Best BFBS Radio Podcasts (2025)

1
Trump changes his tune – will it change anything in Ukraine? 45:39

4h ago45:39

45:39

After months of ratcheting up pressure on Ukraine to do a peace deal, Donald Trump’s now supplying arms to them, and sending the bill to the rest of NATO. But can weapons worth billions turn the tide, maybe change President Putin’s calculus, or will they just drag out a slow-motion defeat? The military options are explained by former defence attach…

1
EXTRA – The untold story of Ukraine’s Foreign Legion 20:08

5h ago20:08

20:08

Hundreds of British people answered Ukraine’s urgent plea for military volunteers to help it fight back when Russian tanks rolled in.Some were novices, who travelled against UK government advice, while others took experience from the Britain’s armed forces. The journalist Colin Freeman has got to know many of them during his work in Ukraine and is …

1
Homeland Defence in the UK 48:56

6d ago48:56

48:56

Sitrep digs deep into homeland defence in the UK. A former National Security adviser lays out the potential threats we face and we ask how prepared are we for a wartime scenario? The Colonel in charge of engaging the Army with the public says the challenge has never been bigger . And how do you persuade the public that defence matters? A former Lan…

1
Are we preparing for the wrong war? 43:42

14d ago43:42

43:42

War is changing and military strategy no longer delivers victory because of a “short war fallacy”. That warning comes from eminent defence historian Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, who was part of the Iraq inquiry panel. He tells Sitrep why he believes military strategists, and their political masters, need to change their mindset, while Professor…

1
EXTRA – Eagle Days, the story of the Luftwaffe through German eyes 21:42

13d ago21:42

21:42

The history of the Battle of Britain has been written many times over the last 85 years, but almost always from a British perspective. The award-winning aviation historian Dr Victoria Taylor believes that’s led to the Luftwaffe’s role being oversimplified, meaning we don’t truly understand what happened. She talks to Sitrep editor James Hirst about…

1
Cash vs Capability. 5% defence spending explained 39:16

21d ago39:16

39:16

NATO countries have signed up hundreds of billions of pounds in extra defence spending by 2035, but no one has told us yet what it will be spent on. But Mike explains how the UK’s part can already be seen in recent Strategic Defence Review. From F-bombs to F-35s, and the viral ‘Daddy’ moment, there was a lot of political theatre at the NATO summit.…

1
EXTRA - Why Cyprus matters - the UK Defence Adviser explains 27:44

21d ago27:44

27:44

The UK has around 100 square miles of sovereign territory in Cyprus, home to more than 3000 Defence personnel, and it is a lynchpin of British military operations around the world. On the doorstep of the Middle East it’s used from everything from bombing missions, to intelligence gathering and decompression for troops returning from operations. Sit…

1
UK military contingency plans for the Iran/Israel war explained 40:57

28d ago40:57

40:57

RAF planes have been moved to the Middle East for ‘contingency support’, but what could those contingencies end up being? Professor Michael Clarke maps out the British military presence in the region, which could come under threat from Iran in a worst-case scenario. Lord Peter Ricketts, who led many a crisis meeting as National Security Adviser, ex…

1
Increase defence spending or learn Russian, Nato chief tells UK 39:45

1M ago39:45

39:45

The head of NATO issues his starkest warning yet about Russia’s readiness for war. We speak to Ed Arnold, a senior research fellow at the defence think-tank RUSI and a former infantry officer. In Ukraine, drone warfare is reaching ever-more sophisticated levels. We look at how this single weapon is changing warfare with Dr. Ulrike Franke, a Senior …

1
SITREP LIVE – The Defence Review explained & your questions answered 59:51

1M ago59:51

59:51

It’s the new defence masterplan for the next decade and beyond, but what does the Strategic Defence Review mean for the Armed Forces? The lead military author of the review, General Sir Richard Barrons, joins a special live edition of Sitrep to explain the plan and answer your questions about how it should work. Former Royal Navy Commander Tom Shar…

