Combat Fuel Podcast

Combat Fuel Podcast

Combat Fuel Podcast is a long-form interview podcast spotlighting former military personnel and the paths they carve after service. Each episode features honest, in-depth conversations with ex-service men and women as they reflect on their military careers, operational experiences, and the mindset forged under pressure. We explore how those lessons translate into civilian life from fitness, leadership, and resilience to building and running veteran-owned businesses. The podcast also dives into the practical side of performance after service, including training, recovery, and supplements, with a focus on what actually works in high-demand environments rather than marketing hype. This is not about glorifying war. It is about earned experience, accountability, and the discipline that fuels success beyond the uniform. Unfiltered stories. Real-world insight. Fuel for life after combat.

  1. 3d ago

    Harry Shepherd: Royal Marine Commando, Military Fitness & Building a Coaching Business | Combat Fuel Podcast

    In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with Harry Shepherd former Royal Marines Commando and now a fitness coach working with military personnel and clients around the world to improve their fitness and performance. Harry spent five years in the Royal Marines before leaving the military and building his own coaching business. What started with a small number of clients has developed into a team coaching more than 130 people, with Harry using both his experience in the Marines and his knowledge of physical performance to help others achieve a higher standard of fitness. Harry speaks openly about his own journey through Royal Marines Commando training, including the areas he struggled with, being put back in training, failing tests, and the physical and mental pressure involved in eventually earning his Green Beret. We also discuss the fitness mistakes he made preparing for the Marines, why simply running and doing bodyweight exercises isn't enough, and how those experiences influenced the way he coaches people today. The conversation moves into military fitness coaching, business, criticism on social media, coaching standards, working in America, scaling a fitness business, and why having information alone isn't enough to produce results. In this episode, we cover:  Joining the Royal Marines  Preparing for Royal Marines Commando training   The physical and mental demands of training   Being put back in training and dealing with failure   Struggling with strength and loaded carries   Completing Commando tests and earning the Green Beret  The reality of military fitness preparation   Why experience matters when coaching others   Criticism and opinions within the military fitness industry   Leaving the Royal Marines and becoming a coach   Growing from a handful of clients to 130+ coaching clients  Building a coaching team and learning to delegate   Training and working in the United States   Royal Marines vs US Marines fitness   Accountability, consistency and the value of coaching   Building a business around genuine client results  This episode is for anyone interested in Royal Marines training, military fitness, Commando preparation, strength and conditioning, coaching, entrepreneurship, performance and life after military service. Guest: Harry Shepherd Former Royal Marines Commando | Military Fitness & Performance Coach Instagram: [Add Harry's Instagram] Follow & Support Combat Fuel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatfuel/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/combatfuelWebsite: https://www.combatfuel.co.ukProduction: This podcast is produced by TCM.visualsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcm.visual/Website: https://www.thecapturedmoments.co.ukBusiness & Media Enquiries: hello@combatfuel.co.uk Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. Remember to: Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help support honest conversations around military fitness, performance, coaching and life after service.

    Harry Shepherd: Royal Marine Commando, Military Fitness & Building a Coaching Business | Combat Fuel Podcast
  2. Aug 16

    Tom Merriman: Royal Marine PTI, Commando Mindset & Surviving Combat | Combat Fuel Podcast

