In this TV & film chat episode, Bags Simmons (owner of Bare Arms TV & Film, British Army veteran) and Alex Brockdorff (actor, director, British Army veteran) and Hugh, discuss their most memorable assassin movies. Recorded at Bags' place https://barearms.co.uk/. Find Alex on X and Instagram - @alexbrockdorff

Andy Williams shares his life experiences and the challenges he has faced throughout his life, including being raised by his sister and growing up without parents, later being selected to join the British Army's Parachute Regiment and MI5. He discusses the importance of reframing negative thoughts and the pressure we put on ourselves. Andy also reflects on the military as a way to find direction and guidance, and the impact of comparing ourselves to others. He emphasises the need to recognise and appreciate our own unique stories and experiences. He experienced a challenging upbringing, with a mother who was absent and struggled with alcoholism. He was raised by his older sister, who did her best to care for him. Despite his difficult childhood, Andy found solace and purpose in joining the military, specifically the Parachute Regiment. He saw it as an opportunity to escape his small town and gain a sense of unity, family, and direction. He faced various challenges during his military career, including injuries, sleep deprivation, and the emotional toll of combat. He was eventually medically discharged due to post-traumatic stress and other health issues. Andy discusses his transition from the military, to MI5, then into private security and finally the fire service and the rewarding aspects of his new career. He also talks about the variety of jobs he encounters as a firefighter, including bariatric rescues and ring removals. He emphasises the importance of routine and the sense of camaraderie in the fire service. He also mentions his upcoming book and the therapeutic process of writing it. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of sharing personal experiences to help others and the power of empathy. Follow Andy on Instagram and get updates on his book release - Find Andy's social media details and book details here: https://linktr.ee/beyondthedropzone

****** Discuss this episode in the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX ***** Andy Lockwood is a leadership, performance and culture consultant. He is the founder of The Rugby Outreach Project, Sports Vacancies and Grey Wolf Teams. In this episode he discusses the concept of empathy and its impact on team performance in sports, particularly in football. He shares his research on the three pillars of effective teams: shared experience, mutual understanding, and empathy. Lockwood highlights a study on an Italian football team that found increased levels of empathy led to more shots on goal and increased performance. He also explores the role of empathy in other industries, such as business and the military. Lockwood discusses his own work in implementing empathy-related strategies in sports teams and organizations. The conversation covers various topics related to rugby, including the impact of money on the sport, the challenges at grassroots level, the differences between rugby union and rugby league, and the success of the Japanese team in the Rugby World Cup. The conversation also touches on the treatment of team managers in football compared to rugby, the importance of soft skills in recruitment, and the need for adaptability in post-military careers.

Jeremy Gibbs has spent decades in the agriculture industry and is the founder of Forces Farming, enabling Insight – Experience – Placement and Development for service personnel wishing to learn more about a career in farming. https://forcesfarming.co.uk Become a patron of H-Hour at https://patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Stevie Broome is the founder of Combat Cigars and a former Sniper in the Parachute Regiment who deployed on multiple operations during his service. https://combatcigars.co.uk Become a patron of H-Hour at https://patreon.com/hkpodcasts

H-Hour's Leading Minds is a series of interviews exploring the minds of military commanders, sporting leaders and business executives. Ian Elliot is the co-founder of iconic clothing and lifestyle brand "Animal", and co-founder of Elliot Brown Watches. Become a patron of H-Hour at https://patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Lizzy Stileman was awarded an MBE for her contribution to the national response to the pandemic while volunteering with Re:Act Disaster Response. Lizzy is a former Royal Logistics Corps Major who deployed on multiple operations during her career and has since deployed as a civilian on multiple international disaster response operations. Become a patron of H-Hour at patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Jay Singh-Sohal is a reservist, former TV journalist and aspiring politician. Become a patron of H-Hour at patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Gaz Allan is a serving senior NCO with the Royal Signals and is the founder of Moth Creaturae. https://www.mothcreaturae.com/ Become a patron of H-Hour at https://patreon.com/hkpodcasts

John Beamson served with the Royal Artillery, deploying on several operations before leaving the British Army and establishing Robustours and Escape the Lakes - organisations and events which provide extreme challenges around the UK. Become a patron of H-Hour at https://patreon.com/hkpodcasts