1
HMS Venturer – what hope will the new Type 31 frigate offer the Royal Navy? 39:46

2M ago39:46

39:46

As the Royal Navy unveils HMS Venturer to the public for the first time – we ask, what hope does the first Inspiration Class Frigate offer a surface fleet short on ships and sailors? Sitrep’s reporter David Sivills-McCann has all the answers - he witnessed the new type 31 frigate rolling out of the build hall in Rosyth. The former second sea lord a…

1
The UK – EU defence partnership explained 44:30

2M ago44:30

44:30

Keir Starmer says it puts Britain back on the world stage. Some critics claim it could drag Britain into some kind of “EU army”. Sitrep explains what is, and isn’t, included in the new 62-point defence partnership agreement, and what it might mean for our Armed Forces. Amid intense scrutiny of past actions by UK Special Forces, and a former SAS com…

1
Does Russia really want war with NATO? 42:55

2M ago42:55

42:55

New satellite images show Russia’s building up its military presence on the border of Finland, as it reorganises and concentrates its military closer to NATO neighbours. But is this preparation for war within years, or trying to maintain “peace through fear”? Mike explains what Russia’s doing with its forces, and Finnish OSINT analyst Emil Kastehel…

1
EXTRA - Can service personnel complain with confidence? 23:14

2M ago23:14

23:14

For 9 years in a row the service complaints system has been deemed to not be efficient, effective or fair by the watchdog that oversees it. But despite that, and some of the high-profile stories of past failures, the Ombudsman says there’s been significant progress and that planned changes can deliver more improvements. Sitrep talks at length to Ma…

1
VE Day - How did the allies win, and what are the lessons 80 years on? 37:22

2M ago37:22

37:22

Britain and its allies fought Nazi Germany for a gruelling four and a half years in all, but once allied ground troops landed in Europe, creating the Western Front, they completed the victory in just eleven months. Kate and Mike are joined by Dr Meghan Kellegher from the RAF Museum to explain the strategy which led to victory, and what the allies g…

1
Season 1 Trailer 4:14

2M ago4:14

4:14

Introducing: Sean Bolger's Talk Show! UK Broadcaster Sean Bolger (Talk Radio, LBC, BBC, BFBS, Talk Radio Europe) & guests in conversation. Star Interviews, Expert Advice, Personal Stories, Lifestyle, Entertainment, Relationships, Travel, Food, Books, Health, Fitness, Wellbeing and more. Got something to talk about? Get in touch and join the convers…

1
Will India and Pakistan go to war, and who would win? 40:37

3M ago40:37

40:37

Pakistan and India have already fought two wars over disputed Kashmir, now after a terror attack that killed 26 tourists spiralling tensions have brought warnings another war could be imminent. South Asia expert Dr Walter Ladwig tells us why some kind of clash seems inevitable, as Sitrep compares military capabilities and past conflicts to explain …

1
EXTRA – First hand: How Trump’s diplomatic storm is impacting Ukraine 17:55

3M ago17:55

17:55

Former Conservative MP Jack Lopresti joined Ukraine’s foreign legion, in November 2024, to share his insights and experience of procurement and diplomacy. Those skills have become all the more important since the diplomatic earthquakes of Donald Trump’s presidency, including a temporary halt to American weapons, ammunition and intelligence for Ukra…

1
The military drone revolution explained 38:39

3M ago38:39

38:39

Drones have come of age in Ukraine, ruling the battlefield and overtaking artillery as the leading cause of casualties. Kate and Mike are joined by RAF veteran Dr Keith Dear to explain how small devices once designed for consumers are now not only flying spies, but also lethal weapons that have radically changed the way land battles are fought. Ukr…

1
Will fighting end the Ukraine war before diplomacy? 44:19

3M ago44:19

44:19

The death and destruction in Ukraine has only intensified in the two months since Donald Trump unilaterally announced peace talks, and the one month since Ukraine offered a 30-day ceasefire. With diplomacy having delivered nothing so far Sitrep explains how the war has played out in that time, who has the battlefield momentum, and the potential pat…

