, Jonny rebuilt his purpose — and now dedicates his work to supporting veterans, influencing policy, and changing the narrative around service.

This episode explores identity, resilience, purpose, and the responsibility veterans carry as representatives of the wider community.

1. Service can start long before joining the military — the cadet forces play a powerful role in shaping future leaders.
2. Rejection and setbacks are part of the journey. What matters is finding another path to serve.
3. There is no single “correct” military career path — many journeys are unconventional.
4. Survivor’s guilt and comparison with others can shape the decisions veterans make later in life.
5. Invictus is not just a sporting event — it can be life-changing and life-saving.
6. Sport and community can rebuild confidence after trauma and injury.
7. Curiosity is essential in transition — opportunities rarely fall into your lap.
8. Veterans must take responsibility for the narrative of the veteran community.
9. Social media can either strengthen or damage the veteran brand — use it wisely.
10. Helping others after service can become a powerful new mission.
11. Self-awareness and boundaries are essential to avoid burnout when serving causes beyond the military.

1. “If service is in your DNA, you’ll always find another way to serve.”
2. “Never give up on your dreams — just find another path.”
3. “Invictus was life-changing, life-saving, and life-defining.”
4. “Curiosity is the most important thing in transition.”
5. “We are the brand veteran now — society is watching us.”
6. “Don’t wait for opportunity to land in your lap.”
7. “Eventually you’ll be the one helping the next veteran.”
8. “Be responsible for your own narrative.”
9. “If I don’t train, I limp.”
10. “The most important job I have now is being a dad.”

Want to connect with Jonny

LinkedIn

Jonny Ball Website

Afghanistan Veteran Community

#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #InvictusGames #AfghanistanVeteranCommunity #GreatGunsPodcast

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James speaks with Adam Walker, a retired U.S. Marine with 25 years of service, combat veteran of Iraq, Purple Heart recipient, and now published writer.

Adam shares his journey from growing up in rural North Carolina, joining the Marines at 17, and serving across multiple deployments — including intense tours in Iraq where he was wounded in combat.

But this conversation goes far beyond war stories.

Adam opens up about:

1. Returning to Iraq less than 90 days after being wounded
2. Survivor’s guilt and expecting not to come home alive
3. The emotional weight of losing Marines
4. Workaholism and alcohol as coping mechanisms
5. Slowing down, seeking help, and rebuilding
6. The power of creativity and storytelling in healing

This is a raw, thoughtful conversation about identity, brotherhood, purpose, and learning how to live well after surviving what many didn’t.

1. Loyalty to your brothers in arms can outweigh fear of death.
2. Survivor’s guilt is real — and it can manifest in self-sabotage.
3. Being wounded physically doesn’t compare to the emotional weight of leaving your Marines behind.
4. Slowing down is often where healing begins.
5. Workaholism and alcohol can mask unresolved trauma — but they don’t solve it.
6. Seeking counselling is not weakness — it’s leadership over yourself.
7. Creative outlets are powerful tools for healing. Veterans need to create, not just endure.
8. Nature, stillness, and reflection can unlock processing that busy environments suppress.
9. Brotherhood doesn’t end when uniform comes off — you need your tribe after service.
10. Purpose after service isn’t automatic — you must actively pursue it.

1. “I thought I would be killed — and I had accepted it.”
2. “The challenge wasn’t dying. The challenge was surviving.”
3. “I felt guilty for having a good life.”
4. “The way to honour them is to live well.”
5. “Veterans need to create.”
6. “When we used to destroy, now we can create.”
7. “Slowing down changed everything.”
8. “Maintain ties with the tribe.”
9. “Find your purpose after uniform.”
10. “All that we have has been given — what we do with it honours those who gave.”

Connect with Adam

Instagram

Take It On The Left Foot - website

#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #SurvivorsGuilt #Brotherhood #GreatGunsPodcast

In this deeply personal episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Rachel Webster — 24-year Army veteran, former Military Police officer, commissioned officer, corporate business leader, and now advocate for veterans affected by lawfare.

Rachel shares her journey from:

1. One of the first female welders at British Steel
2. Joining the Women’s Royal Army Corps and Military Police
3. Operational deployments to Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq & Afghanistan
4. Transitioning into corporate life with Barclays

…to the moment everything changed.

A 6am knock at the door.

Arrested as a civilian.

Unlawful detention.

Years of moral injury and silent struggle.

This episode is about trauma, truth, accountability, resilience, discipline, and choosing to rebuild rather than break.

1. Transition success often comes down to preparation, networking, and clarity of location and direction.
2. Networking is not optional — it is a core part of successful resettlement.
3. Imposter syndrome is common, but it doesn’t mean you don’t belong.
4. Mentorship can accelerate confidence and clarity during transition.
5. Lawfare investigations can cause profound moral injury, even when no wrongdoing occurred.
6. A 6am knock on the door can leave long-term psychological scars.
7. Silence and shame often prolong trauma. Speaking up shortens it.
8. Recovery is not passive — it requires discipline, structure, and accountability.
9. Fitness, nutrition, and routine are foundational to mental recovery.
10. You are not weak for seeking counselling — but you may need to try different approaches to find what works.
11. Sometimes growth requires letting go of people who no longer align with your journey.
12. Purpose after trauma can become a powerful force for good.

1. “You don’t knock the orchard down to find a few bad apples.”
2. “I didn’t recognise the person I’d become.”
3. “The truth always prevails.”
4. “You are what you put into your body.”
5. “Silence makes the injury worse.”
6. “Don’t sit there thinking there is no alternative — there is.”
7. “We mask things with busyness.”
8. “You can turn your life around in seven days if you decide to.”
9. “Resilience isn’t a buzzword — it’s survival.”
10. “If you don’t look after the engine, the car will break down.”

Connect with Rachel

LinkedIn

#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #LawFare #MoralInjury #Resilience #GreatGunsPodcast