The Great Guns Podcast

Great Guns

0.0 (0)
Mental Health

The Great Guns Podcast is the no-BS voice for veterans and their partners who need to rediscover their purpose and reignite their fire. Through raw stories and real solutions, we tackle resilience, connection, and getting back on mission. Whether you’re finding your tribe or just need a push, this is where strength meets action.

2d ago

Understanding Your Worth Beyond the Uniform with Neil Marshall OBE

Leaving the Armed Forces is one of the biggest decisions anyone in service will make, yet many people approach it without fully understanding their value, their options, or the financial foundations they have already built. In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James Scott sits down with Major General Neil Marshall OBE, Chief Executive of the Forces Pension Society, to discuss leadership, transition, and the importance of planning for life beyond military service. Neil shares his remarkable journey from growing up in the Scottish Highlands, where a passion for skiing first sparked his interest in the Army, to spending a formative gap year in the Falkland Islands and Antarctica before commissioning into the Royal Artillery. Over a distinguished 33-year career, Neil commanded at every level, served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, led the Higher Command and Staff Course at the Defence Academy, and became the Senior British Military Advisor at US Central Command. But this conversation isn't just about military service. It's about understanding who you are when the uniform comes off. Neil reflects on his own decision to leave the Army before the system decided for him, the challenges of building a civilian career, and the lessons he learned about purpose, identity and finding meaningful work after service. The conversation also explores a topic often overlooked during transition: pensions. As Chief Executive of the Forces Pension Society, Neil explains why understanding your Armed Forces pension is one of the most important things you can do before deciding whether to stay, leave, or plan your next chapter. This is a conversation about ownership, preparation, leadership and creating a future on your own terms. TakeawaysUnderstanding who you are is more important than deciding what job you want next.Transition is something you do, not something that happens to you.Military skills remain highly valuable in civilian life.Planning early creates more options later.Your Armed Forces pension is a critical part of your financial future.Self-awareness is one of the most important tools for successful transition.Great leaders create opportunities for others to thrive.The strongest careers are often built around purpose rather than job titles.Networking and asking for help are strengths, not weaknesses.Every transition starts with taking ownership of the next step. Sound Bites"We're all equal in the eyes of the world as far as I'm concerned." "No work should be beneath you because your work is part of your grounding for life." "Before you decide what you want to do, work out who you are." "The most important choice is often: do I stay, or do I go?" "Do the maths." "Transition isn't something that's done to you. It's something that you undertake." "Find where you were happiest and at your best." Connect with NeilForces Pension Society LinkedIn #GreatGunsPodcast #NeilMarshall #ForcesPensionSociety #MilitaryTransition #VeteranCommunity #LifeAfterService #Leadership #ArmedForces #Veterans #PurposeAfterService

51 min
Jun 2

Transition, Risk & Building a New Mission with Ryan Watters

Leaving the military can feel like stepping into the unknown, but for former Royal Marine medic Ryan Watters, it was also the beginning of a new mission. In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, Ryan shares his journey from a young man with no military background to earning the coveted Green Beret and serving as a Royal Marine medic. He reflects on the challenges of training, the opportunities that military life provided, and the experiences that shaped him along the way. Ryan also opens up about one of the biggest decisions many service leavers face: knowing when it's time to move on. After nearly a decade in the Royal Marines, Ryan took the leap into civilian life and co-founded LRT Medical Solutions alongside fellow former Marines. Together they are building a business dedicated to delivering high-quality medical and first aid training while helping others develop the confidence and competence to respond when it matters most. This is a conversation about transition, taking calculated risks, embracing uncertainty, and creating purpose beyond the uniform. TakeawaysTransition starts long before you hand in your ID card.Military service provides transferable skills that can be applied anywhere.Sometimes the biggest opportunities come from taking a calculated risk.Asking questions during transition can unlock support, funding and opportunities.Building a business requires the same commitment and resilience as military service.Confidence comes from competence and continual learning.Support networks make the transition journey significantly easier.Leaving the military is emotional, but it can also be exciting.There is no single right path after service.Creating your own mission can be one of the most rewarding parts of transition. Sound Bites"Ask questions. The one question you don't ask could be the difference between having a job when you leave." "Just throw yourself in the deep end. If it works, brilliant. If it doesn't, try something else." "The fastest year of my life was my last year in the Marines." "We've built this company from the ground up. This is our baby now." "It's never too late to learn something new." "Confidence and competence save lives." "I knew I'd made the right decision." Connect with RyanLinkedIn LRT Medical Solutions #GreatGunsPodcast #LRTMedicalSolutions #RoyalMarines #MilitaryTransition #VeteranOwned #LifeAfterService #Entrepreneurship #VeteranBusiness #Leadership

