The Unconventional Soldier

theunconventionalsoldier
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"Letting the Guest Tell the Story" The Unconventional Soldier Podcast explores conflicts from the Second World War, the Cold War, Northern Ireland and the Global War on Terror. Hosted by veterans, it blends personal experience, regimental history, and in-depth analysis of battles, leadership, and military transformation. Episodes feature former soldiers, historians, and defence experts discussing life on operations, lessons learned, and the enduring legacy of British and other Army campaigns. Follow for authentic voices, forgotten conflicts, and sharp insights from those who served. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Beyond PTSD: The Hidden Psychology Of Why Veterans Struggle

    2 days ago

    Beyond PTSD: The Hidden Psychology Of Why Veterans Struggle

    CONTENT The guest today is Matthew Addison-Black, a former officer in the Royal Gurkha Rifles, discussing his military career and current psychological research. He explains the history and rigorous selection process of the Gurkhas, highlighting the immense socioeconomic transformation these soldiers experience. The conversation explores military mental health, specifically distinguishing between the fear-based symptoms of PTSD and the value-based wounds of moral injury. Matthew introduces the concept of identity fusion, where a soldier’s sense of self becomes inseparable from their unit, making the transition to civilian life exceptionally difficult. He advocates for deeper self-reflection and specialized support to help veterans navigate the loss of purpose and identity following their service. Matthew's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "The Far Pavilions" by MM Kaye. My choice is "On The Psychology Of Military Incompetence" by Norman Dixon. His company web site is here About Matthew Addison-Black | Veritas High Performance WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.

    1hr 20min
  2. Holland's Hidden Heroes: Dutch Resistance & Allied Airman In The Polders

    15 Jun

    Holland's Hidden Heroes: Dutch Resistance & Allied Airman In The Polders

    CONTENT The 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 | Facebook Listen to Holland's Hidden Heroes on Spotify Holland's Hidden Heroes Podcast | Podcast on Spotify Find Polder Pathways here www.polderpathways.com – 'cause stories matter Connect on LinkedIn here Polder Pathways | LinkedIn WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.

    54 min
  3. Commanding The SAS During The Malayan Emergency

    3 Jun

    Commanding The SAS During The Malayan Emergency

    CONTENT The guest today is Rupert Hague-Holmes and we discuss the life of Lieutenant General Sir George Lea, a pivotal figure in British military history who played a central role in the survival of the SAS. The conversation explores Lea’s transition from a non-academic, athletic youth into a distinguished leader who commanded parachute battalions during the Second World War and spearheaded counterinsurgency efforts in Malaya and Borneo. Rupert highlights Lea's unique leadership style, characterised by a refusal to tolerate low standards and a willingness to share the same risks as his men, including combat tree-jumping in the jungle. Rupert argues that Lea was essential in professionalising the Special Air Service, implementing rigorous selection processes and operational infrastructures that remain in use today. Despite his significant influence and diplomatic success in handling sensitive global conflicts, Lea is portrayed as a modest man whose legacy was largely shaped by his integrity and quiet dedication to service. Rupert's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "Arnhem 1944 The Airborne Battle" by Martin Middlebrook. My choice is Rupert's book on Lea "The Soldiers' General". WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.

    1hr 22min
  4. Digital Fires Revolution: How Software Is Speeding Up The Battlespace

    13 May

    Digital Fires Revolution: How Software Is Speeding Up The Battlespace

    CONTENT My guests today are Neale Smiles and Ian Garnett. Regular listener will know Neale from previous podcasts where we have discussed defence and technology issues.  Ian, is a former New Zealand Army officer who transitioned from a career in the army to become a successful defence technology entrepreneur. He discusses his extensive military background, including specialised training in digital fire control systems and his experience with large-scale live-firing exercises. After leaving the forces, he developed a sophisticated, software-based system that modernises the sensor-to-shooter link, allowing for rapid, silent and fully digital communication between observers and weapon platforms. The discussion highlights the challenges small firms face in the defence industry, the importance of interoperability within NATO, and how software-driven innovation is currently reshaping modern warfare. Growing success has seen his technology integrated into several international militaries, proving that agile start-ups can outperform established defence giants. Ian's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "Rommel, Gunner Who?" by Spike Milligan. WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.

