Combat Fuel Podcast is a long-form interview podcast spotlighting former military personnel and the paths they carve after service.
Each episode features honest, in-depth conversations with ex-service men and women as they reflect on their military careers, operational experiences, and the mindset forged under pressure. We explore how those lessons translate into civilian life from fitness, leadership, and resilience to building and running veteran-owned businesses.
The podcast also dives into the practical side of performance after service, including training, recovery, and supplements, with a focus on what actually works in high-demand environments rather than marketing hype.
This is not about glorifying war. It is about earned experience, accountability, and the discipline that fuels success beyond the uniform.
Unfiltered stories. Real-world insight. Fuel for life after combat.
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21: Fraser Carson: London Firefighter, Airborne Soldier & BASE Jump Survivor | Combat Fuel Podcast
Épisode 21
dimanche 27 septembre 2026 • Durée 01:51:12
In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we turn the cameras on the man normally behind them Fraser Carson, Combat Fuel producer, former British Army soldier, former Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) in the ambulance service, and now a serving London firefighter.
Fraser's journey has taken him from military service and P Company to frontline emergency services with more than a few life-changing incidents along the way.
He talks about joining the Royal Artillery, completing P Company, military parachuting and jumping into Arnhem, before eventually transitioning out of the Army and discovering just how difficult finding direction in civilian life could be.
Fraser also shares the story of a BASE jump in Switzerland that went catastrophically wrong. After his canopy turned 180 degrees, he slammed into the cliff face, broke his leg and was left stranded on a steep ledge before being rescued by helicopter.
After leaving the Army, Fraser eventually joined the ambulance service as an Emergency Care Assistant, working alongside paramedics and attending everything from cardiac arrests to traumatic emergencies during COVID.
His career then took another turn when he joined the London Fire Brigade.
Fraser discusses the reality of frontline firefighting, including rescuing a man trapped beneath a train and a devastating house fire during Diwali. Only six months into his firefighting career, Fraser and his BA partner entered the heavily involved property after being told children were trapped inside. During the search, Fraser fell through the burning staircase an incident for which he later received a commendation.
Away from the emergency services, Fraser opens up about struggling with his mental health and how discovering photography gave him something positive to focus on. That hobby eventually developed into a photography and videography business and ultimately led to him becoming the producer behind the Combat Fuel Podcast.
In this episode, we cover:
• Growing up in South East London • Air Cadets and early military ambitions • Surviving a serious car crash before joining the Army • Joining the Royal Artillery • Completing P Company • Military parachuting and jumping into Arnhem • Transitioning out of the British Army • The BASE jump accident that nearly killed him • Helicopter rescue from a Swiss cliff face • Working as an Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) • Frontline ambulance work during COVID • Cardiac arrests and traumatic emergency calls • Joining the London Fire Brigade • Rescuing a casualty trapped beneath a train • Entering a fully developed house fire with persons reported • Falling through a burning staircase • Receiving a commendation • Mental health and finding photography • Building a photography and videography business • The Veterans Project • Becoming producer of the Combat Fuel Podcast • Balancing firefighting, business, family and podcast production
This episode is for anyone interested in British Army life, P Company, military parachuting, BASE jumping, London Fire Brigade, ambulance services, emergency response, mental health, photography, military transition and finding purpose after service.
Guest:
Fraser Carson British Army Veteran | Former ECA | London Firefighter | Photographer & Combat Fuel Podcast Producer
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice.
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Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to support honest conversations around military service, emergency services, resilience, mental health and life after the Armed Forces.
20: Jack Wiles: RAF Regiment, SFSG & Building RB Club From Scratch | Combat Fuel Podcast
Épisode 20
dimanche 13 septembre 2026 • Durée 01:15:41
In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with Jack Wiles former RAF Regiment and Special Forces Support Group (SFSG) soldier, and now founder of RB Club, a rapidly growing rugby-inspired clothing brand.
Jack spent 10 years serving in the RAF Regiment and SFSG before deciding military life was no longer the direction he wanted to pursue. He talks openly about joining the RAF Regiment almost by accident, his experiences during training, moving into SFSG, operating alongside different military units, and why he ultimately decided against pursuing Special Forces selection.
But Jack’s story after the military is just as interesting.
During a deployment, he taught himself how to sew and began making kit and wash bags for the lads around him. That eventually developed into an idea to turn old rugby jerseys into handmade bucket hats — laying the foundations for what would later become RB Club.
