H-Hour Podcast

‘I’ve been given that extra chance and I need to start giving back.’ In this impactful episode, Karl recounts his harrowing experiences from being a military serviceman in Iraq to becoming a motivational speaker and endurance athlete. After surviving severe burn injuries and a 10-day induced coma, Karl discusses his recovery process, the role of medical staff, and the personal growth that followed. The episode also covers Karl’s numerous marathon completions, his outlook on politics, and the life lessons derived from his military service. This conversation highlights themes of resilience, the importance of community support, and the significance of time management in overcoming life’s challenges.

Karl Hinett is a British military veteran and adventurer who has raised significant funds through various challenges. He served in the Staffordshire Regiment and was severely injured during a petrol bomb attack in Iraq in 2005, suffering 37% burns to his face, hands, arms, legs, and stomach. Following his injuries, he underwent 16 operations over five years to recover. Since 2005, he has participated in numerous marathons and ultra-marathons, including running a total of 100 marathons in 2011 and 2012. In March 2025, he and other veterans raised £90,000 through an Arctic challenge, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and friendship. Karl is also a motivational speaker and a member of the CASEVAC Club, an organization for military veterans.

‘I wouldn’t change a thing. I’d go through all that suffering again and again knowing that what I’ve got now is what I’ll have at the end of it.’ In this engaging icebreaker with Karl Hinett, the discussion centres around a H-Hour patron Q&A held before the London Marathon. The episode dives into deep questions on politics, military life, and personal experiences. Karl reflects on his entry into the military, the moral complexities of war, and the impact it has had on his life and outlook. He argues that his time in the military has given him resilience, a positive frame of mind, and a unique set of skills that aid in problem-solving and personal growth. He also discusses how his severe injuries led to self-improvement, emphasising the value of time and community support. The session closes with plans to explore Karl’s journey as a motivational speaker and endurance athlete in the forthcoming podcast.

Karl Hinett is a British military veteran and adventurer who has raised significant funds through various challenges. He served in the Staffordshire Regiment and was severely injured during a petrol bomb attack in Iraq in 2005, suffering 37% burns to his face, hands, arms, legs, and stomach. Following his injuries, he underwent 16 operations over five years to recover. Since 2005, he has participated in numerous marathons and ultra-marathons, including running a total of 100 marathons in 2011 and 2012. In March 2025, he and other veterans raised £90,000 through an Arctic challenge, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and friendship. Karl is also a motivational speaker and a member of the CASEVAC Club, an organization for military veterans.

“You have to take the bull by the horns, and make things happen for yourself.” Ollie Osborne of Warrior Wellness Movement joins Hugh to discuss the challenges and importance of health and wellness, both physical and mental, in military life. The conversation covers the issues of reliance on medicine, the concept of holistic health, and the impact of lifestyle on longevity as seen in the Blue Zones. Ollie shares his personal struggles with physical injuries, divorce, and mental health issues, explaining how they led him to become a doer rather than a complainer. The discussion also delves into the military’s handling of mental health, the implications of military suicides, and Ollie’s journey from the Royal Marines to establishing his own wellness coaching business. https://warriorwellnessmovement.com/

“It took me to have an absolute meltdown… for someone to realise how much pain I was in.” Join Ollie Osborne to listen to him answer questions submitted by H-Hour subscribers – making for an insightful and deeply personal discussion on mental resilience, military experiences, and holistic wellness. Ollie is a former Royal Marine and Royal Navy PTI and the owner of Warrior Wellness Movement. https://warriorwellnessmovement.com/ This conversation delves into the misconceptions about military toughness, the importance of community and support, and how personal adversity can fuel a journey towards health and fulfilment. Key topics include his challenging military service, adapting to life post-discharge, and setting up the Warrior Wellness Movement. Ollie also shares the profound impact of his father’s death on his mission to promote physical and mental well-being.

“People experience psychedelics differently.” Aleksandra Wingert joins H-Hour to discuss her work in psychedelic research, emphasizing the complexities of microdosing and the differential impact of psychedelics on men and women. The conversation covers the unique challenges of studying neuroplasticity, the placebo effect in controlled trials, and the potential of using psychedelics for mental health treatments. Alexandra also highlights the importance of understanding female hormonal cycles in psychedelic research and expresses the need for more precise, personalized approaches in psychiatry. The episode touches on the influence of lifestyle factors on mental health and the value of collecting real-world evidence to inform scientific studies.

“I’m always trying to, you know, keep in my head, not to compare myself to other people, but to compare myself to the version of me that was yesterday.” In this 20-minute icebreaker episode, academic Aleksandra Wingert answers intriguing questions about intelligence, psychedelics in the military, and the role of women in academia and STEM. She also shares her personal motivation behind studying psychedelics and discusses the necessity of mental health education. This episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration in the following full podcast.

