Life or Death with Chris Ryan
British SAS veteran Chris Ryan talks to people who have worked in some of the most extreme and dangerous conditions. Expect to hear from special forces veterans from around the world, undercover police officers and those who have served on the frontline.
Episodes
Deep Cover: Shay Doyle Part 2
Chris talks to former Soldier turned Undercover Policeman Shay Doyle about his life and career. Shay is the author of 'Deep Cover: How I took down Britain’s most dangerous gangsters'which is avaliable to purchase here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deep-Cover-infiltrated-dangerous-gangsters/dp/152910940XPurchase the Chris Ryan Life or Death Rum from Curious Cat now: https://curiouscatdrinks.co.uk/
25/05/22•43m 18s
Deep Cover: Shay Doyle Part 1
Chris talks to former Soldier turned Undercover Policeman Shay Doyle about his life and career. Shay is the author of 'Deep Cover: How I took down Britain’s most dangerous gangsters'which is avaliable to purchase here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deep-Cover-infiltrated-dangerous-gangsters/dp/152910940XPurchase the Chris Ryan Life or Death Rum from Curious Cat now: https://curiouscatdrinks.co.uk/
18/05/22•42m 45s
The Damned: Susie Boniface
Life or Death returns with Chris talking to Journalist Susie Boniface about her campaign for justice for the serviceman who who were impacted by the UK's Nuclear Testing programme.Further reading on the subject can be done here: https://damned.mirror.co.uk/Order Life or Death Rum here: https://curiouscatdrinks.co.uk/
20/04/22•47m 17s
Podcast Update
New episodes of the podcast will be arriving very soon. Chris has been working with The Curious Cat Distillery on a Life or Death Rum. Covertly imported direct from the Caribbean, re-distilled with botanicals and barrel aged to produce a distinct, mellow spiced flavour. Strong notes of vanilla overtones lead the flavour charge followed by an explosion of molasses and a mellow, warm spiced finish.This is a UK only soft launch for the product - the initial Special Edition batch will be sold on a first come, first served basis via Curious Cat Drinks online shopOrder your bottle of Life or Death Rum from the Curious Cat today: https://curiouscatdrinks.co.uk/shop
11/03/22•59s
Paralympic Paratrooper: Scott Meenagh Part 2
In part two of this special with Scott Meenagh, there's a special comradery and solidarity shared as Scott tells Chris about working with his brother in the paratroopers, as well as what "puts the fear of God" into the Taliban."In order for me to do my job as effectively as possible I need to be not expecting to come home"These are the sacrifices service men and women make every day, particularly this former paratrooper AND Paralympian, Scott Meenagh.He and Chris Ryan share a bond over Chris's brother, who served alongside Scott in the 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment. Scott lost both his legs in 2011 after stepping on an IED, but turned his life around to become a successful Paralympian.Twitter @ChrisRyanPod.
05/09/21•41m 24s
Paralympic Paratrooper: Scott Meenagh Part 1
"In order for me to do my job as effectively as possible I need to be not expecting to come home"These are the sacrifices service men and women make every day, particularly this former paratrooper AND Paralympian, Scott Meenagh.He and Chris Ryan share a bond over Chris's brother, who served alongside Scott in the 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment. Scott lost both his legs in 2011 after stepping on an IED, but turned his life around to become a successful Paralympian.Twitter @ChrisRyanPod.
29/08/21•49m 32s
The Translator: 'Johnny Walker' & Jason Tuschen Part 2
This two-parter is also the first episode of 'Life or Death' where Chris Ryan has two guests on, and what a pair they are!It's legendary translator for the U.S. Navy SEALs, Iraqi-born 'Johnny Walker' and his friend, former Navy SEAL and Command Master Chief, Jason Tuschen.With the current abandonment of translators, allies and interpeters in Afghanistan, this episode feels of real importance and prevelance as we explore the brotherhood and friendship between two men of different nationalities both seeking the same goal - peace.@ChrisRyanPod on Twitter.