H-Hour's Leading Minds is a series of interviews exploring the minds of military commanders, sporting leaders and business executives. Will Carling is former Captain of England Rugby and now a successful businessman. He is also an ambassador for Maggie’s Charity and Diabetes UK. Become a patron of H-Hour at https://patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Neil Hallsworth is a former Combat Medical Technician in the Royal Army Medical Corps who deployed on multiple operations. He is the owner of Explorer Coffees. Become a patron of H-Hour at https://patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Gavin Tuach is a serving Royal Navy Warrant Officer and Founder and Director of Hidden Warriors CIC. He is also a former Ambassador for Care after Combat. His fundraising efforts in the last 6 years have generated nearly £100k for charity. https://hiddenwarriors.co.uk/ Become a patron of H-Hour at https://patreon.com/hkpodcasts

****** Discuss this episode in the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX ***** The conversation covers James' experience filming in Afghanistan during the withdrawal of US troops and the Taliban takeover. James and Hugh discuss the failure of democracy, the misconceptions about Afghanistan, the corruption within the Afghan government and military, and the role of Pakistan in supporting the Taliban. They also touch on the controversy surrounding the evacuation efforts, including the Pen Farthing situation. The conversation highlights the lack of trust in leadership and the dire situation for women and girls under Taliban rule. The conversation covers various topics, including the rise of ISIS, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, long-term strategic thinking, the potential for national service, the changing nature of warfare, the future of Afghanistan, the challenges in the film and TV industry, and the issue of censorship.

James Griffin spent 18 years in the British Army, having joined the Household Cavalry Regiment in 2001. His role as a recce soldier saw him operate in Iraq as Brigade Surveillance Company team leader & Forward Air Controller in the Brigade Reconnaissance Force in Afghanistan. James later qualified in 2014 as an Army helicopter pilot, but was medically discharged in 2019 with post traumatic stress. James is now working in the military charity sector and specialising as a performance coach. https://www.instagram.com/jamesgriffincoaching/ Become a patron of this podcast at https://patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Simon Hannaford has spent 27 years in the British Army and is an Explosives Ordnance Disposal Operator, specialising in Improvised Explosives Devices. In June he will be undertaking a world record attempt, swimming the length of the channel, cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats, and then running from John O’Groats back down to Bicester - all in 26 days. This event will be covering over 1750 miles in 26 days to raise money for the Felix Fund The Bomb Disposal Charity and the hummingbird Centre in Bicester , a cancer support centre. Become a patron of H-Hour at patreon.com/hkpodcasts

H-Hour's Leading Minds is a series of interviews exploring the minds of military commanders, sporting leaders and business executives. Lieutenant Colonel Swann is the Commanding Officer of 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment (3 Para). Become a patron of this podcast at https://patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Professor Eddie Kone spent nearly two decades as a Met Police Officer and is also a Brazilian Ju Jitsu Black Belt, learning under the Gracie family and is the founder of Eddie Kone BJJ. https://ekbjj.com

Ross Moy is a serving Doctor with the British Army who has deployed on multiple operations and is currently Clinical Director of the Medical Evacuation Response Team at RAF Brize Norton.

Tony grew up during “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland. After achieving an engineering degree, Tony commissioned into the British Army’s Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He is now … Read More

H-Hour's Leading Minds is a series of interviews exploring the minds of military commanders, sporting leaders and business executives. Michael Vallance has spent over 40yrs at senior levels in finance and is also the founder of OLRFC Rugby4Heroes, a not for profit organisation raising money for military charities. https://rugbyforheroes.org Become a patron of H-Hour at patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Chris was conscripted into the Rhodesian Light Infantry during the Rhodesian bush war and conducted hundreds of counter insurgency operations, inserting by helicopter and by parachute, sometimes deep within the neighboring countries of Mozambique and Zambia. He is the author of Fireforce - a book regarded as one of the most honest and accurate personal accounts of the Rhodesian war. Become a patron of H-Hour at patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Stefan attempted to take his own life on several occasions while experiencing extreme mental ill-health. He is a military veteran (having served with the Royal Tank Regiment, including on operations in Afghanistan) and a volunteer with Re:Act Disaster Response. Become a patron of H-Hour at patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Mandy is an ex-RAF Police Dog Handler whose husband Chris, who served with the British Army, took his own life. Mandy and her son Jay now campaign for increased awareness of mental ill-health. Become a patron of H-Hour at patreon.com/hkpodcasts