    In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with Tom Merriman — a Royal Marine Physical Training Instructor (PTI), husband, father of three, and known by many as The Wando PTI. Tom shares his experiences serving in the Royal Marines, from growing up in Stockport to earning the coveted Green Beret and becoming a Physical Training Instructor. He reflects on the mindset, discipline, and resilience required to train Royal Marines, while also opening up about the realities of operational deployments, leadership, and moments that nearly cost him his life. We explore military culture, physical performance, and what it takes to lead by example in one of the world's most respected fighting forces. Tom also discusses balancing military life with family, the responsibility of developing others, and the lessons that have shaped him both in uniform and at home. In this episode, we cover:  Growing up in Stockport   Joining the Royal Marines  Earning the Green Beret   Becoming a Royal Marine PTI  Leadership and developing Royal Marines   Operational deployments and surviving combat   Physical training and mental resilience   Balancing military service with family life   Lessons from leadership and adversity   Identity, purpose, and life in the Corps  This episode is for anyone interested in Royal Marines, Commando training, military leadership, physical performance, resilience, and elite mindset. Guest: Tom Merriman Royal Marine PTI | The Wando PTI Instagram: Website: Follow & Support Combat Fuel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatfuel/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/combatfuelWebsite: https://www.combatfuel.co.ukProduction: This podcast is produced by TCM.visualsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcm.visual/Website: https://www.thecapturedmoments.co.ukBusiness & Media Enquiries: hello@combatfuel.co.uk Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. Remember to: Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help amplify honest conversations around military service, leadership, resilience, and life in the Royal Marines. 🎬 YouTube Chapters00:00 Introduction & Who is Tom Merriman 01:00 Growing Up in Stockport 05:30 Why He Joined the Royal Marines 11:00 Earning the Green Beret 17:00 Becoming a Royal Marine PTI 24:00 Physical Training & Elite Standards 31:00 Operational Deployments & Combat Experiences 39:00 The Incident That Nearly Cost His Life 47:00 Leadership, Discipline & Responsibility 55:00 Family Life in the Military 1:03:00 Building Mental Resilience 1:11:00 Training the Next Generation of Royal Marines 1:20:00 Lessons From Military Service 1:29:00 Final Reflections & Advice Suggested Hashtags #TomMerriman #CombatFuelPodcast #RoyalMarines #RoyalMarinePTI #Commando #MilitaryMindset #Leadership #MentalResilience #PhysicalTraining #GreenBeret

    Tom Merriman: Royal Marine PTI, Commando Mindset & Surviving Combat | Combat Fuel Podcast
  3. Aug 2

    Jonny Pain: Extreme Endurance, Ben Nevis & Pushing Human Limits | Combat Fuel Podcast

    In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with Jonny Pain — an extreme endurance athlete, mountaineer, and adventure coach who has built a reputation for taking on some of the toughest physical and mental challenges imaginable. Jonny shares the story behind his incredible Vertical Marathon, climbing Ben Nevis 32 consecutive times without leaving the mountain. He explains the physical demands, mental resilience, and relentless determination required to complete a challenge that pushed him to his absolute limits. We also explore his journey into self-protection and martial arts, lessons learned from overcoming adversity, and why embracing discomfort has become a defining part of his life. Throughout the conversation, Jonny offers a unique perspective on resilience, risk, leadership, and what it really means to test yourself. In this episode, we cover:  Climbing Ben Nevis 32 consecutive times  Completing the Vertical Marathon challenge   Extreme endurance and mental resilience   Living and surviving on the mountain   Managing fear, risk, and adversity   Self-protection and martial arts   Building mental toughness through discomfort   Leadership, purpose, and personal growth   Lessons from extreme adventure  This episode is for anyone interested in endurance challenges, mountaineering, resilience, adventure, self-protection, mental toughness, and pushing beyond perceived limits. Guest: Jonny Pain Extreme Endurance Athlete | Mountaineer | Adventure Coach Instagram: Website: Follow & Support Combat Fuel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatfuel/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/combatfuelWebsite: https://www.combatfuel.co.ukProduction: This podcast is produced by TCM.visualsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcm.visual/Website: https://www.thecapturedmoments.co.ukBusiness & Media Enquiries: hello@combatfuel.co.uk Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. Remember to: Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help amplify honest conversations around resilience, adventure, endurance, and personal growth.

