The Old Paratrooper Podcast

Four SAS Pinkies. Deep inside enemy territory. An Iraqi motorway full of traffic. And a decision that could have ended in disaster.In this gripping clip from The Old Paratrooper Podcast, former Royal Marine, Paratrooper and 22 SAS soldier Chris Hawthorne recalls an extraordinary moment during the Gulf War.Operating behind enemy lines hunting Iraqi SCUD missile launchers, Chris and his patrol faced a major obstacle: a busy Iraqi military supply route.Their solution? Drive straight onto it.Disguised in desert clothing and shemaghs, four heavily loaded SAS Land Rovers merged with Iraqi traffic, even waving back at unsuspecting locals.But when a convoy of Iraqi armoured vehicles and soldiers passed them, things took a dangerous turn. The Iraqis appeared suspicious, and some turned around.With the possibility of being discovered, the SAS patrol had seconds to react.An incredible firsthand account of courage, quick thinking and the sheer audacity of special forces operations.As Chris puts it: "It was Who Dares Wins. You were just chancing it, and you got away with it."🎙️ The Old Paratrooper Podcast#SAS #WhoDaresWins #SpecialForces #GulfWar #22SAS #ParachuteRegiment #MilitaryHistory #TheOldParatrooperPodcast

A story never told before. And it turns out the man who lived it was four minutes from my front door.An old mate from 2 PARA and the fire service, Ivan Langton, introduced me to Chris Hawthorne. We sat down for a coffee, and within minutes I knew I had to get him on The Old Paratrooper Podcast. How does a young Royal Marines officer, told his time in the Corps is up, end up starting again as a Para recruit and going on to serve with 22 SAS?Chris takes us back to his childhood in Kenya and Nigeria, boarding school at nine and the decision to join the Royal Marines at 18, despite his dad, a former 1 PARA man, telling him to go Army. As a young officer with 40 Commando, he found himself leading servicemen from across the forces, turning out in Green Goddesses during the firefighters’ strike. Years later, with both of us having served in the fire service, I couldn’t wait to hear his side of that.After being told to leave the Marines, Chris went back to square one as a Parachute Regiment recruit. During the final 10-miler on P Company, he collapsed with heatstroke and woke up in hospital. He came back, passed on his second attempt and joined 2 PARA. That experience stuck with him. When it came time to put himself forward for SAS selection, he chose winter.We get into what selection was like in 1987, hunting Scud launchers in Iraq during the Gulf War, serving in Bosnia and protecting Metropolitan Police negotiators working to secure the release of hostages in Sierra Leone. Chris also talks about leaving the military in 2002 and moving to America to work in night vision and thermal imaging.What stayed with me was how openly Chris talked about being a young officer who got things wrong. He’d already earned one beret when he had to turn up as a recruit and prove himself all over again. Hearing him talk through that decision, and where it took him, was one of my favourite parts of the conversation.Three berets. One remarkable career. In Chris Hawthorne’s own words. 🫡Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #BritishArmy #IraqWar #Veterans #UltraMarathon #Endurance #MentalHealth #Resilience #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranMentalHealth #Survival #sas

Who is the man behind The Old Paratrooper Podcast?In this deeply personal episode, Chris Binch steps away from the interviewer's chair to share his own extraordinary journey through a life spent in some of the world's most challenging environments.From a troublesome teenager joining the British Army at just 17, Chris went on to serve seven years with the elite Parachute Regiment, completing six operational tours across Northern Ireland, Macedonia, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan.Leaving the military was far from the end of his adventures. Chris spent six years working as a private security contractor in war-torn Iraq, followed by three years protecting commercial shipping from Somali piracy in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea. His career also took him into the world of covert surveillance before he eventually joined Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, serving as an operational firefighter for 12 years.Away from the battlefield and fireground, Chris also stepped into the boxing ring, competing in 15 heavyweight bouts and winning two titles.But behind the military service, dangerous encounters, adrenaline and achievements lies another story.Having lost friends and former colleagues to suicide, and faced his own struggles with mental health, Chris began questioning the culture of silence that often surrounds those who have spent their lives in high-pressure professions.Those experiences ultimately inspired him to create The Old Paratrooper Podcast, a platform dedicated to honest conversations, remarkable life stories and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health.From the young lad who struggled to find his direction to the veteran, firefighter, fighter and podcast host he is today, this episode explores the highs, the lows, the mistakes, the lessons and the experiences that shaped the man behind the microphone.This is Chris Binch's story. Unfiltered, honest and in his own words.Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #BritishArmy #IraqWar #Veterans #UltraMarathon #Endurance #MentalHealth #Resilience #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranMentalHealth #Survival

