Podcasts about Defence Forces

Neil Michael, Irish Examiner journalist

Over 40 members of the defence forces recently took part in an intensive four-day training exercise at Fort Davis in County Cork as part of a programme to develop them into the next leaders of the defence forces. Our southern reporter, Jamie O'hara went to Fort Davis to meet with some of those taking part.

The annual muster of wild horses in the central North Island is underway but there's concern about how many can find new homes.The animals live on Defence Force land near Waiouru and the musters are an important part of keeping the population in check, to protect the alpine environment. Rehoming efforts are proving difficult this year too. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham has more.

Too many B2B marketing teams are still talking leads when they should be talking revenue. In this episode, Shahin sits down with David Heyworth, GTM advisor and former Head of Marketing at Vocus, to unpack what it really takes to drive commercial outcomes in the second half of 2025. From ditching MQL vanity metrics to building genuine alignment with sales, finance, and product, David brings hard-won lessons from complex B2B environments in Australia. This is a conversation packed with practical frameworks and honest war stories, including one of the most creative ABM activations you'll hear about: a commissioned coin ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, hosted by former Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, that cemented a 20-year defence sector partnership without a single sales pitch. Guest Introduction David Heyworth is a GTM advisor and CMO with deep experience leading marketing in complex B2B environments across Australia, including his tenure as Head of Marketing at Vocus, one of Australia's leading fibre and network solutions providers. He specialises in go-to-market strategy, sales and marketing alignment, and account-based selling for enterprise and government markets. Key Topics Why agility, balance, and growth are the non-negotiables for B2B marketing teams in the second half of 2025Shifting the conversation from lead generation to revenue opportunities and why talking in dollars gets marketing a seat at the tableHow marketing can own the full GTM motion: building interlocks with sales, finance, and product leadership rather than operating in isolationThe case for an inside sales or sales discovery rep function that sits within marketing and how to prove the model before committing headcountWhy ABM works better when reframed as account-based selling (ABS) and how to sequence one-to-many, one-to-few, and one-to-one engagementBattle-tested lessons from event marketing gone wrong and how champions and pre-agreed outreach schedules turned it aroundA standout defence sector ABM case study: creating a custom commemorative coin and hosting a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial to honour a 20-year partnershipGo-to-market fundamentals that get skipped: market definition, value proposition, messaging frameworks by segment and buyer persona, and why these must come before the marketing plan Resources & Links People Peter Cosgrove-former Chief of the Defence Force and 26th Governor-General of AustraliaSeth Godin - Author and marketing thought leader; David recommends his book Purple Cow on differentiation. Companies & Tools Vocus -Australian telco where David served as CMO.Akimbo -Seth Godin's Podcast Books Purple Cow by Seth Godin Contact & Credits Host: Shahin Hoda Guest: David Heyworth Produced by: Shahin Hoda and Alexander Hipwell Edited by: Alexander Hipwell Music by: Breakmaster Cylinder APAC's B2B Growth Podcast is Presented by xGrowth

Covering more than 300 thousand hectares of the Southern Alps region, the Te Manahuna Aoraki Project is one of our most ambitious pest control projects yet. The aim is to create New Zealand's first ever pest free national park. And to help achieve that goal, the team involved is wide ranging and diverse, from existing conservation groups to the Defence Force. Oh and it's making the most of AI technology too. Here to explain how it is all coming together is Simone Smits, the manager of Te Manahuna Aoraki. Hi Simone!

All three coalition parties have scrambled to squash any question of the country's nuclear-free policy - after the new Defence Minister appeared to reopen the debate over the weekend. While in Singapore for security talks, Chris Penk told media it would be helpful for New Zealand to have a conversation about its approach to nuclear-powered submarines, given Australia is purchasing some. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch has more.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks to Morning Report; Labour leader Chris Hipkins speaks to John Campbell; Erica Stanford discusses new trade academy funding; Former defence minister discusses NZ nuclear-free status; Oncology professor discusses new cancer drug breakthrough

