The Ex-Soldier Who Became a Professional Stuntman

The Ex-Soldier Who Became a Professional Stuntman

A former Royal Marines Commando and Falklands war veteran. Along with his combat service medals, Neil was presented with Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant award for "17 Years outstanding military service, as a member of the Forces in the Service of Her Majesty The Queen and the Country".He was a Free-Fall Parachute instructor and team leader, Tandem-Master, Ski Instructor and represented his country in extreme sports. Culminating into one of his proudest achievements of becoming an adaptive Ski Instructor. Teaching injured service personnel how to ski, using various methods as part of their physical rehabilitation with the Battle Back team. While still serving as a Sergeant in the Parachute Regiment reserves, he then went on to become a very successful Film/TV stunt man. Guest Neil Finnegan is a seasoned stunt performer at the British Stunt Register, known for his work in blockbuster films like The Dark Knight Rises, Saving Private Ryan, and countless TV series. His experience encompasses everything from military parachuting to high-octane car crashes, making him one of the most credible voices in the industry.Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness

I fired six shots and killed all six of them.

On a Friday afternoon, soldier Gary Roberts walked out of his barracks in Edinburgh – and with that, the Army. By Monday morning, he was in Baghdad, Iraq. Issued with body armour, weapons, and as much ammunition as he could carry, he was ready to begin work as a privately-hired contractor.Baghdad, Iraq – ‘The dead guy hangs limply from the door of the bus, face down, legs on the steps, head on the floor. He paid with his life; blood – across his body, up the side of the bus, a puddle on the floor around his head.’Basra, Iraq – ‘Suddenly, in a fluid motion, he stands. His rifle is aimed at one of the soldiers in my call sign. I bring my rifle up, aim…I shoot once, twice, in quick succession.’“A very real and raw, hard-hitting insight into the harsh brutality of war and all that follows, by a man who has been at the sharp end many times” – Jordan Wylie, star of Channel 4’s Hunted and best-selling author of Citadel.Seven Point Six Two is more than just a story of war, or private contractors working in the most difficult of circumstances in the most dangerous countries on the planet. The book contains real, never-before-seen personal photographs of conflict and its aftermath. It’s a story of action, danger, and false allegations faced on a daily basis by those on the front lines.Get yourself a copy belowhttps://share.google/3Nny34Ux3tPRvHqymInterested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #lightinfantry #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness

Royal Marines Sniper to World Record Adventurer | Aldo Kane

From serving as a Royal Marines Commando Sniper to becoming one of the world's most respected expedition leaders, Aldo Kane has built an extraordinary career operating in some of the planet's most dangerous environments. A world record-breaking adventurer, bestselling author, television presenter, and extreme-environment specialist, Aldo has worked in over 100 countries, leading high-risk expeditions and providing safety expertise for some of the biggest productions on television.In this episode of The Old Paratrooper Podcast, Aldo shares incredible stories from his military career, life beyond the Royal Marines, world-record expeditions, surviving extreme environments, and the mindset required to perform under relentless pressure. We also explore resilience, fear, leadership, and what it truly takes to keep moving forward when the odds are stacked against you.This is an honest, inspiring conversation packed with lessons from a man who has spent his life thriving where most people would never dare to go.(00:00) - Welcome and introduction to Aldo Kane’s inspiring story(02:18) - Growing up in Kilwinning and early influences(03:45) - The scout camp encounter that sparked military ambitions(05:09) - The role of scouting and cadets in developing skills for life and military service(06:30) - How early leadership and outdoor experiences foster confidence and resilience(09:00) - The importance of role models outside the family for boys’ development(11:23) - Motivations and reasons behind Aldo’s decision to leave the Marines(13:42) - Transition to adventure television and film industries(16:00) - Challenges of demanding expeditions and the mental toughness required(20:09) - Handling injuries during extreme expeditions and mental resilience(24:28) - Perspectives on children joining the military at young ages and societal perceptions(26:25) - The role of the military in shaping positive values and community contributions(28:38) - The importance of character in leadership and personal growth(31:33) - The changing landscape of military service and Aldo’s insights on leaving after 10 years(36:48) - Reflection on decision-making, purpose, and embracing uncertainty(44:04) - The Congo volcano expedition and seizing opportunities(55:14) - Building capacity, resilience, and the significance of recovery and self-care(58:47) - Practical steps for mental health management and social connection(66:03) - Living in the present versus dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about the future(67:34) - Touch on the Fire and Ice expedition injury, mental shift during hardship(73:34) - The importance of challenging oneself out of comfort zones(75:54) - Aldo shares upcoming projects, leadership events, and ultra challengesInterested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness

PART1: From the Falklands to the Film Set | The Extraordinary Life of a Para, Marine & Stuntman

A former Royal Marines Commando and Falklands war veteran. Along with his combat service medals, Neil was presented with Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant award for "17 Years outstanding military service, as a member of the Forces in the Service of Her Majesty The Queen and the Country".He was a Free-Fall Parachute instructor and team leader, Tandem-Master, Ski Instructor and represented his country in extreme sports. Culminating into one of his proudest achievements of becoming an adaptive Ski Instructor. Teaching injured service personnel how to ski, using various methods as part of their physical rehabilitation with the Battle Back team. While still serving as a Sergeant in the Parachute Regiment reserves, he then went on to become a very successful Film/TV stunt man. Having worked on numerous film blockbusters and then winning a Taurus World Stunt Award in 2013, for his mid-air plane to plane high-jack jump on The Dark Knight Rises. Neil has now become a very well respected Stunt Co-ordinator, Action Unit Director, Producer and also a published author, under the name (Neil Thomas). When not working on a Film/TV project, or pursuing his passion as an amateur racing driver, he lives between his homes in the UK and the Spanish Canary Islands, where he continues to writeInterested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness

Remembering Those Who Never Returned

The Somme. A name that means so much to so many, yet until you stand here, it’s impossible to truly understand its scale.This was my first visit, and no amount of reading, documentaries or photographs could prepare me for what it feels like to walk these battlefields. Today they’re peaceful fields, lined with crops, trees and quiet country roads. But just over a century ago, this landscape witnessed one of the bloodiest battles in British military history.As I walked through places like Thiepval, Beaumont-Hamel and the countless cemeteries scattered across the Somme, it became clear that every step was on ground where thousands of young men fought, suffered and, for many, never returned home.It’s impossible not to think about who they were. Sons, brothers, fathers and friends. Ordinary people asked to do extraordinary things. Many were little older than teenagers, carrying hopes, fears and dreams that would never be realised.What struck me most wasn’t just the scale of the loss, but the silence. The silence that now covers ground once filled with artillery, gunfire and unimaginable chaos. That silence gives you time to reflect—not just on the sacrifice made here, but on the cost of war itself.Standing amongst the headstones, you quickly realise that every name represents a family whose lives were changed forever. Behind every grave is a story. Behind every memorial is someone who was loved and never forgotten.As someone who has served myself, visiting the Somme carried an even deeper meaning. It reminded me that while equipment, tactics and uniforms change, the courage, camaraderie and sacrifice of those who wear the uniform never really do.This journey wasn’t just about looking back through history. It was about remembering the people behind it. Ensuring that, 110 years later, their sacrifice is still recognised and their stories continue to be told.The Somme leaves you with more questions than answers. But one thing is certain: we owe these men our remembrance.Lest we forget. #britisharmy #motivation #britishsoldier #veteran #viral #parachuteregiment #thesomme #mentalhealthawareness