    Jonny Pain: Extreme Endurance, Ben Nevis & Pushing Human Limits | Combat Fuel Podcast
  4. Jul 19

    Tom Collins: Army Officer to Fitness Coach | Leadership, Military Culture & Life After Service | Combat Fuel Podcast

    In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with Tom Collins former British Army officer, Royal Signals officer, and now a successful online fitness coach. Tom spent over two decades serving in the Army, leading soldiers and operating within high-pressure environments before making the decision to leave military service and pursue a completely different path in the fitness industry. He shares honest insights into military leadership, Army culture, and the realities of command. We discuss the importance of looking after people, the impact of poor leadership, and why creating high-performing teams starts with trust, respect, and accountability. Tom also reflects on the challenges of transitioning from a senior military career into entrepreneurship, building a coaching business from the ground up, and helping people transform their lives through fitness. In this episode, we cover:  Life as a British Army Officer   Serving in the Royal Signals   Leadership and military culture   The impact of toxic leadership   Looking after soldiers and their families   Transitioning from the Army at 40   Building a successful online coaching business   Fitness, performance, and personal development   Identity and purpose after military service   Lessons from over 20 years of leadership  This episode is for anyone interested in military leadership, Army life, fitness coaching, entrepreneurship, personal development, and life after service. Guest: Tom Collins Former British Army Officer | Royal Signals | Online Fitness Coach Instagram: Website: Follow & Support Combat Fuel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatfuel/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/combatfuelWebsite: https://www.combatfuel.co.ukProduction: This podcast is produced by TCM.visualsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcm.visual/Website: https://www.thecapturedmoments.co.ukBusiness & Media Enquiries: hello@combatfuel.co.uk Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. Remember to: Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help amplify honest conversations around leadership, military service, fitness, and personal growth. 🎬 YouTube Chapters00:00 Introduction & Who is Tom Collins 00:45 Army Officer to Fitness Coach 03:00 Joining the Army at 18 06:30 Royal Signals & Military Career 11:00 Leadership Lessons from Service 16:00 Looking After Soldiers & Families 21:00 Toxic Leadership & Army Culture 27:00 Building High-Performing Teams 34:00 Challenges of Command 41:00 Transitioning Out of the Army 48:00 Identity After Service 55:00 Starting an Online Fitness Business 1:02:00 Fitness, Coaching & Performance 1:09:00 Personal Development & Mindset 1:16:00 Entrepreneurship After the Military 1:24:00 Leadership Lessons for Life 1:30:00 Final Reflections & Advice Suggested Hashtags #TomCollins #CombatFuelPodcast #BritishArmy #RoyalSignals #MilitaryLeadership #Leadership #FitnessCoach #MilitaryTransition #LifeAfterService #PersonalDevelopment

    Tom Collins: Army Officer to Fitness Coach | Leadership, Military Culture & Life After Service | Combat Fuel Podcast
  5. Jul 5

    Phil Campion: SAS, Mercenary Work & Life on the Front Line | Combat Fuel Podcast

    In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with Phil Campion former British Army soldier, SAS veteran, author, broadcaster, and security contractor. Phil shares stories from a career spent operating in some of the world's most challenging environments, discussing military service, special forces selection, operational deployments, and life after the Armed Forces. He reflects on the realities of military life, leadership under pressure, and the lessons learned from decades spent operating at the sharp end. We explore the changing nature of modern warfare, private security contracting, media portrayals of military service, and the mindset required to perform in high-risk environments. This conversation provides a rare insight into elite military culture, resilience, and the challenges of transitioning skills developed in service into civilian life. In this episode, we cover:  Service in the British Army  Life within the SAS  Special Forces selection and mindset   Leadership under pressure   Modern warfare and global conflict   Security contracting and operating overseas   Military culture and media representation   Transitioning from military service   Resilience, discipline, and performance   Life lessons from decades of experience  This episode is for anyone interested in Special Forces, military history, leadership, resilience, modern conflict, and life after service. Guest: Phil Campion Former SAS Soldier | Author | Broadcaster | Security Contractor Instagram: Website: Follow & Support Combat Fuel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatfuel/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/combatfuelWebsite: https://www.combatfuel.co.ukProduction: This podcast is produced by TCM.visualsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcm.visual/Website: https://www.thecapturedmoments.co.ukBusiness & Media Enquiries: hello@combatfuel.co.uk Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. Remember to: Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help amplify honest conversations around military service, leadership, resilience, and life after the Armed Forces. 🎬 YouTube Chapters00:00 Introduction & Who is Phil Campion 02:00 Early Life & Joining the Army 06:30 Military Training & Early Career 11:00 Special Forces Selection 17:00 Life in the SAS 24:00 Operating in High-Risk Environments 31:00 Leadership Under Pressure 38:00 Military Culture & Brotherhood 45:00 Modern Warfare & Global Conflict 53:00 Security Contracting After Service 1:00:00 Media, Books & Public Perception 1:08:00 Resilience, Mindset & Performance 1:16:00 Lessons From Military Life 1:24:00 Advice for the Next Generation 1:31:00 Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts Suggested Hashtags #PhilCampion #CombatFuelPodcast #SAS #SpecialForces #BritishArmy #MilitaryPodcast #Leadership #MilitaryMindset #ModernWarfare #LifeAfterService

