The Dead Prussian Podcast

Mick chats with the defence analyst, author, and soldier-scholar Dr Jim Storr about command structures and operational planning. They discuss Jim's book, Something Rotten: Land Command in the 21st Century. Mick and Jim also discuss the history of the growth of land command headquarters and the prevalence of process in current military operations.  Jim provides a considered answer to the final question. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

Over the past few weeks, we have recorded interviews with guests for the 2024 seasons The Dead Prussian and On Rome podcasts. We have also been recording episodes for our host-read narrative shows Battles and Enemies of Rome, which are currently premium-only shows that will be open-access in 2024. Below are some of the initial topics for you on our 2024 seasons.   Coming to The Dead Prussian: - Land Command in the 21st Century - Operational Air warfare - Theory of Irregular Warfare - Strategic Narratives and Warfare - Mission Injury (to be recorded)   Coming to On Rome: - Varrus and the Battle of the Teutoberg - Cleopatra's Daughter - AD69 - the year of Four Emperors   Coming to Battles (currently available on The Dead Prussian Premium): - The Battle of Culloden - The Battle of Stirling Bridge - The Battle of Marathon - The Battle of Gaugamela - The Battle of Alessia - The Battle of the Milvian Bridge - The Battle of Lepanto - The Battle of Jena-Auerstedt   Coming to Enemies of Rome: - Carthage - Hannibal - Mithradates - Parthia - Arminius - Germania - Vercingetorix - Gaul - Boudicca - Macedonia

Announcing On Rome Season 1 Kickstarter Campaign!   Step into the captivating world of ancient Rome with the On Rome podcast. Over 12 episodes, we will delve into the hidden stories of renowned Roman personalities, battles, literature and landmarks across the empire, unveiling histories often concealed from view. It's more than a travel guide; it's a journey into the heart of Rome's legacy.   Each episode will see our award-winning host, Mick Cook, speak to the experts about the fascinating aspects of the most influential empire the world has known, uncovering little-known stories and learning about captivating heroes (and villains).   We're running a Kickstarter campaign for Series 1, bringing you 12 exciting episodes with bonus material recorded on location across the empire, including sites in Brittania, Espania, Gaul, and the eternal city herself.   Each episode requires detailed planning, in-depth research, recording, and editing. Hollow Street Media is a small, independent production studio that relies on listener support to thrive and continue to bring our audience high-quality digital content. Your support will not only bag you some great merch and access to premium content but will also ensure the success of our debut season and demonstrate your belief in the power of learning from history's lessons and untold tales.

In this episode, Mick chats with scholar and business leader Dr Kate Devitt from Better Beliefs. They discuss her upcoming chapter on Meaningful Command in a future where autonomous systems are ubiquitous in military forces. Mick and Kate also discuss the ethical underpinnings of human interaction with emerging technology in the context of armed conflict. Kate provides a pragmatic answer to the final question. You can also grab a book & crack on here. Apple Premium Subscribers can access the extended version of this episode through the Apple Podcast App.

In this episode, Mick chats with scholar and author Dr Jade McGlynn from King's College London's War Studies department. They discuss her book on the Russian-Ukrainian War, Russia's War. Mick and Jade discuss the Russian population's perceptions of the war in Ukraine. Jade provides a confronting answer to the final question. You can also grab a book & crack on here. Apple Premium Subscribers can access the extended version of this episode through the Apple Podcast App.

In this episode, Mick chats with scholar and author Natalia Wojtowicz about her book, Wargaming Experiences: Notes from a Wargaming Lecturer. Mick and Natalie discuss the intricacies of wargaming and the differences between civilian and military approaches. Natalia provides an insightful answer to the final question. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with former author Heidi Langbein-Allan about her debut book, Save the Last Bullet, a historical memoir co-authored with her father about his experiences as a boy soldier in Nazi Germany. Mick and Heidi discuss the indoctrination and use, and abuse, of children in Hitler's regime and the profound effect it had on her father as he dedicated his life to fighting fascism. Heidi provides an insightful answer to the final question. You can also grab a book & crack on here.    