Macca and Paul talk to David Gibson about a bill introduced into Parliament to address the historic treatment of LGBTI personnel in the Australian Defence Force is being welcomed as a long-overdue step toward justice. The Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation) Bill 2026, introduced by Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh, will enable eligible Defence personnel convicted solely on the basis of consensual homosexual activity to apply to have those convictions extinguished. “Chair of GRAI (GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc), David Gibson, said the introduction of the legislation marks an important milestone in recognising the harm caused by past policies that targeted homosexual service members. “As a former Army officer who was discharged back in 1989 because of my sexuality, this is not just policy for me. It is personal,” Gibson said. “Careers were lost. Reputations were damaged. Many former personnel carried that trauma quietly for decades.” The post Sat, 30th, May, 2026: David Gibson, Chair GRAI in Perth, Fmr Army Captain, Dismissed for his Sexuality; Senate inquiry into the Defence Force Discipline Amendment appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

The Commonwealth is suing the manufacturer of a firefighting foam containing PFAS that contaminated 28 Defence Force bases.

The government's investing $1.6 billion dollars in maritime security - including upgrading the aging naval fleet and two types of drones. In a pre-Budget announcement Defence Minister Chris Penk said New Zealand's prosperity and security depend on the sea. Vice Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Mat Williams spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, Dr. Adonia Ayebare discusses the hidden diplomacy behind the Uganda–Rwanda fallout, regional security in eastern Congo, and the future of Africa in an increasingly unstable global order. As Uganda's Ambassador to the United Nations and a longtime advisor to Yoweri Museveni, Dr. Ayebare offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on how power actually works in East Africa and at the UN.The conversation explores the role of Muhoozi Kainerugaba in repairing Uganda–Rwanda relations, the operations of the Uganda People's Defence Force in eastern Congo, the unresolved conflicts in Burundi and the Great Lakes region, and whether multilateral institutions like the United Nations still serve African states fairly. This is a deep discussion on diplomacy, geopolitics, power, conflict, and Africa's future in a world increasingly shaped by force rather than rules.Sponsors:Threat Informat - https://threatinformant.io/                                               Akagera Medicines- https://www.akageramedicines.com Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLongFormPod or support us via our MTN Mobile Money Code 95462 or directly to our phone number: +250795462739Visit Sanny Ntayombya's Official Website: https://sannyntayombya.comProduced by LF Media 

A Hamilton company has just been recognised for its innovative training technology which allows Navy personnel to train together virtually. Company-X head of training Lance Bauerfeind spoke to John Campbell.

We're not having enough babies, so what's the answer? And what we can learn from Defence Force schemes for youth.

Paul and Mick talk about the grenade attack in Ballymun this week that is part of a concerning escalating gangland feud in the area. They also discuss an investigation into a member of the Defence Forces, the Garda recruitment campaign and the use of the government jet to bring mob boss Daniel Kinahan home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Recorded April 22nd 2026. Can Ireland protect itself in an era of drone warfare, cyber-attacks and increasing global tensions and is Europe ready for the new security challenges it faces? As Ireland prepares to assume the European Presidency, taking over from Cyprus on 1 July, the Government faces renewed scrutiny over the scale and preparedness of its own defence capabilities in the light of the war in Iran and increasingly fraught geopolitical challenges. Recent changes, including increased defence spending, plans to modernise equipment, and an investment in cyber and maritime surveillance reflect a growing concern about hybrid threats and the protection of critical infrastructure such as undersea cables and airspace. Our upcoming ‘Behind the Headlines' panel will hear from His Excellency Louis Telemachou, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Ireland, on Cyprus's Presidency of the Council of the EU, followed by a panel discussion on the challenge facing Europe at a time of rapid geo-political shifts. This event will be chaired by Professor Patrick Geoghegan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub. Panel: Caitríona Heinl, Executive Director of The Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy and Adjunct Research Fellow at the School of Politics and International Relations at University College Dublin. Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, DSM, retired Irish Naval Service vice admiral and former Chief of Staff of Ireland's Defence Forces. Dr Rory Rowan, Assistant Professor of Geography at Trinity College Dublin and political geographer and expert on the history of geopolitical thought and Irish neutrality. This event is run in partnership with the Trinity Centre for Digital Security and Societal Resilience, a new multidisciplinary research centre designed to address the technological, economic, governance and societal challenges shaping Ireland's digital future. Learn more at www.tcd.ie/trinitylongroomhub

