Talking with the wounded Ben

Paul Minter, formerly of the Blues and Royals, was one of the first soldiers into Helmand, and many years later one of the last to leave. With the words of an MP briefing him before his first tour - "Don't worry, not a round will be fired" ringing in his ears; 4 tours of Afghanistan, 1 in Iraq, a Mention in Dispatches, blown up twice by IED's, and countless contacts began to leave their mark. Next thing you know you are arrested in London by the Bomb Disposal squad...
In search of a solution to his problems Paul sought out help and then like all good recon soldiers, gathered as much intelligence as he could and dragged himself back from the abyss. Realising there was a gap in the treatment for PTSD within the serving military community, as well as veterans, he set a world record raising funds and with former colleagues established a charity to help current and former members of the Armed Forces recover their mental health and lead happier lives.  Its called the "Head Up" charity.  Mental Health Awareness For UK Armed Forces | Head Up (head-up.org.uk)
One of life's truly remarkable men, whose service to others comes with nothing more than the desire to help others like him avoid an all too familiar journey within the military community.  Support his charity..and get in touch if you have a spare 4 acres!
the searchchicken@gmail.com

"Licking the Toad", someone did, and the rest is history. How some psychedelic drugs were discovered is a story in itself; but in this shorter episode we break from the norm, my guest isn't wounded - but is pioneering their treatment.
Dr Iain Jordan is leading the psychedelic drug clinical trials for treating PTSD.  Hear how taking the usually illegal drugs of a euphoria inducing nature react with our brains and why when taken before therapy sessions the results are a game changer for PTSD sufferers. As soldiers we are taught to fight as hard as possible - but with PTSD the harder you fight it the stronger it gets..learning to embrace it is difficult because of the way our brains deal with traumatic situations. Dropping a few tablets with your therapist present is one way to overcome this in safety.  We even manage to laugh which isn't easy when discussing mental illness...and I didn't even get to sample anything beforehand!
It all happens at Clerkenwell Health Clerkenwell Health | Psychedelic Clinical Trials Specialist
And if you would like to be part of the PTSD or Depression trials head to their website Clerkenwellhealth.com and join a trial - link here: Join a trial (typeform.com)

One of the first IED victims in Afghanistan, literally stepping into new territory for all concerned.  Scott Blaney takes us from the carnage of a daisy chain IED to being one of the first to end up in Headley Court for reconstruction and rehab.  I wont ruin it for you,  but since then he has achieved many a physical feat, achieving medals and the like in the most unlikely sports.  Just don't accept if he asks you for a game of golf unless you're any good!
An amazing character who you get the feeling isn't finished yet!
Scott has been the beneficiary of three main charities, the Colonels Fund of the Grenadier Guards, and BLESMA;  but one he would particularly like to highlight is "Battle Back Golf" - Home (battlebackgolf.com)
 
 

Formerly in the Blue & Royals, Simon Moloney, a sniper in Afghanistan, becomes the hunted.  After getting shot through the neck, first aid from his team medic, he re-joins the fight - which he is subsequently awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for.  There were worse days to come on that tour, and long after leaving it all comes back.  If this were a book you wouldn't put it down; and don't spare a thought for the goat!
Simon has been supported by PTSD Resolution - a charity he recommends to anyone serving or ex services who no matter how small may suffer from PTSD: PTSD Resolution Charity for UK Forces Veterans Mental Health
Simon is also a trustee of a new charity he champions called Head Up - Mental Health Awareness For UK Armed Forces | Head Up (head-up.org.uk)

From "How very dare they!" at being shot at, to the the highs and lows of military life - Liz McConaghy takes us on her journey as the longest serving female Chinook crew member. Part of that role was MERT (Medical Emergency Recovery Team) collecting the injured from the battlefield which many of the previous guests have first hand experience of. Her proudest work..but it came at a cost. An inspiration, and well worth an hour of your time.  
Her book is a great read - "Chinook Crew Chick"- available at Waterstones, Amazon etc
The charities Liz refers to that she couldn't live without :
Combat Stress - Mental health services for veterans | Combat Stress
Help 4 Heroes - UK Armed Forces and military veterans charity | Help For Heroes
Op Courage - The NHS Veterans Mental Health initiative - Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
And the one she volunteers for Aerobility  
 

We could have called this episode "I woke up in Birmingham" as my guest, Carl Shadrake has done it more than once.  He is also the first guest on this podcast from a leadership role.  We get a unique perspective what its like when the leader is the casualty; how it is to return to the scene,  and go through it all again. Third event is best left for you to listen to.
Carl's chosen charities who have helped him along the way are listed below.  And here is his business should Project Management positions within the built environment on defence contracts be of interest: www.cspmconsultancy.co.uk
Carls charities are: 
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity
UK Armed Forces and military veterans charity | Help For Heroes
The Colonel's Fund - Grenadier Guards (grengds.com)
This is the last episode before Christmas - have a wonderful festive season and look forward to you joining us for Series 2 in the New Year.
Want to be my guest - email me at: thesearchchicken@gmail.com