The Old Paratrooper Podcast

This is a very special episode of The Old Paratrooper Podcast.I sit down with former Ranger and Delta Force operator Mark Meadows for a fascinating conversation about his own incredible military career but also about the extraordinary man he called Dad.
Major Richard “Dick” Meadows was one of the most influential figures in the history of American Special Operations. From Korea and the early days of the Green Berets, to serving alongside the British 22 SAS, covert operations with MACV-SOG in Vietnam and commanding the assault group on the legendary Son Tay Raid, his career reads like the history of modern Special Forces itself.
Even after retiring from the Army, Dick Meadows wasn't finished. He played an important role in the establishment of 1st SFOD-D — Delta Force, and later operated covertly inside Tehran during the planning for the 1980 Iran hostage rescue attempt.But this episode isn't simply military history.Mark gives us a rare insight into the man behind the legend — what Dick Meadows was like as a father, the standards he lived by, the lessons he passed down, and what it was like for Mark to forge his own path through the Rangers and ultimately Delta Force while carrying the Meadows name.Two generations.
Two extraordinary Special Operations careers. One incredible story.
This is an episode you won't want to miss.

00:01 — Introduction and Mark Meadows’ first podcast
03:07 — Following in his father’s footsteps
04:02 — Dick Meadows, SAS exchange, and meeting Mark’s mother
07:00 — Vietnam, Special Forces, and career progression
08:57 — Son Tay Raid and POW rescue efforts
12:18 — Building blocks of Delta and the special operations legacy
15:41 — Dick Meadows’ passing and the family’s connection to the reunions
17:09 — Meadows Field, memorials, and preserving the legacy
19:39 — Why Mark chose infantry over Special Forces
21:52 — Delta politics and the shadow of his father’s name
23:51 — Dick Meadows and the early days of Delta Force
31:14 — Mark’s own attempt at Delta selection
32:27 — Military paths: West Point, ROTC, and commissioning routes
34:33 — Ranger School and Airborne School
38:38 — Panama invasion and first combat deployment
40:36 — Desert Storm, Bosnia, and Iraq deployments
42:33 — Commanding in Iraq and leading the squadron
49:49 — Talking about Delta selection and how it works
50:51 — The selection process, interviews, and OTC
56:32 — Comparing Delta selection with SAS selection
58:02 — Military politics and the cost of success
66:00 — Ross Perot and the corporate world lesson on leadership
71:13 — Post-military careers in ammunition and the UAE
73:34 — Retirement, purpose, and life after service
77:24 — Purpose, legacy, and being a good human being
79:31 — Final reflections on service, leadership, and family legacy
80:17 — Closing thoughts on the UAE team and international camaraderie

🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, special forces operators and extraordinary people who have lived extraordinary lives.Interested in supporting the podcast ???
The check out the merch range on the link below.
https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuie

Ex British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.

https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch

#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas #deltaforce

COMING SOON
Former Delta Force operator Mark Meadows gives his verdict on working alongside Brits and Aussies — and admits the Americans simply couldn’t compete when it came to the humour.
His advice to his fellow Americans?
“Just shut up and laugh.” 😂
From lightning-fast comebacks to sarcasm so subtle you’re not even sure you’ve been insulted, Mark reckons the Brits have well and truly cornered the market.
Even among some of the most highly trained operators in the world, the banter never stops.
🎙️ Mark Meadows | Former Delta Force
🎧 The Old Paratrooper Podcast

🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, special forces operators and extraordinary people who have lived extraordinary lives.Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas

Chris Ryan is one of the most recognised names to come out of the SAS.
From covert operations and life behind enemy lines to the reality of serving in one of the world's most elite special forces units, he shares stories and insights that have never been told publicly before.In this exclusive episode of The Old Paratrooper Podcast, Chris opens up about his military career, survival, leadership, resilience, and reveals moments he's never discussed in any previous interview or podcast.
This is a rare, honest conversation with one of Britain's most iconic soldiers.
🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, special forces operators and extraordinary people who have lived extraordinary lives.

check out his new book on the link below.

Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.
https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuie
Ex British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.
https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch

#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness #sas

Operation Bravo Two Zero was one of the most famous and controversial SAS missions of the Gulf War.Chris Ryan is a former British SAS soldier best known as the only member of the Bravo Two Zero patrol to evade capture during the 1991 Gulf War.Born in 1961, he joined the British Army as a teenager before eventually passing the notoriously demanding SAS Selection. During his time in the Special Air Service, he served on numerous covert operations around the world.Ryan rose to international prominence following Operation Bravo Two Zero, an eight-man SAS patrol inserted deep behind Iraqi lines to locate and report on Scud missile launchers. When the mission was compromised, the patrol attempted to escape on foot across hostile territory. Ryan became the only member to avoid capture, trekking approximately 190 miles (300 km) over several days through the Iraqi desert before reaching safety in Syria—one of the longest recorded escapes by an SAS soldier.After leaving the military, Chris Ryan became a bestselling author. His autobiography, The One That Got Away, details his escape from Iraq, while he has also written numerous military fiction novels. He has appeared on television as a military commentator and has been involved in survival and adventure programmes.Highly respected for his endurance and achievements, Chris Ryan remains one of the most recognisable former SAS soldiers and a significant figure in modern British military history.Check out Chris Ryan's New book below
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breakout-breakneck-2026-thriller-bestselling/dp/1838779841/ref=asc_df_1838779841?mcid=7397fdd1e2633714a29aeacfed1c3ca6&th=1&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=797309076872&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12699108331387211369&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9213842&hvtargid=pla-2500422134114&psc=1&hvocijid=12699108331387211369-1838779841-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=4
Interested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.
https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuie
Ex British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.
https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch
#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness#sas #BritishArm #AustralianArmy #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Resilience #TheOldParatrooperPodcast #LifeAfterService #VeteranSupport #sas

Part 2 dives into the incredible world of stunt work as Neil Finnegan reveals what it really takes to bring Hollywood's biggest action scenes to life.
From having his nose broken by an actor to cracked bones, brutal impacts and near misses, Neil shares the reality behind the explosions, fight scenes and high-risk stunts audiences never think about. It's a career built on precision, trust and accepting that getting hurt is often just part of the job.
After a lifetime serving as a Royal Marine, Paratrooper and Falklands veteran, Neil swapped the battlefield for the film set, working on some of the biggest productions ever made. This episode pulls back the curtain on the dangerous, adrenaline-fuelled world of professional stunt performers.
🎙️ The Old Paratrooper Podcast – Real stories from extraordinary people. Subscribe for more conversations with military veterans, elite performers and those who've lived lives few could imagine.

01:20 — Introduction and Background05:47 — Training and Qualifications for Stunt Performers23:42 — The Reality of Stunt Work30:32 — Challenges and Risks in Stunt Work40:43 — The Parachute Incident45:35 — Unexpected Landings52:26 — Moments of Clarity57:57 — Giving Back to the Community73:55 — The Joy of Collaboration in Rogue Heroes81:03 — The Reality of Stunt Work and Injuries96:55 — Conclusion and Reflections98:27 — Advice for Aspiring Stunt PerformersNeils book is available belowhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B08YFGG8HZInterested in supporting the podcast ??? The check out the merch range on the link below.https://theoldpara.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooekmN5nuMemozCBSlXndH8wu7y8z-c_pbTYvpezFBuFwRsjuieEx British military? struggling with your hearing ? Click the link below to see if you’re eligible for compensation.https://veterans-for-veterans.co.uk/affiliates/chris-binch#veteran #britisharmy #viral #veteran #britisharmy #viral #royalmarinecommando #motivation #parachuteregiment #interview #military #algorithm #youtubeshorts #facebook #instagram #mentalhealthawareness