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Goalhanger

A history podcast that explores the narratives, turning points and characters that shape conflicts, encompassing a blend of social and military history. Following on from the series on the Falklands War, best-selling military historians Patrick Bishop and Saul David turned their attention to the war in Ukraine, and now every Wednesday look back to the seismic events of 1945.

Goalhanger Podcasts

Battleground

In the premiere of a new series from Battleground, Patrick Bishop and Saul David dive into the high-stakes world of Special Forces to explore why these small bands of elite warriors have captured the global imagination. 

From the SAS and Delta Force to Sayeret Matkal, the duo strips away the Hollywood veneer to define the "SF type," debating whether it is superior fitness, a specific mental edge, or a carefully cultivated mystique that sets these operators apart. They also examine the massive literary obsession with units like the SAS, questioning what our fascination with "supermen" reveals about our own society.

We also look forward in our episode to what is coming up in this new series including: Operation Cauldron, the legendary 1942 assault by No. 4 Commando, the Iranian Embassy siege, the failure of Operation Eagle Claw and the precision of the raid on Osama bin Laden.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground
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362. Introducing - Battleground: Special Forces

In this momentous episode, Patrick Bishop and Saul David analyze the global shockwaves following the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and its profound implications for the war in Ukraine. 

They explore the rise of the "Donroe Doctrine"—a new American focus on the Western Hemisphere—and how the seizure of the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera marks a direct humiliation for Vladimir Putin. 

The duo also discusses the groundbreaking commitment from Britain and France to deploy troops for a Ukrainian peace deal, alongside President Zelensky’s high-stakes decision to place spy chief Kyrylo Budanov and drone expert Mykhaylo Fedorov at the heart of his administration. 

From the potential takeover of Greenland to the collapse of Russian air defenses, this episode breaks down a week that has fundamentally shifted the geopolitical landscape.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground
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361. The Donroe Doctrine: From Caracas to Kyiv

In our final episode of our Hero or Villain series Patrick and Roger go all the way back to the first part of the twentieth century and take a look at perhaps Britain's most famous soldier from the First World War - Field Marshall Douglas Haig. 

They take a dive into the arguments for and against Haig and give their judgement. 

They also take a look at the results from the listener votes on our previously discussed characters of the series.

What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain?

Cast Your Vote! Join the debate and cast your vote on Douglas Haig:

https://forms.gle/MBLSFfoE2Jo75Wos5

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground
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360. Hero or Villain: Episode 6 - Douglas Haig

In the first episode of 2026, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop look back on a bizarre and momentous year of conflict. The hosts begin by reflecting on the breakdown of international cooperation, noting how Russia has moved from sensitive joint enterprises, like decommissioning nuclear power submarines, to living on the "dark side of the moon" diplomatically and economically.

The centre of this week’s discussion is the surreal meeting between President Zelensky and Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Patrick and Roger dissect the "Olympic levels of restraint" shown by Zelensky as Trump claimed Putin was "generous" in his feelings toward Ukraine. They explore the 20-point peace plan being sketched out by American and Ukrainian officials and why, despite Trump’s optimism, the Kremlin remains unlikely to accept any deal that recognises a sovereign Ukraine.

Finally, the hosts look at the changing face of the front line, where the introduction of long-range "FPV" drones—now capable of striking targets up to 50 or even 100 kilometres away—is creating a lethal "grey zone" that redefines modern manoeuvre warfare.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground
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359. The Mar-a-Lago Charade & The "Dark Side of the Moon"

In this episode of Hero or Villain, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop evaluate the military career of Josip Broz Tito, the "titan of Central Europe" who led the Yugoslav partisans during World War II and served as President until 1980. 

The discussion traces his journey from a decorated Austro-Hungarian sergeant major to a revolutionary swayed by communism while a POW in Russia. 