1
HMS Prince of Wales ready for a deployment of firsts 35:02

3M ago35:02

35:02

The Royal Navy’s newest aircraft carrier will be accompanied by more than 3000 servicemen and women, up to 24 RAF fighter jets, four British ships and four more from allies to sail as a carrier strike group halfway round the world. But it is a considerably more dangerous world than four years ago when a British carrier group last sailed to the Indo…

1
Minerals, nuclear weapons and the battle for the Arctic 42:59

4M ago42:59

42:59

The world’s biggest military powers are all jockeying for position in and around the Arctic, starkly illustrated by Donald Trump’s demands for the US to buy Greenland even though it’s already NATO territory. Sitrep explains the melting pot of strategic positioning, potential trade routes, and natural resources that are driving shows of military for…

1
Could Europe go it alone for nuclear defence? 45:32

4M ago45:32

45:32

The head of NATO says nothing can replace the US nuclear umbrella as the ultimate guarantee of our security, and “Europe needs to know Uncle Sam still has our back” But amid doubts about US commitment there is talk creating a comprehensive European nuclear capability without American-owned weapons. Could the UK and France really provide a Europe on…

1
How can bullying and abuse of servicewomen be stopped? 49:34

4M ago49:34

49:34

The head of the Army has spoken of his “anger and shame” after more than a thousand women shared stories of harassment, bullying and much worse while they served their country. Another set of changes have been announced to try to stop unacceptable behaviours, including a tri-service unit to take over the most serious complaints from the chain of co…

1
What would a Ukraine ceasefire look like on the battlefield? 41:52

4M ago41:52

41:52

Sitrep assesses how the 30-day ceasefire, offered by Ukraine, could work in reality. Would troops just stay in place and dig in, or might they have to pull back from a buffer zone? It is a tactical trade-off by Kyiv which gives it back US military aid and intelligence, and forces Russia onto the diplomatic back foot. Professor Michael Clarke explai…

1
Can Ukraine still adapt and survive? 41:18

4M ago41:18

41:18

Whatever you think of how President Trump said it to President Zelensky, the fact is Ukraine is not in good position. That was made worse by the freezing of US military aid, and crucial moment-by-moment intelligence. Sitrep explains how that has left Ukraine “blindfolded with one hand tied behind its back” and assesses its options to stay in the fi…

1
Billions more for the Armed Forces… but spend it wisely 37:00

5M ago37:00

37:00

We now have a deadline for the UK to spend 2.5% of national income on defence and it’s much sooner than anyone expected. But cash doesn’t just turn into military might. There are many things you could spend it on. People? Hardware? Training? The real question is what you should spend it on, for the right capabilities at the right times. There are u…

1
EXTRA – Defence spending lessons from the Cold War 14:05

5M ago14:05

14:05

In the 1970’s and 1980’s the UK typically spent 4-5% of its national income on Defence, but what did that money buy and what did our Armed Forces spend their time doing? Kate Gerbeau and Professor Michael Clarke talk to historian Ian J Sanders, host of the Cold War Conversations podcast, for a history lesson on how we deployed our military capabili…

1
Britain prepares for possible boots in Ukraine 34:22

5M ago34:22

34:22

Despite the many uncertainties about a possible peace-deal for Ukraine, Britain’s Defence Secretary says the detail is being developed for a European led security guarantee. Former head of the Army General Lord Dannatt warns that while the Prime Minister is ready and willing to commit British troops, the Army is willing but not ready. Sitrep assess…

1
Talking or fighting – which is better for Ukraine? 42:03

5M ago42:03

42:03

Donald Trump’s tried to take Ukraine’s future out of its own hands by opening negotiations with Russia, and telling Kyiv that NATO membership and getting all of its land back are hopeless ambitions. So what should Ukraine do now? Could focussing on the fight still improve its negotiating position, or has it reached its high watermark in the war? Pr…