“I just felt like my arm had exploded.”, Chris Stothers shares his profound and challenging journey in the PSNI, covering his struggles with PTSD, the near-drowning incident resulting in his diagnosis, and the complexities of policing in Northern Ireland. He delves into his experiences with public disorder, interactions with the British military, and critical incidents, including being shot. Chris discusses his transition out of the force, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and seeking help. Through his story, he hopes to raise awareness and support for mental health in policing and beyond.

This icebreaker is a preliminary interview before the full podcast. Former Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) police officer Chris Stothers, opens up about his experiences within the police service, discussing his battle with PTSD, the lack of timely mental health support, and the complexities of policing in Northern Ireland. The conversation touches on ethical dilemmas, public perceptions, and practical steps to better support officers struggling with trauma. Additionally, Chris reflects on his motivations for advocating for mental health awareness and the broader lessons global law enforcement can learn from Northern Ireland’s history with conflict resolution and political tension.

“In a normal lifetime, emergency services workers will experience between 600 to 800 traumas.” In this episode, Gaz Hayes (a former British Transport Police Officer) chats with Hugh to explore the nuances of mental health in the police force, tackling the issues around PTSD, the importance of talking about mental struggles, and the challenges officers face. Chris shares insights from his own career, reflecting on saving lives, facing early traumas, and the strain of major public events. The discussion also highlights key differences between the British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police, revealing surprising moments and Gaz’s coping mechanisms post-trauma.

Check out Gaz’s charity PTSD 999 – accessible support for those serving, or who have served, within the Emergency Services, and their families, living with PTSD. https://www.ptsd-999.com/  and at https://www.instagram.com/ptsd999official/. Check out this fundraiser for the charity, donate if you can. https://www.justgiving.com/page/mark-etienne-3

“Talk to someone. You are only feeling the way you are because you’ve experienced a trauma.” This icebreaker is a preliminary interview before the full podcast. In this icebreaker, Gaz Hayes (a former British Transport Police Officer) delves into the challenges police officers face, particularly focusing on mental health issues like PTSD that are often overlooked. He answers questions such as: Are the police good at supporting officers with mental ill health? What does it feel like to save someone’s life and how does it change you as a person? How do you remember your first days as a police officer? How has being a parent changed you, and what advice would you give to police officer parents? How has your policing experience changed how you experience public events? What advice would you give to someone experiencing their hardest time mentally? How does the British Transport Police compare to the Met? Gaz also shares personal stories from his career, describing the realities of saving lives, the trauma of incidents like the London bombings, and how policing has changed his perspective on public events. The segment ends with practical advice for officers and an exploration of the unique aspects of the British Transport Police compared to the Metropolitan Police.

Check out Gaz’s charity PTSD 999 – accessible support for those serving, or who have served, within the Emergency Services, and their families, living with PTSD. https://www.ptsd-999.com/  and at https://www.instagram.com/ptsd999official/

“This is what being shot at feels like.” Chris Burtenshaw joins H-Hour to discuss his intense experiences as a paratrooper in Afghanistan, the camaraderie and hardships faced at Checkpoint Quadrat, and the lasting impact of wartime events. He delves into his battle with PTSD, the therapeutic journey, and his current focus on training for the London Marathon to support military charities. This episode offers a raw and heartfelt glimpse into the life of a soldier turned marathoner. Follow Chris on Insta https://www.instagram.com/mid_life_marathon/ and donate to his fundraiser at https://www.justgiving.com/page/chris-burtenshaw-1719932693130

“Conditioning is built up to be effective out there; to go out and do your job.” This icebreaker is the lead into the full conversation with Chris Burtenshaw, ex 3 Para. Chris provides a profound look into his experiences as a new para during Afghanistan, beginning with his deployment in 2010 just before Herrick 13. The discussion navigates through the challenges faced, including near-death experiences, dealing with the loss of comrades, and the mental conditioning required to confront the enemy. He further narrates the difficulties in transitioning from military to civilian life, adjusting to the private security industry, and shares heartfelt advice for aspiring soldiers. The conversation culminates with reflections on personal inspirations, the contemporary political landscape, and historical military figures he admires. An intriguing icebreaker with Chris before the full podcast. Follow Chris on Insta https://www.instagram.com/mid_life_marathon/ and donate to his fundraiser at https://www.justgiving.com/page/chris-burtenshaw-1719932693130

“No good deed goes unpunished.” Nigel Ely joins the H-Hour podcast to share his incredible journey from SAS veteran to war journalist. He recounts his daring escapades, including acquiring a chunk of Saddam Hussein’s statue, navigating the chaos of the Iraq invasion, and the bizarre aftermath back in the UK. The episode also delves into the psychological and social dynamics among Falklands War veterans, the intricacies of military culture, and Nigel’s upcoming book projects. A compelling conversation filled with personal anecdotes and profound insights into the life of a soldier and journalist.

