Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

In this episode 'Surviving the Shadows' we speak to Glen Espie, former UDR Soldier about his time in service. Hear Glen's first hand account from the front line's of Northern Ireland's past. His harrowing account of surviving multiple attempts on his life will captivate you from start to finish.

Join us in this special episode, where we speak to UK Minister for Veterans and People Alastair Carns MP, about his time serving in the Royal Marines to the transition to MP.
 
 
 

In the second episode of our podcast, we talk to Rosie Rowbotham about her time in service in the Royal Army Medical Corps.
 

Tune in for our very first podcast. We speak to Charlie Marno, as he reflects on his time in Service in Northern Ireland.