Original Episode: Ep 039 - Cpl Mark Stevens from 10th August 2023.
In this Viewpoint, Mark describes his transition from the military to civilian life in the health and safety sector where he was able to apply his military experience. This enabled him to rapidly advance within the business. He highl…
Military Veterans Podcast
by Gavin Watson
This portable podcast is hosted and edited by Gavin Watson, a British Army veteran of 16 years. He talks to other military veterans, allowing them to share their stories and experiences from before, during and after service. This podcast will give non-military personnel the chance to gain a better understanding of military life and gain an insight into what the transition back to civilian life can be like. These strong individuals may inspire, after dealing with diversity, resilience and possibly life changing injuries or illnesses. If you’re a veteran missing your time in the military, this is a great way to rekindle that fire. Regardless of service, rank or time served....every veteran has an experience to share. Sometimes, they just need an opportunity to do so. This podcast is recorded and edited in Gav’s free time.
Latest Episodes
Original Episode: Ep 038 - CAPT William Toti from 10th July 2023.
In this Viewpoint, William discusses his experiences in civilian life and career progression after the Navy. He shares his insights to help others and subsequently published a book titled From CO to CEO.
He also offers valuable advice…
Original Episode: Ep 037 - COL Rob Campbell from 10th June 2023.
In this Viewpoint, Rob discusses his transition from military to civilian life, connecting it to his distinct milestones from his tenure in the United States Army.
He shares the challenges he encountered upon leaving the military after…
Original Episode: Ep 036 - Sgt Hugh Keir from 10th May 2023.
In this Viewpoint: Hugh discusses his personal mental health journey, from the initial confusion surrounding its nature and purpose to the gradual development of self-awareness and the ability to empathise with others.
Consequently, he est…
In this PTSD Special, previous podcast guest AJ Pingram and host Gav Watson share their personal journeys with PTSD and how they came to meet Adrian Cole MBE. Adrian, also known as Ady, recounts his individual journey from his 20-year career in the Royal Marines and how he became involved in this li…
In 2014, Josh enlisted in the British Army as a Royal Engineer, serving for a period of six years and attaining the rank of Sapper (Spr).
In this episode, Josh discusses his journey of growing up and his aspiration to join the Royal Engineers. He also shares his experiences with basic training, phas…
Alex joined the Royal Marines Reserve (RMR) in 2001 and served for four and a half years, attaining the rank of Marine (Mne).
In this episode, Alex discusses the process and his journey in joining the Royal Marines Reserve, including his time as a member of 539 Assault Squadron. During this tenure, …
Original Episode: Ep 035 - LCpl Murray Hambro from 10th April 2023.
In this Viewpoint: Murray shares his journey of leaving the Army as an amputee and finding a new sense of purpose. This included participating in a motorcycle racing team, which ultimately led him to become a Physical Training Instr…
Ian joined the British Army in 1989, serving in the Army Air Corps for 21 years. During this tenure, attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col).
In this episode, Ian discusses his journey through the University Officers’ Training Corps (UOTC) and his tenure as a member of the Territorial Army.…
Original Episode: Ep 034 - Maj Kerry Gospel from 10th March 2023.
In this Viewpoint: Kerry discusses his decision to leave the British Army, acknowledging that the opportune moment for departure had arrived. He subsequently shares his transition back to civilian life, finding his feet with different…
Ben enlisted in the British Army in 2005, joining the Royal Corps of Signals. During the course of 16 years of service, Ben attained the rank of Sergeant (Sgt).
In this episode, Ben recounts his journey into the British Army, detailing the training phases he underwent before joining his first unit. …
Original Episode: Ep 033 - MAJ Steve Rindahl from 10th February 2023.
In this Viewpoint: Steve shares his transition back to civilian life, after fully leaving the military, away from the active duty and reserves.
This included his participation in the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that leads to …
Original Episode: Ep 032 - Sgt William Taylor from 10th January 2023.
In this Viewpoint: William talks about how his book 'On Full Automatic: Surviving 13 Months in Vietnam' came about, and how when writing this book, it was helpful and healing for him on a personal level.
William - aka Bill - also …
Original Episode: Ep 031 - LBdr Ryan Yates from 10th December 2022.
In this Viewpoint: Ryan shares founding a not-for-profit Community Interest Company called Veteran’s Army, where they help veterans and their family.
He also gives advice for people thinking of joining the military, plus some good a…
In 2008, Gerry enlisted in the Royal Air Force (RAF) as an Aerospace Systems Operator and served for nine years, attaining the rank of Corporal (Cpl).
In this episode, Gerry discusses his decision to join the Royal Air Force (RAF) and his subsequent training to become an Aerospace Systems Operator. …
Original Episode: Ep 030 - Maj Alex Gardiner from 10th November 2022
In this Viewpoint, Alex discusses his aspiration to become a civilian photographer, with the intention of travelling to Afghanistan to gain a unique perspective on the world and potentially provide assistance in the aftermath of th…
Aaron joined the United States Navy (USN) in 1999 as a Mess Management Specialist (Cook), and later transferred to the United States Army (USA) as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Specialist, serving for a combined 14 years. Aaron reached the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG).
In this episode Aaron t…
Original Episode: Ep 029 - SSG Diana Soriano from 10th October 2022.
In this Viewpoint: Diana talks about her transition out of the U.S. Army back into civilian life, which included tackling mental health issues, after suppressing many thoughts and feelings from her time in the military.
She also sp…
Jo joined the British Army in 1995 and served for 24 years in the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC), reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSgt).
In this episode, Jo talks about joining up and going through training, which was during the terrible times at Deepcut, but after getting through this part of trai…
Original Episode: Ep 028 - Sgt Joe O'Connor from 10th September 2022.
In this Viewpoint: Joe talks about wanting to challenge himself, away from the Royal Engineers, and in 1999 went on Special Forces Selection. During training with the SF team, late at night with bad weather and visibility, Joe get…