The Great Guns Podcast

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 experien...

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 mo...

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:

What comes through loud and clear is this — your voice matter...

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...

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:

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:

…to the moment everything changed.

A 6am knock at the door.

Arrested as a civilian.

Unlawful detent...

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Lisa Hodge, Commercial Officer within MOD and co-founder of the Defence Dyslexia Network (DDN).

Lisa isn’t a veteran — but she is making a serious impact within Defence.

What started as quiet conversations about dyslexia in a kitchen area has grown into an award-winning network supporting personnel across the Army, Navy, RAF and MOD civilians.

This conversation explores:

n this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Annette Berry — Army veteran, former Theatre Sister, brain haemorrhage survivor, and now Programme Lead for the Military Women Programme at the Forces Employment Charity.

Annette’s journey is anything but linear.

From joining the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, commissioning as a theatre sister, and loving life in uniform — to being medically forced out of nursing due to severe allergies — Annette opens up about the grief of losing not just a job, but an identity.

She shares candidly about:

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Paul Brenton — a 32-year Armed Forces veteran who now works with the Forces Transition Group, helping service leavers navigate life beyond uniform.

Paul shares his journey from joining at 16 years old (inspired by his father’s service), through decades in the Adjutant General’s Corps, to consciously planning and executing a smooth transition into civilian life.

But this conversation goes deeper than CV writing.

It explores:

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with John Stephenson, a 22-year Royal Signals veteran and founder of the Forces Transition Group (FTG).

John speaks candidly about:

This conversation goes beyond CV writing and job fairs. It’s about identity, ownership, responsibility and preparation.

If you are still serving, thinking about leaving, or already out —...

In this episode of The Great Guns Podcast, James is joined by Kirk Davis, a serving soldier in the RLC and ambassador for the Defence Dyslexia Network (DDN), for one of the most honest conversations the podcast has hosted.

Kirk shares what it’s really like to serve with dyslexia — from leaving school feeling “stupid”, hiding behind humour, rank, and delegation, to finally finding a safe space where he could speak openly and receive support.

This is a powerful episode about fear, stigma, identity, leadership, parenting, and neurodiversity in the military. Kirk’s story challenges long-held...

In this episode of The Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Stacey Denyer, a 19-year RAF veteran, and Invictus Games medallist, to talk honestly about identity, resilience, and what happens when the structure of military life disappears.

Stacey shares her journey through military service, competitive sport, MS, and transition — including the mental and emotional challenge of stepping away from the uniform while still chasing purpose, performance, and belonging.

This is a grounded, thoughtful conversation about discipline without structure, finding identity beyond rank, and why resilience isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about adapting, again an...

In this episode of The Great Guns Podcast, James is joined by Tom Burgess for a frank and necessary conversation about pressure, identity, mental health, and responsibility.

Tom opens up about life under constant scrutiny, and how easily struggles can be hidden behind strength, success, and status. He speaks honestly about moments of poor decision-making, accountability, and the importance of confronting issues head-on rather than burying them.

This episode isn’t about excuses — it’s about owning your actions, understanding mental health in high-pressure environments, and learning how to ask for help before things spiral.

...

In this episode of The Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Matt Clayton, a US Navy veteran who’s moved into coaching, fitness, and mental resilience.

Matt shares the real story — joining the military instead of taking football scholarship offers, attempting the SEAL pipeline, life on a ship, and then landing in a riverine squadron where things got properly hands-on: fast boats, weapons, and becoming a marksman and coach for others.

From there, the conversation shifts into the grit behind the scenes: being forced out due to manpower decisions, building a life post-uniform, bodybuilding and...

What happens when the uniform comes off… and the “comfort blanket” disappears?

In this episode of The Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Georgina Symonds (currently serving in the Army Reserve after a long regular career) to talk about the real transition journey — the identity shift, imposter syndrome, the mental load of “there’s loads of support… but it’s a minefield”, and why routine + community are the difference between drifting and thriving.

