SAS Legend Tells The Truth: Simon Jefferies

After 8 years and three tours as a special forces soldier, Simon Jeffries bagged himself a well paid job in the city. He had seemingly made the transition from battlefield to boardroom very successfully. But he felt trapped in this new life cycle, and wanted to break out of the comfort bubble. Simon shares his stories of the gruelling SAS selection, his life at war, and finding a new purpose in coaching others.
Eventful Lives - Episode: 119 - Simon Jefferies
Simon Jefferies Episode 👉 pod.fo/e/159e1a
The Eventful Lives Podcast 👉 podfollow.com/...
---------------------
📸 Instagram: / dodge.woodall
🎵 TikTok: / dodgewoodall
📱 Twitter: / dodgewoodall
📲 Facebook : / dodgerwoodall
You can also listen & download full Podcasts at the link below
podfollow.com/...

[@paulfish5074]

What a class act this fella is. Best of the best. Mentally like an anvil. Great interview. Dodge with some great questions there.

[@DodgeWoodall]

Yeah he certainly is a class act and glad you enjoyed the episode Paul 👍🏼👍🏼

[@wojtekjastrzebski7559]

@@DodgeWoodall j

[@wojtekjastrzebski7559]

@@DodgeWoodall j8i

[@oldmate99]

Walter f*cking Mitty

[@duanelockyer143]

@@oldmate99 hi mate did you serv in the forces then You must have done to make a comment like that

[@user-ly5dw8fi9y]

Stumbled across this interview this morning at 2am S.African time... so very enlightening and with weight given the path that was taken to get to Simons' present thought process. Speaks so eloquently in sharing the message.. and also well pointed questions to extract his knowledge delivered in an extremely humble manner. Thank you

[@robertturner2516]

What a great philosaphor Simon is. What he says is so fundamentally true and obvious, that we all forget what makes us happy and successful in our own heads.

[@Goggins12347]

These special forces guys are always so humble and easy to listen to. Great podcast this, more if these would be great 👌

[@DodgeWoodall]

Nice one 👍🏼👍🏼

[@fredastair3338]

What a great conversation, I love his point of view , the guys very well developed mentally and possess a lot of wisdom that's clear to see and I don't think the SAS made him I think he was made for that type of roll . I could listen to this guy for hours .

[@dobryden8558]

That's right if you've got it in you the army brings it out.

[@TiagobritoBrito]

I agree on the jungle phase it’s so tough the humidity, rain and other issues. Sleep deprivation is tough , cleaning up the barracks till the wee hours of the morning then the PT instructors would show up blowing their whistles it breaks individuals badly. Great podcast some questions you have to dodge (official secrets act- No loose talks). I struggled to adjust to civilian life due to being used to the operators lifestyle, expendable.

[@Frank_Nemo]

Tell me about it! Getting a paper cut in the jungle is the worst part.

[@kevinadamson5768]

​@@Frank_Nemo running out of ink to write your blueys home is heartbreaking too. 😂

[@reccerat4446]

Jungle phase is a twat, 101 ways for it to go bad.

[@pauljones8218]

hello mr mitty

[@all_is_1485]

Afghanistan was not a failure! It's purpose was to generate profits for the people who started and directed it. It was a spectacular success, not just for weapons manufacturers.

[@colonel_carlito]

look how easy it is to score a bag of dark in this country

[@psycart2670]

Brilliant, interesting interview

[@denislavvladimirov4977]

may you see the essence of the gospel of God and seize it for yourself and link what you are doing with the satisfaction for eternal life. really intelligent man,glad to know there's still some sensible people in the uk

[@teslaandhumanity7383]

Never send your kids in the military, let them live , love and learn . ❤

[@alcoyne3333333333333]

Unfortunately Afghanistan wasn't a massive Failure mate .... they the (rich men) made their money from it for 20 years and than just moved on to their next project just like history repeating itself over and over again ....... unfortunately soldiers are only numbers to them . Great interview 👍

[@bushwhackeddos.2703]

Then they moved them over to live amongst our poorest communities.

[@JonBoyG]

They moved into Ukraine!

[@yeahman147]

Men in suits with ties are more dangerous then men in uniform with guns

[@saw6386]

Absolutely spot on, the government and arms suppliers, now the next lot (pharmaceuticals) are getting their money from the opium imports

[@PristianoPenaldoSUIIII]

Afghanistan, Iraq, wherever the next one is will be the same guaranteed. Spot on.

[@tonyK_72]

How much more fascinating are the people Dodge interviews than any 'celebrity'. All day long. This channel was a right find! Pure gold. Another superb guest, too. What a bloke.

