Declassified - podcast cover

Declassified

Welcome, I'm Michael Coates, a former firefighter and also a former Soldier. This podcast documents amazing stories from members of the military community. Our guests include Military Cross winners, athletes, partners of those who have served, high ranking commanders and 'normal' veterans who have gained extraordinary experiences. By declassifying stigmas and perceptions we wish to open up issues around mental fitness and wellbeing, talk in depth around subjects such as post traumatic growth and delve into human development on a micro level. Our longterm vision is to provide hope, guidance, support and help for individuals who are suffering from both mental and physical illness or injury. This is part of the Declassified network and this is Declassified Awarded Best Interview Podcast and 3rd Best Wellbeing Podcast in the British Podcast Awards 2020

Episodes

DC19 Episode 06 - David Richmond CBE

In this episode we speak about the Office of Veteran Affairs. We also talk about the charity sector and how the Veteran community will continue to have a meaningful impact on society, right now and in the future.

Apr 01, 202020 min

Tribute Ink Special - Matt Tomlinson CGC MC

Awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross in Fallujah and the Military Cross in Afghanistan. Our next guest is one of the most inspiring yet humble individuals to grace the Military community in a generation. His career is nothing short of outstanding yet his heart ache and loss is significant. We hear about his heroic actions in foreign fields, the team around him and why his tattoos mean so much to him now. Tribute ink special, Matt Tomlinson CGC MC, this is Declassified...

Mar 30, 20201 hr 55 min

Episode 43 - Ash Alexander-Cooper

Special Military Units, Gurkha, pilot, musician, sport and being a dad. In this episode we speak about living with an alcoholic father, thriving in boarding school, joining the military and the impact this has all had on his life. We also speak about why being a parent is his proudest achievement and why each second with his daughter is incredibly precious. Episode 43, Ash Alexander-Cooper OBE - This is Declassified

Mar 27, 20201 hr 1 min

Episode 42 - Stanley Moore

As a child he lived in East London amongst the carnage of the Blitz. He then became a refugee and moved to Wales where as a young boy he became a coal miner. Following a traumatic experience he moved back to the East end and witnessed some unbelievable sights. However, it took him 70 years to speak about what happened in Wales. Episode 42 - Stanley Moore - This is Declassified

Mar 24, 20201 hr 11 min

Episode 41 - Wendy Faux

JUST A WIFE. A phrase that couldn't be further from the truth. In this episode we speak about the different sides of the Military. From servicing as a regular to becoming a reservist and life being married to a Soldier. We also speak about spousal employment and also how the Arts are playing such an important role in changing the conversation and promoting growth & development @wendyfaux

Jan 24, 202050 min

Forces Friendly - Episode 5 - Daniel Priestley

Influence, assets, failure, UN global goals and why all 4 will help your business making a bigger impact. In this episode we speak to Daniel Priestley who is a successful entrepreneur, 4-time best selling author, international speaker and advocate for using business as a force for good. You can find Daniel on social media @danielpriestley

Dec 13, 20191 hr 11 min

Episode 40 - Des Fraser

Chaos of childhood, stability of the Military, losing friends and family, joining the Special forces and business. This episodes delves into the link between childhood trauma and PTSD as an adult. We talk about being exposed to violence as a child, losing his dad and sister to suicide, how he nearly ended his own life and why he positively impacts the world with his company now. A fascinating insight into one of the founders of this podcast and how it has in turn saved his life. Episode 40 - Des...

Dec 12, 20191 hr 18 min

Re-release of Episode 28 - Mandy Islam

We have re-released Mandy's episode in way of tribute to this absolute warrior. She was, still is and will continue to be an inspiration to many others with this open, honest and compassionate conversation. We talk about her early life, joining the British Army aged 16, her operational tours, battling cancer and what will now be her legacy. Major Mandy Islam MBE, from all of the Military Community - Thank you

Dec 01, 20191 hr

Episode 39 - Stewart Hill

Traumatic brain injury, Afghanistan, Emotion, Recovery, Family and Art. Described as in impressive and inspirational leader of men. An infantry officer who tells his story with passion and acceptance We also talk about how painting helped restore purpose and meaning back into his life. Please note this conversation could be distressing for some listeners. For information about Stewarts amazing art please visit - https://www.stewarthill.co.uk...