Professor Daniel Reynaud on the incredible true story of an assuming vicar who turned out to be the most decorated military chaplain in Australian history, who had at one point lived his life on the edge.During World War Two, a self-effacing man named Walter Dexter served as the vicar of a church in West Footscray.Walter was in his 60s and his attempts to take up a career as a farmer and a teacher had failed, and so he'd returned to his earlier vocation as a clergyman.His children regarded their father as apathetic and unambitious, who left a lot of half-completed projects around the house. But the people who knew Walter when he was younger, called him "terribly brave" and "larger than life" as Walter's earlier life was full of adventure, travel and great danger.Walter's adventures began when he first boarded a ship at 14 years old.By the end of the 19th century, and still a teenager, he'd seen Calcutta, New York, South Africa, Bombay and Tierra del Fuego.Then, during World War One, Walter's courage and compassion under fire made him the most decorated military chaplain in Australian history.Historian Daniel Reynaud has set the record straight about the improbable life of this unassuming vicar, known by the soldiers who loved him as 'The Pinching Padre'.Sailor, Soldier, Vicar, Farmer: The Improbable Life of Anzac Chaplain Walter Dexter is published by Simon & Schuster.This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Eliza Kirsch.It explores military history, war, ANZAC Day, Dawn Service, military ethics, world war three, Egypt, Middle East, France, Europe, Germany, travel, sailing, maritime history, fathers, religion, Christianity, Church, biography, books, writing, Australian history, modern history, farming, agriculture, books for father's day.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

The New Zealand Defence force is leading this year's ANZAC dawn service at Gallipoli in Turkey. It's also leading Aotearoa's service at Chunuk Bair; the hill captured by Kiwi soldiers but later lost to an Ottoman counter attack, after the New Zealand soldiers had been relieved. More than 16,000 New Zealanders served in the campaign and almost 2,700 of them died; about a sixth of all those who had landed on the peninsula. A campaign that's played a signficant role in New Zealand national identity. John Mcleod spoke to Lisa Owen.

For review:1. A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah appeared to take effect at midnight Thursday-Friday after being declared hours earlier by US President Donald Trump, who also announced that he was inviting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Lebanese president for peace talks at the White House.2. The Israeli military said Friday that it remains on high alert and ready to return to fighting in both Iran and Lebanon if the fragile ceasefires in both countries collapses or expire without an extension in the coming weeks.3. US War Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday accused Iran of piracy and terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz, and said the US was ready to resume fighting “with more power than ever before” if the current ceasefire ends.4. US President Donald Trump signaled growing optimism Friday about a potential deal with Iran to end the war amid a temporary ceasefire, saying negotiators could meet as soon as this weekend and that an agreement may be reached within days. 5. Axios Report: US & Iran talks are expected to take place in Islamabad, likely on Sunday, according to a source familiar with the mediation efforts.6. Pakistan's air force escorted Iranian negotiators home from inconclusive peace talks with the US last weekend, launching a major operation after the Iranians said Israel might seek to kill them, three sources told Reuters.Pakistan deployed some two dozen jets in the escort, as well as the force's Airborne Warning and Control System for aerial surveillance to ensure the safety of the delegation back from Islamabad, said two Pakistani sources with knowledge of the operation.7.  Iran used a Chinese spy satellite to target US bases in the Middle East for missile and drone strikes, according to a report by The Financial Times published on Wednesday. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Aerospace Force acquired the sophisticated spy satellite from China in late 2024, agreeing to pay roughly $36.6m for the system, the report said.8. Australia this week announced three major shifts in military leadership, appointing a new Chief of Defence Force, as well as new leaders of the Navy and Army.Vice Adm, Mark Hammond, the current navy chief, will take over as Australia's top military officer.

