Screw It Just Do It with Alex Chisnall

I talk to Craig Harrison, former British Army sniper turned mental health advocate and survival instructor. Known globally for holding the world record for the longest confirmed sniper kill, Craig's story doesn’t just end with his military prowess. Today, we explore his life beyond the battlefield, discussing not only his remarkable military achievements but also his battles with PTSD, his transition into civilian life, and how he has turned his struggles into a source of strength and teaching. Craig opens up about his initial motives for joining the army and his long-standing physical and psychological battles following 23 years of service. Find out how Craig went AWOL from the Army, joined the French Foreign Legion, and fell into bare-knuckle boxing. Hear how the press leaked the story of his sniper kills in Afghanistan and had to live for three years in a safe house with his wife. We'll hear how writing his bestselling book "The Longest Kill" served as a therapeutic process and led him to establish The Maverick Survival School. But not before a car was found kitted out with explosive devices - and a picture of Craig in it. Craig also shares intimate details of how nature and his wife have been vital in his ongoing battle with daily thoughts of suicide and his message to fellow veterans on how to make the army work for you. Join us on this conversation that not only highlights a journey of incredible survival and resilience but also sheds light on the importance of mental health support for veterans. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, I sit down with the Chris Billam-Smith, the reigning World Boxing Organization cruiserweight champion. Born in Epsom and brought up in Bournemouth, Chris’s story is not just about punches and knockouts; it’s a tale of relentless perseverance, overcoming setbacks, and an undying passion for boxing that saw him rise from a humble beginning to holding multiple titles including the European, British, and Commonwealth cruiserweight championships. Chris shares intimate details about his journey in the ring, from his emotional victory dedicated to his mother to the lifestyle changes that shaped his career trajectory. He discusses the critical role of recovery tools like sleep, the mental resilience forged through tough times, and his vision for the future. Whether you're a boxing aficionado or just love a good fight story, this episode is packed with powerful insights into what it takes to be a champion both in and outside the ring. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, I chatted with Tommy Kelly, a former Royal Marine Commando turned entrepreneur. Co-founder of Jöttnar, a highly technical outdoor clothing brand, Tommy shares his journey from navigating the harsh environments of the Arctic Circle to pioneering innovations in the outdoor apparel industry. Discover how his military experiences, especially his challenging 'night of hell', have shaped his business and approach to overcoming adversity. We gain insights into Tommy's early aspirations to join the Marines, the elite Mountain Leader Troop, and the pivotal moments that led him and fellow Marine Steve Howarth to identify a gap in the high-performance outdoor gear market. This episode not only explores the critical lessons learnt in the extremities of both nature and business but also delves into the importance of resilience, adaptation, and the crucial need for downtime in achieving long-term success. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

In this week’s episode of Screw It Just Do It, I chat to Jay Morton. A former SAS operative turned mental health advocate, Jay shares his journey from the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq to personal resilience and mental well-being. In this conversation, Jay opens up about the crucial role genuine connections play in our lives, his candid take on social media in general, and the mental strategies that have helped him endure physical and emotional extremes. He reflects on witnessing humanity at its most raw and offers advice to the younger generation on building relationships, embracing vulnerability, and the importance of having a plan and direction in life. As someone who has seen the best and worst of human capability, Jay’s insights into mental resilience, the importance of genuine friendships, and future plans for adventure and exploration are not just inspiring but a call to action for all of us to push our limits and dream bigger. Don't miss this compelling episode—perfect for those interested in adventure, mental health, resilience, and life lessons from one of the UK's most well known SAS veterans. Learn more about Jay via the following links: https://www.instagram.com/jay__morton/?hl=enhttps://www.jaymortonofficial.com/https://www.facebook.com/jaymortonofficial/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMHYWupdi_9wIMrYrtDMnFwhttps://twitter.com/jay_morton_?lang=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-morton-9ba659165/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, I sit down with Martin Hewlett, a man whose story is nothing short of inspirational. From the rugged cliffs of North Devon, Martin shares his journey from facing a shocking and incorrect diagnosis of stage 3 kidney disease, to the heights of healing both himself and others through his Calming Anxiety Podcast. As a former paramedic with a rich background in martial arts and powerlifting, Martin embodies a unique blend of physical strength and emotional resilience. With over 10 million downloads, his podcast stands as a testament to what defines true success: the courage to turn one’s life around, from an angry teenager to a beacon of positivity and peace. Alex and Martin delve into the transformative power of positive thinking, the importance of believing in oneself, and how changing our internal dialogue can indeed change our world. Tune in to discover how Martin Hewlett has not only mastered the art of living but is also teaching others to do the same, one mindful moment at a time. Learn more about Martin via the following links: LinkedIn, Website --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