45 min
May 26

Policing, Burnout & Changing the Culture with Ian Cook

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with former West Midlands Police officer Ian Cook, founder of Blue Light Lifestyle, to talk openly about policing, wellbeing and the realities of life behind the badge. After serving for 18 years across neighbourhood policing, response teams and traffic, Ian shares the highs and lows of a career dedicated to public service — from chasing fast cars and thriving in specialist teams to witnessing burnout, broken systems and a culture that too often leaves people suffering in silence. This is an honest conversation about identity, transition and purpose. It explores why so many emergency service workers struggle, why asking for help still feels difficult, and why meaningful change starts with creating environments where people feel safe enough to speak. More than anything, it is a conversation about people. Because behind every uniform is still a human being. TakeawaysBehind every uniform is a person who still needs supportBurnout in emergency services often happens gradually and silentlyMental health struggles do not discriminate against experience or rankCulture can either create safety or create silencePeople perform better when they feel trusted and valuedLooking after yourself is not selfish — it is essentialBeing honest about struggling is a sign of strength, not weaknessLeadership is about people, not just performance metricsSometimes the biggest risk is staying where you no longer belongPurpose often continues long after the uniform comes off Sound Bites"The biggest risk wasn't leaving — the biggest risk was staying.""Behind every uniform is still a human being.""A problem shared is a problem halved.""Police officers relate to police officers.""You are replaceable in a job — you are not replaceable to the people who love you.""Don't complain about a life you once dreamed of having.""Culture creates either safety or silence." Connect with Ian Blue Light Lifestyle LinkedIn Code 0 #GreatGunsPodcast #BlueLightLifestyle #MentalHealth #PoliceWellbeing #Leadership #LifeAfterService #EmergencyServices #VeteranCommunity

1h 2m
May 18

From USMC Sniper to Strategist with John Dailey

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with John Dailey, a US Marine veteran with over 20 years’ service, including time in US Special Operations Command and as part of the team that helped build the Marine Raiders from the ground up. John shares his journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a sniper and leader in one of the world’s most elite military environments. But this conversation goes far beyond war stories. It dives into something many don’t prepare for: What happens when the uniform comes off. From transition challenges and loss of purpose, to building a new identity and translating military experience into civilian life, an honest look at life after service. We also explore leadership, planning, identity, and why veterans must learn to “think like a general, fight like a sergeant” when navigating their next chapter. TakeawaysTransition doesn’t happen overnight — even when it looks smooth on the surfaceLosing purpose, tribe, and identity can hit harder than expected after leaving serviceYou must actively define who you are beyond the uniformPlanning your future is essential — even if the plan changesVeterans often underestimate the value they bring to the civilian worldBuilding a new tribe is just as important as maintaining the old oneYou can’t move forward if you’re constantly looking in the rear-view mirrorThe best transitions come from clarity, not driftLeadership skills from service are highly transferable — if communicated properlyYour next chapter can be just as meaningful as your time in uniform Sound Bites“Think like a general, fight like a sergeant.”“You can’t drive forward while staring in the rear-view mirror.”“You don’t lose your value when you leave — but you have to learn how to communicate it.”“The military gives you purpose… but it’s on you to find it again when you leave.”“Planning might not survive contact — but not planning is worse.”“Your next chapter should be the best one yet.”“Most veterans already have what employers want — they just don’t realise it.” Connect with John LinkedIn Website #GreatGunsPodcast #JohnDailey #ToughRuggedBastards #VeteranTransition #Leadership #LifeAfterService #MilitaryToCivilian

57 min
Apr 28

From Combat to Classroom with Fair Metcalfe

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Fair Metcalfe — Army veteran, former Combat Medic, and now PhD researcher — for a powerful and fun conversation that spans military service, transition, education, and breaking down barriers around learning differences. Fair shares her journey from joining the Army at just 16, serving on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, through to leaving service and stepping into academia — a transition that brought its own challenges and growth. This is a conversation that goes beyond transition — it’s about confidence, communication, and ensuring people aren’t held back by something that, with the right support, can become a strength. TakeawaysTransition is not just about career change — it’s about adapting to completely new environmentsDyslexia and learning differences are more common than many realise within the militaryLack of awareness can lead to individuals struggling in silenceEarly support and intervention can significantly improve outcomesAsking for help is a strength, not a weaknessConfidence often comes from understanding how you learn bestYour challenges can become strengths when properly supported Sound Bites“I joined the Army at 16, just after finishing school.”“Ask for help early — it makes a big difference.”“You don’t lack ability — you just need the right support.”“If people understand how they learn, everything changes.”“You’re not the problem — the system just needs to adapt.” Connect with Fair LinkedIn #GreatGunsPodcast #VeteranTransition #FairMetcalfe #MilitaryLife #LifeAfterService

