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Scott White's journey began in Edinburgh, where at 25 he stepped into the unforgiving world of private security. He trained alongside former special forces instructors, mastering close protection, weapons handling and specialist driving tactics. For six years he worked throughout Europe and the UK before becoming a Private Military Contractor at 31. Scott deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, operating in environments where ambushes, roadside bombs and militia attacks were part of daily life. Some of his brothers made it home. Others did not — and far too many returned in body but never in mind. The Silent War is his candid account of those years and the painful process of survival that followed. Today, his story also carries a message about PTSD, recovery and the lives behind the familiar headlines. You can find links to Scott's book and more here: https://scott-white.co.uk/ Support the show

John Feal is a native New Yorker and US Army veteran who worked as a demolition supervisor at Ground Zero until a disabling injury five days into the cleanup. He lobbied Congress to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, which he fought to defend and expand in 2015 and 2019 with the help of dozens of his fellow 9/11 responders, post-9/11 illness survivors, and comedian Jon Stewart. He has since gone on to pass 19 pieces of legislation and is working on number 20.  John is a Pat Tilman Foundation honoree, a recipient of the New York State Liberty Award and the New York State Medal of Honor for Civilians, the founder and chairman of the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park, and a kidney donor. Connect with John and get the book: https://www.iwillfollowyouanywhere.com/ Support the show

Andy White joined the British Army in 1993 and served three tours in Iraq with the 1st Battalion, The Light Infantry. Seeking a new challenge, Andy then transferred to the Australian Defence Force. After successfully completing selection for the Special Air Service Regiment, and following the reinforcement cycle in 2009, Andy was posted to 1 SAS Squadron, where he spent the majority of his Australian military career. During his first deployment to Afghanistan in 2010 Andy was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service. He returned to Afghanistan in 2011 and 2013 as a K9 handler and patrol second-in-command, before deploying to Kabul in late 2013 and into 2014 alongside an Australian 'other government agency' on his fourth and final Afghanistan deployment. From 2014 onwards, Andy instructed prospective SAS operators on selection and the reinforcement cycle, specialising in close quarter battle and tactical training. He also led intelligence operations across Asia, Southeast Asia, the South West Pacific and throughout the Middle East. In 2021, Andrew deployed to Kurdistan in northern Iraq as a Task Element Commander, working alongside British and American Special Operations Forces conducting counter-ISIS operations. After twenty-nine years of military service and more than fifteen operational tours of duty, Andrew retired from the Australian Defence Force in 2022 as a Freefall Troop Sergeant. As well as writing, Andy consultants in the training and counter-terrorism fields. He lives in Western Australia with his wife Tracy and is the father of six children. Andy's socials: @onceapilgrim Andy's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Outside-Wire-Andy-White/dp/1761473875 Listen to Andy's book on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/65Ga5zUCwTQjv8PKBD2rEt Support the show

Brandon Burton is a retired Captain who served for 20 years with the Nebraska Army National Guard, including two combat deployments to Afghanistan in 2008 and 2013. An engineer officer, instructor and former commander of the 623rd Engineer Company, Brandon’s military career took him from leading soldiers overseas to training the next generation of Guard officers. He retired from uniformed service in 2022 and is the author of Authority Without Control: A Memoir on Conflict, Restraint, and Leadership. Get Brandon's book here: https://us.amazon.com/Authority-Without-Control-Restraint-Leadership/dp/B0HB1H9HK3 Support the show

Bill Robertson is a historian, teacher, and author. His first book -The Undefeated - examines the experiences of Allied POWs in Europe during WW2 - including Bill's own great grandfather. Get Bill's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Undefeated-Untold-Allied-Prisoners-1939-45/dp/1917120575 Bill's Substack: https://substack.com/@billrobertson401648 Bill's Insta: @whw_highland_ic Support the show

