Best British Armed Forces Podcasts (2025)

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India the new giant: will it be forced to pick a side? 44:15

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24m ago44:15

44:15

This week, Patrick and Tom turn their attention to India - the world’s most populous country, a rising military power, and a state determined to hold its ground between East and West. As President Xi Jinping courts Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Washington’s ties with Delhi fray, India’s long-cherished “strategic autonomy” is looking increasingly…

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Whose wars do we care about and why, with war reporter Anthony Loyd 44:40

6d ago44:40

44:40

This week Tom is joined by award-winning war correspondent Anthony Loyd for a special “Journalist & Journalist” edition. Together, they explore why some wars capture global attention while others, equally devastating, remain largely ignored. Drawing on three decades of frontline reporting from the Balkans to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Ukraine, Anthony …

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China’s power: Is Xi's strategy to supplant the West working? (Part 2) 40:42

16d ago40:42

40:42

This week, Patrick and Tom turn from China’s military power to its less visible, but no less powerful, tools of economic dominance. Their guest, Sam Olsen is a geopolitical strategist with decades of experience studying China who argues that the West’s reliance on Chinese supply chains isn’t just about cheap consumer goods, but runs through the ver…

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China’s power: The PLA vs the USA (Part 1) 52:13

20d ago52:13

52:13

The People’s Liberation Army put on one of the largest military displays in China’s modern history this week as the country marked the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in the Second World War. Accompanied by Presidents Putin and Kim Jong Un, President Xi Jinping showed the world the might of the CCP’s forces, but China-watchers disagree over j…

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The story of Ukraine's heroic 'Iron People' 32:52

28d ago32:52

32:52

This week, Tom and Patrick take you inside Ukraine’s railways, the country’s lifeline since the full-scale Russian invasion began. With over 20,000 kilometres of track, they’ve evacuated millions, ferried troops and supplies to the front, and turned carriages into mobile hospitals. At the heart of this effort is Oleksandr Pertsovski, the CEO of Ukr…

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Why Trump doesn't understand Putin, with Gen Sir Nick Carter 38:24

1M ago38:24

38:24

Sir Patrick's away this week, so Tom persuaded another four-star General, the UK's former Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Nick Carter, to join him instead. They discuss whether, in the wake of the Alaska summit between Presidents Trump and Putin, and Europe's mad dash to DC to see off its worst effects, a so-called 'Non-NATO Article 5-style' securi…

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The Future of Defence Starts Here - with Kaylee Mcisaac, Richard Hamer & Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Jon Pentreath 31:54

1M ago31:54

31:54

Apprenticeships aren’t just about training... they’re about opportunity, potential and transformation. At just 23 years old, Kaylee Mcisaac has already faced more than most - and achieved more than many. A Plant Maintenance Electrical Engineering Apprentice at BAE Systems and winner of nine awards (including BAE Systems Apprentice of the Year), Kay…

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What is the Israeli strategy for Gaza? 46:34

1M ago46:34

46:34

Tom and Patrick discuss Israel’s new Gaza strategy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set a controversial new goal - the full occupation of Gaza, starting with Gaza City. His security cabinet has signed off on the first phase, but opposition is growing fast from the international community, and it seems from within Israel’s own military leaders…

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The future of war, with U.S. General James Rainey 43:29

2M ago43:29

43:29

Patrick and Tom sit down with General James E. Rainey, the head of the United States Army Futures Command, to discuss what the wars of tomorrow will look like. Without doubt we are living through a period of rapid and often unsettling military transformation with everything from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and 3D-printed drones to hypersonic mi…

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Was British involvement in Afghanistan worth it? 39:40

2M ago39:40

39:40

It’s been four years since the Taliban retook control of Kabul, marking the end of the UK’s 20-year military presence in Afghanistan. This week, Patrick sits down with James Cowan, CEO of the HALO Trust and a former army officer who led Task Force Helmand from 2009 to 2010. Together, they reflect on the 2021 evacuation, the recent Afghan data leak,…

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What's happening to the Ukrainian children taken by Russia? 27:05

2M ago27:05

27:05

Tom and Patrick have been in Ukraine updating the story of the tens of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia following their full-scale invasion. Some have been fostered or adopted by Russian families, but the vast majority are thought to have been funnelled into re-education camps. And now, as some of these children reach adulthood, t…

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Bedtime, Bombs, and Barbed Wire 15:53

2M ago15:53

15:53

What was it like to grow up in a world where bedtime stories were told under tables reinforced with corrugated iron? Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Fun Kids

