Latest episode
29. Episode#29 Former Para and current Firefighter Andy Williams joins TOPP for a very interesting chat.
01:04:49||Ep. 29Despite a turbulent upbringing, Andrew Williams enlisted in the Parachute Regiment at just 16. Deployed to the deadly frontlines of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in 2006, he confronted the brutal realities of warfare, engaging in some of the most intense combat witnessed by the British Army since the Korean War. After his military service, Andrew transitioned into domestic counter-intelligence and spent over a decade as a high-risk security consultant, navigating some of the world’s most dangerous and unpredictable environments. These harrowing experiences forced him to face not only the physical dangers around him but also the deep, often unseen, psychological scars left by war.Check out his new book.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beyond-Drop-Zone-Paratroopers-Story-ebook/dp/B0CWCKBNRYBeyond The Drop Zone, takes you on a gripping journey from patrolling the streets of Northern Ireland to war-torn Iraq, coming face to face with ISIS, and engaging in fierce battles in Afghanistan with 3 PARA.This raw and unflinching memoir reveals the psychological toll of combat, Andrew’s struggles with mental health, and his fight against a life-threatening illness. It is a powerful account of overcoming immense adversity, finding a path to healing, and discovering the strength of perseverance.This is his story, told in his own words.
More episodes
View all episodes
28. Episode#28 Former Oasis tour manager, former Para and Firefighter Iain Robertson chats to TOPP.
01:28:27||Ep. 28Former Paratrooper left the military and headed straight for the music industry, working with Oasis ,Duran Duran, Spandau ballet, George Harrison and the sex pistols to name a few. Iain shares some memorable and hilarious stories of his time on the road with some of worlds rock and roll royalty . After leaving the music industry behind Iain decided to try his hand at being a firefighter and also shares some harrowing tales of incidents he attended.Episode #27 EX Para and Pathfinder Tom Blakey chats to TOPP about his eventful military career.
56:42|By the time Tom was 7 years old, he knew he wanted to be a Paratrooper. Joining the cadets aged 13, and enlisting in the British Army aged 16, Tom began his career with Junior Para followed by P Company. 2 Northern Ireland tours & 5 Years in 1 Para later, and Tom was on the hunt for his next challenge, completing Pathfinder's Selection and deploying to Kosovo, Iraq & Afghanistan. Tom joined the Red Devils Parachute Display team and has amassed over 4500 jumps to date, and is now a member of The Jump Dogs display team. Keen to share his experience with young people & civilians, Tom is the founder of First In Events, works as an SSI for the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and has a Youtube Channel @PreparedPathfinderEpisode#26 Battle of Britain and SAS veteran 102 yr old Chelsea pensioner John Morris chats to TOPP
47:25|After decades living in Australia, a World War II Special Air Service (SAS) and Battle of Britain veteran was escorted home to England last month by an Australian Army soldier from 1st Commando Regiment to join the Chelsea Pensioners, a program run by the illustrious Chelsea Hospital for British Army veterans. Nicknamed “Cat” Morris for his ability to cheat death, Mr John Morris enlisted when he was 16, joining an anti-aircraft regiment as a gun layer to defend British cities against Nazi bombers. When his regiment deployed to North Africa, Mr Morris first escaped death aboard a landing craft after his ship was torpedoed. He contracted Hepatitis-A from drinking contaminated water in Algeria, an illness that led him to the SAS Raiding Support Group (RSR) when officers asked for volunteers at his hospital. The newly-formed special forces unit operated behind enemy lines across Yugoslavia and Greece, providing heavy-weapon support and training to local militias to overthrow Nazi occupation, as Allied forces advanced into Europe.Episode #25 Former Paratrooper and best selling author Coach Mike Chadwick chats with TOPP.
39:07|Ex-paratrooper Mike Chadwick revolutionised the British Armed Forces' approach to training and delivered unprecedented pass rates for the Parachute Regiment's Pegasus-Company selection course. He was awarded the Bredin Trophy and a GOC commendation announced alongside the Queen's Birthday Honours list. More recently, Mike has been coaching the UK Special Forces, the global Tactical Athlete community and the elite sporting world.Episode#24 Ex Para and SAS trooper Robin Horsfall chats with TOPP about his many life experiences.
49:11|Born in Farnham, Surrey, UK. Following a divorce from his birth father, his mother Hazel married his step-father, who adopted him and gave him the name Horsfall. A broken family life adversely affected his education, so he left school in 1972 at the age of fifteen and joined the army as a boy soldier. Despite a long period of isolation and bullying by his peers, he became a full member of the Parachute Regiment in 1974 and served three tours of Northern Ireland. In 1978 he volunteered for SAS selection and passed on his second attempt in March 1979. He went on to qualify as a Paramedic and Sniper. He was a member of the SAS counter terrorist team that assaulted the Iranian Embassy in London in 1980, helping to rescue the nineteen hostages who had been held for six days. Robin has had an extraordinary life and has been speaking about it at events both small and large for over 10 years.23. Episode#23 CEO of Fathers4Justice Matt O' Connor chats with TOPP about how the Organisation formed.
01:07:12||Ep. 23Fathers 4 Justice is a campaign group fighting for the rights of fathers in the UK. It was founded in 2001 by Matt O’Connor with the aim to gain support for changes in legislation concerning the rights of fathers to see their kids. The group mainly uses stunts, like climbing public buildings and monuments, often wearing fancy dress or costumes to gain media attention.