SAS Gulf War patrol
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Rishi Sunak wanted one of the UK's top generals to be the next National Security Adviser, but Keir Starmer has decided to readvertise the job.So far it's always been a civilian, but would a top-ranking officer make more sense? The UK's first ever National Security Adviser, Lord Peter Ricketts, tells us what the role involves and shares his thoughts along with ex Royal Navy officer Professor Peter Roberts.Jamie Gordon from BFBS podcast Mavgeeks reflects on the legacy, and hair-raising flying, of one of the founders of the RAF Red Arrows, Squadron Leader Henry Prince.And despite a career where he's been captured and tortured, decorated for his SAS service, and sold more than 15 million copies of Bravo Two Zero, Andy McNab tells us why reading a “Janet and John” book was the moment that made him.
NOTE: This segment has been extracted from the full-length episode, which originally aired on September 8, 2021. It has been REDEPLOYED. Andy McNab is a former member of the British SAS who led Bravo Two Zero during the first Gulf War. During his time in the military, Andy conducted counter-terrorist and anti-drug missions in Central America, South America and throughout the Middle East. He also worked undercover in Northern Ireland. He was captured in Iraq on a mission during the first Gulf War in 1991, an experience he recounts in his first book, Bravo Two Zero. Andy was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and Military Medal (MM). At the time he left SAS in 1993, he was the British Army's most highly decorated serving soldier. In his post-military life, Andy has instructed special operations forces in survival, hostage rescue, and counterterrorism. He was also the technical advisor on the classic action film Heat. He is the author of the Nick Stone and Tom Buckingham thriller series, the co-author of the Boy Soldier series, and the author of three books about his own military experience: Bravo Two Zero, Seven Troop, and Immediate Action. Andy's novel Red Notice was recently adapted into a major motion picture. It is currently available on Netflix as SAS: Rise of the Black Swan. To learn more about Andy, follow him on X @The_Real_McNab and Facebook @Andy McNab Official. SPONSORS: Red Sky Mourning – The 7th novel in the James Reece Terminal List series. Pre-order today! http://jackcarr.co/rsm Bravo Company Manufacturing: Visit us on the web at http://jackcarr.co/bcm and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA.com SIG: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the legendary SIG SAUER P226. Learn more here - https://jackcarr.co/SIG40thP226 Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here - https://jackcarr.co/gear
We join the Special Air Service this week with Tom Clegg's 1999 First Gulf War epic, Bravo Two Zero!Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ScuttlebuttMovieReviewsInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/scuttlebuttreviews/?hl=enYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwbgZzUyQc--6MUwA_CtFvQPatreon -https://www.patreon.com/Scuttlebuttpodcast
Sanjeev Singh has over 40 years of experience in film acquisition and distribution in South Africa.As Head of Acquisition and Distribution of Videovision Entertainment, Sanjeev has acquired films across genres for distribution. These range from small independent documentaries, Foreign Language and Arthouse films to multi-million dollar blockbuster films. Recent acquisitions include Khalil Gibran's The Prophet, Wolf Totem, The Little Prince, I Am Woman, and Oscar Nominee, Les Miserables.Sanjeev has executive produced a number of motion pictures made under the banner of Videovision Entertainment, among which are Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, Kite, More Than Just A Game, the Oscar Nominated Yesterday, Red Dust, Barack Obama: People's President and more. He was also associate producer on Bravo Two Zero, Sarafina! and Cry, The Beloved Country and Co-Producer on the hit SA Television Series, Imbewu: The Seed and House of Zwide.In 2020 he was appointed as an Executive Committee member and Vice Chair of the Independent Producers Organization of South Africa.