In this episode, Mick chats with former Associate Professor Matthew Ford about his new, co-authored book, Radical War. They discuss the influences of modern technology and the perception of modern conflict. Matthew provides a third answer to the final question. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with former U.S. Army Officer, Major (ret'd) John Spencer about his new book, Connected Soldiers. They discuss the influences of modern technology and the way in which connection through technology has affected the experience of conflict. John provides a fresh answer to the final question. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Australian Army officer Major General Mick Ryan about his new book, War Transformed. They discuss the influences transforming war and the way in which militaries can prepare to meet the challenges of future conflict. Mick provides a succinct answer to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Australian artist Kathryn Brimblecombe-Fox on visualising war and militarised technology. Kathryn describes the influences on her art, as well as how art can drive important conversations on war. Kathryn provides a unique answer to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Professor Peter Dean and Dr Bec Strating to discuss the recently announced AUKUS alliance between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Bec and Peter provide their answers to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity. You can also grab a book & crack on here. *This episode was recorded live with an internet audience. 

In this episode, Mick chats with Clausewitzian poet, Olivia Garard. They discuss the recently published edited work, An Annotated Guide to Tactics.  Olivia discusses Clausewitz's lesser-studied works and how they can complement professional military education.  Olivia provides an insightful answer to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access bonus content from this episode.  You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with the Australian Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell. They discuss the recently published doctrine on the philosophy of Leadership in the Australian Defence Force, ADF Leadership.  General Campbell also discusses the future challenges facing the leaders of the Australian Defence Force.  General Campbell provides an insightful answer to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access bonus content from this episode.  You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Ofer Fridman from King's College London about his new book, Strategiya: The Foundations of the Russian Art of Strategy. They discuss core texts that have shaped Russian strategic thought, as well as the influences of Western Individualism and Eastern Collectivism.  Ofer gives a fascinating answer to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access bonus content from this episode.  You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Timothy Heck and Brett Friedman about their edited book, On Contested Shores. They discuss amphibious operations throughout history and in the future.  Timothy and Brett give updated answers to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access bonus content from this episode.  You can also grab a book & crack on here. NB: This episode was recorded in 2020.

