The Lead Wasps Podcast

Ssgt. Jay Amra served in the United States Marine Corps from 2008 - 2017. He served two combat tours in Afghanistan and a third on the 22nd MEU while assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines as a machine gunner. During these deployments, he progressed from the rank of Lcpl. - Sgt serving in the billets of team leader, squad leader and eventually section leader. In 2015 He was assigned to The Basic School as a dugout instructor where he advanced to the rank of Ssgt and Senior enlisted instructor. After separating from the military Jay began to serve his community as a firefighter and as a personal trainer. Follow along on INSTAGRAM The Lead Wasps Podcast @leadwasps Jay Amra @lttlebrd87 GOOGLE PODCASTS https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yNGIwNzI2OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw== APPLE PODCASTS https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lead-wasps-podcast/id1517422174 SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/2GrWtmf0Xu76aziN4KGFKY

CSM RET. Donald (Mac) McAlister served over 24 years in the US Army. He has multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he deployed from Squad Leader through SGM. He spent the majority of his career with the 82nd ABN DIV. While deployed with the 82nd ABN Div in the 2003 Iraq Invasion he was severely wounded. He recovered from his injuries and stayed in the fight and continued to deploy until he retired in 2017. Since retiring He continues to stay involved in the Veteran community, devoting most of his time to his brothers through various non-profit efforts. He is currently the Business Development Manager for @Gatorzeyewear. He is also a Family Man, Actor, Metal Head and now host's his own podcast “Mac's Man Cave Chats“. Follow along on INSTAGRAM The Lead Wasps Podcast @leadwasps Donald McAlister @macs_mancavechats GOOGLE PODCASTS https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yNGIwNzI2OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw== APPLE PODCASTS https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lead-wasps-podcast/id1517422174 SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/2GrWtmf0Xu76aziN4KGFKY

Dave Brooks is a former Royal Marines Commando who served in 40 Commando and the United Kingdom Landing Force Command Support Group RM. Dave was on a training exercise in the Mediterranean with 40 Commando as part of the Amphibious Ready Group during the September 11th attacks. His unit was involved in early operations in Afghanistan alongside C Sqn SBS and B Sqn SAS. Dave joined Landing Force Command Support Group in late 2002 and was part of a TACP team for the invasion of Iraq 2003. Dave left the Royal Marines in 2006 and has been with a major global bank for the last 14 years. He now lives in London and heads up physical security operations across the UK and Channel Islands. He was one of the founding members of his organisations Military Network, and actively supports recruitment and career development for service leavers looking for employment in the banking sector. Follow on INSTAGRAM Dave - @d.j.brooks83 Podcast - @leadwasps

Lt Col (retired) Perry Blackburn served in multiple roles throughout his time in the US Army. He spent a significant portion of his time with 5th SFG(A), deploying to multiple theatres including the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq. Perry was an ODA team commander during Operation Anaconda which this episode focuses on. The movie '12 Strong' is the feature film that depicts the events of that operation and we discuss if the really assaulted tanks on horseback. Follow on Instagram The Lead Wasps Podcast @leadwasps

Chris VanSant is a retired 20+ year Special Operations Veteran with service on four continents and in 17 countries. Chris's service includes time in the 75th Ranger Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, and 11 combat deployments as both a Team Member and Team Leader in 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta (Delta Force). Since leaving the military he has been working with Tyr Tactical and currently holds the position of COO with the company. Follow along on INSTAGRAM Chris - @vansanttyrtactical The Lead Wasps Podcast - @leadwasps TYR Tactical http://www.tyrtactical.com/ All Secure Foundation https://allsecurefoundation.org/

Episode 42 is with Lars Hove-Olesen (Captain, retired) who served in the Danish Army from the early nineties until 2019 and in his time, he deployed both as a private and officer. His deployments have taken him to the Balkans and Afghanistan His military background is both infantry and combat support arms, and he has served in various people-centric roles ranging from information gathering and civil affairs, as well as PSYOPS and press liaison duties. At the age of 45, he left the Danish military to study journalism, in order to follow other people-centric trails and find new adventures. He has a keen interest in (re)connecting with some of the Croatian and Serbian combatants he experienced during his first deployment to Croatia, hoping to turn the experience into a documentary. Lars can be found on: LINKEDIN:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lars-hove-olesen/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LHOJOUR