“I've got the ability to kill people and not sort of worry about it too much.”In this episode, I'm joined by the former SAS soldier, hugely successful writer, campaigner and clinically diagnosed psychopath Andy McNab. Andy's life began in crisis .. abandoned after birth on the steps of a London hospital, he was later adopted and raised in Peckham. After several run-ins with the law as a teenager, Andy's life was transformed when he was given a choice – prison or the army. He went on to become one of the most decorated soldiers of his generation.In 1991 Andy commanded an eight-man SAS squad designated Bravo Two Zero, who were dropped behind enemy lines in Iraq on a mission to destroy Saddam's lines of communications. His best-selling book about those events has sold over six million copies and has never been out of print.It told the incredible story of how, after seeing three members of his squad killed, he was captured and tortured. Andy was only released after enduring an horrific mock execution.Months after experiences that would break even the toughest of individuals, Andy was back to work in covert operations. How he coped, he tells me, is in large part due to his mental make-up. Years after leaving the army Andy was clinically diagnosed with psychopathy. “But I'm a good type of psychopath,” he says whilst admitting that his lack of empathy means that he is capable of killing for money, if his circumstances demanded it.Thankfully with a further 52 books now under his belt, that is unlikely to happen. Andy's latest book, Shadow State, the first in a new series focused on the murky world of cybercrime, is out now.Essentially a psychopath's guide to resilience, this is an episode you will not want to miss. Andy's face has been obscured in the video recording of this episode. He explains exactly why at the start of our conversation.Full episdoe transcript available at: https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/andy-mcnab-on-being-tortured-facing-an-execution-squad-and-the-upside-of-being-a-psychopath/Topics covered:– Abandonment– Psychopathy– SAS selection– Withstanding torture– Bereavement– Stoicism and the power of perspective– Money and moralityAndy's Crisis Cures:1. Don't start flapping. Just accept what's going on. There is a crisis. It's here. It's happening.2. Take action. Once you've accepted the truth, you've got to get on. You've got to rectify it slowly to get out of the crisis. Take responsibility for it.3. Accept that the world isn't that perfect. You may not come out of that crisis completely clean. You've just got to get on with it and try and get some resolution. Because the next one is coming down the road, and you don't want them to all compound on top of each other.Links:Shadow State – https://amzn.to/3XzhcxeDown to the Wire – https://amzn.to/3I9ixVCBravo Two Zero – https://amzn.to/3KdihHPTwitter – @The_Real_McNab – https://twitter.com/The_Real_McNab?s=20 Stream/Buy ‘Allies' by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bmSome Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682 Host – Andy CoulsonCWC production team: Louise Difford, Ed Isaacs and Jane SankeyWith special thanks to Global
Eight soldiers from the Britain's Special Air Service flew deep into northwestern Iraq on the night of January 22nd, 1991. Their callsign was Bravo Two Zero. Their mission was to destroy the SCUD missiles Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was using against Israel. A young goat herder stumbled across the patrol after it was on the ground for less than a day. With their cover blown and no way to call for help, the eight solders attempted to fight their way more than 100 miles across the desert to Syria. Only one made it. This book was written by Bravo Two Zero's patrol leader and tells the story of what happened.
This week's guest is Andy McNab Andy McNab is perhaps the most recognisable name of any special forces operator in the world. Andy served in the Royal Green Jackets in Northern Ireland where he was awarded the Military medal for gallantry, he entered the Special Air Services in 1984 and worked on both covert and overt operations including and drug operations in the Middle East and Far East, South and Central America and Northern Ireland Andy is best know for commanding an 8 man SAS patrol designated Bravo Two Zero in Iraq, which he wrote about in the book bearing the same name. The book tells of a mission that was compromised leading to three of the eight dying and four (including Andy being captured, held and tortured for 6 weeks). I wanted to talk to Andy about his choices to join the military, what selection is like for special forces applicants and what qualities are selected for. And Andy as you'd expect tells it like it is. There is a clarity of understanding about what is required, how you undertake highly specialised manoeuvres and how you achieve high-performance under the intensity of combat. But this isn't all just aggression and attack (although there is a bit of that). Listen carefully and you'll hear a profound lessons in how you select people, how you train people to perform and how you deliver when it matters. We also discuss the finding that Andy is a diagnosed psychopath, or more specifically a functioning psychopath, how he found out, what that meant for his military performance as well as how understanding that has helped him engage more effectively in day-to-day life. It was an honour to speak to Andy, not everything in special forces applies to our sporting and working lives, but here are some super interesting insights in this conversation - of which I have no doubt you could apply - it certainly, certainly offers a contrast. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Links Andy's new book DOWN TO THE WIRE Hi, I'm Steve Ingham Sports and Performance Scientist co-founder at Supporting Champions. I have the privilege of supporting over 1000 athletes of which over 200 have gone on to win World or Olympic medals. For the last 25 years I've been fascinated by, researched and applied innovative ideas to help people succeed and now I want to share those performance strategies with you. I help aspiring and professional Performance Science and Support Staff improve their skills, experience and mindset for working with sports performers through a range of online courses and an exclusive community hub https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse If you're working in sports performance or business and want to get support to develop your team and systems - take a look at what I offer here - https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/speaking/ Listen to the podcast https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/category/podcast/ Links Twitter at https://twitter.com/ingham_steve https://www.tiktok.com/@supportingchampions Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/