Follow Nigel via his website https://www.nigelely.com/ and via his Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/nigel_ely/ You can also find his book Bring Me The Arse of Saddam at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bring-Arse-Saddam-Nigel-Ely/dp/0995660506/

“I respect the Argentinians. I can’t say I forgive them. It’s been 40 odd years and I still can’t,” This icebreaker is the lead into the full conversation with Nigel, a veteran of 22SAS and 2 Para, who discusses the peculiar journey of Saddam’s artifacts, including the challenges of auctioning Saddam Hussein’s butter sculpture. He details the interest from major networks like Netflix and Sky for a TV series adaptation and highlights his personal legal troubles related to the artifact under UN sanctions. Nigel also touches on military culture, training hardships, the dynamics within units post-combat tours, and the psychological impact on soldiers. The discussion covers personal encounters with violence during training, interactions with former enemies, and the profound effects of combat on soldiers’ mental health.

Follow Nigel via his website https://www.nigelely.com/ and via his Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/nigel_ely/ You can also find his book Bring Me The Arse of Saddam at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bring-Arse-Saddam-Nigel-Ely/dp/0995660506/

“Filled with challenging questions and profound insights, Anna’s episode is a must-listen for those interested in global politics, ethics, and strategies for activism.”

Anna Stavrianakis and I dive deep into the murky waters of the international arms trade and its corollaries in a multifaceted discussion for H-Hour #256. We explore moral and political dimensions, scrutinize British arms export policies, and engage in debate on corruption and racism in global arms dealings. The conversation also touches on the implications of military-industrial complexes, corruption, and the geopolitical dynamics involving major powers.

Follow Anna and Shadow World Investigations at these links:

https://shadowworldinvestigations.org/

https://x.com/stavrianakisa

https://profiles.sussex.ac.uk/p200527-anna-stavrianakis

This icebreaker is the lead into the full into the full conversation Anna who researches and teaches on the international arms trade, UK arms export policy, international arms transfer control, and militarism and security in North-South perspective. She often works in collaboration with civil society organisations, social movements, journalists and parliamentarians, and engages publicly on arms trade issues.

Follow Anna and Shadow World Investigations at these links:

https://shadowworldinvestigations.org/

https://x.com/stavrianakisa

https://profiles.sussex.ac.uk/p200527-anna-stavrianakis

Chris Branch joins Hugh on H-Hour to discuss the mental and physical benefits of ultra running, sharing insights from personal experiences and professional expertise as an osteopath. He covers topics such as the transformative power of running on mental health, effective training strategies, and overcoming common running injuries. Chris also delves into the importance of nutrition, the role of resilience in achieving long-term fitness goals, and how to optimise performance. With engaging anecdotes about races, the impact of diet on mental well-being, and practical advice for runners at all levels, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in ultra running and attaining a balanced lifestyle. You can find Chris’s YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisBranch

This is the Icebreaker episode, with questions chosen by H-Hour Platinum Subscribers and Patrons.

Chris Branch joins Hugh on H-Hour to discuss the mental and physical benefits of ultra running, sharing insights from personal experiences and professional expertise as an osteopath. He covers topics such as the transformative power of running on mental health, effective training strategies, and overcoming common running injuries. Chris also delves into the importance of nutrition, the role of resilience in achieving long-term fitness goals, and how to optimise performance. With engaging anecdotes about races, the impact of diet on mental well-being, and practical advice for runners at all levels, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in ultra running and attaining a balanced lifestyle. You can find Chris’s YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisBranch

Follow H-Hour on WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRAeu4opIrQElJN1belo33 **********
In 2006, 88 soldiers consisting mainly of paratroopers from 3 Para and two platoons of Royal Irish soldiers found themselves at the mercy of hundreds of Taliban in the town of Musa Qaleh, Helmand Province. Faced with relentless attacks from all directions, and a combination of direct and indirect weaponry, the vastly outnumbered troops held their ground in a set of low-walled buildings within the District Centre compound, for 56 days.

Jo Scrivener was the Company Sergeant Major.

Follow H-Hour on WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRAeu4opIrQElJN1belo33 ********** This is the Icebreaker episode, with questions chosen by H-Hour Platinum Subscribers and Patrons.

In 2006, 88 soldiers consisting mainly of paratroopers from 3 Para and two platoons of Royal Irish soldiers found themselves at the mercy of hundreds of Taliban in the town of Musa Qaleh, Helmand Province. Faced with relentless attacks from all directions, and a combination of direct and indirect weaponry, the vastly outnumbered troops held their ground in a set of low-walled buildings within the District Centre compound, for 56 days.

Jo Scrivener was the Company Sergeant Major.