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The Old Paratrooper Podcast

The Old Paratrooper Podcast

By: Chris Binch
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About this listen

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Binch
Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Episode#29 Former Para and current Firefighter Andy Williams joins TOPP for a very interesting chat.
    Feb 15 2025

    Despite a turbulent upbringing, Andrew Williams enlisted in the Parachute Regiment at just 16. Deployed to the deadly frontlines of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in 2006, he confronted the brutal realities of warfare, engaging in some of the most intense combat witnessed by the British Army since the Korean War. After his military service, Andrew transitioned into domestic counter-intelligence and spent over a decade as a high-risk security consultant, navigating some of the world’s most dangerous and unpredictable environments. These harrowing experiences forced him to face not only the physical dangers around him but also the deep, often unseen, psychological scars left by war.


    Check out his new book.


    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beyond-Drop-Zone-Paratroopers-Story-ebook/dp/B0CWCKBNRY


    Beyond The Drop Zone, takes you on a gripping journey from patrolling the streets of Northern Ireland to war-torn Iraq, coming face to face with ISIS, and engaging in fierce battles in Afghanistan with 3 PARA.


    This raw and unflinching memoir reveals the psychological toll of combat, Andrew’s struggles with mental health, and his fight against a life-threatening illness. It is a powerful account of overcoming immense adversity, finding a path to healing, and discovering the strength of perseverance.


    This is his story, told in his own words.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Episode#28 Former Oasis tour manager, former Para and Firefighter Iain Robertson chats to TOPP.
    Jan 29 2025
    Former Paratrooper left the military and headed straight for the music industry, working with Oasis ,Duran Duran, Spandau ballet, George Harrison and the sex pistols to name a few. Iain shares some memorable and hilarious stories of his time on the road with some of worlds rock and roll royalty . After leaving the music industry behind Iain decided to try his hand at being a firefighter and also shares some harrowing tales of incidents he attended.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • Episode #27 EX Para and Pathfinder Tom Blakey chats to TOPP about his eventful military career.
    Jan 12 2025
    By the time Tom was 7 years old, he knew he wanted to be a Paratrooper. Joining the cadets aged 13, and enlisting in the British Army aged 16, Tom began his career with Junior Para followed by P Company. 2 Northern Ireland tours & 5 Years in 1 Para later, and Tom was on the hunt for his next challenge, completing Pathfinder's Selection and deploying to Kosovo, Iraq & Afghanistan. Tom joined the Red Devils Parachute Display team and has amassed over 4500 jumps to date, and is now a member of The Jump Dogs display team. Keen to share his experience with young people & civilians, Tom is the founder of First In Events, works as an SSI for the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and has a Youtube Channel ‪ @PreparedPathfinder‬

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    57 mins
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