NOTE: In the coming weeks, Jack is releasing a series of “best of” collections from the Danger Close archives. Each episode contains portions of past interviews, all centered around a theme or topic. Today's episode features interviews with veterans of the United Kingdom's Special Boat Service (SBS) and Special Air Service (SAS). FEATURED INTERVIEWS: CHRIS RYAN Chris Ryan is a former member of the Special Air Service. He is the bestselling author of seventy fiction and non-fiction books including the Geordie Sharp series, Alpha Force, the Danny Black series, and The One That Got Away, which details his experience on E&E (Escape & Evasion) during the 1991 Gulf War. Full Interview: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/danger-close-with-jack-carr/id1557814875?i=1000523888176 MARK “BILLY” BILLINGHAM Billy Billingham served in the UK's Parachute Regiment from 1983 to 1991 before joining SAS, where he was a Mountain Troop specialist conducting operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, South America, and Africa. He is the author of The Hard Way: Adapt, Survive and Win, Call to Kill: The Enemy Is Everywhere, and Survive to Fight. Full Interview: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/danger-close-with-jack-carr/id1557814875?i=1000539146477 OLLIE OLLERTON Ollie Ollerton is a writer, entrepreneur, speaker, and veteran of the British Special Forces who served in the elite Special Boat Service (SBS). Full Interview: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/danger-close-with-jack-carr/id1557814875?i=1000568129967 DES POWELL Des Powell is a veteran of the SAS who served 28 years in the British military, going behind enemy lines in one of the Gulf War's earliest and most dangerous missions. His book SAS Bravo Three Zero: The Explosive Untold Story tells the story of Des' experience during the opening hours of the Gulf War. Full Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/danger-close-with-jack-carr/id1557814875?i=1000568129967 ANDY MCNAB Andy McNab is a former member of the British SAS who led Bravo Two Zero during the first Gulf War. He was captured in Iraq on a mission during the first Gulf War in 1991, an experience he recounts in his first book, Bravo Two Zero. Full Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/danger-close-with-jack-carr/id1557814875?i=1000534670680 BEN GARWOOD Ben served in multiple units in the British military, most notably in the SAS and as a member of the Pathfinders, an elite reconnaissance platoon for the British 16th Air Assault Brigade. The platoon was featured in the documentary Pathfinders: Into the Heart of Afghanistan. Full Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/danger-close-with-jack-carr/id1557814875?i=1000577233745 DEAN STOTT Dean Stott is a former operator in Great Britain's Special Boat Service, a security consultant, an adventurer, an endurance athlete, and the author of the book Relentless: From SBS to World Record Breaker. Full Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/danger-close-with-jack-carr/id1557814875?i=1000542928193 Sponsors: Navy Federal Credit Union: Today's episode is presented by Navy Federal Credit Union. Learn more about them at navyfederal.org Black Rifle Coffee Company: Today's episode is also brought to you by Black Rifle. Purchase at http://www.blackriflecoffee.com/dangerclose and use code: dangerclose20 at checkout for 20% off your purchase and your first coffee club order! SIG Sauer Today's show is also sponsored by SIG Sauer. You can learn more about SIG here.
Note: This episode originally aired in September 2021. Andy McNab is a former member of the British SAS who led Bravo Two Zero during the first Gulf War. Over his time in the military, Andy conducted counter-terrorist and anti-drug missions in Central America, South America and throughout the Middle East. He also worked undercover in Northern Ireland. He was captured in Iraq on a mission during the first Gulf War in 1991, an experience he recounts in his first book, Bravo Two Zero. Andy was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and Military Medal (MM). At the time he left SAS in 1993, he was the British Army's most highly decorated serving soldier. In his post-military life, Andy has instructed special operations forces in survival, hostage rescue, and counterterrorism. He was also the technical advisor on the classic action film Heat. He is the author of the Nick Stone and Tom Buckingham thriller series, the co-author of the Boy Soldier series, and the author of three books about his own military experience: Bravo Two Zero, Seven Troop, and Immediate Action. Andy's novel Red Notice was recently adapted into a major motion picture. It is currently available on Netflix as SAS: Rise of the Black Swan. You can follow him on Twitter @the_real_mcnab Sponsors: Navy Federal Credit Union: Today's episode is presented by Navy Federal Credit Union. Learn more about them at navyfederal.org Black Rifle Coffee Company: Today's episode is also brought to you by Black Rifle Coffee Company. Check out the latest here. Featured Gear: Today's featured gear segment is sponsored by SIG Sauer. You can learn more about SIG here. True Velocity Ammunition
Today's episode is with Chris Ryan whose name may ring a bell if you're interested in the history of the British Special Air Service otherwise known as the SAS. These days, Chris stays busy writing novels with storylines and characters based on the SAS. His portfolio contains more than 74 novels, which have been made into popular TV series. But perhaps what he's most known for is his role with Bravo Two Zero, the fateful British SAS team that was compromised in Iraq in 1991 during the Gulf War. Chris wrote a book from his perspective of how the events transpired called “The One That Got Away,” which describes the longest escape and evasion in British SAS history. In this episode, we lightly touch on those details. Instead, we cover British SAS history, Chris's time at the German Alpine Guide's Course in Germany, and the fascinating application of pink camouflage on the so-called Pink Panther, which were land rovers used by the SAS. Follow Chris Ryan on Twitter: @exsaschrisryan and Instagram: @exsaschrisryan. Find his books on Amazon.