Defence Minister Marles has a new plan for Australia, but what's actually in it? 

Can Australia balance the cost of expanding its drone-based attack and defence capabilities on a shoestring budget? Industry is rightly worried about possible cost cuts. In an editorial discussion for this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Stephen Kuper, Robert Dougherty and Bethany Alvaro take a run at a burgeoning week of news across Australia's defence landscape and how international conflict in the Middle East is rippling outwards to pressure fuel supplies Down Under. The team also examines the recent promotion of Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN to become the next chief of the Defence Force and the appointment of Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM as the next chief of the Australian Army, the first woman to hold the position. The conversation then explores the newly signed Major Defense Cooperation Partnership agreement and joint special forces training between hardline governments in the US and Indonesia. Turning to defence industry, the panel puts a speculative spotlight on dreaded Defence budget cuts and reallocations under the release of the new National Defence Strategy. Finally, the team tackles new ship manufacturing updates in Sydney around the Royal Australian Navy's Hunter Class frigate program. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team  

For almost a week there were blockades and go-slows which severely disrupted the country's road network and Dublin city centre was at a standstill for several days. By the weekend a third of the country's service stations were out of petrol and diesel because fuel depots were under siege. Gardaí were out in force from the start; on the streets, beside fuel depots, on motorways – watching. So what changed on Thursday? Why did the policing response notch up several gears? Did gardaí expect the Defence Forces to join them on the streets and what did the army know Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan's was about to call on it to act? While it was called a fuel protest – about rising prices – it became clear that anger at the Government motivated many who took to the streets. Irish Times crime and security editor Conor Lally assesses the policing response to the largest protest in the State.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Aideen Finnegan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time, World War One soldiers who died by suicide will be recognised as casualties of war during this year's Anzac commemorations. This afternoon in Wellington descendants of the New Zealand Tunnelling Company will come together at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park to mark the 110th anniversary of the Company's arrival on the Western Front. Event organiser Sue Baker Wilson joins Jesse alongside Retired Major General and friend of the show John Howard.

Coyle will take over from Gen Simon Stuart following his retirement. Australian navy chief Mark Hammond, a submariner, will now head nation's Defence Force.  

Anthony Albanese announced Vice Admiral Mark Hammond as Chief of the Defence Force, and Hammond said the Navy is ready and able to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz if requested by the United States. Read more: Anthony Albanese appoints Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, as new defence chief Warships await strait’s battle of the blockades Trump blasts Pope, NATO, says Iran 'in very bad shape'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are coming to you from O'Connell Street in a gridlocked Dublin city centre. For the past few days, this has been the hub of a nationwide protest by hauliers, farmers and contractors in the face of rising fuel costs. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has described the action as “national sabotage”, while insisting that “a gun won't be put” to the head of the Government. As talk of Defence Forces deployment mounts, how much longer will this protest last? ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Ciaran Moran and Michael FarrellySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fuel protests have entered a new phase — Gardaí say they're now “blockades”, not protests, and the Defence Forces could be brought in to clear key routes and fuel depots. With the M1 and even the M50 being shut down, are the protesters after going too far… or is this the only way to get the government to listen? Adrian and Jeremy take live callers from both sides: small business owners being “crucified” by costs, families missing flights, and one caller saying her child's medication is being delayed. Tempers flare, opinions split, and the debate turns to how long public support will really last.

It is now the third day of the national fuel protest. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan announced that he has asked the Defence Forces to assist the Gardaí, and that the Gardaí are now moving to an “enforcement” phase.Andrea went down to O'Connell Street to speak with some of the protestors to hear what they have to say…