Oct 30, 20191 hr 19 min

Forces Friendly - Episode 4 - Veteran Business Special

This is the one we talk about Veteran owned small business . We speak to Blown Away, Combat Pest Control, Contact Coffee and Hidden Valley Bushcraft. What does it take to start a company, why purpose is so important and we delve into what is working with regards Facebook advertising. This is part of the Declassified Network and this is the Forces Friendly Podcast

Oct 29, 20191 hr

Episode 38 - Eliot Kennedy

Music, Take That, Spice Girls, Afghanistan and growing up in Yorkshire. This episodes takes us on the journey of one of the worlds most successful music producers. We talk childhood, alcohol, domestic violence, purpose, partnerships, his experience in conflict and the power of music. Episode 38 - Eliot Kennedy - This is Declassified

Oct 25, 20191 hr 15 min

Episode 37 - Kath Ryan

Victoria Sponge, Vanilla Slice, Bakewell Tart and a Madeira. This is the incredible and humbling story of the countries best kept secret. From her childhood in Birmingham, feeding the elderly, becoming a nurse then getting the opportunity to love and care for our most brutally wounded service men and women. But not in the way you'd imagine. This story starts with a cake and ends with a full generation of wounded injured and sicks total devotion. Episode 37 - Kath the Cake Lady - This is Declassi...

Oct 15, 20191 hr 1 min

SHOUT Special - Victoria Hornby

Royal foundation, Endeavour fund, Heads together and SHOUT. This episode is all about SHOUT - 24/7 crisis text line that is free, anonymous, clinically supervised and has just launched its Military campaign. In Crisis - Text Contact to 85258 Want to volunteer or need to know more - https://www.giveusashout.org

Oct 09, 201956 min

Episode 36 - Cassidy Little

Ballet, The Bet, Standup Comedy, The Royal Marines, Afghanistan, Losing his leg and his career in acting. This is the second account of the same IED strike we have had on this podcast. A fascinating look at how our guests life has developed because of the trauma he has endured. We talk about cake, friendships, recovery and Hollywood. Episode 36 - Cassidy Little - This is Declassified

Oct 08, 20191 hr 7 min

'Breaking the Cycle' Podcast Clip

Our sister podcast 'Breaking the Cycle' is now live. We talk about child carers, substance abuse, youth homelessness, neglect, development, rough sleeping, domestic violence, Grenfell and much more.... Two years in the making and expect the same quality content as heard on Declassified. Type 'Breaking the Cycle' or 'Michael Coates' into any major podcast platform. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-the-cycle/id1587695520?uo=4 https://audioboom.com/channels/5061330...

Oct 03, 20193 min

Episode 35 - Aldo Kane

Volcanoes, Sniper, Adventure, Royal Marines, Nuclear Bunkers and Climate Change Our next guest has spent the last 20 years becoming one of televisions go to individuals for safety and access. From his time in the Corps to developing his skills off-shore. We talk about Iraq, positive habits, human suffering, goal setting and his current work. Episode 35 - Aldo Kane - This is Declassified

Oct 01, 20191 hr 5 min

Episode 34 - JJ Chalmers

Afghanistan ripped him apart physically, purpose and meaning in his life pieced him back together. This is the remarkable story of a man who typifies what it means to be more than his injury. We speak about being a Royal Marine Commando, his patrol that sustained huge trauma and the success he has seen in recent years. Episode 34 - JJ Chalmers - This is Declassified

Sep 24, 20191 hr 15 min

Combat Pest Control Special - Michael Coates

Employ Veterans, Educate Children in Conflict, Protect Clients, Support Injured Service Personnel. Guest host JJ Chalmers talks to the co-founder of Combat Pest Control and host of the Declassified Podcast about why he is so passionate about their 4 point vision. We talk growth, trauma, education, values, friendships, development, and the positive impact veteran owned business can have on society (and the world). And remember, it all starts with the a rat and a mouse. This is Declassified www.co...

