Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform

NI Veteran’s Commissioners Office

”Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform” is brought to you by the Northern Ireland Veteran’s Commissioner’s Office. Hear personal stories of veterans, as they share their experiences from wars and conflicts. This podcast offers an intimate look into the lives of those who served, giving first hand accounts of their experiences and the lasting impact on their lives. Join us as we honour their journeys, explore life beyond the uniform and celebrate the strength, resilience and sacrifices of our veterans, whilst preserving their legacy for future generations.

Play

Open in

24 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 48 min
English

Episodes 24

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

#29
Tuesday · 1 hr
Jason Gillard – From Military Service to Championing the Veterans Community
From serving in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan to becoming a passionate advocate for the Armed Forces community, Jason Gillard’s journey is one of service, family, determination and giving back. After a successful military career, Jason made the decision to leave the Armed Forces to put his family first. But while his time in uniform had come to an end, his connection to the military community remained as strong as ever. Determined to make a difference, Jason has played a key role in championing veterans across Northern Ireland. Through his involvement in establishing the Veterans Awards in Northern Ireland, he has helped create a platform that continues to celebrate the achievements, contributions and inspiring stories of our local Armed Forces community. Now, alongside a fellow veteran, Jason has taken that passion into the business world with Connect Through Service, an organisation focused on helping employers recognise the incredible skills, values and experience that veterans and the wider uniformed services community bring to the workplace. In this episode, we chat with Jason about his military career, the importance of family, his passion for supporting veterans, and why recognising the strengths of those who have served is so important. A great conversation about life after service, creating opportunities and continuing to make a difference long after the uniform comes off. Tune in and hear Jason’s story!
#28
September 29 · 19 min
Supporting Those Who Served: Minister Gordon Lyons on the Veterans Support Line
Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons MLA joins Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnson to discuss the Veterans Support Line and the importance of ensuring that support services are accessible, responsive and trusted by the veteran community. Their conversation explores the assistance available through the service, the Department for Communities’ commitment to supporting veterans, and the need to provide confidence and reassurance around privacy and security. This is particularly important in Northern Ireland, where the legacy of the past can make some veterans hesitant to come forward and ask for help. Veterans and their families seeking information, guidance or support can contact the Veterans Support Line on 0800 158 5556.
#27
September 15 · 50 min
Service, Leadership and Life Beyond the Reserves: Valerie Wilson’s Story
Former reservist Valerie Wilson reflects on her remarkable journey from cadet to military service, including her mobilisation and deployment to Iraq. She shares the challenges she faced, the leadership skills and confidence she developed, and the lasting value of her experience in the Reserves. Valerie also explores how her military background helped shape a highly successful civilian career at BT, from making difficult decisions and earning promotion to balancing reserve service with life in the corporate world. Her story demonstrates how the skills gained through military service can transform a career, strengthen personal resilience and create opportunities to lead, volunteer and give back.
#26
September 1 · 57 min
Service to Survival: Anto Wickham’s Journey of Brotherhood, Battle & Bikes
In this episode, we hear the powerful story of Anto Wickham, who served for 22 years with the Royal Irish Rangers and later the Royal Irish Regiment. Anto’s journey didn’t end when he left the Army. Like many veterans, he faced the difficult transition to civilian life, spending 16 years working in security overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. Along the way, he battled PTSD, first diagnosed during his service in Bosnia, and experienced some of his darkest moments while missing the camaraderie that military life once gave him. But out of those struggles came something meaningful. Driven by a lifelong passion for motorbikes, Anto founded the Ranger Motorcycle Club in Northern Ireland, a space built on remembrance, connection, and support. It’s more than just riding; it’s about rebuilding that sense of brotherhood and helping others who’ve walked a similar path. This is a story of resilience, purpose, and finding your tribe again.
#25
June 24 · 44 min
From Service to Civvy Street: Gillian Lyall’s Journey of Care, Courage and Recovery
In this episode, we are joined by Gillian Lyall, a former British Army nurse who served for 16 years in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, reaching the rank of Major. Raised in Northern Ireland and a member of the Queen’s University Officers’ Training Corps while studying at Queen’s University Belfast, Gillian went on to deploy on operations across several theatres, providing vital medical care in demanding operational environments. Her military career was ultimately cut short following a diagnosis of complex post-traumatic stress disorder, and the transition into civilian life brought its own challenges as she navigated life beyond the Armed Forces. Today, Gillian works as a registered nurse with Help for Heroes, supporting veterans and their families while drawing on both her professional expertise and her personal experience of service and recovery. In this conversation, Gillian shares her story of military service, transition, resilience and her continued commitment to supporting the veterans’ community.