[@billymartinaswell1779]

Raising three children in the modern world was tougher than 4 years as an infantryman in the US Marines. I agree with this bloke 100%

[@jameslove3861]

6 and half regular 6 reserve in the navy was so much easier than being a parent of 3 with the current financial cost of living crisis in the UK!

[@realMaverickBuckley]

​@@jameslove3861 And the woke teachers brainwashing kids. Internet. Cost of living

[@Craig-em9vt]

I wish I had experience of both I was leaving school in 90 or 91 as soon as I was 16 to join the Royal Marines my parents talked me out of it then the 3 apprenticeships I applied for I got offered all 3 and started partying and raving every weekend earning good money but to this day I still regret not trying to become a Royal Marine Commando exactly 30 years later

[@roblong3684]

What a wank comment

[@chalky89]

I'm glad he recognised the fact the infantry had the hardest time out there. Respect.

[@thenaturaledge]

🤝

[@Sgm672]

Spot on Simon, the biggest thing you miss when you leave is the man to the left and right of you, nothing has ever replicated that and never will 🇬🇧

[@BenLewis-ni1zb]

Was lucky enough to train with the SAS fifteen years ago. Three days at Hereford. Singularly the coolest thing I ever did and the lessons I learned changed my life and career. Amazing blokes

[@roblong3684]

Did your training change other people's lives as opposed to your own

[@BenLewis-ni1zb]

@@roblong3684 In a sporting sense it did, hugely.

[@AJ-Themes-for-Great-Cities]

What have you done since mate? Hope it’s worked out for you!

[@garryharriman7349]

I spent a long day with members of C Sqn SBS during a continuation training maritime CT exercise on an oil rig in the North Sea. They were great guys, all shapes and sizes, very articulate, intelligent, humble, funny, but, at the same time, possessed a quiet self-assurance of confidence that made them very easy for others to underestimate. They told us about the Selection process (which by then, was just about at the point of it being joint SF Selection (SAS and SBS hopefuls) let us fire their weapons (sig munitions) MP5 and Sig P226/9 I think and gave us our respective roles during the ex`. I also had a mate who was former 22 (G Sqn, Air Troop) and he too is a very, very nice man and skinny as a rake! It's a shame that the escape and evasion/resistance to interrogation phase of UKSF Selection wasn't mentioned. I think this aspect is also quite challenging with many candidates falling this last hurdle prior to being 'badged'. From what I hear, this last phase is incredibly challenging coming as close as is possible to being tortured in a simulated environment. For some, the pressures of 36 hours of stress positions, hunger, sleep deprivation, exhaustion, disorientation and reactions to interrogation (after 7 days on the run evading a hunter force living off the land) simply break very good performers on the course prior to that phase. The personnel who make up the DS who conduct that phase are very, very good at their job! As for Afghanistan, Western style democracy has always been very successfully rebuffed throughout history. As always, UKSF are the blueprint for all SF that now currently exist. We should also remember that those who make the grade and serve in SF are human beings, people like you and me who are all subject to the ups and downs of life like us all! It was very good to hear that Simon's post military career was a success story especially after so many initial setbacks. For many, a happy ending is not always the outcome even for former SF soldiers. As a middle-aged man of 53, with a fair amount of life baggage that is becoming heavier with age and as a trained counselor myself, I could really relate to the latter part of this interview. Garry H RAF Retired South Carolina

[@ronaldlymm7248]

You ever done the 5 miler of death

[@maratonlegendelenemirei3352]

@@ronaldlymm7248 You mean 'stood toe to toe drinking in the same bar with the fookin paras and the fookin marines'?

[@ronaldlymm7248]

@@maratonlegendelenemirei3352 that’s the one 😎

[@ricardodlm]

I also wondered why the escape/interrogation phase wasn’t mentioned. I wonder if anybody is able to advise on the possible reason(s) for this?

[@newton18311]

I worked on the Dockside in the late 70s and 80s in Grimsby England ,on the East Coast. One day a Dinghy came in with 5/6 Guys on it, It was the middle of winter snowing and bloody freezing. As they came to the quayside I shouted, Throw your rope up because they were 10/15 bellow the dockside, I tied it on the Capstan, They came up and all they had on was sleeveless wet suites, I had a quick word with them, A three Ton Bedford arrived and they loaded thier Boat onto a trailer (RiB), They said they were on their way back to Poole, Later I found out they were SBS and had been on exercise in the North Sea, Practising in case of a terrorist attack on oil rigs. What the SBS was not told , Was that they had substituted the Rig staff with SAS , as it goes and there is a book out about this, The SBS kicked the SAS arse. Mr Thatcher had order the Army to make Contingency's for a terrorist attack on Oil rigs. Not glorifying the SAS or SBS just happy these professional's are on Our side, And I would like to thank them for their Service and dedication.

