How did private military companies like the Wagner Group rise to power, and what role do Russian mercenaries play in modern warfare? In this gripping episode of Strategies for Living, Dr. David McMillan and Lauren Leon McMillan sit down with journalist and author John Lechner to discuss his book, Death Is Our Business: Russian Mercenaries and the New Era of Private Warfare.

From the shadowy world of Yevgeny Prigozhin—once known as “Putin’s Chef”—to the geopolitical battles in Ukraine, Syria, and Africa, we explore how private warfare has reshaped conflicts, global politics, and military strategy. Lechner shares firsthand insights from his research on the Wagner Group, the economic and political motivations behind modern mercenary forces, and the psychological traits of those who choose this dangerous profession.

🎧 Tune in for a deep dive into the hidden forces driving warfare today, and how these power struggles impact international relations.

original airdate: 3/20/2025