The Debrief
Join Former 22 SAS Trooper Big Phil Campion As He Interviews Serving & Veteran Military Personnel, First Responders, Elite Sportsmen & Inspirational Figures From Across The Globe.
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Episodes
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WHAT THE RUCK | Content Creator & Author Gareth De La Torre
Thursday, 4 July 2024
In this episode of The Debrief, former 22 SAS Trooper Big Phil Campion speaks to Gareth De La Torre. Born a ‘pad brat’ in Paderborn, Gareth began to follow his father’s journey, and joined junior leaders, but quickly discovered it wasn’t the career for him. Finding himself in a lucrative, successful career in sales built Gareth his dream life, with expensive cars and holidays, before an accident at home changed his life… Gareth was diagnosed with epilepsy and his life began to unravel, losing his job, driving licence, and his wife. A rollercoaster journey left Gareth sectioned after bei...
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GIBRALTAR TRADING COMPANY | Former Royal Marines Commando PJ Harries
Thursday, 20 June 2024
Born in Essex and moving around a lot in his younger years, PJ began to find himself fighting and getting into trouble, but he always had the military on his mind Joining the air cadets aged 15, PJ wanted to be a fast jet pilot, but later his attention turned to the Green Beret’s of the Royal Marines. Pushing to join aged just 16, but persuaded to complete his schooling, PJ joined the Royal Marines at 18. First drafted to 42 Commando, PJ deployed onto Op Cougar before returning to the UK and moving into Landing Craft (LC) Branch at 43 Commando. Eventually leaving the Corps, PJ delivered ...
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BLUE ON BLUE TRAGEDY | StrongMen Charity Founder Efrem Brynin
Thursday, 6 June 2024
Born in Sussex, and pursuing his passion for music performing in bands, Efrem welcomed his first child aged 18. Growing up quickly, Efrem began a career in construction and quickly climbed the ladder whilst raising his children. Efrem's son James wanted to join the Parachute Regiment, but moved into the Intelligence Corps, where he would deploy on 2 tours of Afghanistan. On his second tour of Afghanistan, and aged just 22, James was killed in a blue-on-blue incident during a handover operation. Efrem and his family have gone on to fight legal battles and inquests with the British Army and t...
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COMMANDO CONTENT CREATOR | Former Royal Marines Commando Ryan Forrest
Thursday, 23 May 2024
Sunderland born and bred, Ryan faced adversity, violence & grief in his younger years, but had always had the military on his mind. Visiting the careers office aged 15, Ryan had his application submitted as soon as he was able to, desperate to get his Royal Marines Commando 'Green Lid'. Everything he ran from back home, caught up with him during training, and he withdrew himself from the course, ending up working on building sites and getting caught up in the drinking lifestyle. Eventually meeting his now wife, and after one too many run-ins with the law, Ryan rejoined the Royal Marines, an...
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PARAMEDIC PREPPER | Former HEMS Paramedic Armouredcockroach
Thursday, 9 May 2024
Born into a large family, and destined for a career at his fathers greengrocers, Roach decided to join the Army aged 17 and joined an infantry unit. First deployed to Gibraltar, where he first encountered members of the Special Forces, training alongside them for a hijacking response team role. Roach was unsuccessful in his attempts to pass SAS Selection, and went on to attempt 23 SAS (Reserve) Selection, before moving into the Ambulance Service. Roach was one of the first Paramedics on the streets of London, and became part of the HEMS team at Royal London Hospital. Eventually transferring...
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MICK HAWKES SAS | Former 22 Sas Mick Hawkes QCB
Thursday, 2 May 2024
Born into a military family, Mick attended 14 schools over his childhood. His dream of being a professional footballer came to an end after an unsuccessful trial with Lincoln City and he visited the careers office aged 16 to join the 1975 junior paras course. An ankle injury left him unable to perform any jumps, and Mick briefly left the army before rejoining 29 Commando. Passing SAS Selection on the second attempt, Mick went on to serve 14 years in B Squadron, and received his QCB for efforts in Northern Ireland. Mick was deployed to the UAE for the first Gulf War, and then posted to Bosni...
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SPECIAL FORCES INTERROGATOR | Former 9 PARA SQN RE Ian 'Dilksy' Dilkes
Thursday, 25 April 2024
Born in Leicester and a keen sportsman, Dilksy began to find trouble as a teenager, and realised the Army was his way out of that path. Nudged to join the Royal Engineers to ensure he learnt a trade, Ian completed his training as a bricklayer before completing his Parachute Regiment Jumps Course, and joining 9 Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers. His 24 year army career spanned 2 UN postings to Cyprus, a Kosovo deployment, 3 tours of Afghanistan & 1 Iraq tour. During his career, Dilksy made his way to MOD Chicksands and became part of the team that delivers Resistance To Interrogation traini...