Danny Murphy is a former United States Marine. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Danny enlisted from 2009-2013 as a mortarman and was assigned to the 81mm mortar platoon in 1st Battalion, 8th Marines.  Danny deployed twice to Helmand Province - Musa Qala in 2010-2011 and later to Kajaki in 2012.  He is the author of  “The Hills by the Wadi”, a memoir detailing an enlistment during the GWOT.   Instagram: @helmand_gunfighters_union Photos from Danny's deployments are available at his website: www.thehillsbythewadi.com You can order Danny's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Hills-Wadi-Danny-Murphy-ebook/dp/B0GWYTG19F Support the show

John Nichol served in the Royal Air Force for fifteen years. On active duty during the first Gulf War in 1991, his Tornado bomber was shot down during a mission over Iraq. Captured, tortured and held as a prisoner of war, John was paraded on television, provoking worldwide condemnation and leaving one of the most enduring images of the conflict. John is the bestselling co-author of Tornado Down and author of many highly acclaimed epics, including Spitfire, Lancaster and Tornado, all of which were Sunday Times bestsellers. He has made a number of TV documentaries with Second World War veterans, written for national newspapers and magazines, and is a widely quoted commentator on military affairs. His latest book - Blitz: When World War Two Came Home - is out now.  https://www.amazon.com/Blitz-When-World-Came-Home-ebook/dp/B0FN8FL7K2 Support the show

At the age of 22, Chance Eaton was the youngest serving captain in the British Army, later serving with UK Special Forces. Today, Chance brings together military service, creativity, leadership and personal development through his work as The Warrior Artist. Chance is the founder of HEARTH™️, a movement bringing people together around the fire through conversation, creativity and shared experience. He also founded Brannock & Co., a high trust capability group delivering strategic advisory, protective services and complex project support. In this episode, Chance joins Geraint Jones to discuss his military career, leading soldiers at a young age, his experiences on UK Special Forces selection, and how those lessons now shape his work as an entrepreneur, artist and founder. HEARTH™️: www.hearth.now Brannock & Co.: www.brannockandco.com Instagram: @chance.eaton.official Support the show

Brad Knight is a former British Army Royal Engineer and Afghanistan veteran who served as a High-Threat Searcher. He is the author of Brimstone: A Searcher’s War – Hunting the Taliban’s Silent Killers, an acclaimed memoir detailing the relentless tension and danger faced by bomb disposal and route search teams in Helmand. Brad's links: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brimstone_42 Insta: https://www.instagram.com/brimstone_bradk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GReZCiAEe/ Book: https://amzn.eu/d/0ag2egqz If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast please email us at [email protected], or follow us on social media: @veteranstateofmind Gez's new books:  Voices of Victory (World War 2 oral history): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Voices-Victory-Powerful-eye-witness-accounts/dp/1035070049/ Support the show

Lawrence 'Loz' Kayser served in Iraq on Op Telic 4, 6, and 8. He then went on to serve three tours in Afghanistan, taking part in such operations as Sond Chara in support of 42 Commando. On his sixth and final tour Loz was awarded a Military Cross. Incredibly, he was later medically discharged from the army for 'combat addiction.' We talk about Loz's time at war, and after - particularly how Living History has not only given him a focus after leaving the army, but a way to Remember the generations of warriors that went before us. Connect with Loz on Instagram: @loz_historical If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, please email us at [email protected], or follow us on social media: @veteranstateofmind Gez's new books:  Voices of Victory (World War 2 oral history): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Voices-Victory-Powerful-eye-witness-accounts/dp/1035070049/ Support the show

On 6 June 1944, Keith Whiting was serving aboard HMS Ramillies, a British battleship supporting the Normandy landings. Keith helped fire the massive 15-inch guns that bombarded German defences ahead of the Allied assault on the beaches, and then supported them as they fought their way inland. HMS Ramillies fired so many shells during the invasion that her gun barrels later had to be replaced. Keith reflects on his wartime experiences, the comrades he served alongside, and the sacrifices made by a generation that changed the course of history. He also shares his memories of the 80th anniversary commemorations and what it means to carry those memories into the present day. Support the show