[@mattgretton2925]

I have never heard a podcast from a more inspiring,intelligent and respectful person .

[@ramsden35]

This fella is the complete opposite of what we think an SAS operator is. But thankfully they’re all like him! Thoughtful, 100% aware, total team player, calculated and fearless because he’s so prepared. If everyone took 50% of his ethos into everyday life (being committed, disciplined, none titled and selfless) then we’d be all good

[@pollutionhead]

Really, Steven Billy Mitchell and Colin Armstrong (aka Andy McNab and Chris Armstrong). Wrote books full of BS, trashed their teammate who got killed! Failed the mission! RIP Vince Phillips, these two w@nkers made a lot of money trashing your name and honour and betraying the code!

[@peternagy-im4be]

​@@pollutionhead legs

[@Prometheus7272]

​@@delver1857 You generally can't get away with lying about being SAS on podcasts you will always get found out very quickly since the community is so small.

[@duanelockyer143]

When talking about what you have done in your special forces service a lot of us have to be extremely careful as to what you say because you could end up with a healthy dose of prison due to the official secrets act which can be up to 25 years if they see depending on what you let slip and what naughty stuff you say that the government don't want to be generally known

[@paulwilk69]

Wasn't he ex SBS ?

[@ThatKarol]

Simon's comment about the friction between who you are and what you're doing really resonated. Just one nugget amongst a fabulous thoughtful interview. Thanks guys.

[@mediapartners9950]

A riveting interview with an absolute legend. He came across as intelligent, articulate, humble and authentic. Someone I would definitely enjoy spending some time chatting with. Great interview 👍🏻👍🏻

[@simonjones4941]

Great podcast. Weirdly enough I heard a SF guy on JRE explaining a very similar explanation of why fewer guys get PTS. They’re always the ones out hunting the target, with all the best assets at their disposal whereas your average infantryman is often a sitting target waiting to be attacked. Makes perfect sense when you think about it. Loving the guests Dodge!

[@DodgeWoodall]

Appreciate your words Simon and loads more exciting guests coming on in 2023 💪🏼👍🏼

[@declanshanahan3888]

Not sure whether that is true, obviously depends on data. But those involved in things like Task Force Black where they are kicking doors in every night the anecdotal evidence is many of them aren't well. The other thing is, how many were adapt at keeping it low key to save their jobs.

[@LionXV1]

It makes a lot of sense too because for most of history war was fought in battles with lots of rest and travel in between, but living in the battlefield for months if not years on end was unheard of. The fear of potentially being attacked at any moment for such a long period of time would have a big impact on somebody's mental health.

[@johnscanlon2598]

@@declanshanahan3888 this is true I’ve seen many operators on the Shawn Ryan show talk about the problems they had during and after their service

[@johnscanlon2598]

@@LionXV1 yes it’s insane to think WW2 soldiers had on average 42 days of combat per year in WW2 240 in Vietnam and then some in the wars on terror spent 1,200 days in combat that is insane

[@johnpaulslater2924]

The difference between British and American special forces being interviewed is unbelievable, I actually heard a seal 6 guy complain that he wished he had killed more ppl. I commented that he was a prick and got slated but he was lol.

[@johnpaulslater2924]

@abefroman3466 agree with you on that, I know that when you are 18 you are all full of bull but when you get older you recognise it's because you don't have a clue and you are just waving you're dick. Those guys have the T shirt and they just don't need to get on like that. I respect them but just can't wrap my head around the attitude. A prick is a prick regardless and it's a shame

[@me5969]

I don't think that's particularly fair tbh. I know a good few paras who were like that and nearly all pathfinder plt. We're constantly gagging for a scrap. It's a job like any other that attracts all sorts. Some are full on psychopath and some are top lads. Some are bully's, some are the nicest lads you'll ever meet. Some are horrible fucking dads, some see amazing. I know of some lads who were wife beaters and stuff. And let's be honest most people join regs like the seals, paras, boot neck, rangerss ect. For the scrap. I think the main difference in the British sf are a bit more self aware that talkin about wanting to shoot people would freak most civvies out. I just think it's a bit unfair to single the yanks like that.

[@johnpaulslater2924]

@@me5969 I was with the airborne in 1988 and knew a lot of guys who had been in the Falklands, I met pathfinders and SAS and the blokes who had been to war never acted like that, it was always the young guys who didn't know what end of their dick worked lol. I include myself as the young mouthpiece being 18 and clueless but I'm shocked at the yanks being so callous, I know it's a blurred line and I'm generalizing but over all it's how I see it.

