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In this TV & film chat episode, Bags Simmons (owner of Bare Arms TV & Film, British Army veteran) and Alex Brockdorff (actor, director, British Army veteran) and Hugh, discuss their most memorable assassin movies. Recorded at Bags' place https://barearms.co.uk/. Find Alex on X and Instagram - @alexbrockdorff
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Andy Williams shares his life experiences and the challenges he has faced throughout his life, including being raised by his sister and growing up without parents, later being selected to join the British Army's Parachute Regiment and MI5. He discusses the importance of reframing negative thoughts and the pressure we put on ourselves. Andy also reflects on the military as a way to find direction and guidance, and the impact of comparing ourselves to others. He emphasises the need to recognise and appreciate our own unique stories and experiences. He experienced a challenging upbringing, with a mother who was absent and struggled with alcoholism. He was raised by his older sister, who did her best to care for him. Despite his difficult childhood, Andy found solace and purpose in joining the military, specifically the Parachute Regiment. He saw it as an opportunity to escape his small town and gain a sense of unity, family, and direction. He faced various challenges during his military career, including injuries, sleep deprivation, and the emotional toll of combat. He was eventually medically discharged due to post-traumatic stress and other health issues. Andy discusses his transition from the military, to MI5, then into private security and finally the fire service and the rewarding aspects of his new career. He also talks about the variety of jobs he encounters as a firefighter, including bariatric rescues and ring removals. He emphasises the importance of routine and the sense of camaraderie in the fire service. He also mentions his upcoming book and the therapeutic process of writing it. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of sharing personal experiences to help others and the power of empathy. Follow Andy on Instagram and get updates on his book release - Find Andy's social media details and book details here: https://linktr.ee/beyondthedropzone
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Mick Hawkes, a security manager, owner of hawkesandco.uk, author and former member of 22 SAS, discusses his career and experiences in the military and special forces. He talks about his motivation for writing a book and the importance of helping others who face challenges. Mick also shares his thoughts on the evolution of British special forces and security services units. He discusses the role of women in special forces and the challenges they may face in passing selection. Mick reflects on his own experience with SAS selection and the importance of luck and support from units. He also shares his views on the portrayal of special forces on TV shows and the opportunities it has created for former special forces personnel. The rural crime units are underfunded and overwhelmed, leading to a lack of response to rural crimes. Farmers often experience thefts and vandalism without any police intervention. Criminals take advantage of the lack of security improvements and target farms repeatedly. The farming industry needs more support from organisations like the NFU to combat rural crime. The police are understaffed and face challenges in responding to crimes in rural areas. There is a need for better collaboration between the police and organisations like the NFU to improve security and support farmers. The conversation covers various topics related to military experiences, including being captured, the challenges of memory recall, the importance of rules of engagement, and the impact of the British Army in Northern Ireland. The guest also discusses his company, Hawkes & Co, which focuses on providing security services with integrity and authenticity. The conversation concludes with a mention of the guest's upcoming book, 'Life on the Edge.'. Mick's experience includes 24 years in the military including 12 years in 22 SAS (Including 6 years Covert operations). 2 years as a military advisor to the British Secret Intelligence Services in London (MI5 for Covert operations). Plus 2-+ years in corporate security operating out of Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Sudan, Libya and West Africa. https://www.hawkesandco.uk/
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In this episode, former paratrooper John Bream discusses his experiences in Ukraine, where he and a group of friends travelled to provide aid and support during the conflict, and established the organisation Vans Without Borders. He shares stories of their journey, the devastation they witnessed, and the people they helped. The conversation also touches on the complexities of war, the impact on civilians, and the role of ego and competition in military service. John also mentions his son's decision to join the military and his own aspirations for stunt and safety challenges. He discusses his experiences in base jumping and stunt work. He talks about meeting other extreme athletes, the dangers and training involved in base jumping, and the importance of being mentally prepared. He also mentions his work in the film industry as a stunt rigger and shares some insights into the world of stunts. Overall, the conversation provides first hand experience of the frontline in Ukraine, and also a glimpse into the adrenaline-fueled world of extreme sports and stunt work.John is a former paratrooper who seeks out adventure and high risk stunts in order to inspire and motivate others to push themselves to their limits. Follow John on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johntheflyingfish/
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This conversation between Hugh Keir and media commentator / former glamour model Leilani Dowding, covers topics such as the erosion of civil liberties, the advocacy of free speech, the role of media regulators, the manipulation of news and entertainment, the dangers of censorship, and the division caused by movements like BLM and Pride. The conversation also covers topics such as the politicization of issues, the lack of integrity in politicians and the media, the need for political reform, the corruption and cronyism in government, the difficulty of navigating through propaganda and conspiracy theories, the hope for change in the upcoming election, and the desire for a strong opposition party. Follow Leilani on X - https://x.com/LeilaniDowding
