Rian Ilett: The Truth About War | Season 4, Episode 1
Heading for a life of underachievement as a mischievous teenager when Rian’s college lecturer suggested he join Her Majesty's
Royal Marines Commandos.
After the brutal commando course, which saw him dangling off high ropes overcoming his weakness and submerged in cold water, he discovered that by altering my mindset he could push my body beyond what I thought was possible.
So began a 15-year career as an elite commando wearing the coveted green Beret which saw Rian regularly deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as a multitude of different countries. There, he witnessed countless horrors including the death and severe injury of his friends he considered brothers and comrades having to make split-second life-and-death decisions.
Rian speaks about finding great joy and pleasure forming the the unbreakable bonds he formed with his comrades, and saving civilian lives, especially a young iraqi girl whom he was lucky enough to help reunite with her family.
In 2019, after being caught up in an explosion and flown home from the Middle East, Rian was then diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumour, which was deemed to be incurable.
Applying the same positive thought process
he forged and adopted in the military, he pushed my body to overcome the doctors' prognosis. Despite being told he should be dead more than a year ago, Rian is infact,
still here to tell the tale.
This is his story of never giving up.
Getting There
We are excited to introduce you to our new podcast series hosted by the dynamic Brogan Garrit Smith. This podcast promises to be a unique and engaging experience for listeners as Brogan welcomes an array of high-profile guests to discuss life's various aspects, from family, spirituality, trauma, to the drive to succeed.
Having experienced all the ups and downs that life has to offer, and with infinite hilarious anecdotes and thought-provoking stories, it's time for her to impart her wisdom onto her listeners as she chats to a host of famous friends and familiar faces.
- No. of episodes: 70
- Latest episode: 2025-06-30
- Education Self-Improvement
Where can you listen?