In this episode of The Old Paratrooper Podcast, Chris Binch sits down with PJ, former Royal Marine, firefighter, hostile environment instructor, anti-poaching consultant and founder of the veteran-run clothing brand Gibraltar Trading Company (GTC).From growing up in Essex to earning his green beret, PJ shares his journey through Royal Marines training and military life. He speaks openly about serving during a quieter operational period, missing the opportunity to deploy to Afghanistan or Iraq, and why honesty about military service matters.After leaving the Marines, PJ joined the fire service, where he discovered a different set of challenges. Chris and PJ discuss the politics, workplace culture, management and frustrations that can come with life in the emergency services, alongside the camaraderie and experiences that make the job so rewarding.But the conversation takes a deeply personal turn when PJ opens up about the sudden and unexpected death of his younger brother at just 25 years old. A devastating loss that changed his perspective on life and ultimately influenced some of the biggest decisions he would ever make.Determined to make the most of the time he had, PJ travelled the world, stepped away from a secure career and took a gamble on a small business that began with selling stickers online.That business became Gibraltar Trading Company, a growing veteran-run clothing brand built around community, military humour and the philosophy of "Stay Wavy" — learning to ride life's ups and downs rather than allowing them to defeat you.This is more than a conversation about military service or building a business. It's about loss, perspective, taking risks, finding purpose and having the courage to change direction when life doesn't go to plan.An honest conversation about service, grief, resilience and turning an idea into something bigger.🎙️ The Old Paratrooper Podcast — Real People. Real Stories. Real Conversations.Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #BritishArmy #IraqWar #Veterans #UltraMarathon #Endurance #MentalHealth #Resilience #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranMentalHealth #Survival

One moment he was a soldier fighting in Iraq. The next, he was engulfed in flames, trapped inside a burning armoured vehicle, fighting for his life.For former British Army soldier Karl Hinett, life changed in a matter of seconds.Drenched in petrol and surrounded by flames, Karl experienced a level of terror most of us could never begin to imagine. Trapped with nowhere to escape, he suffered devastating burns that would change his life forever.But surviving the fire was only the beginning.What followed was a gruelling journey through physical pain, rehabilitation, mental battles and the challenge of rebuilding a life after unimaginable trauma.For many, simply surviving such an ordeal would have been enough.But Karl wasn't finished. Not even close.Rather than allowing his injuries to dictate what he could achieve, Karl went on to push his body and mind to extraordinary limits.From running ultramarathons to taking on some of the world's toughest endurance events, Karl has continued to challenge himself in ways that would test even the fittest individuals.Marathons, extreme-distance running, gruelling endurance challenges and events that demand relentless physical and mental determination became part of his journey.A man who once fought to survive inside a burning vehicle went on to test the very limits of human endurance.From fighting for his life to pushing himself beyond limits most people would never dare approach.But behind the medals, achievements and extraordinary physical resilience is another story. The psychological scars of war, the impact of trauma and the battles that don't simply disappear because the physical wounds have healed.In this episode of The Old Paratrooper Podcast, Karl opens up about the day he was engulfed in flames, the terrifying moments that followed, his recovery, the mental battles and how endurance sport became such a significant part of his life.We discuss war, survival, severe burns, mental health, ultramarathons, resilience, purpose and what it really takes to rebuild yourself when life has been turned upside down.This isn't another motivational story about being tough.It's about a man who has experienced unimaginable pain, stared death in the face and refused to let that moment write the rest of his story.An extraordinary individual whose journey demonstrates that resilience isn't about never suffering. It's about what you choose to do in the face of that suffering.🎙️ The Old Paratrooper Podcast Presents: Karl HinettHe survived the flames. Then he went looking for his limits.Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #KarlHinett #BritishArmy #IraqWar #Veterans #UltraMarathon #Endurance #MentalHealth #Resilience #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranMentalHealth #Survival

