Best Warfighter Roundtable Podcasts (2025)

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Defending the Fleet: Naval Air Defence in the Drone Era 24:36

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21d ago24:36

24:36

In this episode of Designed for Advantage, host Tony Skinner speaks with Rafael’s VP of business development and marketing, Gideon Weiss, and Commander ‘K’, a naval surface warfare and air defence expert, about how navies are adapting to an era of bold, asymmetric threats at sea. From swarming drones in the Red Sea to precision missile strikes in t…

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Combat-proven capabilities: How precision-strike systems are evolving for tomorrow’s battlespace 21:48

3M ago21:48

21:48

Long-range precision strike is fast becoming a cornerstone of modern military capability. As threats grow in complexity and coverage - from A2/AD environments to dispersed high-value targets - armed forces must respond with scalable, GPS-independent systems capable of delivering fast, coordinated effects. In this second episode of our special serie…

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Why Tactical UAVs Are Winning the Future Battlefield 14:07

3M ago14:07

14:07

In this special edition of the Shephard Defence Podcast, brought to you in partnership with Aeronautics Group, Tony Skinner sits down with Dan Slasky, President and CEO of Aeronautics, to explore how cutting-edge tactical unmanned aerial systems are reshaping today’s battlefields. From the Orbiter 5 to innovations in loitering munitions and VTOL pl…

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Energy evolution: How laser defence systems are powering the next phase of air defence 19:35

3M ago19:35

19:35

High-energy laser (HEL) systems are emerging as a pivotal layer in modern air defence strategies. As threats grow more agile, diverse and frequent – from swarming UAVs to short-range rockets – militaries are increasingly turning to cost-effective, sustainable methods of interception. HEL technology now offers high-capacity, low-cost engagement opti…

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Defence Insight Briefs - Europe Rearming and the Naval Market 38:05

5M ago38:05

38:05

In this episode of Defence Insight Briefs, Senior Naval Analyst Giovani Rasio discusses all things naval. With Europe rearming, where is the money being spent and how are current affairs changing the calculus for NATO? IMDEX Asia is right around the corner. Do you want the best industry information for you and your team? Listen to the full podcast …

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Defence Insight Briefs: IDEX and the Middle East 16:18

7M ago16:18

16:18

In this episode of Defence Insight Briefs, Senior Land Analyst Sam Hart dives into the Middle East market on the first day of IDEX. With a mix of aligned and non-aligned countries, competitors and new technologies, IDEX is poised to dominate industry conversation at a time of regional change. Sam discusses who we will see, what they will be exhibit…

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Defence Insight Briefs - The Drone Market Year in Review 15:36

8M ago15:36

15:36

In this episode of Defence Insight Briefs, Senior UAV Analyst Matty Todhunter examines the rapidly evolving global drone market. From the battlefield roles of loyal wingman UAVs to NATO procurement strategies, we explore how drones are transforming modern warfare. Matty discusses how the Ukraine conflict has turbocharged drone development and procu…

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Defence Insight Briefs - The Analyst View of the Naval Market 23:19

10M ago23:19

23:19

Euronaval Paris is a significant trade show in the naval market calendar. An evolving threat landscape and increasing government funding are driving investment into new technologies. The naval market hasn't been so relevant in many decades. In this episode, Giovanni Rasio Senior Naval Analyst at Shephard Group's Defence Insight details his findings…

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Defence Insight Briefs - The Analyst View of the UGV Market 23:12

11M ago23:12

23:12

The market for uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) is rapidly evolving, with profound implications for future military operations. As we look to the coming decade, the potential for these autonomous platforms to redefine the battlefield is immense. UGVs are not merely another tool in the kit of modern warfare – they represent a shift in how conflicts w…

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Episode 25 - Meet the Texas Crew 47:01