It is not surprising that the army's spy wing is a highly secretive organisation, but lately it's becoming a little less so, with one of its top bosses giving an interview to The Irish Times. Its job is to protect the State and the Defence Forces from military threats, counter hybrid activity and protect Irish interests overseas. Its expertise is wide, from on-the-ground surveillance to advising the government on strategic threats to our interests.One of its tasks is to monitor the activities of ageing Russian tankers that appear with increased regularity off the west coast.The service is undergoing a transformation: the name change from J2 to the Irish Military Intelligence Service (Imis) is a small part of that.Irish Times investigations reporter Conor Gallagher was invited to the Imis HQ at McKee Barracks to meet one of the top intelligence operatives, to talk spycraft, threats, secrecy and a new phase of recruitment.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The army is ramping up combat training amid growing Indo-Pacific security risks. Senior commanders say the pressure on our defence forces is greater than at any point in recent memory, citing a dangerous strategic backdrop of Chinese expansion in the Pacific and an increasingly unstable world order. Former Defence Minister Wayne Mapp told Mike Hosking we actually had a much bigger deployment in the first part of the century, but pressures have shifted. He says uncertainty has replaced predictability, which has created a level of anxiety everyone's experiencing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Irish UNIFIL troops may have to go into bunkers for short periods if instability in the region increases. That's according to Commandant Alex Quigley of the Irish Defence Forces who spoke to Anton this morning.

Guardian journalist William Christou based in Beirut gives us the latest on attacks inSouthern Lebanon. Commandant Alex Quigley from the Defence Forces joined us to talk more on why UN Peacekeepers are under attack.

Iran described US proposals to end a month of war in the Middle East as "unrealistic, illogical and excessive", and unleashed more missiles on Israel.This is now in the backdrop of the news just coming in that two UNIFIL peacekeepers have been killed in Southern Lebanon with the Defence Forces here saying that no Irish were involved, and that all members are safe and accounted for.Joining Ciara with the latest is Borzou Daraghi, Middle East Journalist & Analyst.Image: Reuters

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will join other EU Leaders today at a European Council meeting in Brussels, to address the situation in Middle East. But what sort of influence can Europe have as the conflict continues to escalate? All to discuss with Cathal Berry former Independent TD and former member of the Defence Forces.

War and resistance in UkraineJust over four years ago, as Putin launched Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he expected the war to be over in a matter of days. But Putin's army would soon be shocked by the resistance they encountered, and today Ukraine still hasn't fallen. But it hasn't won either. This is now a complex, attritional war for endurance against an autocratic, imperial state that appears willing to absorb huge economic and human costs to fight on. If you're unsure of what to make of the war, its history, and some of the debates it throws up, then this is the show for you.Host Luke Cooper is joined by Roksolana Nesterenko, a researcher at the Kyiv School of Economics, and Taras Fedirko, an academic with positions at the University of Glasgow and the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna. In this episode:  Mood and situation in Ukraine as of early 2026 Historical context of the war, including the Maidan protests and the Revolution of Dignity A culture of active everyday citizenship  Revenue mobilisation for the war effort through crowdfunding, and how it's impacted the rise of drone warfare Russian propaganda and Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy A transition away from the “rally around the flag” stage of 2022 and where Ukraine is now Featured Organisation: Ukraine Solidarity Campaign BlueskyInstagramTwitter/XFacebookLinks to things we discussedCome Back Alive: a charitable foundation that comprehensively equips the Defence Forces of Ukraine with everything from vehicles to grenade launchers, as well as implementing educational projects for the military.Freefilmers: a cinemovement and NGO from Mariupol, UkraineSerhiy Prytula Charity Foundation: focused on strengthening the Defence Forces of Ukraine and providing assistance to the civilians affected by Russian aggression.Solidarity Collectives: a group of Ukrainian anarchists and anti-authoritarians who united in 2022 to support comrades fighting the Russian imperial aggression in Ukraine and help people affected by the war. Since then, they have built a mutual aid network for the anti-authoritarian movement in Ukraine.UNITED24: this platform allows one-click donations to Ukraine from anywhere. Why is this so important? Because Ukraine itself knows best what is needed and can deliver aid directly.ABOUT THE PODCASTCOUNTER•POWER is brought to you by Stop Trump Coalition, Another Europe Is Possible and Global Justice Now, three organisations at the centre of the new global resistance. This podcast isn't just about chatting and conversation — it's about turning ideas into action and building real community power. That's why we have a simple pledge to you, our audience. On every single episode we'll leave you with something you can do to catalyse change. Whether it's the latest big ideas or the movements you need to check out, you'll find them on COUNTER•POWER. But we need your help to launch this project. We need £8,000 to catapult COUNTER•POWER into the podcasting sphere with the aim of making it self-sustaining in the future.The funds will cover high-quality production – including sound and visuals – as well as consistent editorial quality, all of which are essential to creating the kind of impactful podcast we're aiming for.Any donation – big or small – can help us get there. Thank you for your support.DONATE HEREFollow Us Instagram@anothereuropeispossible@globaljusticenow @ukstoptrumpTikTok@global.justice.now@uk.stop.trump.coaTwitter / X @Another_Europe@GlobalJusticeUK@UKStopTrumpMusic(cc): Intro R&B instrumental loop, Mcgrogo (Freesound.org)

