The Blesma “Human, Not Heroic” Podcast brings honest, intimate, and deeply human conversations with veterans to audiences across the UK and beyond.
Hosted by Harry Bucknall, a former Coldstream Guards officer and acclaimed author, the podcast goes beyond the uniform to explore the realities of life after military service, injury, and recovery. Each episode features candid conversations with veterans and members of the wider Blesma community, covering themes of mental health, identity, resilience, and purpose.
Five episodes. Five extraordinary stories.
The series has so far featured five guests, each sharing a unique and deeply personal account of service, injury, and recovery:
Neil Heritage lost both legs in Iraq after an IED attack. His injury became the starting point for a remarkable journey — from hospital wards to mountain summits, Ironman triathlons, and global adventures. His conversation with Harry explores resilience, mental health, and the power of purpose.
Mark Smith enlisted at 16 as a Junior Soldier and went on to serve with the Coldstream Guards, deploying in the Gulf War, Northern Ireland, and Bosnia. He speaks openly about life after injury and mental health struggles, and today runs his own counselling service supporting veterans and their families.
Ed Davis, National Chairman of Blesma, joined Harry for a candid conversation on leading the charity, supporting life after injury, and why recovery is about far more than the physical.
Lisa Johnson shares her powerful story of service, motherhood, chronic pain, and limb loss — speaking honestly about identity and what it means to rebuild your life after a life-changing injury.
Paul Curless lost an eye while serving in Northern Ireland. In his episode, he opens up about his injury, life after service, and mental health in a conversation that is both honest and deeply moving.
The podcast is available now on Spotify | Apple | PodBean | YouTube , with more episodes coming soon.
