He was a U.S. Green Beret.🪖

Then a Night Stalker, Special Forces Black Hawk pilot.🚁

Two of the most demanding jobs in the world—and Nick wore both uniforms with pride.💪

But behind the elite training, the high-stakes missions, and the badges of honour…

He was suffering.

While still serving.

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, Nick rips the silence off a truth far too many hide: even warriors at the top of their game can be barely holding it together.

💥 He didn’t “struggle after.” He struggled during.

💥 He didn’t break. He carried more than most.

💥 And now, he’s speaking out—not to be pitied, but to help others realise they’re not alone.

If you’ve ever looked at someone and thought, “They’ve got their Sh#t together”—this episode will make you think again.

🗣️ “You leave the military, but it doesn’t always leave you.”

🗣️ “There’s a gap between who you were and who you’re meant to become—and it’s f*cking hard to cross.”

🗣️ “We don’t need perfect heroes. We need honest ones.”

🗣️ “I thought I was the only one struggling. Turns out, I was just the only one saying it out loud.”

• Why transition out of the military can hit harder than most expect
• The unspoken mental health battle many veterans still fight daily
• How shame and silence feed off each other—and how to stop the cycle
• The value of vulnerability in leadership and community
• A reminder that progress is ugly, uncomfortable, and absolutely worth it.
• 
  

🎧 Stream now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your truth bombs.

💀 If you’ve served, struggled, or started over—this one’s for you.

Connect with Nick:

YouTube

Instagram

#GreatGunsPodcast #NickOKelly #NickUnfiltered #VeteranVoices #PostServiceLife #MentalHealthMatters #BuiltNotBorn #NightStalkers

After leaving the military, 26 year Navy Seal veteran, William didn’t just hang up the uniform—he stripped away the expectations, the identity, and the pressure to “just move on.”

What came next? A raw, honest rebuild.

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, we sit down with William to unpack the truth about transition—the emotional weight of starting again, the real fear behind reinvention, and how he learned to turn discomfort into direction.

This isn’t polished. This isn’t a highlight reel.

It’s the story of a veteran finding his footing—one small, terrifying step at a time.

🎖️ From military service to mental resilience

💥 From burnout to breakthrough

🎯 From self-doubt to purpose-driven momentum

Whether you’re still serving, recently out, or just trying to find your place in this messy world—William’s story will hit home.

🔊 SOUND BITES

🗣️ “You don’t have to have it all figured out—just be willing to start.”

🗣️ “Leaving the forces was like losing my identity. But that loss made space for something real.”

🗣️ “Growth starts the second you stop pretending you’re fine.”

🗣️ “There’s strength in saying, ‘I don’t know who I am right now.’ That’s where the work begins.”

✅ TAKEAWAYS

• Why identity loss after service is more common (and more brutal) than most admit
• The myth of “just cracking on” — and how it keeps veterans stuck in silence
• How vulnerability is a weapon, not a weakness
• Why small actions and honest conversations create lasting transformation
• The power of slowing down, recalibrating, and rebuilding from the inside out

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms.

🔥 This one’s not just for veterans—it’s for anyone who’s had to start over.

#GreatGunsPodcast #NavySeals #WilliamBranum #VeteranVoices #RealTalk #MentalStrength #TransitionTruths #BuiltNotBorn

What happens when a 20-stone, booze-soaked hospitality veteran hits the lockdown wall and decides, "F**k this—I want more"?

Adam Smith, co-founder of A-Game, joins us for a brutally honest and fiercely uplifting conversation about what it really means to bring your best self to the table (hint: it’s not kale smoothies and forced gratitude).

We talk alcohol-free living—not from a preachy mountaintop, but from the battlefield of self-worth and social pressure. We dig into masculinity, mental health, the loneliness of leadership, and why “perfectionism” is just low self-esteem dressed up in a designer hoodie. From the pain of reinvention to the power of purpose, Adam doesn’t just talk the talk—he’s walked it, crawled it, and danced on its grave.

This isn’t a sob story. It’s a war cry. If you're tired of numbing out, playing small, or being told to "man up," this episode is your permission slip to drop the mask and get real.

Takeaways

• Why chasing perfection is a sneaky form of self-sabotage
• How going sober gave Adam his life—and business—back
• The “Coffee Test” to find out who your real friends are
• Why men suck at talking (and society sucks worse at listening)
• How vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s rebellion
• Reclaiming your power through Stoic philosophy, small habits, and telling yourself a better f**king story
• How A-Game scaled from nothing to a million-pound movement by betting on honesty and humanity

SOUND BITES:🔊🔊🔊

“Perfectionism? That’s just low self-esteem in a sexy outfit.”

