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 turning point that finally pushed him toward recovery. Honest, raw, and deeply human, this is a conversation about survival, accountability, and learning how to move forward.

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 personalities of loved ones. By combining decades of photographs, voice recordings, videos, and family stories, Reflector creates remarkably lifelike digital versions that allow future generations to reconnect with the people who shaped their lives.

But with technology this powerful come important questions. Together, we discuss the ethical challenges surrounding privacy, consent, authenticity, and the emotional impact AI could have on grief, remembrance, and mental health.

Is this the future of preserving family history, or are we entering unfamiliar territory? Join us for a fascinating conversation about how AI is reshaping legacy, storytelling, and what it means to remember the people we love.

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 like to survive an incredible 22 IED strikes.

Adam speaks candidly about the split-second decisions that can mean life or death, the relentless pressure of combat, and the resilience required to keep moving forward when every patrol could be your last.

Away from the battlefield, we explore the lasting impact of trauma, the importance of speaking openly about mental health, and how surfing became a powerful way for Adam to reconnect with himself and find balance after years of conflict.

This is an honest, powerful conversation about courage, resilience, recovery, and discovering purpose beyond military service.

Topics covered:

• Elite military training

• Covert operations in Afghanistan

• Surviving 22 IED explosions

• Combat resilience and mental toughness

• PTSD and recovery

• Surfing as therapy

• Life after the Armed Forces

If you enjoy conversations with veterans sharing their real experiences, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to help us reach more people.

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 lives. This is an honest, inspiring conversation about resilience, recovery, and ensuring no veteran has to face their struggles alone.

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 discusses PTSD, moral injury, EMDR, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and other innovative treatments helping veterans recover and rebuild their lives.

This is a powerful conversation about resilience, recovery, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the military.

If you've ever wondered about the realities of combat and life after service, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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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 experiences shaped his journey well after the final dive.Marcus takes us into the secret world of submarines—exploring everything from the intense training, life onboard confined for months, to the adrenaline of submarine escape drills. Discover what it truly means to operate in environments where there’s nowhere to hide, and the weight of accountability is directly tied to survival. His stories of fire, injury, and the relentless discipline reveal lessons on leadership, mental resilience, and the camaraderie that only such extreme environments foster.

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 vulnerable individuals with a military background, saving millions in emotional and financial costs.

Claire Lilly, a passionate advocate and founder of the Forcer Protocol, shares her deeply personal journey—from losing her husband to suicide during COVID to developing a proactive safety system that intercepts at-risk individuals before catastrophe strikes. She reveals how her military and equestrian experience shaped her unique understanding of mental health, trauma, and the critical need for tailored interventions for veterans, reservists, and the wider at-risk community.

https://forcerprotocol.org/

https://safeandfoundonline.co.uk/

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 the devastating toll of mental health struggles. Discover untold stories, the reality of veteran suicide, and how a dedicated memorial can foster healing. This episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about mental health and the sacrifices behind military service. Join the movement to Remember, Reflect, and Support.