43 min
Apr 23

Transition, Dyslexia, and Leading Yourself After Service with Symon Smith

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Symon Smith, an Army veteran with 14 years’ service, to unpack the realities of transition — from planning your exit to navigating life on the outside. Symon shares a refreshingly honest take on his journey — not driven by a lifelong ambition to serve, but by a decision made in the moment when faced with an alternative path. But where this episode really stands out is in its exploration of dyslexia in the military — a topic rarely spoken about openly. Symon shares his own experience of navigating service with dyslexia, the lack of visibility around it, and how that led him to co-found the Defence Dyslexia Network. What becomes clear is this: dyslexia isn’t a limitation — it’s often a hidden strength. This episode is about more than transition. It’s about ownership, awareness, and building support for others coming behind you. TakeawaysTransition is smoother when you plan early and create a soft landingYou don’t need to have everything figured out — process and preparation matter moreDyslexia is far more common in the military than people realiseMany struggle in silence due to lack of awareness and supportYour strengths often sit alongside your challenges — not in spite of themSupport networks and shared experience can dramatically reduce friction in transitionOwnership doesn’t end when you leave service — it becomes even more important Sound Bites“I didn’t realise I wanted to join… until I had another option.”“Do a safe landing first — then make bigger decisions later.”“It’s a bit like a duck on water — calm on the surface, chaos underneath.”“No one talks about dyslexia — but it’s everywhere.”“If you support the bottom of the spike, you get the top.”“No one should leave feeling like they’re on their own.” Connect with Symon LinkedIn Website #GreatGunsPodcast #VeteranTransition #DyslexiaAwareness #Leadership #LifeAfterService

47 min
Apr 21

Coaching, Confidence, and Owning Your Next Chapter with Jenny Roberts

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Jenny Roberts, RAF veteran turned coach, for a conversation about transition, identity, and stepping into a new chapter with confidence. Jenny shares her journey from life in the RAF to building her own coaching business, and the realities that come with leaving a structured environment and stepping into the unknown. This episode explores the internal side of transition — the mindset shifts, self-doubt, and growth that often go unseen. Jenny brings honesty, clarity, and practical insight into what it really takes to move forward — not just professionally, but personally. This is a conversation about ownership, belief, and creating a life that aligns with who you are now — not just who you were in uniform. TakeawaysTransition is as much an internal shift as it is an external oneLeaving service often means redefining identity and directionConfidence is built through action, not waiting for certaintySelf-awareness is key to making better decisions post-serviceThe structure of the military doesn’t disappear — it needs to be recreated intentionallyGrowth comes from stepping into discomfort and trying new thingsYou are allowed to evolve beyond your military identity Sound Bites“You don’t need to have it all figured out to take the first step.”“Confidence comes from doing, not waiting.”“You’re not starting from scratch — you’re starting from experience.”“The structure doesn’t disappear — you have to build it for yourself.”“You’re allowed to change direction.” Connect with Jenny LinkedIn Website #GreatGunsPodcast #VeteranTransition #LifeAfterService #RAF #JennyRoberts #PersonalGrowth

57 min
Apr 3

From Silence to Strength - Finding Your Voice After Service with Erika Morris

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Erika Morris for a powerful and honest conversation about identity, voice, and stepping into life after service. Erika shares her journey of navigating transition, the challenges of being heard, and the importance of owning your story — even when it feels uncomfortable. This episode cuts straight to the heart of what many veterans experience but don’t always say out loud: Feeling overlookedStruggling to translate experienceFinding confidence in a new environment What comes through loud and clear is this — your voice matters, and learning to use it is a critical part of moving forward. This is a conversation about growth, self-belief, and having the courage to step up, speak out, and take ownership of your next chapter. Key TakeawaysTransition isn’t just about employment — it’s about finding your voice againMany veterans struggle to articulate their value outside the military environmentConfidence doesn’t just appear — it’s built through action and exposureBeing heard starts with believing your perspective mattersGrowth often comes from stepping into uncomfortable conversations and spacesYou don’t need permission to speak — you need ownership Sound Bites“Your voice matters — even if you don’t think it does yet.”“Transition isn’t just about what you do, it’s about how you show up.”“You’ve got the experience — you just need to learn how to express it.”“Confidence comes from doing, not waiting.”“If you don’t speak up, people can’t hear you.” Connect with Erika: Website LinkedIn #GreatGunsPodcast #VeteranTransition #FindYourVoice #LifeAfterService #VeteranCommunity

43 min

The Great Guns Podcast is the no-BS voice for veterans and their partners who need to rediscover their purpose and reignite their fire. Through raw stories and real solutions, we tackle resilience, connection, and getting back on mission. Whether you’re finding your tribe or just need a push, this is where strength meets action.

Creator

Great Guns
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

48
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Copyright 2026 Great Guns