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In this episode, guest Paul Gudonis discusses his experience with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and the impact it has had on his life. He shares how he initially attributed his symptoms to stress and aging, but after hearing about TRT on an episode of Horizon Scan (a separate podcast with H-Hour host Hugh Keir and Sin Eaters Guild founder Gaz Walsh), he began to consider hormonal imbalances as a possible cause. Paul explains the process of getting his testosterone levels checked and the challenges he faced in getting a prescription. He also discusses the positive changes he has noticed since starting TRT, including increased motivation, improved focus, and a boost in his fitness levels. Paul emphasises the importance of addressing hormonal imbalances and not accepting age-related decline as inevitable. The conversation explores the importance of fitness and strength training for longevity and overall well-being. Paul and Hugh discuss the motivation they find in seeing older individuals who are still active and fit. They also touch on the potential risks of using steroids and the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to training. The conversation highlights the significance of functional fitness and rotational exercises for maintaining stability and preventing injuries. They also discuss the role of hormones in fitness and the impact of hormonal imbalances on motivation and performance. Both men emphasize the importance of staying active and fit as we age and challenge the notion that age should be a limiting factor in physical abilities. Paul Gudonis is a senior executive working in the communications technology space. He is also a former Commissioned Officer of the British Army who served in multiple theatres around the world with 16 Air Assault Brigade's 216 Parachute Signals Squadron.
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Rebecca Bennett is a former commissioned officer with the British Army and now a trainee psychiatrist. The conversation begins with a discussion about Rebecca's experiences in the military, including her first contact with an enemy force and the desensitization to danger. Host Hugh Keir and Rebecca also discuss the challenges of being a female officer in a male-dominated field and the integration of women into combat roles. The conversation touches on the differences between men and women in terms of violence and emotional influence, and the societal constructs that have magnified these differences. They conclude by acknowledging the importance of women's contributions and the need for a more inclusive society. The conversation explores the shift in societal perceptions of gender roles and the challenges that both men and women face in the modern world. It discusses the progress made in improving gender equality, particularly in the Western world, but also acknowledges that there are still areas where more work needs to be done. The conversation also touches on the topic of mental health, including the stigma surrounding it and the need for better support and resources. The concept of moral injury is introduced and debated, with differing opinions on its validity and the language used to describe it. The conversation explores the connection between physical and mental health, highlighting how they are intertwined and should be treated holistically. It discusses historical approaches to mental health, such as the belief that hysteria was caused by the uterus, and how our understanding has evolved. The conversation also touches on the use of medications in psychiatry, the importance of lifestyle factors in mental health, and the potential of psychedelics as a treatment. The rise in mental health problems is attributed to societal changes and the lack of opportunities for the brain to relax and process information. https://x.com/BexBennett9 https://x.com/hughkeir
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Mel Deane is a personal trainer of high profile clients and is also a former rugby player who played centre for Connacht, Harlequins and Sale Sharks and Richmond. In this conversation with Hugh Keir, Mel shares his experiences and insights on motivation, mindset, and training. They discuss the influence of inspirational figures, the freedom afforded to sportspeople, the impact of money on motivation, and the mindset required for success in sports. Mel also talks about his early training experiences and his approach to training clients. He emphasizes the importance of positivity and finding clients who are motivated and willing to put in the work. The conversation also covers the topic of leadership and the challenges of gaining respect and influence. The discussion touches on the success of smaller nations in rugby and the factors that contribute to their performance. Finally, the conversation explores the role of social media in the fitness industry and the value of building a strong community.
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****** Please support me via Patreon https://patreon.com/hkpodcasts ***** Joining Hugh for this episode: Bags Simmons (owner of Bare Arms TV & Film, British Army veteran) and Alex Brockdorff (actor, director, British Army veteran). The conversation revolves around alien invasion sci fi films. Kicking off with Starship Troopers and its satirical elements. The hosts discuss the deliberate poor acting, the portrayal of propaganda and dehumanization, and the underlying themes of war and sacrifice. They explore the director's intention to create a multi-layered film that works as both a mindless action flick and a critique of society. The conversation also touches on the historical context of World War II and the parallels with the film's depiction of war and recruitment. Overall, the hosts appreciate the depth and nuance of Starship Troopers, despite its initial appearance as a simple sci-fi invasion film. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss various sci-fi movies, including Starship Troopers, Battlefield Earth, Edge of Tomorrow, War of the Worlds, Signs, The Thing, They Live, and Mars Attacks. They explore the themes, unique aspects, and impact of these films, highlighting the creativity and originality of certain movies. They also touch on the challenges of creating original ideas in the film industry and the dominance of existing IP and remakes.