This week it's Screw It Just Do It host Alex Chisnall's turn to be in the hot seat as Piers Linney takes over the hosting duties. Linney, a former investor on Dragon's Den, renowned entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for technology and diversity, flips the script to uncover the compelling story behind Alex's podcasting empire. From humble beginnings to becoming a pivotal voice in the entrepreneurial and audio spaces, Alex shares insights on the importance of selling, the key to starting out, and why consistency has been crucial to his success. Join us for this unique episode as we reveal the drive, determination, and daring it takes to make "Screw It, Just Do It" what it is.. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

Today, we're diving deep into a story that's etched in football legend, a tale of determination, resilience, and an iconic moment that transcends the sport itself. We're talking to none other than Jimmy Glass, the goalkeeper whose last-minute goal for Carlisle United back in 1999 kept the club in the Football League, securing his place in football folklore. But Jimmy's story is far more than just that one goal. It's a narrative of highs and lows, of a career that's seen its fair share of unexpected twists. From the heights of that unforgettable match to the challenges of life after professional football, including driving a taxi and the introspective journey that led him to find fulfilment beyond the pitch. In this candid conversation, Jimmy opens up about the moments that have shaped his life and career. From the brandy that calmed his nerves before the game that would define his career, to the mixed emotions towards the legendary goal, and the realisation that, in many ways, he didn't fulfil the potential he saw for himself in football. Jimmy discusses the impact of that goal not just on his career but on his life, describing it as "much more than me, my journey and my life." He also shares insights into the aftermath of that surreal moment, the struggles of balancing life and mindset after football, working with AFC Bournemouth, and the importance of managing emotions. Jimmy's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience needed both on and off the field, the ability to adapt, and the never-ending quest to entertain and inspire. Learn more about Jimmy via the link below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-glass-b39448121/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

In this episode, we dive deep into the icy waters of innovation with Laura Fullerton, the founder behind Monk. Laura shares her transformative journey from a cold water therapy skeptic to a pioneer in health tech, exploring how a personal challenge evolved into a groundbreaking venture. With Monk's smart ice bath and dedicated app, Laura is not just making waves; she's setting a new standard in wellness technology. Join us as Laura unravels the intricacies of biohacking, wellness trends, and the humble beginnings that involved the unexpected hurdle of bulletproof coffee. She gives us an insider's look into the passion and perseverance required to lead a health tech revolution, from harnessing the power of cold immersion to navigating fundraising. Laura's insights into delegation, resilience, and the mental game behind cold water therapy are a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and innovation. Don't miss this compelling tale of tech, tenacity, and temperature extremes. Learn more about Laura by checking out these links: Instagram, LinkedIn, Monk website, Submerge podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

This week on Screw It, Just Do It, Alex Chisnall pulls up a chair with Carolyn Radford, whose journey from the legal field to leading Mansfield Town FC is a testament to when you decide to Screw It Just Do It. At the age of just 29, Carolyn smashed the glass ceiling to become one of the youngest CEOs in football, charting a course for Mansfield Town FC from the sidelines to the spotlight of EFL League Two. With a blend of passion, grit, and a knack for avoiding the naysayers, Carolyn alongside her husband, John Radford, has not just navigated, but thrived in a domain few dare to tread. Carolyn opens up about the exhilaration and challenges of trading legal briefs for football strategies, the relentless pursuit of her passions, and the importance of carving out a role for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. With initiatives that stretch beyond the pitch to uplift the community, and advice that rings true for dreamers across the board, Carolyn's story is a testament to what happens when you decide to Screw It, Just Do It. From the heart of Mansfield to the forefront of female participation in football, Carolyn's narrative is not just about achieving dreams but living them daily. So, if you've ever felt the weight of naysayers or found yourself on the brink of giving up on your dreams, this episode is your call to action. Tune in, get inspired, and remember – don't just dream it, DO IT! Check out these links to learn more about Carolyn Radford: Instagram, LinkedIn --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

Steve McCulley's fascination for bikes started way back when he built his first one at just eight years old. Cruising into his teens, he was tearing up mountain bike trails in Devon like a pro. But then life had other plans – Steve joined the Royal Marines, globetrotting from Northern Ireland to Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Then came 2011, a year that changed everything. An IED explosion left him severely injured, but Steve bounced back with a 'never say die' attitude. During his rehabilitation, Steve founded LIOS bikes, the go-to for custom carbon bikes, titanium frames, and a bike fit that's as personal as it gets. Now, Steve's taken on a number of roles – entrepreneur, racing driver, and motivational speaker. His journey—from military service to creating cutting-edge bikes—is a testament to resilience and passion. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