In this episode, Rich chats with Australian veteran, writer, and digital content producer Mick Cook. They discuss Mick's experiences using new media to drive conversations on war. Mick also discusses the challenges of using creative practices to connect audiences with the experiences of war. Mick gives a unique answer to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access bonus content from this episode.  You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Australian author Nigel Featherstone. They discuss Nigel's book, Bodies of Men. Nigel also discusses the challenges of using creative practices to connect audiences with the experiences of soldiers at war. Nigel gives an insightful answer to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access bonus content from this episode.  You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with writer and former war correspondent, Damien Lewis. They discuss Damien's career as a war correspondent and his recently published book, Churchill's Shadow Warriors: The Race to Develop Radar, World War II's Invisible Secret. Damien discusses technology development in the Second World War as well as war's addictive qualities. Damien gives a unique answer to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access bonus content from this episode.  You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Nora Bensahel and Lieutenant General (retired) David Barno their new book recently published, Adaptation Under Fire. They discuss how militaries change during wartime. Nora and David give their answers to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access bonus content from this episode.  You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Boston University's Dr David Carballo, an archaeologist and author. They discuss David's research on Meso-America and his recently published book, Collision of Worlds: A Deep History of the Fall of Aztec Mexico and the Forging of New Spain. David explores the conquest of the Aztec empire and its impact on Meso-America and Spain. David gives a unique answer to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access bonus content from this episode.  You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with the UNSW Canberra's Dr Ned Dobos. They discuss Ned's recently published book, Ethics, Security, & the War Machine. Ned highlights the moral and ethical questions of maintaining standing militaries. Ned gives a refreshing answer to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access bonus content from this episode.  You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with the Australian National University's Dr Andrew Carr. They discuss the recently released Australian Defence Strategic Update 2020, Australian Strategic culture, and how strategic policy formulation is influenced.  Andrew gives a new answer to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access bonus content from this episode.  You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with UNSW Associate Professor Deane-Peter Baker. They discuss his research on bridging gaps in morality and ethics between the soldier and the state. Mick also asks Deane-Peter to provide an overview of his new book, Morality and Ethics at War. Deane Peter gives an interesting answer to the perennial question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access bonus content from this episode.  You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with authors Peter W Singer and August Cole about their book, Burn-in. They discuss the possible future operating environment where human and machine team up to fight terrorists. Peter and August also talk about useful fiction as a means to creatively contextualize possible futures in national security environments. Peter and August provide two answers to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access bonus content from this episode.  You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with the University of New South Wales's Associate Professor Catherine Bond about her book, Law in War. They discuss how laws introduced during the Great War in Australia shaped society. Kate provides a contemporary response to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access an additional 13 minutes of bonus content from this episode.  You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with historians Prof Keir Reeves and Dr Carolyn Holbrook about their book, The Great War: Aftermath and Commemoration. They discuss the aftermath of The Great War in Australia and how commemoration has changed over the last century. Keir and Carolyn provide two eloquent answers to the final question. Become a member of our social network, the #TDPCommunity, to access an additional 13 minutes of bonus content from this episode.  You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with award-winning journalist and Army veteran, Dr Sharon Mascall-Dare. They discuss StoryRight, a not-for-profit program that assists veterans transitioning to civilian employment. Sharon talks about how her experience in Iraq led to the development of StoryRight.  Sharon provides a second answer to the final question. Become a member of our social network, The TDP Community Hub, and hear Sharon's answer to an exclusive bonus question  You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Harvard's Professor Serhii Plokhii, historian and author. They discuss Serhii's latest book, Forgotten Bastards of the Eastern Front: An Untold Story of World War II. Serhii provides a description of the impact, and collapse, of the Grand Alliance during the Second World War. Serhii provides a precise answer to the final question. Become a member of our social network, The TDP Community Hub, and hear Serhii's answer to an exclusive bonus question  You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with the University of New South Wales Research Associate, Miss Nicole Townsend. They discuss Nicole's research on the treatment of 'suspect communities' and 'enemy aliens' in Australia during the Second World War. Nicole highlights the societal dangers of fearing the 'other' during wartime. Mick takes the opportunity to point out current trends across western countries that show striking similarities to the paranoia driven fears of communities in the Second World War. Nicole provides an elegant answer to the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for Nicole's answer to an exclusive bonus question. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with former army officer, academic and author, Dr Patrick Bury. They discuss his book, Mission Improbable: The Transformation of the British Army Reserve. Patrick discusses the role of the army reserve, political influence in its transformation, and the capability it provides the British Army. Patrick provides a Simpson's quote for the answer to the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for Tim's answer to an exclusive bonus question. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with editor, and US Marine Corps Reserve officer, Major Timothy Heck. They discuss his short story "Alphas", the winning entry in the Postmortem of the Marine Corps creative writing competition run by The Krulak Centre. Mick and Tim discuss the themes of loss at a personal, institutional, and national level. Tim provides a parent's answer to the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for Tim's answer to an exclusive bonus question. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with scholar and army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Brendan Gallagher. They discuss his recent book, The Day After: Why America wins the war but loses the Peace. Brendan highlights how the political objectives of war must remain the focus for achieving success. Brendan provides a Commanding Officer's answer to the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for Brendan's answer to an exclusive bonus question about military current threats. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with military historian and friend of the show, Dr Matthew Ford. They discuss his recent article, The epistemology of lethality: Bullets, knowledge trajectories, kinetic effects. Matthew highlights how the science of battle has become conflated with imprecise terminology. Matthew provides the all-time, worst answer to the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for Matthew's answer to an exclusive bonus question about military buzz words. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Lieutenant Colonel David Calder, a British military officer, and researcher on war. They discuss his research on science fiction and its role in shaping society's understanding of war.  David provides an answer to the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for David's answer to an exclusive bonus question about particular decisive battles. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Pamela Toler, an author who writes history for a popular audience. They discuss her book, Women Warriors.  Pamela explains how women have been at the frontlines throughout history, highlighting some fascinating examples along the way.  Pamela her take on the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for Pamela's answer to an exclusive bonus question about her favourite women warriors. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Cathal Nolan an Associate Professor of History at Boston University  and author. They discuss his book, The Allure of Battle.  Cathal explains how the popular focus on decisive battle often overlooks how wars are won.  Cathal provides an elegant answer to the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for Cathal's answer to an exclusive bonus question about particular decisive battles. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Ali Wyne, a national security researcher at RAND and a non-resident fellow at the Modern War Institute. They discuss his research on great power competition. Ali tries to dodge the final question but Mick holds his feet to the flame. Join the members' community at Patreon for Ai's answer to an exclusive bonus question about great power competition. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Kathleen J Mcinnis,  national security expert and fiction author. They discuss her debut novel, The Heart of War, and how fiction and creative practices can assist in understanding national security and policy development. Kathleen provides an answer to final question that would make Big Carl proud. Join the members' community at Patreon for news on upcoming guests and bonus content. You can also grab a book & crack on here. ***This is a late release episode and there were some minor audio issues***

