#5 - Jason Birch: Training for an Elite Mindset

Having served in all three battalions of the Parachute Regiment, Jonny's transition from soldier to civilian brought to light the need for robust veteran support networks. Through his work with the Airborne Business Group, he advocates for this cause. Last year, he undertook an incredible challenge, becoming the first person ever to complete the Marathon des Sables in full body armor, all in the name of charity and veterans' mental health awareness. In our conversation, Jonny delves into his journey, the synergy between fitness and mental well-being, and the legendary Marathon des Sables – one of the world's most formidable endurance tests. Tune in for insights and inspiration.

Since his late teenage years, Ash Dykes has dedicated his life to exploring the world, immersing himself in new cultures and going on incredible off-the-beaten-track adventures. In 2014, he became the first person to hike across Mongolia solo and unsupported, as well as the first person to walk the entire length of Madagascar's interior. His most recent adventure was taking on the mighty Mission Yangtze – a 4000-mile trek along China's Yangtze River that took him an epic 352 days to complete.  Ash joins us in this episode to speak about igniting his love for adventure, how we’re all much tougher than we realise, and the reason why having too much comfort can sometimes make you feel uncomfortable. 

Mike Sarraille is a retired Navy SEAL, entrepreneur, bestselling author, founder, and CEO of Talent War Group. He served in the US military for over 20 years and now uses his vast Special Forces experience to turn companies into the most efficient, successful and high-performing version of themselves.  In this episode, Mike discusses everything from life after the military, how veterans can excel in the civilian world, and what it means to be an ‘everyday warrior.’  Click here to be the first to find out about our latest inspiring articles, podcasts and challenges from Fear Naught and an exclusive 10% discount on Fear Naught merch: ⁠⁠https://fearnaught.uk/⁠⁠ Inspired to take on your own adventure? Click to shop our range of FN kit: ⁠⁠https://fearnaught.uk/collections/kit 100% of profits from FEAR NAUGHT go directly to Scotty's Little Soldiers to ensure that we can support more bereaved military children. 

At the age of 30, Sean Conway sold his photography business for one pound. A few years later, he became the first person to ever run, cycle and swim the length of Great Britain, becoming one of the country's most renowned ultra-endurance athletes in the process. He recently took some time from his busy schedule to appear on the Fear Naught podcast, where he discussed everything from his elite training regime to living on a World War II gunboat, cycling across the planet and his current record-breaking challenge, the Iron102 – completing 102 triathlons in 102 days. Click here to be the first to find out about our latest inspiring articles, podcasts and challenges from Fear Naught and an exclusive 10% discount on Fear Naught merch: ⁠⁠https://fearnaught.uk/⁠⁠ Inspired to take on your own adventure? Click to shop our range of FN kit: ⁠⁠https://fearnaught.uk/collections/kit 100% of profits from FEAR NAUGHT go directly to Scotty's Little Soldiers to ensure that we can support more bereaved military children. 

Adventure athlete, mental health campaigner, physiotherapist and Army Cadet Ambassador, former Major Sally Orange, has completed over 80 marathons all over the world and recently became the first female veteran to complete the mammoth World Marathon Challenge – that's seven marathons in seven continents over seven days. In this episode, Sally sat down with FEAR NAUGHT podcast host, James Banks, to offer her insight on becoming a marathon runner, breaking down barriers to success and how running can improve everyone's mental health. Click here to be the first to find out about our latest inspiring articles, podcasts and challenges from Fear Naught and an exclusive 10% discount on Fear Naught merch: ⁠https://fearnaught.uk/⁠ Inspired to take on your own sporting challenge? Click to shop our range of performance wear: ⁠https://fearnaught.uk/collections/performance-wear⁠ 100% of profits from FEAR NAUGHT go directly to Scotty's Little Soldiers to ensure that we can support more bereaved military children. 

