PodcastsHealth & WellnessThe Old Paratrooper Podcast

The Old Paratrooper Podcast

Chris Binch
The Old Paratrooper Podcast
Latest episode

117 episodes

  • A Night on the Lash with the Russians: Major General Freer’s Untold Kosovo Story

    01/03/2026 | 1h 10 mins.
    Served in the military and left after 1987? Struggling to hear your mukkas down the pub? TV too loud? Click below and start your claim immediately before it's too late. 👇https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch

    In this episode of the Old Paratrooper podcast, retired Major General Adrian Freer shares insights from his extensive military career, focusing on his experiences during the Kosovo conflict, leadership lessons learned, and reflections on his post-military career. He discusses the challenges faced during operations, interactions with Russian forces, and the importance of adaptability and resilience in leadership. Freer emphasizes the value of personal integrity and the significance of camaraderie among soldiers, while also reflecting on the evolution of military service and the opportunities available to new recruits today.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background
    02:29 Kosovo Conflict Overview
    11:40 Deployment and Operations in Kosovo
    21:23 Interactions with Russian Forces
    25:39 Impact of Kosovo on Military Structure
    31:26 Reflections on Equipment and Personnel
    35:36 Conclusion and Future Considerations
    37:19 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
    39:51 International Military Advisory Training in Sierra Leone
    42:37 Mentoring in Kosovo: A Complex Role
    44:21 Reflecting on a Distinguished Military Career
    48:33 Life After Service: New Beginnings
    53:30 Leadership Lessons from the Military
    01:02:53 Advice for the Next Generation of Soldiers
    01:10:07 WhatsApp Video 2026-02-13 at 13.54.36.mp4

    #shorts #military #britisharmy #parachuteregiment #short #reel #viral #facts #facebook #instagram #tiktok
  • Leeroy Wheeler, council estate to millionaire: A life of limits to a life on his own terms.

    24/02/2026 | 41 mins.
    Leeroy Wheeler didn’t just grow up on a council estate — he was forged there. Concrete walls, tight money, people telling him to "be realistic." The kind of place where dreams are something you hear about, not something you chase.But Leeroy wasn’t built to stay boxed in.When he scraped together enough to buy his first property, something clicked. He realised this wasn’t just a purchase — it was a way out, a map, a weapon, and a future all in one. Brick by brick, deal by deal, he clawed his way from a life of limits to a life on his own terms.From council estate beginnings to millionaire status, Leeroy Wheeler lays out the real blueprint — not the sugar-coated version, but the raw, unapologetic journey of how he did it. The mistakes, the risks, the mindset, and the moves that changed his life.If you want the truth about escaping the bottom and building something real, this is where he tells it.#podcast #millionaire #property #mindset #motivation #resilience
  • Pat Smith ex Royal Anglian grit meets stand up comedy. Honest, Bold & Hilarious.

    22/02/2026 | 49 mins.
    Served in the military and left after 1987? Struggling to hear your mukkas down the pub? TV too loud? Click below and start your claim immediately before it's too late. 👇https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binchIn this episode of the Old Paratrooper podcast, host Chris Binch engages in a lighthearted conversation with former Royal Anglian soldier and comedian Pat Smith. They explore Pat's journey from a childhood in Essex to military life, the challenges of training, and the transition to civilian life. Pat shares his experiences in the military, including overseas exercises and training foreign forces, and discusses his passion for stand-up comedy and writing a sitcom. The conversation highlights the importance of support networks, personal growth, and the therapeutic nature of comedy for veterans.* Military training can be both physically and mentally challenging.* Cultural differences can impact training effectiveness with foreign forces.* Transitioning to civilian life can be isolating and challenging.* Finding a passion post-military is crucial for personal fulfillment.* Stand-up comedy can be a therapeutic outlet for veterans.* The journey of creating a sitcom requires patience and dedication.* Networking and collaboration are key in creative industries.* Embracing failure can lead to new opportunities and growth.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Lighthearted Beginning02:04 Childhood Reflections and Early Life04:36 Transition to Military Life08:30 Training Challenges and Experiences12:43 Battalion Life and Overseas Exercises27:17 Training Foreign Forces and Cultural Insights32:31 Post-Military Transition and New Ventures40:47 Stand-Up Comedy Journey and Future Aspirations#veteran #britisharmy #viral #comedy #funny #motivation #mentalhealthawareness #military #shorts #reels #facts #instagram #podcast
  • Bob Shepherd former SAS, is back for a 2nd time to chat about all things Jungle & Survival