    59 min
  5. A Bloody Siege: Musa Qal'eh - Afghanistan 2006

    27 Apr

    A Bloody Siege: Musa Qal'eh - Afghanistan 2006

    CONTENT My guest is retired Lt Col Derek Plews, a man whose career has spanned journalism, the MOD press office, and 37 years of military service as a reservist including operations in Afghanistan  Now, he has turned his focus to a critical chapter of the war in that theatre: the siege of Musa Qal'ah in 2006. In his book, "Shamrock Among the Poppies - Musa Qal'ah 2006 a bloody siege and the failures behind it" Derek gives a voice to the 87 soldiers—predominantly from the Royal Irish Regiment—who found themselves surrounded, outnumbered, and fighting for survival in a crumbling mud-brick compound. In this episode, we discuss the controversial platoon house strategy, the political optics that often overrode military logic, and the harrowing reality of a garrison facing multiple Taliban assaults a day over 5 weeks. We also examine the messy negotiated withdrawal and the profound mental toll this high-intensity warfare took on the soldiers who returned.  Derek's book choices on Desert Islands Dits are "Sand and steel - A new history of D-Day" by Peter Caddick Adams and "First day of the Somme" by Martin Middlebrook. My choice is Derek's Book "Shamrock Among the Poppies". WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.

    1hr 22min
  6. The Homeless Veteran Problem

    29 Mar

    The Homeless Veteran Problem

    CONTENT This pod was originally recorded in the discussion I had with Brad Knight on episode 111 when we discussed his involvement in Royal Engineer Search Teams operations in Afghanistan. I decided to cut it as a separate episode as a subject in its own right. On this one we discuss the systemic failures contributing to veteran homelessness in the United Kingdom despite the existence of the Armed Forces Covenant. Brad shares his personal struggle with housing instability following a divorce, highlighting how local councils and certain military charities failed to provide affordable or timely support. He critiques the government for outsourcing its responsibilities to charitable organizations that sometimes profit from veterans' misfortunes rather than offering genuine aid. We also discuss the lack of centralized support for mental health and the potential need for a representative union to advocate for fair treatment and pay. The discussion aims to raise awareness and challenge the disjointed systems that leave former service members vulnerable.  WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.

    26 min
  7. Into The Minefields: Navy Clearance Divers - Operation GRANBY

    12 Mar

    Into The Minefields: Navy Clearance Divers - Operation GRANBY

    CONTENT The guest today is Royal Navy diver Stu.  We discuss his early career in the navy before he volunteered to be a clearance diver and he describes the rigorous selection and training required for the role.  We then move on to operations in the first Gulf war (Operation GRANBY) where his experiences included clearing Iraqi mines and conducting harbour searches under environmentally hazardous conditions. He describes the psychological demands of underwater operations, the improvisation required in combat zones, and the physical toll of the profession. The episode highlights the camaraderie and dark humour shared between international diving units during the war, the calculated risks of the job and the long-term health concerns faced by veterans. Be aware the discussion talks about death in a war environment. Stu's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "The Collected Works of HP Lovecraft" by HP Lovecraft. WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.

    1hr 20min
  8. Royal Engineers: Defeating The Taliban Bomb Makers

    26 Feb

    Royal Engineers: Defeating The Taliban Bomb Makers

    CONTENT The guest today is former Royal Engineer Brad Knight.  On this episode we discuss his service with the Royal Engineers and his specialised role in counter IED search teams during the war in Afghanistan.  Joining the army at 16 years old, he eventually transitioned from a driver to a lead searcher tasked with detecting IEDs. The conversation highlights the high-stakes nature and extreme psychological pressure of the role.  Brad describes the intense cooperation between searchers and EOD teams noting how the tactics were rooted in British military experiences from Northern Ireland. He shares stories of active combat and narrow escapes, illustrating the sobering reality that a single lapse in concentration could result in death or permanent injury. Finally we discuss the complex legacy of a conflict that remains a defining chapter for the soldiers that served there.  Brad's book choice on Desert Island Dits is "Chaos the truth behind the Manson Murders" by Tom O'Neill and Dan Piepenbring. My choice is Brad's Book "Brimstone - A searchers war hunting the Taliban's silent killers.". WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.

    1hr 34min
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About

"Letting the Guest Tell the Story" The Unconventional Soldier Podcast explores conflicts from the Second World War, the Cold War, Northern Ireland and the Global War on Terror. Hosted by veterans, it blends personal experience, regimental history, and in-depth analysis of battles, leadership, and military transformation. Episodes feature former soldiers, historians, and defence experts discussing life on operations, lessons learned, and the enduring legacy of British and other Army campaigns. Follow for authentic voices, forgotten conflicts, and sharp insights from those who served. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    theunconventionalsoldier
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    121
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Unconventional Soldier

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