In this powerful episode of Frankie’s Pod, host Frankie Dunn sits down with Mick Riley MBE, former Army veteran and founder of Tommy’s Lounge, for an honest and deeply moving conversation.

Mick opens up about his upbringing in Merseyside, what drove him to join the Army, and the realities of military life—from the unbreakable camaraderie to the personal battles faced behind the scenes. He speaks candidly about dealing with testicular cancer during his service, the challenges of transitioning back into civilian life, and the often-overlooked mental health struggles many veterans face.

The conversation also explores how shared experiences and peer support can be life-changing, leading Mick to create Tommy’s Lounge—a safe, welcoming space where veterans can connect, talk openly, and support one another without judgment.

This episode is a raw and heartfelt exploration of resilience, identity, and community, shining a light on the importance of looking after those who have served—and reminding us that no one has to face their battles alone.

Most guys leave the Army and try to slow down. Fraser Carson left and decided to run towards three different fires at once.

In this episode, Frankie sits down with a former Royal Artillery soldier who thought he’d seen it all—until he walked into a civilian emergency room. Fraser opens up about the whiplash of transitioning from the regimented chaos of the military to the unpredictable chaos of the ambulance service, the fire service, and eventually, the stillness of a photography studio.

But this isn’t a story about swapping guns for cameras. It’s about what happens when you use art to process trauma. Fraser has been quietly building a portfolio of veterans, capturing the weight they carry and the peace they’ve found. We talk about the veterans he’s photographed, the tears shed in the studio, and why sometimes, being seen is the strongest medicine.

Raw. Real. Redeeming.

Andy returns for a powerful and eye-opening conversation. Step into the boots of a police officer thrust into one of the world's most complex peacekeeping missions: Kosovo after the war.

Fresh from his experiences with the IUC, Andy shares his unexpected deployment with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Hear firsthand about the daunting challenge of building law and order from the ground up in a society scarred by conflict. Frankie and Andy delve into the delicate dance of policing amidst deep ethnic tensions, navigating cultural divides, and working alongside a mosaic of international forces.

This episode is more than a war story; it's a lesson in humanity, resilience, and the raw reality of peacekeeping. Andy shares moments of unexpected camaraderie, moral dilemmas, and the profound personal impact of serving a community struggling to heal.

Listen to discover:

The surreal experience of patrolling a war-torn region as a police officer, not a soldier.

What it’s like to work within the UN's unique "Four Pillars" structure in Kosovo.

The surprising alliances and friendships formed with Gurkhas, Jordanians, and other international units.

The cultural nuances and communication hurdles of policing in a fractured society.

Andy's personal reflections on duty, adaptation, and the weight of wearing the UN's blue beret.

Did You Know? (UN Policing in Kosovo Facts):

The UNMIK police, established in 1999, was the first international police mission granted executive authority, meaning they had the full power to arrest, detain, and investigate—not just advise.

At its peak, the mission comprised over 4,500 police officers from more than 50 countries, creating a massive multinational law enforcement experiment.

A core task was "co-location," pairing international officers with locally recruited Kosovo Police Service officers to mentor and build a sustainable, multi-ethnic police force from scratch.

The mission faced the immense challenge of policing in a place where the judicial system was often non-existent, leading to the UN setting up temporary detention centers and court systems.

Get ready for a gripping, human-level look at the complexities of global peacekeeping. This is the untold story behind the headlines

In this compelling conversation, Frankie sits down with Stu Wright, founder of Operation Cairngorms CIC, to explore his transformative journey from military service into building meaningful community support for veterans and serving personnel. After his time in the Royal Artillery and years of reflection on the challenges many face when leaving the forces, Stu shares how he turned personal experience into purposeful action — creating outdoor, skills‑based programmes and networks that help veterans reconnect, build confidence, and transition into civilian life with a sense of belonging and capability.

Throughout the episode, Stu opens up about:

• His military background and what inspired him to start Operation Cairngorms — a community‑centred initiative focused on resilience, adventure and peer‑led support.

• How veteran community projects can bridge the gap between life in uniform and life afterwards — offering purpose, camaraderie and practical skills as part of everyday reintegration.

