Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform

The Terrorist Knocks Twice - Part 2

Today, we’re joined once again by UDR veteran Glen Espie.When Glen first appeared on the podcast, we only had time to explore the first IRA assassination attempt on his life.In this episode, he returns to tell the rest of the story - surviving a second attempt, and living with the consequences that followed.Glen also speaks openly about the courage it takes to share these experiences through his talks, The Terrorist Knocks Twice, and why telling the truth matters.This is a powerful and deeply moving conversation about survival, memory, and life beyond the uniform.
 

Duty Beyond the Regiment: Serving the Veteran Community

Today we feature Frank McCracken, Irish Guards and Royal Irish Regiment veteran, and currently serving on the committee of the Irish Guards Association in Northern Ireland. With decades of dedication to the veteran community, Frank is the quiet engine behind annual events, regimental support, and charity outreach. His work ensures that the brotherhood of service doesn’t end at discharge, but evolves into a lifelong network of care.

Wounded but not Defeated: A Cadet Instructor's Second Mission

Today we meet Phillip 'Barney' Gillespie, a Royal Irish Veteran from Ballymena who lost a leg while serving in Afghanistan - but gained a new purpose. Now a respected cadet instructor, Barney mentors young people with courage and conviction, helping shape the next generation of service minded youth. His story is one of resilience, humour and refusing to let injury define legacy.

Scars, Shears & Second Chances: The Redemption of Jay MILLAR

This is Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, this episode is one you won’t forget.
Jay Millar served in the Royal Irish, but his toughest battles came after the uniform came off. Addiction, pain, and hitting rock bottom, only to rise again through faith, purpose, and an unexpected calling: cutting hair. Founder of Jay’s Barber Academy and champion of dignity for the homeless, Jay’s story is about redemption, generosity, and what it really means to come home.

From the Tower of London to Castlerock

From the Tower of London to Castlerock, one veterans journey as a Yeoman Warder to settling in NI.
Welcome to Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform.
In this episode, we’re joined by Shaun Huggins, a former British Army soldier whose second act saw him don the iconic red and gold of a Yeoman Warder or Beef-eater at the Tower of London. Known for his engaging presence with the public and steeped in centuries-old tradition, Shaun brings a rich ceremonial perspective to what it means to serve.  Shaun reflects on identity, heritage, and the quiet pride of life beyond the Tower.

From Patrols To Purpose

In this episode of Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, we speak with Rachael Harger, a former Royal Military Police officer who completed two tours in Afghanistan.Rachael shares her journey through military life, the challenges of being part of a service family, and the transition to civilian life. Now working with the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office, she supports veterans with the same dedication she brought to her service.This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and continuing to serve beyond the uniform.

Born Fearless: The Big Phil Campion Story

In this episode, we meet Big Phil Campion, a man whose journey from the care system to the elite ranks of the 22 SAS is nothing short of remarkable.Given up for adoption and raised through hardship, Phil left school at 16 with no qualifications but a burning desire to serve. He joined the Royal Hampshire Regiment, conquered both the Royal Marines Commando Course and P Company, and went on to earn his place in the SAS, serving on operations worldwide, including the famous hostage rescue in Sierra Leone.After leaving the Army as a Staff Sergeant, Phil went on to lead private security teams in some of the world’s most hostile environments. Now a podcaster and speaker, with a motivation to promote the military, it’s a privilege to sit down with him to hear his story of resilience, fearlessness, and the drive to push beyond limits.

Officer on Deck: Reflections from a Royal Navy Veteran

In this episode we sit down with Steven Clarke, a former Royal Navy officer with a career that took him across oceans - and ultimately to Northern Ireland. In this candid conversation, Steven shares what drew him to a life at sea, the places and people that left the biggest mark, and what transitioning into civilian life taught him about leadership, identity, and the enduring bond of service.

Cold Water, Clear Mind, Healing PTSD, One Swim at a Time

This is Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform.In this episode, we meet Anthony McToal, known across Northern Ireland as the Cold Water Warrior. A Royal Irish veteran who faced debilitating PTSD after Afghanistan.Anthony found healing where many wouldn’t dare go - the freezing waters of Ballygally Beach.300 days of sea swims. One mission: mental health awareness.Hear how discipline, discomfort, and cold water saved his life - and inspired a movement.
 

A Soldier’s Story: Life, Duty, and Legacy.

This weekend marks the 125th anniversary of the formation of the Irish Guards, and to honour the occasion, the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner had the privilege of sitting down with Captain John Gough of the Irish Guards.Captain Gough served during Operation Market Garden in World War II and is believed to be the last surviving Irish Guards officer from that time. His story provides a remarkable first-hand account of courage, sacrifice, and history in the making.This conversation is not only a record of one man’s service but also a vital reminder of the legacy carried forward by the Irish Guards and all who served during the war. It has been both a privilege and an honour to capture and share his extraordinary experiences.Join us as we reflect on this milestone anniversary and listen to the memories of a man who lived through history.