2y ago47:01

47:01

Josh Stein and Matt Evens call in from Texas as Foundation 14 makes more moves in different states! Josh Stein opens up and shares lessons he learned while recovering from the injuries he sustained while deployed to Iraq in 2006. He shares how important motorcycle riding was to his journey and how he has been able to share the love of riding with o…

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Episode 24 - The Foundation moving into Indiana with Matt and Brandi Thorp 1:02:44

2y ago1:02:44

1:02:44

Matt and Brandi Thorp drive up from Indiana to share their story covering their time in the Marines and coming home. Not only do we hear Matt's perspective but Brandi jumps in and gives us for the first time on this podcast a side by side view of the service member and the spouse perspective together through deployments and leaving the military. In…

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Episode 23 - Comfort mods for your bike 46:19

2y ago46:19

46:19

Join us as Nick Queen goes back to his dealer days and walks us from handle bars to highway pegs as we explore ways to add "miles and smiles" to your riding experience. Follow Foundation 14 on Facebook for information on poker runs, bike nights and events mentioned in this episode! If you, or someone you know, needs support and wants to make a chan…

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Episode 22 - Riding the Blues Away 53:02

2+ y ago53:02

53:02

Its finally riding season in Michigan! Join Dan Cowan, Nick Queen, and Josh Wieringa as they share their riding plans for the summer, explore routes across the state, and share favorite memories of events and rides they have done in the past. Follow Foundation 14 on Facebook for flyers on poker runs, bike nights and events mentioned in this episode…

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Episode 21 - Healing from Substance Use 1:06:15

2+ y ago1:06:15

1:06:15

Dan Cowan joins Maria Caruso and Josh Wieringa to discuss substance use and recovery. Dan shares from his personal journey on coming home, substances, and becoming a Foundation 14 Bike Recipient. Dan goes into details about his motivators for making change and shares some of the things that have helped him. If you are in a place that you want to ma…

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Episode 19 - The 20th Anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom 58:51

2+ y ago58:51

58:51

20 March 2023 was the 20th Anniversary of the 2nd invasion of Iraq and the kick off of one of America's longest and all volunteer wars. Drew, Nick and Josh review the history of Operation Iraqi Freedom while sharing personal experiences to highlight the various struggles and difficulties of deploying and finding meaning during and after coming home…

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The evolving landscape of military simulation and training technologies (sponsored) 29:40

2+ y ago29:40

29:40

This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, we explore the evolution of military simulation and training technologies, including advancements in cloud computing, networked training, and the increasing use of simulation in response to changing military demands. Jeff Tasseron, director of strategic growth for CAE, talks to Dr Alix Valenti about how ne…

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Episode 20 - Fighting Fit Gym 43:33

2+ y ago43:33

43:33

In this episode we meet Foundation 14 bike recipient, Pat Calendar and his friend Barry, owner of Fighting Fit. Pat shares his personal journey of coming home and how he has grown and started the healing from his experiences in the US Army. From meeting Jay and Maria to receiving a bike and what happened after how he continued the journey and met B…

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What's the deal with defence procurement? 37:43

2+ y ago37:43

37:43

With so much criticism of UK defence procurement, it can be hard to know what's fact and what is hyperbole. Shephard sat down with Professor John Louth, formerly of RUSI, and co-author of a new paper on defence procurement to get his take on the state of the way the UK buys its kit. Each month on the Shephard Defence Podcast, our team of internatio…

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All the show news from IDEX in Abu Dhabi 27:58

2+ y ago27:58

27:58

This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat about the big news stories from IDEX in Abu Dhabi. Each month on the Shephard Defence Podcast, our team of international journalists and analysts take deep dives into defence issues, focusing on niche market se…

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Episode 18 - Meet the Military Spouses. 39:05

2+ y ago39:05

39:05

In this episode Chris and Josh Wieringa speak to the spouses of some of our hosts about thier experiences as military spouses. Our guests in studio are Amy Cummings (Drew's spouse), Chante Pegouskie (Goose's spouse) and Kari Wieringa (Josh W's spouse). We thank them for freely and openly discussing their experiences and sharing their views and hope…

