In this episode, hosts Colin Howe and Aaron Edwards converse with John Hall - British Army veteran, intelligence expert, and founder of the The Hive. Hall’s remarkable journey, from his early days shaped through challenging deployments in Northern Ireland, Iraq, and Afghanistan, charts his evolution from soldier to intelligence innovator. He offers candid insights into the demands of military life, the complexity of modern conflict, and the vital importance of adaptability, critical thinking, and structured decision-making.

Drawing on real-world case studies, Hall recounts how the lessons learned from years in military intelligence inform his approach to crisis management and humanitarian action. His organisation, The Hive, was born from the chaos of the Afghanistan withdrawal and now delivers intelligence and resilience training to humanitarian efforts in global hotspots. Throughout the discussion, Hall critiques and seeks to inspire improvement in the UK’s crisis management culture, championing continual learning and adaptability as essential virtues for leaders in any sphere.

Whether one is interested in military history, leadership under pressure, or the mechanics of decision-making in extreme situations, this episode offers a rare, practical insight into what it means to lead—transforming adversity into capability on the world's toughest frontlines.

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Colin Howe and Aaron Edwards interview Jonnie Barlow and Dylan McKay, former elite EOD specialists and founders of RenderSafe. Drawing on frontline experience with UK and NZ special forces, Barlow and McKay reveal how gaps in bomb disposal training and operator support inspired them to create RenderSafe - offering hyper-realistic, science-based instruction to better prepare those working in high-risk environments.

The conversation covers gripping accounts from actual operations, the rapidly advancing threat landscape (including AI- and tech-enhanced explosives), and how true resilience is built through rigorous preparation, stress inoculation, and teamwork. They discuss how RenderSafe’s approach blends realism with human performance science to forge operators who are technically and mentally ready for the world’s most dangerous jobs.

Whether you’re interested in military innovation, special operations, or the science of resilience, this episode sheds light on what it truly takes to master chaos and perform under extreme pressure.

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Join host Colin Howe, Aaron Edwards, and special guest Christopher Cully—Managing Director of Dilitas—as they delve into a unique career bridging British policing, corporate security, and global risk management.

Chris shares his journey from policing during the turbulent 1970s, through Special Branch and airport anti-terror operations, to shaping corporate security for global brands. He reveals lessons learned from handling major crises, training teams, and witnessing firsthand the differences between UK and US security cultures.

In this insightful episode, Chris emphasizes the importance of practical experience, realistic training, and strong partnerships between police and private sectors. He candidly discusses ongoing challenges, the changing face of security, and how his agency, Dilitas, is preparing professionals for threats ahead.

Key Topics:

• Life on the front lines of law enforcement and security
• Real-world crisis management
• Building resilience and effective training
• The evolving role of private security in business

Tune in for actionable advice, honest reflections, and a manifesto for resilience in uncertain times.

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