Τα καλύτερα Don Shader podcast (2024)

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How Afghanistan shapes today’s Armed Forces 39:02

3d ago39:02

39:02

It’s 10 years since British troops left Helmand and combat operations came to an end. But the conflict reshaped the forces in ways that can still be seen today. The next war is expected to involve tanks and trenches not seen in Helmand, so from equipment to military mindsets Sitrep assesses what is helpful to still have, what is a hinderance, and w…

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Struggling with Tinnitus: My Battle with Unrelenting Ear Buzzing 4:14

10d ago4:14

4:14

Send us a text In this episode, I open up about a persistent and high-pitched buzzing sound I’ve been experiencing in my ears since September. It reminds me of katydids from my Texas days, but this time it’s not nature—it’s an ongoing struggle that has left me searching for answers. After visiting an ENT specialist with little success, I’m turning …

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Sitrep LIVE – The future of NATO 36:11

3d ago36:11

36:11

Admiral Sir Keith Blount, who is the most senior British officer in NATO, talks to Sitrep’s Claire Sadler and Professor Michael Clarke from the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium. He explains alliance thinking and actions on key topics including NATO's future, technology developments, the Ukraine war and the threat p…

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EXTRA – Remembering General Sir Mike Jackson 25:26

10d ago25:26

25:26

Across 45 years of service General Sir Mike Jackson played a key role in many historic moments for Britain’s armed forces, even before he led the Army as Chief of the General Staff. Known to all simply as Jacko he is best remembered for defying his US commanding officer in Kosovo by saying “I’m not going to start World War Three for you”. He did no…

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Retirement: Embracing the Journey to a New Life in Ecuador 19:51

13d ago19:51

19:51

Send us a text In this episode, I dive into a thought-provoking conversation inspired by my friend Jeff, focusing on retirement as more than just stepping away from a career. Together, we explore the idea of “retiring to” something meaningful—whether it’s new adventures, hobbies, or personal growth. I also share my own experiences living in Ecuador…

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Are human rights laws harming our military? 48:13

17d ago48:13

48:13

Our armed forces put their lives on the line to protect the rule of international law and ordinary people’s human rights. But some believe those rights and laws are disproportionately affecting our troops and military decision makers. Sitrep talks to two SAS veterans who explain why they want the UK to opt-out of part of the European Convention on …

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Operation Shader to end, so what next? 41:25

24d ago41:25

41:25

Almost exactly 10 years since Operation Shader began RAF strikes against the Islamic State terror group ministers say it will be drawn down in favour of a new security partnership. But what form should that take, and is this the right time given everything else happening in the Middle East? Sitrep gets the thoughts of former Defence Secretary Sir M…

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Why Paula and Her Husband Left Manta: A Story of Crime and Safety Concerns in Ecuador 16:18

29d ago16:18

16:18

Send us a text In this episode, I share the story of Paula and her husband, who made the difficult decision to leave Manta, Ecuador, after facing increasing crime and safety concerns. After moving to Manta with dreams of an affordable retirement, their reality quickly changed as they experienced cartel-related violence and a growing sense of fear. …

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Sandhurst’s radical process to modernise 38:07

1M ago38:07

38:07

The Army’s world-renowned Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is undertaking a radical process to modernise. It’s conducting what it calls a ‘Critical Mass Trial’ – huge efforts to ramp up the numbers of women in its platoons in response to a tragedy at the Academy. BFBS Forces News has been given rare and exclusive access to Sandhurst and has documen…

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EXTRA – Unknown warrior 23:20

1M ago23:20

23:20

More than a hundred years after the First World War, more than half a million soldiers are still missing, a third of whom are thought to be buried as ‘unknown’. Two years after the end of the Great War, The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior was established at Westminster Abbey and has served as a focal point for the public’s grief ever since. Former Torn…

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Power Crisis in Ecuador & Reflections on Two Years of Expat Life 18:27

1M ago18:27

18:27

Send us a text In this episode, I dive into the current power crisis affecting Ecuador and share my reflections on two years of living as an expat in this beautiful country. I revisit my popular video, “10 Reasons Why I Moved to Ecuador,” and provide updates on topics like the cost of living, healthcare, weather, investments, and more. If you’re co…

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Lebanon device explosions – what will the British military be thinking? 29:48

1M ago29:48

29:48

Lebanon is on edge after thousands of Hezbollah electronic devices exploded across two days. Many people have died and thousands are injured. Former Army Intelligence Officer Philip Ingram explains how the plan was coordinated and what militaries learn from these attacks. Russia has lost at least 15 warships since its full scale invasion of Ukraine…

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Buyer Beware: Adapting to Life Without Regulations in Ecuador 14:21