Cope Wilson served with the Canadian Army deploying to Kabul before he passed selection and joined Canadian Special Operations Regiment - CSOR. He spent a number of years working a gun before moving on to becoming a JTAC and then a JTAC instructor. Cope struggled with some mental health issues whilst serving which lead to his retirement from active duty, which he shares in the episode. He is a keen advocate of the individual and believes we all have a story to tell, good or bad. He is a singer-songwriter and you can follow along on his Youtube channel by searching Cope Wilson. Follow along on INSTAGRAM @cope_wilson Follow the podcast on INSTAGRAM @leadwasps GOOGLE PODCASTS https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yNGIwNzI2OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw== APPLE PODCASTS https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lead-wasps-podcast/id1517422174 SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/2GrWtmf0Xu76aziN4KGFKY

Simon 'Hawks' Hawken served with 2/4 RAR (Royal Australian Regiment) and 2 RAR and spent 20 years running the gauntlet of mainstream Infantry roles from Section Commander, Recon Platoon Sergeant and more. He has a wealth of experience as well as some extremely unique and lesser-known deployments to include a UN mission to Rwanda during the ongoing Genocide which proved to be an extremely hostile environment described by those that were there as 'Hell on Earth'.   Hawkes has his own podcast called H Hour with Hawkes and you can get all the information @h_hour_with_hawks on INSTAGRAM   Follow the podcast on INSTAGRAM @leadwasps   GOOGLE PODCASTS https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yNGIwNzI2OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==     APPLE PODCASTS https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lead-wasps-podcast/id1517422174     SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/2GrWtmf0Xu76aziN4KGFKY

Episode 039 is with Neil 'Neilly' Davis who served with the British Army in the Queens Own Highlanders and JSG. Neil was an instructor at the Infantry Battle School, Brecon and had an envious Infantry career before transitioning to a new unit. JSG was a HUMINT gathering unit working in the UK to gain a foothold against the IRA and Neil was an agent handler there for 6 years.   His post-military career has seen him working all over the world in a multitude of exciting roles to include a long term US Government contract providing HUMINT in Southern Afghanistan.   He now runs @Go.Noisy providing tactical training to those who require a professional competency. He has big plans for the future with the company so watch this space.   Follow Neil @GoNoisy www.gonoisy.com   GOOGLE PODCASTS https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yNGIwNzI2OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==   APPLE PODCASTS https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lead-wasps-podcast/id1517422174   SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/2GrWtmf0Xu76aziN4KGFKY

Clark Impastato is a former US Navy Seal, serving with Team 5. He served 8 years active duty and later spent 4 years with 19th Group Special Forces. His post-military career consisted of high level Contracting in the Middle East AO, in areas such as Isreal and Afghanistan. Clark moved into Policing on return to the US and served with the Phoenix Police Department working on some crazy undercover operations. Follow on INSTAGRAM @leadwasps Clark - @clark_impastato Clark runs a podcast called Good Vibes at www.goodvibesdudes.com Good Vibes Podcast on INSTAGRAM @goodvibes_podcast GOOGLE PODCASTS https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yNGIwNzI2OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw== APPLE PODCASTS https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lead-wasps-podcast/id1517422174 SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/2GrWtmf0Xu76aziN4KGFKY

This episode is to commemorate the 30 Year Anniversary of the first Gulf War, Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Rick Hogg and Mark Kelley served in the same Platoon and they detail their involvement in the conflict, providing insight into what the grunts of the 1st BN 505th PIR, 82nd Airborne got up to. This was a full-scale conventional war between a brutal dictator, his Army and the World. The War started with a 41-day bombing campaign, over 250,000 coalition soldiers were involved with enemy losses between 30,000 and 50,000 troops. You can follow along on INSTAGRAM @leadwasps Rick - @warhoggtactical Mark - @kelleydefense On the Range Podcast - @ontherangepodcast

Maj (retired) Heston Russel served with 2nd Commando Regiment in the Australian Army. He started his career as a Platoon Commander with 2 RAR before completing Special Forces selection and joining his Commando unit. Heston deployed on multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan and the middle east where he served in a multitude of senior command roles. He now runs 'Voice of a Veteran', an organisation supporting contemporary veterans issues such as mental health awareness and other societal stigmas. He hopes to highlight how veterans are extremely valuable members of their community through positive outreach. Follow Heston on INSTAGRAM @hestonrussell Follow Voice of a Veteran @voice_of_a_veteran Check the Voice of a Veteran website at www.voiceofaveteran.org