Today's guest is Des Powell, a veteran of the SAS who served 28 years in the British military going behind enemy lines in one of the Gulf War's earliest and most dangerous missions. His new book, SAS Bravo Three Zero: The Explosive Untold Story tells the story of Des' experience during the opening hours of the Gulf War. From the publisher: There were three patrols that fateful January 1991 morning: Bravo One Zero, Bravo Two Zero … then there was Bravo Three Zero. These men were different. Thought differently. Acted differently. Treating as gospel the SAS's saying ‘any fool can be uncomfortable', they deployed with vehicles, and while there was nowhere to hide they could make a dash for the border if desperate. Even as warnings came in that McNab's patrol was on the run, Bravo Three Zero remained undetected – the furthest Coalition forces behind Iraqi lines. Slipping through enemy positions, a string of targets were taken out. But with the desert turning bitter and snow starting to fall, they were forced to fight a running battle against the elements as much as the enemy. You can follow Des on Instagram @des.p22 Sponsors: Navy Federal Credit Union: Today's episode is presented by Navy Federal Credit Union. Learn more about them at navyfederal.org Black Rifle Coffee Company: Today's episode is also brought to you by Black Rifle. Featured Gear: Today's featured gear segment is also sponsored by MTNTOUGH: MTNTOUGH is offering Danger Close listeners 20% off the all-new MTNTOUGH+ subscription with the code DANGERCLOSE. Just go to MTNTOUGH.com and enter the code DANGERCLOSE to receive 20% off the brand new MTNTOUGH+ subscription. Vertex Watches - https://vertex-watches.com/en-us Wilson Combat Grips - https://shopwilsoncombat.com/ Fathers and Sons short film - https://www.officialjackcarr.com/fathers-and-sons-a-terminal-list-story/ Vickers Guide: 1911, Volume 2 - https://www.vickersguide.com/purchase/1911-vol-2-slipcase-edition
Des Powell served in the Parachute Regiment as a sergeant major before spending 20 years in the SAS at the heart of Counter Terrorism and Special Projects teams. A former PT instructor in 1 PARA, he became the Unarmed Combat and Fitness instructor for B Squadron and pioneered HALO, HAHO and other covert airborne entry techniques. The SAS were called upon to hunt down the mobile Scud rocket launchers, deep behind enemy lines in Iraq. Much has been written about the ill-fated Bravo Two Zero patrol, but little is known regarding Des Powell's Bravo Three Zero's operation. Des has set the record straight with his exceptional book, 'SAS Bravo Three Zero, The Explosive Untold Story'. Read 'Eating Smoke: One Man's Descent into Crystal Meth Psychosis in Hong Kong's Triad Heartland.' Paperback UK: https://amzn.to/2YoeaPx Paperback US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0993543944 Support the podcast at: https://www.patreon.com/christhrall (£2 per month plus perks) https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-our-veterans-to-tell-their-story https://paypal.me/TeamThrall Sign up for my NON-SPAM newsletter and FREE books: https://christhrall.com/mailing-list/ Social media Links: https://facebook.com/christhrall https://twitter.com/christhrall https://instagram.com/chris.thrall https://linkedin.com/in/christhrall https://youtube.com/christhrall https://discord.gg/yqvHRUN https://christhrall.com
Today's guest on Danger Close is Andy McNab. Andy is a former member of the British SAS who led Bravo Two Zero during the first Gulf War. Over his time in the military, he conducted counter-terrorist and anti-drug missions in Central and South America and throughout the Middle East and worked undercover in Northern Ireland. He was captured in Iraq on a mission during the first Gulf War in 1991, an experience he recounts in his first book, Bravo Two Zero. Andy was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and Military Medal (MM). At the time he left SAS in 1993, he was the British Army's most highly decorated serving soldier. In his post-military life, he has instructed special operations forces in survival, hostage rescue and counter terrorism. He was also the technical advisor on the classic action film Heat. He is the author of the Nick Stone and Tom Buckingham thriller series, the co-author of the Boy Soldier series, and the author of three books about his own military experience: Bravo Two Zero, Seven Troop, and Immediate Action. Andy's novel Red Notice, was recently adapted into a major motion picture, and is currently available on Netflix as SAS: Rise of the Black Swan. You can follow him on Twiter @the_real_mcnab. Presented by SIG Sauer. Featured Gear: True Velocity Ammunition
This week, Matt Amos, Chet Sears, and Troy Trussell cover Matt's take on how well Hollywood gets, or doesn't get, troops when deployed. Which ties into our Top 3 war movies discussion. Who had the best list of war movies? Chet concludes the episode with a word on compassion and hard heartedness from the book of Jonah. Topics discussed: What's On Your Mind: Matt draws a blank, but Troy and Chet get him talking about portrayals of combat and deployment in movies. We learn that there is a scene in Bravo Two Zero that shows a realistic depiction of advancing troops. Matt's worst war movie? Star Wars! Ha! Top 3 War Movies: Starship Troopers, Hacksaw Ridge, The Patriot, 13 Hours in Benghazi, 300, Saving Private Ryan, Last of the Mohicans, Gettysburg. Honorable mentions: Dirty Dozen, Red Dawn, Black Hawk Down, Full Metal Jacket, Platoon, Casualties of War. A Good Word: Don't be hard hearted. Be compassionate. Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.hardheadedpodcast.com/ http://admiralspennant.com/ buddy rushing, fog of war, Grunt's Life on VET TV, Raya and the Last Dragon, Louisiana Tech, Chuck Norris, Delta Force, Missing in Action, First Blood, Rambo, war movies, veteran, veteran TV, hollywood, realism, deployment, Iraq, Afghanistan, Marines, WWII, Vietnam, French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, Mel Gibson, Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Daniel Day-Lewis, Red Dawn, John Krasinski, Sean Bean, Andrew Garfield, Jeff Daniels, Gerard Butler This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
