MAN ALIVE with Dr Jeff Foster | Men's Health Podcast Billy Billingham: Physical Cost Of 20 Years In The SAS, PTSD & Blood Test Results
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Mar 16, 2026 Billy Billingham, former SAS Sergeant Major turned author, speaker and TV personality. He talks about the physical toll of 20 years in special forces, real blood test results including testosterone and cholesterol, facing PTSD and mental health, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and how discipline, resilience and accountability shaped his life.
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Leadership As Sergeant Major Was Strategic And Hands-On
- As Sergeant Major Billy led strategy while staying operationally involved, stepping in only when necessary to fix critical problems.
- He emphasizes delegation: trust experienced teams, intervene rarely to make high-stakes decisions.
Fit Body Can Hide Falling Testosterone
- High fitness doesn't guarantee optimal hormones; Billy's testosterone sits at 13.6 nmol/L, technically normal but below ideal for younger men.
- Aging lowers testosterone inevitably; symptoms (fatigue, low libido, irritability) determine whether to treat, not number alone.
Use Risk Scores To Prioritise Heart Prevention
- Use a QRISK-style estimate to guide prevention; Billy's 10-year cardiovascular risk is 12% so act now rather than wait.
- Target modifiable factors first: treat high cholesterol and blood pressure to lower long-term cardiac risk.
