In this episode Saul is joined by Roger to discuss the latest news surrounding the war in Ukraine, including Trump's frustrated remarks aimed at the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin which may signal a shift in the US administration's stance towards Russia. Saul is also joined by friend of the podcast Askold Krushelnycky, to discuss what the latest mood music is regarding the dramatic developments of the past few weeks from both Ukraine and Washington. If you have any thoughts or questions, you ca...
Apr 04, 2025•48 min
In this first of a two-part special, Saul David is joined by Roger Moorhouse to dissect the first phase of the Battle of Okinawa. They explore the island's crucial role in the Pacific theater, the immense scale of the fighting, and the unique challenges faced by both Allied and Japanese forces. From the initial landings to the fierce defence of the inland, and a dive into the strategic rationale behind the invasion of Japanese territory, this episode looks at a battle that shaped the final month...
Apr 02, 2025•40 min
This week Saul David is joined by Roger Moorhouse to dissect the announcement of a fragile ceasefire in the Black Sea agreed separately by both sides with the US in Riyadh. They also delve into the alarming pro-Russian rhetoric emerging from Trump's circle, and explore Zelensky's growing distrust of US support and ask the question if genuine peace is even possible. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattlegro...
Mar 28, 2025•39 min
In this episode Saul David is joined by Roger Moorhouse to discuss the grim realities of the Siege of Breslau, a city trapped by Hitler's desperate, suicidal strategy which transformed Breslau into a killing ground. They also delve into the human cost of total war, and Breslau's post-war transformation into Polish Wrocław. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Mar 26, 2025•48 min
This week, Saul David and Roger Moorhouse dissect the latest diplomatic manoeuvres and frontline developments in the Ukraine war. Donald Trump's much-anticipated phone call with Vladimir Putin, aimed at securing a 30-day ceasefire, resulted in a swift rejection and immediate Russian escalation. Additionally, we have an update from the frontlines with war reporter and friend of the podcast Boldizsar Gyori, who describes the reality for the Ukrainian soldiers fighting in Kursk. If you have any tho...
Mar 21, 2025•54 min
In this episode of Battleground '45 Saul is joined by Roger Moorhouse to take a deep dive into a host of fascinating listeners questions on the second world war. These include a look into Switzerland's stance during the war, why the allies sent back soviet prisoners to Stalin, and a look into whether Japan would have surrendered if there were no atomic bombs. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattlegro...
Mar 19, 2025•51 min
This week, we bring you a remarkable interview where Patrick spoke with special operations unit commander Kateryna Ratyshna, a young woman from Kharkiv who has been fighting on the front lines since the very beginning of the full-scale invasion. Kateryna, who also appears in - Porcelain War - a recent Oscar-nominated documentary about the war, shares her deeply personal experiences and the motivations that drive her fight. This is a truly humbling conversation that offers a unique insight into t...
Mar 17, 2025•47 min
The ceasefire deal agreed between the US and Ukraine faces immediate hurdles. Patrick Bishop and Saul David dissect the news surrounding this fragile agreement, taking a look at Russia's "eye-watering" demands. They also analyse the Trump administration's tariff war and its impact, featuring insights from friend of the show and Canadian Resident and National Julius Strauss. Plus, we hear an extract of Patrick's interview with special forces unit commander, Kateryna Ratyshna, who stared in the aw...
Mar 14, 2025•52 min
This week on Battleground, Saul David and Patrick Bishop dissect Operation Varsity, the audacious Allied airborne operation across the Rhine in March 1945. They explore the strategic aims, the intense fighting, and the controversial outcomes of this massive undertaking, examining the paratroopers' experiences and the operation's impact on the war's final stages. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground...
Mar 12, 2025•47 min
In this special episode recorded in the heart of Kyiv, Saul and Patrick speak with Anton, director of the Ukrainian Institute for the Future, about the country's vision for post-war reconstruction and its long-term security strategy. They discuss the challenges of rebuilding and the vital role of forward-thinking analysis in shaping Ukraine's destiny. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more...
