The Old Paratrooper Podcast

Chris Binch
  • 4.0 (4)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

A no frills podcast, just an ex Paratrooper, mercenary and firefighter chatting to a wide variety and diverse range of guests. From actors to sports personalities to military guests and veterans covering a multitude of topics from there careers ,life in general to how people cope with various forms of mental health. Sometimes funny , sometimes emotional but hopefully entertaining and something people can relate to. https://youtube.com/@theoldparatrooperpodcast?si=lehGKUW0MlvaiRl6

  1. 6d ago

    MARK MEADOWS DELTA FORCE, THE RANGERS & THE UNTOLD STORY OF HIS FATHER SPECIAL FORCES LEGEND DICK MEADOWS

    This is a very special episode of The Old Paratrooper Podcast.I sit down with former Ranger and Delta Force operator Mark Meadows for a fascinating conversation about his own incredible military career but also about the extraordinary man he called Dad. Major Richard “Dick” Meadows was one of the most influential figures in the history of American Special Operations. From Korea and the early days of the Green Berets, to serving alongside the British 22 SAS, covert operations with MACV-SOG in Vietnam and commanding the assault group on the legendary Son Tay Raid, his career reads like the history of modern Special Forces itself. Even after retiring from the Army, Dick Meadows wasn't finished. He played an important role in the establishment of 1st SFOD-D — Delta Force, and later operated covertly inside Tehran during the planning for the 1980 Iran hostage rescue attempt.But this episode isn't simply military history.Mark gives us a rare insight into the man behind the legend — what Dick Meadows was like as a father, the standards he lived by, the lessons he passed down, and what it was like for Mark to forge his own path through the Rangers and ultimately Delta Force while carrying the Meadows name.Two generations. Two extraordinary Special Operations careers. One incredible story. This is an episode you won't want to miss. 00:01 — Introduction and Mark Meadows’ first podcast03:07 — Following in his father’s footsteps04:02 — Dick Meadows, SAS exchange, and meeting Mark’s mother07:00 — Vietnam, Special Forces, and career progression08:57 — Son Tay Raid and POW rescue efforts12:18 — Building blocks of Delta and the special operations legacy15:41 — Dick Meadows’ passing and the family’s connection to the reunions17:09 — Meadows Field, memorials, and preserving the legacy19:39 — Why Mark chose infantry over Special Forces21:52 — Delta politics and the shadow of his father’s name23:51 — Dick Meadows and the early days of Delta Force31:14 — Mark’s own attempt at Delta selection32:27 — Military paths: West Point, ROTC, and commissioning routes34:33 — Ranger School and Airborne School38:38 — Panama invasion and first combat deployment40:36 — Desert Storm, Bosnia, and Iraq deployments42:33 — Commanding in Iraq and leading the squadron49:49 — Talking about Delta selection and how it works50:51 — The selection process, interviews, and OTC56:32 — Comparing Delta selection with SAS selection58:02 — Military politics and the cost of success66:00 — Ross Perot and the corporate world lesson on leadership71:13 — Post-military careers in ammunition and the UAE73:34 — Retirement, purpose, and life after service77:24 — Purpose, legacy, and being a good human being79:31 — Final reflections on service, leadership, and family legacy80:17 — Closing thoughts on the UAE team and international camaraderie 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, special forces operators and extraordinary people who have lived extraordinary lives.Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below. https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuie Ex British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation. https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch #veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas #deltaforce

  2. Aug 11

    🇺🇸 DELTA FORCE OPERATOR: “THE BRITS ARE F***ING FUNNY!” 🇬🇧😂

    COMING SOON Former Delta Force operator Mark Meadows gives his verdict on working alongside Brits and Aussies — and admits the Americans simply couldn’t compete when it came to the humour. His advice to his fellow Americans? “Just shut up and laugh.” 😂 From lightning-fast comebacks to sarcasm so subtle you’re not even sure you’ve been insulted, Mark reckons the Brits have well and truly cornered the market. Even among some of the most highly trained operators in the world, the banter never stops. 🎙️ Mark Meadows | Former Delta Force🎧 The Old Paratrooper Podcast 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, special forces operators and extraordinary people who have lived extraordinary lives.Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas

  3. Aug 9

    SAS Legend Chris Ryan Opens Up Like Never Before.