Jack explains how he left the security of a military wage, sold almost everything he owned, and committed to building a business without having any formal background in fashion, clothing, marketing, or e-commerce.
We discuss the reality behind building RB Club — from packing hundreds of orders himself and developing products months in advance, to nearly losing the business through poor advertising management and then turning things around.
Jack also shares why he believes military discipline has transferred directly into entrepreneurship, why he still struggles to feel satisfied after major successes, and his ambition to build RB Club into something completely different within the rugby clothing market.
In this episode, we cover:
Growing up in South Wales
Joining the RAF Regiment
RAF Regiment training and military culture
Serving for 10 years
Moving into SFSG
🎬 YOUTUBE CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction & Jack Wiles
00:45 RAF Regiment, SFSG & RB Club
01:45 Why Jack Joined the RAF Regiment
02:40 Growing Up in South Wales
05:00 Childhood, School & Finding Direction
10:00 Joining the Military at a Difficult Point in Life
15:00 RAF Regiment Culture & Military Banter
18:00 RAF Regiment Training
21:30 Military Fitness & Life in the Regiment
24:30 Moving Into SFSG
27:00 The Reality of Life in SFSG
30:30 Why Jack Didn't Want Special Forces Selection
32:00 Learning to Sew on Deployment
33:30 The First Rugby Bucket Hat Idea
35:00 Leaving the Military & Selling Everything
38:00 Military Work Ethic in Business
40:00 Turning Bucket Hats Into RB Club
42:00 Building a Rugby Clothing Brand
45:00 Product Development & Refusing to Compromise
48:00 Learning Fashion & Manufacturing From Scratch
50:00 Selling Hundreds of Products in a Day
52:00 Never Feeling Satisfied With Success
54:00 ADHD, Work Ethic & Business Pressure
56:00 Nearly Losing RB Club
58:00 How Bad Advertising Almost Destroyed the Business
1:00:00 Turning the Business Around
1:02:00 The Future of RB Club
1:04:00 Events, Rugby Clubs & Building the Brand
1:06:00 Running Almost Everything Himself
1:08:00 Creating Content Without Expensive Equipment
1:10:00 Authenticity, Customers & Social Media
1:12:00 Advice to His Younger Self
1:12:40 Final Thoughts
19: Harry Shepherd: Royal Marine Commando, Military Fitness & Building a Coaching Business | Combat Fuel Podcast
Épisode 19
dimanche 30 août 2026 • Durée 01:46:29
In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with Harry Shepherd former Royal Marines Commando and now a fitness coach working with military personnel and clients around the world to improve their fitness and performance.
Harry spent five years in the Royal Marines before leaving the military and building his own coaching business. What started with a small number of clients has developed into a team coaching more than 130 people, with Harry using both his experience in the Marines and his knowledge of physical performance to help others achieve a higher standard of fitness.
Harry speaks openly about his own journey through Royal Marines Commando training, including the areas he struggled with, being put back in training, failing tests, and the physical and mental pressure involved in eventually earning his Green Beret.
We also discuss the fitness mistakes he made preparing for the Marines, why simply running and doing bodyweight exercises isn't enough, and how those experiences influenced the way he coaches people today.
The conversation moves into military fitness coaching, business, criticism on social media, coaching standards, working in America, scaling a fitness business, and why having information alone isn't enough to produce results.
In this episode, we cover:
Joining the Royal Marines
Preparing for Royal Marines Commando training
The physical and mental demands of training
Being put back in training and dealing with failure
Struggling with strength and loaded carries
Completing Commando tests and earning the Green Beret
The reality of military fitness preparation
Why experience matters when coaching others
Criticism and opinions within the military fitness industry
Leaving the Royal Marines and becoming a coach
Growing from a handful of clients to 130+ coaching clients
18: Tom Merriman: Royal Marine PTI, Commando Mindset & Surviving Combat | Combat Fuel Podcast
Épisode 18
dimanche 16 août 2026 • Durée 01:29:26
In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with Tom Merriman — a Royal Marine Physical Training Instructor (PTI), husband, father of three, and known by many as The Wando PTI.
Tom shares his experiences serving in the Royal Marines, from growing up in Stockport to earning the coveted Green Beret and becoming a Physical Training Instructor. He reflects on the mindset, discipline, and resilience required to train Royal Marines, while also opening up about the realities of operational deployments, leadership, and moments that nearly cost him his life.
We explore military culture, physical performance, and what it takes to lead by example in one of the world's most respected fighting forces. Tom also discusses balancing military life with family, the responsibility of developing others, and the lessons that have shaped him both in uniform and at home.
