In this powerful episode of The Elite Podcast, we sit down with former UK Special Forces Warrant Officer and CEO of Pilgrim Bandits, Matt Hellyer.
Matt’s story goes far beyond elite military service. From 3 PARA to the SAS, frontline operations, surviving cancer, fighting for veterans’ rights, and enduring the unimaginable loss of his son — this conversation is raw, honest, and deeply inspiring.
We cover everything:
• Life inside Airborne Forces
• What SAS selection is really like
• Real-world Special Forces operations
• The rise in UK terror threats
• Failures in veteran support & government policy
• Mental resilience when tragedy strikes
• How Matt channels pain into purpose through Pilgrim Bandits
00:00:00 Choosing the Special Forces Path
00:00:51 Matt Hellyer Introduction
00:01:05 Pilgrim Bandits & Charity Work
00:03:44 Cancer Diagnosis & Military Support Failures
00:08:25 Early Army Life & Joining 3 PARA
00:12:21 Depot PARA Memories & Regimental Culture
00:16:57 Life in Northern Ireland & Dover Move
00:18:39 SAS Selection & Mindset Shift
00:20:21 PARA vs SAS Culture Differences
00:22:40 Skills & Training Inside UKSF
00:26:57 No-Duff Callout & Deployment to Africa
00:34:15 Frontline Realities & Conflict Horrors
00:39:36 UK Terror Threat & Speaking Out
00:42:20 Veteran Community Issues & Legal Battles
00:53:01 Resilience & The Loss of His Son
00:58:50 Processing Grief & Finding Support
The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.
Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.
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▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7
Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios
