The Dead Prussian Podcast

In this episode Mick chats with John Bale, a veteran and the CEO of the Australian charity Soldier On. The two Tasmanians discuss the founding of Soldier On and the intricacies of providing support to veterans in need. They also touch on popular misconceptions of the modern experience of war and how these influence the perceptions of veterans and veterans' issues in wider society.

John also provides a definition of war that reminds us of society's responsibility.

In this episode Mick chats with Dr. Rhys Crawley, a historian at the Australian War Memorial. They discuss his book and the failed August offensive in Gallipoli that began with the attack on Lone Pine on the 6th of August 1915. They touch on the efforts of the Australians, British and Kiwi soldiers as well as the withdrawal from the Dardenelles by the allies.

Rhys also provides a new and eloquent definition of war.

In this episode Mick chats with Dr. Meleah Hampton, a historian at the Australian War Memorial. They discuss the Somme Campaign in the First World War; focusing on the battle of Pozières Ridge and it's significance in Australian military history. They also touch on the commemoration of war and Meleah's recently published book about Pozières.

Meleah also provides a new and frank definition of war.

In this episode Mick has a chat with Brigadier Mick Ryan, the Director General for Training & Doctrine in the Australian Army. They discuss how the Australian Army learns and trains its people to prepare them to operate in complex environments. They also touch on the Australian Army's capstone annual exercise, Hamel.

Mick also takes the opportunity to give his own career a quick boost. 

In this episode Mick has a chat with Dr Meghan Fitzpatrick, a defence analyst & researcher. They continue their discussion on war related nervous disorders, this time focusing on the Second World War. It is a topic that is as relevant to today's veterans as it was to those who fought in WW2.

In this episode Mick asks previous guest Dr Huw Davies to return to the show to discuss the personal library of the 1st of Duke of Wellington. Huw highlights how the exploration of the Iron Duke's library can hint at what military officers in the 18th and 19th centuries were reading before Clausewitz's famous work was published. Maurice, Comte de Saxe and Henry Lloyd are highlighted as two influential authors of the time.

It is a fascinating subject and the discussion covers battlefields across Britain, France, Spain and India. Mick also makes one of his funnier jokes before confirming Huw's previous definition of "War is..."

In this episode Mick chats with Olivia A. Garard about Alice in Wonderland and how it can be used to examine Clausewitz's theory of war. They also talk a little bit about relativism and how it can aid in the application of Big Carl's work or, for that matter any other theory of war.

Tune in and find out who the Cheshire cat really is.

Olivia A. Garard is an officer in the US Marine Corps. She has an MA in War Studies from King's College London. The opinions expressed are hers alone and do not reflect those of the Marine Corps, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.

In this episode Mick has a chat with World War Z author Max Brooks. They discuss Max's exploration of war through his writing. Max's book The Harlem Hell Fighters is a historical graphic novel set in World War One and it explores the unique story of an African American unit from the U.S. Army.  They also discuss how disruptive thinking can assist militaries in learning the lessons they need for the future fight.

Max also provides Mick with a unique response in his search for the definition of war.

Max is non-resident fellow with the Modern War Institute at West Point, and senior resident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Art of Future Warfare project. 

In this episode Mick has a chat with warrior poet Barry Alexander about the release of his memoir, On Afghanistan's Plains. Barry discusses his poetry as well as his debut book. The discussion also explores how creative outlets can be a positive experience for modern veterans.

Mick also gains a new response in his search for the definition of war.

In this episode Mick has a chat with national security expert Douglas A. Ollivant on the a recent article he wrote about Hybrid Warriors. Douglas discusses the capabilities of Hybrid Warriors and how they are a new threat to modern militaries that have similar precedents throughout history. Mick also gains a new response to his search for the definition of war.

#Waris ...