Best Bill Kourelakos Podcasts (2024)

1
Workhorse - E34 - Special Ops Development with Greg Evans and John Samulski 1:37:30

2h ago1:37:30

1:37:30

This episode dives into the details of how the Special Operations role evolved within 36SQN during the 1980s and 90s. Greg Evans and John Samulski provide great insight into the reasons for developing the SPECOPS role and how it evolved over time in the Royal Australian Air Force. The discussion roams across the tactics techniques and procedures (T…

1
Spartan Spirit Leadership - E31 - Tony Blair - Universal Internet Access 46:31

4d ago46:31

46:31

If you live in a Western nation, odds are that you use the internet for banking, communication, entertainment, and as your primary source of information. It's hard to imagine a life without the internet anymore, yet, one third of the global population doesn't have access to usable internet. The reasons are many: Poor infrastructure, cost, quality o…

1
Workhorse - E33 - OPs Sailcloth - Morris Dance - Immune with Peter Wood 58:02

16d ago58:02

58:02

Operations in the Southwest Pacific during the late 1980s and early-mid 90s are discussed with C-130 pilot Peter 'Wedge' Wood, along with his experiences in Papua New Guinea and as Officer Commanding 84 Wing. Additionally, Wedge's experiences of Operation Immune are discussed at length. Operations covered include: Delivery of riot gear to Port Vila…

1
Spartan Spirit Leadership - E30 - Jon Ashworth - Royal and Presidential Commissions 26:13

27d ago26:13

26:13

Ever wondered whether the exorbitant cost of Royal Commissions (UK, Canada, Australia) and Presidential Commissions is worth it? This episode explores the history of these commissions, which countries still run them, their effectiveness, and some leadership views about them.By Bill Kourelakos

1
Workhorse - E32 - Maintenance 1975-1997 with David Richardson 1:02:55

28d ago1:02:55

1:02:55

Dave 'Richo' Richardson discusses a broad range of maintenance topics spanning the 1975-1997 era, including: Corrosion and Fatigue Boron fibre repairs C-130E wing repairs C-130E outer wing swap C-130H wing design Paint schemes Electronic warfare modifications Maintenance reorganisation Engine sulphidation Operating cost reductions (removing wing ta…

1
Workhorse - E31 - Strategic Circumstances from mid 70s - mid 90s 14:54

1M ago14:54

14:54

This episode explores the 'Defence of Australia' years and how this strategy impacted C-130 operations. The impact of the Dibb Review is also discussed.By Bill 'K9' Kourelakos

1
Workhorse - E30 - Unique Loads of the 70s 16:54

2M ago16:54

16:54

This short episode covers a few unique loads carried by Royal Australian Air Force C-130s in the 1970s and early 1980s. Included are: A bull taken to China The entombed warriors (China again) Stock to Tonga A 3-day trip for a croc A giant pig Darwin Beer Can Regatta and, F-111 maintenance into Johnston Atoll…

1
Workhorse - E29 - Airlift Competitions with Gary Robinson 36:27

3M ago36:27

36:27

This episode covers off on three airlift competitions that RAAF C-130s won on several occasions: Volant Rodeo, Bullseye, and Air Tattoo. The details are discussed with retired WOFF Gary 'Robbo' Robinson, an ex 36SQN Loadmaster. Of note, Robbo was a crewmember on the only RAAF contingent to ever win 'Best Wing '- the top prize at Rodeo. Robbo also d…

1
Workhorse - E28 - Tactics and NVGs - with John Samulski 42:03

3M ago42:03

42:03

During the 1975-1986 era, the Australian Army reinvigorated Airborne Operations. With the drive to enhance airborne operations capabilities came the notion of operating C-130s into contested environments, and that meant improving RAAF C-130 tactics. Modern tactics development led 36SQN to consider electronic warfare, operating as low as they could,…

1
Workhorse - E27 - Airborne Ops Development - 1975-1986 28:01

4M ago28:01

28:01

The advent of the 1976 White Paper came with a reduction in the ADF's combat operations, and an emphasis on preparedness for the defence of Australia. As a result, the ADF put a great deal of energy into exercising and developing combat skills and proficiency. This effort led to the re-establishment of a permanent Regular Army airborne operations c…

1
Spartan Spirit Leadership - E29 - Chris Wray - Cyberwarfare 25:04

4M ago25:04

25:04

This episode looks at the war raging all around you in cyberspace. Cyberwarfare is everywhere. Are you prepared for a 'Cyber Pearl Harbor'? This episode covers the what cyberspace is; who is active in cyber attacks; and features comments from NATO, Andrew Hastie (Australian MP) and the Director of the FBI, Christopher Wray. Chris Wray's words about…

