H-Hour

Hugh Keir

A former sniper interviewing fascinating human beings.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    “What makes [the movie] Warfare so brilliant, is that its not shiny… it’s f**king grim” – Actor Alex Brockdorff

    Join the H-Hour Patron Community at patreon.com/hkpodcasts ***** In this H-Hour episode, I chat with actor and ex-Queen’s Royal Hussars Officer Alex Brockdorff about breaking into film/TV via commercial crew work—starting as a runner and becoming a location manager to “keep a roof over my head” while pursuing acting—and why set life suits ex-military planning, teamwork, and initiative. Brockdorff praises the technical craft of production, contrasts commercials with long-form drama, and describes his unconventional audition for Warfare, the film’s memory-based scripting, long takes, tight hours, and why it felt special, calling it “fucking grim” with “no sweeping strings” or “American Eagle” heroics. He recounts leaving the Army, bottoming out in 2015, seeking help through Combat Stress and HorseBack UK, and urges veterans to ask for help. ---- Alex Brockdorff Is an actor and former soldier. He joined the Army in 2008 with deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan - in 2014 he left the military to pursue a career in film. He as appeared in a slate of films, network and streaming television dramas, and most recently he played Mikey in the critically acclaimed WARFARE (A24). https://www.alexbrockdorff.com/

    1h 53m

  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    New officers should “keep your mouth shut and listen.” Alex Brockdorff’s H-Hour Icebreaker

    Join the H-Hour Patron Community at patreon.com/hkpodcasts ***** Live-streamed to H-Hour patrons, this Icebreaker introduces returning guest Alex Brockdorff and runs through patron questions about his Army career and acting work. Alex explains that Sandhurst is designed as a training course—selection should mean candidates can pass—though passing out isn’t proof of “excellence,” and new officers should “keep your mouth shut and listen.” He recalls finishing Sandhurst in 2008 and being sent rapidly to Iraq with QRH in Basra, initially stuck on watchkeeper duties until he pushed to go into the city, and later doing a full Afghanistan tour on Herrick 15. Now freelancing in film, he says insecurity drives stress but he’s learned to “roll with the punches.” He describes pivoting into acting after watching Rafe Spall direct non-professional actors, and praises Warfare’s immersion—real radios and live comms—saying, “Shit’s going fully fucking sideways,” and arguing it should be heard loud in Dolby Atmos. Alex Brockdorff Is an actor and former soldier. He joined the Army in 2008 with deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan - in 2014 he left the military to pursue a career in film. He as appeared in a slate of films, network and streaming television dramas, and most recently he played Mikey in the critically acclaimed WARFARE (A24). https://www.alexbrockdorff.com/

    22 min

  3. 22 FEB

    Rogue Heroes Military Adviser – “This is what warfare is like. This is what men are forced to do.”

    Join the H-Hour Patron Community at patreon.com/hkpodcasts ***** For H-Hour #279 I welcome back “Bags,” a former Royal Tank Regiment officer and military advisor for film, TV, and theatre, where we discuss reviving TV/film episodes—starting with a tank-film theme—and how cavalry and tank regiments evolved from WWI to today. Bags discusses his ongoing advisory role on Rogue Heroes (including season three’s production challenges, schedule compression, and historical-accuracy debates), the mixed military reaction to season one, and his views on the portrayal of Paddy Mayne while balancing authenticity against storytelling, budget, and time. The conversation ranges through theater work at the Globe, the appeal of live performance and improvisation, ticket pricing and ways to find cheaper seats, and how streaming has reshaped pay—especially the loss of residuals and disputes like Scarlett Johansson’s—alongside Netflix’s “second screening” influence and attention spans. We trade film recommendations and reflections and then address patron questions about how much productions act on military advice and whether media shapes public perceptions of war. The episode ends with a discussion of UK defence readiness, reliance on allies, and Bags’ new role at a British engineering firm building UGVs (uncrewed ground vehicles), plus thoughts on future instability, potential reserve service, and legacy prosecutions related to Northern Ireland.