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has been discussing plans to beef up Ireland's defence and security with the British government's help. The Irish Examiners Paul Hosford Aaron Kearney, President, PDFORRA & Derek Priestly, Deputy General Secretary of RACO, the representative association for members of the Defence Forces give their reaction.

A New Zealand family living in Kuwait is anxiously waiting to hear whether they will be able to return home, after the Defence Force confirmed it would deploy planes to the Middle East. As part of contingency preparations, consular staff and two C-130J aircraft will be sent to the Middle East in preparation for evacuation operations. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.

The government is getting ready to send New Zealand consular staff and two defence force planes to the Middle East, in preparation for evacuation operations. Irene King, aviation commentator and chief executive at Auckland's Ardmore Flying School spoke to Corin Dann.

Commandant Alex Quigley, Press Officer for the Defence Forces, outlines the role of Irish peace-keepers in the Lebanon in the context of the unfolding conflict in the country.

As the conflict in the middle east rages on, Australia has taken collateral damage after an air base used by its Defence Force near Dubai was hit by an Iranian drone strike. It comes as the Australian government steps up its efforts to repatriate its citizens stuck in the region. Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen.

Mike Barrera, Jose Nunez, Dave Miller, Todd Lewis, and Ben Brecher discussed the Union's 7-0 result against Defence Force. The Union now advance to the next round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. DOOP!

Mark Mellett, retired former Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, reflects on the likely key components of Ireland's new National Maritime Security Strategy which will be announced today.

The Philadelphia Union dropped their MLS season opener to D.C. United by a score of 1–0, with former Union player Tai Baribo scoring the lone goal of the match. Todd and José discuss the latest news, including the Union finalizing a loan to send homegrown midfielder CJ Olney to USL Championship side Brooklyn FC, and the club nearing a deal to sign left back Philippe Ndinga from Degerfors IF in the Allsvenskan. Todd and José also share their thoughts from Saturday's match and discuss topics such as Bruno Damiani and Ezekiel Alladoh's lack of touches in the penalty area, Alladoh's red card, and the MLS debuts of Japhet Sery Larsen, Geiner Martínez, Alladoh, Agustín Anello, and Finn Sundstrom. They also debate whether Cavan Sullivan should have a bigger role after his first two games of the season. Finally, they hand out the first Blunder of the Week of the new season, which goes to Concacaf for its "great" press conference setup. News: The Union finalized a loan deal sending homegrown midfielder CJ Olney to USL Championship side Brooklyn FC: [2:53] Philadelphia is closing in on a transfer to acquire left back Philippe Ndinga from Degerfors IF in Sweden's Allsvenskan: [12:37] D.C. United v Philadelphia Union: Tai Baribo's impact: [16:53] Attacking Rust & Final Third Woes: [22:55] Ezekiel Alladoh Red Card: [38:12] MLS Debuts Across the Pitch: [45:15] Youth Spotlight: Cavan Sullivan: [53:19] Blunder of The Week: Concacaf's media quality after Defence Force v Philadelphia Union: [1:02:10]   Social Media: Twitter: @FreeKickPod Instagram: @FreeKickPod Facebook: @FreeKickPod YouTube: The Free Kick https://thefreekick.substack.com/   Jose's Social Media: Twitter: @JoserNunez91 https://nunezj.substack.com/

