The Old Paratrooper Podcast

Richard Whitehead MBE is one of Britain's most inspirational Paralympians. Born with a rare condition that led to the amputation of both legs as a child, Richard refused to let disability define his future. Instead, he became a multiple Paralympic and World Champion, breaking world records and inspiring millions with his relentless determination.
In this episode, Richard shares the reality behind elite sport, the setbacks that shaped him, and the mindset required to compete at the very highest level. From learning to walk with prosthetics to standing on top of the Paralympic podium, he opens up about resilience, identity, overcoming adversity, and why limitations are often only the ones we place on ourselves.
This is an honest conversation about grit, purpose, mental strength, and what it truly means to keep moving forward when life changes forever.

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#BritishArmy #MilitaryStories #Veterans #Combat #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #WarStories #History #Podcast #military #veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #paralypic #sas #AustralianArmy #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Resilience #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #LifeAfterService #VeteranSupport

From the streets of Northern Ireland to the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, Rob Maylor has lived a life few could imagine. A former Royal Marine who went on to serve in the elite Australian SAS, Rob became one of Australia's most accomplished combat marksmen, earning gallantry medals during some of the fiercest fighting of the modern era.
In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Rob shares the realities of life inside one of the world's most secretive special forces units. He reflects on combat in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, the relentless pursuit of mastery as a sniper, and the devastating Black Hawk helicopter crash off Fiji that claimed the lives of two close mates—a tragedy he narrowly survived.
From protecting presidents and military leaders to operating on the front lines, this is a story of sacrifice, resilience, elite soldiering and the unbreakable bond of mateship that defines special forces.
If you're interested in the true realities of elite military service, sniping, combat, leadership and the brotherhood forged in war, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Subscribe for more conversations with military veterans, special forces operators and remarkable people who have lived extraordinary lives.
Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.
Get hold of Robs book on the link below.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sniper-Elite-Special-Forces-Marksman/dp/1250010462

https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuie

Ex British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.

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#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness#sas #BritishArm #AustralianArmy #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Resilience #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #LifeAfterService #VeteranSupport

In one of the most intense moments of his military career, Gary recounts the split-second decision to open fire after an armed man raised an AK-47 towards British soldiers in Basra. What happened next confirmed just how dangerous the situation really was.Gary also reflects on the shocking twist that emerged years later: He would go on to be arrested for war crimes, adding an extraordinary postscript to an already remarkable encounter.A gripping first-hand account of combat, split-second decision-making, and the realities of modern warfare.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#BritishArmy #MilitaryStories #Basra #IraqWar #Veterans #Combat #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #WarStories #History #Podcast #military #veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness#sas #BritishArm #AustralianArmy #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Resilience #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #LifeAfterService #VeteranSupport

Why Leadership at Sandhurst Doesn’t Guarantee Success – The Real Traits of a Good OfficerAfter serving in both the British and Australian Armies, Gareth Williams has dedicated his life to a new mission—helping veterans find purpose beyond military service.As the co-founder of Veterans Can, Garrath is challenging outdated perceptions, changing the narrative around life after the forces, and proving that military experience is a foundation for success, not a limitation.In this powerful conversation, we explore his remarkable military journey across two nations, the lessons learned through service, the realities of transition to civilian life, and why he believes veterans have so much more to offer the world.This is an episode about resilience, leadership, purpose, and building a community where veterans don't just survive—they thrive.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and join The Old Paratrooper Podcast community.00:00 — Intro and Garrath’s background01:13 — Growing up around military service02:28 — Choosing the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment03:46 — Sandhurst and officer training05:49 — Leading as a young platoon commander08:16 — Kosovo and early operational experience10:53 — Transferring from the British Army to the Australian Army12:07 — First impressions in Australia13:36 — Differences between the British and Australian Armies17:33 — Brisbane, company command, and career progression18:23 — Afghanistan in Uruzgan province20:19 — Why service mattered, despite the politics23:51 — Judging veterans from the outside26:05 — Leaving the Australian Army and returning to the UK28:50 — Networking for the next chapter31:54 — Job Oppoppo and employability through connections35:33 — Negativity in the veteran community39:55 — What Veterans Can is all about44:27 — Membership, donations, and the Tower of London event46:28 — Fundraising events and the Veterans Can Festival48:44 — Veteran Games UK51:37 — Public perception of veterans53:18 — Why life after service can be powerful54:22 — Grants, transparency, and impact58:23 — Global veteran community and purpose59:13 — Final thoughts on service, purpose, and transition61:21 — Closing remarksInterested in supporting the podcast ???

The check out the merch range on the link below.

https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuie

Ex 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#VeteransCan #BritishArmy #AustralianArmy #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Resilience #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #LifeAfterService #VeteranSupport

A former Royal Marines Commando and Falklands war veteran. Along with his combat service medals, Neil was presented with Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant award for "17 Years outstanding military service, as a member of the Forces in the Service of Her Majesty The Queen and the Country".He was a Free-Fall Parachute instructor and team leader, Tandem-Master, Ski Instructor and represented his country in extreme sports. Culminating into one of his proudest achievements of becoming an adaptive Ski Instructor. Teaching injured service personnel how to ski, using various methods as part of their physical rehabilitation with the Battle Back team. While still serving as a Sergeant in the Parachute Regiment reserves, he then went on to become a very successful Film/TV stunt man. Guest Neil Finnegan is a seasoned stunt performer at the British Stunt Register, known for his work in blockbuster films like The Dark Knight Rises, Saving Private Ryan, and countless TV series. His experience encompasses everything from military parachuting to high-octane car crashes, making him one of the most credible voices in the industry.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