Most military stories don’t capture the raw reality of survival under fire like this one. Steve Heaney, a former Pathfinders operator, takes us inside the chaos of Sierra Leone’s brutal jungle warfare — where odds are 80 to 1, ammunition is scarce, and survival hinges on instinct, resourcefulness, and incredible resilience.

In this episode, Steve shares gripping firsthand accounts from his deployment during the Sierra Leone civil war, including how a small UK force held off thousands of insurgents with only limited ammo and little support. You'll discover the extreme conditions they faced—constant humidity, relentless attacks, and the heartbreaking reality of operating in a war zone where civilians are caught between the firepower of rebels and the limited protection of a depleted military. Steve paints a vivid picture of the tactical decisions that kept his unit alive, from making jungle defenses out of bamboo to navigating treacherous terrain at night under fire.

We break down the intense training that prepared him for this chaos—paramilitary selection, survival skills, and the mental toughness needed to push through what most would consider impossible. Steve’s stories aren’t just battlefield drama; they reveal the sacrifices made, the brotherhood formed, and the passion that drives soldiers to face death on their own terms. Perfect for anyone curious about elite special forces, or those seeking an inside look at what it really takes to operate behind enemy lines.

This is more than a war story—it's a testament to human grit and the unbreakable spirit of soldiers. If you're inspired by true combat resilience or want to understand the raw realities of modern warfare, don’t miss this episode. Steve’s insights challenge perceptions and leave you questioning what you thought you knew about courage, sacrifice, and doing the impossible.

Join host Frankie Dunn for an unforgettable conversation with bestselling author and combat veteran Geraint Jones, whose remarkable journey spans frontline service, creative writing, and deep conversations about life after the military. Geraint served in the British Army with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, earning commendations for his courage before leaving the forces to protect commercial shipping and eventually become a full-time writer.

In this episode, Geraint reflects on growing up in Wales, his decision to enlist, the realities of active service, and the challenges of adjusting to life beyond the battlefield. Drawing on his memoir Brothers in Arms and his extensive body of work — including bestselling history and fiction — he offers candid insights on war, resilience, storytelling, and personal growth.

Whether you’re passionate about military history, the human side of service, or the craft of narrative, this episode delivers powerful first-hand experiences and thoughtful reflections on the landscapes that shape us all.

In this powerful episode of Frankie’s Pod, host Frankie Dunn sits down with Mick Riley MBE, former Army veteran and founder of Tommy’s Lounge, for an honest and deeply moving conversation.

Mick opens up about his upbringing in Merseyside, what drove him to join the Army, and the realities of military life—from the unbreakable camaraderie to the personal battles faced behind the scenes. He speaks candidly about dealing with testicular cancer during his service, the challenges of transitioning back into civilian life, and the often-overlooked mental health struggles many veterans face.

The conversation also explores how shared experiences and peer support can be life-changing, leading Mick to create Tommy’s Lounge—a safe, welcoming space where veterans can connect, talk openly, and support one another without judgment.

This episode is a raw and heartfelt exploration of resilience, identity, and community, shining a light on the importance of looking after those who have served—and reminding us that no one has to face their battles alone.

Most guys leave the Army and try to slow down. Fraser Carson left and decided to run towards three different fires at once.

In this episode, Frankie sits down with a former Royal Artillery soldier who thought he’d seen it all—until he walked into a civilian emergency room. Fraser opens up about the whiplash of transitioning from the regimented chaos of the military to the unpredictable chaos of the ambulance service, the fire service, and eventually, the stillness of a photography studio.

But this isn’t a story about swapping guns for cameras. It’s about what happens when you use art to process trauma. Fraser has been quietly building a portfolio of veterans, capturing the weight they carry and the peace they’ve found. We talk about the veterans he’s photographed, the tears shed in the studio, and why sometimes, being seen is the strongest medicine.

Raw. Real. Redeeming.

Andy returns for a powerful and eye-opening conversation. Step into the boots of a police officer thrust into one of the world's most complex peacekeeping missions: Kosovo after the war.

Fresh from his experiences with the IUC, Andy shares his unexpected deployment with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Hear firsthand about the daunting challenge of building law and order from the ground up in a society scarred by conflict. Frankie and Andy delve into the delicate dance of policing amidst deep ethnic tensions, navigating cultural divides, and working alongside a mosaic of international forces.