Andy McNab is a former SAS soldier and best-selling author of “Bravo Two Zero” (1993), the account of his capture and torture in Iraq in the first Gulf War. By the time he left the SAS in 1993, he was the British Army’s most highly decorated serving soldier. He shares his experience in the selection process for the Special Art Service, regarded as one of the toughest in the world.Please support more conversations like this by hitting the subscribe button, checking out our sponsors, and leaving a quick review on Apple Podcasts.[Our usual home Smile To Go has been forced to shut doors during this current pandemic, support their staff during this difficult time by visiting here][Great Adventures is proudly fueled by WhistlePig Whiskey and HANAH.]Let me know who you want to hear from next. Look out for upcoming episodes with deep-sea diver Andy Casagrande, survivalist Mykel Hawke, Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, CEO of Conservation International Dr. M Sanjayan…CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:Charles’ Instagram | Charles’ TwitterGreat Adventures Instagram | Great Adventures TwitterAndy's TwitterRELEVANT LINKS:Andy McNab's Penguin Books WebsiteAndy McNab's Page On AmazonClosing song: "Look Alive" by Guster.*Our world is going through an unprecedented event with the Coronavirus, but we at "Great Adventures" and our sponsors believe that it is not a time to go quietly into the night, we must continue to dream and explore while staying safe, social distancing and isolating when necessary. There are still adventures to be had, and for some, getting outdoors is the best thing for our mental and physical health right now. The episodes will continue to drop, please send us any feedback, and anyone that you would like to hear from.*
Andrew Pierce talks to the Mail's Robert Hardman as Prince Philip returns to a family shaken by the aftershocks of Harry and Meghan's tell-all interview, and speaks to GP Dr Renee Honderkamp about why patients have nothing to fear from the AstraZeneca jab, as vaccine tensions with the EU ramp up. Plus, Bravo Two Zero author Andy McNab on his horrific Iraq ordeal 30 years ago this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join us as we take a special look at not one but two films - both looking at the ill-fated SAS mission - Bravo Two Zero. Gulf War films are rare and with the 30th Anniversary of the war upon us we thought it was a good time to take a look at 'The One That Got Away' (1996) and 'Bravo Two Zero' (1999). Don't forget to leave a comment/review/rating and let us know what you thought of the film via twitter @FightingOnFilm
From the day he was found in a carrier bag on the steps of Guy's Hospital in London, Andy McNab has led an extraordinary life. As a teenage delinquent, Andy McNab kicked against society. As a young soldier he waged war against the IRA in the streets and fields of South Armagh. As a member of 22 SAS he was at the centre of covert operations for nine years – on five continents. During the Gulf War he commanded Bravo Two Zero, a patrol that, in the words of his commanding officer, 'will remain in regimental history for ever'. Awarded both the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and Military Medal (MM) during his military career, McNab was the British Army's most highly decorated serving soldier when he finally left the SAS. Since then Andy McNab has become one of the world’s best-selling writers, drawing on his insider knowledge and experience. As well as several non-fiction bestsellers including Bravo Two Zero, the biggest selling British work of military history, he is the author of the best-selling Nick Stone and Tom Buckingham thrillers. He has also written a number of books for children. Besides his writing work, he lectures to security and intelligence agencies in both the USA and UK, works in the film industry advising Hollywood on everything from covert procedure to training civilian actors to act like soldiers. He continues to be a spokesperson and fundraiser for both military and literacy charities. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
From the day he was found in a carrier bag on the steps of Guy's Hospital in London, Andy McNab has led an extraordinary life. As a teenage delinquent, Andy McNab kicked against society. As a young soldier he waged war against the IRA in the streets and fields of South Armagh. As a member of 22 SAS he was at the centre of covert operations for nine years – on five continents. During the Gulf War he commanded Bravo Two Zero, a patrol that, in the words of his commanding officer, 'will remain in regimental history for ever'. Awarded both the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and Military Medal (MM) during his military career, McNab was the British Army's most highly decorated serving soldier when he finally left the SAS. Since then Andy McNab has become one of the world’s best-selling writers, drawing on his insider knowledge and experience. As well as several non-fiction bestsellers including Bravo Two Zero, the biggest selling British work of military history, he is the author of the best-selling Nick Stone and Tom Buckingham thrillers. He has also written a number of books for children. Besides his writing work, he lectures to security and intelligence agencies in both the USA and UK, works in the film industry advising Hollywood on everything from covert procedure to training civilian actors to act like soldiers. He continues to be a spokesperson and fundraiser for both military and literacy charities. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