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War is Over 8:56

2M ago8:56

8:56

The war may have ended, but life didn’t return to normal overnight. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Fun Kids

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The Egg, the Dumpling and the Parachute Dress 11:11

2M ago11:11

11:11

Rationing wasn’t just about going without — it was about finding joy in what you had. Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Fun Kids

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Changing the Tide - with Fran Crowsley-Allen & Kim Wyche 34:59

2M ago34:59

34:59

The Naval Servicewomen’s Network is more than a support group - it’s a catalyst for culture change. In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, The Culture Colonel, speaks with Lieutenant Commander Fran Crowsley-Allen and Warrant Officer Kim Wyche, co-chairs of the Naval Servicewomen’s Network (NSN). Together, they offer a powerful and personal account of th…

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Andriy Yermak: The second most powerful man in Ukraine 52:02

2M ago52:02

52:02

While in Ukraine, Tom and Patrick sit down with President Zelensky’s Head of Office, Andriy Yermak. A long-time friend and trusted advisor to Volodymyr Zelensky, Yermak is also one of the most controversial figures in the country - unelected, immensely influential, and central to Ukraine’s war effort and diplomatic strategy. In their conversation, …

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Changing the Culture, Changing Defence - with Sarah Atherton 37:10

2M ago37:10

37:10

⚠️ Content Note: This episode contains discussions of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and military sexual trauma from the start. Please listen with care. Support resources are available on our website at bfbs.com/audience support. Real change needs courage - and a refusal to stay silent. In this powerful finale to Series 2, Lindsay MacDuff, the …

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Where will Russia attack next? 50:24

3M ago50:24

50:24

Patrick and Tom have both been in countries where there is a very strong feeling that President Putin won’t stop with Ukraine: Tom in Poland and Patrick in Estonia. Nato’s Secretary General, Mark Rutte has gone so far as to say that Putin could launch an attack within the next five years, warning: “Let’s not kid ourselves, we are all on the eastern…

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Badly Behaved People, Brilliant Leadership - with Zena Everett 36:37

3M ago36:37

36:37

Your team doesn’t need a superhero. It needs someone who listens. In this refreshingly honest and insightful episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, is joined by organisational psychologist and bestselling author Zena Everett, whose book 'Badly Behaved People: How to Deal with Idiots at Work' is equal parts hilarious and scathing -because so…

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A new age of nuclear weapons 39:15

3M ago39:15

39:15

Patrick and Tom unpack a troubling question - are we entering a third nuclear age? With Iran’s nuclear programme back in the headlines and countries like Poland and South Korea considering building nuclear weapons of their own, the old global order is clearly shifting. Patrick and Tom explore what this means for global security, and whether nuclear…

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Still Fighting: Racism, Service & Speaking Out - with Kerry Ann Knight & Richard Stokes 36:02

3M ago36:02

36:02

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of racism and trauma from the start. Please listen with care. Support resources are available on our website at bfbs.com/audience support. Racism doesn’t disappear with time - it disappears with action. In this deeply important and courageous episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks wi…

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The Nato summit - waving or drowning? 35:22

3M ago35:22

35:22

A behind the scenes look at the 2025 NATO Summit. The summit was billed as a turning point—Secretary General Mark Rutte even called it a “quantum leap” in collective defence. The Nato allies have now pledged to spend 5% of GDP on defence by 2035. But will that money come fast enough to meet the threat from Russia? And what does it mean for Ukraine?…

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Leading with Lived Experience - with Tabitha Smith-Lawrence 34:20

3M ago34:20

34:20

What happens when you realise that success, as it’s traditionally defined, isn’t serving you? In this episode, Tabitha Smith-Lawrence, Defence Psychologist & Endometriosis Champion, shares how she redefined success on her own terms; choosing purpose, authenticity, and well-being over performance-driven burnout. In a bold act of self-reflection, she…

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Iran and Israel - how does this end? 49:14

3M ago49:14

49:14

During an unprecedented war between Iran and Israel, and ahead of the much anticipated Nato summit next week, Lord Robertson, former Secretary General of Nato, joins Tom and Patrick to assess what happens next in the conflict, and what it means for the rest of the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Rowing and Rising Together - with Force Atlantic 42:30

3M ago42:30

42:30

Forty-six days. Over 3,000 miles. One ocean. Four extraordinary women. In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with the incredible Force Atlantic team - the first all-female British Army team to row across the Atlantic Ocean. Captain Imogen ‘Imy‘ O'Brien, Captain Sheridan Lucas MBE, Major Rebecca Glover and Corporal Emma Gi…