1M ago14:21

14:21

Send us a text In this episode, I respond to a thought-provoking email from a long-time listener asking if Ecuador is a “buyer beware” culture. I dive into the contrast between Ecuador’s minimal regulations and the over-regulation Americans often face in the U.S. From chaotic traffic to unreliable infrastructure, I explore the challenges expats fac…

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La Viveza Criolla: Unpacking Latin America’s Culture of Cleverness and Rule-Bending 17:49

1M ago17:49

17:49

Send us a text In this episode, I dive into the cultural concept of “La Viveza Criolla,” a term commonly used in Latin America to describe a clever, street-smart attitude that often involves bending the rules for personal gain. From bribery in Ecuador to tax evasion across various countries, we explore how this mentality shapes societies and the co…

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The cost of helping Ukraine – less training for British soldiers 45:37

1M ago45:37

45:37

More than 40,000 Ukrainians have had military training in the UK since Russia’s full-scale invasion of their country, but that’s made it harder for the Army to access its own training areas with bids now eight times more likely to be rejected. Former Royal Navy Commodore Steve Prest explains why the UK thinks it’s a price worth paying, for now. The…

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EXTRA – The Iranian Embassy Siege First Hand. 26:43

1M ago26:43

26:43

It remains an iconic piece of news footage and now historian Ben MacIntyre, the man behind SAS Rogue Heroes, has been given permission to talk to the men who took part in the operation to end the siege of the Iranian Embassy in London in 1980. Some of them have never spoken openly about the mission until now and these personal accounts detail the b…

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Answering an E-Mail - answering questions about life in Ecuador 25:00

2M ago25:00

25:00

Send us a text Hey there, fellow adventurers and potential expats! In this episode, I'm sharing some real talk about life in Ecuador. I recently got an email from a Canadian couple planning their move, and it inspired me to dive deep into the pros and cons of expat life here. I'm covering everything from the 5-month exploration trip they're plannin…

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A reality check on “painful choices” and defence cut rumours. 43:03

2M ago43:03

43:03

The Defence Secretary has said “we will do our part” as the government prepares us for a “difficult” budget, fuelling speculation that some big defence projects, like new planes or ships, could be axed. Sitrep’s Professor Michael Clarke explains why the Chancellor won’t be making any such announcements, but that that everything is up for considerat…

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EXTRA – Soldier, Doctor, Poet. 19:06

2M ago19:06

19:06

Major General Tim Hodgetts served 41 years as an Army doctor, rising to become Surgeon General. He’s lived through gunfire and explosions while trying to save lives, from Germany via Northern Ireland, to Afghanistan. Throughout much of that time he also wrote poems as a way to help him process those experiences, but now he’s published some of them …

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Living on a Golf Course in Ecuador 34:07

2M ago34:07

34:07

Send us a text In this episode, I take you just outside the bustling city of Manta to Montecristi, where I chat with residents and the manager of the Montecristi Golf Resort. We discuss what makes this 18-hole golf course and its surrounding community so special, from its beautiful homes and lots for sale to the diverse amenities and unique lifesty…

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Who’s qualified to lead our national security? 40:02

2M ago40:02

40:02

Rishi Sunak wanted one of the UK’s top generals to be the next National Security Adviser, but Keir Starmer has decided to readvertise the job. So far it’s always been a civilian, but would a top-ranking officer make more sense? The UK’s first ever National Security Adviser, Lord Peter Ricketts, tells us what the role involves and shares his thought…

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Health Care and Insurance in Ecuador 15:18

2M ago15:18

15:18

Send us a text "Hey there, fellow expats and locals in Ecuador! It's your host coming to you from the beautiful coastal city of Manta. In today's episode, we're diving deep into a topic that affects us all: healthcare in Ecuador. As someone who's navigated the ins and outs of the Ecuadorian healthcare system, I know firsthand how confusing it can b…

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Renting in Equador 24:01

2M ago24:01

24:01

Send us a text In today's episode, I'm going to dig into the often-overlooked aspects of renting property here in Ecuador. I've compiled a comprehensive list of considerations that go beyond the basics we've just discussed, to help you make a more informed decision about your retirement home. We'll explore everything from utility connections and no…

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Shopping in Manta 11:57

2M ago11:57

11:57

Send us a text In this episode I talk about shopping in Manta. I mention all the major grocery stores, MegaMaxi, SuperMaxi, Mi Comisariato, Paseo, and Coral. In addition to shopping for food, I also talk about the issues with buying clothes here as well.Από τον Don Shader

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The UK joins the military space race 42:11

2M ago42:11

42:11

The UK’s first sovereign military satellite, Tyche, is now in orbit. It’s the first piece of a planned constellation of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance orbiters, at a cost approaching one billion pounds. Former Royal Navy officer Darren Jones, from Tyche’s manufacturer, explains what capability it can offer the Armed Forces, while Pro…