The conversation covers various topics related to training, knowledge, and mental health. Danny Bourne and Hugh Keir discuss the fight, flight, or freeze response and the importance of knowing what to do in a life-threatening situation. They also talk about the challenges and experiences of high-risk search operations in the military. The conversation then shifts to the creation and purpose of the clothing brand 'In The Dead Ground' and its aim to promote mental health awareness and self-help. The speakers discuss the barriers and misconceptions surrounding mental health and the importance of changing the conversation around it. The conversation explores the importance of creating an environment where people feel comfortable discussing their feelings and mental health. It emphasizes the power of advocacy and vulnerability in opening up conversations. The discussion also touches on the benefits of physical activities like jiu-jitsu and boxing in promoting mental well-being. The conversation highlights the need to disconnect from technology and give the brain time to process thoughts and emotions. It concludes with the recognition that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health and physical fitness, and that it's important to find what works for each individual. In this final part of the conversation, Hugh Keir discusses the vulnerability and trust involved in grappling sports like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He also talks about the importance of mental health awareness and the need for open conversations about personal experiences. The conversation ends with a discussion about starting a podcast and the challenges of editing and promoting it. ****** Discuss this episode in the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX *****

Jack Marshman is a professional MMA fighter currently signed to the UFC, he is also a Close Protection Officer and a former paratrooper (having served with The Parachute Regiment on multiple operational tours including Afghanistan). Become a patron of H-Hour at patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Tara Maclachlan is a HM Forces SNCO veteran who, before transitioning from male to female, served 15 years with the RAF Regiment deploying on various operations including Op Banner in Northern Ireland and on Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during Gulf War 1. Become a patron of H-Hour at patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Chantelle Taylor is the author of "Battleworn: the memoir of a combat medic in Afghanistan". She is credited as the first British female soldier known to have killed in combat. Become a patron of H-Hour at patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Andrew Marr is a retired Special Forces Green Beret, Warrior Angels Foundation cofounder, and the best-selling co-author of "TALES FROM THE BLAST FACTORY: A Brain Injured Special Forces Green Beret’s Journey Back from the Brink". His book has been turned into an award-winning full feature documentary titled Quiet Explosions: Healing the Brain by EMMY and Academy Award winners. Become a patron of this podcast at patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Dr Mark Gordon is a pioneer in effective treatment for the effects of traumatic brain injuries resulting from physical and non-physical impacts. His research is significantly influencing the approach to prevention and treatment around the world, particularly in contact sports such as Rugby and American Football and also in military personnel. Become a patron of this podcast at Patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Keith served with The Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan. When he left he experienced mental ill-health and after attempting to gain help via conventional treatments, Keith travelled to Peru to seek a cure via psychedelics'. He is now a psychadelic therapist and personal resilience coach. Become a patron of this podcast at patreon.com/hkpodcasts

Andy McGrillen is the host of That UFO Podcast, which brings some of the best, most credible guests from around the world of UFOlogy, UAP’s & associated subjects. (No tinfoil hat needed).

John is a former paratrooper who now undertakes daring stunts to increase mental health awareness and inspire ex-military personnel. His most recent feat involved the world record attempt for the highest jump from a helicopter into water during which he suffered a fractured sternum, fractured coccyx and fractured wrist.

Biljana Hutchinson was a humanitarian aid worker when her team's base in Kunduz, Afghanistan was attacked by the Taliban. Several people including Biljana were shot and injured and four members of her security team were killed, including former British paratrooper Shaun Sexton.

Dave Harding-Prior is the host of the Reorg podcast, which captures the combat experiences of former HM Forces personnel. He previously served in Afghanistan with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

This conversation with Bags Simmons (founder of Bare Arms: Military Advisers to TV and Film) covers a range of topics related to filmmaking, including weapons collection, shooting ranges, sniper training, filming experiences, budget allocation, cult films, and inaccurate depictions in films. The discussion highlights the challenges and considerations involved in creating realistic action sequences and the impact of budget on the quality of productions. The conversation also touches on the use of AI and CGI in filmmaking and the potential implications for actors and the industry. In this conversation, Bags and Hugh discuss the impact of AI on filmmaking, particularly in post-production. They also explore the range of actors and the different types of roles they can play. The conversation touches on successful actors with limited range and those with unique mannerisms. Bags and Hugh speculate on the future of film and TV, considering the changing landscape and audience preferences. They also discuss the possibility of doing future film and TV reviews.  ****** Discuss this episode in the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX *****

Nikki Scott's husband Lee was killed in Afghanistan in 2009 while serving with the Royal Tank Regiment. Since Lee's death, Nikki has established a charity focusing on the welfare of bereaved children of HM Forces personnel - Scotty's Little Soldiers. Become a patron of this podcast at patreon.com/hkpodcasts

At 31yrs old, Aaron Bartle left a successful career in the oil and gas industry to become a submariner in the Royal Navy. He served on multiple boats including HMS Triumph. Following an accident at sea, in 2019 he was medically discharged and has since setup his own company - Intemperance Knives, specialising in making high performance blades for tactical application. Support this podcast at patreon.com/hkpodcasts