1
Could a defence deal with the EU boost Britain’s military capability? 37:56

5M ago37:56

37:56

Keir Starmer wants a post-brexit reset with the EU, and he thinks it should start with “an ambitious partnership” on defence and security. But would it help our Armed Forces when we already have NATO? Former Army officer Ed Arnold explains how both the EU and NATO could give us more bang-for-our-buck, as well as the potential pitfalls. British troo…

1
Defence spending – how much is enough? 41:21

6M ago41:21

41:21

Donald Trump wants NATO members to spend 5% of their national income on Defence, the UK is years away from meeting half that target. Is 5% a realistic figure, given that we did it back in the cold war, or would that simply be spending money for the sake of it? Mike does some reality checking, and Kate talks to Labour MP Luke Akehurst who says the c…

1
We know what you are doing… 35:33

6M ago35:33

35:33

The defence secretary John Healey sends a message to Russia’s President Putin warning him we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country. It’s after a Russian spy ship is spotted for a second time in UK waters. On Sitrep, we discuss the creeping threat of hybrid warfare. Why is the US preparing for potential conflict with China by …

1
Playing catch-up with Artificial Intelligence 32:53

6M ago32:53

32:53

The Ministry Of Defence is given a stark warning that it needs to play catch-up and should learn from Ukraine’s use of AI on the battlefield. So what is Ukraine using? What happens if Britain doesn’t get a grip? And what could that mean for our troops on the battlefield? Sitrep’s Ukraine reporter Simon Newton and Assistant Director of the defence t…

1
The UK led fightback against undersea cable-cutters 42:43

6M ago42:43

42:43

After a string of attacks against European data and power cables, and undersea pipelines, the British-led Joint Expeditionary Force has activated a new AI powered system to track and monitor suspicious activity from Russian “shadow fleet” ships. But what can the Nordic Warden operation do to stop attacks from happening when something is spotted? Fo…

1
The Moment That Made Me – Kim Hughes 19:56

7M ago19:56

19:56

Kim Hughes was a driver in the Army who’d already quit once and was feeling disheartened again. But a moment watching a colleague prepare for a potentially deadly duty in Northern Ireland finally awakened his ambition. He tells James Hirst how that new found drive, a lot of classroom graft, and a childhood fascination with fireworks led to a George…

1
The Moment That Made Me – Captain Ryan Ramsay 23:11

7M ago23:11

23:11

Ryan Ramsay spent three years at the helm of a Royal Navy attack submarine, before teaching the next generation of leaders. But he gives big credit to the US Navy, and one particular leader, for helping him reach command after 20 years at sea. Ryan tells James Hirst why a transatlantic exchange was the moment that made him, with insights into leade…

1
The Moment That Made Me – Mandy Hickson 19:54

7M ago19:54

19:54

When the RAF opened fighter pilot roles to women Mandy Hickson was one of the first in line. The powers that be told her she was a test-case, and a key flying exam threatened to prove their prediction of failure correct. But a moment of inspired teamwork, cycling with her fellow student pilots, transformed her struggles into a pass with flying colo…

1
The Moment That Made Me – Major General Chip Chapman 17:07

7M ago17:07

17:07

At the age of 23 Chip Chapman not only went to war for the first time, but also had to lead his platoon into the first fighting of the decisive battle in the Falklands war. When Argentinian forces lost at Goose Green they surrendered and the islands were liberated, but it had been a hard fight that could have gone either way. Chip tells Kate Gerbea…

1
The Moment That Made Me – Major Andrew Fox 11:27

7M ago11:27

11:27

Andrew Fox always knew he wanted more from his Army career. But poor eyesight kept him out of the Army air corps, and a bad luck injury ended any hope of Special Forces selection. He didn’t give up though, and his moment came when he took on another of the Armed Forces toughest selections. P-Company to join the Parachute Regiment. Andrew talks to K…

