Best Ismay Podcasts (2025)

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Chuck Prophet & ISMAY on Producing Finding Lucinda 55:33

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16d ago55:33

55:33

After the conclusion of their journey, Ismay tours the nation with screenings of 'Finding Lucinda,' inviting local artists to play Lucinda Williams songs in the round. Following a show at Chico Women's Club in California, Ismay interviews Chuck Prophet, a celebrated musician who co-produced the film. The pair discuss the origins of the project, wha…

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S6E5: Strategy Amidst Complexity: Gen.(retd) Lori Robinson 35:53

6h ago35:53

35:53

A former four-star combatant commander, General (retd) Lori Robinson, discusses the challenges of strategy making and strategic leadership in a complex environment. After 37 years of military service, Gen. Robinson retired in 2018 as commander of the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). T…

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Director of Finding Lucinda Joel Fendelman Discusses His Process 53:10

1h ago53:10

53:10

In this episode of the podcast, Ismay sits down with 'Finding Lucinda' director Joel Fendelman. They discuss how Joel approached the making of the documentary and concepts like developing the language of a film to build trust with the audience, the artist’s experience of not being where you thought you should be a certain age – including how to con…

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S6E4: US Cold War Endgame Strategy: Zbigniew Brzezinski, with Edward Luce 32:28

2d ago32:28

32:28

Edward Luce discusses how Zbigniew Brzezinski, National Security Advisor to President Carter, sought to bring down the USSR and end the Cold War by magnifying the Politburo' dilemmas. During the Cold War, two dominant émigré figures emerged in United States national security strategy making: Henry Kissinger (Republican) and Zbigniew Brzezinski (Dem…

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S6 E9 - Josh St. Clair 36:31

11d ago36:31

36:31

Special guest Josh St. Clair. Ali, Andrew and Josh create a soundscape worthy of the Savannah. Ali is annoyed Andrew doesn't like Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. www.showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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S6E3: Lord Mervyn King: Effective Strategy for Radical Uncertainty 41:36

16d ago41:36

41:36

Can clear Ends exist in a radically uncertain world? Lord Mervyn King explains how to align Ways and Means without them. Successive national security and defence reviews in recent years have adjusted their language about the nature of the world, moving from being one of competition, to uncertainty, to today's 'radical uncertainty'. Is the concept s…

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S6E2: Europe's Security: Squeezed Between Russia and the US? 39:13

1M ago39:13

39:13

Dr Fiona Hill, one of the lead reviewers on the UK's 2025 Strategic Defence Review, discusses an expansive approach to defence and security for the modern world. Dr Hill, who served the first Trump administration as a Russia expert, brings deep insights into Russian, American and British defence policy making. Having identified Russia's obsession w…

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S6 E8 - Roshani Abbey 37:57

1M ago37:57

37:57

Andrew and Ali talk to Operation Mincemeat star Roshani Abbey. See her at Crazy Coqs October 12th! Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. www.showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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S6E1: Project Solarium: Dwight D. Eisenhower's Approach to Strategy Making 33:57

2M ago33:57

33:57

Often touted as the gold standard in national security strategy making, 1953's Project Solarium was President Eisenhower's way of developing a strategy to counter Soviet expansionism. With frequent current calls for a new Project Solarium, was the original project a versatile solution or was it particular to Eisenhower's presidency? Professor Walte…

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Meeting Lucinda Williams 52:46

2M ago52:46

52:46

For the finale of their road trip, Ismay finally gets to meet the center of this entire narrative – Lucinda Williams. Their goal is seeking guidance about what to do with their self doubt. Ismay discovers that Lucinda had one major difference in her origin story that is the key to understanding why she never gave up herself. Ismay and Lucinda also …

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Visiting Ray Kennedy at the Room and Board 37:28

3M ago37:28

37:28

Ismay wakes up the day after interviewing Mary Gauthier ready to attend a live performance by Lucinda Williams at the Ryman Auditorium. In order to finish out their journey, Ismay hopes to interview Lucinda right before her show and find a conclusion to their road trip. However, it turns out that due to unforeseen circumstances the interview is no …

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S6 E7 - Live from the Edinburgh festival 48:18

3M ago48:18

48:18

Ali and Andrew host an hour of chat, games and songs recorded live at this year's Edinburgh Fringe. Special guests Ria Lina and Danielle Steers, showstopper pals Justin Brett and Lucy Trodd, and Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. www.showstopperthemusical.com for tickets for our Autumn tour!By Showstopper

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Mary Gauthier's "Mercy Now" 54:05

3M ago54:05

54:05

Ismay travels across Nashville to the Station Inn to meet with legendary folk singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier. This episode of Finding Lucinda is different from those in the past – rather than interviewing a character from Lucinda Williams' history, Ismay speaks to Mary because of their shared experiences as fans and devotees of Lucinda's music. Ma…

