Transition, Dyslexia, and Leading Yourself After Service with Symon Smith

Policing, Burnout & Changing the Culture with Ian Cook

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with former West Midlands Police officer Ian Cook, founder of Blue Light Lifestyle, to talk openly about policing, wellbeing and the realities of life behind the badge. After serving for 18 years across neighbourhood policing, response teams and traffic, Ian shares the highs and lows of a career dedicated to public service — from chasing fast cars and thriving in specialist teams to witnessing burnout, broken systems and a culture that too often leaves people suffering in silence. This is an honest conversation about identity, transition and purpose. It explores why so many emergency service workers struggle, why asking for help still feels difficult, and why meaningful change starts with creating environments where people feel safe enough to speak. More than anything, it is a conversation about people. Because behind every uniform is still a human being. TAKEAWAYS * Behind every uniform is a person who still needs support * Burnout in emergency services often happens gradually and silently * Mental health struggles do not discriminate against experience or rank * Culture can either create safety or create silence * People perform better when they feel trusted and valued * Looking after yourself is not selfish — it is essential * Being honest about struggling is a sign of strength, not weakness * Leadership is about people, not just performance metrics * Sometimes the biggest risk is staying where you no longer belong * Purpose often continues long after the uniform comes off SOUND BITES * "The biggest risk wasn't leaving — the biggest risk was staying." * "Behind every uniform is still a human being." * "A problem shared is a problem halved." * "Police officers relate to police officers." * "You are replaceable in a job — you are not replaceable to the people who love you." * "Don't complain about a life you once dreamed of having." * "Culture creates either safety or silence." Connect with Ian Blue Light Lifestyle [https://bluelightlifestyle.com/] LinkedIn [linkedin.com/in/ian-cook-6a7547240] Code 0 [https://hapstar.app/code-0/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSBB95leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzRGMwOHBSUzBGVkhoRjYzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoulS2DNAEunGo0d6OEl_AiXtsAl8IAq8BXyVxtNEkqXjpWCZT2VVsi1G24q_aem_TSlQ61cCu2UKSisuYCqtVA] #GreatGunsPodcast #BlueLightLifestyle #MentalHealth #PoliceWellbeing #Leadership #LifeAfterService #EmergencyServices #VeteranCommunity

From USMC Sniper to Strategist with John Dailey

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with John Dailey, a US Marine veteran with over 20 years’ service, including time in US Special Operations Command and as part of the team that helped build the Marine Raiders from the ground up. John shares his journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a sniper and leader in one of the world’s most elite military environments. But this conversation goes far beyond war stories. It dives into something many don’t prepare for: What happens when the uniform comes off. From transition challenges and loss of purpose, to building a new identity and translating military experience into civilian life, an honest look at life after service. We also explore leadership, planning, identity, and why veterans must learn to “think like a general, fight like a sergeant” when navigating their next chapter. TAKEAWAYS * Transition doesn’t happen overnight — even when it looks smooth on the surface * Losing purpose, tribe, and identity can hit harder than expected after leaving service * You must actively define who you are beyond the uniform * Planning your future is essential — even if the plan changes * Veterans often underestimate the value they bring to the civilian world * Building a new tribe is just as important as maintaining the old one * You can’t move forward if you’re constantly looking in the rear-view mirror * The best transitions come from clarity, not drift * Leadership skills from service are highly transferable — if communicated properly * Your next chapter can be just as meaningful as your time in uniform SOUND BITES * “Think like a general, fight like a sergeant.” * “You can’t drive forward while staring in the rear-view mirror.” * “You don’t lose your value when you leave — but you have to learn how to communicate it.” * “The military gives you purpose… but it’s on you to find it again when you leave.” * “Planning might not survive contact — but not planning is worse.” * “Your next chapter should be the best one yet.” * “Most veterans already have what employers want — they just don’t realise it.” Connect with John LinkedIn [linkedin.com/in/daileyja] Website [https://www.jadailey.com/] #GreatGunsPodcast #JohnDailey #ToughRuggedBastards #VeteranTransition #Leadership #LifeAfterService #MilitaryToCivilian