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Digital Readiness and Cognitive Advantage in the Future Battlespace: An Interview with Neil Dove and Andy Laidler 34:01

2+ y ago34:01

34:01

We recently released a multimedia project in partnership with Fujitsu Defence and National Security, focusing on digital readiness and cognitive advantage. In this bonus podcast episode, we hear from two industry experts as they guide us through the complex landscape of the future battlespace. We speak with Neil Dove, Vice President of Fujitsu Defe…

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Episode 17 - Fisher House & Student Veterans of America 41:07

2+ y ago41:07

41:07

In this episode Chris, Maria and Josh Wieringa speak to Kate Melcher, Executive Director of Fisher House Michigan as she shares with us the mission of Fisher House and their exciting updates for Fisher House Detroit. We also have in studio Andrew Cleveland the Michigan Student Veterans of America (SVA) President. Who shares from his own experience …

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The most significant defence stories of 2022 - and looking ahead to the coming year 45:48

2+ y ago45:48

45:48

Shephard's editorial team - senior naval reporter Harry Lye, military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann and Asia Pacific editor Gordon Arthur - nominate the most remarkable defence stories of 2022. To learn more, see the team's online overview of the five most significant news across the air, land, naval, uncrewed, training and defence…

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A history of cybernetics and the implications for today’s society 48:50

2+ y ago48:50

48:50

Professor Colin Williams, an expert in the history of cybernetics, explores the birth of the machine, its infancy in modern society and path towards maturation. Prof Williams is an honorary visiting professor at the Cyber Technology Institute at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), an honorary Fellow at the Cyber Security Centre at the Universit…

1
All the news from I/ITSEC and talking seabed warfare 49:32

3y ago49:32

49:32

This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat about the big news stories from I/ITSEC, the world's largest modeling, simulation and training event. Harry is also joined by Chris Lade, Defence Sales Manager at Saab Sea Eye, about the trends and challenges o…

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How fiction can prepare us for a disruptive digital future – a conversation with August Cole 43:59

3y ago43:59

43:59

Innovation is a crucial topic in national security circles. For organisations to seize the advantage, it is vital to approach innovation not simply as a technological phenomenon but as a cultural and organisational priority. Part of the challenge is interpreting current advances and determining the future impact they will have in terms of both tech…

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Episode 16- Holiday Reminders Part 2 43:34

3y ago43:34

43:34

Welcome Back everyone! We are back in the studio!! A continuation of the conversation from Episode 9- Holiday Reminders. We are joined by Kari Wieringa (Josh's wife) who brings the perspective of a veteran spouse. Not all veterans may have the same experiences, but it can still be a tough time of the year for them and those around them. We apprecia…

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Episode 9 - Holiday Reminders 43:10

3y ago43:10

43:10

Welcome Back everyone! We are back in the studio!! With it being that time of the year, we wanted to take a quick minute to bring up the important messages discussed in this episode from last year on Holidays and veterans. Take a listen. Stay tuned on Sunday December 4, 2022. We will be releasing a new episode! This new episode will be a continuati…

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Interview - General Sir Richard Barrons 36:19

3y ago36:19

36:19

These are uncertain and changing times for UK politics and defence strategy. So much has changed — domestically and in the world at large — since the UK government released the Integrated Review and MoD Command Paper in early 2021. Shephard Media's news editor Ben Vogel sits down with General Sir Richard Barrons, former commander of the UK's Joint …

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The Disintegrated Review - Is the UK's defence and security strategy on the right path? 49:00

3y ago49:00

49:00

So much has changed — domestically and in the world at large — since the UK government released the Integrated Review and MoD Command Paper in early 2021. In this special podcast episode, Shephard Media's team of subject-matter experts looks into the key points in these documents, and ask if the assumptions behind them remain valid in the changed s…