"Jonny Whitmore MBE — known to many as Shed — was born in Hinckley, Leicestershire and joined the Royal Corps of Signals, completing P Company early in his career. He deployed to Afghanistan with 22 Signal Regiment and 2 Signal Regiment, before returning to the UK to serve as aSection Commander at ATC Pirbright, training and leading recruits. He later completed the Special Communications Course and joined 299 Signal Squadron (Special Communications), providing global support to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Over a 21‑year career, he finished his service as Squadron Sergeant Major of the Queen’s last squadron — the final group of service personnel to swear allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Jonny was appointed a Member of the British Empire for services to British foreign policy while seconded as a diplomat to the FCDO, working at the intersection of defence, intelligence, and diplomacy. Medically discharged with CPTSD, he moved into trauma‑informed veteran advocacy. Jonny now serves as Veterans Ambassador for Emerald Clinic, championing safe, stigma‑free access to prescribed medicinal cannabis and pushing for more humane, evidence‑based support for veterans. He is also the founder of The Campfire Collective, a veteran‑led woodland initiative built around community, honesty, and reconnection after service. Jonny speaks openly about trauma, identity, and rebuilding a life with purpose — with a focus on truth, service, and helping veterans find their way home." Jonny's links: The UK's Best Value Medical Cannabis Clinic | Emerald Medicinals Facebook (Campfire Collective) Instagram Guest links are shared as a courtesy to help listeners find the people, businesses, products, or services discussed in each episode. The podcast and host are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by these third parties unless explicitly stated. If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, please email us at [email protected], or follow us on social media: @veteranstateofmind Support the show

Ash McGraw served for 16 years in the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of The Mercian Regiment. During that time he lead soldiers all over the world, including on two tours of Afghanistan. Since leaving the forces Ash has built a new mission focussing on leadership, resilience, and performance. He is an online coach and property developer helping everyday people rebuild discipline, transform their mindset and take on challenges they never thought possible.  Instagram: @ash_battle_born Website: www.battlebornhq.com If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, please email us at [email protected], or follow us on social media: @veteranstateofmind Gez's new books:  Voices of Victory (World War 2 oral history): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Voices-Victory-Powerful-eye-witness-accounts/dp/1035070049/ Support the show

Stuart Smalldridge served in Afghanistan with 42 Commando, Royal Marines on Operation Herrick 9 This episode contains descriptions that some listeners may find upsetting. Note: Stuart served alongside Ben (War Story Episode 002), and crossed paths with Scott Ryder, 2nd Commando Regiment (War Story Episode 022) on a joint operation in Uruzgan Province. If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, please email us at [email protected], or follow us on social media: @veteranstateofmind Gez's new books:  Voices of Victory (World War 2 oral history): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Voices-Victory-Powerful-eye-witness-accounts/dp/1035070049/ Warrior (Roman historical fiction): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/geraintjones/warrior-by-geraint-jones Support the show

Ethan Nagel is a Marine Corps Infantrymen and Scout Sniper that served during the height of Iraq and Afghanistan war. He deployed to the Haditha Triad and Fallujah Provinces in Iraq and volunteered for a third deployment to Afghanistan as a Combat Advisor on Embedded Training Team 1-11. While attached to 10th Special Forces group and on patrol deep in the Mountains of Uzbin Valley, the team would be ambushed and then surrounded by Taliban fighters. Ethan would be wounded twice in the battle and would go on to recieve the Silver Star for protecting the body of Chief Warrant Officer Vose from being taken by the enemy. After his service the Marine Corps Ethan would deploy multiple times into combat zones with various roles included Advanced Static Secuirtty for CIA black sites and mobile protection for VIP’s in Kabul. After earning his Bachelors Degree in Intelligence Studies , he would go onto study Cinematography in Film school and go into film, direct and edit project for various companies and brands to include Netflix, Redbull, Black Rifle Coffee Company, Nine Line Apparel and Vet Tv. Ethan hosts his own show called Into The Breach, focusing on sit down interviews with veterans and a weekly OSINT show that keeps up with current conflicts around the world. Ethan's podcast, Into The Breach: https://www.youtube.com/@INTOTHEBREACHSHOW Ethan's socials: @ethan.nagel.films Veteran State Of Mind Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@veteranstateofmind If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, please email us at [email protected], or follow us on social media: @veteranstateofmind Support the show