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****** Discuss this episode in the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX ***** Geraint Jones is an author, host of Veteran State of Mind, and a former soldier. In this conversation, Geraint discusses his new book about World War II and the Battle of Normandy. Geraint and host Hugh Keir also touch on the topic of war and its impact on veterans. Geraint shares personal stories and accounts from soldiers who fought in the war, highlighting the emotional toll and the challenges they faced. They discuss WW2 veterans emotions and not being looked after after the war. The conversation also explores the differences between World War I and World War II veterans and the attitudes and emotions they had. Geraint emphasizes the importance of personal stories and the need to preserve and share them. The conversation delves into the themes of manipulation, indoctrination, and the complexities of human behaviour during times of war.
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****** Discuss this episode in the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX ***** Andy Lockwood is a leadership, performance and culture consultant. He is the founder of The Rugby Outreach Project, Sports Vacancies and Grey Wolf Teams. In this episode he discusses the concept of empathy and its impact on team performance in sports, particularly in football. He shares his research on the three pillars of effective teams: shared experience, mutual understanding, and empathy. Lockwood highlights a study on an Italian football team that found increased levels of empathy led to more shots on goal and increased performance. He also explores the role of empathy in other industries, such as business and the military. Lockwood discusses his own work in implementing empathy-related strategies in sports teams and organizations. The conversation covers various topics related to rugby, including the impact of money on the sport, the challenges at grassroots level, the differences between rugby union and rugby league, and the success of the Japanese team in the Rugby World Cup. The conversation also touches on the treatment of team managers in football compared to rugby, the importance of soft skills in recruitment, and the need for adaptability in post-military careers.
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****** Discuss this episode in the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX ***** The conversation covers James' experience filming in Afghanistan during the withdrawal of US troops and the Taliban takeover. James and Hugh discuss the failure of democracy, the misconceptions about Afghanistan, the corruption within the Afghan government and military, and the role of Pakistan in supporting the Taliban. They also touch on the controversy surrounding the evacuation efforts, including the Pen Farthing situation. The conversation highlights the lack of trust in leadership and the dire situation for women and girls under Taliban rule. The conversation covers various topics, including the rise of ISIS, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, long-term strategic thinking, the potential for national service, the changing nature of warfare, the future of Afghanistan, the challenges in the film and TV industry, and the issue of censorship.
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The conversation covers various topics related to training, knowledge, and mental health. Danny Bourne and Hugh Keir discuss the fight, flight, or freeze response and the importance of knowing what to do in a life-threatening situation. They also talk about the challenges and experiences of high-risk search operations in the military. The conversation then shifts to the creation and purpose of the clothing brand 'In The Dead Ground' and its aim to promote mental health awareness and self-help. The speakers discuss the barriers and misconceptions surrounding mental health and the importance of changing the conversation around it. The conversation explores the importance of creating an environment where people feel comfortable discussing their feelings and mental health. It emphasizes the power of advocacy and vulnerability in opening up conversations. The discussion also touches on the benefits of physical activities like jiu-jitsu and boxing in promoting mental well-being. The conversation highlights the need to disconnect from technology and give the brain time to process thoughts and emotions. It concludes with the recognition that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health and physical fitness, and that it's important to find what works for each individual. In this final part of the conversation, Hugh Keir discusses the vulnerability and trust involved in grappling sports like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He also talks about the importance of mental health awareness and the need for open conversations about personal experiences. The conversation ends with a discussion about starting a podcast and the challenges of editing and promoting it. ****** Discuss this episode in the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX *****
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This conversation with Bags Simmons (founder of Bare Arms: Military Advisers to TV and Film) covers a range of topics related to filmmaking, including weapons collection, shooting ranges, sniper training, filming experiences, budget allocation, cult films, and inaccurate depictions in films. The discussion highlights the challenges and considerations involved in creating realistic action sequences and the impact of budget on the quality of productions. The conversation also touches on the use of AI and CGI in filmmaking and the potential implications for actors and the industry. In this conversation, Bags and Hugh discuss the impact of AI on filmmaking, particularly in post-production. They also explore the range of actors and the different types of roles they can play. The conversation touches on successful actors with limited range and those with unique mannerisms. Bags and Hugh speculate on the future of film and TV, considering the changing landscape and audience preferences. They also discuss the possibility of doing future film and TV reviews. ****** Discuss this episode in the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX *****
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Join the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX ***** Tom Whittle is a former commissioned officer with a diverse background, including law, competitive intelligence, and service in the Parachute Regiment. As the co-founder and delivery lead at Frontierco.org, he spearheads projects by conducting in-depth liaison and analysis to accurately identify the requirements of each organisation seeking assistance. Tom and his team, comprised of ex-UK military veterans, specialise in providing advisory and development services across Sub-Saharan Africa. In this conversation, Tom discusses the importance of challenging perceptions and constantly expanding one's perspective. He shares his experience transitioning from a military career to working in the conservation industry in Africa. The conversation also touches on the problems with politics and the need for transparency in leadership. Tom emphasizes the difference between influence and manipulation, highlighting the importance of intent and moral boundaries. The power of charisma and authenticity in leadership is explored, along with the challenges of influencing others as an outsider in a different culture. In this conversation, Tom discusses his work in the conservation industry and the challenges faced. He emphasizes the importance of crafting and maintaining working relationships, as well as the need for long-term planning and buy-in from stakeholders. Tom also highlights the value of collaboration with rangers and local communities, as well as the significance of demonstrating impact and gaining trust. He shares his approach of confidently underselling and overdelivering, and how conservation principles can be applied to other industries. Tom provides insights into the reintroduction of rhinos in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and discusses various projects in Zambia. He addresses the challenges in the conservation industry, including short-term metrics and the perception of failure.
