The CAPB Podcast

Paul Harris, also known as the Warrior Walker, shares his incredible journey from serving in the Royal Marines to embarking on transformative walks across the UK. Chaotic Military Career Reflecting on his time in the military, Paul describes it as a chaotic highlight reel. "I didn't really know myself. I didn't really know what I was doing, but then I got to know what I was doing," he says. With a mix of pride and resentment, he acknowledges the lack of support for veterans in mental health. Leap into Reality TV Just a week after leaving the Marines, Paul found himself on a desert island filming the reality show "Shipwrecked." "I spent six months on a desert island. It was awful," he recounts, humorously reflecting on the experience. Living without the pressures of bills and societal expectations taught him about simplicity and survival. Finding Freedom in Minimalism Paul emphasizes the confusion caused by material possessions and social media: "I think we as humans don't need a lot of stuff, and it's the stuff that confuses us." His experiences on the island and later walks highlight the importance of understanding oneself amid external pressures. The Walks Paul's journey of self-discovery led him to walk the circumference of the UK twice. He describes how his mental state influenced his decision to embark on these walks, stating, "If I realised the enormity of what it was, I’d lose my head." Reflections on Life As Paul navigates through his past and present, he reflects on the difficulties many veterans face in expressing their emotions. "We don't talk about our feelings because we've been told not to," he shares, shedding light on the societal pressures surrounding masculinity and vulnerability. Paul's story is a testament to resilience, exploring the journey from chaos to clarity. If you want to dive deeper into Paul Harris's experiences and the lessons he's learned along the way, be sure to check out the full episode.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Paul's Journey and Background01:59 Military Service and Reflections on Mental Health04:47 Transition from Military to Civilian Life and TV Experience09:12 Living on a Desert Island and Lessons in Minimalism11:55 The Inspiration to Walk the UK Coastline14:51 Starting the First Walk and Overcoming Challenges19:57 Documenting the Journey and Social Media Impact25:08 The Second Walk and Personal Transformation30:04 Lessons in Resilience and Mental Toughness34:53 The Power of Community and Human Kindness39:55 Reflections on Personal Growth and Future Plans

One skydiving accident nearly ended Jack Jarvis’ military career. Instead, it set up a life built around extreme endurance, ruthless problem-solving, and the refusal to quit. If you want a story about resilience, adventure, and what happens when you keep saying yes to the impossible, this one will hit hard.Royal Engineers veteran Jack Jarvis joins Matt and Paul to break down the moments that shaped him - from joining up at 16 to surviving a catastrophic skydiving injury, returning to fitness through ultra marathons and jiu-jitsu, and then rowing solo across the Atlantic as an unsupported athlete. It’s the kind of conversation that moves from chaos to clarity fast, with no shortage of war stories along the way.You’ll discover:How Jack rebuilt his mindset after a brutal knee injury that included multiple ligament tears.Why his solo Atlantic row became a test of extreme ownership, isolation, and endurance.What it really takes to plan a 111-day ocean crossing with no safety net.How team dynamics change when the goal is survival, speed, and shared sufferingWhy the next challenge - a 13,000-kilometre run from Beijing to London - may be his most ambitious yetJack also opens up about the difference between solo and team expeditions, the hidden logistics behind massive endurance projects, and why “feeling ready” is often the biggest lie holding people back. Matt and Paul bring their own brutally honest stories into the mix too, including the kind of built-different resilience that makes this episode feel bigger than sport.This is for anyone who needs a kick of motivation, a reality check about excuses or a reminder that the hardest things are usually the most meaningful. If you’re drawn to ultra running, military mindset, adventure racing or stories of people pushing far beyond what seems sensible, hit play now.

From a poster note on a wall to the Olympic Games , Shanwayne Stephens turned a military opportunity into an extraordinary bobsleigh journey, proving that if you back your ability, the impossible gets a lot smaller.Starting as a casual athlete in the RAF, he took a shot on a whim, messaging the Jamaican Olympic Association on Instagram and that gamble transformed into a journey to the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022.The power of this story is that it combines underdog ambition with elite achievement, which makes people stop scrolling and lean in. From the RAF to representing Jamaica on the world stage, this is what happens when discipline meets belief.

Ben Gallagher is a former UK Special Forces veteran, elite athlete, keynote speaker and mental health advocate. His journey from life-threatening injuries to world champion exemplifies resilience at its finest.If you’re inspired by breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible after trauma, don’t miss this powerful conversation. It’s a story of survival, strength and what it truly means to live with purpose, because sometimes, life’s hardest hits set the stage for your greatest victory.

Chris Taylor is a former Royal Marine and now a highly regarded running coach in the UK. With his military background and passion for endurance sports, he has become a go-to expert for those looking to tackle running challenges. In this episode, we delve into his transition from military life to coaching and the lessons he learned along the way.Chris shares several key insights for those looking to transition into coaching:**Don’t Overthink Logistics:** While planning is important, Chris believes that sometimes it’s best to dive in and learn along the way. His first major running challenge involved minimal planning, which taught him valuable lessons about adaptability and problem-solving.**Stay Authentic:** Chris stresses the importance of staying true to oneself. He emphasises that passion should drive your coaching practice, rather than solely focusing on business aspects.**Continuous Learning:** The field of coaching is ever-evolving. Chris advocates for continuous learning and adapting to new trends in sports science and training techniques.