From Combat to Classroom with Fair Metcalfe

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Fair Metcalfe — Army veteran, former Combat Medic, and now PhD researcher — for a powerful and fun conversation that spans military service, transition, education, and breaking down barriers around learning differences. Fair shares her journey from joining the Army at just 16, serving on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, through to leaving service and stepping into academia — a transition that brought its own challenges and growth. This is a conversation that goes beyond transition — it’s about confidence, communication, and ensuring people aren’t held back by something that, with the right support, can become a strength. TAKEAWAYS * Transition is not just about career change — it’s about adapting to completely new environments * Dyslexia and learning differences are more common than many realise within the military * Lack of awareness can lead to individuals struggling in silence * Early support and intervention can significantly improve outcomes * Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness * Confidence often comes from understanding how you learn best * Your challenges can become strengths when properly supported SOUND BITES * “I joined the Army at 16, just after finishing school.” * “Ask for help early — it makes a big difference.” * “You don’t lack ability — you just need the right support.” * “If people understand how they learn, everything changes.” * “You’re not the problem — the system just needs to adapt.” Connect with Fair LinkedIn [linkedin.com/in/fairmetcalfephd] #GreatGunsPodcast #VeteranTransition #FairMetcalfe #MilitaryLife #LifeAfterService

Transition, Dyslexia, and Leading Yourself After Service with Symon Smith

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Symon Smith, an Army veteran with 14 years’ service, to unpack the realities of transition — from planning your exit to navigating life on the outside. Symon shares a refreshingly honest take on his journey — not driven by a lifelong ambition to serve, but by a decision made in the moment when faced with an alternative path. But where this episode really stands out is in its exploration of dyslexia in the military — a topic rarely spoken about openly. Symon shares his own experience of navigating service with dyslexia, the lack of visibility around it, and how that led him to co-found the Defence Dyslexia Network. What becomes clear is this: dyslexia isn’t a limitation — it’s often a hidden strength. This episode is about more than transition. It’s about ownership, awareness, and building support for others coming behind you. TAKEAWAYS * Transition is smoother when you plan early and create a soft landing * You don’t need to have everything figured out — process and preparation matter more * Dyslexia is far more common in the military than people realise * Many struggle in silence due to lack of awareness and support * Your strengths often sit alongside your challenges — not in spite of them * Support networks and shared experience can dramatically reduce friction in transition * Ownership doesn’t end when you leave service — it becomes even more important SOUND BITES * “I didn’t realise I wanted to join… until I had another option.” * “Do a safe landing first — then make bigger decisions later.” * “It’s a bit like a duck on water — calm on the surface, chaos underneath.” * “No one talks about dyslexia — but it’s everywhere.” * “If you support the bottom of the spike, you get the top.” * “No one should leave feeling like they’re on their own.” Connect with Symon LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/symon-smith/] Website [https://dyslexiaindefence.com/] #GreatGunsPodcast #VeteranTransition #DyslexiaAwareness #Leadership #LifeAfterService

Coaching, Confidence, and Owning Your Next Chapter with Jenny Roberts

In this episode of the Great Guns Podcast, James sits down with Jenny Roberts, RAF veteran turned coach, for a conversation about transition, identity, and stepping into a new chapter with confidence. Jenny shares her journey from life in the RAF to building her own coaching business, and the realities that come with leaving a structured environment and stepping into the unknown. This episode explores the internal side of transition — the mindset shifts, self-doubt, and growth that often go unseen. Jenny brings honesty, clarity, and practical insight into what it really takes to move forward — not just professionally, but personally. This is a conversation about ownership, belief, and creating a life that aligns with who you are now — not just who you were in uniform. TAKEAWAYS * Transition is as much an internal shift as it is an external one * Leaving service often means redefining identity and direction * Confidence is built through action, not waiting for certainty * Self-awareness is key to making better decisions post-service * The structure of the military doesn’t disappear — it needs to be recreated intentionally * Growth comes from stepping into discomfort and trying new things * You are allowed to evolve beyond your military identity SOUND BITES * “You don’t need to have it all figured out to take the first step.” * “Confidence comes from doing, not waiting.” * “You’re not starting from scratch — you’re starting from experience.” * “The structure doesn’t disappear — you have to build it for yourself.” * “You’re allowed to change direction.” Connect with Jenny LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyrobertscoaching/] Website [https://www.jennyrobertscoaching.co.uk/] #GreatGunsPodcast #VeteranTransition #LifeAfterService #RAF #JennyRoberts #PersonalGrowth