Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts www.PodFollow.com/DodgeWoodall Chapters: 05:00 - Peak Physical Fitness in the SAS 07:00 - National Front Racism 14:00 - Junior Rankings & Basic Training 23:00 - Camouflage & Stag Sentry Duty 26:00 - Northern Ireland Terrorists 32:00 - Persons Indicted For War Crimes 36:00 - 1990 First Gulf War 44:00 - SAS Strategy & Changing the World 51:00 - SAS Camaraderie 57:00 - Secure Green Zone with the Press 1:00:00 - Saddam Hussein 1:02:00 - Exposing Iraq & Afghan MISTAKE 1:08:00 - Training Interrogators 1:09:00 - NAKED INTERROGATION 1:16:00 - SAS in Desert & Jungle 1:19:00 - SAS Who Dares Wins
Melvyn is the type of bloke our youngsters should be looking up to due to his qualities of courage, determination, kindness and humility. A real warrior. Thanks for this, I really enjoyed it.
I watch alot of these kind of special forces interviews and most are great but this guy has done more than most of them but wow what a humble level headed guy you'd talk to him at the bar and wouldn't expect anything! What a gent (am also a veteran)
I've known this bloke for many years. Consider him a special mate. So humble after what he's achieved. Kind ,always helping folk. Done loads for charity. Can't say more.
Best mate from 8 years old was the only black lad in school and would fight for him atleast once a week after school against bullies..not coz he was black because he was my best mate..im 50 in 2 weeks time and we are still mates..👍
I too served in Bosnia and agree about it. Never met this bloke, sounds so genuine, can imagine he was quality if you were on his side, a nightmare if you weren’t. Love the positivity from his childhood adversities, that’s a real person, not the ones that blame their futures and limitations on their perceptions of theirs and others pasts. This was a pleasure and a journey that got tied up perfectly. If this guys got ya, you’ll be alright🫡🇬🇧 I remember very clearly my first time on the London underground at midnight, on the way to basic training. The scary thing is what he said about Bosnia is how communities, neighbours a friends turn into monsters and do horrendous things to each other when they divide into their ‘own religion’ ‘own kinsman’ etc etc. that’s the thing that has always stuck with me, and now we have people here with many different callings and loyalties🤔
I got to 9 minutes in and already had to comment. This is the type of guy we need more of within our country and ive not even got to his SAS stories. What a guy 🇬🇧 now to watch the rest.
I follow Melvyn on most socials and he's a top bloke. Even replies to messages himself most of the time when he can. Which is a touch in itself 💙. The man's a legend and a hero. Keep doing what your doing pâl 👌
Really enjoyed that Dodge , brilliant work ! I Remember Melv when I was a Young Soldier ( Gulf, N.I.) and always follow his stuff and support his charity work nowadays.. Amazing man .
The essence of the peoples spirit of Stoke/Staffs. Make the best of everything, be the best version of you, that can possibly be and always have a good laugh. Props to Melv and the people of Stoke!
He's definitely not broke and he's 100% good folk I don't think he's someone who would do coke and he absolutely ain't woke completely agree what a bloke hahahaha your shit rhymed so I kept it going, agree with your comment mate all the best love from London and Dublin X
@@Napoloen08 I can do joined up writing as well , I'm special, ask my mum lol, but she seems to say special needs!!!! What's that about!!!! I'm messing thank you mate X x
If you bumped into Melvyn in the street you’d never know he was UKSF which is the way it should be, unlike some “celebrities” that are in the media at every opportunity. Comes across super humble - top man.
I salute you, sir, and you sound like a normal down to earth bloke yet you are the definition of the words legend and hero... from belfast northern ireland
Absolutely loved this one Dodge! What a guy. We’re lucky to have had him served. Always astounds me why we can’t use these people in coaching army roles when they’ve exited live service. So much experience to pass on and a terrific chap.
Seen a couple of podcasts and interviews with Melvyn and he always comes across as an absolute diamond of a bloke. But this was definitely the best one. You get the best out of people Dodge.
The most impressive interviewee you've had Dodge. What a truly top fella and role model. Loved the humour, frankness, honesty, and genuine recounting of Melvyn's stories. Loved the extra bit at the end too...Thanks for putting this together and posting.