    2h 9m

  4. 22 FEB

    “The whole Afghanistan campaign for it to have worked would’ve taken 40, 50, 60 years.” – Bags Simmons H-Hour Icebreaker

    Join the H-Hour Patron Community at patreon.com/hkpodcasts ***** In this H-Hour Icebreaker, I welcome back Bags Simmons after roughly 18 months since his last appearance on the show. Answering questions submitted by H-Hour Patrons, Bags explains that the British didn’t deploy tanks to Afghanistan, but used heavily protected armoured vehicles like Mastiff/Cougar variants, describing restricted visibility, the need to get out and speak with locals, and the major IED risk posed by predictable routes—especially canals—plus his fear of drowning if a vehicle rolled due to welded front doors and heavy rear exits. He argues the Afghanistan campaign’s aims shifted from al-Qaeda to the Taliban, lacked coherent long-term strategy, and misunderstood Afghanistan’s tribal “donut” dynamic and the Durand Line, concluding there wasn’t a clear “win” and the withdrawal was rushed on a US timeline, leaving allies behind despite strong on-the-ground performance. He also discusses pledging allegiance to the Crown and his views on the Royal Family, praising the Queen’s 70-year reign and saying Charles has transitioned well while criticizing controversies around Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, before previewing the full podcast.

    11 min

  5. 15 FEB

    “I thought that Covid would be the wildest time. Things have just been getting wilder” Freddie Kemp

    Join the H-Hour Patron Community at patreon.com/hkpodcasts ***** Freddie Kemp returns to the H-Hour studio after three years to dive into his latest endeavors in the film industry. Kemp talks about his advisory role in the upcoming film 'Fuze,' the increasing dominance of streaming platforms in content creation, and the resilience required in acting careers. He recounts gripping untold military stories and reflects on notable war films and the evolving nature of storytelling. The discussion also touches upon the psychological impacts of military life and the intricate challenges faced by submariners. Freddie Kemp is the CEO and founder of MFS Casting Ltd, a UK-based company specializing in providing military, police, and emergency services personnel for film and television productions. https://www.mfscasting.co.uk/

    1h 49m

  6. 15 FEB

    “If you want to be good, you have to be f****** self-disciplined.” Military Adviser Freddie Kemp

    Join the H-Hour Patron Community at patreon.com/hkpodcasts ***** In this H-Hour Icebreaker episode, Freddie Kemp answers questions from H-Hour patrons. Topics explored include the perceived respect for reservists in the military, the discipline and commitment required of reservists, and the effectiveness of German military strategies in World War II. Freddy shares his experiences of serving in the reserves for over two decades and the positive feedback from regular soldiers working with his unit. They also delve into the open-mindedness and collaboration required when veterans transition to civilian roles, emphasizing that no single military background guarantees ease of working in civilian fields. Freddie Kemp is the CEO and founder of MFS Casting Ltd, a UK-based company specializing in providing military, police, and emergency services personnel for film and television productions. https://www.mfscasting.co.uk/

    17 min

  7. 8 FEB

    “Right and wrong isn’t set in stone” – hero Royal Marine Lee “Frank” Spencer

    Join the H-Hour Patron Community at patreon.com/hkpodcasts ***** H-Hour #277 Lee "Frank" Spencer. In this podcast, Lee 'Frank' Spencer, a former human intelligence operator with extensive experience in Afghanistan, shares his nuanced perspective on the conflict. The discussion covers the operational dynamics from 2006 to 2012, differences in military tactics between US and British forces, and the complex tribal politics that complicated the region's stability. Frank delves into his unique role in intelligence gathering, his challenging experiences with the Defence Humint Unit, and interactions with local agents. The conversation also touches upon the moral complexities of the Taliban, courageous restraint, and reflections on the broader implications of foreign interventions in Afghanistan. Frank's insights are further complemented by anecdotes from his service and his recently published book, 'The Rowing Marine.' https://leespencer.co.uk/

    1h 54m

  8. 8 FEB

    “No one should be defined by disability”. former Commando Lee “Frank” Spencer

    Join the H-Hour Patron Community at patreon.com/hkpodcasts ***** In this H-Hour Icebreaker, Lee 'Frank' Spencer joins Hugh to discuss his journey through military service and his remarkable achievements post-injury. Lee talks about the mental and emotional challenges he faced, including his experience rowing solo across the Atlantic despite losing a leg. The conversation covers essential topics like resilience, the Royal Marines mentality, and the importance of being present in the moment. The discussion is enriched with personal anecdotes and insights into coping mechanisms, providing a deep dive into Lee's endurance and optimistic outlook. https://leespencer.co.uk/

    25 min
See All (323)

About

A former sniper interviewing fascinating human beings.

Information

  • Creator
    Hugh Keir
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    323
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    H-Hour

You Might Also Like