[@andrewmcloughlin8869]

Recent events show its not massive numbers that count but the quality. How fortunate we are to have and have had such quality blokes in the UK forces.

[@seamus9750]

Can't get enough of SAS stories .

[@DodgeWoodall]

Lots more to come Seamus 👌🏼

[@JR-ju3kj]

Agreed, I'm from Canada and I love hearing about different Special Forces and Special Operations stories from around the world! I have such great respect for the SAS and SBS( just like I do for Canada's own JTF2 and the Polish Grom, the U.S. Navy SEALs and Delta Force, etc). Awesome podcast! I really enjoyed it!

[@matthewshackleton6562]

He wasn't SAS.

[@nedkelly9688]

@@JR-ju3kj Aww not of the SASR, most feared in Vietnam also in Iraq 2 days before invasion hitting AA and doing recon. always closest units to Baghdad during whole war. Everyone saids SAS started all SF. But Australian's in WW2 Asia Pacific were start of Australia SAS. long missions deep behind enemy lines Special Z Force and Sparrow Force WW2. That jungle warfare made them the mst feared in Vietnam teaching US Navy seals while in Battle. Britain brag of teaching them in a cosy safe country during training, but was deep behind enemy lines that Aussies SAS taught them.

[@johnpaulslater2924]

@@nedkelly9688 The Chindits (Windgates army), Merrills Marauders ect were all special forces and bloody good ones but there was a void after WW2 until the British SAS was reinvented during the Malayan campaign in the 50s. That's when the modern special forces started ticking boxes

[@Mark-wv6sg]

Great interview,I used to work with a former SAS. Bloke a complete gentleman

[@Giantist]

Not the first time I’ve heard a British SF operator give the insight that in many ways regular units in the FOBs had it rough in comparison to the everyday work SF we’re doing. Interesting statement on the reality of modern warfare

[@Jrichards30]

SBS always appear to be slightly upper class educated guys from the Cotswolds unlike the SAS seem to come from rougher backgrounds

[@Sidney1WG]

He is spot on about the bulling aspect. When I joined bullying was rife, an everyday thing. But it happened to everyone so we never felt like we were being singled out. If that bullying that we experienced then happened now, there wouldn't have been any instructors left. I can't say I am all for being bullied, but I have no regrets, and I don't hold it against any of the instructors. It actually toughens you up. We used to get punched in the face a lot, (amongst all sorts of other things) and sometimes for very trivial things. My way of thinking was that if ever I was captured by an enemy, they are going to do a lot worse than this. SO it was good training in my opinion. War is unpleasant as anyone who has been in one will tell you. So if you can't take a dig in the dome, you ain't going to do well in a war, especially if you get captured.

[@j2msu341]

Bullying take all kinds of form and to what level,i remember being at an incident in northern Ireland when i young private shot his csm with a gpmg,he was more or less let off as the extent of the bullying came to light ! I also heard of a few who shot themselves. Yes the training needs to be tough but when its personal a d prolonged it not training!

[@realMaverickBuckley]

If 'everyone's being bullied' isn't that them just toughening you up? That's what it felt like in the 90s.

[@kevinadamson5768]

​@@j2msu341 a lot of bullying went on at the guards depot Pirbright in the 80,s both physically and mentally, it sorted the wheat from the chaff but some I structors got rtu, d for being excessive. One jock guard nco beat a lad with a branch when he kept collapsing after getting Bearsted up the sandhill, he was married and phoned his wife and told her about it so she rang the depot and told the RSM. The nco was bust to the ranks and sent back to his battalion within days, think he had mental issues cos he fought on Tumbledown. I've heard it's a lot softer now and rightly so because the army lost a lot of good recruits to bullshit and bullying.

[@j2msu341]

@@realMaverickBuckley there's a difference between tough training and personal bullying,in todays world everyone claims to be bullied,some recruits who just aren't up to the mark claim to suffer bulling,but when it's personal and to the point were people take their own lives it gone way beyond training!

[@j2msu341]

@@kevinadamson5768 you may disagree but the types of incident you described are just plain sadistic bastardisation of people, the NCO's are selected to train and mentor recruits jr's ,be tough yes but some hide behind 2 or 3 stripes and the uniform because they are inadequate in life outside the army they are nothing !!! I recall one time in Belfast a young lad was on the brink of taking his own life,an anonymous phone call was made to the person in the guard room stating that the next time he was on leave or down the pub he was to be shot,well the bulling stop straight away and the bastard took a transfer

[@donnajaninewilmshurst4191]

This man is amazing on all levels. Sadly, soldiers are purely cannon fodder for the elite and I admire every single one of them past and present.

