Best BFBS Creative Podcasts (2025)

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Leading with Lived Experience - with Tabitha Smith-Lawrence 34:20

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4d ago34:20

34:20

What happens when you realise that success, as it’s traditionally defined, isn’t serving you? In this episode, Tabitha Smith-Lawrence, Defence Psychologist & Endometriosis Champion, shares how she redefined success on her own terms; choosing purpose, authenticity, and well-being over performance-driven burnout. In a bold act of self-reflection, she…

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Rowing and Rising Together - with Force Atlantic 42:30

11d ago42:30

42:30

Forty-six days. Over 3,000 miles. One ocean. Four extraordinary women. In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with the incredible Force Atlantic team - the first all-female British Army team to row across the Atlantic Ocean. Captain Imogen ‘Imy‘ O'Brien, Captain Sheridan Lucas MBE, Major Rebecca Glover and Corporal Emma Gi…

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Hiding in Uniform - with Dougie Morgan 39:19

18d ago39:19

39:19

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of homophobia and discrimination, which some may find offensive. Listener discretion is advised. For 38 years, Dougie Morgan served in the British Army; respected on operations, but haunted by a secret he couldn’t share. Behind the discipline and duty was a man forced to hide his identity in an inst…

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Turning Pain into Purpose - with Jacqui Wilkinson 38:54

25d ago38:54

38:54

Trigger Warning - This episode contains discussion of childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma. Please take care while listening, or consider skipping this episode. If you're affected by the themes and need support, resources are available on our website. For years, Wing Commander Jacqui Wilkinson kept her past hidden - masking a childhood marked by ab…

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Leadership, Inclusion & Impact - with Sara Catterall 35:52

1M ago35:52

35:52

Sara Catterall, Strategic Command Warrant Officer, brings passion, purpose, and people-first thinking to the heart of Defence. With a leadership style rooted in inclusion, curiosity, and psychological safety, Sara is reshaping what it means to lead in today’s military landscape. In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks with Sar…

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Get Curious Before Getting Critical - with Siobhán Sheridan 31:45

1M ago31:45

31:45

Get Curious Before You Get Critical – with Siobhán Sheridan Leaving school at 15, Siobhán Sheridan CBE has forged a remarkable career through grit, learning, and deep curiosity. Now Chief People Officer at the Financial Conduct Authority, she brings decades of experience across the financial sector, Civil Service, and Defence, specialising in organ…

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The Fight Beyond the Frontline - with Baz Melia 40:16

2M ago40:16

40:16

⚠️️ Trigger Warning ⚠️️ This episode contains discussion of suicide. If you're affected by the themes and need support - resources are listed below or available on our website. After a 40-year career in the British Army, Baz Melia MBE has taken on one of the most urgent and emotionally complex missions of his life: tackling veteran suicide. Now lea…

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Be Excellent to Each Other - with Adrian Bird 33:09

2M ago33:09

33:09

As the first non-military Chief of Defence Intelligence, Adrian Bird is bringing a fresh perspective to one of the UK’s most high-stakes organisations. Appointed in September 2022, he draws on decades of experience in the intelligence community, including his time as Director-General at GCHQ. At the heart of his leadership? A commitment to fosterin…

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Leadership That Listens - with Caitlin Hayden 34:28

2M ago34:28

34:28

From the Situation Room to the boardroom, Caitlin Hayden’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. With a background that spans the U.S. Department of State, the National Security Council under President Obama, and now a senior leadership role at BAE Systems, Caitlin brings a wealth of experience in public affairs, international relations, and…

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Command, Culture & Curiosity - with Paul Carney 37:29

2M ago37:29

37:29

For the past four years, Paul Carney has served as the British Army’s Command Sergeant Major, acting as the critical link between senior leadership and soldiers on the ground. Thoughtful, passionate, and deeply committed to the people he represents, Paul has worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of those often unheard, shaping a culture of learni…

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The Culture Colonel Returns for Series 2! 4:03