I can’t tell you how thrilled I was when Andy McNab agreed to be a guest on the podcast. From the day Andy was found in a carrier bag on the steps of Guy’s Hospital in London, he has led a quite extraordinary life. From teenage delinquent, to a young soldier he waged war against the IRA in the streets and fields of South Armagh. As a member of 22 SAS he was at the centre of covert operations for nine years – on five continents. During the Gulf War he commanded Bravo Two Zero, a patrol that, in the words of his commanding officer, 'will remain in regimental history for ever'. Awarded both the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and Military Medal (MM) during his military career, McNab was the British Army's most highly decorated serving soldier when he finally left the SAS. Since then Andy McNab has become one of the world’s best-selling writers, drawing on his insider knowledge and experience. As well as several non-fiction bestsellers including Bravo Two Zero, the biggest selling British work of military history, he is the author of the best-selling Nick Stone and Tom Buckingham thrillers. He has also written a number of books for children. Besides his writing work, he lectures to security and intelligence agencies in both the USA and UK, works in the film industry advising Hollywood on everything from covert procedure to training civilian actors to act like soldiers. He continues to be a spokesperson and fundraiser for both military and literacy charities. In this brilliant and wide-ranging conversation, Andy and I chat through a whole host of topics, not least his Good Psychopath personality. I think you’ll get a lot from this great conversation so kick back, relax and enjoy. This is Your London Legacy. “In fact, the Infantry then would take soldier with a written age of six, of a six-year-old.” 21:00 Andy fondly remembers being drafted into the Infantry; his journey into the military is an interesting one, as he was born an orphan and grew up with a certain anger towards people seemed to have it all—an effect he thinks may be more prominent with social media showing off luxurious lifestyles, whether faked or not. But his attitude and education took a major turn after meeting a Regiment Sergeant Major who stood in front of their classroom and committed to bringing up everyone’s ability to read, write and learn up to the level of those who were looking down on them. “Ultimately, no matter what’s going on around you—the only thing you’ve got control of is yourself.” 34:40 One of Andy’s many books, “The Good Psychopath’s Path to Success” shows how some traits found in diagnosed psychopaths can actually be beneficial. Many of these traits are what has enabled Andy to survive a gruelling military career, including being undercover for two years in Northern Ireland—as well as captured and tortured in Iraq. But they are some of the same parts of his personality that has led him to writing over twenty books of fiction and nonfiction. The book looks at learned behaviours that allow people on the psychopath spectrum to be more social and driven through learned behaviours and logic. Links Penguin Books (https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/1026520/andy-mcnab.html) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AndyMcNabOfficial/) Twitter (https://twitter.com/the_real_mcnab?lang=en) Support this podcast
This is the Finale of the three-part series on Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNab
Talking about the second of three parts of Bravo Two Zero
This month’s episode of Love Your Library features an interview with Bravo Two Zero author Andy McNab, where he gives us the low-down on his latest book, Whatever It Takes. The story of one man’s pursuit of revenge and justice against overwhelming odds, Whatever It Takes follows James Mercer as he embarks upon a journey to right the wrongs suffered by his family – a devastating blow that left them in financial ruin. In this action-packed thriller, revenge must come at a price, and he will stop at... The post Behind The Lines | Andy McNab interview appeared first on Love your library.
Andy McNab was the British Army's most highly decorated serving soldier when he finally left the SAS. Since then Andy has become one of the world's bestselling writers, drawing on his insider knowledge and experience. His debut book, Bravo Two Zero, was a huge success worldwide and told the true account of a mission in the Gulf War that went awry. As well as three nonfiction bestsellers including Bravo Two Zero, he is the author of the bestselling Nick Stone series and the Tom Buckingham thrillers and his latest is Whatever It Takes, a fast-paced revenge thriller. He has also written a number of books for children, as well as several screenplays.Andy was great fun on our chat, telling us about how it was through the British Army that he learned to read and write, how Bravo Two Zero came about, and giving us lots of useful hints and tips on writing thrilling stories. We also talk about his work in Hollywood, and chat about his future plans.Links:Buy Whatever It Takes and Andy's other books on AmazonThe Page One Podcast is brought to you by Write Gear, creators of Page One - the Writer's Notebook. Learn more and order yours now: https://www.writegear.co.uk/page-one See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
A review of the first third of Bravo Two Zero. We talked about the adversity the author faces and what I have learned about him.
