Best Bfbs Podcasts (2024)

1
The PM’s defence spending spree – what’s it really worth? 41:21

22m ago41:21

41:21

Rishi Sunak has pledged tens of billions of pounds to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2030, but how much will it improve our military capability? Professor Michael Clarke explains why the extra cash will probably be used to firm up our forces rather than making them bigger, and we fact check how much of the £75m figure given by the Prime Minister i…

1
Sam Bailey - BFBS Careers 20:40

2h ago20:40

20:40

This week our guest is former MD of the Radio Academy, now deputy director of BFBS, Sam Bailey. He has an exclusive for us about their new schedules, and chats to our host Georgy Jamieson about careers in BFBS radio and how they see their future in a digital market.By The Radio Academy

1
How did the RAF support Israel when it was attacked by Iran? 36:46

7d ago36:46

36:46

RAF Typhoons fired in defence of Israel as part of a multi-national operation to stop Iran’s onslaught with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones. A former fighter pilot tells Sitrep about the threats posed to pilots. The Armed Forces put a lot of effort into leadership training. But what about the other side of the coin – followers? The C…

1
EXTRA – What is followership, and how could it change the Army? 28:24

6h ago28:24

28:24

The Armed Forces put a lot of effort into leadership training, but have they lost sight of the people who are led? The Army’s been researching the concept of followership, how it could benefit the service become part of its culture. But what is followership, is it really different from the results of good leadership, and can it be part of an organi…

1
BBC Wales 22:24

1d ago22:24

22:24

In this week’s episode our host Georgy Jamieson chats to Carolyn Hitt, Head of BBC Radio Wales, about their new schedule and how you introduce your audience to change. She also talks to broadcaster and journalist Lucy Owen, the new host of the BBC Wales Saturday lunchtime show, about what it’s like to take over an established radio programme and ma…

1
Can ‘broken’ defence procurement be fixed? 38:49

7d ago38:49

38:49

Defence Procurement minister James Cartlidge tells Sitrep the history of armed forces having “kit that let them down” keeps him awake at night. But he has a plan to fix the problems. He tells Kate Gerbeau about the changes aimed at delivering equipment on time, and on budget, while Professor Michael Clarke assesses whether it will give troops what …

1
EXTRA – Minister explains new shake-up for buying military hardware 22:32

7d ago22:32

22:32

British servicemen and women rely on having the right kit to do their jobs, and protect their lives at the front line, but MPs says the process of buying that equipment is broken. Sitrep talks to Defence Procurement Minister James Cartlidge about his new plan to fix long delays, multi-billion pound overspends, and hopelessly overoptimistic ideas. A…

1
Goalhanger Podcasts 20:16

9d ago20:16

20:16

One of the founders of Goalhanger Podcasts, Tony Pastor, chats to host Georgy Jamieson, about how the brand has accelerated in the last 6 months, what sets their podcasts apart from others in the market and how super fans and live events are now a big part of what they do. And Georgy asks if anyone wants to hear The Rest is… Tiddlywinks?…

1
Russia’s new push in Ukraine 40:57

21d ago40:57

40:57

Troops and hardware which Russia’s been holding in reserve have been moved to the 600-mile-long front line, and handful of local armoured offensives point to the start of a wider push. Sitrep’s Professor Michael Clarke explains how Moscow wants to exploit Ukraine’s ammunition shortages, while Kyiv tries to keep the initiative by forcing Russia’s ha…

1
EXTRA – A view from Ukraine’s front line 13:40

14d ago13:40

13:40

Sitrep hears from Kupiansk, celebrated as a significant victory when it was liberated a year and a half ago, but in Russian sights once again as Moscow tries a new push forward. Ukraine’s troops trying to hold firm are hampered by artillery shortages, they’ve been rationing shells for months, but have turned to small drones to fill at least some of…