1
Spartan Spirit Leadership - E28 - Julianne Smith - Defense Spending 22:49

4M ago22:49

22:49

Donald Trump said "“No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them (Russia) to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay.” This was said in reference to defense spending, with particular reference to NATO nations that are not achieving the bench mark of 2% Gross Domestic Product on defense. NATO's existence depends on mutual self-…

1
Workhorse - E26 - Unique Missions - 1975-86 18:55

4M ago18:55

18:55

This episode covers unique operations of the 1975-1986 era. These missions are all reflective of the flexibility inherent in the C-130 and Australia’s growing dependence on the Hercules to deliver a variety of effects. The missions covered include: Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) of Tehran UN supply missions to the Middle East 1981 Qantas …

1
Spartan Spirit Leadership - E27 - Nikki Haley - Foreign Aid 34:20

4M ago34:20

34:20

Although Nikki Haley dropped out of the race for the Republican nomination only days before this episode was published, her stance on US Foreign Aid was informative; particularly given the debate raging in the US over immigration and foreign aid. This episode explores the issue of foreign aid provided by Western nations, including: What is foreign …

1
Workhorse - E25 - SAR 1975-1986 13:28

4M ago13:28

13:28

This episode looks at a handful of Search and Rescue missions in the 1975-1986 era, including the Nocturne (which also featured Sir Angus Houston), Charleston, and Matina. The episode also discusses the development of the helibox and the air-sea rescue kit (ASRK).By Bill 'K9' Kourelakos

1
Spartan Spirit Leadership - E26 - Joe Biden - Legalizing Marijuana 23:03

5M ago23:03

23:03

Significant portions of Western society's citizens support legalization of marijuana. Some countries (e.g., Canada) have legalized widespread marijuana use. Many others have not. This episode details the facts around marijuana use, including societal views and medical research about the effects of marijuana use. Interestingly, very few Western lead…

1
Workhorse - E24 - HADR 1975-1986 15:26

5M ago15:26

15:26

From the mid 1970s, Australia's defence strategy shifted to 'Defence of Australia'. This resulted in more domestically-focused tasking and support to the near region for disaster relief and SARs. This episode covers some of the Humanitarian Assistance / Disaster Relief operations of that era, including the Moree Floods, Operation Ricebowl, and seve…

1
Workhorse - E23 - Antarctica 18:40

5M ago18:40

18:40

This episode details the history of Royal Australian Air Force operations in Antarctica with a focus on RAAF C-130 involvement, including airdrops at Macquarie Island.By Bill 'K9' Kourelakos

1
Spartan Spirit Leadership - E25 - David Cameron - Ukraine-Russia War 20:16

5M ago20:16

20:16

In late 2023 and early 2024, the Ukrainian-Russian war settled into a stalemate, leading some to ponder whether Ukraine should seek a peace settlement with Russia. Alongside those musings, the US was unable to pass much-needed funding for Ukraine's war effort. Put another way, it appears that some elements of Western Society are already waning in t…

1
Spartan Spirit Leadership - E24a - Lloyd Austin - Rules Based Order 20:01

6M ago20:01

20:01

This episode describes the Global Rules Based Order, its history, and how it is functioning in modern society. Lloyd Austin is the US Secretary of Defense, and he gave a speech at the Reagan National Defense Forum in December 2023 in which he argued in favor of the Rules Based Order and the US's role in defending that order. Also covered are views …

1
Spartan Spirit Leadership - Introduction to Season 2 6:42

6M ago6:42

6:42

Spartan Spirit Leadership presents you with a view of your leaders and potential leaders, and the bureaucrats and party leaders that support them, from the perspective of which of them is best for Western society as a whole, or put another way, those which have the Spartan Spirit. The balance between individual rights, democracy and national power …

1
Workhorse - E22 - Aerial Firefighting 16:56

6M ago16:56

16:56

In the early 1980s, 36SQN supported the Forest Commission Victoria by installing and operating a Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS). This episode details the circumstances leading to this decision, the operations that ensued, and the reasoning behind the cessation of the aerial fire fighting role.…

1
Best for the West - E23 - Refugees 31:24

6M ago31:24

31:24

This Episode of 'Spartan Spirit - Best for the West' details the growing refugee crisis. It covers: The history of refugee movements Global perspectives on refugees Germany's intake of refugees in 2015 Where refugees are from, where they are now, and where they want to go. UN initiatives and the impact on Western societies. This is the last of the …

1
Workhorse - E21 - C-130H Acquisition and C-130A Disposal 19:57

6M ago19:57

19:57

This Episode covers: The strategic circumstances that led to the RAAF's acquisition of the C-130H Technical upgrades that came with the C-130H Acquisition and the early training for the C-130H capability The C-130A disposal saga.By Bill 'K9' Kourelakos