Melvyn Downes is an absolute gentleman........like the majority of us he came from nothing,a working class lad with REAL VALUES & MANNERS............Mel to me is the epitome of "fear the quietest/nicest man in the room".......no falseness,no fireworks,no ego........it isn't needed. 🇬🇧
This just goes to show you that there are elite level soldiers from regular infantry units. Big Melv was and IS a machine by the sounds of it. Great podcast!
Elite human mate..my uncle bill denholm was a para commando onto 22 SAS..spoke to a couple of welsh lads who were on selection in the bahrain desert..dont know if you met bill in the sas melvyn..he done missions global..with big mack..and many more..elite humans..respect from fife ..scotland
Would love a part 2 what a man Melvyn is love his outlook on everything, thank you to the both of you for this it was put together really well. No one does podcasting like you do dodge keep it up mate.
I’ve listened to so many of your pods. Listened to this twice now once on my phone this morning on the tube and now watched on TH-cam. Thanks for this great episode.
Thanks for this one Dodge. Melvyn seems like a great bloke, exactly the sort of guy you’d want with you in a pinch. Even in a normal life situation. Great listen this one.
Just met Melvyn on a short holiday to Krakow, Poland. Two of us sat having a couple of beers chatting. This man is a true gent, chatted about his military career. If you didn’t know who he was, you would think he was just your next door neighbour. Oh but one thing, Melvyn you defo owe me a Pint
This is the man who should be going to schools and showing the younger generation what can be achieved regardless of what background you come from an absolute hero
My uncle william denholm..played football for the hereford sas team..other soldiers have told me..that wullies team were a ruthless bunch..on the field..legends..black angels..SAS
What a great man. These are the people we should be looking up to and taking advice from to make our country great agsin. Full of compassion & good energy, what a guy
For anyone who has ever served it is very obvious from listening to this soldiers positivity and energy for just 5 mins that it would have been an absolute pleasure to serve alongside or under this warriors command. Im sure Melv is a living legend not only within his parent unit but also the whole SF community.
Dodge, amazing interview and i thought you was amazingly respectful of your guest. Will certainly be listening to all you podcasts when i'm at work marking out sports pitches. Thankyou 👌
If I was together with Mr. Downes walking into hell would be a walk in the park. Such a confident, simple, down to Earth person. Unreal. What a great podcast 👌👏
Just watched this, wow what a stand up bloke Melvyn is, could listen to him all day long. Great content once again dodge, also enjoyed the little segment at the end when you was dicussing it over. Thank you for your service Melvyn, absolute legend.
Thankyou dodge for the podcasts I listen to everyone one of them! soon as I get alerted.its like an hour or 2 of therapy I think this was the best podcast I’ve watched,I never knew much about sas and sbs but I love hearing about it I didn’t think we would be able to top staz podcast but this was top! 👊 keep smashing it dodge
I know a number of serving 22 gents who have all done 15 years plus and they are all great guys, all down to earth, very intelligent blokes. Now they have all signed lifetime non disclosure agreements we the public will never know how busy these guys have been and are now.
Dodge you nailed it again bro! What an interview “ It’s like being taken right in the moment with Melvyn!. Who should I say is a true inspiration to the youth of today. Fucking proper man’s man !.👍
Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts www.PodFollow.com/DodgeWoodall
Chapters:
05:00 - Peak Physical Fitness in the SAS
07:00 - National Front Racism
14:00 - Junior Rankings & Basic Training
23:00 - Camouflage & Stag Sentry Duty
26:00 - Northern Ireland Terrorists
32:00 - Persons Indicted For War Crimes
36:00 - 1990 First Gulf War
44:00 - SAS Strategy & Changing the World
51:00 - SAS Camaraderie
57:00 - Secure Green Zone with the Press
1:00:00 - Saddam Hussein
1:02:00 - Exposing Iraq & Afghan MISTAKE
1:08:00 - Training Interrogators
1:09:00 - NAKED INTERROGATION
1:16:00 - SAS in Desert & Jungle
1:19:00 - SAS Who Dares Wins
@@DodgeWoodall love your podcasts you actually let people talk and ask good questions
Melvyn is the type of bloke our youngsters should be looking up to due to his qualities of courage, determination, kindness and humility. A real warrior. Thanks for this, I really enjoyed it.
Well said mate ex veteran 😊
I watch alot of these kind of special forces interviews and most are great but this guy has done more than most of them but wow what a humble level headed guy you'd talk to him at the bar and wouldn't expect anything! What a gent (am also a veteran)
@@billygnasher Nice one, Billy. Kind regards mate.
