
Insights from recent episode analysis
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Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
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Estimated from 11 chart positions in 11 markets.
By chart position
- 🇬🇧GB · Documentary#9030K to 100K
- 🇦🇺AU · Documentary#1925K to 30K
- 🇰🇷KR · Documentary#1161K to 10K
- 🇹🇭TH · Documentary#4010K to 30K
- 🇲🇾MY · Documentary#4610K to 30K
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
31K to 113K🎙 ~2x weekly·115 episodes·Last published 1w ago - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
62K to 225K🇬🇧44%🇦🇺13%🇹🇭13%+8 more - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
25K to 90K
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* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
From 10 epsHost
Recent guests
Recent episodes
Holland's Hidden Heroes: Dutch Resistance & Allied Airman In The Polders
Jun 15, 2026
Unknown duration
Commanding The SAS During The Malayan Emergency
Jun 3, 2026
1h 21m 40s
When Loyalty Goes Wrong: Inside Toxic Police & Military Culture
May 27, 2026
1h 10m 28s
Digital Fires Revolution: How Software Is Speeding Up The Battlespace
May 13, 2026
59m 09s
A Bloody Siege: Musa Qal'eh - Afghanistan 2006
Apr 27, 2026
1h 21m 56s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/15/26 | ![]() Holland's Hidden Heroes: Dutch Resistance & Allied Airman In The Polders | CONTENTThe guest today is Lilian van Mourik who has been on the podcast before when we discussed the recovery of wartime Stirling bomber BK716. On this one we feature her efforts to preserve the unique wartime history of the Dutch polders through her podcast Holland's hidden heroes and touring business Polder Pathways. She describes how the massive reclamation projects that turned sea into land fundamentally altered the environment and the lives of those in isolated fishing villages. These resilient communities also resisted German occupiers by hiding Allied airmen in swampy reed beds while maintaining a defiant local identity. The discussion also highlights the strong remembrance culture in the Netherlands, illustrated by the enduring bonds between British veterans and the families who honor their sacrifices. Lilian also explores the technical and social challenges of living below sea level, connecting past engineering feats to modern concerns about national defense and climate change. Ultimately, our talk serves as a narrative of how a man-made landscape shaped human courage and a lasting legacy of gratitude.Lilian's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "The Camino” by Anya Niewierra.Follow Lilian on Facebook at Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast | Almere | FacebookListen to Holland's Hidden Heroes on Spotify Holland's Hidden Heroes Podcast | Podcast on SpotifyFind Polder Pathways here www.polderpathways.com – 'cause stories matterConnect on LinkedIn here Polder Pathways | LinkedInWHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales. "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 6/3/26 | ![]() Commanding The SAS During The Malayan Emergency✨ | British military historySAS+5 | Rupert Hague-Holmes | The Soldiers' GeneralArnhem 1944 The Airborne Battle | — | SASGeorge Lea+5 | — | 1h 21m 40s | |
| 5/27/26 | ![]() When Loyalty Goes Wrong: Inside Toxic Police & Military Culture✨ | toxic culturepolice+4 | Graham Goulden | Scottish Violence Reduction UnitScottish police | — | toxic police culturemilitary culture+3 | — | 1h 10m 28s | |
| 5/13/26 | ![]() Digital Fires Revolution: How Software Is Speeding Up The Battlespace✨ | defence technologymodern warfare+3 | Neale SmilesIan Garnett | NATORommel, Gunner Who? | — | digital fire controlsensor-to-shooter+3 | — | 59m 09s | |
| 4/27/26 | ![]() A Bloody Siege: Musa Qal'eh - Afghanistan 2006✨ | military historyAfghanistan+4 | Derek Plews | Royal Irish RegimentShamrock Among the Poppies - Musa Qal'ah 2006 a bloody siege and the failures behind it+2 | — | Musa Qal'ahDerek Plews+6 | — | 1h 21m 56s | |
| 4/13/26 | ![]() The True Cost Of Combat Operations In Afghanistan & Iraq✨ | military careerPTSD+3 | Chris Oldfield | Unconventional Soldier Bookshop | Finland | combat operationsPTSD+5 | ISARR | 1h 30m 12s | |
| 3/29/26 | ![]() The Homeless Veteran Problem✨ | veteran homelessnesssystemic failures+4 | Brad Knight | Armed Forces Covenantmilitary charities+1 | — | veteranhomelessness+5 | — | 25m 48s | |
| 3/12/26 | ![]() Into The Minefields: Navy Clearance Divers - Operation GRANBY✨ | Navyclearance divers+4 | Stu | The Collected Works of HP Lovecraft | — | Navyclearance diver+5 | ISARR | 1h 20m 08s | |
| 2/26/26 | ![]() Royal Engineers: Defeating The Taliban Bomb Makers✨ | military servicecounter IED+4 | Brad Knight | Royal EngineersChaos the truth behind the Manson Murders+1 | — | Royal EngineersIED detection+5 | — | 1h 34m 18s | |
| 2/19/26 | ![]() Terry Powell DCM: SBS In The Falklands War - Part 5✨ | military historyFalklands War+4 | Terry Powell | Royal MarineSBS | StanleyFalkland Islands | Falklands WarSBS+5 | — | 1h 24m 47s | |
