H-Hour Podcast

Support H-Hour on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hkpodcasts ********** Tony Long is a retired Metropolitan Police firearms officer who killed 3 people during his 25-year career with Scotland Yard, the most recent of which was a high-profile shooting incident in 2005. He was cleared of murder charges in 2015 after standing trial for the death of Azelle Rodney, a a mid-level career criminal at the time of the shooting and who was wanted by police in connection with two stabbings.

In this conversation, Tony discusses the complexities surrounding the arming of police officers in the UK, the changing landscape of crime, and the cultural influences that shape criminal behaviour. He emphasizes the moral and practical implications of police training and accountability, while also addressing the challenges faced by law enforcement in a rapidly evolving society. The discussion highlights the need for reform in police investigations and the importance of understanding the cultural context of crime.

Mandy Hickson joined the Royal Air Force in 1994 and was the first woman to fly the Tornado GR4 on the front line. https://www.mandyhickson.com/

 In this conversation, Mandy discusses the evolving dynamics of military culture, particularly focusing on the balance between appropriate banter and political correctness. She reflects on her journey to becoming a pilot in the Royal Air Force, the challenges faced by women in the military, and the biases present in recruitment testing. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media on youth perspectives, the importance of ethical decision-making in combat, and the collaborative training experiences in the military.

In this conversation, Alistair and Hugh discuss the role of the monarchy in modern society, reflecting on its historical significance and current relevance. They delve into personal feelings about Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy, the implications of Prince Harry’s departure from royal duties, and the influence of media on public perception of the royal family. The discussion also touches on the future of the monarchy and the potential for reform within the institution.

Transitioning to his military experience, Alistair shares insights into the selection process for the SAS and reflects on the camaraderie and challenges faced during his service. Finally, he delves into his journey into filmmaking, emphasizing the impact of social issues like homelessness and the changes in the industry brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Alistair also discusses the evolution of online interviews, the mechanics of AI image generation, and the ethical implications surrounding AI and copyright. He explores the differences between AI art and traditional art, emphasizing the creative process involved in using AI tools. https://www.instagram.com/jaggillan/

In this conversation, James shares his life journey, detailing his early identity struggles, the search for belonging, and the allure of the wrong crowd. He recounts his experiences with crime, the consequences of his actions, and the eventual turning point that led him to a more constructive path. The discussion delves into themes of brotherhood, mental health struggles, and the biker culture, highlighting the complexities of seeking community and the risks involved. Ultimately, James reflects on his transformation and the lessons learned from his past.
https://blackbearing.co.uk

Dec Munro is the co-founder and co-owner of the the Bill Murray in London, UK – a comedy club voted in Chortle’s awards as “Best London Venue 2023”.

https://www.decmunro.com

https://www.angelcomedy.co.uk/bill-murray/

In this conversation, Dec shares his experiences in the world of comedy, from teaching stand-up to navigating sensitive topics. He recounts the humorous yet bizarre ‘knitted asshole’ story, discusses the boundaries of comedy, and reflects on the importance of understanding audience dynamics. Dec also delves into his journey from performer to director, emphasising the significance of material generation and storytelling in comedy. The conversation also touches on the ethics of creative work and the responsibility of artists in addressing societal issues.

“I really thought we were gonna get caught in an avalanche.” Steve Brown is an author and former British Army Pathfinder. https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B091ZKNBGQ

Topics in this conversation:

Preparation and awareness can prevent dangerous situations.

Life-threatening situations can be unpredictable and terrifying.

Military training prepares individuals for various dangerous scenarios.

Writing an autobiography can be a nerve-wracking yet rewarding experience.

Martial arts training fosters mental resilience and self-discipline.

Self-defense training is crucial for personal safety and empowerment.

Community support in martial arts enhances the learning experience.

Different martial arts have unique benefits and applications.

Physical fitness contributes to overall mental health and well-being.

The camaraderie in martial arts is often more supportive than in other sports.

Engaging in martial arts can reduce the likelihood of violence in real-life situations. Military life often involves physical confrontations, especially in social settings.

Dover’s nightlife was notorious for its military presence and associated fights.

The military culture can be highly alpha-dominated, leading to intense competition.

Violence is sometimes used as a quick method to teach discipline in the military.

Integration among different military units can be challenging but necessary for operations.

Social constructs play a significant role in shaping modern societal issues.

The conversation around gender equality in the military is evolving, with more women entering elite units.

Maintaining high fitness standards is crucial in military training and operations.

Free speech is essential for discussing sensitive topics without fear of backlash.

The perception of racism and discrimination is complex and often misunderstood. Lowering standards in military units compromises their effectiveness.

Gender should not dictate entry standards in combat roles.

Physical capability is often a determining factor in military effectiveness.

Mental health issues are prevalent among military personnel.

Asking for help with mental health can be a difficult step.