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SURVIVING TALIBAN AMBUSH | Former Grenadier Guardsman Alex Harrison
Friday, 19 April 2024
Born in Lincolnshire & spending his younger years finding trouble, Alex knew the Army was the way out of his hometown and bad habits. Knuckling down and joining his local Army Cadet Force, Alex went to the Army Careers Centre aged just 15 and a half. Joining the Grenadier Guards and completing the additional ceremonial taskings, Alex joined his battalion and began pre-deployment training for Iraq in 2006. His subsequent deployment to Afghanistan, attached to the Royal Anglians, is where Alex was injured in a Taliban ambush. Resulting in a .762 round through his temple, a grenade blast and a...
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PASHA MUNRO SBS | Former SBS Pasha Munro
Friday, 12 April 2024
A turbulent & abusive childhood led Pasha to find his own tribe in the form of the Sea Cadets. This passion for brotherhood & activity led him to try to join the Navy aged 16, but he faced a knock-back and instead joined the Royal Marines. Completing several uneventful tours of Northern Ireland, Pasha decided to attempt the arduous Selection Course in January 1997, the same course as Big Phil. Pasha failed his first attempt on test week, and rejoined the summer course, where he was also unsuccessful. A tough period followed, with Pasha finding trouble more frequently, and ending up in Deten...
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2024 GLADIATORS CHAMPION | Maj Finlay Anderson (SCOTS)
Wednesday, 10 April 2024
Born & raised in Edinburgh, with a stint in the Army cadets fuelling his ambition to join the military, Finlay joined the Army after completing the RMA Sandhurst programme. Originally commissioned into 4 SCOTS, and then sent on the Platoon Commanders Battle Course in Brecon, Finlay deployed onto Op Herrick 14, followed by Op HERRICK 19 & Op SHADER 6 in Iraq. Continuing his passion for fitness as he gained rank, Finlay applied for the 2024 season of The Gladiators. Pitted against elite athletes and former international rugby players, Finlay returned from a broken rib to be crowned the Male C...
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MELVYN DOWNES SAS | Former 22 SAS Sergeant Major Melvyn Downes
Friday, 5 April 2024
A tough childhood in Stoke in the 1960/70's meant Melvyn would have to stand up against bullies from a very young age, even alternating his routes home from school to avoid altercations. Finding his passion for the Armed Forces when he was a small child kept him motivated and out of trouble in his teenage years, rising up the ranks in the Army Cadets before joining junior leaders aged 16. Multiple tours of Northern Ireland & a deployment to the Gulf War later, Melvyn passed SAS Selection in 1994 and served 12 years in D Squadron, alongside our host Phil Campion. Melvyn went on to train UAE ...
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NZSAS COUNTER TERRORISM | Former NZSAS Commando Damian Porter
Thursday, 28 March 2024
Born in New Zealand, and with aspirations to join the Air Force, Damian then discovered a passion for fitness & bodybuilding. A stint as a personal trainer led him to a the Todd school of combat, and he trained extensively in hand to hand combat, a skillset that has continued to prove useful for him. Originally joining the Territorial Army in 1997, and deploying to East Timor, Damian transitioned into the regular army, and then onto the NZSAS Selection course. Passing selection for NZSAS Counter Terrorist Team, now known as Commandos and serving 4 years in the NZSAS undertaking counter terr...
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THE55 FITNESS FOUNDER | Former RAPTC Chris Leare
Thursday, 21 March 2024
A family steeped in military history, and a childhood desire to join the armed forces, Chris knew he wanted to be a PTI before he joined. Undertaking the weekend selection for the Royal Marines first however, led him to a chance encounter with a member of the Devonshire & Dorsets Regiment, who convinced him to join his county regiment instead. Deploying to Bosnia and Northern Ireland, before being promoted and sent to AFC Harrogate, Chris rebadged into the RAPTC and became a PTI. Chris deployed to Afghanistan, experienced some close calls, and created a makeshift training aid from a sandbag...
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FIRE FIGHTING PARATROOPER | Former Paratrooper Chris Binch
Thursday, 14 March 2024
Finding himself in trouble from a young age, Chris joined the Parachute Regiment at a moments notice. Serving 7 years with 2PARA, and completing 3 tours of Northern Ireland and exercises in Macedonia & Sierra Leone, Chris decided to move onto the Close Protection and Private Security Circuit. Some kinetic taskings and close calls on land and onboard ships fo anti-piracy work, Chris returned to the UK and pursued a career in the Fire & Rescue Service. Chris is a keen boxer and has launched his own podcast ‘The Old Paratrooper Podcast’ Follow This Podcast To Be Notified Of New Episodes, Visit...