[@stinkyseanie]

So much of that interview resonates with my life and philosophy, We need to go into ourselves and be honest there before we can have the strength to be honest in how you project yourself . Always take constraint before you answer a difficult question, don't let your emotions take control of you. Think before you speak or act

[@ryannorton7938]

Imagine going though the selection and then years in the Special forces and still being so humble. I liked how he spoke about and respected the regular infantry guys.

[@We-Wuz-Great-201]

They're at war with their own people.

[@me-cq7wv]

Imagine getting up eveyday going to work for 30 years keeping the family and house intact and sometimes going to work with bread and butter as he has no money to spare. Thats a warrior to me.

[@markportlock5255]

Sometimes KZbin suggestion algo does a good thing. Got one of your podcasts pop up a couple of days ago Dodge, watched and enjoyed that (Phil Campion). Then saw this as next suggestion and been blown away really - Simon appears to be a very humble and intelligent chap, very well interviewed on your part. The theme about trying to align what you do with who you truly are (and of course, working out who you truly are in the first place!) is not something you’d expect of a “military hard man” . Excellent video mate, really enjoyed .

[@superk6487]

Extremely intelligent guy is Simon. I’ve been hugely successful and yet depressed because I wasn’t feeling fulfilled in life.

[@tmvanzanten431]

Gread vid! As a Dutch retired veteran of about the same age as Simon, I recognize so many things he comes up with and ways to cope with it. This guy I think has really found his purpose in life. He will succeed, sure about that!

[@goodyeoman4534]

I loved Simon's point about making sure you actually enjoy the process, if you are going to obsessively pursue a goal. Sounds simple, but maybe we sometimes overlook that?

[@kfroe828]

This man , so humble and honest, his assessment of himself and his military life

[@garyspeed6992]

Fascinating interview. Maximum respect for all who serve our country, especially the special forces guys

[@MichaelDoyle-eq5bc]

Excellent job by both men, insightful questions and thoughtful answers. Dodge is a top-notch interviewer. Curious, focused , stays on track but able to pivot.

[@DodgeWoodall]

Kind words Michael and welcome on board 🙏👍🏼

[@Northman.56]

At least he gave praise to the lads who go out every day and don't know if the will get back to camp in one piece.Respect for that.

[@raymondbishop5359]

What an incredible inspirational and humble guy. Wish you every success

[@costa6765]

Love these SAS stories, I’m hoping to join the army this year and just starting out on my military journey.

[@fadtidmbdmb]

Here's the attention you crave for doing nothing.

[@jeddy_bravo]

@@fadtidmbdmb violation

[@fadtidmbdmb]

@@jeddy_bravo hahahhaa

[@costa6765]

@@fadtidmbdmb Thanks snowflake 😘🏳️‍🌈

[@fadtidmbdmb]

@@costa6765 you are welcome bullet sponge

[@Badboyrich1982]

Another great one dodge, I’m properly working through them:) This guy is so humble.

[@kjprice1443]

Thank you Simon for confirming something that no one likes to admit. That there is no noble cause for being in those countries. That it's all about money, oil and politics. Countries like the UK and the USA should be sorting out the problems in their own countries.

[@xy3350]

People pick career that involves killing others. Then it's a surprise that other people ask you about one of the main aspects of you job..

[@Dezzasheep]

I think the "did you kill anyone?" question fascinates people is because its a side of life (most of us) will never encounter. We see pretend killing played out on movies and TV, but very rarely meet anyone who has actually done it in real life. I think ultimately, it makes people ask themselves, if i was in your position, could i do the same and would it effect me?

[@colinstewart1432]

Also it's because the idea of Legal, State-Sanctioned Killing is fascinating. Legal but morally dubious.

[@robertstevenson7554]

I have so much respect for these guys. They are rightly regarded as the creme de la creme. The other thing is how modest they are. The level of skill in their soldiering is awesome. The determination and level of committment is awesome.

[@roblong3684]

They are criminals who are exempt

[@ThruDark1]

Such a humble down to earth but very professional bloke. Really enjoyed this 👍🏼

[@RecoveryLabTV]

Brilliant podcast Dodge / Simon. Really enjoyed the last 10 minutes about growth / fixed mindsets. I think it's so important to have those honest conversations with yourself IF you're looking to develop as a person / company. It's something that I have been working on throughout the last 14 years of my journey.

[@DodgeWoodall]

Glad you enjoyed it and lots more to come in ‘23 👍🏼👍🏼

[@star10007]

All these SF guys have a few things in common, in that they seem like good, decent men that you would be happy to have as a mate. At the end of the day that's all that is important

[@tom7676]

Until they're put into combat then they're deadly!