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Join the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX ***** Dr Simon Ruffell is a Psychiatrist & Senior Research Fellow and co-founder of Onaya Science.Dr WaiFung Tsang is a Clinical Psychologist and co-founder of Onaya Science.This conversation explores the research and therapeutic potential of ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew used in indigenous communities in South America. The discussion covers topics such as epigenetic changes, the long-term effects of ayahuasca, the gut-brain connection, and the involvement of indigenous communities in research. The conversation also touches on the challenges of conducting research in a shamanic and ritualistic context and the perception of ayahuasca research in the scientific community. This conversation explores various aspects of ayahuasca and its impact on spiritual practices, the benefits of plant medicine and Chinese medicine, the availability and variations of ayahuasca, research on ayahuasca-like compounds, the selection of the Shipibo community for retreats, the journey of research and learning in ayahuasca, the Amazon as an unknown cradle of civilization, future research and expansion of studies, exploring ayahuasca and traumatic brain injury, the changing perception of psychedelics in society, Onaya's website and training programs, and funding and support for Onaya's research.
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Join the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX ***** The conversation covers various topics related to nuclear weapons, including the inspiration for the First Strike series, the seriousness of the nuclear threat, tactical nuclear weapons, the risk of escalation in Ukraine, the need for nuclear arms control, the history of nuclear arms and deterrence, the risk of non-state actors obtaining nuclear weapons, and reducing the risk of nuclear conflict. The conversation also touches on the border control policy of the Biden administration. In this conversation, the topics discussed include open borders and immigration, potential nuclear threats, Taiwan and China, legalization of drugs, issues with drug treatment facilities, and promoting books and website. https://www.thomasjyeggy.com/
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Join the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX ***** This conversation explores the field of psychopharmacology and the potential of psychedelics in treating mental health disorders. The guest, Jo Neill, a professor of psychopharmacology, discusses the definition and scope of psychopharmacology, the effects of psychedelics on the brain, and the challenges in drug discovery for mental health. The conversation highlights the need for alternative approaches to mental health treatment and the potential of psychedelics to heal individuals. The safety and long-lasting effects of psychedelics are also discussed, along with the concept of microdosing and blinding in clinical trials. Prof. Jo Neill emphasizes the promising substances of psilocybin and DMT in treating mental health conditions. This conversation explores the healing potential of psychedelics for trauma and mental health. The chapters cover topics such as understanding and facing trauma, the healing power of psychedelics, the default mode network and trauma, switching off the default mode network, reconnecting with childhood and healing, personal experiences with psychedelics, the positive impact and perception shift, challenges and legalization, clinical trials and MDMA for PTSD, the need for drug law reform, and how to support psychedelic medicine.Jo is also a co-host of the excellent Drug Science podcast, available on all common podcast apps. Source link here: https://www.drugscience.org.uk/drug-science-podcast/
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Join the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX ***** Julian “Woody” Woodall is a former Bombardier in the British Army and has recently completed "Escape From Norway 2023" where he retraced the steps of allied troops on Operation Title. Woody is also the owner of Medic Services International – a medical training company operating in the UK and globally.
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Join the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX ***** Steve Tunnicliffe spent his adolescent childhood years in Somalia before it descended into chaos. He encountered traditions, customs, and practices that predate Islam, many of which are likely to have vanished by now. He witnessed the beauty of a country with a deep cultural heritage that stretches far beyond the shores of the Indian Ocean. His book "Somalia: The Land of Camel Milk and Honey" is a collection of reflections and recollections from a time long past but still deeply held dear by many Somalis and visitors to this day.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Somalia-Camel-Honey-Reflections-Recollections/dp/191696480Xhttps://www.stevetunnicliffe.com/
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