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The shadowy world of targeted killings 39:11

4M ago39:11

39:11

A pattern is seemingly emerging with a series of high profile targeted killings taking place inside Russian territory, blamed on Ukrainian forces. This week, an in depth look at those stories, who may be responsible for them, why they may be happening and what are rules when it comes to assessing wether they are legally and ethically justified. Hos…

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Hiding in Uniform - with Dougie Morgan 39:19

4M ago39:19

39:19

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 inst…

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The Strategic Defence Review 44:38

4M ago44:38

44:38

Britain unveils a new and ambitious Strategic Defence Review outlining ways to make Britain battle-ready in the years and decades ahead. But is time already running out? With global threats intensifying and much of the review’s ambitions earmarked for the 2030s, Patrick and Tom question whether the UK is truly going to be prepared for full scale wa…

1
Turning Pain into Purpose - with Jacqui Wilkinson 38:54

4M ago38:54

38:54

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 ab…

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Can Ukraine survive if President Trump walks away? 45:08

4M ago45:08

45:08

Last week, President Trump said in reference to the war in Ukraine: "I think something’s going to happen. And if it doesn’t, I just back away and they’re going to have to keep going". With that very real possibility looming large, General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton Dunn discuss in detail whether Ukraine can survive without the support of th…

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Leadership, Inclusion & Impact - with Sara Catterall 35:52

4M ago35:52

35:52

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 Sar…

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Simon Case: If you want peace, prepare for war 1:13:24

4M ago1:13:24

1:13:24

Simon Case, the former Cabinet Secretary examines how much Britain should be spending on defence “right now” to protect ourselves against spiralling global threats - including Russia and China. The former leading British civil servant warns the West now faces an axis of rival states that are cooperating ever more closely. Leading them is the techno…

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Get Curious Before Getting Critical - with Siobhán Sheridan 31:45

4M ago31:45

31:45

Get Curious Before You Get Critical – with Siobhán Sheridan Leaving school at 15, Siobhán Sheridan CBE has forged a remarkable career through grit, learning, and deep curiosity. Now Chief People Officer at the Financial Conduct Authority, she brings decades of experience across the financial sector, Civil Service, and Defence, specialising in organ…

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Introducing - The General & the Journalist 7:13

4M ago7:13

7:13

A new podcast on the intricacies of geopolitics in an age of uncertainty at a time when conflict is never far from the headlines. Patrick and Tom - the General and the Journalist - examine why wars begin, and how they end - and, crucially how they can be prevented. Unparalleled insights into the dynamics of modern warfare through General Sir Patric…

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The Fight Beyond the Frontline - with Baz Melia 40:16

4M ago40:16

40:16

⚠️️ Trigger Warning ⚠️️ This episode contains discussion of suicide. If you're affected by the themes and need support - resources are listed below or available on our website. After a 40-year career in the British Army, Baz Melia MBE has taken on one of the most urgent and emotionally complex missions of his life: tackling veteran suicide. Now lea…

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Be Excellent to Each Other - with Adrian Bird 33:09

5M ago33:09

33:09

As the first non-military Chief of Defence Intelligence, Adrian Bird is bringing a fresh perspective to one of the UK’s most high-stakes organisations. Appointed in September 2022, he draws on decades of experience in the intelligence community, including his time as Director-General at GCHQ. At the heart of his leadership? A commitment to fosterin…

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Leadership That Listens - with Caitlin Hayden 34:28

5M ago34:28

34:28

From the Situation Room to the boardroom, Caitlin Hayden’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. With a background that spans the U.S. Department of State, the National Security Council under President Obama, and now a senior leadership role at BAE Systems, Caitlin brings a wealth of experience in public affairs, international relations, and…

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Command, Culture & Curiosity - with Paul Carney 37:29

5M ago37:29

37:29

For the past four years, Paul Carney has served as the British Army’s Command Sergeant Major, acting as the critical link between senior leadership and soldiers on the ground. Thoughtful, passionate, and deeply committed to the people he represents, Paul has worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of those often unheard, shaping a culture of learni…

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The Culture Colonel Returns for Series 2! 4:03

5M ago4:03

4:03

The Culture Colonel is back. And we’re still asking the questions that matter. What makes a leader? What shapes a culture? And what happens when we stop pretending everything’s fine? In Series 2, our podcast host Lindsay MacDuff returns with more honest, powerful conversations about leadership, identity, and the culture we create around us. This ti…