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How open avionics are enabling the next generation of air dominance 15:43

3y ago15:43

15:43

Establishing and maintaining air dominance has been a primary objective for militaries since the earliest days of air warfare. But as the US government and industry focus on sixth-generation fighters and other future platforms, what capabilities are required to ensure sustained air dominance of the US and allied forces? Welcome to this bonus episod…

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Going autonomous - maritime UAV platforms and programmes 42:41

3y ago42:41

42:41

Shephard Media's news editor Ben Vogel discusses the naval UAV platforms and programmes with air editor Tim Martin, senior naval reporter Harry Lye, and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann. Each month on the Shephard Defence Podcast, our team of international journalists and analysts take deep dives into defence issues, focusing…

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Five Eyes Connectivity S3 E3 - Eyes to the Future 41:12

3y ago41:12

41:12

In this bonus episode of The Shephard Defence Podcast, we bring you the third episode from the latest series of the Five Eyes Connectivity podcast. Sponsored by our partner Viasat, the Five Eyes Connectivity podcast looks at the origins of the Five Eyes arrangement, considers what it means for military interoperability, and hears how the unique par…

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News and views from the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow 36:07

3y ago36:07

36:07

Shephard Media's news editor Ben Vogel discusses the major news from the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow with air editor Tim Martin, senior naval reporter Harry Lye, and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann. Each month on the Shephard Defence Podcast, our team of international journalists and analysts take deep dives into …

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Five Eyes Connectivity S3 E2 - The Network Effect 42:11

3y ago42:11

42:11

In this bonus episode of The Shephard Defence Podcast, we bring you the second episode from the latest series of the Five Eyes Connectivity podcast. Sponsored by our partner Viasat, the Five Eyes Connectivity podcast looks at the origins of the Five Eyes arrangement, considers what it means for military interoperability, and hears how the unique pa…

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Eurosatory - all the news that's fit to chat about 41:53

3y ago41:53

41:53

The Shephard Media news team report from the floor of Eurosatory, the biennial international defence and security exhibition. Shephard Media's news editor Ben Vogel discusses the major news from the show and what emerging trends were evident with senior naval reporter Harry Lye, military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann and regular co…

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Five Eyes Connectivity S3 E1 - The Intelligence Trust 48:02

3+ y ago48:02

48:02

In this bonus episode of The Shephard Defence Podcast, we bring you the first episode from the latest series of the Five Eyes Connectivity podcast. Sponsored by our partner Viasat, the Five Eyes Connectivity podcast looks at the origins of the Five Eyes arrangement, considers what it means for military interoperability, and hears how the unique par…

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Reporting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine 39:05

3+ y ago39:05

39:05

We’re excited to share a new-look format for the Shephard Defence Podcast. Following a short hiatus, we are back with a monthly look at some of the big themes in the world of defence. The first episode looks at the rapidly-evolving situation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Few defence analysts believed when the Russians invaded on 24 February that…

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Episode 15 - Veteran Benefits - Supplemental Programs 1:00:29

3+ y ago1:00:29

1:00:29

In this episode Moderators Chris Johnson and Maria Caruso are joined by guest hosts Anthony Pegouskie, Josh Mull and Josh Wieringa, as well as guest speaker Elizabeth Robinson of HAP (Health Alliance Plan). We share a bit about the Foundations Plans for 2022 as we kick off this riding season, as well as some of our background and why we do what we …

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Episode 14 - Anxiety 44:34

3+ y ago44:34

44:34

In this episode Moderators Chris Johnson and Maria Caruso are joined by guests Anthony Pegouskie, and Josh Wieringa. Anxiety is something that most anyone can relate to - not just those who have served in the military. This episode we discuss anxiety in general and the impact it has had in the lives of our guests. If you have anxiety or perhaps kno…

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Episode 13 - Conspiracy Theories - JFK Part 2 1:03:19