In this episode, we cover:
Growing up in Stockport
Joining the Royal Marines
Earning the Green Beret
Becoming a Royal Marine PTI
Leadership and developing Royal Marines
Operational deployments and surviving combat
Physical training and mental resilience
Balancing military service with family life
Lessons from leadership and adversity
Identity, purpose, and life in the Corps
This episode is for anyone interested in Royal Marines, Commando training, military leadership, physical performance, resilience, and elite mindset.
Guest:
Tom Merriman Royal Marine PTI | The Wando PTI
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🎬 YouTube Chapters00:00 Introduction & Who is Tom Merriman
01:00 Growing Up in Stockport
05:30 Why He Joined the Royal Marines
11:00 Earning the Green Beret
17:00 Becoming a Royal Marine PTI
24:00 Physical Training & Elite Standards
31:00 Operational Deployments & Combat Experiences
39:00 The Incident That Nearly Cost His Life
47:00 Leadership, Discipline & Responsibility
55:00 Family Life in the Military
1:03:00 Building Mental Resilience
1:11:00 Training the Next Generation of Royal Marines
1:20:00 Lessons From Military Service
1:29:00 Final Reflections & Advice
17: Jonny Pain: Extreme Endurance, Ben Nevis & Pushing Human Limits | Combat Fuel Podcast
Épisode 17
dimanche 2 août 2026 • Durée 01:48:45
In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with Jonny Pain — an extreme endurance athlete, mountaineer, and adventure coach who has built a reputation for taking on some of the toughest physical and mental challenges imaginable.
Jonny shares the story behind his incredible Vertical Marathon, climbing Ben Nevis 32 consecutive times without leaving the mountain. He explains the physical demands, mental resilience, and relentless determination required to complete a challenge that pushed him to his absolute limits.
We also explore his journey into self-protection and martial arts, lessons learned from overcoming adversity, and why embracing discomfort has become a defining part of his life. Throughout the conversation, Jonny offers a unique perspective on resilience, risk, leadership, and what it really means to test yourself.
In this episode, we cover:
Climbing Ben Nevis 32 consecutive times
Completing the Vertical Marathon challenge
Extreme endurance and mental resilience
Living and surviving on the mountain
Managing fear, risk, and adversity
Self-protection and martial arts
Building mental toughness through discomfort
Leadership, purpose, and personal growth
Lessons from extreme adventure
This episode is for anyone interested in endurance challenges, mountaineering, resilience, adventure, self-protection, mental toughness, and pushing beyond perceived limits.
16: Tom Collins: Army Officer to Fitness Coach | Leadership, Military Culture & Life After Service | Combat Fuel Podcast
Épisode 16
dimanche 19 juillet 2026 • Durée 02:07:16
In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with Tom Collins former British Army officer, Royal Signals officer, and now a successful online fitness coach.
Tom spent over two decades serving in the Army, leading soldiers and operating within high-pressure environments before making the decision to leave military service and pursue a completely different path in the fitness industry.
He shares honest insights into military leadership, Army culture, and the realities of command. We discuss the importance of looking after people, the impact of poor leadership, and why creating high-performing teams starts with trust, respect, and accountability.
Tom also reflects on the challenges of transitioning from a senior military career into entrepreneurship, building a coaching business from the ground up, and helping people transform their lives through fitness.
In this episode, we cover:
Life as a British Army Officer
Serving in the Royal Signals
Leadership and military culture
The impact of toxic leadership
Looking after soldiers and their families
Transitioning from the Army at 40
Building a successful online coaching business
Fitness, performance, and personal development
Identity and purpose after military service
Lessons from over 20 years of leadership
This episode is for anyone interested in military leadership, Army life, fitness coaching, entrepreneurship, personal development, and life after service.
Guest:
Tom Collins Former British Army Officer | Royal Signals | Online Fitness Coach
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🎬 YouTube Chapters00:00 Introduction & Who is Tom Collins
00:45 Army Officer to Fitness Coach
03:00 Joining the Army at 18
06:30 Royal Signals & Military Career
11:00 Leadership Lessons from Service
16:00 Looking After Soldiers & Families
21:00 Toxic Leadership & Army Culture
27:00 Building High-Performing Teams
34:00 Challenges of Command
41:00 Transitioning Out of the Army
48:00 Identity After Service
55:00 Starting an Online Fitness Business
1:02:00 Fitness, Coaching & Performance
1:09:00 Personal Development & Mindset
1:16:00 Entrepreneurship After the Military
1:24:00 Leadership Lessons for Life
1:30:00 Final Reflections & Advice
15: Phil Campion: SAS, Mercenary Work & Life on the Front Line | Combat Fuel Podcast
Épisode 15
dimanche 5 juillet 2026 • Durée 01:36:30
In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with Phil Campion former British Army soldier, SAS veteran, author, broadcaster, and security contractor.