    Phil Campion: SAS, Mercenary Work & Life on the Front Line | Combat Fuel Podcast
  6. Jun 21

    Ollie Cooke: 7 RHA Para, Bodybuilding & Building Heavy Duty Gym Wear | Combat Fuel Podcast

    In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with Ollie Cooke former 7 RHA Para soldier, bodybuilder, and founder of Heavy Duty Gym Wear, a brand built around hard work, discipline, and working-class values. Ollie shares his experiences serving in the Army, the realities of military culture, and the lessons he took from life in an airborne artillery unit. He reflects on the challenges he faced during service, using the gym as an outlet, and the journey of building a business from the ground up after leaving the military. We explore fitness, mindset, resilience, and entrepreneurship — alongside the importance of testing yourself, pushing your limits, and creating purpose beyond military service. In this episode, we cover: Service in 7 RHA Para Military culture and life in the Army Using fitness as an outlet Bodybuilding and pushing personal limits Building Heavy Duty Gym Wear Entrepreneurship and working-class values Leadership, discipline, and resilience Identity, purpose, and life after service This episode is for anyone interested in military life, bodybuilding, fitness, entrepreneurship, discipline, and building something after the Armed Forces. Guest: Ollie Cooke Former 7 RHA Para | Founder, Heavy Duty Gym Wear Instagram: Website: Follow & Support Combat Fuel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatfuel/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/combatfuelWebsite: https://www.combatfuel.co.ukProduction: This podcast is produced by TCM.visualsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcm.visual/Website: https://www.thecapturedmoments.co.ukBusiness & Media Enquiries: hello@combatfuel.co.uk Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. Remember to: Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help amplify honest conversations around service, fitness, entrepreneurship, and life after the military. 🎬 YouTube Chapters00:00 Introduction & Who is Ollie Cooke 01:40 Life Before the Army 05:30 Joining 7 RHA Para 10:00 Military Culture & Standards 15:30 Fitness, Bodybuilding & Self-Discipline 21:00 Finding Purpose Through the Gym 27:00 Challenges During Military Service 34:00 Brotherhood, Banter & Army Life 41:00 Pushing Your Limits & Testing Yourself 49:00 Transitioning Out of the Army 57:00 Building Heavy Duty Gym Wear 1:05:00 Entrepreneurship & Working-Class Values 1:13:00 Leadership, Resilience & Mindset 1:20:00 Lessons From Military Life 1:28:00 Final Reflections & Advice Suggested Hashtags #OllieCooke #CombatFuelPodcast #7RHA #BritishArmy #HeavyDutyGymWear #Bodybuilding #Fitness #Entrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #LifeAfterService

    Ollie Cooke: 7 RHA Para, Bodybuilding & Building Heavy Duty Gym Wear | Combat Fuel Podcast
  7. Jun 7

    Ryan Yates: 4/73 Battery, Veterans Army & Rebuilding Purpose After Service | Combat Fuel Podcast

