The General & The Journalist

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  Inside Mossad: How Israeli spies penetrated Iran 12.08.2026 30Min.

  Mossad has spent decades building intelligence networks inside Iran, using spies, cyber operations and covert technology to penetrate the regime at the highest levels.Yossi Cohen, former director of Mossad, joins The General & The Journalist to reveal how Israel’s spies recruit agents, operate behind enemy lines and target Iran’s leadership. How far is Mossad willing to go? And can Israel’s intelligence successes ultimately bring about regime change in Iran? And where does covert action cross the line?The Sword of Freedom: Israel, Mossad, and the Secret War by Yossi Cohen is available at Harper Collins.00:00 - Former Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen on Israel’s Intelligence Strategy03:01 - How Mossad Penetrated the Iranian Regime’s Deepest Secrets09:24 - HUMINT vs. SIGINT: Why Human Spies Outperform Cyber Intelligence14:16 - Exploding Pagers, Sabotage & The Ethics of Covert Operations24:28 - The Future of Iran, Regime Change & Yossi Cohen’s Political AmbitionsGuest: Yossi Cohen, former director of MossadHost: Tom Newton DunnProducer: Julia Webster and Shabnam GrewalExecutive producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: GettyClips: BBCHow should Andy Burnham approach the UK’s relationship with Israel? Get in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  EXPLAINER: Britain's £5 billion drone gamble 09.08.2026 9Min.

  Could Britain replace billion-pound warships with fleets of uncrewed vessels – and what happens when the technology fails?In this bonus audio explainer, The Sunday Times’s Mark Urban examines Britain’s £5 billion bet on uncrewed warfare, shaped by the lethal lessons of Ukraine. Military planners hope networks of specialised drones and automated platforms can cut costs, protect personnel and transform the battlefield.But with major conventional programmes still competing for funding, is Britain building the armed forces of the future or creating dangerous new vulnerabilities? Producer: Stephanie Bosset Image: Dana Chan, GettyGet in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Pete Hegseth’s macho culture fit for the military? 05.08.2026 35Min.

  Pete Hegseth has turned the Pentagon into a stage for warrior bravado – renaming it the Department of War, ordering testosterone screening for troops over 30, and cheering on a US Navy jet's ultra-low flypast over a packed Florida beach.Former RAF Air Vice-Marshal Sean Bell joins Tom and Patrick to give his verdict on Hegseth's shake-up of the US armed forces and to ask whether a similar culture could take hold in the British military. Chapters:00:00 — Pete Hegseth and the dangerous flybys08:50 — Who is Pete Hegseth?10:55 — Fitness, testosterone and the “warrior ethos”14:30 — Diversity, standards and the military beard debate21:40 — Does machismo belong in the military?Guest: Sean Bell, Former Air Vice-Marshal in the Royal Air ForceHost: General Sir Patrick Sanders & Tom Newton DunnPatrick brings his experience as a former head of the British Army to the podcast. He is also a Conservative peer and advises the party on defence. Producer: Elle Scott & Julia WebsterExec Producer: Priyanka DeladiaClips: US Department of War.Image: Shaun Parkinson, GettyGet in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How Ukraine’s leadership crisis impacts the war 29.07.2026 34Min.

  President Volodymyr Zelensky has sacked his defence minister and army chief after a bitter struggle over Ukraine’s military strategy triggered widespread street protests. Natia Seskuria of RUSI examines the clash between reformers and the old guard, and the consequences for Zelensky’s democratic reputation. Could this upheaval at the top change the course of the war with Russia?Should Zelensky reinstate Mykhailo Fedorov as minister of defence? Get in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.ukChapters:00:00 – Zelensky's Political Crisis01:42 – Why Zelensky Fired Mykhailo Fedorov and Oleksandr Syrskyi08:56 – Civilian Control vs. Military Command in Ukraine14:37 – RUSI Expert Natia Seskuria on Kyiv's Power Struggle32:13 – Listener Q&A: The Red Sea Crisis and China's Role in DjiboutiGuest: Natia Seskuria, Head of Russia and Eurasia Programme at RUSIHosts: General Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton DunnPatrick brings his experience as a former head of the British Army to the podcast. He is also a Conservative peer and advises the party on defence. Producer: Julia WebsterExecutive producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: Kathia Mestanza, GettyClips: Getty, ReutersHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Can Trump force open the Strait of Hormuz? 22.07.2026 36Min.