[@manto08]

This was a really good listen. I found it really interesting when they talked about people looking accomplished on paper but feeling different within themselves. I'm 31, I'm not successful on an advanced level but I'm doing alright, married, lovely house together, planning kids, multiple holidays a year but yet truth be told there is a bit of a gap inside me. I know one part of it is definitely my job and he mentioned it when he said people just don't feel fore filled and I feel that way with my work, its dead end, opportunities are few and far and I do really regret not joining the military, 31 it feels a little late in the day. I really related with the feeling of what's next? I know at 31 its not over by any stretch there's lots left to go just I'm not sure where its going, I think in your 20's all the steps tend to be big and exciting but these days job applications get rejected constantly so it feels like I've become less valuable even though I'm more experienced, that in itself is incredibly demoralizing, I'm in quite a niche but highly competitive job market, add that to the procrastinating about what to do next, I don't show it to friends and family but I'm far more miserable than people know and yet I wouldn't dream talking about it because no one has answers and who wants to sound like a moaner complaining. The takeaway from this is its nice hearing someone say how your feeling and knowing there must be other people out that feel the same way. I always have a hopeless optimism that stuff works out and as long as I'm patient eventually things change and when they do I can always mold the situation in my favor as much as I like if I put the effort in, I just need a trigger for something to change I'm not sure if its about going cold turkey and just quitting and throwing myself into discomfort to try and make something happen, who knows as always it could be worse right.

[@alternativevieweurope5725]

Do a course on Microsoft excel and a diploma in Quantity Surveying, there's also lots of apprenticeships in it. You'll be on £60k to £70k within 5 years.

[@irenedemarco1354]

Your self reflection is a step in the right direction... find a passion... something youve always wanted to do...like rock climbing,or some such thing that seems to be the adrenaline hit you are missing...? I had to medically retire as an Intensive Care Nurse... the grief of missing my job was overwhelming.... Like soldiers, nurses work in a team, have to rely on each other, have each others backs, be ready when critical incidents happen (multiple victims from car smashes, that sort of thing).... so i understand the deflation, loss of team identity, self identity....then, also being crically injured myself, had that to deal with... Stability is a GOOD thing...but you need to set yourself a personal challenge...a hobby, a sport, something for you. You may then find that your job is ok after all...if you have self fulfilment?... All the best...

[@Ian-bq7gp]

Thats the hard part making good decisions and coping with the unknown. Life can be scarey and we are afraid of failure. Stress, anxiety doesnt help but life is a journey with ups and downs! Try to be wise and be frugal and humble drawing on lifes experience and carry on learning. Im really impressed with his looking into himself and being truthful is very hard but changing isnt easy it is positive.

[@xxxWheelchairsxxx313]

Maybe join the reserves mate. Ever looked into it?

[@MrVinniboy]

Thanks dodge, Simon is so open and so articulate, very well at defining and answering things without the need for swearing, my upmost respect for him, and I wish him well for his future goals

[@c-1802]

because he was a marine and not a para😆

[@scottd7209]

Absolutely brilliant… last 10/15mins struck home for me big time!

[@andycannon6624]

what a top bloke, very articulate, incredibly interesting and extremely humble ! Thank you for sharing

[@colingriffiths3091]

With him mentioning signals. Just confirmed a guy I worked with was ex SAS. Always said he was never confirmed or denied he was. Talking about haarp one time. He mentioned that he worked with some kind of radio system that went right through mountains. He was in signals but you have to be special forces or high up in signals to be privvy to something like that. I've got to say he's one of the best people I've ever met in my life. It was a honour to have met him. He's was old school staff. He was one of funniest and serious person when he had to be serious. Learnt lot from that man. I even called him dad. How much respect I had for him. He ended up with bowel cancer. So don't know if he's still about or not. As he use to say never let the b*starts drag you down. If he isn't here anymore I know he would have fought to his dying breath.

[@NH-bz9jv]

Anyone can say they were in the SAS mate. Much like everyone who lives within 50 miles of London were best mates with the Krays🙄🤣🤣🤣

[@westynufc90]

​@@NH-bz9jvYou've been watching too much James English.

[@MyChristine6]

What a class guy; he skillfully dodged the question of how many people he killed. He never admitted to killing anybody. He is quite right about it being politics. He describes the military life excently.

[@ceecee2275]

Respectfully that question should never be asked, we can’t comprehend the ptsd that question could trigger etc

[@hughoxford8735]

You never ask a soldier that question. Never. Soldiers don’t go to war to kill people.

[@stevemoseley5556]

Thank you for this. What he had just outlined and explained had put it in simple context and very helpful.

