Best Ajax Life Podcasts (2024)

1
Ready for war in three years? 34:16

3m ago34:16

34:16

The new head of the Army has warned the UK has three years to be ready to fight a war or deter conflict. General Sir Roly Walker’s talked about an “increasingly volatile world” but he said war wasn’t inevitable and the Army had "just enough time" to prepare itself. He says he wants to double the Army's fighting power in three years (and triple it b…

1
Alternate History Part 2 1:08:46

3h ago1:08:46

1:08:46

Have you ever wondered what our world would look like if significant historical events had taken a different turn? That's the fascinating premise we explore on this episode of Dispatch Ajax, starting with Nathaniel Hawthorne's whimsical "P's Correspondence" and moving on to Castillo Holford's visionary "Aristopia." Imagine a North America founded o…

1
Why have outside experts been put in charge of the UK’s Defence Review? 46:08

7d ago46:08

46:08

From where the armed forces are deployed around the world, to the kit they have for the job, and how they’re looked after, the government has launched a “root and branch” defence review. Two people who’ve been hands on with past reviews, Lieutenant General Sir Nick Pope and Sitrep’s Professor Michael Clarke, explain what will be different about thi…

1
“Don’t be Jack” -- the veterans who’ve become MPs 43:38

7d ago43:38

43:38

Around one in twenty of the UK’s MPs have military experience, but what do they bring to the job and does it help them make a difference? Sitrep talks to the new MP for Derbyshire North, Louise Jones, and Jonny Ball who hosts the Veterans in Politics podcast and has mentored several of the new intake to Parliament. India’s Prime Minister claims to …

1
Bonus: Memory Gamma: Discovery's Mycelial Network 14:33

4d ago14:33

14:33

Discover the secrets of the universe's hidden framework and the groundbreaking technologies that could redefine space travel! In this episode, we explore the Cosmic Mycelial Network, a vast web interlacing galaxies through dark matter and magnetic fields. Learn how the visible universe of protons, neutrons, and electrons is just a tiny fraction of …

1
EXTRA - The Allied Reaction Force (and Britain’s role) explained 16:43

9d ago16:43

16:43

The Allied Reaction Force is the new “tip of the spear” for NATO’s military power. It’s described as a strategic, high-readiness, force-generated, multi-domain and multinational capability. The ARF replaces the NATO Response Force and Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), as part of a radical update of military structures and plans since the…

1
Defending Europe – what does NATO need to do? 42:31

9d ago42:31

42:31

75 years since NATO was created to defend Europe, Sitrep asks what’s needed to do that job properly today. From organising hundreds of thousands of troops, to digging ditches and ensuring bridges can carry tanks, the challenges are explained by Professor Michael Clarke and Oana Lungescu, a former senior advisor to the NATO Secretary General. Part o…

1
What If?: Alternate History Part 1 46:23

28d ago46:23

46:23

What if a tiny twist in history could lead to a world where World War VII has given rise to the Ameri-Mexicanadian enclave? Join us on a wild journey through the captivating genre of alternate history, where we explore the "what ifs" that tickle our imagination and keep us up at night. We kick off with some playful banter about how minor changes co…

1
The Black Sea mine threat 36:39

16d ago36:39

36:39

Two Royal Navy minehunters, given to Ukraine last year, are still in UK waters because they can’t get into the Black Sea while the war continues. But Ukraine’s Navy is using them to prepare for when they can start clearing the hundreds of explosives lying on the sea-bed. Sitrep’s Simon Newton has been watching some of that work on Exercise Sea Bree…

1
Video Games That Just Don't Get It 45:58

1M ago45:58

45:58

Unleash your imagination with Scarface: The World is Yours as we delve into an alternate video game universe where you can rewrite the iconic film's ending. Discover how movie-based games like Titanic and Jaws Unleashed offer unique experiences, while we discuss hot topics such as Van Morrison and Eric Clapton's anti-vax stances and Mick Jagger's f…