Well said mate. They don't make them like him anymore. Top human being in my book.
Great comment!!
100% agree
I've known this bloke for many years. Consider him a special mate. So humble after what he's achieved. Kind ,always helping folk. Done loads for charity. Can't say more.
Dodge, only half way through this but what an episode already. What a great man, a patriot and hero in the true meaning of the words.
Best mate from 8 years old was the only black lad in school and would fight for him atleast once a week after school against bullies..not coz he was black because he was my best mate..im 50 in 2 weeks time and we are still mates..👍
Love this Kev 💪🏼🤩
@@DodgeWoodall ..what mates de mate..another mint show man✌️
How was 40 years in sas if he only 50
Listen to interview born in 64 do math.....60 not 50
@@hod2116
Duh
I too served in Bosnia and agree about it.
Never met this bloke, sounds so genuine, can imagine he was quality if you were on his side, a nightmare if you weren’t.
Love the positivity from his childhood adversities, that’s a real person, not the ones that blame their futures and limitations on their perceptions of theirs and others pasts. This was a pleasure and a journey that got tied up perfectly. If this guys got ya, you’ll be alright🫡🇬🇧
I remember very clearly my first time on the London underground at midnight, on the way to basic training.
The scary thing is what he said about Bosnia is how communities, neighbours a friends turn into monsters and do horrendous things to each other when they divide into their ‘own religion’ ‘own kinsman’ etc etc. that’s the thing that has always stuck with me, and now we have people here with many different callings and loyalties🤔
Honestly this man is the best our nation has to offer absolute legend!!!!!!
David goggins better go jogging because our Melvin!❤
Amen
Cracking!!! Mel is the sort of bloke you meet once in a pub and you never forget him.
Proper leader, first out the door, no wonder he was well respected. absolute legend, thanks gents, really great stuff!
It amazes me every time how positive Mel is. He must of had a bad time as a kid but always picks the positives from it.
Lovely guy
I can't get over how down to earth and nice this man is.
Respect to you sir, I real man and gentleman ☺️👍
I got to 9 minutes in and already had to comment. This is the type of guy we need more of within our country and ive not even got to his SAS stories. What a guy 🇬🇧 now to watch the rest.
I follow Melvyn on most socials and he's a top bloke. Even replies to messages himself most of the time when he can. Which is a touch in itself 💙. The man's a legend and a hero.
Keep doing what your doing pâl 👌
What a genuine top bloke who has seen some absolute atrociousitys but comes across as someone who is full of life with no resentments
This man is a national treasure fittest man in the sas what an accolade melvin you are a star. Respect to you sir
After everything he’s been through & seen the horrors of war he’s so happy and has such an uplifting spirit
Fantastic conversation with a top man. We are lucky to have people like Melvyn in our country. 🇬🇧🇬🇧
Great episode Dodge.
Great interview, Melvyn is true hero, very humble man, having to overcome all the adversity and still give his country 110%
Thank you for your service
Melvyn 🫡
Really enjoyed that Dodge , brilliant work !
I Remember Melv when I was a Young Soldier ( Gulf, N.I.) and always follow his stuff and support his charity work nowadays.. Amazing man .
The essence of the peoples spirit of Stoke/Staffs. Make the best of everything, be the best version of you, that can possibly be and always have a good laugh. Props to Melv and the people of Stoke!
A man with integrity, We can never thank enough Bravery on this scale , All Veterans are Heroes !!
Great Video Dodge
Mel … what a legend . Proper humble bloke … from Stoke .
He's definitely not broke and he's 100% good folk I don't think he's someone who would do coke and he absolutely ain't woke completely agree what a bloke hahahaha your shit rhymed so I kept it going, agree with your comment mate all the best love from London and Dublin X
@@simonostinelli187great paragraph mate haha
@@Napoloen08 I can do joined up writing as well , I'm special, ask my mum lol, but she seems to say special needs!!!! What's that about!!!! I'm messing thank you mate X x
If you bumped into Melvyn in the street you’d never know he was UKSF which is the way it should be, unlike some “celebrities” that are in the media at every opportunity. Comes across super humble - top man.
I salute you, sir, and you sound like a normal down to earth bloke yet you are the definition of the words legend and hero... from belfast northern ireland
Loved this chat, he’s a great guy 🙌🏻
My Dad and uncle served with Mel in the Staffs, they always speak very highly of him
Met mel in a pub in stoke
What surprised me was the strength and power in his hand shake
Pleasure to meet such a man.