We also get into caring responsibilities in service — and why Georgina helped build the Army Carers Network, plus the Army Carers Guide as a practical...

She's been called a fairy, a fluffy dice distributor, and the woman with the dog—but what Natasha Hill actually is… is a force of nature. A 26-year veteran of the UK police service, Natasha’s lived through the frontlines of child protection, anti-terrorism, personal trauma, and full-on burnout. And she came back swinging—armed with compassion, EMDR, a cocker spaniel named Murphy, and a mission to rewrite the narrative on mental health in policing.

In this episode, host James Scott dives deep with Natasha about the sh*t that breaks you, the culture that buries it, and how...

You can’t fight if you can’t eat. You can’t move if there’s no fuel. And you can’t win if the supplies don’t get there.

In this episode, Frank Davis takes us deep into the beating heart of military operations — logistics. Forget the Hollywood image of combat; this is the real story of the people who make sure the frontline never runs dry.

From convoy runs through Iraq to building and adapting supply chains in hostile, unforgiving terrain, Frank reveals the unseen world of WES teams — the lifeline between the fight and the fu...

What happens when your partner serves — and you have to serve in your own way?

In this episode, Nic Galbraith-Conlan cracks open the hidden side of military life: the partners who hold the line at home, the emotional toll of deployments, the constant recalibration of identity, and what happens when the mission ends but the mental load doesn’t.

From the loneliness of service life to the messy transitions of civilian reintegration, Nic shares her raw and unfiltered perspective as a military spouse, coach, and creator of the Recalibrate Framework — a practical system for rediscovering balanc...

From dismantling explosives to dismantling limiting beliefs, Gabriel von Knorring joins James to unpack the explosive journey from Swedish military bomb tech to mental resilience mentor. With raw honesty and a hint of dark humour, Gabriel dives into the mental mechanics behind thriving in chaos — whether you're facing a war zone, an ultra-marathon, or your own damn inbox.

He reveals how mental toughness isn't built in the cold trenches of discomfort, but in the tiny moments when you choose courage over comfort. Plus, why “embracing the suck” might be keeping you soft.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, host James Scott speaks with Christian Albrecht, a former military officer turned aerospace professional. Christian shares his journey from growing up in Eastern Germany, joining the army, and transitioning to a civilian career in the aerospace industry.

He discusses the challenges of adapting to new roles, the importance of networking, and finding purpose after military service. Christian emphasises the value of preparation for transition and the need for a supportive environment for service members.

He also shares his aspirations to return to flying and teach others, highlighting...

In this episode James sits down with the author of "The Warfighter's Lounge", Jeff Bodell, a veteran whose journey through the forces and beyond is all about resilience, leadership, and the lessons that carry over long after the uniform comes off.

Jeff opens up about what service taught him, the challenges of stepping into civilian life, and the importance of brotherhood, honesty, and purpose. His story is a no-nonsense look at transition, growth, and building a meaningful life outside the wire.

Whether you’ve served, supported someone who has, or just want a masterclass in gr...

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Craig Mayville, a veteran whose journey through service, struggle, and self-discovery shines a brutal light on what it means to fight battles long after the uniform comes off.

Craig opens up about the challenges of transition, the weight of mental health, and the process of finding purpose again when the old mission ends. With raw honesty and a dash of humour, he reminds us that resilience isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about finding the strength to rebuild, again and again.

Whether you’re...

In this raw and fearless conversation, James sits down with Si Hearn – a former police officer who turned personal collapse into an extraordinary new chapter.

Si doesn’t sugarcoat his story. From a tough childhood and years of bullying, to climbing the ranks in the police force and facing the darkest toll of the job, he opens up about the breaking point that forced him to stop, reset, and rebuild. What others might call a breakdown, Si calls a breakthrough – a circuit breaker that propelled him out of an institution that had drained him and into a world...