This episode is more than a war story; it's a lesson in humanity, resilience, and the raw reality of peacekeeping. Andy shares moments of unexpected camaraderie, moral dilemmas, and the profound personal impact of serving a community struggling to heal.

Listen to discover:

The surreal experience of patrolling a war-torn region as a police officer, not a soldier.

What it’s like to work within the UN's unique "Four Pillars" structure in Kosovo.

The surprising alliances and friendships formed with Gurkhas, Jordanians, and other international units.

The cultural nuances and communication hurdles of policing in a fractured society.

Andy's personal reflections on duty, adaptation, and the weight of wearing the UN's blue beret.

Did You Know? (UN Policing in Kosovo Facts):

The UNMIK police, established in 1999, was the first international police mission granted executive authority, meaning they had the full power to arrest, detain, and investigate—not just advise.

At its peak, the mission comprised over 4,500 police officers from more than 50 countries, creating a massive multinational law enforcement experiment.

A core task was "co-location," pairing international officers with locally recruited Kosovo Police Service officers to mentor and build a sustainable, multi-ethnic police force from scratch.

The mission faced the immense challenge of policing in a place where the judicial system was often non-existent, leading to the UN setting up temporary detention centers and court systems.

Get ready for a gripping, human-level look at the complexities of global peacekeeping. This is the untold story behind the headlines

In this compelling conversation, Frankie sits down with Stu Wright, founder of Operation Cairngorms CIC, to explore his transformative journey from military service into building meaningful community support for veterans and serving personnel. After his time in the Royal Artillery and years of reflection on the challenges many face when leaving the forces, Stu shares how he turned personal experience into purposeful action — creating outdoor, skills‑based programmes and networks that help veterans reconnect, build confidence, and transition into civilian life with a sense of belonging and capability.

Throughout the episode, Stu opens up about:

• His military background and what inspired him to start Operation Cairngorms — a community‑centred initiative focused on resilience, adventure and peer‑led support.

• How veteran community projects can bridge the gap between life in uniform and life afterwards — offering purpose, camaraderie and practical skills as part of everyday reintegration.

• The importance of connection, shared challenge and support networks in helping fellow veterans thrive beyond service.

Frankie and Stu dive deep into the reality of transitioning from military structure to civilian life, unpacking both the struggles and the opportunities that emerge when veterans find new ways to serve — this time by lifting each other up. This episode is not only a story of personal transformation, but a powerful reminder of the impact of community‑building and shared purpose.
#CommunityBuilding #Veterans #Podcast

In this gripping episode, Andrew Dunn interviews Dr. Simon Lee Maryan — a former Royal Marine Commando, psychological resilience specialist, and trauma expert whose life has unfolded under extraordinary pressure.

Drawing on his military service, intelligence work, and lived experience of surviving multiple kidnappings, Simon shares rare insights into how the human mind responds to extreme threat and uncertainty. The conversation goes beyond theory, exploring how trauma is stored in the body, how resilience is built under fire, and why human connection is often the key to survival.

Raw, honest, and deeply human, this episode dives into mental health, PTSD, emotional regulation, and what it truly means to endure — not just in conflict zones, but in everyday life.

🎙️ A powerful conversation about resilience, survival, and the psychology of staying alive.

Support the channel

https://paypal.me/FrankiesPod

https://buymeacoffee.com/frankiespod

n this unforgettable episode of Frankie’s Pod, we sit down with Mick Hawkes QCB — legendary former 22 SAS trooper, decorated war veteran, undercover operator, and elite security expert. From humble beginnings and a dream of becoming a footballer, Mick’s journey took him through the Parachute Regiment, 29 Commando, and eventually into the UK’s most elite special forces. After 14 years in the SAS, including covert operations in Northern Ireland and surviving capture in Bosnia, Mick went on to build a remarkable career in high-risk security and training around the world.

🎧 What we cover in this episode:

• His early military path and brutal SAS selection.

• Deep insights into undercover work and survival in combat zones.

• Lessons on leadership, resilience, and life after the Regiment.

• How Mick now uses his experience to train, protect, and empower others.

Whether you’re a military enthusiast, aspiring operator, or just love inspiring life stories, this conversation goes beyond the headlines — straight into the mind of a true operator. 🎙️💥