1
Workhorse - E20 - Maintenance, Boron Fibres, Bogging in 1965-75 19:07

7M ago19:07

19:07

This episode covers a range of maintenance related tasks in the 1965-1975 era, including: Cargo Door bolt failures Boron Fibres Wing corrosion and cracking Bogging Rudder Kick-back This is the last episode for 2023. Workhorse will return mid-Jan 2024 on a bi-By Bill 'K9' Kourelakos

1
Best for the West - E22 - Palestine 30:20

7M ago30:20

30:20

This episode looks at the history of Palestine and Israel and discusses the underpinning issues around Palestinian refugees, Palestinian statehood, Israeli statehood, and potential solutions to resolving the future of Palestinians.By Bill Kourelakos

1
Workhorse - E19 - 1973 MAYDAY and SAR with Stu Bryce 38:27

7M ago38:27

38:27

This episode features Stu Bryce who was captain of A97-160 when it had a catastrophic engine failure half-way between Hawaii and Pago Pago in 1973. Search and Rescue (SAR) doctrine is also covered, along with an explanation of why RAAF C-130s were given the SAR role in 1967.By Bill 'K9' Kourelakos

1
Best for the West - E21 - War Crimes 43:35

8M ago43:35

43:35

This episode explores the history of war crimes with a focus on how Western nations (Canada, US, UK and Australia) have managed war crimes.By Bill Kourelakos

1
Workhorse - RAAF C-130s - E18 - Floods, Hay Bales, and Tracy - with Tony Ryan 55:36

8M ago55:36

55:36

Retired Warrant Officer and Flight Engineer Tony Ryan features in this episode which focuses on domestic Australian Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the early 1970s. The large-scale floods of early 1971 and 1974 rivalled the floods of 2022. The ADF response was wide-ranging, including major commitments by RAAF C-130s and…

1
Best for the West - E20 - Stress 22:12

8M ago22:12

22:12

This episode explores the prevalence of stress in modern society. Note: This is an opinion piece and does not provide any medical advice, nor should it be construed as medical advice.By Bill Kourelakos

1
Workhorse - RAAF C-130s - E17 - HADR and ABNOPS in the 1965-75 Era 19:00

8M ago19:00

19:00

This episode covers Airborne Operations training and development in the 1965-75 era. Of note, the Australian Army's return to mass airdrop was initiated by 6RAR and supported by 36SQN in this era. Also covered is the role of Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief, along with a look at some of the HADR Operations of that era in places like Indonesi…

1
Best for the West - E19 - National Service 26:34

8M ago26:34

26:34

This episode explores the pros and cons of compulsory military service and national service in Western Society.By Bill Kourelakos

1
Workhorse - RAAF C-130s - E16 - Early 1970s SE Asian Ops - Ian Frame 35:37

8M ago35:37

35:37

This Episode features guest Ian Frame. He covers RAAF C-130 operations in South East Asia from 1971 - 1975 (mostly Apr 1975). The operations discussed include: Weapons delivery to Cambodia in 1971 Non-combatant Evacuation Operations at Phan Rang Operation Babylift HADR flights to An Thoi Evacuation of the Australian Embassy in Saigon HADR flights t…

1
Best for the West - E18 - NATO 38:12

8M ago38:12

38:12

This episode reviews the United Nations and North Atlantic Treaty Organization responses (lack thereof) to the Ukraine-Russia war and the Israeli-Hamas conflict; particularly through the lens of what NATO could do to support the West's perspective in these conflicts.By Bill Kourelakos

1
Workhorse - RAAF C-130s - E15 - Vietnam Ops 1965-1972 14:30

8M ago14:30

14:30

This episode is a general overview of Royal Australian Air Force C-130 operations in South East Asia during the 1965-1972 era.By Bill 'K9' Kourelakos

1
Best for the West - E17 - Gender and Drugs in Sport 38:50

8M ago38:50

38:50

The elite sporting world divides competitors into two groups: Women and Men. Given the debate about how to classify intersex and transgender people, this episode considers: The history of classification in sports Why men generally outperform women in sports (testosterone) The options for gender classification How drug use might be rolled into this …

1
Workhorse - RAAF C-130s - E14 - AMEs in the 1965-75 Era 20:07

9M ago20:07

20:07

This episode discusses the C-130's suitability for Aeromedical Evacuations (AME) and how the RAAF's Hercules aircraft were employed in the AME role. In particular, Vietnam-related AMEs are discussed, including the transition from C-130As to C-130Es in the AME role.By Bill 'K9' Kourelakos

1
Best for the West - E16 - Strategic Competition in Antarctica 25:12

9M ago25:12

25:12

The Antarctic Treaty System came into effect in 1961 and was signed by 12 countries, with 7 of them making claims on Antarctic territory. There are now over 50 countries signed up to the Antarctic Treaty System, but the treaty is set to expire in 2049. China, Russia, the USA, along with other middle-minor powers, are preparing to negotiate a new tr…