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FAITH, FAMILY, FRUITCAKE | YouTuber & Force Radio Presenter The Sgt Fruitcake
Tuesday, 12 March 2024
Born in Leeds before moving out to the countryside, where he learnt to love the outdoors, he joined the military aged 16. Upon leaving the military, he found himself filling the void left by joining civvy street with all the wrong vices, until a close encounter with the Police led him to begin to change his life for the better. Eventually launching his YouTube channel @TheSgtFruitcake where he has amassed over 5 million views, starting a family and building his dream home in the country, He is known for his unique sense of humour. Now a proud member of the Church, which he credits for hel...
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DEVGRU NAVY SEAL | Former U.S Navy Seal Andrew 'Sully' Sullivan
Thursday, 7 March 2024
Sully had always had thoughts of a military career in the back of his mind, and the tragic events of 9/11 led him to find a recruiter and take the fight to the enemy as soon as he could. His mind set on being an operator, Sully signed a SEAL contract and completed the arduous training stages to achieve his spot in the coveted SEAL Team Two. 5 Years and 2 tours of Iraq later, Sully wanted to advance into a Tier 1 role, and began the selection process for The Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) / DEVGRU. Sully completed 7 active tours of Afghanistan and achieved an impressive arra...
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RED DEVILS PATHFINDER | Former Pathfinder Tom Blakey
Thursday, 29 February 2024
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 fo...
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FEMALE FIGHTER PILOT | Former RAF Pilot Mandy Hickson
Tuesday, 27 February 2024
Naturally sporty & adventurous as a child, coupled with first-hand stories of flights from her WW2 pilot grandfather, Mandy joined the Air Cadets and began her flying career. Securing a flying scholarship, before progressing into the Birmingham University Air Squadron, Mandy faced both conscious and subconscious bias and challenges in her journey to the cockpit. Becoming the first woman to fly the Tornado GR4 in active combat, Mandy served 16 years in the RAF and 8 as a reservist. Follow This Podcast To Be Notified Of New Episodes, Visit Our Social Media Platforms & YouTube Channel For Mor...
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BRITISH MILITARY PSYOPS | Former PSYOPS Tim Heale
Tuesday, 27 February 2024
Influenced by Saturday morning pictures, Tim gained an interest in the armed forces and joined both the Sea & Army Cadets before enlisting as a boy soldier with the Royal Anglians. A punchy tour of Northern Ireland in 1977, and 3 years at the Army Handgliding Centre later, Tim put in his papers to leave. He went on to join 21 SAS for a brief period, before transferring to a FTRS role where he was mobilised with the Royal Signals. Securing a role in the newly formed 15 Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) Unit, Tim became a purveyor of Propaganda, Lies & Deception.... Follow This Podcast To Be ...
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DELTA FORCE OPERATOR | Former Green Beret & Delta Force Brent Tucker
Wednesday, 21 February 2024
A 9th generation Floridian, Brent enjoyed his time, schooling & sports in his hometown, until the tragic events of 9/11 led him to ask what he could do for his country. First joining Air Defence, before completing the near-year long training to become a Green Beret, Brent didn't stop there, and continued to advance his career. After 4 tours as a Green Beret, Brent passed the selection process to become a Tier 1 Delta Force Operator. His fierce passion to fight for his country led him to more overseas tours, including an operation that almost cost him his life. Surviving a round from an AK47...
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FIJIAN FRONTLINE FIGHTER | Former 2 RIFLES Titilia 'Tilly' Fisher
Sunday, 18 February 2024
Born on the 3rd largest island in Fiji, Tilly enjoyed a childhood living off the land with her family, before continuing her education on the main island. It was here when the British Army visited on a recruitment drive and Tilly realised a life of military service was her purpose. Completing basic training at Pirbright, Tilly joined the Royal Logistics Corps (RLC) to gain her driving licenses before moving over to the Adjutant Generals Corps (AGC) where she was attached to The Royal Green Jackets (now 2 RIFLES). Tilly completed 4 operational tours, survived IED attacks, and witnessed sever...
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SAS MODERN WARRIOR | Former 22 SAS Lindsay Bruce
Thursday, 15 February 2024
Born into the shadow of his 2 older brothers, and uninspired by the school system, Lindsay Bruce wasn't initially drawn to a life of military service and soon gained an interest in fitness. This base level of fitness would provide him the skillset to eventually follow his brothers into the Royal Highland Fusiliers, onto multiple overseas tours and then the infamous SAS Selection course. 6 active years service in B Squadron, across multiple warzones soon came to an end and Lindsay launched his own gym and reawakened his passion for fitness, going on to achieve titles in bodybuilding competit...
