Special Forces Warrant Officer - Matthew Hellyer (Elite Podcast #45)

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 This is one of the most emotional and impactful conversations we’ve ever recorded. Matt’s courage, honesty, and dedication to helping others embody what true resilience looks like. 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. 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 Follow Lee on social media for more: ▶︎ Facebook -   / lee.matthewsbmma   ▶︎ Instagram -   / leematthewsofficial   ▶︎ Website - www.leematthewsofficial.com ▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7 Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios ▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com ▶︎ Instagram -   / liverpoolpodcaststudios   ▶︎ LinkedIn -   / liverpool-podcast-studios