Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform

”Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform” is brought to you by the Northern Ireland Veteran’s Commissioner’s Office. Hear personal stories of veterans, as they share their experiences from wars and conflicts. This podcast offers an intimate look into the lives of those who served, giving first hand accounts of their experiences and the lasting impact on their lives. Join us as we honour their journeys, explore life beyond the uniform and celebrate the strength, resilience and sacrifices of our veterans, whilst preserving their legacy for future generations.

Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform is a government podcast hosted by NI Veteran’s Commissioners Office, with 25 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

NI Veteran’s Commissioners Office hosts Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform, a government show with 25 episodes published.

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  Episode #25

  From Service to Civvy Street: Gillian Lyall’s Journey of Care, Courage and Recovery

  Jun 24, 202645 min

  In this episode, we are joined by Gillian Lyall, a former British Army nurse who served for 16 years in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, reaching the rank of Major. Raised in Northern Ireland and a member of the Queen’s University Officers’ Training Corps while studying at Queen’s University Belfast, Gillian went on to deploy on operations across several theatres, providing vital medical care in demanding operational environments. Her military career was ultimately cut short following a diagnosis of complex post-traumatic stress disorder, and the transition into civilian life brought its own challenges as she navigated life beyond the Armed Forces. Today, Gillian works as a registered nurse with Help for Heroes, supporting veterans and their families while drawing on both her professional expertise and her personal experience of service and recovery. In this conversation, Gillian shares her story of military service, transition, resilience and her continued commitment to supporting the veterans’ community.

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  Episode #24

  From TELIC to Today: Rab Hunter’s Journey Through Survival and Service

  May 26, 202648 minS0

  <p>In this episode, we hear the powerful story of Irish Guards veteran Robert “Rab” Hunter, who served for 10 years, including two tours of Iraq.</p> <p>Rab was deployed during the initial invasion in 2003 and later returned on Operation TELIC 10, where his vehicle was struck by a devastating roadside bomb, one of the most dangerous threats faced by troops at the time. Surviving that moment marked the beginning of a lifelong emotional journey, as Rab has had to navigate survivor’s guilt and the lasting impact of that experience.</p> <p>Today, Rab shares his story with honesty and courag...

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  Episode #23

  Shamrocks Among the Poppies: The Story Behind the Siege

  Apr 29, 20261h 1mS0

  <p>Welcome to the NI Veteran’s Commissioner Podcast, Once a Warrior: Life Beyond the Uniform.<br> <br> Today, we’re joined by Lieutenant Colonel Derek Plews VR, a former Army officer whose career spans journalism in Northern Ireland, work within the UK Civil Service, and multiple operational deployments overseas.<br> <br> A reservist who left the civil service to deploy to Afghanistan in 2006, Derek served during a pivotal and violent period of the campaign. He later completed tours in Iraq before going on to hold a number of senior roles within the Ministry of Defence.<br> <br> Since retiring in 2...

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  Episode #22

  From the Frontline to the House of Lords: A Conversation with Lord Dannatt

  Mar 27, 202650 minS0

  <p>In this episode, we are joined by General the Lord Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff and one of the most recognisable military leaders of his generation. Commissioned into the Green Howards in 1971, Lord Dannatt served for nearly four decades in the British Army, with operational experience in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and overseeing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.</p> <p>As Chief of the General Staff from 2006 to 2009, he led the Army during some of the most demanding years of modern military operations. Since retiring from the Army, he has continued his service in public life as a...

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  Episode #21

  From Operation HERRICK to Project Positive

  Mar 13, 202657 minS0

  <p>This episode is one of resilience, recovery, and positivity.<br> <br> We’re joined by Andrew Steed, born and raised in East Belfast, and a former soldier with the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. Andrew served from 2009 until 2016, including a deployment on Operation HERRICK 13 in Afghanistan.<br> <br> In 2016, Andrew was medically discharged following two mild strokes, known as TIAs. During that process, he was told that activities he loved, such as hiking and swimming, would likely no longer be possible.<br> <br> Andrew refused to accept that as the final chapter.<br> <br> He went on to make a fu...

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