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

    Gary Roberts: SEVEN POINT SIX TWO: The untold story of British soldiers for hire in Iraq.

    What really happened when former British soldiers swapped military service for the dangerous and rapidly expanding world of private security in Iraq?In this episode of The Old Paratrooper Podcast, Chris sits down with Gary Roberts, author of Seven Point Six Two: The True Story of Soldiers for Hire in Iraq.Gary takes us inside the extraordinary world of armed security contractors operating in Iraq—where former soldiers suddenly found themselves protecting people and assets in an environment where ambushes, roadside bombs and attacks were an everyday reality.This isn't Hollywood or a polished war story. It's a first-hand account of the men who went to Iraq after their military careers, the realities of working as armed contractors, the risks they accepted and the experiences that stayed with them long after they came home.We talk about Iraq, private military contracting, firefights, weapons, fear, brotherhood, leadership and what happens when professional soldiers enter a world where the rules are very different.Gary also explains the story behind Seven Point Six Two, why he decided to write it and the men and experiences that inspired the book.Raw. Unfiltered. No politics. Just the story from someone who was actually there.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

  2. Aug 30

    "31 Years for a Murder I Didn’t Commit": Navy SEAL Dusty Turner

    Former United States Navy SEAL Dusty Turner went from serving in one of the world’s most elite military units to being convicted of a murder he did not commit.Sentenced to 82 years in prison, Dusty ultimately spent 31 years behind bars before being released.This is a story of a night that changed everything, a controversial murder conviction, more than three decades inside the American prison system, and the fight to prove that the truth was not what the jury had been told.On The Old Paratrooper Podcast, Dusty tells his story in his own words from the SEAL Teams to a prison cell, what 31 years took from him, and what it feels like to finally walk free.🎙️ The Old Paratrooper Podcast — raw, unscripted and unfiltered conversation.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 #navyseals

  3. Aug 23

    CHRIS RYAN RETURNS: GAZA, BRAVO TWO ZERO & YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

    The views expressed in this clip and podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of The Old Paratrooper Podcast. ⚠️ VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED ⚠️This podcast contains graphic descriptions and discussions that some viewers may find distressing. You asked for him back — so we got him back.After the incredible response to his first appearance, Chris Ryan returns to The Old Paratrooper Podcast for a second conversation that goes into territory we simply couldn't cover the first time.Chris begins by talking about his first-hand experience of Gaza, after joining a military delegation that received an intensive briefing on the October 7 attacks before entering Gaza and seeing the tunnel network for himself. He describes the footage he was shown, the devastation he witnessed, the complexity of fighting above and below ground, and why he believes misinformation and propaganda have made an already horrific conflict even harder for the outside world to understand.This isn't presented as a comfortable conversation or an attempt to tell people what they should believe. It's Chris explaining what he personally saw, what he was told and what conclusions he drew from the experience, while also acknowledging the suffering of innocent civilians and the complexity of the conflict.Then we hand the episode over to you.After hundreds of questions and comments following the first podcast, I put some of the ones you wanted answered directly to Chris.We get into Bravo Two Zero, his thoughts on the criticism and controversy surrounding the patrol, his relationship with Andy McNab, the men who didn't come home, and some of the claims that have been made about what happened.Chris also talks about women serving on the front line, why he believes the standards should remain exactly that — standards — and why anyone capable of meeting them deserves their place.We discuss life inside the SAS, the early joint SAS/SBS selection, how dramatically the operational tempo changed during Iraq, whether he misses the Special Forces world, writing The One That Got Away, the psychological impact of revisiting old memories, becoming a bestselling author and dealing with the fame that followed.It's raw, at times uncomfortable, sometimes funny and completely unfiltered. Chris Ryan. Gaza. The SAS. Bravo Two Zero. And your questions answered. Another huge episode of The Old Paratrooper Podcast.Real people. Real experiences. No b******t. Check out his book on the link 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

  4. Aug 16

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

See All (174)

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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

Information