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41: Episode 41: General Dame Sharon Nesmith 28:20

6M ago28:20

28:20

In this episode of the ABF’s podcast, General Talk, Dame Sharon reflects on the balancing act of parenting while serving at the highest levels of military leadership.By General Talk

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40: Episode 40: 25th Anniversary of the lifting of the Armed Forces LGBT ban 31:23

7M ago31:23

31:23

Joining host, Harry Bucknall, to discuss this anniversary and share their experiences are: Ed Hall, Chair of Fighting With Pride; Brigadier Clare Phillips CBE, Deputy Military Secretary and Chair of the Army LGBT+ Network; and Guardsman Wez Guren, serving with the 1st Battalion, the Irish Guards.By General Talk

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39: Episode 39: Academy Sergeant Major Dan Cope 23:42

8M ago23:42

23:42

The Academy Sergeant Major joins host, Harry Bucknall, to talk about ‘Dan's Running Challenge’, and what it takes to become one of the Army's senior soldiers.By General Talk

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38: Episode 38: Alix and Brenda Hale 27:45

9M ago27:45

27:45

In a special Christmas edition of our General Talk podcast, host Harry Bucknall chats to our ambassadors, Brenda Hale OBE, and her daughter Alix.By General Talk

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Leading storytellers - with Lindsay MacDuff 32:22

10M ago32:22

32:22

Welcome to our series finale where we share the highlights from our Leading Storytellers event. You'll hear how and why we make the podcast as BFBS Creative's Head of Content Alex Griffiths puts The Culture Colonel, Lindsay Macduff and Senior Audio Producer Josella Waldron on the spot in front of a live audience. You'll also hear Alex in conversati…

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Big Badge Energy! - with Sim Rezazadeh-Wilson 27:50

10M ago27:50

27:50

What's improved the lived experience of women in the Armed Forces over the last two decades? Warrant Officer Sim Rezazadeh-Wilson knows and she's pushing for more longer term change. Sim is a Royal Air Force Logistics Movement specialist. She is the Deputy Advocate for the RAF’s Gender Network and she's on the committee of the Healing Military Mind…

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Power of the Padre - with Ruth Hake 33:27

10M ago33:27

33:27

Reverend (Group Captain) Ruth Hake is the Royal Air Force’s Deputy Chaplain in Chief. Here she shares her remarkable journey to becoming a Royal Air Force padre; not least her reticence to be a vicar. Ruth discusses the unique role of chaplains in the Armed Forces and their vital work to provide pastoral and spiritual support. Ruth reflects on the …

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Afghanistan: James Glancy, Royal Marines - Very few people got to actually understand the Afghan people, the real structure of how the tribes work and who they were. 1:11:27

10M ago1:11:27

1:11:27

James Glancy is “of the 9/11 era. There is a big difference in the experience of Serving in the Royal Marines or the military in the 90s to the post 2001 era…I was in Afghanistan within two months of passing out…I did three Troop Commands on combat operations on the ground. It was an amazing 10 years.” When he left “I missed the intensity of operat…

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Afghanistan: Sir Laurie Bristow, UK Ambassador to Afghanistan - There were moments where we didn’t know if we would get out alive. 1:02:04

10M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Sir Laurie Bristow was central to the military withdrawal in 2021, there’s nobody better placed to give us the inside story than the last British ambassador in Afghanistan. He takes us through the days and hours counting down, “15th August we started the day with President Ghani behind his desk broadcasting to the nation…roughly 2.30pm” He’s “left …

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The accidental feminist - with Tim Grimley 30:59

10M ago30:59

30:59

Tim “Grimmers” Grimley is a Captain in the Royal Navy who unexpectedly became the Lead Ally to the Naval Servicewomen’s Network, a role which has opened his eyes to the experience of women in the Armed Forces. From ill-fitting kit to poor supplies of period products, Grimmers is always keen to learn about the difficulties servicewomen are faced wit…

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Afghanistan: Oliver Lee, Royal Marines - Moral Courage, above all, it’s about doing the right thing 1:30:18

10M ago1:30:18

1:30:18

Oliver Lee resigned over the Marine A controversy and epitomises moral courage. He took over command of 45 Commando in 2009 as it came back from Afghanistan. Knowing they’d return in 2011 and to fulfil his vision of “Less violence, more engagement with people and culture… It’s about Afghans before anybody else” he ensured that the entire unit “all …