In this episode, Mick chats with Professor David Whetham, professor Ethics and the Military profession at Kings College London. They discuss his co-edited book, Military Virtues, and why virtue ethics is important for military leaders. David provides a very succinct take on the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for David's answer to an exclusive bonus question about ethical challenges. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Charles Edel, a Senior Fellow at the United States Studies Centre and author. They discuss his co-authored book, The Lessons of Tragedy, and how we can learn from wars' tragic past. Charles provides a new take on the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for Charles' answer to an exclusive bonus question. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Ian Brown a United States Marine Corps pilot and author. They discuss Ian's book, A New Conception of War, and how Colonel John Boyd influence the understanding of manoeuvre warfare. Ian provides a new take on the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for Jonathan's answer to a bonus question about Boyd's most controversial theories. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Jonathan Fennell, a senior lecturer at King's College London and the Director of the Sir Michael Howard Centre for the History of War. They discuss Jonathan's book,  Fighting the People's War, and how the British Empire mobilised to fight in the Second World War. Jonathan provides a new take on the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for Jonathan's answer to a bonus question about his favourite Generals in the Second World War. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Bryce Abraham, a sessional academic and PhD candidate at the University of Newcastle. They discuss Bryce's research on Australian valour awards and constructions of masculinity and heroism.  Bryce provides a succinct answer to the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for Bryce's answer to a bonus question about the Victoria Cross. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Steve Leonard author, military strategists, and creator of Doctrine Man. They discuss using satire to encourage reflection, education, and professional development. Steve also provides advice on engaging in professional development online. Steve provides a new take on an old answer to the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for Steve's answer to a bonus question. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Myke Cole, an author, and historian. They discuss his first non-fiction book, Legion versus Phalanx: The Epic Struggle for Infantry Supremacy in the Ancient World. Myke highlights six battles where these two opposing formations faced off on the ancient battlefield.  Myke provides possibly the briefest answer to the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for Myke's answer to a bonus question. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Kate Ariotti, a war historian and lecturer at the University of Newcastle. They discuss her book, Captive Anzacs: Australian POWs of the Ottomans during the First World War. Kate highlights the experiences of the prisoners and their captivity's effect on Australian society.  Kate provides a new answer to the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for Kate's answer to the bonus question; as well as exclusive content, access to our forum and more. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Sir Hew Strachan, a professor of International Relations at St. Andrews University. They discuss his book, The Direction of War. Sir Hew discusses the formulation of strategy, its meaning, and ways to encourage debate about its execution.  Sir Hew provides a succinct answer to the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for Sir Hew's answer tot he bonus question; as well as exclusive content, access to our forum and more. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Wing Commander Jo Brick, a Royal Australian Air Force legal officer and editor at Central Blue. They discuss her chapter in the book, Redefining the Modern Military, edited by Nathan K. Finney and Tyrell Mayfield. Jo discusses the legal and ethical considerations of the modern military profession.  Jo provides a literary answer to the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for exclusive content, access to our forum and more. You can also grab a book & crack on here.

In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Rebecca Johnson, the Dean of Academics at the United States Marine Corps University. They discuss her chapter in the soon-to-be-released book, Redefining the Modern Military, edited by Nathan K. Finney and Tyrell Mayfield. Rebecca discusses the attributes of a Military professional, the profession, and the client, considered a profession.  Rebecca provides a fresh answer to the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for exclusive content, access to our forum and more. You can also grab a book & crack on here. ***Apologies, Mick's audio is a little dodgy in this one.***

In this episode, Mick chats with Dr Brendan Taylor, an Associate Professor at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University. They discuss his new book, The Four Flashpoints: How Asia goes to war. Brendan highlights the concept of a crisis slide and the four key strategic pressures that could lead to great power conflict in Asia. Brendan offers a new take on the final question. Join the members' community at Patreon for exclusive content, access to our forum and more. You can also grab a book & crack on here.