Next up on The CAPB Podcast is Royal Navy Veteran, Emily Witcher. Emily is a former Royal Navy officer who founded Emily Rose Fine Art & Framing, known for her bespoke naval crests, maritime artwork, and heartfelt memorial pieces—transforming military memorabilia into timeless, artistic legacies. Most navy veterans hang up their uniform and move on. But Emily turned her military experience into a ground breaking art and framing business that captures the essence of a naval career in stunning, bespoke artwork.Emily’s story highlights how a military mindset of adaptability and perseverance can turn art into a powerful vehicle for storytelling and legacy.In just under a year, she’s not only created unique naval crest maps and commemorative pieces but also secured opportunities at prestigious events like the Hay Festival—showing the world what resilience and creativity can achieve.This episode reveals how one veteran’s passion for art transformed into a thriving business, blending military memorabilia with fine art that truly stands out. You’ll discover:How Emily’s inventive framing techniques protect precious artifacts with conservation-grade materials, making her work both beautiful and meaningfulThe story behind framing Churchill's letter and personal naval career maps that enable veterans to encapsulate their service uniquelyHer journey from military life to entrepreneurship, including overcoming adversity with grit and resourcefulnessPractical insights for veteran entrepreneurs: navigating support networks, marketing strategies, and the importance of community collaborationWhy thinking big and seizing opportunities, including the Hay Festival, can change the trajectory of a small start-up into a brand with national impactIf you're a veteran looking to turn your creative passions into a business or simply inspired by stories of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, this episode is a must-listen.From crafting personalised naval art to navigating the challenges of running a small business, Emily shares invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Don’t miss her advice on building support networks, the importance of doing thorough market research and embracing bold opportunities, even if they seem daunting at first.Whether you're in a similar craft-based business, considering a pivot from military to civilian enterprise, or craving a dose of inspiration, this episode will motivate you to think big, act courageously, and use your unique background to stand out.

Whether you're in the military community thinking about entrepreneurship, or a tech enthusiast keen to understand drone evolution—this conversation is your blueprint for leveraging skills, embracing change and building a future-proof business.Toby is a reservist and founder of Buzz Drones, with a unique blend of military service and entrepreneurial success. His story showcases how reserve life builds skills that transcend the battlefield, fuelling a thriving business in the high-stakes world of drone technology.This episode is packed with actionable insights on confidence, adaptability, and technical mastery—plus, a glimpse into the next frontier of drone innovation—making it essential listening for anyone ready to harness the power of military-grade skills in a commercial setting.

Join us as we delve into the inspiring stories of veteran Fraser Coleman, who leveraged his military experience to create the Ops Con — a global community dedicated to supporting veterans and Blue Light Service leavers through transition and into new careers. He is joined be US Army Ranger veteran Lee Brett who is the lead trainer at the Ops Con. Discover the power of network, purpose, and community in transforming lives after service.Veterans interested in engaging with The Ops Con can sign up through their website and follow social channels for updates. The Ops Con - Supporting Veterans & Blue Light ServicesReach out, visit their Battersea Power Station headquarters, or participate in training programs designed to help you succeed beyond service.This episode highlights the transformative power of community, purpose, and resilience, demonstrating how veterans are shaping a better future for themselves and others.

Garrath Williams, a veteran of both the British and Australian Army, shares his journey from military service to founding Veterans Can. Discover how he leverages veteran talent, supports veteran entrepreneurs and creates impactful community initiatives like the Veteran Games and funding programs.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Veterans Can and Gareth's Background03:12 Military Career Highlights and Leadership Lessons05:56 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life09:08 The Birth of Veterans Can11:49 Funding and Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses15:02 Community and Collaboration in the Veteran Space17:54 Lessons Learned in Building Veterans Can21:05 Upcoming Events and Future Plans for Veterans Can23:57 The Importance of Supporting Each Other in the Veteran Community

In this episode of the CAPB Podcast, host Matt interviews Genevieve Turley, a former RAF nurse turned professional makeup artist and social media sensation. They discuss Genevieve's transition from military life to the creative industry, her experiences in the RAF, the challenges of motherhood and her rise to fame on social media through comedic makeup content. Genevieve transitioned from a military career to makeup artistry.Her military experience was challenging and not what she expected.Social media is a powerful free marketing tool for businesses.Building a social media presence requires hard work and consistency.Comedy can be effectively integrated into makeup content.Balancing humour and credibility is essential in her work.Genevieve aims to uplift women through her content.She values happiness over financial success.Future aspirations include live shows and a potential book.Genevieve shares her insights on balancing credibility with humour in her work, her aspirations for the future, and the importance of happiness and support in achieving success.