Robert ' Bobby" Colliton served with the US Army, in various units before finding his home with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Bobby was involved in one of the largest combat jumps, since World War 2, into Northern Iraq in 2003, capturing an airfield and securing large swathes of the country utilising mobility platforms. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2005 as a Rifle Squad Leader before leaving the Army to pursue a new career in the USAF as a SERE Specialist working with AF Rescue and Personel Recovery during further deployments to Afghanistan. He now runs a Non-profit for Veteran Suicide prevention. It focuses on bringing veterans back into a team environment by giving them a mission to focus on again. Skate for the 22 use the sport of Ice Hockey to provide the team-based environment. Details of the Non-Profit are available via the link below. https://skateforthe22.org/

Sean 'Buck' Rogers is a former 18B, Weapons Sergeant, from the US Army's Special Forces Green Berets. He served with 10th group and deployed to Afghanistan working with host nation Commandos in the fight against Daesh (ISIS). He now spends his time running a YouTube channel called, FNG Academy helping guys get selected for special operations. He is the author of Rising Above, launching in February 2021. Checkout is YOUTUBE Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FNGACADEMY Follow on INSTAGRAM @seanbuckrogers Follow the podcast on INSTAGRAM @leadwasps

Jonny Mortimer-Hendry is a retired Captain from the British Army. He served with the 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment as a Platoon Commander, deploying to Afghanistan on Herrick XIII in 2010. He moved to UK SFSG [1 PARA] on promotion to Captain and returned back to Afghanistan with his new unit. He spent a brief period of time with 3 PARA as OC Mortor Pl before leaving the army to pursue other ventures. You can follow Jonny on INSTAGRAM @iamjonnymh Follow the podcast @leadwasps Check out IOSEC via the website https://iosec.uk/ Jonny is a proud advocate of BMF https://www.bemilitaryfit.com/ GOOGLE PODCASTS https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yNGIwNzI2OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw== APPLE PODCASTS https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lead-wasps-podcast/id1517422174 SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/2GrWtmf0Xu76aziN4KGFKY

Neville Johnson served with the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, British Army. Born and raised in South Africa, he joined the British Army in the early 2000s deploying multiple times throughout his service, to include Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a published poet and his piece on Sangin is featured in the episode intro. Find Neville on INSTAGRAM @Nevillejohnson01 YouTube (2) The Lead Wasps Podcast - YouTube

.Jack Marshman served with the 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment with the British Army for close to 12 years. He deployed to KAF, Afghanistan in 2008 and Helmand Province in 2010 but most of his career he spent representing the Army in Boxing and fighting professionally as in MMA. He now fights in the UFC at middleweight and is a former Cage Warriors and BAMMA Champion Follow Jack on Insta @Jack.marshman.ufc

Episode 030 is with retired Sgt Jared Prewitt from the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, United States Marine Corps. Jared served as a squad leader whilst deployed to Garmsir, Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2008. He talks about the dumpster-fire that is rural Afghanistan and details the USMC push into that part of the country. This is part 2 of his story where we talk about his deployment to Afghanistan. Go back and listen to episode 030 to hear about his first deployment, to Iraq. Follow Jared in INSTAGRAM @deathwalkermarines Follow the Podcast @leadwasps Buy his Book Deathwalkers 'The Book" by contacting him directly.

Episode 030 is with retired Sgt Jared Prewitt from the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, United States Marine Corps. Jared served as a squad leader whilst deployed to Garmsir, Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2008. He talks about the dumpster-fire that is rural Afghanistan and details the USMC push into that part of the country. This is part 2 of his story where we talk about his deployment to Afghanistan. Go back and listen to episode 030 to hear about his first deployment, to Iraq. Follow Jared in INSTAGRAM @deathwalkermarines Follow the Podcast @leadwasps Buy his Book Deathwalkers 'The Book" by contacting him directly.

