Simon and Rachel speak with the journalist and author Toby Harnden. A dual British and American citizen, Toby spent a decade as a Royal Navy officer before becoming a journalist. A former foreign correspondent for The Sunday Times and The Daily Telegraph who has reported from 33 countries, Toby was imprisoned in Zimbabwe, faced prosecution in Britain for protecting confidential sources, and was vindicated by a public inquiry in Ireland. He specialises in terrorism and war: his books include "Bandit Country: The IRA & South Armagh" (1999), "Dead Men Risen: An Epic Story of War and Heroism in Afghanistan" (which was published in 2009 after a fraught battle with the British Ministry of Defence and later won the Orwell Prize) and "First Casualty: The Untold Story of the CIA Mission to Avenge 9/11". We spoke to Toby about getting into journalism after leaving the military, writing about the IRA and the war in Afghanistan, and his latest book "First Casualty".

This episode is sponsored by Curtis Brown Creative, the writing school attached to the major literary agency. CBC has provided an exclusive discount for Always Take Notes listeners. You can use the code ATN20 for £20 off the full price of Writing a Memoir, or any other four- or six-week online writing course.

You can find us online at alwaystakenotes.com, on Twitter @takenotesalways and on Instagram @alwaystakenotes. Our crowdfunding page is patreon.com/alwaystakenotes. Always Take Notes is presented by Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd, and produced by Artemis Irvine. Our music is by Jessica Dannheisser and our logo was designed by James Edgar.

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