3+ y ago1:03:19

1:03:19

In this episode Moderators Chris Johnson and Maria Caruso is joined by co-hosts Anthony Pegouskie, Josh Wieringa and Andrew Cummings. We wanted to give our listeners a chance for a little change. In this episode we start to scratch the surface of the conspiracy theories surrounding November 22, 1963 - the Kennedy Assassination. In this second part …

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Episode 12 - Conspiracy Theories- JFK Part 1 49:58

3+ y ago49:58

49:58

In this episode Moderator Chris Johnson is joined by co-hosts Anthony Pegouskie and Andrew Cummings. We wanted to give our listeners a chance for a little change. In this episode we start to scratch the surface of the conspiracy theories surrounding November 22, 1963 - the Kennedy Assassination. This is just part 1 of a continuing series. Conspirac…

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Episode 11- the nitty gritty of the 'Burn Pits' 36:15

3+ y ago36:15

36:15

In this episode Moderators Chris and Maria are joined by Joshua Mull, and guests Kevin Hensley (TSgt- US Air Force/ Burn Pit 360- Michigan Chapter) and Leon Eggers (DAV Representative for Chapter 114 -Livonia). We wanted to give our listeners a chance to hear about the controversies of the burn pits not only from first hand victims, but the advocat…

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Episode 10 - Friendly Banter Amongst Veterans of all branches 42:37

4y ago42:37

42:37

In this episode we discuss the friendly banter amongst other veterans and other branches. We just chat about the ways we would get through depoloyments by killing time. Clearly, not all veterans may experience or go through some of these things. Just some insight into the mind of a veteran or at least these veterans. Humor is a powerful thing. List…

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Highlights of 2021 plus US Army engine upgrade 1:26:30

3+ y ago1:26:30

1:26:30

In the final bumper edition of The Weekly Defence Podcast in 2021, our subject matter experts look back over an eventful year for air, land, sea and training procurement programmes (including a return to the trade show scene); we look at the main developments in the Asia-Pacific region; and Air Editor Tim Martin speaks with Honeywell to discuss the…

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European defence innovation, global arms sales data and Middle East air/sea latest 47:04

4y ago47:04

47:04

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we explore the main themes from the European Defence Agency innovation conference; we discuss the latest global arms sales data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute; and we shine a light on Middle Eastern air force procurement and naval shipbuilding. In the second part of the show,…

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Epispde 8 - Women Warfighters Part 1 36:57

4y ago36:57

36:57

In this episode Moderators Chris and Maria are joined by Joshua Mull, Michelle Wager and Marissa Strock - both US Army Veterans. We wanted to give our listeners a chance to hear from these amazing women. They have a lot share. This is just part 1 of a 2 part episode. Unfortunately we had technical difficulties and had to cut the recording short. It…

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I/ITSEC highlights, carrier supply chain issues and will FCAS/Tempest merge? 47:24

4y ago47:24

47:24

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, our Military Training Editor is on the line from the floor of I/ITSEC in Orlando to discuss major themes and headlines from the show; we look into talk of a merger between two major European next-generation fighter programmes; and in an interview with Aircraft Carrier Industrial Base Coalition (ACIBC),…

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Episode 7 - History of M.C.'s - connection to Vets 52:04

4y ago52:04

52:04

In this episode Moderators Chris and Maria are joined by Nick Queen, Joshua Mull and Daniel Cowan. This conversation is to address the stigma and misconceptions around Motorcycle Clubs. We wanted to give the history behind M.C.'s in general and talk about how they help the Veteran community by giving them another sense of family and purpose as they…

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NASCAR tech, C295 MPA programme and I/ITSEC preview 1:00:50

4y ago1:00:50

1:00:50

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, the team looks at how NASCAR expertise is being applied to the defence sector; we speak to CAE to understand the company’s posture seven months after the acquisition of L3 Harris Military Training business; and we discuss the C295 MPA programme with Airbus. Newsround: [01:40] The news team dives into m…