For 125 years, the annual Army v Navy match was exclusively played by men. But, in 2003, women were finally given the opportunity to take part in this historic event that brings the military community together.  Fear Naught podcast host, James Banks, sat down with Sergeant Heidi Silcox and last year's player of the match, Leftenant Sally Bellhouse, from the Army team, as well as Leading Physical Training Instructor Suz Badger and Sub Leftenant Rebecca “Baddis” Addis from the Navy team. They were also joined by guest co-host Cath Brazier, Deputy Sport Editor at BFBS.  They will go head-to-head on Saturday 13th May, but only one team can take home the legendary title. Click here to be the first to find out about our latest inspiring articles, podcasts and challenges from Fear Naught and an exclusive 10% discount on Fear Naught merch: https://fearnaught.uk/ Inspired to take on your own sporting challenge? Click to shop our range of performance wear: https://fearnaught.uk/collections/performance-wear 100% of profits from FEAR NAUGHT go directly to Scotty's Little Soldiers to ensure that we can support more bereaved military children. 

The annual Army v Navy rugby match is the largest amateur sporting event in the UK. The first match took place in 1878 and continues to be a huge date in the sporting calendar, attracting enormous crowds to the 82,000 capacity Twickenham stadium every single year. In this episode, Fear Naught podcast host, James Banks, sat down with some of this year's competitors. He chatted to Lance Corporal Stephen “Jenks” Jenkinson from the Army Men’s Team, Leading Physical Instructor Scott Makepeace and Leading Airman Ben “Bubba” Watson from the Men’s Navy Team. They were joined by guest co-host Cath Brazier, Deputy Sport Editor at BFBS. They will clash on Saturday 13th May, and with both teams ensuring they’re in better condition than ever, this match is set to be the closest yet. Click here to be the first to find out about our latest inspiring articles, podcasts and challenges from Fear Naught and an exclusive 10% discount on Fear Naught merch: https://fearnaught.uk/ Inspired to take on your own sporting challenge? Click to shop our range of performance wear: https://fearnaught.uk/collections/performance-wear 100% of profits from FEAR NAUGHT go directly to Scotty's Little Soldiers to ensure that we can support more bereaved military children.

You’ve probably heard of Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham. He’s best known as the Chief Instructor on Channel 4’s hit TV series SAS: Who Dares Wins, and before this served over 27 years on the frontline of the British Armed Forces. Not only is Billy the most decorated DS on television but he has also worked as Head of Security for the stars, including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Billy's illustrious career has taught him the importance of positive role models and discipline, as well as how to be a master of self motivation. In this episode, Billy speaks openly about his difficult childhood, how the Armed Forces changed him, ways the real SAS selection process differs from SAS: Who Dares Wins and the surprising reason he became a household name. Click here to be the first to find out about our latest inspiring articles, podcasts and challenges from Fear Naught and an exclusive 10% discount on Fear Naught merch: https://fearnaught.uk/ Are you brave enough to take on an SAS Selection challenge? Click to find out more: https://fearnaught.uk/pages/fan-dance-trinity

In 2017, Ben Tansley was told he would never walk again after a life-changing motorcycle accident paralysed him from the chest down. But he has refused to let this define him. Ben’s mental toughness and unwavering positive mindset has led him to grow a significant online following; a position which he uses to promote positivity, discuss his experiences of living with a disability and share the challenges he has taken on since, including completing the Berlin Marathon in a wheelchair. Click here to be the first to find out about our latest inspiring articles, podcasts and challenges from Fear Naught and an exclusive 10% discount on Fear Naught merch: https://fearnaught.uk/

Ex-UK Special Forces and Physical Training Instructor, Jason Birch, has spent his life overcoming adversity and teaching others to do the same. Now a successful entrepreneur and founder of the S.F. Experience, he offers civilians a taste of what it's like to tackle UK Special Forces selection - including the infamous Fan Dance. Click here to be the first to find out about our latest inspiring articles, podcasts and challenges from Fear Naught and an exclusive 10% discount on Fear Naught merch: https://fearnaught.uk/