2M ago4:03

4:03

The Culture Colonel is back. And we’re still asking the questions that matter. What makes a leader? What shapes a culture? And what happens when we stop pretending everything’s fine? In Series 2, our podcast host Lindsay MacDuff returns with more honest, powerful conversations about leadership, identity, and the culture we create around us. This ti…

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Leading storytellers - with Lindsay MacDuff 32:22

7M ago32:22

32:22

Welcome to our series finale where we share the highlights from our Leading Storytellers event. You'll hear how and why we make the podcast as BFBS Creative's Head of Content Alex Griffiths puts The Culture Colonel, Lindsay Macduff and Senior Audio Producer Josella Waldron on the spot in front of a live audience. You'll also hear Alex in conversati…

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Christmas Craftsmanship: Airfix's Creativity Unwrapped 26:58

7M ago26:58

26:58

Ho ho holy ****, Christmas snuck up quicker than a Sopwith on skis! With gift-giving on the MavMind, the final episode of series five sees Gini Carlin and Jamie Gordon meet Dale Luckhurst, Head of Brand at Airfix. Gini and Jamie got the full geek's guide to the legendary brand, the forensic research and development process that goes into its ultra-…

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Big Badge Energy! - with Sim Rezazadeh-Wilson 27:50

7M ago27:50

27:50

What's improved the lived experience of women in the Armed Forces over the last two decades? Warrant Officer Sim Rezazadeh-Wilson knows and she's pushing for more longer term change. Sim is a Royal Air Force Logistics Movement specialist. She is the Deputy Advocate for the RAF’s Gender Network and she's on the committee of the Healing Military Mind…

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Height Cuisine: Al Bridger's Flavours of Flight 25:03

7M ago25:03

25:03

Airline food gets a bad rap. For some of us, no other words paint so vivid a picture of bullet-hard potatoes and custard lumpier than a regional runway. However, one man has mad it his mission to upend these assumptions. Luckily for our Gini Carlin and Jamie Gordon, that man is none other than MavGeeks alumnus and Season 4, Episode 1 all-star Al Br…

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Power of the Padre - with Ruth Hake 33:27

7M ago33:27

33:27

Reverend (Group Captain) Ruth Hake is the Royal Air Force’s Deputy Chaplain in Chief. Here she shares her remarkable journey to becoming a Royal Air Force padre; not least her reticence to be a vicar. Ruth discusses the unique role of chaplains in the Armed Forces and their vital work to provide pastoral and spiritual support. Ruth reflects on the …

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Above the Battlefield: The Life of a Helicopter Door Gunner 38:24

7M ago38:24

38:24

Helicopters are sadly, sorely neglected by us here at MavGeeks towers, but no longer! The mononymous Russ is a former door gunner on the Westland Lynx Mk7 and Mk9, amongst other rotary aircraft, with several tours of Aghanistan and Iraq under his belt. He was instrumental in keeping his crew and aircraft safe. Conveniently, he's also a neighbour of…

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The accidental feminist - with Tim Grimley 30:59

7M ago30:59

30:59

Tim “Grimmers” Grimley is a Captain in the Royal Navy who unexpectedly became the Lead Ally to the Naval Servicewomen’s Network, a role which has opened his eyes to the experience of women in the Armed Forces. From ill-fitting kit to poor supplies of period products, Grimmers is always keen to learn about the difficulties servicewomen are faced wit…

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Heroics on the Hercules: Scott Bateman MBE’s Flights of Fancy 31:20

7M ago31:20

31:20

Earlier this year, Gini Carlin and Jamie Gordon caught up with none other than Scott Bateman MBE. An RAF veteran with a storied career as Hercules Captain, Scott was perfectly poised to introduce us to what’s formally the Lockheed C-130, but will forever be the Hercules of our hearts. In May of 2024, Scott published Sunday Times Top 10 Bestseller “…

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Olympic sacrifice - with Kerenza Bryson 33:06