I remremember Lindsay Bruce saying this was the guy in the Regiment that he aspired to be like!High praise indeed! 👏
What a lovely man Melvyn is, so down to earth. Lot of respect for him and all our service people. Thanks for this show❤
What an amazing man, how to overcome adversity, racism and grow as a person. So proud of him. Thank You for your service, an inspiration.
Absolutely loved this one Dodge! What a guy. We’re lucky to have had him served. Always astounds me why we can’t use these people in coaching army roles when they’ve exited live service. So much experience to pass on and a terrific chap.
Thank you for your service Mr. S.M. Downes! Amazing podcast and life story ❤ From Barcelona 🇪🇦🇬🇧🇬🇧
The dirty book fly swatting had me in stitches 😂
Not much you can say about Mel apart from he's an absolute Gent. Every time I see him interviewed, he makes me smile. Great interview Dodge !
Totally agree! He’s a wonderful human being and role model 🇬🇧👍🏼
Seen a couple of podcasts and interviews with Melvyn and he always comes across as an absolute diamond of a bloke. But this was definitely the best one. You get the best out of people Dodge.
The most impressive interviewee you've had Dodge. What a truly top fella and role model. Loved the humour, frankness, honesty, and genuine recounting of Melvyn's stories.
Loved the extra bit at the end too...Thanks for putting this together and posting.
Glad you enjoyed it Gavin and Mel is one of life’s good guys 🇬🇧👍🏼
MELVYN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
Mervyn, thank you for all you have done for this country. Real honour. Wish you and your Family the best going forward.
Imagine having a role model like Melvyn in your life. What an incredible man. Thanks guys
One of the nicest guys I have ever heard spoken about the military service congratulations God Bless you 🙏 Melvin
Melvyn Downes is an absolute gentleman........like the majority of us he came from nothing,a working class lad with REAL VALUES & MANNERS............Mel to me is the epitome of "fear the quietest/nicest man in the room".......no falseness,no fireworks,no ego........it isn't needed. 🇬🇧
"That's our Union Jack, don't let the far left take it or the far right take it" - We need a prime minister like this, I'd vote for Melvyn
Melvyn for Prime Minister 🇬🇧
I’ve just screenshotted it and sent it to him 👍🏼👍🏼
@@DodgeWoodall cheers Dodge - keep up the great work, love your channel
Absolutely! It's not about "Left'or 'Right', it's about just doing the right thing. What a great, humble man.
He'd get my vote 🇬🇧
Absolute legend of a bloke 🫡🇬🇧
This just goes to show you that there are elite level soldiers from regular infantry units. Big Melv was and IS a machine by the sounds of it. Great podcast!
Elite human mate..my uncle bill denholm was a para commando onto 22 SAS..spoke to a couple of welsh lads who were on selection in the bahrain desert..dont know if you met bill in the sas melvyn..he done missions global..with big mack..and many more..elite humans..respect from fife ..scotland
Their is till hope for us when we have human beings like mel. What an example we should all learn from. Respect mate
What an amazing guy!! Brilliant’ what an eventful life 👊🏻
Nice one Dodge 👌🏻
Absolute legend and pride of Britain!
What. A. Legend. And thoroughly lovely bloke.
Would love a part 2 what a man Melvyn is love his outlook on everything, thank you to the both of you for this it was put together really well. No one does podcasting like you do dodge keep it up mate.
Thankyou 🙏
I’ve listened to so many of your pods. Listened to this twice now once on my phone this morning on the tube and now watched on TH-cam. Thanks for this great episode.
Haven't started watchning but all of the content I've watched collates to this man being an absolute hero.
I’m just so happy that I have watched this
If possible please tell Mel he is so incredibly inspiring and I am very proud to have him on my side ❤
That when far too quickly, can't wait for part 2. What a top man Mel is.
Thanks for this one Dodge. Melvyn seems like a great bloke, exactly the sort of guy you’d want with you in a pinch. Even in a normal life situation. Great listen this one.
My Mum is Irish and made many friends from the black community. It was a natural progression for the Irish and Jamaicans. Not that long ago
Just met Melvyn on a short holiday to Krakow, Poland.
Two of us sat having a couple of beers chatting. This man is a true gent, chatted about his military career.
If you didn’t know who he was, you would think he was just your next door neighbour.
