Meet the Host: Former British Army WO2 Darren Coventry | TEA & MEDALS

[@paulketchupwitheverything767]

The main thing that I like about Darren's interviews is that he lets the interviewee speak. He's not constantly interrupting or using it as an opportunity to shine the spotlight on himself.

[@DamiantheNewf]

As a Canadian Veteran that served 29 years, Darren and everyone at BFBS what an awesome channel. The 1st time I seen Tea and Medals, I was hooked. Each show was special in their own way. Thank-You and keep up the outstanding work.

[@jonathannorris8992]

I like these programs because they are very British, no talk of heroes, no banging the drum about “the flag” Being a British soldier is about being a professional, doing the job as well as possible and looking after your mates.

[@1701enter]

I am so pleased to see a second season about to happen

[@SAPPERBRAVO]

I love this series. I think it's one of the most unique and not to mention rare insight and stories to come from the UK. Unless things have changed recently, I feel British soldiers have always been placed less in the spotlight to the public view when compared to the United States, where everywhere you walk in uniform you get thanked for your service to being encouraged by staff to board a flight earlier and various discounted goods. The amount of podcasts in the US from veterans is extensive as well. Having grown up for a few years in England, but served my country as a U.S Army SAPPER for 10 years, these stories fascinate me. Ive always felt the worst thing we can ever do to ourselves with experiences is push these memories aside rather than tackle them head on and come to terms with what's past and understand them. But i also see why some choose not to bring it up, and lock it up. I've tons of mates who served in the British armed forces and its great that youve given them a voice and a place to reconnect.

[@sambrown26]

Absolutely love this series. Thanks for everything you do and please continue.

[@BFBSCreative]

We are definitely continuing! Our next Tea & Medals comes out on 15th April and is slightly different. The date is a clue for what it is going to be about... 🕵️

[@TheHadgee]

Just found the series. Love them, great to hear the stories. I was on Telic 2, attached to 1st Battalion Kings Regt, based in Shatt-al-Arab Hotel. Is that the rear of the hotel I see at 6min 30 sec?. Anyway it was a bad time for RMP while I was there with Al Majar Al Kabir and Central Basrah with the loss of Major Titchener, Sgt Major Wall and Cpl Pritchard whom I saw and was speaking to the day before. I still think of them. Looking forward to series 2, keep up the good work.

[@TheBrick2]

I have always struggled with the military as I have bad attitude to hierarchy and can't stop myself questioning everything. This is one of my failings. I do however understand its necessity. I have the up most respect for anyone who serves and the brutal experience many go through. I am also aware that this experience breaks some and makes some. The job you do in conveying these stories is invaluable. The stories for most are unimaginable and its important for people to recognise the serisouse of the situations that occur in a military environment. I also think that many outside the military could learn from the humility and lack of ego by people who have done brave acts.

[@JohnBarrios-x7l]

Love your show. Love hearing these stories!!! I'm a former American sailor, I served in peaceful times. 1983-1989 Honorable Discharge. Watched many videos on TV. And Internet. Very emotional... But so grateful for military people who have these moments of fight or flight. Courageous people!!!!! Amen.

[@jacobbaughman748]

Absolutely! Interview Darren, again, as the Season 3 preview and take questions from the viewers AND the guests themselves!! I agree, an interview with the Queen would be lovely, as she's a Veteran in her own right having driven an ambulance during the Blitz. I understand she doesn't give interviews but you could still do an episode on Her War medals....

[@timbonagasaki5436]

Another great interview and really interesting to hear Darren's story. Glad to hear there is a new series on the way. 😁

[@markblundell9461]

I stumbled onto this channel, and was immediately hooked. I’ve binged all the episodes and subscribed to the podcast. I’m old enough to think of the Falklands as a recent conflict. Like Daren says, theses stories stay hidden within their own peer groups. So it’s really good to get them out in the open. Thank you.

[@jamesbowens60]

I want to congratulate you all on a fantastic series. I must admit I fell upon your videos when trying to find information about my grandfathers time in Burma. I would love to hear stories about the Gurkha regiment if you fancy a trip to Nepal.