Phil shares stories from a career spent operating in some of the world's most challenging environments, discussing military service, special forces selection, operational deployments, and life after the Armed Forces. He reflects on the realities of military life, leadership under pressure, and the lessons learned from decades spent operating at the sharp end.
We explore the changing nature of modern warfare, private security contracting, media portrayals of military service, and the mindset required to perform in high-risk environments.
This conversation provides a rare insight into elite military culture, resilience, and the challenges of transitioning skills developed in service into civilian life.
In this episode, we cover:
Service in the British Army
Life within the SAS
Special Forces selection and mindset
Leadership under pressure
Modern warfare and global conflict
Security contracting and operating overseas
Military culture and media representation
Transitioning from military service
Resilience, discipline, and performance
Life lessons from decades of experience
This episode is for anyone interested in Special Forces, military history, leadership, resilience, modern conflict, and life after service.
Guest:
Phil Campion Former SAS Soldier | Author | Broadcaster | Security Contractor
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🎬 YouTube Chapters00:00 Introduction & Who is Phil Campion
02:00 Early Life & Joining the Army
06:30 Military Training & Early Career
11:00 Special Forces Selection
17:00 Life in the SAS
24:00 Operating in High-Risk Environments
31:00 Leadership Under Pressure
38:00 Military Culture & Brotherhood
45:00 Modern Warfare & Global Conflict
53:00 Security Contracting After Service
1:00:00 Media, Books & Public Perception
1:08:00 Resilience, Mindset & Performance
1:16:00 Lessons From Military Life
1:24:00 Advice for the Next Generation
1:31:00 Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts
14: Ollie Cooke: 7 RHA Para, Bodybuilding & Building Heavy Duty Gym Wear | Combat Fuel Podcast
Épisode 14
dimanche 21 juin 2026 • Durée 01:36:53
In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with Ollie Cooke former 7 RHA Para soldier, bodybuilder, and founder of Heavy Duty Gym Wear, a brand built around hard work, discipline, and working-class values.
Ollie shares his experiences serving in the Army, the realities of military culture, and the lessons he took from life in an airborne artillery unit. He reflects on the challenges he faced during service, using the gym as an outlet, and the journey of building a business from the ground up after leaving the military.
We explore fitness, mindset, resilience, and entrepreneurship — alongside the importance of testing yourself, pushing your limits, and creating purpose beyond military service.
In this episode, we cover:
Service in 7 RHA Para Military culture and life in the Army Using fitness as an outlet Bodybuilding and pushing personal limits Building Heavy Duty Gym Wear Entrepreneurship and working-class values Leadership, discipline, and resilience Identity, purpose, and life after service
This episode is for anyone interested in military life, bodybuilding, fitness, entrepreneurship, discipline, and building something after the Armed Forces.
Guest:
Ollie Cooke Former 7 RHA Para | Founder, Heavy Duty Gym Wear
🎬 YouTube Chapters00:00 Introduction & Who is Ollie Cooke
01:40 Life Before the Army
05:30 Joining 7 RHA Para
10:00 Military Culture & Standards
15:30 Fitness, Bodybuilding & Self-Discipline
21:00 Finding Purpose Through the Gym
27:00 Challenges During Military Service
34:00 Brotherhood, Banter & Army Life
41:00 Pushing Your Limits & Testing Yourself
49:00 Transitioning Out of the Army
57:00 Building Heavy Duty Gym Wear
1:05:00 Entrepreneurship & Working-Class Values
1:13:00 Leadership, Resilience & Mindset
1:20:00 Lessons From Military Life
1:28:00 Final Reflections & Advice
13: Ryan Yates: 4/73 Battery, Veterans Army & Rebuilding Purpose After Service | Combat Fuel Podcast
Épisode 13
dimanche 7 juin 2026 • Durée 02:03:28
In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Yates a former soldier from 4/73 Battery, founder of Veterans Army (VA), and owner of his own dog training business.