Episode 029 is with retired Sgt Jared Prewitt from the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, United States Marine Corps. Jared served as a designated marksman (DM) whilst deployed to Ramadi, Iraq in 2006. He was involved in a number of significant events on that deployment. This is part one of his story where we talk about his time joining the USMC and his first deployment, to Iraq. Follow along for Part 2 in the next episode for his Deployment to Garmsir, Afghanistan and his post-deployment struggles. Follow Jared in INSTAGRAM @deathwalkermarines Follow the Podcast @leadwasps Buy his Book Deathwalkers 'The Book" by contacting him directly.

Episode 028 is with Green Beret Anthony Karr. Anthony enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard and later entered into the 18X (Special Forces) pipeline. He was eventually assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group as a Special Forces Comms guy. During his service, he deployed multiple times to Central Africa and Afghanistan. Anthony became a JTAC and subsequently a Special Ops JTAC Instructor. He is now serving part-time and is in the process of being welcomed to a new Infantry unit. Currently, he is launching GYMNAV, a Fitness app for the military and law enforcement community. Check out the website at www.gymnav.com Check out GymNav on INSTAGRAM @gymnav

Cpl [retired] Rob Langdon served with 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in the Australian Army. He spent some time as a RECON soldier, an Instructor at the Infantry Training Centre and finished with the Brigade Reconnaissance Platoon. On leaving the Army, Rob completed Ronin SA Close Protection course and found work overseas contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was involved in an incident that saw him sentenced to death, and spent 7 years in an Afghan prison before receiving a pardon for the president.    Check Rob out on INSTAGRAM @rodlangdon319   Buy his Book 'The Seventh Circle' online or by reaching out to him directly.

Geraint Jones served with 2 Royal Welsh, British Army and is a combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan. His back to back deployments were pivotal in his future success as a New York Times and Sunday Times best-selling writer, and host of The Veteran State of Mind podcast. He wrote his own Afghanistan memoir, 'Brothers In Arms',  that was later published in 2019 and is a great read or listen on Audible.   Follow Geraint on: INSTAGRAM @grjbooks  Follow The Veteran Stator of Mind on INSTAGRAM @veteranstateofmind  FACEBOOK @grjbooks  TWITTER @grjbooks  PARLER @grjbooks   Veteran State of Mind Podcast: www.vsompodcast.com   Geraint Jones on AMAZON: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geraint-Jones/e/B06XTKLWBM?ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vu00_i1

Jason Gardner is a retired Master Chief from the US Navy SEALs. He served the United States for over 30 years as a SEAL, Sniper and Commander and deployed on multiple occasions to Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and more. Jason now works for a consulting company called Echelon Front who provide leadership and strategic management to corporate America. Follow Jason on INSTAGRAM @jason.n.gardner Follow the podcast @leadwasps Listen on SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/2GrWtmf... Listen on GOOGLE PODCASTS https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=... If you or anyone you know would be suitable for the podcast email; leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com for consideration.

Episode 024 is with Dan Pronk. Dan entered into the Australian Army in 2001 and quickly moved into Special Operations as a Doctor following successful completion of the Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment selection course. He spent the last five years of his service working between the SAS and the 2nd Commando Regiment and saw operational service in Timor Leste and Afghanistan. His expertise is undoubtedly in the combat trauma field and his expressions throughout this podcast and his Instagram provide a valued insight into that arena that most might not understand. Follow him on INSTAGRAM @danpronk Follow the podcast on INSTAGRAM @leadwasps Check out Dans business https://tacmedaustralia.com.au/ Buy his Book 'Average 70kg Dickhead' https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=70kg+dickhead&ref=nb_sb_noss

Lcpl Jake 'Wardy' Ward is a section 2IC in A Coy, 1 Rifles. He gives a brief overview of his unique career and an insight into some mental health struggles that he has had to deal with in his life. Wardy is a Recon soldier with experience as a mortarman and an artillery gunner. This episode is very poignant and timely as the men's mental health epidemic throughout the world is at an all-time height. His courage to talk openly and in detail about his mental health struggles serves only to help others who are also silently struggling. If you or anyone you know would be suitable for the podcast email; leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com for consideration.