Self-defence knowledge is essential for civilians.

It’s important to recognize the strengths of individuals regardless of gender.

The military culture can sometimes normalize extreme behaviours.

Survival skills are crucial but often inadequately taught.

Lee West is a former Royal Marines Commando, also an author, and the owner of Copr Bar, based in Swansea City Centre.

Topics in this this Conversation:

High-value target operations require quick decision-making and adaptability.

Unexpected situations can reveal true character and instincts.

The local population’s sentiments can greatly influence military operations.

Transitioning to civilian life can be challenging for veterans.

COVID-19 has significantly impacted small businesses and mental health.

Understanding the law versus recommendations is crucial for business owners.

Personal accountability is essential for maintaining mental health post-service.

The importance of having a clear purpose in daily life.

Binge drinking can stem from environmental factors and lack of accountability.

Reflecting on past experiences can provide valuable insights for the future. Recommendations can be ignored if justified.

Writing can be a long and fulfilling process.

Processing memories through writing enhances understanding.

Emotional challenges can delay writing about personal experiences.

Military heritage shapes personal identity and storytelling.

War impacts soldiers and civilians differently.

Generational differences affect military experiences and perceptions.

The current military landscape is changing and challenging.

Global conflicts are influenced by political and economic factors.

Personal motivations can drive individuals back to service.

Dr Nick Almond is the Founder of FactoryDAO – the place to build, launch and manage your DAO. He is also a physicist, learning theorist, governance researcher and builder. https://x.com/DrNickA

Key Takeaways from this Conversation

Human control over AI is essential to prevent misuse.

The crypto market is currently facing significant challenges and volatility.

The FTX collapse revealed systemic risks within the crypto industry.

Stablecoins have emerged as a crucial component of the crypto ecosystem.

Centralized exchanges pose risks similar to traditional financial institutions.

Regulation in the crypto space is evolving but remains ambiguous.

CBDCs could centralize financial control and impact privacy.

DAOs represent a new frontier in governance and corporate structure.

The intersection of crypto and traditional finance is complex and fraught with challenges.

Regulatory clarity is essential for the growth of the crypto industry.

Innovative governance models like DAOs could reshape how organizations operate. The London Voice DAO aims to engage citizens in decision-making.

Technological convergence will lead to significant changes in society.

AI can enhance the efficiency of decentralized organizations.

Job losses due to AI are a pressing concern.

Educational reform is necessary to prepare for future job markets.

AI and crypto can intersect to create new organizational models.

The risks of autonomous AI agents need careful consideration.

Corporate control over AI poses a threat to democracy.

DAOs can provide a framework for democratic AI governance.

In this TV & film chat episode, Bags Simmons (owner of Bare Arms TV & Film, British Army veteran) and Alex Brockdorff (actor, director, British Army veteran) and Hugh, discuss their most memorable assassin movies. Recorded at Bags’ place https://barearms.co.uk/. Find Alex on X and Instagram – @alexbrockdorff

Andy Williams shares his life experiences and the challenges he has faced throughout his life, including being raised by his sister and growing up without parents, later being selected to join the British Army’s Parachute Regiment and MI5. He discusses the importance of reframing negative thoughts and the pressure we put on ourselves. Andy also reflects on the military as a way to find direction and guidance, and the impact of comparing ourselves to others. He emphasises the need to recognise and appreciate our own unique stories and experiences. He experienced a challenging upbringing, with a mother who was absent and struggled with alcoholism. He was raised by his older sister, who did her best to care for him. Despite his difficult childhood, Andy found solace and purpose in joining the military, specifically the Parachute Regiment. He saw it as an opportunity to escape his small town and gain a sense of unity, family, and direction. He faced various challenges during his military career, including injuries, sleep deprivation, and the emotional toll of combat. He was eventually medically discharged due to post-traumatic stress and other health issues. Andy discusses his transition from the military, to MI5, then into private security and finally the fire service and the rewarding aspects of his new career. He also talks about the variety of jobs he encounters as a firefighter, including bariatric rescues and ring removals. He emphasises the importance of routine and the sense of camaraderie in the fire service. He also mentions his upcoming book and the therapeutic process of writing it. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of sharing personal experiences to help others and the power of empathy. Follow Andy on Instagram and get updates on his book release – Find Andy’s social media details and book details here: https://linktr.ee/beyondthedropzone