  The collapse of the Iran ceasefire has pushed oil prices higher and left Tehran using the Strait of Hormuz as its most powerful leverage. With American casualties rising and roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply at risk, Washington faces a stark choice – keep bombing, attempt to force the strait open or start looking for a way out.  Kirsten Fontenrose, former White House national security advisor, joins The General & The Journalist to assess Trump’s options. Can the US reopen the strait without triggering a wider war? And can Trump pull back before Iran becomes America’s next forever war?Is a military showdown in the Gulf inevitable? Send in your thoughts to generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.ukChapters: 00:00 – Is Iran Trump’s Forever War?05:22 – Why Iran wants to control the Strait of Hormuz09:41 – US Troop deaths and growing political pressure on Trump13:23 – Trump’s Iran Options: Diplomacy, Naval Blockade or Escalation27:14 – Can the US reopen the Strait? Kirsten Fontenrose’s Six-Month ForecastGuest: Kirsten Fontenrose, former Senior Director for Gulf Affairs at the National Security CouncilHosts: Tom Newton DunnProducer: Julia WebsterExecutive producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: Shaun Parkinson, GettyClips: C-SPAN, US Central Command, GettyHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Crimea under pressure: Will Putin lash out? 15.07.2026 40Min.

  The pressure is mounting on the Kremlin, both militarily and economically. With Ukraine keeping a stranglehold on Putin's crown jewel, Crimea, the chances of a Russian escalation are growing. Could it become the beginning of the end for Vladimir Putin? Russia expert Mark Galeotti joins The General & The Journalist to analyse Russia's capacity to lash out, the likelihood of a new mobilisation wave, and critically, when it might happen.Is an escalation by Putin inevitable? Send in your thoughts to generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.ukGuest: Mark Galeotti, expert on on transnational crime and Russian security affairsHosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton DunnProducer: Julia WebsterExecutive producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: John Silva, GettyClips: Reuters, GettyHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  NATO, Britain and the middle powers 08.07.2026 40Min.

  Following the NATO summit in Ankara, American allies face an uncomfortable question – can they still rely on Washington to lead?Donald Trump is demanding more from Europe, NATO is trying to adapt and countries like Britain must decide whether to step up or become spectators in a world shaped by others. This week, John Bew joins The General & The Journalist to discuss NATO, Donald Trump, Britain's defence strategy and the future of transatlantic security. Drawing on his experience advising four UK prime ministers, he explains what the summit means for UK national security, military spending, foreign policy, and Britain's role in a changing world.Should NATO be trying to keep the US on board or should they plan for a future without their support? Get in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.ukGuest: John Bew, Professor of History and Foreign Policy at the Department of War Studies, King's College LondonHosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton DunnProducer: Julia WebsterExecutive producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: GettyClips: Reuters, CBS News, Simon Walker/No 10 Downing StreetHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Does Britain’s defence plan make it NATO’s weak link? 01.07.2026 38Min.

  Britain says its long-awaited Defence Investment Plan will strengthen its role in NATO. But after months of delays, funding rows and warnings from allies, does the money go far enough? Admiral Sir Keith Blount, the former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe at NATO, joins Tom and Patrick to assess what the plan gets right, where it falls short and why Britain risks losing influence in the alliance if it fails to deliver. As NATO leaders prepare to gather in Ankara next week – with Russia threatening Europe, Donald Trump demanding more from the alliance, and countries such as Poland, Denmark and Germany moving faster on defence – is Britain still leading NATO or falling behind? Do you think the government has sufficiently funded UK defence? Get in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.ukGuest: Admiral Sir Keith Blount, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe to NATOHosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton DunnProducer: Julia WebsterExecutive producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: Getty, Dana ChanClips: Reuters, Forbes, SkyHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Britain ready for a more dangerous world? Live at Nevill Holt Festival 24.06.2026 55Min.

  For The General & The Journalist’s first anniversary, Tom and Patrick return to the question at the heart of the podcast – is the world becoming more dangerous? Recorded live at the Nevill Holt Festival, they look at Ukraine’s fightback, Putin’s next moves, the Iran ceasefire, China’s advantage, the threat to Taiwan and the crisis in Britain’s defences. Patrick warns that we may be entering a new Cold War and Tom asks whether Britain is moving fast enough to protect itself. Hosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton DunnProducer: Julia WebsterExecutive producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: William Blakesley-HerbertWhat are your thoughts on the state of British defence spending? Get in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.ukHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Trump’s Art of the Deal – from the man who advised him 17.06.2026 33Min.