Aasmah Mir and Rev Richard Coles talk to former SAS soldier Andy McNab. He was captured in Iraq while leading the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1991. His book on his ordeal became a bestseller - his first of many. His latest book "Get Me Out Of Here" is aimed at young readers. Children's book illustrator Axel Scheffler has given visual form to Julia Donaldson's characters The Gruffalo, Stick Man, Room on the Broom, A Squash and a Squeeze and many more. But if you find the Gruffalo scary, be aware that Axel's original version was even more menacing. His latest books are "Kind" and "The Smeds and the Smoos" - two stories about tolerance and inclusivity. Veronica Thompson goes by the stage name Fancy Chance when she performs aerial burlesque while hanging from her hair. Her show Flights of Fancy explores ideas of beauty and her feelings of alienation at having been abandoned as a baby on the doorstep of a South Korean police station. Actor and comedian Roisin Conaty shares her Inheritance Tracks. And listener Emma Wyatt-Haines talks about overcoming serious spinal injury to compete in an Iron Man contest. Presenters: Aasmah Mir and Rev Richard Coles Producer: Paul Waters
You could say that my guest this week became famous because of failure. Andy McNab led the Bravo Two Zero SAS mission during the first Gulf War but his team was compromised soon after they were dropped into Iraq in 1991. This was the most horrific kind of failure. It resulted in the deaths of three of the squad, a cat-and-mouse chase across the desert and McNab's eventual capture. He withstood six weeks of torture and imprisonment, later turning his harrowing experiences into the bestselling book, Bravo Two Zero. He was also awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his courage behind enemy lines. In 2017, he was awarded a CBE. But this SAS hero did not have the most auspicious start in life: abandoned as a baby in a carrier bag on the steps of a London hospital, he was brought up by adoptive parents on a Peckham council estate and dropped out of school as a teenager, barely able to read or write. He fell into a life of petty crime. After an arrest for burglary at the age of 16 he decided to turn his life around, and joined the British Army. Andy joins me to talk about the failure of that Bravo Two Zero mission, about what the SAS taught him about how to fail, about how someone who struggled with literacy managed to make a career as a bestselling author, about why he's been married so many times (four, since you ask) and about how he's now found lasting happiness with his wife Jenny (partly to do with a laminated strip in his wallet...listen to find out more). Oh, and he tells me he's a certified psychopath, but not - apparently - one of the bad ones. So that's a podcast first. Andy McNab's books are available to buy here How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is hosted by Elizabeth Day, recorded by Chris Sharp and sponsored by 4th Estate Books The Sunday Times Top 5 bestselling book of the podcast, How To Fail: Everything I've Ever Learned From Things Going Wrong by Elizabeth Day, is out now and is available here. Social Media: Elizabeth Day @elizabday Andy McNab @the_real_mcnab Chris Sharp @chrissharpaudio 4th Estate Books @4thEstateBooks
Big Tone Wanks Dogs. 3.75 star Spag Bol. Bravo Two Zero. Brexit. Wrestling Bucket Lists. Delaware. Barry Grant. Men Behaving Badly. Birds Of A Feather. Re-ups. 6-sided rings. No sided rings. The Reality Era. Rajah Forums. Tokyo Joe. The JP Jig. Pirates Of The Caribbean. 3 Hour films. 3 Hour podcasts. DJ Hyde’s farm. John Pollock, Jim Cornette, JP Houlihan. Martin Brennan from Sligo. All this and more as Benno, Joe and JP are here in their GRAPPL debut for a packed edition of the show, talking everything they’ve been watching in the last week from OTT Scrappermania to the New Japan Cup and ROH 17th Anniversary show. The guys also talk some AAA, the current import heavy Progress Super Strong Style 16 line-up, WrestleMania weekend and what they hope an AEW TV product would look like. SHOWNOTES: 06:13 WrestleMania weekend, House Of Glory, 7 hour Mania 16:25 AEW, Tony Khan vs Fulham fans, BTE, Jim Ross 30:23 Progress Super Strong Style lineup 47:19 New Japan Cup Final and tournament highlights 1:25:15 ROH 17th Anniversary Show 1:41:15 AAA Rey de Reyes 1:50:40 OTT Scrappermania 5 Subscribe to GRAPPL Spotlight: iTunes || Android || Web || YouTube || TuneIn || Stitcher || Spotify || RSS Follow us on Twitter: Benno || JP || Joe || GRAPPL Download GRAPPL the wrestling rating app App Store || Google Play || Grappl.co
Andy McNab talks to BFBS about how he was abandoned as a baby, became a delinquent teenager, and then changed his life by joining the Army. Hal Stewart talks to Andy about command of Bravo Two Zero during the Gulf War, the challenge of passing SAS selection and he plays some of his favourite tracks.