22/08/21•44m 37s
The Translator: 'Johnny Walker' & Jason Tuschen Part 1
This two-parter is also the first episode of 'Life or Death' where Chris Ryan has two guests on, and what a pair they are!It's legendary translator for the U.S. Navy SEALs, Iraqi-born 'Johnny Walker' and his friend, former Navy SEAL and Command Master Chief, Jason Tuschen.With the current abandonment of translators, allies and interpeters in Afghanistan, this episode feels of real importance and prevelance as we explore the brotherhood and friendship between two men of different nationalities both seeking the same goal - peace.@ChrisRyanPod on Twitter.
15/08/21•46m 19s
Paralympic Hero: Micky Yule Part 2
In 2010, Micky Yule was a Staff Sargent in the Royal Engineers in Afghanistan when he stood on an IED. The blast left him without his left leg and shattered his right leg completely, leaving him in hospital for months while he recovered from his injuries, receiving 46 operations.He's also a powerlifter who made his Paralympic debut at Rio 2016 and will be competing in this year's Games! In an emotional episode, he tells Chris Ryan about his the IED explosive that left him without his legs, becoming a Paralympian and why a real warrior battles their mental health head on.Follow @ChrisRyanPod on Twitter.
08/08/21•43m 9s
Paralympic Hero: Micky Yule Part 1
In 2010, Micky Yule was a Staff Sargent in the Royal Engineers in Afghanistan when he stood on an IED. The blast left him without his left leg and shattered his right leg completely, leaving him in hospital for months while he recovered from his injuries, receiving 46 operations.He's also a powerlifter who made his Paralympic debut at Rio 2016 and will be competing in this year's Games! He tells Chris Ryan about his childhood, why he joined the army, and the difference between serving in Ireland and Afghanistan!Follow @ChrisRyanPod on Twitter.
01/08/21•40m 33s
Invictus Warrior: JJ Chalmers Part 3
Part 3 of Chris' chat with JJ Chalmers. JJ was a marine who was injured in Helmand province before gold medalling at the Invictus Games and then becoming a TV Star including appearing on Strictly Come Dancing last year. In this episode JJ talks to Chris about winning gold at the Inviticus Games, becoming friends with Prince Harry and his Strictly Come Dancing and presenting fame!Follow us on Twitter @ChrisRyanPod.
18/07/21•31m 0s
Invictus Warrior: JJ Chalmers Part 2
Part 2 of Chris' chat with JJ Chalmers. JJ was a marine who was injured in Helmand province before gold medalling at the Invictus Games and then becoming a TV Star including appearing on Strictly Come Dancing last year. In this episode JJ talks to Chris about recovering from multiple injuries from an IED explosion in Afghanistan.Follow us on Twitter @ChrisRyanPod.
13/07/21•32m 46s
Invictus Warrior: JJ Chalmers Part 1
Part 1 of Chris' chat with JJ Chalmers. JJ was a marine who was injured in Helmand province before medalling at the Invictus Games and then becoming a TV Star including appearing on Strictly Come Dancing last year. In this episode JJ talks to Chris about his early life and serving in Afghanistan.
04/07/21•43m 58s
Waco & Vietnam: Bill Buford Part 2
Welcome back to part 2 of thisincredible chat with Vietnam veteran and ex-ATF agent, Bill Buford.If you've got a Netflix or BBC Sounds account you may recognise him from any Waco documentary, where agent Bill was on the frontline of the siege in 1993.The Texas siege was on the armed premisis that belonged to the religious sect Branch Davidians who were led by cult figure, David Koresh. Bill was shot by an AK47 during the siege, but lived to tell the tale today, to you!Find us on socials @ChrisRyanPod.
27/06/21•42m 16s
Waco & Vietnam: Bill Buford Part 1
Chris Ryan is BACK after a few weeks of well-deserved rest, and what an episode he's got for you!His guest is Bill Buford, an ex-ATF agent who was also a soldier in the Vietnam War, but if you've got a Netflix account you may recognise him from any Waco documentary, where agent Bill was on the frontline of the siege in 1993.The Texas siege was on the armed premisis that belonged to the religious sect Branch Davidians who were led by cult figure, David Koresh. Bill was shot by an AK47 during the siege, but lived to tell the tale today, to you!Find us on socials @ChrisRyanPod.