Episode 022 is with Steyr Arms US Brand Manager Brayden Gagne and Rob Lowery, responsible for shipping and receiving. Brayden served with 3rd BDE 10th MTN Divison, he is currently getting his degree and is enrolling in the University of Alabama. Rob served as a FMF Navy Corpsman, and is now running Alabama Green Farms, providing a range of products for the Cannabis market.   Follow on INSTAGRAM   Brayden  @braden.gagne  Lead Wasps @leadwasps   STEYR ARMS  Website: www.steyr-arms.com  Tik Tok: steyrarmsusa Facebook: Steyr Arms USA   Instagram: @steyrarms_us   ALABAMA GREEN FARMS   Website: www.agfarmscbd.com Instagram: @alabamagreenfarms   Facebook: Alabama Green Farms    If you or anyone you know would be a good fit for the podcast, reach out at leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com

Cpl Dan Cooper served with the Australian Army for 22 years, 3 years with the Airborne and 18 were served with the SASR. Dan passed selection in 2001 and deployed on around a dozen operational deployments in a variety of theatres. He has a passion for human performance and has taken strides to understand how threat inoculation during training can improve operational effectiveness on the ground. He has a career full of experience on this topic and is not using that the push the limit on what is possible. Dan Cooper You can follow on INSTAGRAM @dancooper_msc Check out his WEBSITE www.komanchi.com.au Head over to the SEMINAR www.fearlessseminar.thinkific.com Follow the podcast on INSTAGRAM @leadwasps If you or anyone you know would be suitable for the podcast email; leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com for consideration.

Episode 020 is with SGM ret. Chris 'Dutch' Moyer served 31 years in the US Army. He spent 10 years in the 1st/75th Ranger Battalion where he worked his way up the ranks to Platoon Sergeant. At that stage in his career, he passed selection and spent a further 14 years with the US Army Tier 1 Special Forces Unit where he racked up over 1000 combat assaults in Afganistan, Iraq and the wider world. He is a true American Patriot and one of the most elite soldiers the world has seen this century.  Follow Dutch on INSTAGRAM @dcmconsultingactual Follow Lead Wasps on INSTAGRAM @leadwasps If you or anyone you know would be suitable for the podcast email; leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com for consideration. 

WO1 James 'Jimmy' Fraser served with various Infantry units within the Scots Division over 24 years, finishing his career as the Regimental Sergeant Major for 2 Scots, The Royal Highland Fusiliers. He has been an instructor at the Infantry Training Centre (C) and the Infantry Battle School, Brecon, on multiple occasions and knows exactly what it takes to develop Infantry leaders still serving and post-military career in other endeavours. Follow Jimmy on TWITTER @TSA1Hldrs Follow the podcast on INSTAGRAM @leadwasps If you or someone you know might be a good guest to have on The Lead Wasps Podcast send an email to leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com for consideration.

Episode 018 is with Green Beret SSgt Patrick 'Pat' Collins. Pat enlisted in the U.S. Army and entered into the 18x (Special Forces) pipeline at 34 years old. He was eventually assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant and eventually the senior medical sergeant on the OD-A. During his service, he performed missions in Central America and a combat deployment to Afghanistan. Pat was a Pro Baseball player and MMA fighter prior to his enlistment in 2012. Follow us on INSTA. @leadwasps Check out Pats WEBSITE. www.deltafuego.com Donate now!! HONOR ANDY FOUNDATION. https://fundraise.greenberetfoundation.org/team/318251 Follow Pat on LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-collins-6558ba126 PODCAST: "BULLETS, BULLSH$T, BULLPENS" https://anchor.fm/deltafuego

Episode 017 is with Cpl Craig Laughland and Cpl Henry Hanlin from 3 Scots, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, British Army. Craig has been an Instructor at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick and Henry are a Regimental Signals Detachment Commander within the Battalion. They have set up Hills and Minds, a hillwalking group aimed to bridge the gap between military and civilian life. Check out the group by searching 'Hills and Minds' on Facebook and giving them a follow. Check the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/227803178262539/?ref=share Follow @leadwasps on Insta If you or anyone you know would like to be considered to appear on an episode email leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com