• The importance of connection, shared challenge and support networks in helping fellow veterans thrive beyond service.

Frankie and Stu dive deep into the reality of transitioning from military structure to civilian life, unpacking both the struggles and the opportunities that emerge when veterans find new ways to serve — this time by lifting each other up. This episode is not only a story of personal transformation, but a powerful reminder of the impact of community‑building and shared purpose.
#CommunityBuilding #Veterans #Podcast

In this gripping episode, Andrew Dunn interviews Dr. Simon Lee Maryan — a former Royal Marine Commando, psychological resilience specialist, and trauma expert whose life has unfolded under extraordinary pressure.

Drawing on his military service, intelligence work, and lived experience of surviving multiple kidnappings, Simon shares rare insights into how the human mind responds to extreme threat and uncertainty. The conversation goes beyond theory, exploring how trauma is stored in the body, how resilience is built under fire, and why human connection is often the key to survival.

Raw, honest, and deeply human, this episode dives into mental health, PTSD, emotional regulation, and what it truly means to endure — not just in conflict zones, but in everyday life.

🎙️ A powerful conversation about resilience, survival, and the psychology of staying alive.

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n this unforgettable episode of Frankie’s Pod, we sit down with Mick Hawkes QCB — legendary former 22 SAS trooper, decorated war veteran, undercover operator, and elite security expert. From humble beginnings and a dream of becoming a footballer, Mick’s journey took him through the Parachute Regiment, 29 Commando, and eventually into the UK’s most elite special forces. After 14 years in the SAS, including covert operations in Northern Ireland and surviving capture in Bosnia, Mick went on to build a remarkable career in high-risk security and training around the world.

🎧 What we cover in this episode:

• His early military path and brutal SAS selection.

• Deep insights into undercover work and survival in combat zones.

• Lessons on leadership, resilience, and life after the Regiment.

• How Mick now uses his experience to train, protect, and empower others.

Whether you’re a military enthusiast, aspiring operator, or just love inspiring life stories, this conversation goes beyond the headlines — straight into the mind of a true operator. 🎙️💥

Join host Andrew Dunn (or Frankie Dunn if this is for Frankie’s Pod) as he sits down with Simon Brown, a British Army veteran whose life changed forever during the Iraq War. What began as a promising military career became a fight for survival, resilience, and ultimately, transformation.Simon enlisted in the Army at 18, following in his father’s footsteps and joining the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, where he served in Germany, Kosovo, Poland, Canada, and on two tours of Iraq. On his second tour in Basra in 2006, while leading a successful mission to rescue six stranded comrades, Simon was shot in the face by a sniper. The injury was catastrophic — his cheekbones and jaw shattered and both eyes hit. He lost all sight in his left eye and has only around 20% vision in his right, meaning he is effectively blind. Waking up 17 days later in a Birmingham hospital, Simon faced the devastating news that his military career was over and his future uncertain. Soon after, he discovered Blind Veterans UK, the national charity supporting ex-service people with sight loss. Through rehabilitation, training, and peer support, Simon rebuilt his confidence and independence — relearning skills many of us take for granted like using email or cooking for himself. But Simon’s story didn’t stop there. Driven by purpose and community, he became deeply involved with veteran support work. He went on to coach and play Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) with the Leeds Rhinos, became a Communications and Engagement Officer, raising awareness of support for blind veterans, and used his own experience to help others navigate life after service. In a remarkable turn, Simon went into public service — being elected Leeds City Councillor for Morley North and later appointed Mayor of Morley. In his mayoral year, he chose to champion Blind Veterans UK and the Leeds Rhinos Foundation as his supported charities, bringing his story full circle from soldier to community leader. This episode is more than a war story — it’s a testament to resilience, community support, humour, and the relentless pursuit of purpose even after life-changing loss

Join Frankie as he delves into the riveting life of Dr. Roy G. Taylor, a decorated veteran and former police chief. From his early days inspired by his father's dual careers to his own journey through the military and law enforcement, Dr. Taylor shares gripping stories of resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of justice. Discover the challenges and triumphs of a man who has dedicated his life to serving and protecting, and gain insights into the complexities of modern policing and military service. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the real-life experiences behind the headlines.