Is it unconscious bias, or is it racism? And where exactly do we draw the line?FULL PODCAST ON THE LINK BELOWhttps://youtu.be/ZU-zOcPhcvE?si=cNQcj3Pu5sfnxaYfFormer SAS soldier and bestselling author Chris Ryan joins The Old Paratrooper Podcast for a conversation about one of the most divisive subjects in society today.We explore unconscious bias, racism, personal experiences, stereotypes and how our upbringing and life experiences can shape the way we see others.Are we sometimes too quick to label people? Can someone hold an unconscious bias without being racist? And have we reached a point where people are afraid to have honest conversations for fear of being judged?It's a subject that often divides opinion, but that doesn't mean we should shy away from discussing it.At The Old Paratrooper Podcast, we believe in open conversations, challenging perspectives and allowing people to make up their own minds.What's your opinion? Is there a clear difference between unconscious bias and racism?Let us know in the comments. Keep it respectful.Subscribe to The Old Paratrooper Podcast for more honest, unfiltered conversations.Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas #ChrisRyan #SAS #UnconsciousBias #Racism #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #Debate #MilitaryPodcast

FROM D-DAY TO THE RHINE – THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF WW2 PARATROOPER PETER LOVETTAt 101 years old, Peter Lovett is one of the last surviving members of a generation who fought through some of the most brutal battles of the Second World War.In this very special episode of The Old Paratrooper Podcast, Chris Binch sits down with Peter to hear his extraordinary story of courage, sacrifice and brotherhood.Peter landed on Juno Beach during D-Day, serving with No. 7 Assault Beach Group before volunteering for the legendary 9th Parachute Battalion.His remarkable military career took him through the fighting in Normandy, the freezing conditions of the Battle of the Bulge, and the historic airborne assault across the Rhine during Operation Varsity.On VE Day, Peter was in Germany, where he encountered Soviet forces at Wismar. His service didn't end with the war. He went on to serve in Palestine, Germany, Cyprus and Egypt before beginning another chapter of his life as a police officer.Peter speaks openly about the realities of war, losing comrades, close encounters with death, and the professionalism and brotherhood that made the Parachute Regiment what it was.These aren't stories from a history book. This is history told by a man who lived it.It was an absolute honour to sit down with Peter, not just as a podcast host, but as a former Paratrooper meeting one of the men who helped forge the regiment's legendary reputation.Every Man an Emperor.Please like, share and subscribe to The Old Paratrooper Podcast to help preserve the stories of this extraordinary generation.Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas#PeterLovett #WW2 #ParachuteRegiment #DDay #BattleOfTheBulge #OperationVarsity #MilitaryHistory #TheOldParatrooperPodcast