This was the very first podcast interview for Steven Bartlett. You'll know him as host of The Diary of a CEO podcast, as the youngest investor on BBC TV's Dragons Den 2024, and as a successful entrepreneur. It was also the very first interview I recorded as host of this podcast some seven years ago. You'll hear from a 23-year-old Steven who talks about starting his first business at 12 by selling cigarettes at school, not receiving Christmas or Birthday presents from his parents, and dropping out of University after just one lecture. He also offers his advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and tells us the number one skill all entrepreneurs need to master. We recorded our conversation via audio only back in 2017, so we have added video to this podcast and tried to enhance the audio - he's speaking to me on his phone! At the time Steven was CEO at Social Chain and had yet to start his podcast, yet to chat about 'my first million', but instead talks about his reading vlog and influencer marketing. The happy sexy millionaire Steven Bartlett's dragon's den journey had yet to begin. You can now of course hear him helping young entrepreneurs on a dragons den full episode. I hope you enjoy this episode as we celebrate seven years since I started Screw It Just DO It. If you've only just discovered my show on YouTube, there are 539 episodes over on Apple and Spotify (links below). Whether you've been listening since 2017 or just discovering my show now, I thank you for your support. This show means the world to me, and I love bringing interesting people to inspire and educate and ultimately help you get from where you are, to where you want to be. If you're able to subscribe to my show it makes a huge difference, and if you're able to tell just one other person about it, it will help me in my mission to impact more people. Let me know what you thought of Steven's (and my) first interviews in the comments below. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

Mark Ormrod who dared to chase his dreams, entered the Royal Marines in 2011, determined to make a difference. Little did he know that his life would take a harrowing turn on Christmas Eve 2007 while serving in Afghanistan with 40 Commando Royal Marines. Mark faced the unimaginable - a devastating improvised explosive device explosion that resulted in the traumatic amputation of both legs and his right arm. Astonishingly, he was twice pronounced dead. Mark defied all expectations, emerging as the first triple amputee to survive on the battlefield. A mere 14 weeks after being told he would never walk again, he astounded everyone by marching onto a parade on his new prosthetic limbs to receive the Operational Service Medal from HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. Despite his horrific injuries, he remains genuinely humble, refusing to let his disability define him. Living life with the mantra 'no limits,' Mark has inspired thousands of Royal Marines and tens of thousands more to embrace their full potential. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

Tom Evans served in the army for eight years, achieving the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest captain in the British Army. But everything changed for him when, in 2016 he accepted a pub bet to compete in the iconic Marathon des Sables, one of the toughest footraces on earth. 7 months later Tom found himself on the start line in the Sahara Desert for 2017's edition of the event, massively inexperienced but eager to make an impact. Tom's military training had seemingly instilled a do-or-die attitude and threshold for pain that few could match. Later that year he was ready to leave the Army and leap into becoming a full-time ultrarunner. Today, Tom has left an indelible mark on the sport, establishing himself as a prominent figure and earning sponsorship from major brands. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

Their mission is clear —to help people live without limits and grow a community built on teamwork. Spartan Race and Tough Mudder have gained popularity for their ability to provide a unique and challenging experience for participants, promoting physical fitness, mental toughness, and teamwork. Matt Brooke holds a special role as the Senior Vice President at Spartan Race and Tough Mudder. For Matt, this isn't just a position, it's a personal commitment to growth and pushing boundaries. His passion for challenging himself resonates through his fiver-year journey within the organisation, where every day is an opportunity to redefine what's possible. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPECIAL OFFER! Tough Mudder: Podcast listeners can save 30% with the code TOUGHMUD30 Any 2024 Tough Mudder UK Event, both distances (3-5 Miles, 10+ Miles) Discount starts February 1st & expires 29 February at 11:59 pm Head to toughmudder.co.uk/events and enter the code at checkout This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount and excludes any of the endurance races or Lidl Mudder. Spartan: Podcast listeners can save 30% with the code TOUGHMUD30 Any 2024 Spartan UK Event (Sprint, Super & Beast) Discount starts February 1st & expires 29 February at 11:59 pm Head to https://uk.spartan.com/en and enter the code at checkout This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount and excludes any of the other endurance race series. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