➤ (Mic drop. And possibly the most accurate thing said about perfectionism—ever.)

“You didn’t become a world-class soldier drunk. You did it sharp, focused, and clear.”

➤ (Say it louder for the lads at the bar.)

“I stopped asking what’s wrong with a few beers—and started asking what’s right with them.”

➤ (Oof. That’ll stop a scroll.)

“If you can’t meet your mates for a coffee on a Tuesday morning, they’re not your mates. They’re drinking buddies.”

➤ (Cue 85% of listeners re-evaluating their group chat.)

“Men don’t need to talk more. People just need to shut up and listen when we do.”

➤ (Tattoo this on society’s forehead.)

“Bravery isn’t just charging into battle—it’s saying, ‘I’m not okay’ and risking the fallout.”

➤ (For the veterans, the dads, and every man faking fine.)

“Your quality of life isn’t about being perfect. It’s about how quickly you can bounce back when you f#*k up.”**

➤ (That’s resilience, Great Guns-style.)

Ready to bring your A-game—no booze, no bullsh*t?

👉 Follow Adam Smith and the A-Game crew at A-Game

👉 Want more fearless chats like this? Subscribe, rate, and review the Great Guns Podcast.

And hey—if you’ve ever cried in a Tesco car park or danced sober at a wedding, this one’s for you.

He’s a veteran, a clinical psychologist, a former head of military mental health, and a man who’s spent decades helping others navigate the aftermath of war.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Professor Jamie Hacker Hughes—former RAF officer turned leading voice in military psychology—to dig into the deep end of trauma, transition, and what it really takes to come home from the battlefield.

💀 This isn’t a lecture. It’s a raw, unfiltered look at the realities of psychological injury—told by someone who’s fought on both sides of the uniform.

🎙️ We talk about:

• The difference between trauma and PTSD (and why most people get it wrong)
• Why veterans struggle to ask for help—and how we break that cycle
• What the military gets right about mental health… and what it absolutely doesn’t
• How stories, connection and community can become part of your healing
• Why it’s never too late to start the process of recovery

Professor Hacker Hughes brings academic firepower and frontline experience to the table—mixing deep insight with human understanding.

The Takeaways:

• Why trauma isn’t just about the battlefield—and why the symptoms can hit years later
• The brutal transition from military life and why so many veterans feel lost in civvy street
• How psychological support systems need to evolve—and what still isn’t working
• Why we need to stop treating veterans like they’re broken, and start giving them the tools to heal and grow
• Simple mindset shifts that can help any listener start facing their own inner battles

Sound Bites:

“You don’t just ‘get over’ trauma—you get through it, and that’s very different.”

“Veterans are not broken—they’ve just carried more than most.”

“We train people to be warriors. We don’t train them to come home.”

“Stigma is a killer. The silence around mental health is louder than any gunfire.”

If you’ve served, supported someone who has, or want to better understand the mental cost of conflict—this one’s essential.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

💥 Listen, learn, and join the movement to change the conversation.

Want to connect with Professor Hacker Hughes:

Check out his Website

Don't forget to get your Great Guns Kit at www.great-guns.com

#GiveItBeans #KeepMoving #GoGreatGuns #GreatGunsPodcast

#VeteranStories #LifeAfterService #ResilienceUnfiltered

From Commando raids to Caribbean sails, cliff faces to corporate mindset shifts—Jim Oakley’s career has been anything but ordinary.

With 23 years in the Royal Marines, Jim didn’t just survive elite military life—he thrived. But what happens when the green lid comes off? For Jim, it meant replacing combat zones with climbing ropes, swapping battle briefs for leadership expeditions, and turning “adventure” into his full-time business.

In this episode, Jim gets brutally honest about:

• Life inside the Royal Marines (and what civvies always get wrong)
• The adrenaline-fuelled transition from military to adventure instructing
• Why pushing people past their comfort zone is the key to growth
• What climbing, diving, and ropes courses teach you about yourself
• Advice for veterans feeling stuck, burnt out, or a bit too “comfortable”

💀 This isn’t a man who settled for a desk job. Jim lives life like it’s a training exercise—with purpose, energy, and more than a few rope burns.