  H.R. McMaster served as Donald Trump’s National Security Adviser and saw firsthand how he makes decisions about war, peace and American power.As his former boss is tested by crises from Iran to Ukraine, China, NATO and Venezuela, he explains how the president really thinks. Does Trump have a grand strategy, or is he driven by instincts, deals and the search for a quick win? And will fragile US-Iran peace deal force a lasting peace or end in disaster?  Guest: LTG HR McMaster, former US National Security Advisor (2017-2018)Hosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton DunnProducer: Julia WebsterExecutive producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: Dana Chan and GettyClips: PBS, WPLG, Reuters, GettyWhat are your thoughts on the US/Iran deal? Get in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.ukHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Trump’s Cuba Playbook 10.06.2026 37Min.

  Cuba is running out of power, fuel and patience. As blackouts spread and anger grows, Donald Trump is turning up the pressure on Havana, blaming the regime for the island’s collapse while Cuba points to decades of US sanctions. The historic US indictment of former president Raúl Castro has raised the stakes and a bigger question – is Trump trying to use his Venezuela playbook on Cuba? With US military power visible in the Caribbean, can Washington force change in Havana or would intervention in America’s Caribbean neighbour could end in catastrophe?Guest: Stephen Gibbs, Latin America correspondent for The Times & The Sunday TimesWilliam LeoGrande, professor of Government at American UniversityHosts: Tom Newton DunnProducer: Julia WebsterExecutive producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: Paul Brookbanks and GettyClip: USA TODAY, Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How AI drones are changing the war in Ukraine 03.06.2026 36Min.

  Nearly four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine is trying to change the course of the war with drones, AI and battlefield innovation. What began as improvised technology has become central to Kyiv’s strategy, helping Ukraine defend the front line and strike deeper into Russia. But can drones really help Ukraine break the deadlock? And what does this mean for the future of war? Patrick and Tom speak to leading military analyst Dr Jack Watling about the reality on the front line, the rise of AI-enabled warfare and the ethical questions it raises.Hosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton DunnGuest: Dr Jack Watling, Senior Research Fellow at the Royal United Services InstituteProducer: Shabnam Grewal and Julia WebsterExecutive producer: Priyanka DeladiaImage: Dinesh Mehta and GettyClip: CNNCan drones and AI help Ukraine break the deadlock or make the war more dangerous? Get in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Inside the 8,000ft rescue jump onto Tristan da Cunha 27.05.2026 39Min.

  Two weeks after British paratroopers landed on Tristan da Cunha, one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands, the rescue team are finally heading home.Their mission was extraordinary – reach a critically ill Briton on a tiny British Overseas Territory with no runway, no quick route by sea, and no easy way in. Within hours, 16 Air Assault Brigade was mobilised, sending paratroopers, military medics and vital supplies into the South Atlantic.Brigadier Ed Cartwright, who planned the operation, tells General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton Dunn how the daring rescue unfolded and what it says about Britain’s duty to protect its citizens and remote territories. But could the UK really defend these far-flung outposts from disaster or attack?Hosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton DunnGuest: Brigadier Ed Cartwright, Commander, 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat TeamProducer: Shabnam GrewalExecutive producer: Priyanka DeladiaImage: GettyGet in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Who is really running Iran now? 20.05.2026 45Min.

  Nearly three months after the Iran war began, there is a ceasefire, but no settlement. The Strait of Hormuz remains a global pressure point, Iran’s nuclear programme is unresolved, and Donald Trump is still demanding progress.But the biggest question may be inside Tehran. After war, assassinations and stalled diplomacy, power appears to be shifting away from the clerics and towards the Revolutionary Guards. Has the West weakened the Islamic Republic or helped make it harder to deal with?Patrick and Tom speak to Iran analyst Alex Vatanka about the rise of the IRGC, the myth of division inside Tehran, and what comes next.Hosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton DunnGuest: Alex Vatanka, Senior Fellow at the Middle East InstituteProducer: Shabnam GrewalExecutive producer: Fiona Leach, Priyanka Deladia Image: GettyWho holds the upper hand in the Iran war? Get in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Has Iran flipped the Xi-Trump balance of power? 13.05.2026 37Min.