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| 2/12/26 | ![]() Terry Powell DCM: SBS Swimmer Delivery Vehicle Ops - Part 4✨ | military operationsunderwater operations+4 | Terry Powell | US NavyUnconventional Soldier Bookshop+1 | — | Swimmer Delivery Vehicleunderwater operations+4 | — | 52m 50s | |
| 2/5/26 | ![]() Terry Powell DCM: Life In The SBS - Part 3 | CONTENTThis pod is the third of a series featuring former Royal Marine, SBS soldier and clearance diver Terry Powell. After passing SBS selection Terry underwent diverse and rigorous training, including HALO/HAHO parachuting and advanced paramedic certification. The narrative also highlights his involvement in testing experimental diving equipment and working with US Navy SEALs to refine unconventional warfare tactics. Terry's account emphasizes the evolution of special forces technology including the implementation of the Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV). This a firsthand perspective on the physical and technical demands placed on elite British maritime operatives during the 1980s.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales. "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 1/29/26 | ![]() Terry Powell DCM: SBS Selection - Part 2 | CONTENTThis pod is the second of a series featuring former Royal Marine, SBS soldier and clearance diver Terry Powell. In this episode Terry describes the intense selection process and evolving identity of the Special Boat Service (SBS). He details the rigorous physical and psychological trials candidates endure, including underwater navigation, demolitions, and resistance-to-interrogation training. He explains the transition of the unit from a purely Royal Marine entity to a tri-service organization, noting the emotional impact of adopting a unique cap badge separate from the corps. The discussion also addresses the long-term toll of special forces operations, highlighting issues like PTSD, physical injuries, and the dangers of seeking celebrity status. Ultimately, Terry emphasises that mental resilience and personal integrity are among the most vital traits for those operating in such high-stakes environments.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales. "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 1/15/26 | ![]() Terry Powell DCM: SBS & Clearance Diver- Part 1 | CONTENTThis pod is the first of a series featuring former Royal Marine, SBS soldier and clearance diver Terry Powell. Terry joined the Corps in 1972 and after basic training was posted to 45 Comando RM before passing selection for the SBS in 1979. He remained in the unit until 1998, including a deployment on operations to the Falklands on Operation CORPORATE in 1982. Terry was then seconded to the fleet diving group as a clearance diver where he remained until 1991. During this time, he deployed to the first Gulf War and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, while operating as a member of Fleet Diving Unit B supervising diving operations from Gemini craft to clear enemy mines and EOD. Later that year, he returned as a project director on support squadron before moving on to be security and projects director in 1994, where he remained until 1998. On this first episode we discuss his early life and joining the Corps.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales. "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 12/28/25 | ![]() Richard Westley OBE MC: Operations In Northern Ireland, Bosnia & Afghanistan | CONTENTMy guest today is former infantry officer Richard Westley OBE MC who recounts his extensive career in the British Army, starting with his motivation to join the Royal Welsh Fusiliers after Sandhurst in 1984. Richard commanded soldiers on operations at every rank from Second Lieutenant to Colonel in environments as disparate as northern Ireland, Albania, Afghanistan, Cote d’Ivoire and the Balkans. He discusses his formative experiences in Northern Ireland, emphasizing the difficulties faced by young officers and the critical need to earn the respect of seasoned Welsh infantry soldiers. In 1995 surrounded by the advancing Bosnian Serb Army in the exposed enclave of Gorazde his company fought to prevent the fall of the Town and saved its people from the fate of neighbouring Srebrenica. For his part in this he was awarded the Military Cross.In 2007 he deployed with his battle group to Helmand province in Afghanistan where they occupied Gereshk, driving back the Taliban and securing the erstwhile financial capital of the Province. Setting the conditions for the development of the town. He was appointed an OBE for this tour. Richard retired from the Army in 2010 having been responsible for all pre-deployment training for UK forces bound for Iraq and Afghanistan for the previous 3 years.Richard's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "The Catcher In The Rye" by JD Salinger. My choice is Ben Barry's book "The Rise And Fall Of The British Army 1975 - 2025".WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales. "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 12/18/25 | ![]() The Afghanistan Veterans Community | CONTENTThe guest today is former soldier Jonny Ball who served in the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and the Intelligence Corps