1
Radio 5 Live 30th Birthday 20:28

16d ago20:28

20:28

Radio 5 Live is celebrating its 30th birthday, so in this week’s episode, host Georgy Jamieson chats to Julie Cullen, Managing Editor of 5 Live and award-winning journalist and broadcaster Gordon Smart, presenter of the Mon-Thurs 10pm - 1am and Sunday 8-10pm shows on the station. They talk about how 5 Live and radio has changed in the last 30 years…

1
The new Wider Service Medal – good or bad idea? 40:56

26d ago40:56

40:56

From submariners at sea for months at a time, to soldiers living and working on Russia’s doorstep, the new Wider Service Medal is intended to recognise “crucial operational impact” without the risks to life faced in combat. Some say it’s long overdue, others call it a medal for “just turning up”. We ask a former head of the Army, General Lord Danna…

1
Arias Nominations 2024 - What's it like to be a judge & be nominated? 20:01

23d ago20:01

20:01

What’s it like to be nominated for an Aria? And how does the judging process work? This week the podcast focuses on the Arias Nominations, which have just been released for 2024. Host Georgy Jamieson chats to chair of the judges Phil Riley and one of the head judges Paul Sylvester, both of whom have been nominated for and won Arias. She also talks …

1
Inside the Navy’s ‘999 centre’ for the Red Sea 35:18

28d ago35:18

35:18

Emergency calls from any vessel under attack in the Red Sea are handled thousands of miles away, in Portsmouth, by a Royal Navy supported control centre. Sitrep’s Tim Cooper is one of the first ever journalists to visit the UKMTO, where calls have soared by 475% as missile and drone attacks from Yemen are launched on average once every two days. Al…

1
Claudia Williams - Tortoise Media 18:41

1M ago18:41

18:41

In a world of constant breaking news alerts, Tortoise Media aims to slow everything down and take a deeper look at stories. This week’s podcast guest is reporter Claudia Williams from Tortoise Media, who tells our host Georgy Jamieson how Tortoise differs from other news outlets, how you balance detailed investigative journalism with the need to st…

1
Wargaming to win 35:48

1M ago35:48

35:48

Wargaming is about as old as war itself, but in a time many describe as “pre-war” how can it help us be ready for the worst, if it happens? Sitrep talks to the UK’s Assistant Head of Defence Wargaming, Captain Eugene Morgan, who’s charged with building British wargaming capacity and capability “to make better decisions for defence” He explains how …

1
Foot In the Door - Glasgow 22:14

1M ago22:14

22:14

Sean Thorne hosts a special Radio Academy podcast from the Glasgow Foot in the Door event. Conor Knight and Robyn Richford bring you conversations with some of the speakers including 5 Live's Gordon Smart, podcaster Shannon Singh and Clyde 1's George and Cassi.By The Radio Academy

1
Germany’s embarrassing leak – could it happen to us too? 36:45

1M ago36:45

36:45

Russia has published the recording of a meeting between senior German air-force officers, revealing military and political secrets about British, French and German support to Ukraine. Former Army intelligence officer Colonel Philip Ingram tells Sitrep it comes down to people being the weakest link, and that we shouldn’t dismiss it as “just a German…

1
Extra – The world’s only female Chief of Defence Staff 18:03

1M ago18:03

18:03

Every single country in the world allows women to serve in at least some military roles, but only one has a woman at the very top of its Armed Forces. Jamaica’s Chief of Defence Staff, Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, was appointed in 2022 and is only the second woman in history to hold such a role (Slovenia appointed a female chief of defence…

1
Ella Watts -Six To Start 20:08

2M ago20:08

20:08

This week Georgy Jamieson chats with Ella Watts, head of production at Six to Start and one of our 30 Under 30. They talk about Ella’s work creating dramas for apps, her love of audio drama, her passion project the audio drama and podcast Camlann and her thoughts on how the medium is exploding in America. They also come up with a Zombie/Archers mas…

