Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of homophobia and discrimination, which some may find offensive. Listener discretion is advised.

For 38 years, Dougie Morgan served in the British Army; respected on operations, but haunted by a secret he couldn’t share. Behind the discipline and duty was a man forced to hide his identity in an institution where being gay once meant risking everything.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks with Dougie about life under the military’s pre-2000 ban on homosexuality.

Dougie opens up about the toll of living a double life, the behavioural challenges that masked his inner turmoil, and the long journey toward self-acceptance. He reflects on the emotional cost of secrecy, the impact of systemic discrimination, and the liberation - albeit late - that came with being honest about who he is.

Until recently (April 2025), through his work with Fighting With Pride, Dougie supported other LGBTQ+ veterans and helped build a more inclusive Armed Forces. His story is a reminder that authenticity is a human right, and that healing is possible, even after decades of silence.

A brave, compassionate conversation about identity, belonging, and the ongoing work to ensure that no one in uniform has to hide who they are.

We know there are more stories to be told, like Dougie's. If you're willing to share - email us at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com

Find out more about Fighting with Pride by visiting https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk/

And you can follow Dougie on Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougie-morgan-4803a6331/?originalSubdomain=uk

Follow the Culture Colonel himself, Lindsay on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff

and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaymacduff/

BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.

If you want to learn more about us – visit our website: https://creative.bfbs.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning - This episode contains discussion of childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma. Please take care while listening, or consider skipping this episode. If you're affected by the themes and need support, resources are available on our website.

For years, Wing Commander Jacqui Wilkinson kept her past hidden - masking a childhood marked by abuse, neglect, and trauma behind the uniform of a successful Royal Air Force officer. But today, she’s using that painful history as a force for good.

In this moving episode of The Culture Colonel, Jacqui shares her powerful journey from survival to strength, and how confronting her trauma has not only transformed her own life, but helped shape a new kind of leadership in the Armed Forces.

Jacqui opens up about the turning point that came when she began therapy, and how reclaiming her story became the start of true healing. She speaks candidly about the years she spent carrying her experiences alone, and how that silence began to shift once she chose vulnerability over shame.

Now a champion for mental health and wellbeing within Defence, Jacqui reflects on how her past has made her a more empathetic, authentic, and human leader. She discusses the impact of her book Turning the Tables on Trauma, the response from within the military, and her work with the Defence Mental Health and Wellbeing Network.

This is a courageous conversation about breaking the cycle, finding strength in truth, and turning personal pain into lasting legacy.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this conversation. Email us at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com

Follow Jacqui on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Her book, Turning the Tables on Trauma is available here.

BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency, specialising in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.

Learn more about us - visit our website.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sara Catterall, Strategic Command Warrant Officer, brings passion, purpose, and people-first thinking to the heart of Defence. With a leadership style rooted in inclusion, curiosity, and psychological safety, Sara is reshaping what it means to lead in today’s military landscape.

In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks with Sara about what it takes to build a culture where individuals can thrive, and teams can think critically, challenge norms, and grow together. Sara shares her belief in the power of embracing failure, managing imposter syndrome, fostering courageous conversations, and celebrating difference to unlock both personal potential and operational effectiveness.

From leading initiatives like the Women in Strategic Command forum to mentoring the next generation of Defence leaders, Sara is committed to creating space for every voice to be heard as she reflects on her own journey, and the importance of building a work environment that is not only effective but also joyful and human.

This episode is a thoughtful, energising conversation on purposeful leadership, inclusion in action, and shaping the culture of tomorrow’s Defence.

What did you take away from this episode?

Email us at TheCultureColonel@bfbs.com

Learn more about Strategic Command via instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukstrategiccommand/

Follow Lindsay:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsay-macduff

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaymacduff/

BFBS Creative is an award-winning, non-profit, creative agency. We specialise in helping the Armed Forces, Defence and government tell their story.

If you want to learn more about us – visit our website:

https://creative.bfbs.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.