Mick Hawkes, a security manager, owner of hawkesandco.uk, author and former member of 22 SAS, discusses his career and experiences in the military and special forces. He talks about his motivation for writing a book and the importance of helping others who face challenges. Mick also shares his thoughts on the evolution of British special forces and security services units. He discusses the role of women in special forces and the challenges they may face in passing selection. Mick reflects on his own experience with SAS selection and the importance of luck and support from units. He also shares his views on the portrayal of special forces on TV shows and the opportunities it has created for former special forces personnel. The rural crime units are underfunded and overwhelmed, leading to a lack of response to rural crimes. Farmers often experience thefts and vandalism without any police intervention. Criminals take advantage of the lack of security improvements and target farms repeatedly. The farming industry needs more support from organisations like the NFU to combat rural crime. The police are understaffed and face challenges in responding to crimes in rural areas. There is a need for better collaboration between the police and organisations like the NFU to improve security and support farmers. The conversation covers various topics related to military experiences, including being captured, the challenges of memory recall, the importance of rules of engagement, and the impact of the British Army in Northern Ireland. The guest also discusses his company, Hawkes & Co, which focuses on providing security services with integrity and authenticity. The conversation concludes with a mention of the guest’s upcoming book, ‘Life on the Edge.’. Mick’s experience includes 24 years in the military including 12 years in 22 SAS (Including 6 years Covert operations). 2 years as a military advisor to the British Secret Intelligence Services in London (MI5 for Covert operations). Plus 2-+ years in corporate security operating out of Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Sudan, Libya and West Africa. https://www.hawkesandco.uk/

In this episode, former paratrooper John Bream discusses his experiences in Ukraine, where he and a group of friends travelled to provide aid and support during the conflict, and established the organisation Vans Without Borders. He shares stories of their journey, the devastation they witnessed, and the people they helped. The conversation also touches on the complexities of war, the impact on civilians, and the role of ego and competition in military service. John also mentions his son’s decision to join the military and his own aspirations for stunt and safety challenges. He discusses his experiences in base jumping and stunt work. He talks about meeting other extreme athletes, the dangers and training involved in base jumping, and the importance of being mentally prepared. He also mentions his work in the film industry as a stunt rigger and shares some insights into the world of stunts. Overall, the conversation provides first hand experience of the frontline in Ukraine, and also a glimpse into the adrenaline-fueled world of extreme sports and stunt work.

John is a former paratrooper who seeks out adventure and high risk stunts in order to inspire and motivate others to push themselves to their limits. Follow John on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/johntheflyingfish/

This conversation between Hugh Keir and media commentator / former glamour model Leilani Dowding, covers topics such as the erosion of civil liberties, the advocacy of free speech, the role of media regulators, the manipulation of news and entertainment, the dangers of censorship, and the division caused by movements like BLM and Pride. The conversation also covers topics such as the politicization of issues, the lack of integrity in politicians and the media, the need for political reform, the corruption and cronyism in government, the difficulty of navigating through propaganda and conspiracy theories, the hope for change in the upcoming election, and the desire for a strong opposition party. Follow Leilani on X – https://x.com/LeilaniDowding

In this episode, guest Paul Gudonis discusses his experience with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and the impact it has had on his life. He shares how he initially attributed his symptoms to stress and aging, but after hearing about TRT on an episode of Horizon Scan (a separate podcast with H-Hour host Hugh Keir and Sin Eaters Guild founder Gaz Walsh), he began to consider hormonal imbalances as a possible cause. Paul explains the process of getting his testosterone levels checked and the challenges he faced in getting a prescription. He also discusses the positive changes he has noticed since starting TRT, including increased motivation, improved focus, and a boost in his fitness levels. Paul emphasises the importance of addressing hormonal imbalances and not accepting age-related decline as inevitable. The conversation explores the importance of fitness and strength training for longevity and overall well-being. Paul and Hugh discuss the motivation they find in seeing older individuals who are still active and fit. They also touch on the potential risks of using steroids and the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to training. The conversation highlights the significance of functional fitness and rotational exercises for maintaining stability and preventing injuries. They also discuss the role of hormones in fitness and the impact of hormonal imbalances on motivation and performance. Both men emphasize the importance of staying active and fit as we age and challenge the notion that age should be a limiting factor in physical abilities.

Paul Gudonis is a senior executive working in the communications technology space. He is also a former Commissioned Officer of the British Army who served in multiple theatres around the world with 16 Air Assault Brigade’s 216 Parachute Signals Squadron.

Rebecca Bennett is a former commissioned officer with the British Army and now a trainee psychiatrist. The conversation begins with a discussion about Rebecca’s experiences in the military, including her first contact with an enemy force and the desensitization to danger. Host Hugh Keir and Rebecca also discuss the challenges of being a female officer in a male-dominated field and the integration of women into combat roles. The conversation touches on the differences between men and women in terms of violence and emotional influence, and the societal constructs that have magnified these differences. They conclude by acknowledging the importance of women’s contributions and the need for a more inclusive society. The conversation explores the shift in societal perceptions of gender roles and the challenges that both men and women face in the modern world. It discusses the progress made in improving gender equality, particularly in the Western world, but also acknowledges that there are still areas where more work needs to be done. The conversation also touches on the topic of mental health, including the stigma surrounding it and the need for better support and resources. The concept of moral injury is introduced and debated, with differing opinions on its validity and the language used to describe it. The conversation explores the connection between physical and mental health, highlighting how they are intertwined and should be treated holistically. It discusses historical approaches to mental health, such as the belief that hysteria was caused by the uterus, and how our understanding has evolved. The conversation also touches on the use of medications in psychiatry, the importance of lifestyle factors in mental health, and the potential of psychedelics as a treatment. The rise in mental health problems is attributed to societal changes and the lack of opportunities for the brain to relax and process information. https://x.com/BexBennett9 https://x.com/hughkeir