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Using ChatGPT as a senior in Ecuador 25:37

2M ago25:37

25:37

Send us a text In today's episode, I talk about the new AI tool that's been a hot topic of mainstream news for at least a year now. I'm talking about ChatGPT. I explain how I use it in my daily life and how you can benefit from using it in yours. Music: Island Dream by Chris HaugenΑπό τον Don Shader

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Money, My budget living in Ecuador 24:00

2M ago24:00

24:00

Send us a text In this episode I discuss my budget. I explain the reality of the cost of living in this great country and I show that it's not necessarily as cheap as one might expect, but not all that expensive either. I explain the budget items on my personal spreadsheet and I'll give you the numbers that you need to hear and feel compfortable wi…

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Navigating Life Abroad: Cultural Differences and Crime Realities 18:42

2M ago18:42

18:42

Send us a text Beyond the Headlines: Understanding Cultural Differences and Crime Concerns in South America... In this episode of “Navigating Life Abroad,” I take a deep dive into the nuances of adjusting to life in South America from a North American perspective. I explore the rich cultural differences that shape daily life, from the relaxed appro…

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Ukraine’s big gamble in Russia – what happens next? 40:56

2M ago40:56

40:56

Is this Chess, or Russian Roulette? Professor Michael Clarke explains why Ukraine has chosen a path with big risks, but also potentially big rewards by taking the fight to Russia on its own turf in Kursk. Sitrep’s Simon Newton analyses the forces and movements of each side as we assess how this could develop and affect the war. 75 years since the G…

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Who is Don Shader, The Grumpy Old Gringo? 17:30

3M ago17:30

17:30

Send us a text "The Gringo Diaries: Brutal Honesty from Ecuador" is a candid and unfiltered podcast by Don Shader, affectionately known as the Grumpy Old Gringo. After retiring from a successful career in IT, Don moved to Ecuador and quickly discovered the realities of expat life. With over 375 YouTube videos and a reputation for telling it like it…

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Wagner Mercenaries in West Africa 41:55

3M ago41:55

41:55

Sitrep’s looking into the role of the Russian mercenary group, Wagner, after reports of fierce fighting in the West African country of Mali and asking why this conflict has caused a diplomatic row between Mali and Ukraine? And where is the balance between the needs of the military and the needs of the media? Sitrep will discuss that with the former…

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The armed forces pay rise – what’s it really worth? 46:11

3M ago46:11

46:11

Most servicemen and women are getting a 6% pay rise, twice the rate of inflation. The government says it’s the biggest increase for more than 20 years. But in real terms pay has been falling for a decade, and satisfaction with it is at a record low. Sitrep talks to the Defence Veterans and People Minister, Alistair Carns, to ask whether it’s really…

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Ready for war in three years? 34:16

3M ago34:16

34:16

The new head of the Army has warned the UK has three years to be ready to fight a war or deter conflict. General Sir Roly Walker’s talked about an “increasingly volatile world” but he said war wasn’t inevitable and the Army had "just enough time" to prepare itself. He says he wants to double the Army's fighting power in three years (and triple it b…

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Why have outside experts been put in charge of the UK’s Defence Review? 46:08

3M ago46:08

46:08

From where the armed forces are deployed around the world, to the kit they have for the job, and how they’re looked after, the government has launched a “root and branch” defence review. Two people who’ve been hands on with past reviews, Lieutenant General Sir Nick Pope and Sitrep’s Professor Michael Clarke, explain what will be different about thi…

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“Don’t be Jack” -- the veterans who’ve become MPs 43:38

4M ago43:38

43:38

Around one in twenty of the UK’s MPs have military experience, but what do they bring to the job and does it help them make a difference? Sitrep talks to the new MP for Derbyshire North, Louise Jones, and Jonny Ball who hosts the Veterans in Politics podcast and has mentored several of the new intake to Parliament. India’s Prime Minister claims to …

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EXTRA - The Allied Reaction Force (and Britain’s role) explained 16:43

4M ago16:43

16:43

The Allied Reaction Force is the new “tip of the spear” for NATO’s military power. It’s described as a strategic, high-readiness, force-generated, multi-domain and multinational capability. The ARF replaces the NATO Response Force and Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), as part of a radical update of military structures and plans since the…

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Defending Europe – what does NATO need to do? 42:31

4M ago42:31

42:31

75 years since NATO was created to defend Europe, Sitrep asks what’s needed to do that job properly today. From organising hundreds of thousands of troops, to digging ditches and ensuring bridges can carry tanks, the challenges are explained by Professor Michael Clarke and Oana Lungescu, a former senior advisor to the NATO Secretary General. Part o…

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The Black Sea mine threat 36:39

