Battleground - Goalhanger - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

301. Okinawa - The Typhoon of Steel Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Battleground, Saul and Patrick descend into the brutal depths of the Battle of Okinawa.

Together they examine the strategic brilliance and tragic missteps on both sides, including the immense casualties that led to the deaths of both commanding generals: Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr. for the Americans and Lieutenant General Mitsuru Ushijima for the Japanese.

They also take a look at the unprecedented surge in kamikaze attacks, a desperate and devastating tactic employed by the Japanese to repel the Allied invasion fleet.

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Producer: James Hodgson

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300. Trump's Middle East Doctrine: What Will it Mean for Ukraine? Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

Join Patrick Bishop and Saul David on Battleground as they dissect the astonishing new dynamics in global power politics. Donald Trump's recent decisive actions in the Iran-Israel crisis – including a spectacular strike on Iran's nuclear program and an imposed ceasefire – has observers questioning his evolving foreign policy.

To help them answer the big question: will Trump apply this new assertive stance to Putin and the war in Ukraine? They turn to friend of the podcast Askold Krushelnycky who tells us the mood in Ukraine amidst these dramatic shifts.

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Producer: James Hodgson

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299. The Greatest Force: Rewriting RAF Bomber Command's Legacy Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Battleground, Patrick Bishop sits down with former Financial Times reporter Marcus Gibson to discuss his controversial new book, The Greatest Force.

Gibson's research challenges decades of historical consensus, arguing that RAF Bomber Command was, in fact, the single most crucial factor in Germany's defeat in World War II. Prepare for a deep dive into the impact of the bombing campaign, and Marcus' claim that RAF bombing diverted 80% of Germany's air defences away from the front lines.

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Producer: James Hodgson

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298. Will Ukraine be affected by events in Iran? Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

This week on Battleground, Saul David and Patrick Bishop unpack a seismic shift in global conflict. As Israel's astonishing assault on Iran's military leadership and nuclear capabilities sends shockwaves through the Middle East, we explore its profound, and potentially beneficial, implications for the war in Ukraine, especially regarding Russia's crucial military ally and its struggling hardware.

Meanwhile, the spotlight turns to President Trump's controversial stance: his willingness to engage in the Iran conflict on Israel's side stands in stark contrast to his perceived pro-Russian position on Ukraine. We dissect his G7 remarks, the international pushback, and the chilling silence from the White House following a devastating attack on Kyiv. Plus, as Russia's allies dwindle, Sergei Shoigu makes a desperate plea to North Korea. Join us for a critical discussion on how these dramatic global events are reshaping the future of the war in Ukraine and the balance of power.

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Producer: James Hodgson

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297. Operation Downfall: The Invasion That Never Was Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Battleground 45, Saul David speaks to Robert Lyman to delve into the meticulously planned, yet ultimately unexecuted, Allied invasion of Japan: Operation Downfall.

As the war in Europe drew to a close, the focus shifted to the Pacific, and the Allied command began preparing for an unprecedented assault on the Japanese home islands.

Together they explore the staggering scale of the proposed operation, the projected casualties on both sides, and the strategic dilemmas faced by Allied leaders.

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Producer: James Hodgson

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296. How LA Unrest Impacts The Russia-Ukraine War Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

The world’s focus on Ukraine has been affected by the clashes in Los Angeles this week between law enforcement and protestors against Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

Saul David and Patrick Bishop discuss Donald Trump’s response to these clashes, if he is moving towards authoritarian state, his loss of interest in the peace mission between Russia and Ukraine and how his change in focus internally will affect Ukraine.

They also discuss if Europe and others can help step up to support Ukraine as America’s support wanes, how the Krinks are currently winning and Russias further advances on the battlefield. Plus, your questions answered.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com

Producer: Robby Williams

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295. Chiang Kai-shek Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Battleground 45, Saul is joined by, Professor Alexander V. Pantsov, a renowned historian and author specialising in 20th-century Chinese history.

Together, they delve into the complex and often controversial figure of Chiang Kai-shek, the leader of the Nationalist Party of China and a pivotal player in the tumultuous events of World War II and the Chinese Civil War.

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Producer: James Hodgson

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294. Operation Spider's Web Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

Join Saul David and Patrick Bishop as they dissect the two audacious operations that have shocked the Kremlin and reshaped the narrative. We dive into "Operation Spider's Web," the mass drone attacks that hit five Russian air bases, crippling a third of their long-range bomber fleet.

We are also privileged to be joined by friend of the podcast Colonel Pavlo Khazan of the Ukrainian Electronic Warfare Command, to hear his thoughts and insights on these remarkable operations and more.

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Producer: James Hodgson

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293. Battleground '45 Your Questions Answered Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Battleground '45 Saul and Patrick take a deep dive into a host of fascinating listeners questions on the second world war.

These include a look into returning POWs, preparation for soldiers heading into Germany, and Escaping Nazi's.

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Producer: James Hodgson

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292. Long-Range Fire & POWs Return May 30, 2025

Show notes

Has Donald Trump finally had enough? In this week's Battleground Ukraine Saul David and Patrick Bishop analyse his condemnation of Putin's "crazy" actions and the possibility of new US sanctions following brutal Russian civilian attacks.

Adding to the pressure, Germany has announced Western allies are lifting all range restrictions on weapons, giving Ukraine the power to hit deep into Russia—could Taurus missiles be next?

Plus, a powerful report from Hungarian war correspondent Boldi Gyori, who witnessed the emotional return of Ukrainian soldiers in a recent POW swap.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com

Producer: James Hodgson

X: @PodBattleground

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