  As President Trump lands in Beijing for his summit with Xi, Patrick and Tom are joined by China analyst, Sam Olsen, to discuss whether Iran has flipped the balance of power between the rivals.Sam argues the war has degraded America's weapons stockpile, recast China as the reliable global partner, and given Beijing a ringside seat on the US military playbook - gifting China with the strategic edge.And, if Trump needs Xi's help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, will he be willing to sell-out Taiwan in return, with potentially even greater consequences for the balance of power?Hosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton DunnGuest: Sam OlsenProducer: Shabnam GrewalExecutive producer: Fiona LeachImage: GettyGet in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Putin ‘will flood Europe with criminals and fighters after the war’ 06.05.2026 29Min.

  Estonia's foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, says Putin will flood Europe with the criminals he recruited to fight in Ukraine once the war ends.With Russia unable to reintegrate thousands of 'psychologically crazy' ex-combatants, they will be used for Wagner-style sabotage operations on a scale European governments have yet to grapple with.In Patrick's words, 'the moment of maximum danger could be when the fighting ends.'Hosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton DunnGuest: Foreign Minister of Estonia, Margus TsahknaProducer: Shabnam GrewalExecutive producer: Fiona LeachImage: GettyGet in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why America needs NATO - US's Supreme Allied Commander 29.04.2026 39Min.

  General Christopher Cavoli was NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) until July 2025. He was responsible for the defence and security of 981 million people across 32 countries. Ooph. While on a flying visit to London, he dropped into the General and the Journalist studio to see his old friend Patrick and get grilled by Tom on the UK's parlous defence expenditure.But, mostly, he was here to talk about NATO and why, as a proud and patriotic American, he sees the Alliance as critical to America's own defence and security. Hosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton DunnGuest: General Christopher CavoliProducer: Shabnam GrewalExecutive producer: Fiona LeachImage: GettyClips: Fox newsGet in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  What Trump’s mistakes in Iran teach all of us 22.04.2026 39Min.

  Dr Fiona Hill is a former deputy assistant to President Trump and served as director for Russian Affairs on the US National Security Council from 2017-19. She joins Tom and Patrick to chew over the lessons from the Iran war - that the US is no longer a reliable partner, other alliances must urgently be formed, and the world economy can be held to ransom at will. But it's in her capacity as one of the authors of last year's UK strategic defence review that Fiona's lessons from the Iran conflict most hit home.'It's time to level with the population that the UK is under siege, it just doesn't know it'. The Government must prepare now for attacks on critical infrastructure and supply lines, and ensure the NHS could respond to a mass casualty event.Hosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton DunnGuest: Dr Fiona HillProducer: Shabnam GrewalExecutive producer: Fiona LeachImage: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Russia’s nuclear bomb threat in space 15.04.2026 28Min.

  From Russia's nuclear threat to satellites, the prospect of a permanent lunar station, and the hopes of Artemis, Patrick and Tom could barely contain their space-geek excitement at speaking with General Whiting, head of US Space Command.'There cannot be anybody on the planet who has more power in space than that man', gushed Patrick. And for good reason; war is now essentially a space domain, as the the American general explains, determining conflicts from Ukraine to Iran. And space, more than any other theatre, is where the cold war with China is most acutely felt. In a welcome note of optimism to close the conversation, General Whiting doubled-down on the benefits to both Europe and America of continued military cooperation, and paid fulsome tribute to his Nato allies.We hope you love this conversion half as much as Patrick and Tom did!Hosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton DunnGuest: General Stephen Whiting, head of US Space CommandProducer: Micaela Arneson and Harry StottExecutive producer: Fiona LeachImage: GettyGet in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  A rescue mission behind enemy lines, f-bomb tweets and 'a whole civilisation will die' 08.04.2026 35Min.

  Having first demanded that Iran 'open the fucking strait', President Trump followed up with a post vowing 'an entire civilisation will die tonight' if it did not do so. But could any such order ever be legal, and would the American military even agree to carry it out?Patrick and Tom chew over these and other questions, including whether it's time for America's long-standing allies to bail on it, if bombing a country into submission ever works, and what the sacking of the head of the US army tells us about the state of the country's military and, perhaps, its constitution. But first up, in a week which saw possibly the finest rescue mission ever carried out, John Nichols recalls his experience in the first Gulf War of being shot down over enemy territory, attempting to evade capture, and waiting for the infantry to arrive. Hosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton DunnGuest: John NicholProducer: Micaela ArnesonExecutive producer: Fiona LeachImage: GettyGet in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.