Mar 10, 2025•30 min
In a whirlwind 24 hours, the geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically. Join Saul David and Patrick Bishop on this episode of Battleground as they dissect the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict. A crucial letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to US President Donald Trump has signalled a potential thawing of tensions, but US aid remains halted and includes the stopping of crucial intelligence sharing. Plus, we analyse the European Union's response, with Ursula von der ...
Mar 07, 2025•58 min
In this episode of Battleground '45 Saul and Patrick look at the Nazi Occupation of The Channel Islands, the only part of British territory occupied by the Germans in World War Two. Together they examine the complexities of this occupation, the treatment of the locals, the collaboration and resistance that arose, and the lasting questions it raises about wartime choices. They also look at few instances the war came ashore on the otherwise peaceful islands, with commando raids and the remarkable ...
Mar 05, 2025•33 min
In yet another emergency episode Patrick and Saul give their immediate reaction to the news that the US has put an immediate halt on all military aid to Ukraine. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 04, 2025•15 min
In this emergency episode Patrick is joined by Roger Moorhouse to react to the extraordinary scenes in the White House Oval office yesterday, as President Trump and his Vice President J.D. Vance clashed angrily with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in front of the world's media. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 01, 2025•19 min
This week, Patrick is joined by returning friend of the podcast Julius Strauss, as Saul takes a well-deserved break. The whirlwind of events surrounding President Trump continues to baffle, with a relentless barrage of news making it nearly impossible to keep pace. Is there a method to the madness, or is it simply a chaotic disruption strategy? Julius and Patrick delve into the challenge of discerning truth from Trump's statements, who seems to prioritise impression over facts. Together, they ex...
Feb 28, 2025•55 min
In this episode of Battleground 45, Saul David is joined by renowned historian Rob Lyman who delves into the often-overlooked but crucial British campaign in Burma during 1945. rob describes the complex narrative of the Fourteenth Army's relentless push against the Japanese, culminating in hard-fought victories in Meiktila and Mandalay, and the eventual recapture of Rangoon. This episode shines a light on the logistical nightmares, and the sheer determination of the "Forgotten Army." Discover ho...
Feb 26, 2025•47 min
Marking the somber three-year anniversary of the invasion, Saul and Patrick address the questions you've sent in. We analyse the strategic shifts, the human cost, and the geopolitical ramifications of this enduring conflict. This episode is a dedicated exploration of your insights and inquiries. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoice...
Feb 24, 2025•48 min
With the worst fears about the Trump administration having been realised, Saul and Patrick digest the disturbing realities of this weeks news. Not only has Trump's administration cut Ukraine and Europe out of the start of the peace talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia, but Trump himself has now doubled down on his earlier concessions to Russia. And top of that falsely labelled Zelensky a dictator, and wrongly blamed Ukraine for starting the war in the first place. Joining them to discuss these late...
Feb 21, 2025•53 min
In this episode of Battleground: Ukraine Saul and Patrick sit down with British photographer Mark Neville in the Ukrainian capital. Mark's lens has captured the stark realities of this conflict, helping to give a human face to the war. He also discusses his inspiring work with Postcode Ukraine, a charity making a tangible difference by providing essential aid and supporting Ukrainian culture. Join us for a powerful conversation about Mark's personal feelings and thoughts on this war, the strengt...
Feb 19, 2025•39 min
The Trump administration is pushing for a peace deal in Ukraine, but with Ukraine and Europe sidelined. Is this a path to peace, or a US retreat and a new world order? Saul David and Patrick Bishop analyse the latest developments. They also speak to American journalist Joe Lindsley, reporting live from Kyiv, for his reaction and for his insights into the Trump administration. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @P...
Feb 17, 2025•53 min
This week on Battleground, Patrick and Saul analyse the historic turning point in the Russia-Ukraine war. Following a Trump-Putin phone call, talks have begun between Washington and Moscow. But what concessions is Ukraine expected to make? And what does this mean for European security? We discuss the implications and the reactions, from delight in Moscow to dismay among Ukraine's allies. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James H...