deploying on operations in Northern Ireland and Afghanistan before being medically discharged in 2024. An expert at election law, campaigns and community engagement. He worked for a decade in politics and ran elections for some of the best known names in UK politics. He also hosts the Veterans In Politics podcast. Jonny is a co-founder of the service charity UK Afghanistan Veterans Community and is heavily involved in veterans affairs including being the MD of Mission Community a brand of Mission Motorsport- The Forces Motorsport Charity. Injured in a motorcycle accident in 2019 he has participated in the Invictus Games and has since become involved in the Invictus Birmingham 2027 Focus Group. All of which we discuss on the pod.Jonny's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "Escape From Kabul: The Inside Story" by Levison Wood and Geraint Jones.Links:Afghanistan Veterans Community - https://www.ukafghanveteranscommunity.org/Mission Community - https://www.missioncommunity.org/Veterans In Politics Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/3bjq2Pk96oZxEB0LRA8CUlWHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales. "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 12/11/25 | ![]() Achtung Pig: Life In BAOR & Northern Ireland | CONTENTThe guest today is former soldier and author James Lee. James was my guest on podcast 38 where we discussed his first book about his tour in Afghanistan called "Licking The Taliban’s Flip Flop" and also on pod 84 where we discussed his second volume "Sleeping in The ditch With Slobodan Milosevic" about his tour in Bosnia and Croatia in the 90s. on this episode we discuss his new book "Achtung Pig!" the final installment of his military memoir "The Hurry Up And Wait Trilogy". The discussion centers on James’s experiences as a young soldier posted to the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) in Germany following the collapse of the Soviet Union. We touch on the profound drinking culture and the nostalgia surrounding iconic BAOR equipment and personalities like Wolfgang and his bratty wagon. James contrasts the life in Germany with his challenging first tour tour during in Northern Ireland (OP Banner). Get in touch with James at:Author Websitehttps://www.jamesleeauthor.co.uk/Book Storehttps://james-lee.sumupstore.com/Flying Websitehttps://www.buddysaviation.club/WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales. "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 12/4/25 | ![]() Helicopter Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) In The Falklands War | CONTENTThis weeks guest is Mick Cook a former helicopter crewman in the Royal Navy, The conversation begins with Mick's enlistment in 1971 as a junior naval air mechanic and details the culture shock and rigorous nature of his initial basic training. Mick talks about working on aircraft carriers and other deployments before we discuss his flying operations and experiences during the Falklands War. He describes anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions, the demanding flight conditions in the South Atlantic, and the emotional impact of combat and casualties. Mick's narrative also highlights the flexibility and vital role of helicopter crews during the conflict, transitioning from ASW to vital troop and cargo transportation.Mick's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "The Hunt for Red October" by Tom Clancy.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales. "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 11/27/25 | ![]() Challenging Conventional Wisdom On Land Warfare | CONTENTThe guests today are Neale Smiles a former soldier now working in the defence industry and Wilf Owen also a former soldier and author of the book "Euclid's Army: Preparing Land Forces for Warfare Today." The conversation focuses on modern military doctrine, training, and equipment for Western armies, particularly challenging traditional assumptions about land warfare. Key topics include the necessity of rigorous training to build soldier resilience and the evolving role of the infantryman as a "sensor" on the modern battlespace. We explore other issues such as the affordability and future utility of main battle tanks, deficiencies in current close combat fire support, and the crucial, yet often overlooked, logistical challenges posed by field hospital deployment.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales. "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 11/20/25 | ![]() Sustaining The War: Combat Logistic Patrols In Afghanistan | CONTENTThe guest today is former British Army officer Rob McAllister who discusses his military career with a focus on his challenging early life with dyslexia and his eventual decision to join the Royal Logistic Corps, after a period of academic and professional frustration. The conversation centres on his deployment to Afghanistan as a young second lieutenant commanding Combat Logistic Patrols, a role for which he received minimal preparation and was often responsible for large convoys of many vehicles and up to 120 soldiers resupplying British operating bases. Rob recounts the evolution of threats from direct contacts to IEDs , the inadequacies of early equipment and vehicles, and the immense responsibility placed on young officers and NCOs. He concludes with reflections on leadership, risk management, and the crucial importance of cultural awareness gained from his experiences.Rob's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "The Changing of the Guard: the British Army since 9/11" by Simon Akam. The team's choices are "Defeat Into Victory" by Field Marshal Viscount Slim and "War" by Sebastian Junger.