Sep 16, 20191 hr 4 min

Episode 33 - Summary of 23 - 32 with Dave Henson

Great to have the legend that is Dave Henson back in the studio to overview a huge range of topics. Episodes which we summarised including trauma, business, education, Afghanistan, Paralympics, Casevac club, plastic surgery, military and psychiatric history, WW2, Cancer, determination, the greatest war story to come out of the last 20 years, refugees and 2 amazing specials cover the MOD and politics.

Sep 14, 20191 hr 5 min

Forces Friendly - Episode 3 - Sebastian Bates

Small business and specifically running a small business can be a lonely experience, especially if you don't understand your vision and purpose. In this episode we speak about the importance of a team, working through trauma and growing your company. This is part of the Declassified network and this is the Forces Friendly Podcast.

Sep 11, 20191 hr 1 min

People Special - Helen Helliwell

Childhood trauma, chronic fatigue, set backs, growth and development. Our next guest is an inspiration and in this conversation we delve into areas of her life not openly talked about before. We also speak about why she is so passionate about helping others and why working with the Military cohort is so important. A People Special, Helen Helliwell. This is Declassified

Sep 04, 20191 hr 6 min

Westminster Special - Johnny Mercer

From a strict baptist childhood, developing OCD, chronic fatigue and daily suffering to becoming a warrior on the battlefields of Afghanistan. In this episode we speak to a current serving member of parliament who is on a mission to change things for the better. A raw and honest account of living with obsessive compulsive disorder, using this to thrive within the Armed Forces and why he went in to politics. We speak about his current challenges and why he is so passionate about ensuring veteran ...

Jul 09, 20191 hr 6 min

MOD Special - Glenn Haughton

Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chiefs of Staff Committee. This Ministry of Defence special gave us an open and honest account to the most senior enlisted member of the Armed Forces. We speak about his early career, the bullying culture in the late 80s, the first gulf war, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sandhurst and his current role including his appointment as the Military's 'Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion'. We also delve into his own mental health challenges and why he is so passionate about making ...

Jul 05, 20191 hr 10 min

Episode 32 - Saif Omari

Being an interpreter in Afghanistan working for the British Army at the height of the conflict had its challenges. Our next guest was born into conflict and spent most of his adult life working in some of the most brutal war fighter in modern times. He was blown up, nearly lost his eye yet continued to work alongside his British brothers deep inside Helmand province. His challenges since coming to the UK seeking asylum have still not been overcome. He is now battling to keep himself and his chil...

Jun 25, 20191 hr 3 min

Episode 31 - Dave Rigg MC

Strapping themselves to the side of an Apache attack helicopter to rescue a fallen commando. This is the story of the mission that will go down in legend and the one where 3 Royal Marines, 2 Apaches and 1 Royal Engineer flew into the hornets nest. Episode 31 - Dave Rigg MC - This is Declassified

Jun 19, 20191 hr 5 min

Episode 30 - Wendy Searle

Polar exploration, being a mum, a military wife and an amazing role model. This episode looks at what it takes to train, plan and implement a true test of human endurance. We speak childhood, military life and her current project - https://southpole2020.com

Jun 11, 201955 min

Forces Friendly - Episode 2 - Geraint Jones

Writing a book about your life in the Military or a fictional novel about experiences gained are a dream of many within the Armed Forces community. This episode breaks book writing down to its fundamental elements giving clarity around the process. We speak about planning, story telling, the edit and publishing. This is part of the Declassified network and this is the Forces Friendly Podcast.

Jun 05, 20191 hr 7 min

Episode 29 - Dean Stott

SBS, Army commando, diver, world record holder and charity fundraiser. This episode delves into the life of a former special forces operative. From going the British Army as a Royal Engineer to his time in Military prison and his invitation to the Royal wedding. Episode 29 - Dean Stott - This is Declassified

Jun 04, 20191 hr 11 min

Episode 28 - Mandy Islam

Battling with terminal cancer has been her hardest fight so far. Joining the British Army as a teenager our next guest has travelled and operated in some of the worlds most hostile environments. She now faces hostility like nothing she has experienced before and attacks it in a way we can honestly call her a true military warrior. We speak treatment, her role model father, death and quality of life. Episode 28 - Mandy Islam - This is Declassified...

May 28, 20191 hr
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