Oh but one thing, Melvyn you defo owe me a Pint
Another great podcast Dodge. Mel is a hero, what an incredible person he is.
Saw Melvyn at a Q and A recently - what a proper down to earth guy . Thank you
Thankyou for your service sir. May the heavens watch over you keeping you safe and protected always.
Fantastic podcast this. Love how easy you make it for your guests to speak. And Melvyn is amazing. What a life he's had and a what a man.
This is the man who should be going to schools and showing the younger generation what can be achieved regardless of what background you come from an absolute hero
My uncle william denholm..played football for the hereford sas team..other soldiers have told me..that wullies team were a ruthless bunch..on the field..legends..black angels..SAS
What a great man. These are the people we should be looking up to and taking advice from to make our country great agsin. Full of compassion & good energy, what a guy
What a nice guy and a great watch, shows that the nicest of people are not weak, but humble heros
Brilliant conversation & really liked the behind the scenes end as well!
What a thoroughly lovely guy. Really enjoyed this one. A really nice chat fellas 💙💙
Wow amazing interview. What a legend and hero.
For anyone who has ever served it is very obvious from listening to this soldiers positivity and energy for just 5 mins that it would have been an absolute pleasure to serve alongside or under this warriors command.
Im sure Melv is a living legend not only within his parent unit but also the whole SF community.
Could listen to this guy talk all day. What a story & what a guy!! Class act Mel 🫡
Simply the Best Interview of them all Dodge Thanks Billy ExVeteran. 😊
Melvyn is absolutely lovely. Loved this one. Thankyou Dodge.
Great podcast Dodge, Melvyn is a great bloke. Look forward not back 👍
Thank you for your service Melvyn. A proper man and role model for the misguided youth of today
What a great interview. Melvyn is a legend!
It's video footage of this battle in Iraq in 91 that convinced me to join the Staffordshire regiment in 02.
Dodge, amazing interview and i thought you was amazingly respectful of your guest. Will certainly be listening to all you podcasts when i'm at work marking out sports pitches. Thankyou 👌
15 miles in the morning before the podcast and a few beers the night before at 59 😂 What a legend.
I could listen to Melvyn all day long, what an absolute bloody legend🤙
If I was together with Mr. Downes walking into hell would be a walk in the park. Such a confident, simple, down to Earth person. Unreal. What a great podcast 👌👏
Definitely one of stoke on trents finest....met him at a stoke match recently very nice man
Just watched this, wow what a stand up bloke Melvyn is, could listen to him all day long. Great content once again dodge, also enjoyed the little segment at the end when you was dicussing it over. Thank you for your service Melvyn, absolute legend.
What a special man he is I thoroughly enjoyed listening to his incredible story thank Dodge x❤️
The extra bit at the end was brilliant. Another fantastic episode, another fantastic guest 😊
What a guy, absolute gentleman and an amazing attitude to life as well. Great podcast guys. 🤝
Brilliant interview Dodge. Huge respect Mel.
Another fantastic podcast Dodge! Mel… what a bloke! Respect. 🫡 🇬🇧
This everyone is what a real man and a hero is. SGT MJR in the SAS . Respect.
Maximum respect to Mel & you Dodge, very inspirational! 🙏🏼🤍👊🏼
Thank you again Dodge ❤👊
Thankyou dodge for the podcasts I listen to everyone one of them! soon as I get alerted.its like an hour or 2 of therapy I think this was the best podcast I’ve watched,I never knew much about sas and sbs but I love hearing about it I didn’t think we would be able to top staz podcast but this was top! 👊 keep smashing it dodge
Good man Ash 👍🏼👍🏼
Brilliant podcast and defo need men like him speaking to the youth of today.
I know a number of serving 22 gents who have all done 15 years plus and they are all great guys, all down to earth, very intelligent blokes. Now they have all signed lifetime non disclosure agreements we the public will never know how busy these guys have been and are now.
Dodge you nailed it again bro! What an interview “ It’s like being taken right in the moment with Melvyn!. Who should I say is a true inspiration to the youth of today. Fucking proper man’s man !.👍
Amazing podcast. Truly brilliant guest. Well done Dodge
Great interview
A few beers and the Pull up a sand bag Podcast is born 😉💥
Great podcast Melvyn a true legend. This is y our special forces are known as the best of the best.
Fantastic insight Melvyn is a top class bloke and what a fantastic interview he gave no good luck to him cheers dodge