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Buddy Miller talks Car Wheels on a Gravel Road 1:00:56

4M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

Ismay drives to Nashville to share the incredible never-before-heard tape they found during their road trip journey with friend Buddy Miller. He has been known to have contributed essential parts to Lucinda's breakthrough, 'Car Wheels On A Gravel Road.' Ismay reviews the commonly told story about the making of this record, how fraught it was, and r…

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LIVE PODCAST RECORDING! 2:36

3M ago2:36

2:36

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE! Live from the Pleasance Courtyard, it's The Showstopper! Podcast! From the people behind the Olivier Award-winning Fringe favourite Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, the popular podcast makes its Fringe debut in this special live edition. Stars from the world of comedy, musical theatre and improv join hosts Ali James and A…

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S5E21: Hero of a Thousand Faces - Reflections on Strategy and Leadership 32:33

4M ago32:33

32:33

Beatrice and Paul reflect on the lessons for strategy-making and strategy-delivery from their conversations with and about strategic leaders in earlier episodes. Previous sessions of Talking Strategy have explored the activities of great strategic leaders and commanders from around the world. In this final episode of the current season, Paul and Be…

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Treasures from the Tape Vault 45:41

4M ago45:41

45:41

In the most exciting moment of the Finding Lucinda road trip thus far, Ismay hears from interviewee Wolf Stephenson that there is some archival material he wants to share from the concrete tape vault. After sitting on the shelf for 40 years, Wolf has finally brought three boxes down to review. He finds that there is something mysterious and unexpec…

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S5E20: The Primacy of Culture and Leadership in Strategic Success, with Khoi Tu 43:27

4M ago43:27

43:27

Genuine transformation goes beyond structural and process reform. KornFerry's Khoi Tu discusses the crucial role of leadership and culture in strategy making and delivery. In this episode we consider how strategy works in the commercial world. Ranging across a number of commercial sectors, Khoi Tu talks about the similarities and differences in str…

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Visiting Malaco Studios 49:52

5M ago49:52

49:52

Ismay travels from Texas to Mississippi, to visit the studio where Lucinda Williams made her first record. There, Ismay interviews Wolf Stephenson, who was the engineer that day in 1978, to learn about what happened during the session and whether Lucinda was confident through that initial challenge of recording. They discuss what results when artis…

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S5E19: Thucydides: A Revolution in Strategic Thinking 33:28

5M ago33:28

33:28

Thucydides set the 'gold standard' for a strategic analysis of war with his history of the Peloponnesian War: Dr Roel Konijnendijk explains how. Thucydides, who lived almost two-and-a-half millennia ago, revolutionised strategic analysis by asserting the place of human agency rather than attributing events as being shaped by Gods or fate. This is s…

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S6 E6 - Clive Rowe 40:56

5M ago40:56

40:56

Ali and Andrew talk to Clive Rowe, aka the Nicest Man In Showbusiness TM. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. Catch us on tour and at the Edinburgh Festival - showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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Lucinda's First Guitarist 46:22

5M ago46:22

46:22

Ismay travels to Anderson Fair in Houston, Texas, a famed music venue with a unique history that includes legends like Lyle Lovett and Nanci Griffith. Ismay tracked down a special character from Lucinda's early career, who had largely been missing from the national music scene since the '70s. There they discover how artists' paths diverge and conte…

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S5E18: George C Marshall: Strategic Planning for War and Peace 35:02

5M ago35:02

35:02

General Marshall planned brilliantly for the US Army's rapid wartime growth and a 'Just Peace' for post-war Europe. Professor Bill Johnsen explains how. General George C Marshall's (1880-1959) career as a strategist and strategic leader was impressive. As the Chief of Staff for the US Army, he oversaw a forty-fold increase in the size of the Army. …

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Early & Unexpected Musical Influences 48:20

5M ago48:20

48:20

Ismay uncovers a fascinating seldom heard recording of Lucinda from a radio show in 1981, leading them down a path to discover the musical influences in Lucinda's early Life. Meeting with members of the Grammy Award Winning band Los Texmaniacs, Ismay goes out on a limb and seeks to recreate that radio session in the famed Cactus Cafe. Credits: Dist…

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S5E17: Giuseppe Garibaldi: 'The Only Hero the World Needs' 33:07

6M ago33:07

33:07

Professor Lucy Riall explains Garibaldi's mastery of revolutionary war by harnessing military, political and populist levers of power to become a father of modern Italy. Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807-1882) was one of the world's greatest revolutionaries, leading resistance movements with irregular armies such as the Ragamuffins and the Red Shirts in Lat…

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Meeting Charlie Sexton 45:36