1
Wargames under the waves 38:20

2M ago38:20

38:20

Six NATO submarines, accompanied by ships and aircraft, are playing a giant military game of hide and seek in the Mediterranean. NATO’s Commander Submarines, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Thomas Wall, tells us more about exercise Dynamic Manta, and Sitrep’s Claire Sadler explains what life is like onboard one of those subs. Vladimir Putin claims Russia no…

1
David Lloyd - Launching Boom Rock 20:34

2M ago20:34

20:34

Boom Radio celebrated its third birthday on 14th February by launching a new sister station, Boom Rock. Co-founder of Boom Radio, David Lloyd, chats to host Georgy Jamieson about the last three years. Running this radio station is proving to be more than a full time job for David, but the most rewarding thing he’s ever done in his career. They talk…

1
Getting UK arms to Ukraine 36:57

2M ago36:57

36:57

Britain has spent seven billion pounds over the last two years, equipping Ukraine’s armed forces to help keep them in the fight against Russia. On the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion Sitrep talks to Major General Anna-Lee Reilly and Andy Start from Defence Equipment and Support about how that’s been done, and what lies ahead. Denmark’…

1
EXTRA – Can we rely on the Trident nuclear deterrent? 16:13

2M ago16:13

16:13

For the second time in a row a Royal Navy test firing of an unarmed Trident missile has ended in failure. The government says it was an “anomaly” and that it has “absolute confidence” in the nuclear deterrent, but it hasn’t explained why the missile failed. It’s called the ultimate insurance policy, but can it still deter Russia after two very publ…

1
Jack Murley The LGBT Sports Podcast 20:34

2M ago20:34

20:34

Host Georgy Jamieson chats to Jack Murley from The LGBT Sports Podcast, where she finds out why Jack’s mum inspired him to start it, how it’s broken down barriers in sport for the LGBTQ+ community and some of the amazing coming out and mental health conversations he’s had with guests. They also talk about LGBTQ+ History Month, the challenges of kee…

1
More Tea: Near Death 7:45

2M ago7:45

7:45

Darren and Jess have news about our latest BFBS podcast series “Near Death” and how it’s related to “Tea & Medals”. If you enjoyed the Michelle Goodman DFC episode you’ll want to hear this! Listen to the full series of Near Death here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Z8fTmj6gJ7BRe93qHMGlA https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/near-death/id1712834196…

1
Trump-proofing Europe – could it win a war without US help? 35:12

2M ago35:12

35:12

Donald Trump’s talk of telling President Putin to “do whatever the hell he wants” to NATO allies who “don’t pay” has been called unhinged, but he could be President again. So Sitrep examines if Europe could defend itself against Russia without American support, if it really came to that. Professor Michael Clarke and Simon Newton explain how Europea…

1
Jon Holmes The Skewer 19:59

2M ago19:59

19:59

Topical BBC Radio 4 comedy The Skewer has been described as a ‘comedy concept album’ and a ‘satirical river of sound’, it’s also won multiple awards for broadcaster, writer and comedian Jon Holmes and his team. In this episode host Georgy Jamieson chats to Jon about how the show came about, the way the complex soundscapes are put together and why a…

1
Inside the secret world of Defence Intelligence 31:20

2M ago31:20

31:20

Sitrep gets unprecedented access to the heart of the UK’s military spying operation. Sian Grzeszczyk tells all, including the crashed Russian drones being disassembled by Defence Intelligence, how its analysts uncovered an arms-for-horses deal between Moscow and North Korea, and why it really does all look like a James Bond lair. As MP’s say we mus…

1
Meet the Fellow: Matt Deegan 19:46

3M ago19:46

19:46

In this episode, we explore the dynamic world of radio and podcasts through an engaging interview with Matt Deegan, Director of Folder Media and Podcast Discovery, as part of our Meet the Fellow series. Matt shares his insights on engaging young audiences, the success of Fun Kids, and the future of the industry. Dive into the heart of radio innovat…