The Philadelphia Union started their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup campaign against Defence Force with a bang, defeating them 5–0. The victory saw Ezekiel Alladoh score on his Union debut, while Bruno Damiani recorded a brace and Milan Iloski and Olwethu Makhanya also found the back of the net. Todd breaks down the match and discusses topics such as how to take positives from a game that was so lopsided, Milan Iloski earning "Superior Player of the Game," how high his ceiling is this season, and how to approach the second leg next Thursday. Todd also briefly previews this Saturday's MLS season opener against D.C. United and shares his predictions for where he believes the Philadelphia Union will finish the 2026 season. Defence Force v Philadelphia Union: Lineup: [4:38] Match Breakdown: 5 Goals = Total Control: [14:28] How Do You Evaluate a Lopsided Game: [24:16] Milan Iloski's Ceiling in 2026: [35:50] Second Leg Approach: [50:12] D.C. United v Philadelphia Union preview: Predictions: [53:50] Injury updates: [59:30] 2026 predictions: [1:03:24]   Social Media: Twitter: @FreeKickPod Instagram: @FreeKickPod Facebook: @FreeKickPod YouTube: The Free Kick https://thefreekick.substack.com/   Jose's Social Media: Twitter: @JoserNunez91 https://nunezj.substack.com/  

Mike Barrera, Jose Nunez, Todd Lewis, and Ben Brecher sat down to discuss the Union's 5-0 result in CONCACAF Champions Cup. We also briefly talked about the lineup for DC United and the second leg against Defence Force. Doop!

Pat McGrath, Western Correspondent, speaks to Fr. Paul Murphy, an army chaplain who was stabbed outside a barracks in Galway and is being awarded the Defence Forces' Distinguished Service Medal today.

The Philadelphia Union kicked off the first of two preseason games in Clearwater, Florida with a 2–0 win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies, with Alejandro Bedoya and Danley Jean Jacques getting on the scoresheet for the Boys in Blue. Todd and José discuss the Union II–heavy lineup in the first half of the match, as well as Geiner Martínez making his first-team debut after being announced last week as the Union's fourth signing of the offseason. They also talk about what they want to see in Tuesday's final preseason match against CF Montréal before the Union take on Defence Force in the Concacaf Champions Cup on February 18 in the first leg of a two-match series, and they discuss the Union kit leak believed to be the club's new primary kit. Philadelphia Union Defeat Tampa Bay Rowdies 2-0: Starting XI very Union II heavy: [7:38] Andrew Rick saves yet again another penalty: [19:04] Philadelphia Union v CF Montréal last preseason game: What do you want to see in last preseason game tomorrow against CF Montréal: [39:03] Union kit leak: What do we think of the kit: [53:31]   Social Media: Twitter: @FreeKickPod Instagram: @FreeKickPod Facebook: @FreeKickPod YouTube: The Free Kick https://thefreekick.substack.com/   Jose's Social Media: Twitter: @JoserNunez91 https://nunezj.substack.com/

Lieutenant Colonel Conor King, General Secretary of the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, discusses Monday's European Committee on Social Rights ruling that Ireland is in breach of the European Social Charter regarding payment of overtime to Irish Defence Forces personnel.

Clement Manyathela speaks to Siphiwe Dlamini, who is the SANDF Spokesperson to discuss several issues relating to the operations of the defence force. These include the withdrawal of troops from the DRC and soldiers allegedly starving at the border. The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week the Government confirmed it will push ahead with legislation to change how the Defence Forces are deployed overseas, including the removal of the Triple Lock when Irish troops are part of an international force.The Triple Lock makes it necessary for any deployment to be ratified by the Dáil, the Government, and the United Nations. The proposed change removes the need for UN approval. Opposition parties and many independent TDs and senators are opposed to the change. That includes Independent Senator Tom Clonan, who joins Hugh today to explain why. Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, General Johnson Olony, deputy chief of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, ordered troops to “spare no one”. Andrew Mueller unpacks the two-man power struggle at the top and how it continues to fuel civil war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.