Seconds to make a life-or-death decision. Years to answer for it.Former Metropolitan Police firearms officer Tony Long joins The Old Paratrooper Podcast to discuss his career in armed policing, the shootings that left three people dead, and the decade-long legal ordeal that ended with his acquittal at the Old Bailey.From his childhood and early ambitions to brutal Hendon training, foot patrols and the world of the SPG, Tony describes his journey from naïve recruit to trusted “thief taker” and firearms officer.00:00 — Meet Tony Long02:21 — A surprising family discovery05:48 — Joining the Metropolitan Police12:12 — Hendon: old-school police training18:55 — From detective ambitions to firearms27:01 — Early days on the streets40:14 — Informants and police intelligence53:57 — Dark humor under pressure59:08 — Joining the firearms unit75:26 — The Northolt siege89:07 — The armed robbery operation103:39 — The mental switch before a shift115:51 — The operation that led to trial129:53 — Split-second decisions, judged later139:55 — The Old Bailey trial and acquittal149:31 — Lethal Force and final reflectionsWe explore:• Firearms training in the 1970s and 80s• Informants, intelligence and policing before modern technology• Fear, respect and dark humour within old-school police culture• The pressure of deciding whether to pull the trigger• Investigations, a murder trial and the lasting mental tollBlunt and unfiltered, Tony shares his perspective on lethal force, accountability and living with decisions that cannot be undone.📖 Tony Long’s memoir, Lethal Force, is available on Amazon.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lethal-Force-Life-Controversial-Marksman/dp/1785033948Subscribe to The Old Paratrooper Podcast for honest conversations with veterans, emergency responders and people whose experiences deserve to be heard.Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas #police

⚠️ The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Old Paratrooper Podcast. ⚠️SAS veteran and author Rusty Firmin joins me on The Old Paratrooper Podcast to discuss his new book, “Aftermath”, and some difficult topics that deserve an honest conversation.We cover Gaza, war crimes, veterans’ homelessness, Walter Mittys and conspiracies. We also ask what more can be done to stop those who served ending up on the streets.A straight-talking conversation with room for challenging views and different perspectives.Watch the full episode and let us know your thoughts in the comments.Another huge episode of The Old Paratrooper Podcast.Real people. Real experiences. No bullshit.02:23 — Rusty Firmin: Life, Service & New Book05:25 — Inside SAS: Aftermath08:13 — From Military Service to Security Work11:29 — Military Life, Loss & Moving Forward14:29 — Stolen Valour and False Claims17:26 — Veteran Homelessness and Support21:30 — Media, Misinformation & Trust24:15 — Global Conflict and Competing Narratives29:15 — The Gaza Situation42:24 — Questioning Historical Events45:53 — Conspiracies, Power and Public Perception48:25 — Truth, Belief and Speaking Freely51:12 — Social Media and Control53:44 — Technology, Young People and Mental Health59:19 — Preparing for a Digital-First Future63:23 — Veterans, Accountability and Service75:52 — The Reality of Military OperationsBook Available belowhttps://www.rusty-firmin.com/shopInterested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas

Tim Spicer joins The Old Paratrooper Podcast to discuss his new book, The Axe and the Balloon, exploring the remarkable life and legacy of Brian Franks one of the founding fathers of the SAS.In this episode, Tim takes us into the world of the early Special Air Service and the man behind a story that deserves to be far better known.From wartime service and the formative years of the SAS to the character, leadership and experiences that shaped Brian Franks, Tim reveals the research and stories behind the book and explains why he wanted to bring Franks' life to a new generation.It's a conversation about soldiering, leadership, history, sacrifice and the origins of one of the world's most famous special forces units.🎙️ Tim Spicer on Brian Franks and The Axe and the Balloon.The Old Paratrooper PodcastReal people. Real stories. No bullshit.🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, special forces operators and extraordinary people who have lived extraordinary lives.Get hold of Tim's book on the link belowhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Axe-Four-Balloons-Biography-Everymans/dp/1999589173/ref=asc_df_1999589173?mcid=051b534769d73274a488927d69f161cd&th=1&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=795367046375&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10194214930364462762&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046393&hvtargid=pla-2505137101354&psc=1&hvocijid=10194214930364462762-1999589173-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas#TimSpicer #BrianFranks #SAS #SpecialAirService #TheAxeAndTheBalloon #SpecialForces #MilitaryHistory #BritishArmy #TheOldParatrooperPodcast