In this raw and unfiltered episode, James sits down with Isaac, a veteran who’s lived the highs of service and the lows of what comes after. From frontline missions to personal battles, Isaac lays bare the reality of life in uniform and the messy, uncertain road of transition into civilian life.

This isn’t a story of pity — it’s about grit, growth, and the power of brotherhood. Isaac speaks with brutal honesty about the struggles veterans face, the stigma around mental health, and how finding your tribe can be the difference between sinking and standing tall.

In this episode of The Great Guns Podcast, host James Scott sits down with Jo-Anne Karlsson — psychotherapist, equine-facilitated practitioner, and director of LEAP Equine — to explore the remarkable intersection of horses, healing, and human connection.

Jo-Anne shares her journey from traditional therapy rooms to working in open fields alongside her herd, explaining how horses’ non-judgmental presence and innate sensitivity can help clients process trauma, navigate PTSD, and rebuild trust. From service personnel to corporate leaders, teenagers to families, she reveals why this approach works for such a wide range of people — and why sometimes, the most profound breakthr...

In this hard-hitting episode, James sits down with Ben Edwards, a former Royal Navy serviceman, ex-Met Police detective, and now Head of Global Physical Security. But Ben’s not just navigating the world of global corporate security — he’s changing the game for UK veterans trying to reintegrate into civilian life.

Ben shares his brutally honest take on what’s going wrong with the current resettlement process — from outdated systems to a lack of real, long-term support. And he’s not here just to talk; Ben is doing the work. Through his volunteer mentoring with the VETS programme, h...

Gary Hayes has seen it from both sides — the frontline and the fallout.

As a former soldier turned mental health professional, Gary brings a rare and powerful perspective to this episode of the Great Guns Podcast.

He knows what it means to serve.

He knows what it means to break.

And more importantly — he knows what it takes to rebuild.

In this raw, honest conversation, Gary talks about the deep mental wounds that follow service, the guilt that sticks, and the strength it takes to ask for help instead of h...

This episode hits different.

Claire Lilly, founder of The Forcer Protocol, is the ex-wife of a British Army veteran who died by suicide. What she brings to the mic isn’t a lesson—it’s a lived experience. It's not about medals or mission reports. It's about what happens to the people left behind.

In this raw and brave conversation, Claire opens up about the impact of suicide, what it’s like to carry grief quietly for years, and how she’s now using her voice to help others feel less alone.

💥 This is the other...

He was a U.S. Green Beret.🪖

Then a Night Stalker, Special Forces Black Hawk pilot.🚁

Two of the most demanding jobs in the world—and Nick wore both uniforms with pride.💪

But behind the elite training, the high-stakes missions, and the badges of honour…

He was suffering.

While still serving.

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, Nick rips the silence off a truth far too many hide: even warriors at the top of their game can be barely holding it together.

💥 He didn’t “struggle...

After leaving the military, 26 year Navy Seal veteran, William didn’t just hang up the uniform—he stripped away the expectations, the identity, and the pressure to “just move on.”

What came next? A raw, honest rebuild.

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, we sit down with William to unpack the truth about transition—the emotional weight of starting again, the real fear behind reinvention, and how he learned to turn discomfort into direction.

This isn’t polished. This isn’t a highlight reel.

It’s the story of a veteran findin...

What happens when a 20-stone, booze-soaked hospitality veteran hits the lockdown wall and decides, "F**k this—I want more"?

Adam Smith, co-founder of A-Game, joins us for a brutally honest and fiercely uplifting conversation about what it really means to bring your best self to the table (hint: it’s not kale smoothies and forced gratitude).

We talk alcohol-free living—not from a preachy mountaintop, but from the battlefield of self-worth and social pressure. We dig into masculinity, mental health, the loneliness of leadership, and why “perfectionism” is just low self-esteem dressed up in a designer...

He’s a veteran, a clinical psychologist, a former head of military mental health, and a man who’s spent decades helping others navigate the aftermath of war.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Professor Jamie Hacker Hughes—former RAF officer turned leading voice in military psychology—to dig into the deep end of trauma, transition, and what it really takes to come home from the battlefield.