"Ebola" Ian Hancock began work as a microbiologist in the 1980's with the Ministry of Defence. He is now a lecturer of infection control at the London Metropolitan University and is currently working in a covid19 surveillance laboratory. Ian is also a volunteer with Re:Act Disaster Response

Paul served 26 years with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and is now an expert in disaster response operations and disaster risk reduction, working as the Operations Response Manager at Re:act Disaster Response (https://www.re-act.org.uk/). In 2020, along with his colleague Lizzie Stileman, he was awarded an MBE for his support to the national response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Staff Sergeant Jamie Ferguson served as a combat medic with the British Army, deploying to multiple operational theatres including Iraq and Afghanistan. He also spent a significant period of his career supporting Special Forces. On 18th June 2020 he took his own life. His widow, Sammi, requested to appear on this podcast in order to help others avert, or cope with, the most severe impacts of mental ill-health.

Paul is a former Irish Guard and creator of the Grappling with Physio Podcast (formerly "Primary Physio podcast"). He is a keen BJJ practitioner and physiotherapist.

Simon Harmer is a former Combat Medical Technician who is now a freelance speaker, business consultant and co-founder of Mike Alpha - a company dedicated to helping the UK Armed Forces community learn digital marketing skills. During his military service he deployed to Bosnia, Iraq, the Congo and Afghanistan. He lost both his legs to an IED strike during his final deployment in 2009 to Afghanistan.

Charlie Guenigault GM is a Metropolitan Police Officer who was off-duty and returning from an evening with friends when he encountered three terrorists on a killing spree at London Bridge on 3rd Jun 2017. Unarmed, he fought the three men, during which he was stabbed in the head and back multiple times. He was awarded a George Medal for his actions. During their attack, the terrorists killed 8 people and injured 48 others.

James Hook is a former Welsh rugby union and British & Irish Lions player. Hook has won 81 caps for Wales and is Wales' fourth highest all-time points scorer. Most often playing as a fly-half, Hook is known as a utility player, and has also played as a centre, wing and fullback. He began his club career with Neath, from 2004 to 2006 and also played for Gloucester, Perpignan and Ospreys. He is now retired from playing professional rugby and has begun authoring children's books with a rugby theme.

Gareth Walsh is a former member of The Parachute Regiment who formed the Sin Eaters Guild during his military service. He now dedicates his full time to promoting the brand and supporting the community of civilian and military personnel that has formed around it.

Join the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX ***** Tom Whittle is a former commissioned officer with a diverse background, including law, competitive intelligence, and service in the Parachute Regiment. As the co-founder and delivery lead at Frontierco.org, he spearheads projects by conducting in-depth liaison and analysis to accurately identify the requirements of each organisation seeking assistance. Tom and his team, comprised of ex-UK military veterans, specialise in providing advisory and development services across Sub-Saharan Africa. In this conversation, Tom discusses the importance of challenging perceptions and constantly expanding one's perspective. He shares his experience transitioning from a military career to working in the conservation industry in Africa. The conversation also touches on the problems with politics and the need for transparency in leadership. Tom emphasizes the difference between influence and manipulation, highlighting the importance of intent and moral boundaries. The power of charisma and authenticity in leadership is explored, along with the challenges of influencing others as an outsider in a different culture. In this conversation, Tom discusses his work in the conservation industry and the challenges faced. He emphasizes the importance of crafting and maintaining working relationships, as well as the need for long-term planning and buy-in from stakeholders. Tom also highlights the value of collaboration with rangers and local communities, as well as the significance of demonstrating impact and gaining trust. He shares his approach of confidently underselling and overdelivering, and how conservation principles can be applied to other industries. Tom provides insights into the reintroduction of rhinos in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and discusses various projects in Zambia. He addresses the challenges in the conservation industry, including short-term metrics and the perception of failure.

Chris Vosper served as a helicopter pilot, flying Apaches and Pumas for the Army Air Corps and Royal Navy, the former during Op Herrick in Afghanistan. Since leaving the military Chris has start up V-Force Training - a company which combines motorsport and extreme sports into one action-packed experience.

Tom was diagnosed with complex PTSD due to his service in Afghanistan with the RAF Regiment. Since leaving, he has become a successful journalist with the BBC and now a documentary maker, establishing his own production company - Dust Off Films.

This is not #100 - things are changing, but what you love will stay the same. Listen to this short update for positive news. You can find #100 at patreon.com/hkpodcasts