    In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Yates a former soldier from 4/73 Battery, founder of Veterans Army (VA), and owner of his own dog training business. Ryan shares his experiences serving in the military, operating within one of the Army’s most respected surveillance and reconnaissance units, and the mindset required to perform in high-pressure environments. He reflects on the realities of military life, transition, and the importance of rebuilding identity and purpose after leaving service. We explore leadership, resilience, and personal growth — alongside the mission behind Veterans Army, supporting the veteran community, and how working with dogs has become a major part of his life and business after the military. This conversation gives honest insight into life after service, adapting to civilian life, and finding new purpose through community, discipline, and helping others. In this episode, we cover: Service in 4/73 Battery Military mindset and operating under pressure Transitioning from military life to civilian life Founding Veterans Army (VA) Supporting the veteran community Building a dog training business after service Leadership, resilience, and identity Purpose, discipline, and life after the military This episode is for anyone interested in military life, 4/73 Battery, veterans support, entrepreneurship, dog training, resilience, and life after service. Guest: Ryan Yates Former 4/73 Battery Soldier | Founder, Veterans Army | Dog Trainer Follow & Support Combat Fuel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatfuel/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/combatfuelWebsite: https://www.combatfuel.co.ukProduction: This podcast is produced by TCM.visualsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcm.visual/Website: https://www.thecapturedmoments.co.ukBusiness & Media Enquiries: hello@combatfuel.co.uk Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. Remember to: Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help amplify honest conversations around service, transition, leadership, and life after the military. Suggested Hashtags #RyanClarke #CombatFuelPodcast #473Battery #VeteransArmy #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSupport #DogTraining #Leadership #LifeAfterService #MentalResilience

    Ryan Yates: 4/73 Battery, Veterans Army & Rebuilding Purpose After Service | Combat Fuel Podcast
  8. May 24

    PJ Harries: Royal Marine, Firefighter & Building a Business After Service | Combat Fuel Podcast

    In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with PJ Harries a former Royal Marine, former firefighter, and now the owner of Gibraltar Trading Company, building a business rooted in discipline, resilience, and purpose. PJ shares his experiences serving in the Royal Marines, the standards and mindset required to operate within one of the world’s most respected military forces, and how those lessons carried over into a career in the fire service. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning from military life, finding purpose after service, and what it takes to build a successful business while staying true to the values forged through years of service. We explore leadership, identity, risk, and adaptability — alongside what it means to move from military operations and emergency response into entrepreneurship and creating something of your own. In this episode, we cover: Service in the Royal Marines Life after military service Transitioning into the fire service Operating in high-pressure environments Leadership, discipline, and accountability Building Gibraltar Trading Company Entrepreneurship, risk, and personal growth Identity, purpose, and life after service This episode is for anyone interested in Royal Marines life, firefighting, entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, and building purpose after service. Guest: PJ Gibbs Former Royal Marine | Former Firefighter | Founder, Gibraltar Trading Company Instagram: Website: Follow & Support Combat Fuel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatfuel/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/combatfuelWebsite: https://www.combatfuel.co.ukProduction: This podcast is produced by TCM.visualsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcm.visual/Website: https://www.thecapturedmoments.co.ukBusiness & Media Enquiries: hello@combatfuel.co.uk Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. Remember to: Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help amplify honest conversations around service, leadership, business, and life after the military. Suggested Hashtags #PJGibbs #CombatFuelPodcast #RoyalMarines #Firefighter #Entrepreneur #GibraltarTrading #Leadership #MilitaryTransition #LifeAfterService #MentalResilience

    PJ Harries: Royal Marine, Firefighter & Building a Business After Service | Combat Fuel Podcast

About

Combat Fuel Podcast is a long-form interview podcast spotlighting former military personnel and the paths they carve after service. Each episode features honest, in-depth conversations with ex-service men and women as they reflect on their military careers, operational experiences, and the mindset forged under pressure. We explore how those lessons translate into civilian life from fitness, leadership, and resilience to building and running veteran-owned businesses. The podcast also dives into the practical side of performance after service, including training, recovery, and supplements, with a focus on what actually works in high-demand environments rather than marketing hype. This is not about glorifying war. It is about earned experience, accountability, and the discipline that fuels success beyond the uniform. Unfiltered stories. Real-world insight. Fuel for life after combat.

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