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MILITARY MEDALS EXPERT | TV's Medals Specialist Mark Smith
Monday, 12 February 2024
Born into a family steeped in military history, Mark Smith began his medal collecting journey aged just 6 years old. Turning his hobby into a career, Mark is one of the leading, and most highly regarded experts in military medals, RAF flying logs and the Victoria Cross. Mark is the Resident Arms and Militaria specialist on the BBC’s Antique Roadshow and is widely regarded as the foremost medals and orders specialist in the country. Follow This Podcast To Be Notified Of New Episodes, Visit Our Social Media Platforms & YouTube Channel For More Bonus Content, And Listen Live To Our Radio Stat...
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INSIDE THE AMBULANCE | Former R.M Commando & HART Paramedic Gareth Williams
Tuesday, 6 February 2024
After enlisting in the Army and receiving his papers for the Royal Tank Regiment, Gareth visited the Naval Careers Office and began the process of becoming a Royal Marines Commando. Enjoying tours of Norway & Northern Ireland before leaving to play rugby in Australia, Gareth joined the Royal Marines Reserve and ventured into the Private Military Circuit. On his return to the UK, Gareth joined the Ambulance Service and progressed into a specialised role in the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) where he has visited some of the most high-profile incidents the UK has ever seen. Follow This Po...
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CUSTODY TO COMEDY | Former Police Officer & Comedian Alfie Moore
Tuesday, 6 February 2024
A career following in the family footsteps looked certain for Alfie Moore, but strikes & recession struck the steel industry, and he was faced with making a change to join the police. 20 years on the beat progressing through role & rank, Alfie found stand-up comedy later on in life, and has found success. His BBC Radio 4 show 'It's A Fair Cop' is now into it's 8th season and Alfie is on a nationwide tour with his show 'A Face For Radio'. Follow This Podcast To Be Notified Of New Episodes, Visit Our Social Media Platforms & YouTube Channel For More Bonus Content, And Listen Live To Our Radio...
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BATTLEFIELD TO BOARDROOM | Former QARANC David Dent MBE
Friday, 2 February 2024
Born into a family steeped in military heritage, David initially broke the mould and began his career with the NHS. He soon realised his role wasn't challenging enough, so he joined the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, before specialising in blast & ballistic injury. David deployed overseas numerous times, unfortunately picking up injuries that would develop over time, resulting in him becoming a wheelchair user. Since leaving the Army, David has continued in the medical field, with the clinical trials & biotech consulting firm Parexel. Outside of work, David has gone on to achie...
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SHOT BY PIRATES | Former Royal Marines Commandos John Bathgate & Ian Roberts
Thursday, 25 January 2024
Serving almost 2 decades between them as Royal Marine Commandos, John & Ian left the forces and went looking for adventure. 'Summit To Sea' became their mission, a 5 stage journey across South America starting at Ecuador's highest mountain, and the highest point on earth, Chimborazo. Widely regarded as the source of the Amazon River, the team summited the mountain, and began the next stages of the journey, aiming to travel over 5000km along the Amazon. After conducting scientific research work in Iquitos, John & Ian continued on their way down the river, but it was not smooth sailing... Af...
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CAREER ENDING INJURY | Former RAF Regiment David Atkin
Thursday, 18 January 2024
First introduced to the idea of a service life with a stint in the Air Cadets, David Atkin pursued a career with the RAF Regiment. Embarking on his first tour to Afghanistan in 2010, David suffered a career ending, and life changing spinal injury. Years of surgery and rehabilitation has followed, but David has gone on to achieve success in the Invictus Games, and is now working at the Military Preparation College for Training (MPCT) where he is guiding the next generation of potential armed forces recruits, and instilling values that will see students excel in their chosen careers. Follow T...
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RUNNING THE WORLD | Former RAMC (Reserve) Sally Orange MBE
Tuesday, 16 January 2024
A nasty injury aged 16 meant Sally Orange had to spend 9 months learning to walk again. During this time she learnt about the role of a physiotherapist, and set her goal to become one. Multiple applications & years later, Sally qualified and began her career with the NHS, before joining the TA. Eventually moving into a FTRS role, Sally deployed to Afghanistan to lead her team and develop courses to help wounded personnel recover from injury. Sally was medically discharged in 2019, and suffered with depression & anxiety, something that would lead her on to her fundraising efforts completing ...
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ARENA BOMBING MEDIC | Former HART Paramedic Lea Vaughan
Tuesday, 2 January 2024
After a brief stint in the army, Lea Vaughan pursued her interest in the ambulance service. After completing the intense training and experiencing life on the ambulance, Lea progressed into a role with the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART). This highly specialised role would lead to Lea and 2 colleagues being the only paramedics allowed into the blast-damaged Manchester Arena on the night of the tragic bombing. Lea and her colleagues triaged all of the victims still present in the foyer, but public opinion from the media & families at the inquest led to a tough time for Lea.. Follow This ...