    Chris Ryan is one of the most recognised names to come out of the SAS. From covert operations and life behind enemy lines to the reality of serving in one of the world's most elite special forces units, he shares stories and insights that have never been told publicly before.In this exclusive episode of The Old Paratrooper Podcast, Chris opens up about his military career, survival, leadership, resilience, and reveals moments he's never discussed in any previous interview or podcast. This is a rare, honest conversation with one of Britain's most iconic soldiers. 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, special forces operators and extraordinary people who have lived extraordinary lives. check out his new book on the link below. Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below. https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuie Ex British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation. https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch #veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas

  4. Aug 4

    FULL PODCAST AVAILABLE 09/08/26💥 BRAVO TWO ZERO WAS DOOMED FROM THE START

    Operation Bravo Two Zero was one of the most famous and controversial SAS missions of the Gulf War.Chris Ryan is a former British SAS soldier best known as the only member of the Bravo Two Zero patrol to evade capture during the 1991 Gulf War.Born in 1961, he joined the British Army as a teenager before eventually passing the notoriously demanding SAS Selection. During his time in the Special Air Service, he served on numerous covert operations around the world.Ryan rose to international prominence following Operation Bravo Two Zero, an eight-man SAS patrol inserted deep behind Iraqi lines to locate and report on Scud missile launchers. When the mission was compromised, the patrol attempted to escape on foot across hostile territory. Ryan became the only member to avoid capture, trekking approximately 190 miles (300 km) over several days through the Iraqi desert before reaching safety in Syria—one of the longest recorded escapes by an SAS soldier.After leaving the military, Chris Ryan became a bestselling author. His autobiography, The One That Got Away, details his escape from Iraq, while he has also written numerous military fiction novels. He has appeared on television as a military commentator and has been involved in survival and adventure programmes.Highly respected for his endurance and achievements, Chris Ryan remains one of the most recognisable former SAS soldiers and a significant figure in modern British military history.Check out Chris Ryan's New book below https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breakout-breakneck-2026-thriller-bestselling/dp/1838779841/ref=asc_df_1838779841?mcid=7397fdd1e2633714a29aeacfed1c3ca6&th=1&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=797309076872&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12699108331387211369&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9213842&hvtargid=pla-2500422134114&psc=1&hvocijid=12699108331387211369-1838779841-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=4 Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below. https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuie Ex British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation. https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch #veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness#sas #BritishArm #AustralianArmy #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Resilience #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #LifeAfterService #VeteranSupport #sas

  5. Aug 2

    PART2: From Battlefield to Blockbuster | The Brutal Reality of Being a Hollywood Stuntman |

    Part 2 dives into the incredible world of stunt work as Neil Finnegan reveals what it really takes to bring Hollywood's biggest action scenes to life. From having his nose broken by an actor to cracked bones, brutal impacts and near misses, Neil shares the reality behind the explosions, fight scenes and high-risk stunts audiences never think about. It's a career built on precision, trust and accepting that getting hurt is often just part of the job. After a lifetime serving as a Royal Marine, Paratrooper and Falklands veteran, Neil swapped the battlefield for the film set, working on some of the biggest productions ever made. This episode pulls back the curtain on the dangerous, adrenaline-fuelled world of professional stunt performers. 🎙️ The Old Paratrooper Podcast – Real stories from extraordinary people. Subscribe for more conversations with military veterans, elite performers and those who've lived lives few could imagine. 01:20 — Introduction and Background05:47 — Training and Qualifications for Stunt Performers23:42 — The Reality of Stunt Work30:32 — Challenges and Risks in Stunt Work40:43 — The Parachute Incident45:35 — Unexpected Landings52:26 — Moments of Clarity57:57 — Giving Back to the Community73:55 — The Joy of Collaboration in Rogue Heroes81:03 — The Reality of Stunt Work and Injuries96:55 — Conclusion and Reflections98:27 — Advice for Aspiring Stunt PerformersNeils book is available belowhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B08YFGG8HZInterested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness

  6. Jul 29

    Richard Whitehead MBE: Losing Both Legs, Winning Paralympic Gold & Redefining What's Possible

    Richard Whitehead MBE is one of Britain's most inspirational Paralympians. Born with a rare condition that led to the amputation of both legs as a child, Richard refused to let disability define his future. Instead, he became a multiple Paralympic and World Champion, breaking world records and inspiring millions with his relentless determination. In this episode, Richard shares the reality behind elite sport, the setbacks that shaped him, and the mindset required to compete at the very highest level. From learning to walk with prosthetics to standing on top of the Paralympic podium, he opens up about resilience, identity, overcoming adversity, and why limitations are often only the ones we place on ourselves. This is an honest conversation about grit, purpose, mental strength, and what it truly means to keep moving forward when life changes forever. Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#BritishArmy #MilitaryStories #Veterans #Combat #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #WarStories #History #Podcast #military #veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #paralypic #sas #AustralianArmy #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Resilience #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #LifeAfterService #VeteranSupport

  7. Jul 26

    From Royal Marine to Australian SAS: The Grit, Blood & Brotherhood of Rob Maylor

    From the streets of Northern Ireland to the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, Rob Maylor has lived a life few could imagine. A former Royal Marine who went on to serve in the elite Australian SAS, Rob became one of Australia's most accomplished combat marksmen, earning gallantry medals during some of the fiercest fighting of the modern era. In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Rob shares the realities of life inside one of the world's most secretive special forces units. He reflects on combat in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, the relentless pursuit of mastery as a sniper, and the devastating Black Hawk helicopter crash off Fiji that claimed the lives of two close mates—a tragedy he narrowly survived. From protecting presidents and military leaders to operating on the front lines, this is a story of sacrifice, resilience, elite soldiering and the unbreakable bond of mateship that defines special forces. If you're interested in the true realities of elite military service, sniping, combat, leadership and the brotherhood forged in war, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Subscribe for more conversations with military veterans, special forces operators and remarkable people who have lived extraordinary lives. Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below. Get hold of Robs book on the link below. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sniper-Elite-Special-Forces-Marksman/dp/1250010462 https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuie Ex British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation. https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch #veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness#sas #BritishArm #AustralianArmy #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Resilience #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #LifeAfterService #VeteranSupport

  8. Jul 23

    The Split-Second Decision That Saved Lives… Years Later, He Was Arrested for War Crimes

    In one of the most intense moments of his military career, Gary recounts the split-second decision to open fire after an armed man raised an AK-47 towards British soldiers in Basra. What happened next confirmed just how dangerous the situation really was.Gary also reflects on the shocking twist that emerged years later: He would go on to be arrested for war crimes, adding an extraordinary postscript to an already remarkable encounter.A gripping first-hand account of combat, split-second decision-making, and the realities of modern warfare.Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#BritishArmy #MilitaryStories #Basra #IraqWar #Veterans #Combat #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #WarStories #History #Podcast #military #veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness#sas #BritishArm #AustralianArmy #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Resilience #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #LifeAfterService #VeteranSupport

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A no frills podcast, just an ex Paratrooper, mercenary and firefighter chatting to a wide variety and diverse range of guests. From actors to sports personalities to military guests and veterans covering a multitude of topics from there careers ,life in general to how people cope with various forms of mental health. Sometimes funny , sometimes emotional but hopefully entertaining and something people can relate to. https://youtube.com/@theoldparatrooperpodcast?si=lehGKUW0MlvaiRl6

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