#24
May 26 · 47 min
From TELIC to Today: Rab Hunter’s Journey Through Survival and Service
In this episode, we hear the powerful story of Irish Guards veteran Robert “Rab” Hunter, who served for 10 years, including two tours of Iraq. Rab was deployed during the initial invasion in 2003 and later returned on Operation TELIC 10, where his vehicle was struck by a devastating roadside bomb, one of the most dangerous threats faced by troops at the time. Surviving that moment marked the beginning of a lifelong emotional journey, as Rab has had to navigate survivor’s guilt and the lasting impact of that experience. Today, Rab shares his story with honesty and courage, reflecting not only on his service, but on what came after. Now driven by a new mission, he speaks about his ambition to establish a veterans hub in his hometown of Larne, a place of support, connection, and understanding for those who have served. This is a story of survival, struggle, and finding purpose beyond the battlefield.
#23
April 29 · 1 hr 1 min
Shamrocks Among the Poppies: The Story Behind the Siege
Welcome to the NI Veteran’s Commissioner Podcast, Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform. Today, we’re joined by Lieutenant Colonel Derek Plews VR, a former Army officer whose career spans journalism in Northern Ireland, work within the UK Civil Service, and multiple operational deployments overseas. A reservist who left the civil service to deploy to Afghanistan in 2006, Derek served during a pivotal and violent period of the campaign. He later completed tours in Iraq before going on to hold a number of senior roles within the Ministry of Defence. Since retiring in 2020, he has devoted his time to historical research, writing, and supporting local museum trusts. Derek is the author of A Brilliant Little Victory, a respected history of the 48th Division in the First World War. He joins us today to raise awareness of his latest book, Shamrocks Among the Poppies, a powerful and thought-provoking account of the siege of Musa Qal’eh in 2006, examining not only the fighting on the ground, but also the wider failures and consequences surrounding it. This episode explores the realities of conflict, the burden carried by those who serve, and the importance of preserving honest military history long after the uniform is hung up.
#22
March 27 · 49 min
From the Frontline to the House of Lords: A Conversation with Lord Dannatt
In this episode, we are joined by General the Lord Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff and one of the most recognisable military leaders of his generation. Commissioned into the Green Howards in 1971, Lord Dannatt served for nearly four decades in the British Army, with operational experience in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and overseeing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. As Chief of the General Staff from 2006 to 2009, he led the Army during some of the most demanding years of modern military operations. Since retiring from the Army, he has continued his service in public life as a crossbench member of the House of Lords and remains a prominent advocate for the welfare of service personnel, veterans and their families. In this conversation, Lord Dannatt known for his strong Christian faith, reflects on his military career, the leadership challenges of commanding the Army during wartime, and his ongoing work supporting the Armed Forces community.
#21
March 13 · 57 min
From Operation HERRICK to Project Positive
This episode is one of resilience, recovery, and positivity. We’re joined by Andrew Steed, born and raised in East Belfast, and a former soldier with the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. Andrew served from 2009 until 2016, including a deployment on Operation HERRICK 13 in Afghanistan. In 2016, Andrew was medically discharged following two mild strokes, known as TIAs. During that process, he was told that activities he loved, such as hiking and swimming, would likely no longer be possible. Andrew refused to accept that as the final chapter. He went on to make a full recovery and, in August 2021, completed a remarkable physical and mental challenge, walking 600 miles in just 30 days. Today, Andrew works in a tailoring shop in Belfast, is preparing to launch his Project Positive campaign, and has a number of ambitious hiking events planned as he approaches 40. This episode is about mindset, adaptability, and proving that setbacks do not define the future. It’s also a reminder that life beyond the uniform can be purposeful, positive, and very well dressed.
#20
February 27 · 42 min
The War that Never Leaves You
Today, we’re joined by Tricia Robinson, a former Combat Medic who served in Afghanistan during Operation Herrick 10 in the summer of 2009, one of the most intense and deadly periods of the campaign, alongside 4 Rifles. In this episode, Tricia takes us behind the scenes of combat medicine, the realities of serving on the front line, and the profound challenges that follow when the battle ends and service life gives way to civilian life. This is an honest and deeply moving conversation about strength, survival, and what it really means to live beyond the uniform.
#19
February 13 · 50 min
The Terrorist Knocks Twice - Part 2
Today, we’re joined once again by UDR veteran Glen Espie. When Glen first appeared on the podcast, we only had time to explore the first IRA assassination attempt on his life. In this episode, he returns to tell the rest of the story - surviving a second attempt, and living with the consequences that followed. Glen also speaks openly about the courage it takes to share these experiences through his talks, The Terrorist Knocks Twice, and why telling the truth matters. This is a powerful and deeply moving conversation about survival, memory, and life beyond the uniform.
