#47 Rogue Soldiers: Stories of Survival, Success, and Screenplays - Pete O'Hanlon part 2

What happens when a decade-long journey of writing a book collides with the unpredictable world of podcast production? Join us alongside Fitzy and Peter O'Hanlon this podcast episode, Burso hosts a lively discussion with co-host Fitzy and guest Pete O'Hanlon, diving into a variety of topics ranging from the challenges of publishing a book to transitioning from military life to acting and filmmaking. Pete’s journey is a fascinating one, starting with his time in the Australian Army and evolving into a career as an author and actor. His first book, a ten-year labor of love, explores his personal experiences and growth during and after his time in Timor. Pete shares how his writing evolved as he matured, with memories shifting as he dealt with personal hardships like a marriage breakup and the struggle of not seeing his kids.

Key Questions the Podcast Will Answer:

• How does one transition from the structured life of a soldier to the unpredictable world of writing and acting?
• What challenges do veterans face when trying to tell their stories, and how do they overcome them?
• What’s it really like to be on a movie set as a former military advisor turned actor?
• How do authors balance the truth of their experiences with the demands of the publishing world?
• Why is it important to push ourselves beyond comfort zones, even if it means “hurting” ourselves in pursuit of growth?

Anecdotes to Enjoy: Pete offers a humorous take on his early days of writing, admitting that he often threw some "mayo on a story" to enhance it, joking that "the truth can get in the way of a good story." He also reflects on his army days and the camaraderie built during military operations.

Another standout moment is Pete's recollection of his first acting gig, where he insisted on telling everyone on set that he was ex-army. This led him to advising the film crew on everything from face paint to military protocol, eventually landing him a job as a military advisor. Burso and Fitzy lightheartedly tease him about his rise from an extra to a well-catered actor, joking about the stark contrast between being treated like a "scum-sucking leech" as an extra to having sparkling water and a shawl handed to him once he became a proper cast member.

Pete also touches on the heavy impact of post-military life, including how he initially took up extreme physical challenges like long, waterless hikes to push himself mentally and physically, akin to David Goggins. Yet, in a lighter moment, the group jokes about the common military mentality of avoiding trouble, like a recruit who accidentally found a live round during a training exercise and thought the best way to hide it was to shoot it.

This podcast is packed with rich stories, inspiring lessons, and lots of laughs, offering listeners a deep dive into the world of veterans who have successfully navigated their way from combat zones to creative industries.

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