[@faeembrugh]

A mate's of mine's father served in Borneo in the 60s and he described jungle fighting as 'fighting the jungle first, enemy way second' and described how every single item of clothing was destroyed by the climate after one week and when back in civilisation being amazed at things like pavements, chairs and water in a tap.

[@someguyfromengland5036]

Grandathers best friend was in Borneo, he said the exact same thing!

[@martinsmith6049]

Me and the missus went there for me 50th, Brecon full screw and petty officer. Stayed in a lodge near the orange people (orangutans). That jungle was filthy. But Borneo is an amazing place.

[@keithhooper5965]

Quite often I look at the title of a podcast and think it’s not for me. I have to say this quite fascinating, a very humble and honest description of army life. Great insight thanks Simon and D 👍👍

[@DodgeWoodall]

Glad you enjoyed it Keith 💥

[@YoYoZamolo]

I always thought Simon Jeffries was SBS.

[@DaveWoods-ku5em]

I was in 21 22 we killed loadsa Nazis in Argentina and Paraguay then I spent 18 months in Philippines I had to walk the whole island just to send a radio message and then walk back I was helicoptered out of there with 3 different types of maleria

[@jabbadabbajew6035]

I’ll never understand why good men fight for politicians and corporations.

[@peterevans3247]

Great interview with challenging questions and sincere answers. Thanks for your Service Mate !!👍👍👍

[@shinkoreancookery952]

He is probably the most inspiring person right now

[@4002corbe]

I’ve always failed psychometric tests, this has held myself back no end, but I have the ability to learn skills. These tests are pointless, just look at this fellas achievements and abilities.

[@tubbybeaver4471]

Food became crap when privitised.....shock horror......you'd think that the nutrition of the soldiers defending the nation should be 1 of the top priorities of the institution.

[@neil5006]

Really enjoy the interviews with these kind of guys. Top work Dodge 👍

[@DodgeWoodall]

Nice one Neil and loads more to come 💥👌🏼

[@Flyfishthebordersandbeyond]

This guy is very honest, really great to see.

[@zacharycole1993]

Thank you Dodge for another phenomenal podcast. I did my medical for the Royal Marines on Monday this week, I’m deemed “temporarily medically unfit” this isn’t as bad as is sounds, I need my colour perception looking into as well as some background checks into childhood injuries. I also have to do a “peak flow test” to do myself at home, testing for asthma I think, which takes 7 days to do. They’re still practicing covid safety measures so breathing exercises and tests are restricted. The doctor is more than happy with my form they can’t leave any stone unturned that’s all. Will be a month until I hear anything back probably. Just putting it out there for anyone thinking of joining the forces. The medical is usually the longest part of the application process, the rest is as long or as quick as you make it (in my experience). Will share my experience of the selection process as and when I complete each stage. Good luck to all and thank you again Dodge 💯

[@DodgeWoodall]

Good luck Zach 🤞🏼

[@joedimaggio3146]

How old are you mate?

[@zacharycole1993]

@@joedimaggio3146 29

[@joedimaggio3146]

@@zacharycole1993 Nice. I'm 27 and thinking of joining up

[@zacharycole1993]

@@joedimaggio3146 pursue it mate. The process is pretty simple so far, just stay willing. Where are you based? How’s your fitness at the moment?

[@andrewb2475]

I've listened to many SAS soldier interviews and they have one thing common, they're humble men which makes me think part of the selection process is to weed out Steven Segal fanboys, there for perceived glory and not to work for King Country and their fellow man............truth is we have no idea what these men get up to across the globe!

[@philgreenhalgh1553]

The humblest SF man I have heard.

[@devlin7575]

No Moses beard with a sea of tattoos, a skin tight black top with matching baseball cap … talking constantly in heavy jargon.

[@DodgeWoodall]

There’s 100+ more episodes on our Eventful Lives Podcast on Spotify or Apple, that aren’t on our KZbin channel. 👇 PodFollow.com/DodgeWoodall

[@michaelpearson4896]

Why are you both wearing headphones when you are facing each other.?.

[@PaulAnderson-ky8ne]

Great interview. One point I would like to add is that when I joined the Army at 16 (Junior Leaders) our Phase 1 (Basic) training was for 9 months. On completion we were class 1 soldiers. However we then went on to trade trading courses, which ranged from 3 months to a year depending on trade.

[@stevencrabbe3998]

You were a junior bleeder eh?

[@PaulAnderson-ky8ne]

@@stevencrabbe3998 Yes and proud to have been one.