The Takeaways

• Jim's sense of adventure began in his youth, influenced by his mother.
• Joining the Royal Marines was a pivotal decision for Jim, sparked by the Falklands War.
• Leadership in the Marines taught Jim the importance of leading by example.
• Jim organized various adventure training activities to motivate recruits.
• Transitioning to civilian life required careful planning and acquiring new qualifications.
• Adventure training provides valuable life skills and experiences for participants.
• Jim's freelance work in outdoor activities allowed him to maintain independence.
• Staying active is crucial for longevity and overall well-being.
• Motivation can be challenging, but simple exercises can make a difference.
• Jim encourages others to explore adventure training opportunities. Motion is a lotion; staying active is crucial.
• It's easy to fall out of shape if you don't keep moving.
• Reflecting on good times can help during tough moments.
• Cadet training provides valuable insights into military life.
• Planning ahead can lead to better travel experiences.
• Living simply can reduce financial burdens.
• Engaging in team sports can prepare you for military life.
• Always look for opportunities to grow and learn.
• Traveling can enrich your life and broaden your perspective.
• Life is not a dress rehearsal; make the most of it.

Sound Bites

• "I can't get out of bed. I'm stuck."
• "You just got to keep going."
• "Motion is a lotion."
• "It's only eight weeks of your life."
• "There's always good times at the end of it."
• "Just go to the recruiting office."
• "This is only the time you're on the planet."
• "Just plan it."
• "Sweden has 274,000 islands."

Check out Jim's adventures:

Jim Oakley Adventures

Don't forget to get your Great Guns Kit at www.great-guns.com

#GiveItBeans #KeepMoving #GoGreatGuns #GreatGunsPodcast

#VeteranStories #LifeAfterService #ResilienceUnfiltered #RoyalMarines

#Adventures #JimOakleyAdventures #AdventureTraining

After 16 years in the RAF, Tim Peakman made a bold move—he walked away from the structure of military life to build a business on his own terms. Today, he runs a one-person online business, enjoys location freedom, and spends his time snowboarding in Banff while still making a living.

In this episode of The Great Guns Podcast, Tim breaks down exactly how he made the transition from the military to entrepreneurship. If you’ve ever thought about leaving service, starting your own thing, or creating a business that fits your lifestyle instead of the other way around—this episode is for you.

Tim shares:

• Why he didn’t follow the typical “ex-PTI fitness business” route
• How he started making money online before even leaving the RAF
• The biggest mistakes veterans make when transitioning to self-employment
• Why planning your exit years in advance makes all the difference
• The myth of “build it and they will come” – and what to do instead
• How he created a business that lets him work from anywhere (and why you can too!)
• This episode is packed with practical advice for veterans, entrepreneurs, and anyone wanting more control over their future.

Key Takeaways

• Start Before You Leave – Tim didn’t wait until his RAF career ended before figuring out what was next. He built his business while still serving, ensuring a smoother transition.
• Don’t Just “Jump and Hope” – Many veterans believe they need to quit first and figure things out later. Tim’s approach? Plan. Test. Transition. The best move is to build on the side first.
• You Don’t Have to Follow the Crowd – Tim was a PTI in the RAF, but he didn’t start a fitness business. Instead, he played to his strengths and found a model that worked for his long-term goals.
• Your business around lifestyle, time freedom, and travel, instead of getting stuck in a 9-to-5 trap disguised as entrepreneurship.
• Making Money Online is a Skill – Not a Luck Game – Whether it’s selling products, coaching, or content creation, you need to learn the game before expecting results. Tim shares the real process behind successful online businesses.

Soundbites

"I wanted freedom, not just a different boss. That meant building a business that worked for my life—not the other way around."

"If you’re still in service, start NOW. The best transition is a gradual one, not a sudden leap into the unknown."

"Build it and they will come? Bollocks. You need a plan, an audience, and a strategy."

"Your time in the military gave you more business skills than you realise. It’s just about learning how to use them differently."

"Don’t wait for permission to start your next mission. No one’s coming to save you—you have to build it yourself."

Connect with Tim:

Website: www.timpeakman.com

YouTube: @TimPeakman

Business Workshop: www.timpeakman.com/workshop

Mentorship: Available through Heropreneurs for veterans transitioning into business

Don't forget to get your Great Guns Kit at www.great-guns.com

#GiveItBeans #KeepMoving #GoGreatGuns #GreatGunsPodcast

#VeteranStories #LifeAfterService #ResilienceUnfiltered

7 years ago Adam Faulkner quit his £47k job in London and cycled to Japan

The truth is when he quit, he wasn't burned out or in a bad place, was just uninspired about the future & needed to go on adventure.