💀 This isn’t a lecture. It’s a raw, unfiltered look at the realities of psychological injury—told by someone who’s fought on both sides of the uniform.

From Commando raids to Caribbean sails, cliff faces to corporate mindset shifts—Jim Oakley’s career has been anything but ordinary.

With 23 years in the Royal Marines, Jim didn’t just survive elite military life—he thrived. But what happens when the green lid comes off? For Jim, it meant replacing combat zones with climbing ropes, swapping battle briefs for leadership expeditions, and turning “adventure” into his full-time business.

In this episode, Jim gets brutally honest about:

After 16 years in the RAF, Tim Peakman made a bold move—he walked away from the structure of military life to build a business on his own terms. Today, he runs a one-person online business, enjoys location freedom, and spends his time snowboarding in Banff while still making a living.

In this episode of The Great Guns Podcast, Tim breaks down exactly how he made the transition from the military to entrepreneurship. If you’ve ever thought about leaving service, starting your own thing, or creating a business that fits your lifestyle instead of the other way arou...

7 years ago Adam Faulkner quit his £47k job in London and cycled to Japan

The truth is when he quit, he wasn't burned out or in a bad place, was just uninspired about the future & needed to go on adventure.

In this episode of the Great Guns podcast, host James speaks with Adam Faulkner about his incredible journey cycling from London to Japan.

Adam shares the motivations behind his decision to embark on this adventure, the challenges he faced along the way, and the lessons he learned about resilience, family concerns, and the i...

In this episode, James interviews David Watson, who shares his diverse experiences from serving in the army to working in the Metropolitan Police and fostering children.

David discusses the challenges he faced in each role, including a near-fatal encounter while on duty, the emotional toll of fostering, and the importance of seeking help and support in high-stress environments.

He emphasizes the need for resilience and communication in both personal and professional settings, highlighting the significance of teamwork and understanding in overcoming trauma and challenges.

In this conversation, David Watson discusses the evolution of...

In this episode of The Great Guns podcast, host James Scott interviews David MacCrimmon, a retired police officer who shares his journey through 25 years of policing, the impact it had on his mental health, and his diagnosis of PTSD.

David discusses the traumatic experiences he faced on the job, the importance of recognizing mental health issues, and the steps he took towards recovery. He emphasizes the significance of support systems, the role of resilience, and the need for open conversations about mental health.

David's story serves as an inspiration for those dealing with similar challenges...

In this episode of The Great Guns Podcast, host James Scott interviews Tony Lewis, a seasoned chef turned recruitment consultant.

Tony shares his journey from the kitchen to the recruitment industry, emphasizing the importance of resilience, communication, and mindset in high-pressure environments. He draws parallels between the military and the culinary world, highlighting the significance of discipline and teamwork.

Tony also discusses the benefits of journaling as a tool for reflection and personal growth, offering practical advice for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

In this conversation, Tony Lewis shares his journey from the...

In this episode, Emile Ghessen shares his remarkable journey from being a commando in the military to becoming a filmmaker.

He discusses the challenges of transitioning from military life to civilian life, the importance of storytelling in documenting conflicts, and the emotional impact of capturing human experiences in war zones.

Emile emphasizes the need for veterans to have a plan when leaving the military and the resilience required to navigate the ups and downs of a new career.

He also reflects on his experiences in Ukraine and the significance of documenting history through...

In this episode of The Great Guns Podcast, host James Scott speaks with Kenny Brown, a man whose life journey is marked by resilience and grit.

From facing severe injuries and PTSD to transforming his pain into purpose through mentorship with the Army Cadet Force, Kenny shares his story of overcoming adversity.

He discusses the importance of seeking help, rebuilding identity after a military career, and the role of mentorship in recovery.

Kenny's experiences highlight the significance of community support and the power of helping others as a means of healing.

...