1
The Moment That Made Me – Professor Neil Greenberg 30:03

7M ago30:03

30:03

Neil Greenberg is a world leading expert, and practitioner, in military mental health. He signed up to the Royal Navy while still in medical school, then travelled the world on ships and submarines, not just attending to crew health but getting stuck into everything else required of an officer to keep a vessel operating successfully. But it could h…

1
The Moment That Made Me – Liz McConaghy 26:37

7M ago26:37

26:37

Liz McConaghy joined the RAF on her 19th Birthday and flew on Chinooks for seventeen years. She helped save hundreds of lives on MERT rescue missions for dangerously-wounded troops, during her ten tours of Afghanistan. But saving others lives left a big impact on Liz’s own, and months after leaving the RAF she attempted to end her life. Liz tells K…

1
The Moment That Made Me – Major General Julian Thompson 17:27

7M ago17:27

17:27

Julian Thompson had already served thirty years in the Royal Marines when a phone call, in the dead of night, would come to define his career. It brought news of an imminent invasion, and orders to lead 3 Commando Brigade more than seven-thousand miles across the Atlantic, in just a matter of days, to liberate the Falkland Islands. He tells Kate Ge…

1
The Moment That Made Me – Andy McNab 31:23

7M ago31:23

31:23

Andy McNab faced the IRA in Northern Ireland, served on numerous SAS covert operations around the world, and was captured behind enemy lines in Iraq. But he tells Kate Gerbeau the real moment that made him was reading a Janet & John children’s book at the age of 16. It unlocked the Army career which took him away from a life of teenage crime, and e…

1
The Moment That Made Me – Colonel Rosie Stone 25:56

7M ago25:56

25:56

Rosie Stone was recording an audio diary at the moment she came under fire on a patrol in Southern Afghanistan. This was her first experience of a combat situation after more than eight years service in the Army. But it became a very different learning experience as she was given shelter and tea by local Afghan women while a gun battle raged behind…

1
The Moment That Made Me – Commander Tom Sharpe 32:51

7M ago32:51

32:51

On the 16th of December 2008 HMS Endurance suffered a very sudden and catastrophic flood in the South Atlantic. Tom Sharpe was in temporary command of the Royal Navy ice breaker as her engine room filled in less than half an hour, and she lost power in turbulent seas. Tom tells Kate Gerbeau why he ignored advice from the UK to abandon ship, how he …

1
The Sitrep Crystal Ball 2025 51:55

7M ago51:55

51:55

“Please don’t look back, more dangerous times lie ahead which means you need to look forward… so that we are ready if war chooses us”. So says the head of the Army, General Sir Roly Walker, in this special edition of Sitrep explaining what 2025 may bring. Kate Gerbeau and Professor Michael Clarke tackle some of the biggest questions for our defence…

1
Sitrep meets Ukrainian troops who invaded Russia 41:07

7M ago41:07

41:07

Sitrep’s Simon Newton is back from the frontline of Ukraine’s war with Russia. He shares stories from troops who led the push into Kursk, how British Challenger 2 tanks are used (and extremely well hidden), and the challenges of even reaching the frontline. The UK led Joint Expeditionary Force is a British defence success, according to a new study.…

1
Christmas Craftsmanship: Airfix's Creativity Unwrapped 26:58

7M ago26:58

26:58

Ho ho holy ****, Christmas snuck up quicker than a Sopwith on skis! With gift-giving on the MavMind, the final episode of series five sees Gini Carlin and Jamie Gordon meet Dale Luckhurst, Head of Brand at Airfix. Gini and Jamie got the full geek's guide to the legendary brand, the forensic research and development process that goes into its ultra-…

1
Inside the UK’s Defence Review 45:30

7M ago45:30

45:30

Two architects of the Strategic Defence Review have lifted the lid on how they’re working on the plan for the future of our Armed Forces. But when they tell MP’s one aim is to get it “as least wrong as possible” on predicting future conflicts, does that inspire confidence? Kate and Mike are joined by Sitrep’s Sian Grzeszczyk Melbourne to analyse wh…

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