In this episode of the Great Guns podcast, host James speaks with Adam Faulkner about his incredible journey cycling from London to Japan.

Adam shares the motivations behind his decision to embark on this adventure, the challenges he faced along the way, and the lessons he learned about resilience, family concerns, and the importance of living life on one's own terms. The conversation delves into the realities of travel, the fears of loved ones, and the unexpected moments that can arise during such a monumental journey.

In this engaging conversation, Adam Faulkner shares his journey of self-discovery and personal growth, particularly during the challenging times of COVID.

He emphasizes the importance of embracing adventure, taking risks, and living life without regrets. Adam introduces the concept of 'micro adventures' as a way to push personal boundaries and foster growth.

He discusses the freedom he finds in entrepreneurship and the significance of connection and communication in inspiring others. The conversation highlights the value of living a fulfilled life and the impact of sharing one's story.

The Takeaways

• The journey to Japan was a long-term dream shared with a friend.
• Preparation for such an adventure takes time and thought.
• Family and friends often project their fears onto your decisions.
• It's important to listen to concerns but ultimately follow your own path.
• Experiencing danger can lead to personal growth and resilience.
• Traveling teaches you to deal with the unexpected.
• Everything seems amazing until something goes wrong.
• You can't live your life in fear of what might happen.
• Finding purpose after a significant life change can be challenging.
• Resilience is built through overcoming obstacles during your journey. COVID was a pivotal time for personal growth.
• Embracing adventure leads to a more fulfilling life.
• Living without regrets is essential for happiness.
• Taking calculated risks can lead to personal growth.
• Micro adventures can be small yet impactful experiences.
• Connection with others can inspire and motivate.
• Entrepreneurship offers freedom and control over one's life.
• Blending work and life creates a more fulfilling existence.
• Sharing personal stories can inspire others to take action.
• Life is an adventure that should be actively pursued

Sound Bites

"What were you thinking?"

"You can't appease everyone."

"You have to live your life your way."

"You just can't live in fear."

"I had to step up."

"Everything's alright until it's not."

"I was just like, what's the point?"

"I love the adventure of life."

"Find your micro adventures."

"It's about freedom."

"Life's there to be lived."

Connect with Adam:

Website

LinkedIn

Don't forget to get your Great Guns Kit at www.great-guns.com

#GiveItBeans #KeepMoving #GoGreatGuns #GreatGunsPodcast

#VeteranStories #LifeAfterService #ResilienceUnfiltered

In this episode, James interviews David Watson, who shares his diverse experiences from serving in the army to working in the Metropolitan Police and fostering children.

David discusses the challenges he faced in each role, including a near-fatal encounter while on duty, the emotional toll of fostering, and the importance of seeking help and support in high-stress environments.

He emphasizes the need for resilience and communication in both personal and professional settings, highlighting the significance of teamwork and understanding in overcoming trauma and challenges.

In this conversation, David Watson discusses the evolution of military accommodation and its impact on mental health, particularly in the context of social media's influence on younger generations.

He reflects on his transition from military to civilian life, emphasizing the importance of purpose and the role of humor in coping with trauma.

David shares insights from his experiences in fostering and mentoring, highlighting the challenges faced by today's youth and the need for kindness and understanding in society.

The Takeaways

• David's journey from the army to the police and fostering reflects a deep commitment to service.
• Experiences in high-stress environments can lead to trauma that needs addressing.
• Coping mechanisms, such as humor and camaraderie, are vital in high-pressure jobs.
• Fostering presents unique emotional challenges that require resilience and support.
• The importance of seeking help and not viewing it as a weakness is crucial for mental health.
• Team dynamics play a significant role in managing stress and trauma in the police force.
• Life experiences shape resilience and character over time.
• Younger generations may face different expectations and challenges in the workforce.

Sound Bites

"Facing danger: a close call with violence."

"Coping with trauma: the aftermath of violence."

"You have to ask for help, basically."

"An element of anxiety is good for you."

"You can't just keep saying no."

"You lose your way without a sense of purpose."

"You have to adapt to sudden changes in life."

"You have to have a sense of humor."

"It doesn't cost anything to be kind."

"I do worry about the younger generation."

Check out Dave's place - www.shoregatehouse.co.uk



Don't forget to get your Great Guns Kit at www.great-guns.com

#GiveItBeans #KeepMoving #GoGreatGuns #GreatGunsPodcast

#VeteranStories #LifeAfterService #ResilienceUnfiltered