[@alipayne5139]

Known Darren a long time. Very humble. Polite and respected. Love to have found these series. Will be now following. Regards Alistair Payne.

[@johnlustig4322]

A brilliant, must watch series.

[@arransinclair1923]

Fantastic as always. I'm 18 and have been collecting medals for 4 years now. Always been fascinated by the stories behind them. Might try to do some videos in the future on the medals I have in my collection. Some great stories that wouldn't otherwise be known/told. Especially the gallentry medals. Cheers!

[@maxmoore9955]

I'm so in Awe of the Men / Women who have served the country in the Military, in Any Service,

[@bigjohn697791]

Great stuff enjoyed listening to this

[@andydavidson]

Enjoyed watching the 1st series and looking forward to the 2nd, well done all involved.

[@chrismulvaneyphoto]

Right!! Hahaha. I'm also ex-RMP (150 Pro Coy) 2001 to 2004 and I have some stories from Iraq 2003 (Op Telic 2). Not sure if they are broadcast-able, but willing to have a chat and let you decide...

[@leighbakeruk]

Great to see you back. Excellent

[@russeljohn3471]

Looking forward to the new series. Thanks guys. Regards Russ.

[@jmpersonal2402]

Team, the series is brilliant... Keep it up

[@phillpmerriott9835]

ex 17 REGT. its nice to here the memories

[@patrickcullen3410]

Excellent interview, just found T&T really enjoying it, ex forces myself will now catch up with other interviews.

[@BFBSCreative]

Thanks Patrick - Love to know your thoughts on the others. Also dont forget to check out the podcast version on all good podcast apps. We put a bit of extra sound design on those, it really is something else!

[@marcusnichols5595]

For those who are reluctant to record their experiences from concern that it might upset their parents or spouses, perhaps they might be willing to be interviewed to create an historical archive that would be released far into the future. Imagine if Tea & Medals had been around during & after WW1 & WW2, Suez, Korea or any of the countless imperial disengagements.

[@mbspann]

Darren is a fantastic interviewer.

[@samsquanch4257]

I've been waiting for this! Only just realised now! :)

[@garyneilson1833]

Hi Darren have you thought about interviewing Roy Geddes about his MC ? He is 1 of only a few RAF personnel to be awarded the MC

[@doy24a06]

Good to hear how it all came about.

[@howelltaylor6774]

Finally after digging around "BFBS" means "British Forces Broadcasting Service" Christ you would think you would stop using the acronym just once to let people know!

[@russeljohn3471]

Just subscribed to the Podcast 😊👍

[@drewgibbons5464]

Okay, here goes. Ladies and Gentlemen, Your production quality l LP Feels like when you know that landing spot is cool and comfortable. Then the helo is quiet in the distance as forest life begins tentative movement and sounds again. And always moving we in war are as stillness is... well, death. Or an ambush. Does anyone use that word? Drones sort of killed the ambush. Just a note of thanks, particulary 4 vehicle episode & Major knows who he is. Drew

[@astondriver]

How about an NZ or Australian VC holder?

[@piplane7225]

How about interviewing support arms winners of medals ?

[@andrewmallard2301]

How about Josh Leakey (sp) from the Parachute Regiment. Living VC recipient.

[@KaitlynnUK]

Am I right in thinking that all the furniture on the set is MOD furniture?

[@BFBSCreative]

Only the table in the background would be classed as MOD, although we pinky promise it hasn't been liberated from a QM Store somewhere.

[@AW-rj6qf]

Salute / Saluut.

[@pegasus6724]

Boris as well

[@astondriver]

How about Billy Bingham?

[@stephenbelcher4376]

That’s What’s So Darren

[@pegasus6724]

And the queen

[@glennj6465]

Joshua Leakey VC

[@catmar1944]

Nine years no medals 1961 to 1970...

[@cazador1022]

how about any americans that were awarded British medals?

[@stephenbelcher4376]

Hit Them Now Sis

[@stephenbelcher4376]

Wet

[@stephenbelcher4376]

Wet Please🙏