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales. "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 11/10/25 | ![]() Send It: Canadian Snipers In Afghanistan | CONTENTThe guest today is Barry Nisbet who joined the Canadian Forces in 1997. He completed RCR battle school graduating at the top of his class and was posted to the 1 Royal Canadian Regiment in Petawawa. In 2003 he completed U.S. Army Ranger School. He deployed to Kosovo in 1999 and Bosnia in 2003 as a rifleman. His first tour to Afghanistan was to Kabul in 2005. In 2006 he deployed to Kandahar as a sniper, call sign 63C, taking part in Operation Medusa. He received the Chief of Defence Staff Commendation for professionalism and leadership while rendering first aid to a severely injured soldier, 1 RCR Battle Group, Joint Task Force Afghanistan, 11 January 2007. Barry taught on multiple basic sniper courses in Petawawa training soldiers from the 1st and 3rd RCR Battalions and Canadian Special Operations Regiment. He returned to Afghanistan in 2010 as a Sniper Detachment Commander, call sign 66A, this was his 5th and final deployment before retiring as a Sergeant in 2012.We discuss his path to becoming a sniper including the demanding sniper selection and training course and his experience as the first Canadian corporal to pass US Army Ranger School. Barry talks about the evolving tactics and operational realities of sniper teams in Afghanistan and reflects on the personal impact of combat. We finish off discussing the book he wrote with two other snipers Gordon Cullen and Mir Bahmanyar "Send It: Canada's Snipers at War in Afghanistan."Barry's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "The SAS Survival Handbook" by John "Lofty" Wiseman. My choice is Barry's Book "Send It: Canada's Snipers at War in Afghanistan."Barry's website is at: Author, Sniper, Veteran - Co-Author of Send itInstagram: Author Sniper Veteran (@senditbook) • Instagram photos and videosPhotos courtesy of Barry Nisbet.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales. "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 10/30/25 | ![]() RUC: UN Policing Operations In Kosovo 1999 | CONTENTIn today’s episode, I’m joined by Andy, a former officer of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Who deployed to Kosovo with the RUC as part of the UN international peacekeeping mission. His unique perspective offers a window into what it was like to move from a domestic conflict in the UK to an international operation in the Balkans, and the challenges of maintaining law, order, and stability in the aftermath of war. If you are interested in more episodes about the RUC Andy appeared on podcast 44 when he discussed his time in the force and service in the RUC specialist surveillance unit E4A.By the late 1990s, the Balkans had descended into some of the worst violence Europe had witnessed since 1945. Years of ethnic and political tension culminated in the Kosovo conflict, which broke out in February 1998 and continued until June 1999. The fighting pitted the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia—then in control of Kosovo—against the Kosovo Liberation Army, an ethnic Albanian separatist force. The war was characterised by atrocities including ethnic cleansing, large-scale killings, and the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands. Scenes of burning villages and endless refugee columns dominated international news, prompting NATO intervention and ultimately leading to the withdrawal of Yugoslav troops.However, the end of open hostilities marked the start of a new and complex phase. A vast international peacekeeping and reconstruction effort followed, with NATO’s KFOR, the United Nations, and numerous aid agencies attempting to restore order and stability. Those deployed—soldiers, police, and civilian workers alike—faced shattered infrastructure, volatile armed groups, traumatised populations, and the constant fear that violence could flare again at any moment.Andy's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "A Time to Stand; The Epic of The Alamo" by Walter Lord. My choice is "How Can Man Die Better - The Secrets of Isandlwana Revealed" by Mike Snook.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales. "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 10/14/25 | ![]() A British Army Infantry Reservist’s War In Iraq | CONTENTMy guest is former Army Reserve infantry soldier Matt Okuhara, whose story highlights the often-overlooked role of Britain’s reservists in war. After joining the TA while working in banking, Matt was mobilised for Operation TELIC 4 and deployed to Basra, Iraq. He shares the realities of pre-deployment training, patrolling under constant threat of IEDs and militia attacks, and the contact that changed everything.We also discuss the challenges of returning to civilian life, the loss of comrades, and how he channelled his experiences into writing Basra and Back: The Memoir of an Infantryman in the Iraq War.On Desert Island Dits, Matt chooses A Thousand Shall Fall by Murray Peden, while I select his own book, Basra and Back.