In this powerful episode, Ian Bailey shares the story behind his long battle with trauma, addiction, and self-destruction after military service. From childhood hardship and bullying to combat experiences, PTSD, gambling, and homelessness, Ian opens up about the moments that shaped him and the turni…
Frankie’s Pod: From the Barracks to the Bullsh*t
by Frankie Dunn
🎙️ Frankie’s Pod is where stories hit harder than ration packs and last longer than your issued kit. From the barracks to the bullsh*t, we dive into life during and after military service — no filters, no fluff, just real voices and raw stories. But it's not all camouflage and combat. We also speak to civilians, misfits, and unfiltered legends with stories you didn’t see coming — from mental health and resilience to chaos, creativity, and the occasional existential crisis. 🪖 Veterans. 🧠 Interesting humans. 🎧 Absolute honesty.
Latest Episodes
What if the people we love could continue sharing their stories, wisdom, and personality long after they're gone?
In this thought-provoking episode of Frankie's Pod, I sit down with Miles Spencer to explore how Reflector is using artificial intelligence to preserve the voices, memories, and personal…
In this episode of Frankies Pod, I sit down with former soldier Adam Lison, whose military career placed him in some of the most dangerous environments imaginable. From elite military training to covert operations in Afghanistan, Adam shares the reality of serving on the front line and what it was l…
In Episode 132, former soldier Taff Fitzgerald shares his journey from military service to founding Veterans Bridge UK. We discuss the realities of army life, the challenges many veterans face after leaving the forces, and why mental health support, community, and therapies such as EMDR are changing…
Former Royal Welsh sniper Ted Shirley joins Frankie's Pod to share his incredible journey from frontline combat in Afghanistan to becoming a passionate advocate for veteran mental health.
Ted opens up about sniper operations, firefights, the loss of friends, and the lasting impact of war. He also di…
Most veteran stories are about heroism and medals — but behind the surface is a culture rooted in resilience, camaraderie, and the toughest lessons life teaches. In this gripping episode, ex-submariner and navy veteran Marcus Peters unpacks the raw realities of life beneath the waves and how those e…
Most people believe suicide is a tragic, unavoidable outcome—until they hear how Claire Lilly's inspired Forcer Protocol is transforming prevention and saving lives. This episode uncovers the groundbreaking work behind a simple yet powerful safety mechanism that’s already located hundreds of vulnera…
Most veterans suffer in silence, but one man is building the UK’s first memorial dedicated solely to veteran suicide—shining a light on a crisis we all must confront. Ed Mackenzie, a lifelong soldier and veteran, shares raw stories from 14 tours, revealing the unseen pain behind military service and…
Join us as we dive into the incredible journey of Craig Woods, a triple amputee who sailed solo across the Pacific. From surviving a life-altering IED blast in Afghanistan to breaking records on the open sea, Craig's story is a testament to resilience and the power of mindset.
Discover how Craig tra…
This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with Devin Fish, who shares his compelling life story, marked by a challenging upbringing in Rockford, Illinois. Devin recounts his experiences growing up in poverty, moving 16 times in 18 years, and facing instability and hardship. Despite thes…
Most veterans carry their stories silently, but Andy Haynes, aka The Allotment Veteran, breaks the mold. From serving in Afghanistan as a soldier to sharing raw, unfiltered tales on TikTok, his journey reveals resilience, invaluable lessons, and the human side behind the uniform. In this gripping ep…
In Episode 124, Dan Smith takes on the Yukon’s most unforgiving rivers — battling violent rapids, constant bear threat, and total isolation where rescue isn’t coming.
This isn’t just an adventure story. It’s a raw look at what happens when you’re pushed to your limits with no one to rely on but your…
Most veterans return home with a sense of duty, but rarely do they share how traumatic deployment, injuries, and loss shape a life. Tonight’s episode dives into the raw, unfiltered journey of a Chinook engineer who spent over a decade in Afghanistan—dealing with near-death experiences, personal trag…
Johnny Ball, a former British Army soldier with 22 years of service, shares his powerful story of war, resilience, and recovery.
From deployments in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Afghanistan to the challenges of mental health and life after service, this episode explores the true cost of war and the…
Join us as we unravel the extraordinary career of Colonel Peter Bates, OBE, a veteran of the Royal Artillery whose journey spans from the Falklands War to leading charitable projects for veterans and underserved communities worldwide. Discover insights into military leadership, combat stories, and h…
This episode is a candid deep dive into the often-hidden struggles of mental health, trauma, and addiction. Dan shares how alcohol initially served as an escape, how narcissists manipulate relationships, and the painful journey of fighting for his son amid abuse and courtroom battles. You’ll discove…
In Episode 119 of Frankie’s Podcast, we dive deep into the journey from Gosport to the front lines—and everything in between.
This isn’t the polished version of military life. It’s the raw reality.
From long days at sea to the mental toll of service, this episode explores what it truly means to adap…
Join us as Rachel Webster shares her harrowing journey through military lawfare. After serving in Iraq, Bosnia, and Northern Ireland, Rachel faced an unjust investigation that led to unwarranted detention and legal battles. Her story highlights systemic failures in military justice and the urgent ne…
Description:
Defense analyst and veteran Tim Ripley breaks down the hard lessons of Iraq and Afghanistan, revealing how overconfidence, flawed intelligence, and political missteps turned early victories into long-term conflicts.
In this episode, we explore how Western forces underestimated the compl…
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, a…