#18
January 30 · 51 min
Duty Beyond the Regiment: Serving the Veteran Community
Today we feature Frank McCracken, Irish Guards and Royal Irish Regiment veteran, and currently serving on the committee of the Irish Guards Association in Northern Ireland. With decades of dedication to the veteran community, Frank is the quiet engine behind annual events, regimental support, and charity outreach. His work ensures that the brotherhood of service doesn’t end at discharge, but evolves into a lifelong network of care.
#17
January 16 · 53 min
Wounded but not Defeated: A Cadet Instructor's Second Mission
Today we meet Phillip 'Barney' Gillespie, a Royal Irish Veteran from Ballymena who lost a leg while serving in Afghanistan - but gained a new purpose. Now a respected cadet instructor, Barney mentors young people with courage and conviction, helping shape the next generation of service minded youth. His story is one of resilience, humour and refusing to let injury define legacy.
#16
Dec 12, 2025 · 45 min
Scars, Shears & Second Chances: The Redemption of Jay MILLAR
This is Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, this episode is one you won’t forget. Jay Millar served in the Royal Irish, but his toughest battles came after the uniform came off. Addiction, pain, and hitting rock bottom, only to rise again through faith, purpose, and an unexpected calling: cutting hair. Founder of Jay’s Barber Academy and champion of dignity for the homeless, Jay’s story is about redemption, generosity, and what it really means to come home.
#15
Nov 28, 2025 · 46 min
From the Tower of London to Castlerock
From the Tower of London to Castlerock, one veterans journey as a Yeoman Warder to settling in NI. Welcome to Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform. In this episode, we’re joined by Shaun Huggins, a former British Army soldier whose second act saw him don the iconic red and gold of a Yeoman Warder or Beef-eater at the Tower of London. Known for his engaging presence with the public and steeped in centuries-old tradition, Shaun brings a rich ceremonial perspective to what it means to serve. Shaun reflects on identity, heritage, and the quiet pride of life beyond the Tower.
#14
Nov 14, 2025 · 44 min
From Patrols To Purpose
In this episode of Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, we speak with Rachael Harger, a former Royal Military Police officer who completed two tours in Afghanistan. Rachael shares her journey through military life, the challenges of being part of a service family, and the transition to civilian life. Now working with the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office, she supports veterans with the same dedication she brought to her service. This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and continuing to serve beyond the uniform.
#13
Oct 17, 2025 · 52 min
Born Fearless: The Big Phil Campion Story
In this episode, we meet Big Phil Campion, a man whose journey from the care system to the elite ranks of the 22 SAS is nothing short of remarkable. Given up for adoption and raised through hardship, Phil left school at 16 with no qualifications but a burning desire to serve. He joined the Royal Hampshire Regiment, conquered both the Royal Marines Commando Course and P Company, and went on to earn his place in the SAS, serving on operations worldwide, including the famous hostage rescue in Sierra Leone. After leaving the Army as a Staff Sergeant, Phil went on to lead private security teams in some of the world’s most hostile environments. Now a podcaster and speaker, with a motivation to promote the military, it’s a privilege to sit down with him to hear his story of resilience, fearlessness, and the drive to push beyond limits.
#12
Oct 3, 2025 · 54 min
Officer on Deck: Reflections from a Royal Navy Veteran
In this episode we sit down with Steven Clarke, a former Royal Navy officer with a career that took him across oceans - and ultimately to Northern Ireland. In this candid conversation, Steven shares what drew him to a life at sea, the places and people that left the biggest mark, and what transitioning into civilian life taught him about leadership, identity, and the enduring bond of service.
#11
Sep 19, 2025 · 54 min
Cold Water, Clear Mind, Healing PTSD, One Swim at a Time
This is Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform. In this episode, we meet Anthony McToal, known across Northern Ireland as the Cold Water Warrior. A Royal Irish veteran who faced debilitating PTSD after Afghanistan. Anthony found healing where many wouldn’t dare go - the freezing waters of Ballygally Beach. 300 days of sea swims. One mission: mental health awareness. Hear how discipline, discomfort, and cold water saved his life - and inspired a movement.
#10
Sep 5, 2025 · 38 min
A Soldier’s Story: Life, Duty, and Legacy.
This weekend marks the 125th anniversary of the formation of the Irish Guards, and to honour the occasion, the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner had the privilege of sitting down with Captain John Gough of the Irish Guards. Captain Gough served during Operation Market Garden in World War II and is believed to be the last surviving Irish Guards officer from that time. His story provides a remarkable first-hand account of courage, sacrifice, and history in the making. This conversation is not only a record of one man’s service but also a vital reminder of the legacy carried forward by the Irish Guards and all who served during the war. It has been both a privilege and an honour to capture and share his extraordinary experiences. Join us as we reflect on this milestone anniversary and listen to the memories of a man who lived through history.

Showing 1–20 of 24 episodes