1
Could National Service fix the forces recruitment crisis? 35:31

3M ago35:31

35:31

Boris Johnson has called for the UK to bring back National Service. Sweden did just that seven years ago to solve its military recruitment crisis, and Germany’s looking at the idea. Sitrep talks to Swedish defence expert Elisabeth Braw and former Welsh Guards officer Nicholas Drummond about whether it’s the answer for the UK’s depleted Armed Forces…

1
Meet the Fellow: Sheena Mason 17:35

3M ago17:35

17:35

Join Radio Academy Managing Director, Aradhna Tayal Leach in a captivating conversation with Sheena Mason, Deputy Content Director of Magic Radio and a seasoned radio industry expert. In this episode, Sheena shares her inspiring journey and insights into the creative processes of radio content creation. With 30 years of experience, she reflects on …

1
What is Strategic Command? 26:54

3M ago26:54

26:54

Strategic command, like the three single services, is deemed important enough to our defence to merit its own Chief of Staff. General Sir James Hockenhull tells Sitrep about the organisation that he leads and its mission to help the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force be the best they can be. From medical services to digital networks, cyber to int…

1
The £25m minehunter mishap 37:26

3M ago37:26

37:26

Tens of thousands of people around the world have seen the moment one Royal Navy minehunter reversed into another in Bahrain, doing millions of pounds worth of damage. Former Royal Navy Commodore Alistair Halliday talks us through the range of technical and human factors which could explain why HMS Chiddingfold went backwards instead of ahead. The …

1
EXTRA – Sir Iain Duncan Smith on China, conscription and his own time in the Army. 27:05

3M ago27:05

27:05

Sir Iain Duncan Smith has been a Conservative MP for more than 30 years, and led his party from 2001 to 2003. In parliament he’s a vocal contributor on defence, security, and international issues. His criticism of China’s government is so vocal the country has placed sanctions against him and his family. He tells Sitrep why he believes China is a t…

1
Meet the Fellow: Ray Paul 24:35

3M ago24:35

24:35

The second in the Meet the Fellow series. In this episode, Radio Academy Managing Director, Aradhna Tayal Leach explores the dynamic career of Ray Paul, spanning two decades at the BBC and his current role as CEO of The Playmaker Group. Ray shares key insights from his BBC days, detailing the industry's evolution. The discussion highlights his inno…

1
A new world order 37:45

3M ago37:45

37:45

The Defence Secretary warns of tough times ahead...we look at those warnings but also hear from another of Britain’s most senior military chiefs who has a more hopeful message. The Head of Stratcom rarely speaks to the media, but we hear his take on the state of the world. Also on Sitrep Is diplomacy still a thing? Does it achieve anything? We spea…

1
Meet the Fellow: Nina Robinson 21:16

3M ago21:16

21:16

In this episode, Radio Academy Managing Director Aradhna Tayal Leach welcomes Nina Robinson, CEO of Soundtruism, a newly appointed Radio Academy Fellow. Nina shares her journey into the world of radio and podcasts, highlighting the founding principles of Soundtruism and her advocacy for inclusivity in the industry. She discusses challenges faced, l…

1
New questions about the future of the Royal Marines. 36:13

3M ago36:13

36:13

The First Sea Lord has been asked for a plan to “take forward” the work of the Royal Marines, as ministers effectively confirm they’re again reconsidering the future of the corps’ two amphibious assault ships. Professor Michael Clarke explains what’s going on, and former Royal Marines Commandant General, Major General Buster Howes, tells Sitrep the…

1
EXTRA - Life lessons from ‘The Perisher’ submarine command course. 19:26

3M ago19:26

19:26

Under the sea, in charge of a multi-million pound boat, and the safety of your crew, there is a lot that can go very wrong. Ryan Ramsay has lived it all, then trained his successors both in how to avoid those disasters, and to cope if they do strike. In his new book ‘A View From Below’ he shares the inside story how submarine captains are trained, …