20/06/21•26m 11s
The Best of Life or Death with Chris Ryan 2021
From our Kajaki specials to Call of Duty superstars, it's been a great year for 'Life or Death with Chris Ryan' so far!But, everyone needs a day off, including Chris and his team, so as it's a bank holiday we took this oppurtunity to have a rest.Never fear though, we've got a 'best of' compilation from this year's episodes, which includes interviews with Tug Hartley, Chantelle Taylor, Peter Bleksley, Tu Lam, Jon White, Stu Pearson and Jacquie Davis!Find us on socials @ChrisRyanPod
31/05/21•46m 29s
Jon White: 'A True Hero'
"The adrenaline kicked in, I couldn't feel the pain. I woke up three days later with my Dad and sister at the end of my hospital bed."Mountain leader, liason officer and finally, reconnaissance troop - a true Royal Marine. It was on that final tour of Afghanistan with 40 Commando's where this week's guest on Life or Death, Jon White, lost his right arm and both legs after stepping on a improvised explosive device.This is Jon's epic and extremely emotional story, where he speaks of completing one of the toughest training courses the British Military has to offer, losing three limbs and overcoming these obstacles to become an inspirational speaker and leadership consultant.Visit his incredible website here www.thewhitehousefuture.co.uk.Follow @ChrisRyanPod on Twitter!
23/05/21•59m 50s
Call of Duty: Tu Lam Part 2
It's part two of Chris Ryan's epic chat with Tu Lam, or Daniel “Ronin” Shinoda as Call of Duty fans may know him as!Tu Lam was born "on the losing side of the war" on the streets of Saigon, Vietnam, which had been obliterated by American troops. His Mother and Father risked their lives to escape to America on a boat, where he eventually grew to become a Special Forces Operator who conducted numerous operations, as part of the United States Army.He's a retired Master Sergeant who shares his skillset with clients through his company, Ronin Tactics Inc. and you can play as his fictional "badass character" Daniel “Ronin” Shinoda on Call of Duty.This, is his incredible story.Follow @ChrisRyanPod on Twitter and Instagram and @ronintactics on socials.
16/05/21•1h 8m
Call of Duty: Tu Lam Part 1
Tu Lam was born "on the losing side of the war" on the streets of Saigon, Vietnam, which had been obliterated by American troops. His Mother and Father risked their lives to escape to America on a boat, where he eventually grew to become a Special Forces Operator who conducted numerous operations, as part of the United States Army.He's a retired Master Sergeant who shares his skillset with clients through his company, Ronin Tactics Inc. and you can play as his fictional "badass character" Daniel “Ronin” Shinoda on Call of Duty.This, is his incredible story.Follow @ChrisRyanPod on Twitter and Instagram and @ronintactics on socials.
09/05/21•1h 12m
Paul 'Tug' Hartley: Minefield Medic Part 2
Following on from our Kajaki specials with Stuart Pearson, Chris Ryan is joined by the medic on that fateful day in Afghanistan, Paul 'Tug' Hartley, in the second of this epic two parter.Tug opens up to Chris about keeping people alive and in check by singing Happy Birthday and having to sell his medals to buy a house once he'd left the army.Follow @ChrisRyanPod on Twitter and Instagram.
02/05/21•33m 12s
Paul 'Tug' Hartley: Minefield Medic Part 1
Following on from our Kajaki specials with Stuart Pearson, Chris Ryan is joined by the medic on that fateful day in Afghanistan, Paul 'Tug' Hartley, who's played by Game of Thrones actor, Mark Stanley in the film based on those events.In a brutally honest account, he tells Chris about how he kept his friends alive that day, losing close friend Mark Wright, and the intensity of leapfrogging across the minefield to save others.Follow @ChrisRyanPod on Twitter and Instagram.
25/04/21•50m 12s
The Real Kajaki: Stuart Pearson Part 2
"I was straight into the operation theatre and my leg was taken off"In 2006, Corporal Stuart Pearson lost his left leg when the Parachute Regiment of the 3rd Battalion travelled to break up a Taliban checkpoint in Kajaki, Afghanistan.His best friend, Corporal Mark Wright was killed, and in 2014 one of the most realistic war films of all time (with 100% on Rotten Tomatoes!) was made... 'Kajaki'.Listen to him tell Chris Ryan about having his leg amputated, having to call his Dad to tell him, and what it's like having one of the all-time great war movies made about him and his mates.Follow @ChrisRyanPod on Twitter and Instagram.