4M ago36:39

36:39

Two Royal Navy minehunters, given to Ukraine last year, are still in UK waters because they can’t get into the Black Sea while the war continues. But Ukraine’s Navy is using them to prepare for when they can start clearing the hundreds of explosives lying on the sea-bed. Sitrep’s Simon Newton has been watching some of that work on Exercise Sea Bree…

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Who’s promising what for the Armed Forces? 32:35

4M ago32:35

32:35

Sitrep analyses the main party manifestos for the general election in which defence has had its highest profile in decades. AI and data collection are promised to bring a revolution to military capability. But they could also make it harder to work with partners and allies by creating a new “language barrier”, so how do we avoid that? And the 2am p…

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War of the playground 38:18

5M ago38:18

38:18

While North Korea sends hundreds of balloons, loaded with rubbish and manure, across the border, South Korea is setting up giant speakers to blare K-pop music for miles into the North. Sitrep assess the risk of a playground scrap going out of control, and explains why many heavily armed nations indulge in childish tactics when they don’t want an al…

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The art of deception 44:59

5M ago44:59

44:59

From the wooden horse at Troy to rubber tanks in Dover military deceptions have been central to war for thousands of years. In the lead up to D-Day the allies convinced Germany their assault would be 150 miles away from Normandy. Professor Michael Clarke and Sitrep’s Claire Sadler explain the complex web of deceptions involving radar interference, …

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An insider’s guide to the NATO summit 42:06

5M ago42:06

42:06

Presidents and Prime Ministers have big decisions to make in Washington about how to better defend Europe, deter Russia, and support Ukraine. But how does it work behind closed doors, away from the choreographed photo ops, and who is actually making the decisions? Lord Peter Ricketts, former UK Ambassador to NATO, lifts the lid on how some of the w…

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Is it time for western boots in Ukraine? 44:07

5M ago44:07

44:07

Russia has the momentum in Ukraine right now, so is it time for a radical rethink of how we help? James Heappey, who served four years as Armed Forces Minister, tells Sitrep we should be thinking about putting a training mission into Western Ukraine along with air defence support. Professor Michael Clarke explains the potential risks and benefits o…

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EXTRA – Hercules: first in, last out 22:34

5M ago22:34

22:34

For more than half a century the C-130 Hercules was the backbone of the RAF. It’s played a key role in daring special forces and counter terror mission, supported combat operations from the Falklands to Afghanistan, delivered disaster relief, and carried out evacuations in some of the most challenging of environments. Named after the mythological G…

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What Course Ahead For The Royal Navy? 33:11

5M ago33:11

33:11

Sitrep looks at the future shape of the Navy as the government talks of a new ‘golden era in shipbuilding’ and assesses what it can learn from current conflicts. Expert analysis from Commodore Steve Prest who’s just left the service and former Naval warfare officer Professor Peter Roberts from RUSI. Sitrep’s Simon Newton reports from Poland on Exer…

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The forces payroll hack – what you need to know 37:11

6M ago37:11

37:11

The cyber-attack which potentially exposed names and bank details of more than 270-thousand people is certainly embarrassing, but what might a “malign actor” do with that information? The founding Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Centre, Ciaran Martin, tells Sitrep the hackers haven’t got any “crown jewels”, but that statements of “no…

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Naval hide & seek in Norway’s fjords 37:35

6M ago37:35

37:35

Sitrep goes on board a Royal Navy P2000 patrol boat, on exercise Tamber Shield, off the coast of Norway. David Sivills-McCann gives us an insight into the action, and Professor Michael Clarke explains why these boats, some of the smallest Royal Navy vessels, are key to defending the UK. A prototype of the RAF’s next generation fighter jet, Tempest,…

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EXTRA – Tempest, turning sci-fi concepts into flying reality 19:22

6M ago19:22

19:22

Tempest will be the RAF’s next generation fighter jet, and the heart of the new Future Combat Air System. After a decade of conceptual development work is now underway to turn it into reality, with a first prototype due to fly in around 3 years. Will it really be equipped with laser weapons or brain scanners in the pilot’s helmet? That’s still secr…

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The PM’s defence spending spree – what’s it really worth? 41:21

6M ago41:21

41:21

Rishi Sunak has pledged tens of billions of pounds to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2030, but how much will it improve our military capability? Professor Michael Clarke explains why the extra cash will probably be used to firm up our forces rather than making them bigger, and we fact check how much of the £75bn figure given by the Prime Minister …

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How did the RAF support Israel when it was attacked by Iran? 36:46

6M ago36:46

36:46

RAF Typhoons fired in defence of Israel as part of a multi-national operation to stop Iran’s onslaught with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones. A former fighter pilot tells Sitrep about the threats posed to pilots. The Armed Forces put a lot of effort into leadership training. But what about the other side of the coin – followers? The C…

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