1
Who’s promising what for the Armed Forces? 32:35

23d ago32:35

32:35

Sitrep analyses the main party manifestos for the general election in which defence has had its highest profile in decades. AI and data collection are promised to bring a revolution to military capability. But they could also make it harder to work with partners and allies by creating a new “language barrier”, so how do we avoid that? And the 2am p…

1
The Curse of Superman 46:12

1M ago46:12

46:12

Superman - arguably the Joey Chestnut of Superheroes - is marred by a dark open-secret that haunts all those who wear the cape onscreen...or so the legend goes. Is the "Superman Curse" real or just a self-fulfilling prophecy? Since fellow Missourian James Gunn is poised to bring a fresh take on the Big Blue Boyscout, we thought we'd challenge the m…

1
War of the playground 38:18

1M ago38:18

38:18

While North Korea sends hundreds of balloons, loaded with rubbish and manure, across the border, South Korea is setting up giant speakers to blare K-pop music for miles into the North. Sitrep assess the risk of a playground scrap going out of control, and explains why many heavily armed nations indulge in childish tactics when they don’t want an al…

1
The art of deception 44:59

1M ago44:59

44:59

From the wooden horse at Troy to rubber tanks in Dover military deceptions have been central to war for thousands of years. In the lead up to D-Day the allies convinced Germany their assault would be 150 miles away from Normandy. Professor Michael Clarke and Sitrep’s Claire Sadler explain the complex web of deceptions involving radar interference, …

1
An insider’s guide to the NATO summit 42:06

1M ago42:06

42:06

Presidents and Prime Ministers have big decisions to make in Washington about how to better defend Europe, deter Russia, and support Ukraine. But how does it work behind closed doors, away from the choreographed photo ops, and who is actually making the decisions? Lord Peter Ricketts, former UK Ambassador to NATO, lifts the lid on how some of the w…

1
Is it time for western boots in Ukraine? 44:07

2M ago44:07

44:07

Russia has the momentum in Ukraine right now, so is it time for a radical rethink of how we help? James Heappey, who served four years as Armed Forces Minister, tells Sitrep we should be thinking about putting a training mission into Western Ukraine along with air defence support. Professor Michael Clarke explains the potential risks and benefits o…

1
EXTRA – Hercules: first in, last out 22:34

2M ago22:34

22:34

For more than half a century the C-130 Hercules was the backbone of the RAF. It’s played a key role in daring special forces and counter terror mission, supported combat operations from the Falklands to Afghanistan, delivered disaster relief, and carried out evacuations in some of the most challenging of environments. Named after the mythological G…

1
What Course Ahead For The Royal Navy? 33:11

2M ago33:11

33:11

Sitrep looks at the future shape of the Navy as the government talks of a new ‘golden era in shipbuilding’ and assesses what it can learn from current conflicts. Expert analysis from Commodore Steve Prest who’s just left the service and former Naval warfare officer Professor Peter Roberts from RUSI. Sitrep’s Simon Newton reports from Poland on Exer…

1
The forces payroll hack – what you need to know 37:11

2M ago37:11

37:11

The cyber-attack which potentially exposed names and bank details of more than 270-thousand people is certainly embarrassing, but what might a “malign actor” do with that information? The founding Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Centre, Ciaran Martin, tells Sitrep the hackers haven’t got any “crown jewels”, but that statements of “no…

1
Update! 6:13

3M ago6:13

6:13

Hey there, Dispatchers! We're legitimately sorry we've been a bit spotty with uploads. If you listen to this we hope you'll understand a bit more and hold on tight ( just to keep from getting thrown to the wolves).By Dispatch Ajax!