18/04/21•44m 20s
The Real Kajaki: Stuart Pearson Part 1
In 2006, Corporal Stuart Pearson lost his left leg when the Parachute Regiment of the 3rd Battalion travelled to break up a Taliban checkpoint in Kajaki, Afghanistan.His best friend, Corporal Mark Wright was killed, and in 2014 one of the most realistic war films of all time was made... Kajaki.Listen to him tell Chris Ryan about those experiences, what it's like to be a hero, and the dark humour of the military.Follow @ChrisRyanPod on Twitter and Instagram.
11/04/21•48m 53s
Medic on the frontline: Chantelle Taylor - Part 2
In part 2 of this interview with British Army combat medical technician, Chantelle Taylor, she explains some of the most dramatic and epic war stories you will have heard, including gunfire, helicopters and helping heavily injured soldiers on the frontline.She also tells Chris Ryan about brother and sisterhoods within the army, and how it helped her through the toughest times.Follow @ChrisRyanPod on Instagram and Twitter.
04/04/21•43m 57s
Medic on the frontline: Chantelle Taylor - Part 1
Chantelle Taylor was a combat medical technician in the British Army who became the first female soldier to kill a Taliban fighter in close-quarter combat while on patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.The author of 2014's Battleworn talks to Chris Ryan about working in the jungle, graphic battle injuries and how her brother's death shaped her career.Follow @ChrisRyanPod on Instagram and Twitter.
28/03/21•46m 23s
A Female Bodyguard with Jacquie Davis
Jacquie Davis, who was the first woman to become a bodyguard in the UK, has protected JK Rowling and has been approached by celebrities like Ice Cube! She tells Chris Ryan about how she started off in the police force before starting her own security company, and how losing two husbands and battling cancer along the way shaped her career. @ChrisRyanPod on Instagram and Twitter.
22/03/21•52m 27s
Nose for Crime: Peter Bleksley, Undercover Detective - Part 2
In part 2 of this epic interview, co-founding member of Scotland Yard's undercover unit in the 1980s, Peter Bleksley, tells Chris Ryan about his campaign to hunt down Kevin Parle, and his experiences with drugs as an undercover detective over the years.Twitter: @ChrisRyanPodComing Soon from the team behind 'Life or Death with Chris Ryan': https://podfollow.com/razorpod
15/03/21•43m 23s
Nose for Crime: Peter Bleksley, Undercover Detective - Part 1
Co-founding member of Scotland Yard's undercover unit in the 1980s, Peter Bleksley, tells Chris Ryan about how his father's alcoholism impacted his early life before going on to have an incredible and terrifying career as an undercover police officer in the first part of this epic interview.Twitter: @ChrisRyanPodComing Soon from the team behind 'Life or Death with Chris Ryan': https://podfollow.com/razorpod
08/03/21•46m 20s
Battle of Danny Boy: Brian Wood MC
Brian Wood MC rejoins Chris to tell him about his role in the Battle of Danny Boy and the calamitous allegations which followed years later.
01/03/21•1h 10m
Double Crossed: Brian Wood MC
22/02/21•54m 21s
Born Fearless: Phil Campion, former SAS
Former SAS trooper Phil Campion discusses his rough childhood, his part in Operation Barras in Sierra Leone and his current role as Champion of Army Cadet Force
15/02/21•1h
The Best of Life or Death with Chris Ryan
While we work on some exciting upcoming projects, here's a selection of Chris' best interviews over the past few months with some added extras too. Featuring: Colin MacLachlan, John Nichol, John McPhee, Clark Impastato and Mark Wallace.
25/01/21•1h 18m
George Hodgin, former Navy SEAL Officer
Former US Navy SEAL Officer, George Hodgin, discusses his time in special forces.
11/01/21•56m 20s
First Into Action: Duncan Falconer, former SBS
Duncan Falconer, former SBS discusses how he fell into doing special forces selection, his time in the Falklands and Northern Ireland, and how he made his money in Hollywood.
04/01/21•56m 51s
Tony Cowden, former USSF
Former US Army Special Forces operator Tony Cowden describes his time in US Special Forces, a close quarters pistol fight in a hotel room, and how he's become a world leading authority on shooting.
