Nick grew up wanting to be a Royal Marine and achieved his ambition, going on to conduct multiple operational tours all over the world including serving in support of the Special Forces. The impact of his activities took its toll and he was eventually discharged from the military due to a diagnosis of complex PTSD. Nick found sanctuary in the outdoors and started Hidden valley bushcraft, which exists to educate and help people. It is an inspirational story and they are currently offering free support to key workers to assist with the COVID 19 pandemic.

You can find out more at https://www.hiddenvalleybushcraft.co.uk or find them on social media.

Please also do follow the Watchword podcast on Facebook and Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/watchwordpodcast/

Louise spent over 11 years in the Police, during that time she married her husband Nick, a Royal Marine who was later forced to retire from service. After buying a small woodland they established Hidden Valley Bush craft, which has evolved into a place for healing, learning and developing outdoors, amongst nature.

It is an inspirational story and you can find out more at hiddenvalleybushcraft.co.uk or find them on social media @Hiddenvalleybushcraft.

Please also follow the Watchword podcast on Facebook and Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/watchwordpodcast/

Ryan was born in Boulder Colorado and grew up living an outdoors lifestyle. In his youth he volunteered for the Peace Corps and worked in Honduras helping disadvantaged children before deciding he was going to ride his bike back through South America instead of fly. Since then he has led a life dedicated to the outdoors and adventure which has taken him to Nepal, Europe, South America and all over the States...He lives in a solar powered apartment and has never owned a car.

You can keep up with Ryan on Instagram at Duzer and on Youtube where he has 60,000 followers by searching for Ryan Van Duzer.

You can find the Watchword podcast on Facebook & Instagram…https://www.instagram.com/watchwordpodcast/

Heather Stanning grew up wanting to join the Army. Having developed a passion for rowing at university she went on to balance her career in the military with being an elite athlete.

Heather became a double Olympic champion, winning gold in the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, in addition to a number of other world and European championship titles. Since retiring from rowing, she has continued to progress her Army career and recently become a Mum.

You can keep up with Heather on Instagram @heathermstanning and please do also follow The Watchword Podcast on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Samuel Hall started his career studying law at Oxford University, going on to work in corporate law for several years. After a great deal of reflection Samuel changed tack and moved into the world of startups. He then worked in a variety of functions within different start-ups, gaining a generalist skillset, becoming comfortable with risk and acquiring the ability to change direction quickly led to his his second career, building new ventures.

Samuel now lives in Singapore and is the APAC CEO of a company called Rainmaking that builds new startups and ventures with established corporate partners. I loved talking to Sam and hope you enjoy teh conversation too.

You can connect with Sam on LinkedIn at Samuel Hall and please do follow the Watchword podcast on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Jeremy Gibbs worked in the agricultural industry for 25 years, he changed direction and launched Forces Farming. Forces Farming offers servicemen and women the opportunity to transition into various roles within the agricultural industry. Jeremy has a interesting story and I think it is a great plan.

Ben Legg spent 10 years serving as an officer in the Royal Engineers before embarking on a career that has seen him work for McKinsey, Coca Cola & Google prior to moving into the world of start-ups. Ben now advises, mentors and invests in start-ups he believes have a chance of changing the world for the better. He has some thought-provoking ideas on the changes required to health care in the UK and across the world.

You can connect with Ben on LinkedIn if you search for Ben Legg, also please take a moment to give the podcast a review on iTunes or Spotify and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to the Watchword Podcast, exploring life's big decisions and the factors behind them. In this episode, I talk to Helen Barnett.

Helen joined the Police force aged 18 because she wanted to serve the community and help people. During her career she was involved in violent incidents whilst serving with both the regular Police and the SO19 Armed police response unit, having been the first mother to join. One incident in particular led to Helen being awarded the Queens Commendation for Bravery, but also ultimately her departure from the Police.

After the initial challenges of prematurely ending her Police career, Helen credits an organisation called ‘Hidden Valley Bushcraft’ with changing her life and she is now their Patron. 

If you would like to connect with Helen you can find her on Instagram at helenbarnett7205. Please also follow the Watchword Podcast on Instagram & Facebook. https://www.instagram.com/watchwordpodcast

Mark Billingham MBE joined the Parachute Regiment in 1983 and the SAS in 1991, he was responsible for the planning and execution of strategic operations at the highest level in numerous locations (Iraq, Afghanistan, South America and Africa) and has lead countless hostage rescues.

Having left the military in 2015, he became a bodyguard and looked after people such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Sir Michael Caine, Tom Cruise and even Hulk Hogan. Having now moved into roles on TV he is one of the members of the SAS Who Dares Wins team.

You can follow Mark on Instagram at Billingham22B Don’t forget to follow the Watchword podcast on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Andrew Bell grew up in Durham, he loved sport and ultimately specialised in the martial art jui jitsu. Having got a law degree and started his career, his life changed one day when riding his motorbike. He was involved in a crash which left him paralysed from the chest down. The ensuing years were amongst as challenging as any individual and family could go through.

If you are affected by anything we talk about Andy is happy for you to get in touch with him, you can find him on Instagram at Andrew Bell 85 or  through the Watchword Podcast Instagram page. Also please do follow the Watchword podcast on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.