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales. "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company.Warrior photo credit - Reuters/Pool/Mark RichardsBook photo credit - Author. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 9/28/25 | ![]() Ukraine's Foreign Legion Volunteers | CONTENTMy guest today is Colin Freeman, a journalist of 30 years of experience. Colin began his career on local papers before becoming a chief foreign correspondent for the Sunday Telegraph. His extensive career has taken him to numerous war zones and global hotspots, including Iraq, Afghanistan, the Arab Spring revolutions and the Ebola crisis in West Africa. Colin also covered the Somali piracy crisis, during which he was kidnapped and held at gunpoint for six weeks. More recently, he has been covering the war in Ukraine for the past three years as a freelancer for the Daily Telegraph. It was during this time that he conceived the idea for his book, "The Mad and the Brave: The Untold Story of Ukraine's Foreign Legion".In this episode, we discuss the fascinating and often harrowing world of foreign volunteers fighting in Ukraine. Colin's book explores the diverse motivations that drive these individuals to drop their civilian lives and join a conflict unlike anything seen since World War II. We discuss everything from those defending democracy and seeking personal redemption to the Walter Mittys totally unprepared for the realities of war. Colin shares insights into the challenges of reporting from Ukraine, including the reporters embedded system and the inherent dangers of the front lines. He also reveals the chaos and disorganization within the International Legion during its early days, the issues of unqualified individuals and vetting failures, and how these internal challenges sometimes posed a greater threat than the enemy.We also discuss the accounts of torture and psychological manipulation faced by foreign volunteers in Russian captivity. Colin reflects on the difficult readjustment process for returning fighters, highlighting issues like PTSD, the lack of understanding from civilians, and the absence of official support systems for those who fight without government backing. We explore the complex paradox of foreign volunteers risking their lives while some Ukrainians leave the country, and discuss the perceived impact of their actions on the war. Finally, Colin offers his perspective on the future of the war in Ukraine and suggests changes he believes could maximize the Legion's effectiveness.His book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "An Evil Cradling" by Brian Keenan. My choice is Colin's Book "The Mad and the Brave: The Untold Story of Ukraine's Foreign Legion".WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales. "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company.Photo credit: Ukrainian International Support Legion Morale 3D PVC Patch - Foreign Solidarity Ukraine - Etsy UK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 9/14/25 | ![]() The Troubles: The Army's Hardest Military Lessons | CONTENTOn this episode Kev and I discuss the Army's training for Operation Banner, the nearly four-decade deployment of British forces to Northern Ireland starting in 1969. Initially intended as a temporary measure to aid the civil power, the British military was unprepared for the complexities of the conflict, lacking specific training and relying on outdated counter-insurgency tactics from former colonies. The conversation highlights key events like the introduction of the "yellow card" rules of engagement, the disastrous reintroduction of internment, and Bloody Sunday, all of which significantly alienated the Catholic population and bolstered the PIRA. It also details the evolution of British Army training and tactics, emphasising the shift towards intelligence-led operations, the development of specialist units, and sophisticated countermeasures against IEDs. Finally, the discussion underscores the importance of continuous learning, adaptation, and the unique challenges of a domestic counter-insurgency, acknowledging both successes and failures, and the lasting legacy of the conflict on military doctrine and operations.The book choice on Desert Island Dits is "Death in Derry: Martin McGuinness and the Derry IRA's war against the British" by Jonathan Trigg.Reference publication: Operation BANNER - An Analysis of Military Operations In Northern Ireland, Army Code 71842, July 2006.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales. "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
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11 placements across 11 markets.
Chart Positions
11 placements across 11 markets.

