21/12/20•59m 6s
Ayahuasca: David Radband, former Paratrooper
Chris Ryan speaks again with former Paratrooper and SFSG member David Radband about his recovery from PTSD and his use of the hallucinogenic drug 'ayahuasca'
14/12/20•48m 7s
LIVE EVENT: Chris Ryan meets Robin Horsfall
LIVE VIRTUAL EVENT: 7pm, Wednesday 16th DecemberChris Ryan meets Robin Horsfall to discuss the Iranian Embassy siege and operations never publicly discussed before.Get your tickets now ↓↓↓https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sas-legends-in-conversation-chris-ryan-meets-robin-horsfall-tickets-131199438051
11/12/20•51s
Surviving Hell: Nick Dunn, former Para and Chennai Six prisoner
Former Paratrooper and SFSG member, Nick Dunn, discusses his time in the Regiment, making the transition to maritime security, and how he lost 4 years of his life imprisoned in India for a crime he did not commit.
07/12/20•1h 3m
Armed Police: Tony Long, former SO19
The Metropolitan Police’s most controversial officer, Tony Long, talks about his career in the firearms unit, his first two shootings and how he earned the nickname “The Met’s own serial killer”.
30/11/20•58m 48s
Drop Zone: Jamie Flynn, former Paratrooper and BASE jumper
Former Paratrooper and Special Forces Support Group (SFSG) member, Jamie Flynn, discusses his time in the Regiment, going to war aged 18 and his career as a professional wingsuit pilot, skydiver & BASE jumper.
23/11/20•1h
Who Dares Wins: Ollie Ollerton, former SBS
Ollie Ollerton, former Special Forces soldier and one of the founding Directing Staff on Channel 4's hit show 'SAS: Who Dares Wins' joins Chris to discuss his time in the SBS, rescuing children from sex trafficking gangs in Thailand and his personal battles with alcohol.
16/11/20•1h 4m
June 1944: Alec Borrie, former WW2 SAS
World War Two veteran and 1st SAS member Alec Borrie discusses the importance of marking Remembrance Day, his involvement fighting the Nazis behind enemy lines, and the true character of SAS founding member Paddy Mayne.
11/11/20•23m 41s
Desert Storm: John Nichol, former RAF Navigator
Former RAF Navigator John Nichol discusses his involvement in the First Gulf War, being shot down, captured, tortured and held as a POW by Iraqi forces. With Remembrance Day coming up, John also shares the stories of Spitfire pilots and Lancaster bomber servicemen who never made the journey home.
09/11/20•42m 43s
Hunting bin Laden: John McPhee, former Delta Force
Former Green Beret and Delta Force Sniper John McPhee talks about his time clearing the caves of Tora Bora in search of Osama bin Laden, a solo mission tracking down the last man who knew of his location, and what it's like going into combat sat on the edge of a MH-6 Little Bird helicopter.
02/11/20•57m 0s
The Taliban: David Radband, former Paratrooper
Former Paratrooper and member of the Special Forces Support Group (SFSG), David Radband describes his time in 'the factory', he explains how difficult the Taliban were to fight against, and candidly discusses what impact the extreme stress and pressure of the battlefield has had on his mental health since leaving the Army.As a Section Commander with responsibility of 8 Afghan Special Forces Soldiers, David was awarded the Mention in Dispatches for his leadership and gallantry on the battlefield.
26/10/20•56m 46s
The Grey Man: Clark Impastato, former Undercover Cop
Former undercover police officer Clark Impastato discusses his time working in law enforcement in the second most dangerous city in the world and describes how he got into a conflict on his third day in the job.
18/10/20•50m 56s
Brothers In Arms: Clark Impastato, former Navy SEAL
Former Navy SEAL and military contractor Clark Impastato discusses the extreme training required to become a SEAL, how the financial incentives of military contracting decimated American special forces, and training "tomorrow's terrorists today".
11/10/20•53m 56s
Captured: Colin MacLachlan, former SAS
Former SAS Sgt Colin MacLachlan describes his time in the Regiment, his role in Operation Certain Death, dealing with terrorists at Stansted Airport and being captured in Basra, Iraq.
05/10/20•55m 55s
Trailer
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22/09/20•1m 17s