[@stevencrabbe3998]

@@PaulAnderson-ky8ne I was a Chepstow apprentice. 🙂

[@moonchild66]

Great interveiw.....hes right ..validating yourself instead of waiting for external validation is deffo a way to happier mote furfilling life! Thanks Dodge great questions!!!!❤

[@shepchester3567]

Genuinely interesting video. Simon comes over so laid back and kindly, but I'm certain if needed he could change in a split second, and cause some serious damage!

[@Willo1991]

Great episode and what an interesting guy! Really enjoying your interview style too Dodge, look forward to the next one! 🙂

[@dipeshbhattarai6558]

He was in SBS not SAS.#Frogman#tier1

[@rf8620]

Absolutely fascinated with special forces and finally hearing from it from the horses mouth what an insight! The way they live there life’s physically and mentally top notch and utterly ruthless when need be 💪👍

[@jimgallo6909]

Just listened to this and it was a great listen. You don't hear much on SAS especially on selection. Great work

[@smiley4288]

Great convo…..he’s just straight talking no bs n honest… really deserves to be happy 👍😎👍

[@robthomas3968]

I wouldn’t last 1 day trying to be in the sas

[@grumpyoldbstard9352]

Loving the interviews you are doing, really interesting looking into the lives of people you admire but know very little about. keep them up :)

[@Boufonamong]

As a Welsh man his description of Brecon is my dog walk! 😂😂😂😂

[@DodgeWoodall]

Lovely part of the world Anton 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@andrewnorris98]

Pen-y-fan is a good walk!

[@kiwiana4920]

I found his answers quite vague tbh compared to some of the Navy Seal guys who go into great detail and paint the picture. Obviously there's classified details he can't divulge but he could go a bit deeper into things to keep it interesting. Shawn Ryan's pod is excellent, they go deep.

[@antonoat]

I get the impression that once one achieves this level there is literally just no room left for bullshit, respect to all these guys, total commitment 👏👍😀

[@theodoremason6344]

I always thought the third stage of selection was evade and interrogation stage.

[@colinhaywood5470]

BUT YOU BE LUCK DODGE IM FOREVER BLOWING BUBBLES 🤟💯

[@bendb_wildaboutnz]

Awesome podcast mate, really impressed by your conversational skills. Great timing, smooth topical transitions, on point open-ended questions and sound usage of motivational interviewing. Can definitely relate to Simon's near death free fall incident, it's certainly an out of it experience being in an unintended free fall! Keep charging mate, love it!

[@DodgeWoodall]

Kind words Ben and nice one for the feedback 🙏👍🏼

[@peartree8338]

Sodexo!!!! I used to work at a cleaning/catering company at the Arlanda airport here in Sweden and our catering got so crappy they lost their airplane catering contract. So they got bought by Sodexo and tried to rebrand themselves. I quit shortly after that and years later I started working at a preschool and it turned out it was Sodexo who did the catering for all the preschools. They had certain meals that made the kids liquid crap their diapers and those were not fun days. So Sodexo is "shit" quite literally. 🤣

[@dupton]

You should have a bigger following than you do, really good interviewer

[@DodgeWoodall]

Thanks mate and we are just starting to put our podcast episodes onto KZbin. Exciting times ahead for 2023 🙏👍🏼

[@Boababa-fn3mr]

It was great to listen to this one. I could do it all day.

[@RichardHubbuck]

During my time in the British Army I had the opportunity to interact with both SAS and SBS troops. They are the pinnacle of professionalism - and many people will be surprised to learn that the soldiering element is probably on two thirds of the job; the other third is all the health and safety, planning, admin, coursing-up the lads. Training doesn’t finish after selection/acceptance, the lads are on course after course after course in order to glean the skills to put together a professional, well-trained, tight pack of blokes, who will absolutely keep going until the job is done. Well done Royal. Up the Blades.

[@spiderwebb4983]

Noticed his dog at 48:30 checks he's okay as he detected his emotional level increased as he talks of his closest encounter.

[@peterplotts1238]

That's an excellent point: it's not the physically demanding aspect but the arbitrarily assigned struggles and lack of physical comfort that breaks recruits.

[@SailingTheSeasPirateRob]

Great interview. The image cover is truth behind SAS and not SBS. That’s quite a typo 😂

[@richardbentley6781]

Better to have lived amongst lions than a lifetime with sheep.

[@louis.b333]

Fair play to this chap bigging up the average squaddie top bloke. Great interview dodge. Thanks again 😊

[@Ian-bq7gp]

Im really impressed with your podcasts Dodge Woodall. A big thank you.

[@Jay-gr9ij]

I don't think these SF guys understand life outside of their own experiences. Might sound obvious but they often broad brush their experience to everyone and everything else. There's disabled people who struggle beyond belief on a day to day basis and society does nothing but shit on them. I know because I'm one of them.