1
Workhorse - RAAF C-130s - E13 - Why Vietnam? and Acquiring C-130Es 16:19

9M ago16:19

16:19

This episode looks at the situation in the mid-1960s by examining the circumstances that took Australia to Vietnam and the decision to acquire the C-130E.By Bill 'K9' Kourelakos

1
Best for the West - E15 - Relations with China 46:59

9M ago46:59

46:59

The West has a conundrum on its hands when it comes to dealing with China. What is best for the West in relation to China ranges somewhere on the sliding scale of being hard-nosed and de-risking our economies and security concerns by disengaging from China and confronting their expansion, to the other end of the spectrum where we hope that we never…

1
Workhorse - RAAF C-130s - E12 - Dave Hitchins and Bob Heffernan - with Shorty 59:31

9M ago59:31

59:31

This episode features Bob 'Shorty' Heffernan talking about two C-130A Legends: Dave Hitchins, Commanding Officer 36SQN for four years, and - 'Shorty' himself! Shorty was a loadmaster and was key to the development of several airdrop innovations on C-130As. The discussion covers hay drops, Vietnam, AMEs, repatriation tasks, and airdrop.…

1
Best for the West - E14 - Individualism in the Military 28:21

9M ago28:21

28:21

This episode considers the trend towards individualism in modern western militaries and the impact that is having on capability. Many militaries around the world are relaxing their military dress codes, adopting more freedoms for their uniformed members, and allowing for a more individual-centric mind-set in how the military is run. Topics covered:…

1
Workhorse - RAAF C-130s - E11 - Early 1960s Maintenance, with Dave Richardson 43:42

9M ago43:42

43:42

Retired Group Captain Dave Richardson discusses maintenance in the early 1960s, along with a few stories from his time as a C-130 Engineering Officer and Officer Commanding Air Lift Systems Program Office. Topics include: C-130A serviceability Fuel tank corrosion Modifications Rate of Effort T-56 engines 486 Squadron 2 Aircraft Depot…

1
Workhorse - RAAF C-130s - E10 - Air Movements and the BP System 17:41

9M ago17:41

17:41

This episode looks at the ground trades that loaded C-130s and some of the early equipment used to load C-130s. Covered in this episode: Air Movements Air Dispatchers The Brooks Perkins system The 463L pallet The Truck Aircraft Loading Unloading vehicle (TALU) Energy Dissipating Material (EDM)By Bill 'K9' Kourelakos

1
Best for the West - E13 - Ethics in War - Israel in Gaza 44:30

9M ago44:30

44:30

The special issue and early release (replacing the planned episode on Individualism in the Military) of this episode comes in the immediate aftermath of the Hamas attack on Israel of 7 Oct 2023, and Israel's consequent response. Ethics in the conduct of war are central to this conflict. The episode details the Law of Armed Conflict and asks you to …

1
Best for the West - E12 - Political Correctness - Part 2 - Woke 38:20

10M ago38:20

38:20

This is the second of a two-part series on political correctness. The first was about language use and this one covers the Woke movement and cancel culture. If you haven’t listened to part 1, please do that first because it covers the history of the term political correctness, which is somewhat tied to Woke. This episode on the Woke movement covers…

1
Workhorse - RAAF C-130s - E9 - Airborne Ops in the 1960s, with John Samulski 49:57

10M ago49:57

49:57

John 'Sam' Samulski joins us today to discuss the history of airborne operations and the early days of airborne operations training in the Australian Defence Force. Included is an in-depth discussion of the various types of equipment airdrop and a look at the first drops conducted by C-130s in Australia.…

1
Best for the West - E11 - Political Correctness - Part 1 - Language 33:01

10M ago33:01

33:01

This episode is Part 1 of a 2-part series on political correctness (PC). This first episode covers: The history of the term 'political correctness' The modern definition of 'political correctness' Using the 'R-word' as an example, the episode traces how words can change meaning. How pc language is affecting modern western societies in terms of free…

1
Workhorse - RAAF C-130s - E8 - Pilot Training - with Greg Evans 55:25

10M ago55:25

55:25

This episode features retired Air Vice Marshal Greg Evans - a pilot who flew C-130s, commanded 37 Squadron and Air Lift Group. He discusses pilot training at length, including: The RAAF Categorization scheme, A comparison of RAAF training techniques with USAF training (he was on exchange with the USAF), Simulators; and Training in the C-130A during…

1
Best for the West - E10 - Indigenous Societies and 'The Voice' 55:06

10M ago55:06

55:06

Canada, the US and Australia, have remarkably similar histories regarding their indigenous populations, yet each of them manages their indigenous populations differently. Australia is holding a referendum on 14 October 2023 about amending their constitution to introduce “a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice” . Or, “T…

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