1
Naval hide & seek in Norway’s fjords 37:35

2M ago37:35

37:35

Sitrep goes on board a Royal Navy P2000 patrol boat, on exercise Tamber Shield, off the coast of Norway. David Sivills-McCann gives us an insight into the action, and Professor Michael Clarke explains why these boats, some of the smallest Royal Navy vessels, are key to defending the UK. A prototype of the RAF’s next generation fighter jet, Tempest,…

1
EXTRA – Tempest, turning sci-fi concepts into flying reality 19:22

2M ago19:22

19:22

Tempest will be the RAF’s next generation fighter jet, and the heart of the new Future Combat Air System. After a decade of conceptual development work is now underway to turn it into reality, with a first prototype due to fly in around 3 years. Will it really be equipped with laser weapons or brain scanners in the pilot’s helmet? That’s still secr…

1
Reign of Fire 2: Jump into the Fire 44:21

3M ago44:21

44:21

Gerard Butler's accent isn't the only thing that's fire-hot in this episode; our latest podcast episode delves deep into the heart of this dragon epic, exploring the risks and creative choices that defined its production. The journey begins with a discussion on the medieval-meets-military elements that gave "Reign of Fire" its unique flavor. Produc…

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

3M 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 £75bn figure given by the Prime Minister …

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

3M 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

3M 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
Can ‘broken’ defence procurement be fixed? 38:49

3M 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

3M 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
Russia’s new push in Ukraine 40:57

3M 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

3M 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
The Eastside Theatre Guild - Reign of Fire 1:17:26

4M ago1:17:26

1:17:26

In this installment of our Sub-show The Eastside Theatre Guild, we unravel the tapestry of the cult classic "Reign of Fire." We dissect Matthew McConaughey's oft-overlooked role, peeling back layers to reveal a character as complex as the dragon-riddled world he navigates. As the dragon's fiery reign draws to a close and survivors face the daunting…

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

4M 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
Inside the Navy’s ‘999 centre’ for the Red Sea 35:18

4M 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
Black Phil and the Throat Goats (improved audio) 1:00:22

4M ago1:00:22

1:00:22

Our exploration begins with a discussion on naming goats, "Custer's Revenge," "Beat 'Em & Eat 'Em" and "Bachelor Party", the broader impact of adult video games on the industry, the paradox of representation, acknowledging the sexualized context in which female characters were often portrayed, and consider how technological advancements have perpet…

1
Wargaming to win 35:48

4M 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
Memory Gamma: Phasers and Disruptors 15:41

4M ago15:41

15:41

Embark on an odyssey through the intricate evolution of Starfleet's armaments, where a simple trigger pull has implications that echo across the cosmos. Prepare to be spellbound as we dissect Starfleet's iconic phasers and disruptors, revealing the scientific marvels and the cultural philosophies entwined in their designs. From their inception as c…

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

5M 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

5M 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
Flash Gordon Redux! 1:23:05

5M ago1:23:05

1:23:05

Nearly 3 years ago we began the project of restarting our podcast after a 12-year hiatus. We were a bit rusty at first, we had some crappy audio and it took a while to get back into our groove. But, to commemorate the event we thought we'd present all you loyal Dispatchers with our first episode... with slightly improved audio! You're welcome. Emba…

1
Wargames under the waves 38:20

5M 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
Getting UK arms to Ukraine 36:57

5M 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

5M 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
Give it a Grandpa 47:41

5M ago47:41

47:41

Continuing our Video Game series, we'll unpack the tumultuous tale of Atari, through the eyes of Howard Scott Warshaw, whose boundless ambition led to the mythic E.T. video game fiasco. But before you think it's all doom and gloom, we'll lighten the mood with a whimsical wander into the off-kilter art of taxidermy. It's a wild ride that promises bo…

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

5M 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
Inside the secret world of Defence Intelligence 31:20

5M 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
Pondering Polybius 40:38

6M ago40:38

40:38

One of the great Video Game Urban Legends, Polybius, is the tale of a mysterious arcade cabinet from the 1990's that supposedly caused illness, violence and even madness. The crazy thing is...a lot of it is true. Join us as we debunk or...uhhh...bunk this insane American Legend.By Dispatch Ajax!

1
Strange Crossovers: RoboCop/Terminator 34:21

6M ago34:21

34:21

Arguably the coolest and one of the most iconic crossover events is RoboCop vs Terminator! It was a relatively obscure series by Dark Horse Comics but managed to spawn multiple incarnations, toys, video games, and now a podcast episode for you to enjoy.By Dispatch Ajax!

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

6M 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
What is Strategic Command? 26:54

6M 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

6M 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 …

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