Feb 13, 2025•47 min
Join Saul in today's episode of Battleground as he speaks with Boldizsár Győri, a young Hungarian journalist who has embedded himself in war-torn Kharkiv. Boldizsár shares his experiences of life under the constant threat of bombardment, and recounts his time spent with Oleksy, a Ukrainian body collector. A story which shines a light on one of the grim realities of war, the process of identifying the fallen, and the emotional toll it takes. You can read Boldizsár's article on the story of Oleksy...
Feb 13, 2025•31 min
Iwo Jima. A seemingly insignificant speck of land, yet its capture proved crucial in the Pacific theatre. On this episode of Battleground, Saul is joined by American historian Jonathan Parshall and together they examine the strategic importance of Iwo Jima, the fierce resistance faced by the Americans, and how this battle shaped the final stages of World War II. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this week's Battleground podcast Saul and Patrick discuss the first clear signal that the US will not abandon Ukraine. This is in response to Trump's comments that he's looking to do a deal with Ukraine where the US will look to secure some of Ukraine's rare earth minerals. They also address a host of listeners questions including on what the effects of Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries are and what needs to happen for Ukraine's western allies to send in troops. If you have any thoughts or ...
Feb 07, 2025•40 min
In another bonus episode recorded on the ground in Ukraine's embattled eastern city of Kharkiv, Saul and Patrick speak to a Ukrainian Soldier from the Khartiia Brigade namely unit spokesperson Volodymyr Dehtiarov. Additionally, in the second half of the episode Saul speaks to friend of the podcast Joe Lindsey about his time reporting for WGN Radio and Kharkiv's evalution through the different phases of the war. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gma...
Feb 06, 2025•41 min
On February 13th, 1945 British bombers began one of the most devastating attacks of WWII: the bombing of Dresden. Considered one of the most controversial events of the Allied war, it ignited an firestorm that devastated the city and killed an estimated 25,000 people. Joining Patrick to discuss the event and the surrounding controversy is historian Sinclair McKay, the author of The Fire and the Darkness: The Bombing of Dresden, 1945. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - ...
Feb 05, 2025•45 min
Armed with new insights from their recent trip to Ukraine, Saul and Patrick discuss the latest developments surrounding the ongoing conflict. They take a look at the diplomatic stage, as the latest signals indicate Putin is seeking to flatter Trump ahead of any potential upcoming negotiations. They also delve into listeners questions that range across a host of different subjects, including what the opinions of Ukrainians are towards a variety of pressing issues. If you are interested in donatin...
Jan 31, 2025•49 min
In another special episode recorded on the ground in Ukraine, we start from the pearl of the Black Sea - Odesa, where we are joined by friend of the podcast Julius Strauss. Together with Saul and Patrick, Julius discusses what ways the conflict has transformed Odesa, especially given its context as a historically predominately Russian speaking city. You can read more about Julius' thoughts and findings on Odesa on his substack here - https://backtothefront.substack.com/p/return-to-odesa We then ...
Jan 30, 2025•39 min
In this episode Patrick is joined by writer and historian Giles Milton, who is expertly placed to discuss the seismic events of the Yalta conference which dictated the fate of post war Europe, which he describes so eloquently in his book Checkmate in Berlin. Yalta was the scene of a political battle between the leaders of the soon to be victorious Allied powers, with Stalin skilfully manoeuvring and exploiting his strong hand with the Red Army having already wrestled control over most of Eastern...
Jan 29, 2025•37 min
In this episode Saul and Patrick are in the Northern edges of Kharkiv a short distance from the frontlines and the Russian border. They also discuss some of the latest pressing news and events that have emerged from Ukraine in recent days. We also debreifed friends of the podcast: Julius Strauss, Kimberley Reczek, Askold Krushelnycky, and Boldizsár Győri, following their trip to the frontline town of Kupyansk. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmai...
Jan 24, 2025•40 min
