In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Tony Bryson shares the extraordinary story of his journey from a challenging childhood in London to becoming a Royal Marines Commando.

Tony talks about growing up with financial hardship and family violence, finding an escape through sport, and developing the discipline and mental strength that helped him complete one of the world’s toughest military training courses. Of the 56 recruits who started, only 12 finished.

He takes us inside his experiences with 4 5 Commando, Arctic warfare training in Scotland and deployment to Afghanistan after 9/11. Tony discusses combat operations, dangerous helicopter insertions, the loss of fellow servicemen, serious injuries and the lasting psychological impact of war.

The conversation also explores his transition out of the military, work in intelligence and close protection, protecting high-profile clients, and the pressures that came with earning large amounts of money.

Tony speaks openly about PTSD, delayed trauma, addiction, destructive behaviour, relationships, regret and the difficult process of rebuilding a life after military service.

This is an honest conversation about resilience, survival, identity and what happens when the war continues internally long after the deployment has ended.

This episode includes discussion of war, death, suicide, PTSD, drug use and sexual content.

Sponsored by Baldwin Advocacy and Claims

Have you been injured or affected by your work, military service or an accident? Baldwin Advocacy and Claims helps people understand their rights and navigate the claims process.

To find out more about how Baldwin Advocacy and Claims may be able to help, visit Baldwin Advocacy and Claims online or contact their team directly. Make sure you understand your options before accepting an offer or settling a claim.

This is general information only and is not legal advice. Individual circumstances differ, so seek independent advice about your situation.