Episode 016 is with Sgt Pedro ‘Pete' Almeida. Pete is an Rifleman in V2/8, United States Marine Corps. Born in Brazil, Pete and his family moved to the US when he was a kid. He joined the Marine Corps in 2014 and has deployed with the SPMAGTF (Special Purpose Marine and Ground Force) to Africa. He endured a UDP (Unit Development Program) to Okinawa, Japan and has just returned from a MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) to the Persian Gulf.    You can find him on Insta @pr.alm  Follow the Insta page @leadwasps    If you or anyone you know would like to feature on an episode of The Lead Wasps Podcast email leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com

CSgt Craig 'Sharpy' Sharp MC was awarded the Military Cross for his actions as the commander during an attack that saw his multiple isolated and fighting off a Taliban attack lasting close to 12 hours. He currently serves part time as a Platoon Commander with 7 Scots, The Royal Regiment of Scotland whilst serving his community as a Fire Fighter in his professional career. He gives an insight into his time serving with The Black Watch, and provides an insight into Recon operations and pretty much every Infantry course there is out there. Follow us on Insta @leadwasps You can find him on Insta @craigy_boi_ If you or anyone you know would like to feature on The Lead Wasps Podcast email leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com

Darren ended his military career in 2013 having served with 3 Scots, The Royal Regiment of Scotland. He enlisted into the British Army from South Africa and was a gunner with B Company. He deployed on Herrick 15 taking on multiple roles including GPMG gunner, CSM Driver and PMAG team member in Lashkar Gah. His post military career has seen him making a success within the Utilities industry where he has fantastic opportunities available for veterans within his company. To contact Darren about these Opportunities contact: darren.vdb@glenevin.co.uk You can reach him on Insta @vdboon88 Follow us on Insta @leadwasps If you or anyone you know would be interested in appearing on the podcast contact leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com for consideration.

Mark is a former member of the 1-505th, 3BCT, 82nd Airborne Division and the 96th Civil Affairs BN. To improve the transition experience for other veterans, he is the owner of The Veteran Professional, which runs a website and podcast called: The Veteran (Semi) Professional podcast. He has a retired sled dog named Kismet, enjoys playing bar trivia, and thinks everyone needs to raise money to redo Season 8 of GoT. Follow Mark on Insta @theveteranprofessional Search podcasting platforms for: The Veteran Semi Professional Follow us on Insta @leadwasps If you or anyone you know might be a good fit for the podcast or for business inquiries contact leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com for consideration.

Retired US Army Captain Eric Gobin served with the 1-75 CAV which is a reconnaissance unit in 2 BCT, 101st Airborne DIV. He attended the United States Military Academy: West Point where he attended Airborne School, Air Assault School and was a D1 Wrestler. On completion of IBOLC he attended Ranger School and deployed to Kunar Province, Afghanistan immediately on arrival to his unit. He Deployed to Northern Iraq on his next deployment supporting the campaign fighting ISIS. He is now a High School Science teacher.  You can find him on Insta @gobin_eric  Follow us on Insta @leadwasps  If you or anyone you know might be a suitable fit for the podcast email leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com for consideration.

2Lt James McWilliams is a recently commissioned officer on his way to becoming a Platoon Commander in 5 Scots, The Royal Regiment of Scotland. He joined the Army as an enlisted soldier, spending 5 years in the Infantry before transferring to the Royal Army PT Corps. He talks about his career path that took him to from Private soldier to the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, to become an officer as well as other interesting topics. You can find him on Insta @jamesmcw If you or anyone you know might want to appear on The Lead Wasps Podcast send your request to leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com for consideration.

Robin Horsfall served with 2 Para and then 22 SAS. He had multiple deployments throughout the world to include domestically in Northern Ireland, The Falklands Islands and the middle east. He was famously involved in the Iranian Embassy siege, London, in 1980 saving the lives of 19 hostages. We talk on a whole host of subjects including his civilian career, his work supporting veterans, and politics. You can find more information about Robin at: www.RobinHorsfall.info www.WiseOldParatrooper.co.uk He has a GoFund me account helping him support veterans https://www.gofundme.com/f/ni-veterans-campaign-fund His books are available at all good book stores and Amazon.com https://www.amazon.co.uk/Robin-Horsfall/e/B001JRUSGE?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_5&qid=1596142940&sr=8-5 If you or anyone you know might want to appear on The Lead Wasps Podcast send your request to leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com for consideration.