Andy McNab is very lucky to be alive today; in fact from the beginning his life has been characterised by exceptional risk and danger. As a baby, he was found abandoned in a Harrods carrier bag on the steps of Guy's Hospital. By the time he was a teenager, he was in trouble with the police. Joining the army at 16, he served in the SAS, and in 1991, during the First Iraq war, he led a secret mission to infiltrate behind enemy lines. It was a disaster: he was captured, and tortured savagely. Three of his fellow soldiers didn't survive. Andy McNab's account of his captivity and eventual escape, Bravo Two Zero, became a world-wide best-seller and launched him on a career as a writer. Since then there have been more than 30 thrillers, with sales totalling 32 million. So the baby who was left in a carrier bag is not just a survivor, he's hugely successful. In Private Passions Andy McNab reveals the central place of music in his life, and particularly his passion for opera. Opera, he says, is the only thing that makes him cry: he chooses Wagner, Verdi and Puccini. McNab reveals too his love of the calm reflective music of Gregorian chant, which he first heard sung by the Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey, when he was training for the SAS in Herefordshire. He talks movingly about his imprisonment and torture, and about how the particular sounds of that time are burned into his memory: the jangle of keys, the rattle of doors. To escape those dark memories, he chooses one of the most joyful pieces of music ever written: Handel's Messiah. A Loftus production for BBC Radio 3 Produced by Elizabeth Burke.
Libby Purves meets former soldier-turned-writer Andy McNab; Cheryl Knight, who is in charge of shoes at the Royal Opera House; author Joseph Boyden and producer John Lloyd. Andy McNab is a former SAS soldier-turned-writer. He was a foundling who joined the infantry with the Royal Green Jackets, progressing to the SAS. In the Gulf War he commanded the Bravo Two Zero patrol and later wrote a book about his experiences. He has just spent the last year as the Reading Agency's literacy ambassador for the 6 Book Challenge visiting prisons and factories to encourage young people to read. Cheryl Knight is opera footwear supervisor at the Royal Opera House and in her spare time performs as Joyce Grenfell in her one-woman show, Turn Back the Clock. The show is Cheryl's tribute to the writer and performer who died in 1979 and is remembered for her witty monologues - including her popular sketch as a harassed nursery school teacher. Cheryl is currently assembling the shoe collection for two Royal Opera House productions - Parsifal and Carmen. Turn Back the Clock is at Waterloo East Theatre. Joseph Boyden is a prize-winning Canadian author whose new book, the Orenda, draws on his own background. He is a descendant of Canada's First Nations and was educated by Jesuits. The Orenda is set in the wilds of 17th century North America when Europeans were colonising the region and the First Nation tribes fought among themselves and suffered under the invaders. The Orenda is published by Oneworld. Producer and writer John Lloyd is best known for his work on comedy programmes including Not the Nine O'Clock News, Spitting Image, the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and QI. He is currently the Radio 4 presenter of the Museum of Curiosity, a spin-off from QI. His new book Afterliff - the New Dictionary of Things There Should Be Words For, written with Jon Canter, is published by Faber and Faber. Producer: Paula McGinley.
Sue Lawley's castaway this week is the former SAS soldier turned author Andy McNab. After being abandoned as a baby, he was adopted and was brought up in the Peckham area of South London. A life of minor crime followed until he joined the infantry with the Royal Green Jackets in 1976 progressing to the SAS. In the Gulf War, McNab commanded the Bravo Two Zero patrol, given the task of destroying underground communication links in Iraq and mobile Scud launchers. Three of the eight-man patrol were killed, one escaped and four were taken prisoner by the Iraqis and tortured over a six-week period. He's been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal and was the British Army's most highly decorated serving soldier when he left the SAS in 1993. His book Bravo Two Zero became a bestseller and this was followed by his autobiography Immediate Action. Since then, he's published seven novels about a former soldier who then works for British Intelligence.Elements of this programme may offend or upset some listeners.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Sweet Thing by David Bowie Book: Any book by Charles Dickens Luxury: A gollock
Sue Lawley's castaway this week is the former SAS soldier turned author Andy McNab. After being abandoned as a baby, he was adopted and was brought up in the Peckham area of South London. A life of minor crime followed until he joined the infantry with the Royal Green Jackets in 1976 progressing to the SAS. In the Gulf War, McNab commanded the Bravo Two Zero patrol, given the task of destroying underground communication links in Iraq and mobile Scud launchers. Three of the eight-man patrol were killed, one escaped and four were taken prisoner by the Iraqis and tortured over a six-week period. He's been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal and was the British Army's most highly decorated serving soldier when he left the SAS in 1993. His book Bravo Two Zero became a bestseller and this was followed by his autobiography Immediate Action. Since then, he's published seven novels about a former soldier who then works for British Intelligence. Elements of this programme may offend or upset some listeners. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Sweet Thing by David Bowie Book: Any book by Charles Dickens Luxury: A gollock