Ryan shares his experiences serving in the military, operating within one of the Army’s most respected surveillance and reconnaissance units, and the mindset required to perform in high-pressure environments. He reflects on the realities of military life, transition, and the importance of rebuilding identity and purpose after leaving service.
We explore leadership, resilience, and personal growth — alongside the mission behind Veterans Army, supporting the veteran community, and how working with dogs has become a major part of his life and business after the military.
This conversation gives honest insight into life after service, adapting to civilian life, and finding new purpose through community, discipline, and helping others.
In this episode, we cover:
Service in 4/73 Battery Military mindset and operating under pressure Transitioning from military life to civilian life Founding Veterans Army (VA) Supporting the veteran community Building a dog training business after service Leadership, resilience, and identity Purpose, discipline, and life after the military
This episode is for anyone interested in military life, 4/73 Battery, veterans support, entrepreneurship, dog training, resilience, and life after service.
Guest:
Ryan Yates Former 4/73 Battery Soldier | Founder, Veterans Army | Dog Trainer
12: PJ Harries: Royal Marine, Firefighter & Building a Business After Service | Combat Fuel Podcast
Épisode 12
dimanche 24 mai 2026 • Durée 01:40:51
In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with PJ Harries a former Royal Marine, former firefighter, and now the owner of Gibraltar Trading Company, building a business rooted in discipline, resilience, and purpose.
PJ shares his experiences serving in the Royal Marines, the standards and mindset required to operate within one of the world’s most respected military forces, and how those lessons carried over into a career in the fire service.
He reflects on the challenges of transitioning from military life, finding purpose after service, and what it takes to build a successful business while staying true to the values forged through years of service.
We explore leadership, identity, risk, and adaptability — alongside what it means to move from military operations and emergency response into entrepreneurship and creating something of your own.
In this episode, we cover:
Service in the Royal Marines Life after military service Transitioning into the fire service Operating in high-pressure environments Leadership, discipline, and accountability Building Gibraltar Trading Company Entrepreneurship, risk, and personal growth Identity, purpose, and life after service
This episode is for anyone interested in Royal Marines life, firefighting, entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, and building purpose after service.
Guest:
PJ Gibbs Former Royal Marine | Former Firefighter | Founder, Gibraltar Trading Company
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The realities of serving within the Special Forces Support Group
Why Jack chose not to pursue Special Forces selection
Learning to sew while deployed
Making kit and wash bags for other soldiers
Turning old rugby jerseys into bucket hats
Leaving the military and taking the risk of starting a business
Selling his belongings before transitioning out
Building RB Club
Going from handmade bucket hats into a full clothing range
Product design, quality control and manufacturing
Packing more than 500 orders himself
Building a veteran-owned brand without relying on the veteran label
Nearly losing the business because of poor advertising
Learning Meta Ads, marketing and e-commerce
Scaling RB Club and developing future clothing collections
ADHD, work ethic and relentless ambition
Military discipline in civilian business
Customer service, authenticity and building a community
The future of RB Club
This episode is for anyone interested in RAF Regiment life, SFSG, military transition, veteran-owned businesses, entrepreneurship, rugby culture, clothing brands, e-commerce, discipline and building something from the ground up.
Guest:
Jack Wiles Former RAF Regiment & SFSG | Founder, RB Club
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice.
Remember to:
Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help support honest conversations around military service, entrepreneurship, resilience and building a life after the Armed Forces.
Accountability, consistency and the value of coaching
Building a business around genuine client results
This episode is for anyone interested in Royal Marines training, military fitness, Commando preparation, strength and conditioning, coaching, entrepreneurship, performance and life after military service.
Guest:
Harry Shepherd Former Royal Marines Commando | Military Fitness & Performance Coach
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice.
Remember to:
Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help support honest conversations around military fitness, performance, coaching and life after service.
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice.
Remember to:
Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help amplify honest conversations around military service, leadership, resilience, and life in the Royal Marines.
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice.
Remember to:
Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help amplify honest conversations around resilience, adventure, endurance, and personal growth.
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice.
Remember to:
Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help amplify honest conversations around leadership, military service, fitness, and personal growth.
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice.
Remember to:
Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help amplify honest conversations around military service, leadership, resilience, and life after the Armed Forces.
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice.
Remember to:
Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help amplify honest conversations around service, fitness, entrepreneurship, and life after the military.
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice.
Remember to:
Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help amplify honest conversations around service, transition, leadership, and life after the military.
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice.
Remember to:
Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help amplify honest conversations around service, leadership, business, and life after the military.