John Smith is a former British Army, Infanteer and Close Protect Operator. He talks about his time serving with the 2nd Bn The Royal Green Jackets and 4 Rifles, including multiple combat deployments including Iraq and Afghaninstan. His post military career has seen him operating in Afghanistan, and others, as a private contractor and he shares some of his unique experiences within the industry.  Follow him on Insta @the_hostile_operator Follow the Hostile Operator Podcast on podbean.com   Mentions: Insta @spearpointgear_2019 ASW Liverpool Martial Arts Club. If you or anyone you know might benefit from being on the podcast email leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com for consideration.

SSgt Christopher "Chris" LaBeause is a serving US Army Infantryman currently operational as an OC/T (Observer, Coach / Trainer). He takes us on a journey through his 11 year career and what led him to start Storytime Project, a US Registered Non-Profit charitable organisation helping to prevent veteran suicide. Check #storytime on insta @storytime_0520 and at www.storytimeproject.com. Follow @leadwasps on insta for more content. If you or anyone you know might be efit from sharing their experience in an open forum with no arcs get in touch at leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com for consideration.

Sgt Alex "Wellsy" Wells is a Platoon Sergeant at the Army Training Centre, Pirbright, He dives into his career with 1st Battalion the Highlanders, transferring to 3 Scots in 2009 and his deployment on 6 operational tours to include Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan where he served as a Section Commander on Op Herrick 10. Get him on Insta @wellso84 If you or anyone you know would like to feature on The Lead Wasps Podcast, email leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com

Sgt Alex "Wellsy" Wells is a Platoon Sergeant at the Army Training Centre, Pirbright, He dives into his career with 1st Battalion the Highlanders, transferring to 3 Scots in 2009 and his deployment on 6 operational tours to include Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan where he served as a Section Commander on Op Herrick 10. Get him on Insta @wellso84 If you or anyone you know would like to feature on The Lead Wasps Podcast, email leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com

Arnie is a serving Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the British Army in an Infantry Battalion. He gives a brief overview of his career and shares some stories about his time in Afghanistan as a Sniper. If you or anyone you know would like to feature on The Lead Wasps Podcast, send your request to leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com.

Arnie is a serving Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the British Army in an  Infantry Battalion. He gives a brief overview of his career and shares some stories about his time in Afghanistan as a Sniper.

Liam Gillie is a former Royal Marines Commando, & Co-Owner of Perform Transform Fitness. We discuss the differences in basic training between the Army and Marines, his career covering topics such as Cold Weather training in Norway, combined training with the US Marines in America and running a successful Personal Training business post military career. You can get him on Insta @ljgillie or his PT page @performtransformfitness

WO2 David Taylor "Tut Tut" is a retired Infantry Company Sergeant Major. He served 24 years with 1st Battalion the Black Watch (3 Scots) serving in Northern Ireland, Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan. He was an instructor at the Infantry Battle School on the Platoon Sergeants Battle Course, his career has been extremely successful one for any bayonet soldier to be envious of. We shoot the shit and share some stories.

WO2 David Taylor "Tut Tut" is a retired Infantry Company Sergeant Major. He served 24 years with 1st Battalion the Black Watch (3 Scots) serving in Northern Ireland, Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan. He was an instructor at the Infantry Battle School on the Platoon Sergeants Battle Course, his career has been extremely successful one for any bayonet soldier to be envious of. We shoot the shit and share some stories.

Captain Andrew Halliday is a retired Infantry Platoon Commander. He served with 3 Scots, The Black Watch, The Royal Regiment of Scotland. He gives an insight into his life, military career and deployments to Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army he has been diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury and we discuss his experience and how we can help other to understand this injury throughout the military community. You can find him on Instagram @emerald22alpha

Captain Andrew Halliday is a retired Infantry Platoon Commander. He served with 3 Scots, The Black Watch, The Royal Regiment of Scotland. He gives an insight into his life, military career and deployments to Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army he has been diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury and we discuss his experience and how we can help other to understand this injury throughout the military community. You can find him on Instagram @emerald22alpha

Colour Sergeant Glen Simpson, "Simo" is a Company Quarter Master Sergeant (CQMS) in 3 Scots, The Royal Regiment of Scotland. He talks about his times deployed to Afghanistan, overseas exercises, how he dealt with mental health problems whilst serving and his future. He spent a decade in Bravo Company, is currently on resettlement and soon to leave the Army for a new career.