1
Inside the Judging Room: How to win an ARIA 19:26

4M ago19:26

19:26

In this episode of The Radio Academy Podcast, Phil Riley, Co-founder of Boom Radio and ARIAS Chair of Judges, hosts a special panel discussing the ins and outs of the judging process. He is joined by Kiran Nandra, Camilla Byk and Nick Pitts as they go through the scoring process, discuss what they are looking for in the entries, and answer the ques…

1
Happy New Year from the Radio Academy 0:28

4M ago0:28

0:28

Keep an eye on our website for news on this years ARIAs launch - and we'll be back with a new podcast episode next week! Happy New Year. https://www.radioacademy.org/By The Radio Academy

1
Radio Academy Review of the Year 2023 25:31

4M ago25:31

25:31

In this episode of the Radio Academy podcast, we're taking a nostalgic trip through the vibrant events that defined the past year. From awards ceremonies to engaging training days and dynamic networking sessions, we'll revisit the memorable moments that made 2023 special for the radio and audio industry. Thinking about getting in on the action this…

1
The Sitrep Crystal Ball 2024 42:10

4M ago42:10

42:10

Could more British troops be sent to Eastern Europe, or as peacekeepers in the Middle East? Will Donald Trump return to the White House, and would it guarantee defeat for Ukraine? And where in the world might the next war break out? Kate Gerbeau and Professor Michael Clarke take on the big questions about what’s in store for our defence and securit…

1
Clyde 1 at 50 with David Robertson 23:09

4M ago23:09

23:09

In this special episode of the Radio Academy podcast, host Hayley Hayes welcomes David Robertson, Content Director of Clyde 1, to celebrate the station's 50th birthday in December. Together, they explore Clyde 1's illustrious history, sharing memorable moments and insights into the station's enduring success. From overcoming challenges to community…

1
To beard or not to beard? The Army’s big question. 33:46

4M ago33:46

33:46

The Defence Secretary has called the Army’s ban on beards for most soldiers “ridiculous and outdated”, as the Chief of General Staff reviews the rules. Kate and Mike are joined by former Chief of Defence People, Lieutenant General James Swift, to discuss whether facial hair really matters to recruitment, discipline and operational effectiveness. Th…

1
Adele Cross 19:02

4M ago19:02

19:02

In this episode, host Hayley Hayes interviews Adele Cross, the accomplished Producer of the 1Xtra Breakfast Show with Nadia Jae and Vice Chair of the Multi-Story Orchestra. Adele shares the behind-the-scenes magic of the 1Xtra Breakfast Show, highlighting its dynamic production process and the team's creative energy. The conversation explores Adele…

1
The UK increases its Middle East military presence – what can it do? 40:45

4M ago40:45

40:45

HMS Diamond has been sent to the Red Sea after missile and drone attacks against British owned cargo vessels, and RAF spy-planes have been deployed to search for hostages held in Gaza. Professor Michael Clarke and former Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe explain what these assets and personnel can achieve, the limitations & risks of their missions, a…

1
India Rakusen 14:11

5M ago14:11

14:11

In this episode of the Radio Academy Podcast, host Hayley Hayes welcomes India Rakusen, the talented creator of the award winning '28ish Days Later' podcast. Together, they embark on a captivating conversation that delves deep into the heart of '28ish Days Later.' This thought-provoking podcast fearlessly explores the intricacies of the menstrual c…

1
What does Ukraine need to win the war? 29:48

5M ago29:48

29:48

Sitrep’s Simon Newton has just returned from Ukraine - he reports for Sitrep from a drone testing centre where new models are trialled before being used in combat. Sitrep also hears from the former Champion Boxer, and now Mayor of Kiev, Vitali Klitschko, on his country’s will to resist. Also on Sitrep, as tensions remain high in the Middle East, Br…

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