This week on The Muster Point Podcast, we flip the mic and put co-host Stu Mendelson (ex-Royal Engineer) in the hot seat. Steve takes over to dig into the day that changed everything—when Stu was hit by a Taliban IED in Afghanistan.

In this raw, honest, and powerful episode, Stu shares what it’s really like to be blown up on patrol, the chaos that followed, and his long journey of healing—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s a story of trauma, dark humour, and resilience that only those who’ve served can truly understand.

🪖 In This Episode:

• The IED Blast – What happened that day in Helmand and how it unfolded
• The Aftermath – What no one prepares you for when the dust settles
• Listener Q&A – Your questions, Stu’s unfiltered answers
• Muckers Remembered – A tribute to the fallen who never came home
• Bravo Zulu Spotlight – Shoutout to Veterans into Logistics, helping ex-forces into new careers
• The Muster Quiz – Can Stu keep it together under pressure?

🧠 Why Listen?

• Real story of surviving an IED explosion in Afghanistan
• Insight into veteran mental health, PTSD & post-traumatic growth
• A brutally honest look at life after military service
• Squaddie humour, scars, and strength in equal measure

🎙️ Press play and hear what it’s like to walk through fire—and come out swinging.

📩 Got a story for us? Email: @themusterpointveterans

• Twitter/X: @themusterpoint
• TikTok: @themusterpoint
• YouTube: @themusterpointveterans

Credits:

Intro - FX comedy marching.wav by v0idation -- https://freesound.org/s/115144/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Outro - Cinematic Orchestral Heroic Army Music by humanoide9000 -- https://freesound.org/s/686217/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

The Last Post - Last Post.wav by Benboncan -- https://freesound.org/s/61811/ -- License: Attribution 4.0