6M ago45:36

45:36

Ismay visits cornerstone music venue The Hole in the Wall in Austin to interview Charlie Sexton, producer and songwriter who's best known as a guitarist for Bob Dylan. They discuss Charlie and Lucinda's first gig together in 1979 when he was just a kid. Charlie shares insights into Lucinda's remarkable songwriting, as well as the emotional struggle…

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Lucinda's Father's Archives 50:27

6M ago50:27

50:27

Ismay arrives in Austin, Texas to dig through the Collections Deposit Library at the University of Texas in order to understand the life of Lucinda Williams' father, Miller. A poet and teacher, Miller Williams overcame setbacks to become a prominent writer. Ismay discovers his personal writings, letters, and photographs, highlighting his mentorship…

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S5E16: Cyrus the Great: Inventing Empire and Universal Monarchy 33:41

7M ago33:41

33:41

Cyrus' exemplary leadership forged a patchwork of ethnicities into an empire that founded Persian rule in the Middle East, Professor Lynette Mitchell explains. Cyrus the Great (or the Elder) is known to many through the Cyrus Cylinder exhibit preserved in the British Museum, which tells us that he was chosen by God for his special virtues to become…

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Introducing Finding Lucinda 22:52

7M ago22:52

22:52

As we join the story, Ismay has been living and working on their family ranch for almost a decade – and they're looking for change. For several years the independent singer-songwriter has been playing in a Lucinda Williams tribute band and writing their own music. An opportunity to record an album sparks a new and different idea: to instead embark …

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S6 E4 - Billy Roberts 35:41

7M ago35:41

35:41

Ali, Andrew and Justin chat to Mrs Doubtfire herself, Billy Roberts! Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. Catch us on tour now! www.showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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S5E15: And then what? Thinking Strategy, with Baroness Ashton of Upholland 42:27

7M ago42:27

42:27

Baroness Catherine Ashton, formerly the European Union's lead for foreign and security strategy, discusses challenges, opportunities and tips for collaborative strategy-making. As the EU's first High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Ashton was at the heart of international strategy making between 2009 and 2014 workin…

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Finding Lucinda Trailer S1 1:00

7M ago1:00

1:00

Finding Lucinda follows a young singer-songwriter on a road trip of self discovery to trace the roots of their musical hero Lucinda Williams. Amidst self-doubt and uncertainty, ISMAY sets out from the family ranch in Northern California and travels to Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee. There ISMAY meets Lucinda’s early collaborators, digs through the …

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S5E14: Abdul Haris Nasution: Insurgent Founder of the Indonesian Army 28:56

8M ago28:56

28:56

General Nasution's journey from insurgent to Army commander and strategist fighting against communist insurgents in Indonesia is described by Colonel Dr Almuchalif Suryo. Trained by the Dutch as part of the Netherlands East Indies Army, General Abdel Haris Nasution (1918-2000) fought with them against the Japanese during the Second World War and th…

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S6 E3 - Joel Montague 44:13

8M ago44:13

44:13

Andrew and Ali talk to King George himself, Joel Montague about Hamilton, Waitress and laryngeal massages. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. Catch us on tour or in the West End now - tickets at showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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S5E13: Modernising the Royal Navy: Admiral Lord Fisher RN 30:10

8M ago30:10

30:10

Admiral John (Jacky) Fisher radically transformed the Royal Navy in terms of its people, doctrine, equipment and structures. Dr Richard Dunley explains how. Few service chiefs have had such a profound effect on their service as Admiral of the Fleet, Baron Fisher of Kilverstone, Chief of the British Royal Navy in 1904-1910, and again in 1914-1915, b…

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S5E12: Toussaint Louverture and the Strategy of Dynamic Adaptation with Professor Charles Forsdick 32:53

8M ago32:53

32:53

Professor Charles Forsdick tells the story of Toussaint Louverture, who led Haiti's successful and highly adaptive slave revolt against the 18th century's great powers. Toussaint Loverture was a force of nature. A former slave, he led the revolt in Saint Domingue between 1791– 1802 that resulted in Haitian independence. As a self-taught military co…

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S5E11: Jean Monnet and the Strategy of International Defence Cooperation 40:10

9M ago40:10

40:10

Jean-Marc Lieberherr examines Jean Monnet's vital role in securing US arms for Britain and France during the Second World War and in driving international cooperation. A committed internationalist, long before becoming one of the founding fathers of the EU, Jean Monnet played a crucial role in enabling cooperation between countries in two world war…

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S5E10: Creating Destruction: US Industrial Mobilisation in the Second World War 32:48

9M ago32:48

32:48

Professor Mark Wilson explains how governments, industry and the military collaborated to forge the US's 'arsenal of democracy' during the Second World War. The prevailing myth is that the miracle of US industrial production was achieved by individual business leaders who were freed from the dead hand of government. The truth is more nuanced. The i…

