The Character Podcast

Commando Joe's
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The Character Podcast, hosted by Dan Kelly, explores the real-life experiences that shape who we become.Each episode features guests from across the education sector alongside inspirational voices — from Olympians and elite performers to Marines, leaders and changemakers. Through honest conversation, guests share how moments of challenge, adversity and growth have helped build their character.Rooted in the core values of resilience, empathy and self-awareness, the podcast focuses on lived experiences — not polished success stories — and the lessons learned along the way.

Episodes

  1. Jun 10

    The Character Podcast - Episode 6: Kerry Inscker

    On this episode of the Character Podcast, Kerry Inscker, Interim CEO of Shaw Education Trust, shares an inspiring conversation about leadership, character, and the experiences that shape who we become. Drawing on her journey from classroom teacher to trust leader, Kerry reflects on the values that have guided her career and the importance of leading with authenticity, trust, and integrity. From navigating challenges and building resilience to empowering others and creating cultures of high expectations, Kerry explores what effective leadership looks like in schools and beyond. She discusses the importance of listening, developing people, making decisions close to the point of information, and why great leaders focus on creating more leaders around them. Kerry also reflects on the personal experiences that have shaped her perspective, including overcoming self-doubt, learning through adversity, and the role of character in both professional and personal growth. A thought-provoking conversation about leadership, resilience, purpose, and the lasting impact of investing in people.

    The Character Podcast - Episode 6: Kerry Inscker

  2. May 19

    The Character Podcast - Episode 5: Clark Carlise

    On this episode of the Character Podcast, former professional footballer and mental health advocate Clark Carlisle shares a deeply honest conversation about identity, pressure, masculinity, and mental health. Reflecting on a career spanning more than 550 professional appearances, Clark opens up about the emotional cost of living for external validation and the personal journey that followed after football. From childhood experiences and family influences to therapy, fatherhood, and modern day challenges facing men and young people, this episode explores what character truly means beyond success and achievement. With warmth, vulnerability, and insight, Clark discusses resilience, emotional literacy, unconditional love, and the importance of creating environments where people feel safe to be heard. A powerful conversation about self awareness, healing, and learning to live authentically.

    The Character Podcast - Episode 5: Clark Carlise

  3. Apr 27

    The Character Podcast - Episode 4: Aaron Moon

    This episode follows Aaron Moon’s journey from Royal Marines Commando to inspirational speaker, showing what real character looks like when life takes an unexpected turn. After completing one of the toughest military training programmes in the world, Aaron was deployed to Afghanistan where an IED explosion left him with life changing injuries. Following months in intensive care and the decision to amputate his leg, he faced a new challenge losing his identity, purpose and direction after leaving the military. This is not just a story about adversity, it is about response. Drawing on the Royal Marines mindset and the idea of cheerfulness in the face of adversity, Aaron explains how he rebuilt his life by stepping into challenge. From becoming a professional golfer to the world’s first amputee indoor skydiving instructor, and launching his REBORN mindset programme, he shows what is possible with the right approach. We also explore his latest challenge cycling over 2500 miles across Route 66 in under 24 days to raise 100000 pounds for charity. With no cycling background, he focuses on one mile at a time, showing how big goals become achievable when broken down. At its core, this episode is about resilience, purpose and perspective, and a reminder that while adversity is part of life, how you respond is what defines you.

    The Character Podcast - Episode 4: Aaron Moon

  4. Apr 6

    The Character Podcast - Episode 3: Dr Vic Carr

    In this episode of the Character Podcast, we sit down with Dr Vic Carr – headteacher, Army Reservist, author, and a powerful example of what service-led leadership looks like in action. Vic brings a unique perspective shaped by two worlds: education and the military. From leading a thriving school community to serving in the Army Reserve, her story is grounded in purpose, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed. Together, we explore what it really means to build character – not as something you’re born with, but something you develop through challenge, responsibility, and lived experience. Vic unpacks why stepping into discomfort matters and how facing controlled adversity can strengthen confidence, perspective, and leadership in young people. In this conversation, we dive into: What does character truly mean in today’s worldWhy service is at the heart of strong leadershipHow resilience is forged through experience, not comfortThe powerful link between education, the military, and shaping future generationsHonest, grounded, and full of real-world insight, this episode is a reminder that character isn’t accidental, it’s built through action, every single day.

    The Character Podcast - Episode 3: Dr Vic Carr

  5. Mar 23

    The Character Podcast - Episode 2: Gregg Stevenson MBE

    In this episode of The Character Podcast, we sit down with Gregg Stevenson MBE, former Commando and Paralympic gold medallist, and a powerful example of what it means to build character through adversity. Gregg shares his journey from the military into elite sport, showing how the mindset developed through Commando training became the foundation for everything that followed. Discipline, accountability and resilience run through every part of his story. This is a conversation about more than performance. This is about character. We explore the transition into Paralympic rowing and the mental challenges that come with stepping into a new environment. Gregg speaks openly about imposter syndrome, learning to believe he belonged, and making the shift from competing to winning. There is powerful insight into breaking a world record, handling pressure at the highest level, and the importance of staying grounded while continuing to raise your standards. The lessons in this episode go far beyond sport. They apply to leadership, to education, and to everyday life. If you take one thing from this conversation, let it be this. Your mindset shapes your reality, and the standards you set will define where you end up. This is The Character Podcast.

    The Character Podcast - Episode 2: Gregg Stevenson MBE

  6. Mar 23

    The Character Podcast - Episode 1: Steve Hill MBE

    In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Steve Hill MBE, a teacher, adventurer, and passionate advocate for character development, to explore what it truly means to dream big and push beyond one's limits. From a lifetime in education to extraordinary endurance challenges, Steve shares how resilience, determination and a love of adventure have shaped his journey. He reflects on the importance of character, the lessons learned through challenge, and how stepping outside your comfort zone can unlock confidence and potential. Steve’s stories, including his recent 200km jungle expedition, highlight the power of perseverance and the impact one passionate educator can have on young lives. This uplifting conversation is a reminder that big dreams should excite us, challenge us and inspire us to become the very best version of ourselves.

    The Character Podcast - Episode 1: Steve Hill MBE
  • 6 Episodes

About

The Character Podcast, hosted by Dan Kelly, explores the real-life experiences that shape who we become.Each episode features guests from across the education sector alongside inspirational voices — from Olympians and elite performers to Marines, leaders and changemakers. Through honest conversation, guests share how moments of challenge, adversity and growth have helped build their character.Rooted in the core values of resilience, empathy and self-awareness, the podcast focuses on lived experiences — not polished success stories — and the lessons learned along the way.

Information

  • Creator
    Commando Joe's
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Character Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Character Podcast