The hosts highlight his strategic brilliance in liberating Yugoslavia largely through indigenous guerrilla efforts and his notable "independent streak" in defying Stalin to pursue a "Third Way" during the Cold War. While acknowledging the high human cost of his tactics and post-war repressions like the Bleiburg repatriations.

What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain?

Cast Your Vote! Join the debate and cast your vote on Josip Tito: https://forms.gle/wbcib4kLXs66E9P19

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground
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358. Hero or Villain: Episode 5 - Josip Tito

With the Battleground: Ukraine team taking a Christmas break, we have a special interview for you this episode.

Saul is joined by Journalist, writer and pacifist turned volunteer soldier Artem Chapeye, who tells his story plus his thoughts and reflections on the war in Ukraine.

Artem recently wrote the book: Ordinary People Don't Carry Machine Guns.

Join us next week for an update on the latest news from Ukraine.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

357. Ordinary People Don't Carry Machine Guns

In this episode of Hero or Villain, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop examine the polarising military legacy of Tony Blair. They debate whether the former Prime Minister was a noble champion of "liberal interventionism" or a reckless architect of regional chaos.

The discussion moves from the early humanitarian successes in Kosovo and Sierra Leone to the strategic overreach of Afghanistan and the catastrophic intelligence failures of the Iraq War. 

By weighing Blair’s initial moral imperatives against the long-term destabilisation of the Middle East, Roger and Patrick attempt to settle the ledger on one of modern history's most disputed figures.

What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain?

Cast Your Vote! Join the debate and cast your vote on Tony Blair: https://forms.gle/w75h5XcuGx9iaswe6

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

356. Hero or Villain: Episode 4 - Tony Blair

In a now annual Battleground tradition, for a special Christmas treat we've recorded a special festive episode discussing the standout history books of the year, and the wider stories that surround them. 

Patrick, Saul and Roger are joined by friends of the podcast - publicist and historical novelist Richard Foreman and book critic, writer and journalist Antonia Senior.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

355. Battleground Christmas Special 2025

In this pivotal episode of Battleground: Ukraine, Patrick Bishop and Saul David discuss the high-stakes EU summit in Brussels that could decide the financial future of the conflict.

With Kyiv facing potential bankruptcy by the spring, the hosts break down the urgent debate over seizing €210 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund a "reparations loan." 

We also look at the latest from the front lines and are joined by the Public Affairs Officer at the Khartiia Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine - Volodymyr Dehtyarov for an exclusive update on their recent successful counteroffensive in the Kupyansk area, showcasing the hi-tech warfare and grit that continues to define the Ukrainian defence on the ground.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground
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354. Seizing Russia's Frozen Assets & the Counter-Strike at Kupyansk

In the latest episode of our Hero or Villain series hosts Patrick Bishop and Roger Morehouse ask the ultimate question about one of the 20th century's most controversial figures: Was Charles de Gaulle a hero or a villain?

De Gaulle remains a giant of French and world history, looming over his nation's political landscape and physical fabric, with over 3,600 public spaces named after him. He is regularly polled as the most important figure in French history, even surpassing Napoleon.

Join the debate as Patrick and Roger delve into the General's life and legacy, exploring the pivotal role he played in the Second World War and analyzing what might have happened to a post-war France without his unifying presence. Hear the arguments, weigh the evidence, and decide where this controversial figure truly falls on the ledger.

What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain?

Cast Your Vote! Join the debate and cast your vote on Charles de Gaulle: https://forms.gle/y7ubNDSBjysvNyKX7

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground
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353. Hero or Villain: Episode 3 - Charles de Gaulle

In the latest episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul and Patrick consider the logic of Ukraine’s decision to continue fighting for the city of Bakhmut, and they discuss reports that elements of the Russian armed forces – including the elite Spetsnaz special forces - are suffering high desertions rates and, in some instances, are mutinying in the face of certain death. They also discuss listeners thoughts and questions.
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com
Producer: James Hodgson
Twitter: @PodBattleground
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34. Mutiny in the Russian Ranks?

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