Human, Not Heroic

Episode 5: Paul Curless | Losing an Eye, Mental Health and Life After Service

Paul Curless lost an eye while serving in Northern Ireland.  He opens up about his injury, life after service and mental health.

Episode 4: Lisa’s Story | From Soldier to Mum

In this episode, Lisa shares her story of service, motherhood, injury and rebuilding her life.  From serving in the Army to facing the realities of chronic pain and limb loss, she speaks honestly about identity, resilience and what it means to be a mum through life-changing challenges.  It’s a powerful conversation that shows the human story behind the uniform.

Episode 3: Ed Davis | National Chairman, Blesma

Host Harry Bucknall meets Ed Davis, National Chairman at Blesma, to talk about leading the charity, supporting life after injury, and why recovery is about far more than the physical. A candid conversation on resilience, purpose and community.

Episode 2: Mark Smith | Service, PTSD and Finding Purpose

In this episode, host Harry sits down with Mark Smith, someone he has known for more than 30 years. Mark enlisted at 16 as a Junior Soldier, later serving with the Coldstream Guards. Over nine years of service, he carried out ceremonial duties in London and deployed on operational tours during the Gulf War, the Northern Ireland conflict, and in Bosnia. Mark shares his personal journey, including life after injury and mental health struggles.  Today, Mark runs his own counselling service helping veterans and their families, and continues to push for improved mental health care and faster access to support for those in need.

Episode 1: Neil Heritage | Rebuilding Life After Iraq

In the first episode, host Harry Bucknall sits down with Neil Heritage, a former soldier who lost both legs in Iraq after an IED attack — and went on to defy every expectation. Neil’s journey from injury to independence has taken him from hospital wards to mountain summits, Ironman triathlons, and global adventures. Together, Harry and Neil explore resilience, mental health, and the power of purpose — showing that recovery is never just physical.