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S5E9: Empress Matilda: Chess Grandmaster of Siege Warfare with Dr Catherine Hanley 33:52

10M ago33:52

33:52

Fighting for her rightful inheritance of the English crown, Empress Matilda (1110–1125) proved to be a grandmaster in the Anarchy's bloody chess game. The war of dynastic succession in 12th century England and Normandy is known as the Anarchy. (1135-1154). Barons and nobles of all ranks joined in the family quarrel over the succession to Henry I. M…

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S6 E2 - Kim Ismay 35:07

10M ago35:07

35:07

Andy and Ali talk to the wonderful Kim Ismay about Morrible-ing all over the world, corsets, and onstage proposals. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. We're on tour! Catch us at showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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S5E8: Transforming a Nation: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk 34:42

10M ago34:42

34:42

Modern Turkey was forged by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk from the Ottoman Empire's collapse. In this episode, Dr Mesut Uyar joins us to discuss Atatürk's legacy of strategic leadership. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was the most important Turkish political leader since the Ottoman Empire's expansion was checked at Vienna in 1683. A career officer educated from th…

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S5E7: H.R. McMaster on National Security Strategy Making 39:49

11M ago39:49

39:49

H.R. McMaster shares his extensive experience of strategy-making and strategic leadership as a military officer, academic and former United States' national security advisor. 'The Iconoclast General', H.R. McMaster has a distinguished record serving his country. Commissioned from West Point into the armoured cavalry, he retired as a Lieutenant Gene…

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S6 E5 - Jordan Benjamin 36:13

11M ago36:13

36:13

Ali, Andrew and Justin chat to Jordan Benjamin about the moment he gets stand out front in THAT musical and answer the question, 'What's your name, man?' Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. Catch us on tour and at the Edinburgh Festival! www.showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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S6 E1 - Janie Dee 42:53

11M ago42:53

42:53

Andrew, Ali and Justin talk to Janie Dee about Sondheim, the environment and hiring the Coliseum. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. Catch Janie's Song for Nature on Sky Arts here. www.showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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S5E6: Trenchard and the Royal Air Force: Creation, Innovation and Power with Dr Harry Raffal 34:00

11M ago34:00

34:00

The world's first independent air force owes its survival and shape to its 'father', Hugh Trenchard. We explore how with the RAF Museum's Dr Harry Raffal. Described as 'the architect and patron saint of modern air power', Marshal of the RAF Viscount Hugh Trenchard (1873–1956) was the first Chief of the Air Staff (January–April 1918 and 1919–1930). …

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S5E5: Santa Cruz De Marcenado - Spain's Clausewitz 30:27

12M ago30:27

30:27

The 3rd Marquess of Santa Cruz de Marcenado (1684–1732), soldier, diplomat and scholar, pioneered humanist ways to prevent or suppress insurgencies in his Military Reflections. In his time, Marcenado was the most widely read Spanish author on war. He drew on his own rich experiences of the Spanish War of Succession to complement his erudition based…

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S5E4: Turning Around a Defeated Army: Field Marshall William Slim, with Dr Robert Lyman MBE 36:54

1y ago36:54

36:54

Voted Britain's 'greatest general' by the National Army Museum in 2011, 'Uncle Bill' Slim led the XIVth Army from defeat to victory. Dr Robert Lyman tells us about Slim's strategic leadership. Field Marshal William Slim (1891–1970) is famous for transforming troops who had retreated almost 1,000 miles through Burma pursued by the Japanese Army into…

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S5E3: Katsu Kaishū and the Foundations of the Modern Japanese Navy 33:00

1y ago33:00

33:00

In this episode we discuss Admiral Katsu Kaishū's transformation of the modern Japanese navy into a force that defeated the Russians in 1905. For 200 years, Japan was largely isolated from the world. By the 19th century, as countries in Europe and North America were expanding into its neighbourhood, Japan's military capability had atrophied. In res…

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S5 E10 - Reuben Kaye 41:16

1y ago41:16

41:16

Andrew, Ali and Justin have a lovely chat to Reuben Kaye! Andrew allows most of what he says to make it into the episode uncensored. They play a game about something-ifying a musical. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. That's it for Season 5! Catch us next for for Season 6, which is the same but next year! showstopperthemusical.com…

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S5E2: Radical Reform of the US Marine Corps: General Alfred Mason Gray 28:40

1y ago28:40

28:40

Lieutenant General George Flynn describes how his friend and former boss General Gray, the 29th Commandant, transformed the US Marine Corps' warfighting, ethos and capabilities. General Alfred Mason Gray Jnr (1928–2024) was not the most obvious choice to lead the US Marine Corps when he became its 29th Commandant in 1987, but he succeeded in transf…