Mel Deane is a personal trainer of high profile clients and is also a former rugby player who played centre for Connacht, Harlequins and Sale Sharks and Richmond. In this conversation with Hugh Keir, Mel shares his experiences and insights on motivation, mindset, and training. They discuss the influence of inspirational figures, the freedom afforded to sportspeople, the impact of money on motivation, and the mindset required for success in sports. Mel also talks about his early training experiences and his approach to training clients. He emphasizes the importance of positivity and finding clients who are motivated and willing to put in the work. The conversation also covers the topic of leadership and the challenges of gaining respect and influence. The discussion touches on the success of smaller nations in rugby and the factors that contribute to their performance. Finally, the conversation explores the role of social media in the fitness industry and the value of building a strong community.

****** Please support me via Patreon https://patreon.com/hkpodcasts ***** Joining Hugh for this episode: Bags Simmons (owner of Bare Arms TV & Film, British Army veteran) and Alex Brockdorff (actor, director, British Army veteran). The conversation revolves around alien invasion sci fi films. Kicking off with Starship Troopers and its satirical elements. The hosts discuss the deliberate poor acting, the portrayal of propaganda and dehumanization, and the underlying themes of war and sacrifice. They explore the director’s intention to create a multi-layered film that works as both a mindless action flick and a critique of society. The conversation also touches on the historical context of World War II and the parallels with the film’s depiction of war and recruitment. Overall, the hosts appreciate the depth and nuance of Starship Troopers, despite its initial appearance as a simple sci-fi invasion film. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss various sci-fi movies, including Starship Troopers, Battlefield Earth, Edge of Tomorrow, War of the Worlds, Signs, The Thing, They Live, and Mars Attacks. They explore the themes, unique aspects, and impact of these films, highlighting the creativity and originality of certain movies. They also touch on the challenges of creating original ideas in the film industry and the dominance of existing IP and remakes.

****** Discuss this episode in the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX ***** Geraint Jones is an author, host of Veteran State of Mind, and a former soldier. In this conversation, Geraint discusses his new book about World War II and the Battle of Normandy. Geraint and host Hugh Keir also touch on the topic of war and its impact on veterans. Geraint shares personal stories and accounts from soldiers who fought in the war, highlighting the emotional toll and the challenges they faced. They discuss WW2 veterans emotions and not being looked after after the war. The conversation also explores the differences between World War I and World War II veterans and the attitudes and emotions they had. Geraint emphasizes the importance of personal stories and the need to preserve and share them. The conversation delves into the themes of manipulation, indoctrination, and the complexities of human behaviour during times of war.

****** Discuss this episode in the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX ***** Andy Lockwood is a leadership, performance and culture consultant. He is the founder of The Rugby Outreach Project, Sports Vacancies and Grey Wolf Teams. In this episode he discusses the concept of empathy and its impact on team performance in sports, particularly in football. He shares his research on the three pillars of effective teams: shared experience, mutual understanding, and empathy. Lockwood highlights a study on an Italian football team that found increased levels of empathy led to more shots on goal and increased performance. He also explores the role of empathy in other industries, such as business and the military. Lockwood discusses his own work in implementing empathy-related strategies in sports teams and organizations. The conversation covers various topics related to rugby, including the impact of money on the sport, the challenges at grassroots level, the differences between rugby union and rugby league, and the success of the Japanese team in the Rugby World Cup. The conversation also touches on the treatment of team managers in football compared to rugby, the importance of soft skills in recruitment, and the need for adaptability in post-military careers.

****** Discuss this episode in the H-Hour community today on Discord: https://discord.gg/ncFRpvTkjX ***** The conversation covers James’ experience filming in Afghanistan during the withdrawal of US troops and the Taliban takeover. James and Hugh discuss the failure of democracy, the misconceptions about Afghanistan, the corruption within the Afghan government and military, and the role of Pakistan in supporting the Taliban. They also touch on the controversy surrounding the evacuation efforts, including the Pen Farthing situation. The conversation highlights the lack of trust in leadership and the dire situation for women and girls under Taliban rule. The conversation covers various topics, including the rise of ISIS, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, long-term strategic thinking, the potential for national service, the changing nature of warfare, the future of Afghanistan, the challenges in the film and TV industry, and the issue of censorship.