How does a former Special Forces Soldier transition to the uncharted territory of civilian life? Anthony ‘Staz’ Stazicker was a former Special Forces operator and Chief Sniper Instructor and has a remarkable 13-year military career. He is decorated with honours such as the Afghanistan campaign medal and the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. In his pursuit to be the master of his own destiny, Staz faced the struggles many encountered when leaving the military. The uncertainty, financial pressures, and the need to support a family added to his journey. However, his ability to navigate the complexities of civilian life that he acquired in the military helped towards build a successful business. Acknowledging the risk associated with entrepreneurship, Staz embraced the challenge, co-founding ThruDark, a multimillion-pound clothing company. Discover the parallels between military battle prep and business planning, as he reveals the secrets to breaking down colossal challenges into manageable steps. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

How did a 22-year-old woman from Wokingham who had previously only climbed trees become the youngest British woman to climb Everest at 29,000 feet? Bonita Norris attended University where the speaker talked about climbing Everest 11 times and mentioned they reached the summit and saw the curvature of the Earth. Bonita knew she had to see that with her own eyes. During the six months leading up to her Everest expedition, she faced the daunting task of securing £50,000 for the climb. Cold calling for sponsorships proved challenging. Bonita describes the struggles, rejections, and the toll it took on her. She faced scepticism from friends and family, who deemed her goal unrealistic. Visualisation became a powerful tool for Bonita during this challenging period. Each night before sleep, she visualised reaching the summit of Everest with her team, seeing the curvature of the Earth. This mental image served as a source of motivation, preventing her from giving up on her dream. Her determination, resilience, and creativity that she applied to overcome financial hurdles and secure the sponsorship required her Everest expedition. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

Having launched the business from his brother's spare room in a converted garage for 14 months with just £500 and transformed it into a thriving £100 million business empire. Simon Gardiner initially planned to earn money for a couple of years to launch an online retail business in men's clothing. However, he ended up in a recruitment role, which despite being challenging, turned out to be financially rewarding. However, Simon went through a significant setback during the recession, which posed financial challenges for his business. His family, friends and external observers were sceptical about the viability of the venture. Simon's experience during the recession becomes a pivotal point in his entrepreneurial journey, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity. This period of struggle likely played a crucial role in shaping Simon's mindset and approach to business, emphasising the importance of perseverance and strategic decision-making. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

Charles Black has been a space enthusiast since childhood and it's been his dream to build a space television network that films in space. Charles envisioned a space-centric platform back in the 1990s when the world wasn't quite ready for such a revolutionary concept—no internet, no social media. Despite the technological constraints, Charles, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit cultivated since age 16, navigated a diverse career path. Throughout this journey, he held steadfast to his cosmic dream. Charles' intriguing encounter with a four-leaf clover, was a serendipitous sign that solidified his commitment and purpose in pursuing his dream. Fast forward to today, Charles has launched his life-long dream of space TV by streaming real-time videos from space for the benefit of all humanity. As he extends his reach to the Moon and beyond, Charles envisions an independent media for humanity, shaping our collective understanding of the cosmos and its profound impact on our lives. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

Growing up, the idea of being an entrepreneur wasn't the norm, especially with an Asian background. The path often paved involved choosing prestigious banks, renowned accountancy and consultancy firms-a well-trodden route for Raj Thiruchelvarajah's family. Raj kicked off his career in a big accountancy firm before venturing into banking management consultancy, accumulating about 15 years of experience. However, Raj reached a point where he questioned the trajectory of his life. As he looked at his role and pondered whether was it about money or power. This pivotal moment led him to take a year-long sabbatical, a period of self-reflection that clarified his desire to break free and create something of his own. Under his leadership in Hytro in creating the first widely available BFR products but has also secured partnerships with top rugby and football teams, as well as well-known sportsmen like Cam Noorie and Sam Warburton. Raj desired to chart his course, run his own business, and make a meaningful impact. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

Simon Leslie, with a rich background in business, took on the challenge of transforming a struggling football club into a beacon of hope and positivity. Step into the shoes of the real-life Ted Lasso as Leslie shares the highs and lows of his transition, the resistance he faced, and the determination that kept him moving forward. Learn about his unique strategies, including taking players to cutting-edge recovery technologies and instilling a mindset shift beyond the pitch. Simon's commitment to not only shaping athletes on the field but also preparing them for life after football is truly commendable. His dedication to building not just a successful team but a supportive community within the football club reflects his vision for a better future in sports. Simon also opens up about the importance of self-care, recalibrating in the face of adversity, and the wisdom of leaving worries at the "worry tree." Simon's story is a reminder that transformation is possible, no matter where you start. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message