Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform

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.

From Greenfinch to Guiding Light

In this episode of Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, we speak with Janet - a former Ulster Defence Regiment Greenfinch who served during some of the most turbulent years of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Janet reflects on her unique experience as a female soldier on the frontlines at home, balancing service and motherhood in a time of immense pressure and uncertainty. Today, she continues to serve through her work with the Royal British Legion Women’s Section, supporting veterans and their families - especially those involved in the Invictus Games.
Join us for a heartfelt conversation about courage, compassion, and the vital role of women in both conflict and community.

Operation Home with Irish Guardsman Graham Fergus

In this episode of Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, we speak with Graham Fergus, a former Irish Guardsman who shares an honest account of life after service - the struggle of losing structure, hitting rock bottom, and finding strength through his military roots.
Graham recently completed Operation Home, spending 10 days in the Mourne Mountains to raise awareness of veteran homelessness, relying only on the kindness of strangers to get through.
 
He reflects on how his time in the Irish Guards helped carry him through his darkest moments, and the lasting bond within the regiment - highlighted the regiment's support to the recent centenary birthday of Captain John Gough, the oldest living Irish Guardsman.

Fighting For Veterans - A Candid Conversation with David Johnstone

In this episode of Once A Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, we sit down with David Johnstone, Northern Ireland's Veterans Commissioner, to get straight to the point - why did he take on this role, what real change does he plan to deliver, and how will he fight to make life better for veterans in Northern Ireland? No fluff, no politics - just honest answers about the challenges, the battles ahead, and the future he's working to build. 

Breaking Barriers - An RAF Engineer's Journey

In this episode of Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, we speak with a female veteran, who served as an engineering officer in the RAF. Now deeply involved in the Women's Network in Northern Ireland working with Ashes to Gold, she continues to inspire and support others through her work. We explore her journey through military service, leadership, and her mission beyond the uniform.

From Falklands to the Future

Former paratrooper John Ross sits down with Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone in the latest episode of our podcast 'From Falklands to the Future' to talk about everything from his inspiration to join the parachute regiment to his time in the Falklands war.