    15/02/2026 | 1h 18 mins.
    Served in the military and left after 1987? Struggling to hear your mukkas down the pub? TV too loud?
    Click below and start your claim immediately before it's too late. 👇
    https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch
    In this episode of the Old Paratrooper podcast, Chris Binch welcomes back Bob Shepherd, a former SAS soldier, to discuss his extensive experiences in jungle warfare.
    Bob shares insights from his military career, including his passion for the jungle, the challenges of navigating this harsh environment, and the importance of personal administration.
    He reflects on wildlife encounters, cultural insights from the Iban people, and the impact of modernization on the jungle. The conversation emphasizes the significance of realistic training and the unique skills developed in jungle conditions.
    * Bob Shepherd's military career spanned from 1972 to 1994.
    * He developed a passion for jungle warfare during his military training.
    * The jungle environment requires a unique set of survival skills.
    * Personal administration is crucial for success in jungle operations.
    * Wildlife encounters can be both fascinating and dangerous in the jungle.
    * Cultural insights from the Iban people highlight the importance of indigenous knowledge.
    * Modernization is impacting traditional jungle environments.
    * Training in the jungle prepares soldiers for various operational environments.
    * Realistic training is essential for effective military preparation.
    * The jungle is a challenging but rewarding environment for those who embrace it.
    00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection
    02:10 Bob Shepherd's Military Career Overview
    05:45 Passion for Jungle Warfare
    11:50 Experiences in the Jungle
    19:52 Navigating the Jungle Environment
    25:47 The Importance of Personal Admin
    32:11 Wildlife Encounters in the Jungle
    39:56 Cultural Insights from the Iban People
    48:33 The Impact of Modernization on the Jungle
    58:34 Reflections on Training and Realism
    01:10:30 Final Thoughts and Farewell
    https://bobshepherdauthor.com#sas #specialforces #podcast #britisharmy #interview #viral #army #military #veteran #shorts #facts #jungle #soldier #legend
  • Your Questions answered: Facing Fear: Firefighting vs Parachuting.

    10/02/2026 | 52 mins.
    In this conversation, Chris Binch shares his experiences as a firefighter and a member of the parachute regiment, discussing the challenges, fears, and misconceptions associated with both professions. He reflects on close calls, the psychological aspects of fear and adrenaline, and the importance of mental health. Binchy emphasizes the camaraderie and leadership within these fields, while also addressing the addictive nature of risk and the life lessons learned from his career. He encourages open discussions about mental health and the significance of reaching out for help when needed.Served in the military and left after 1987? Struggling to hear your mukkas down the pub? TV too loud? Click below and start your claim immediately before it's too late. 👇https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch* Jumping out of a plane is scarier than firefighting.* Parachuting training is more challenging than it seems.* Movies often misrepresent firefighting techniques.* Adrenaline levels are similar in firefighting and combat situations.* Mental health is crucial in high-stress professions.* Coping mechanisms include humor and camaraderie.* Desensitization to trauma can occur in these jobs.* Leadership quality varies greatly in emergency services.Risk can be addictive for some individuals.Life is short, and we should cherish every moment.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of Questions03:14 Experiences in Firefighting and Parachuting06:05 Close Calls and Near-Death Experiences09:24 Misconceptions in Movies about Firefighting12:19 Psychological Aspects of High-Stress Jobs15:08 Coping Mechanisms and Mental Health18:00 Reflections on Intensity and Job Satisfaction21:21 Memorable Incidents and Split-Second Decisions27:17 First Fire Experience and Lessons Learned28:35 Brotherhood and Identity in the Paratroopers30:58 Camaraderie and Dark Humor in High-Stress Professions32:40 Leadership Insights from Military and Fire Service35:21 Traits for Survival in High-Risk Roles37:47 Perception of Danger and Risk Addiction41:10 Life Lessons from Dangerous Experiences43:54 Understanding Leadership and Responsibility45:25 Reflections on Career Choices and Regrets52:23 #subscribe #follow #podcast #veteran #military #parachuteregiment #britisharmy. #interview #viral #shorts #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters

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About The Old Paratrooper Podcast

A no frills podcast, just an ex Paratrooper, mercenary and firefighter chatting to a wide variety and diverse range of guests. From actors to sports personalities to military guests and veterans covering a multitude of topics from there careers ,life in general to how people cope with various forms of mental health. Sometimes funny , sometimes emotional but hopefully entertaining and something people can relate to. https://youtube.com/@theoldparatrooperpodcast?si=lehGKUW0MlvaiRl6
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