8M ago33:06

33:06

Olympian, Doctor and Army Reservist, Dr Kerenza Bryson’s achievements are super impressive. This year she's been a full-time Modern Pentathlete. She is the current European champion and represented Team GB at the Olympic Games in Paris. Alongside elite sport, she is a qualified doctor and an officer in the British Army Reserve. Evidently Kerenza ha…

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Royal Canadian Air Force Turns 100: Time Flies When You're Having Fun! 42:10

8M ago42:10

42:10

The Royal Canadian Air Force turns 100 this year! In that spirit, Canada resident Gini Carlin takes the lead for a guided tour of the fabulous Force's history. At this year's Royal International Air Tattoo, she caught up with several RCAF pilots and engineers, as well as the masterminds behind its centennial celebrations. She even had a long chat w…

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Humility, responsibility and sacrifice - with Richard Nugee 37:29

8M ago37:29

37:29

Lieutenant General Richard Nugee served for 36 years in the Army and in the Ministry of Defence. He spent many years on operations and he specialised in the people space; finishing as Chief of Defence People. He also led a review into climate change policy and sustainability in the Ministry of Defence. Richard’s knowledge and understanding of effec…

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Remembering the Real Masters of the Air 35:49

8M ago35:49

35:49

This week, our Gini Carlin enjoyed a blast from the past in several senses. She paid a visit to the delightfully well-preserved 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum at RAF Thorpe Abbotts, where she volunteered as a young lass potty about planes. Reg Wilson, the museum's Chair of Trustees and Deputy Curator was kind enough to give Gini a guided tour of …

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Speak up and change culture - with Toni Harding 34:45

8M ago34:45

34:45

Toni Harding is an Aeronautical Engineer in the Royal Navy. She is a STEM Ambassador, mentor and works with the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces rugby team – often wearing leopard print heels! She is a thoughtful, energetic, positive disruptor who, after only four jobs in the Royal Navy, has been making big waves. Toni has oceans of moral courage and …

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MavShrieks with Danny Robins and Denver International Airport 45:53

8M ago45:53

45:53

Hilariously, bizarrely, Denver International Airport is something of a lightning rod for conspiracy theories: in the mind of the open-eyed, the Illuminati’s clubhouse shares a wall with an alien-infested catacomb. While it’s true that unofficial mascot Mustang killed his creator, Senior Vice President of Communications, Marketing and Customer Exper…

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Knowing when to leave - with Nick Wood 32:40

8M ago32:40

32:40

Nick Wood’s military service was dominated by 20 years of operations and defined by the privilege of leading, and following, remarkable people. His transition out of the Army coincided with Covid which complicating the challenge of landing well. Now he is leading differently in professional services. Nick reflects on the honour of leading and the i…

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Eject! Eject! 25:58

8M ago25:58

25:58

Something a bit different this week, dearest MavMates! Gini and Jamie enjoyed a natter with Tony Gaunt, Business Development Executive at Martin-Baker. Informally, they're THE ejector seat people, though Tony corrects our podcast co-pilots' terminology, offers an idiot's guide to testing an escape system, walks us through one of the most hair-raisi…

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Guns and roses - with Jo Vann 32:18

9M ago32:18

32:18

Former England netballer Major Jo Vann is a Regimental Second in Command in the Army Air Corps. She's also a coach, inspirational speaker and entrepreneur. Jo tells Lindsay how sport and teamwork has enriched her life. She revels in creating cohesive teams and recognises the importance of celebrating and valuing difference – in elite sport and in t…

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The One With All the Planespotters 29:56

9M ago29:56

29:56

In this week's episode, Canada-based Gini pays our Jamie a little visit, which can only mean one thing... ROADTRIP! (Gini's driving permitting, of course). Reunited at last at RAF Coningsby, they catch up with a selection of its regular visitors: the enthusiastic amateurs and quintessential MavGeeks themselves, the planespotters! Talk about finding…

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How heavy is your armour? - with Dr Balissa Greene 32:28

9M ago32:28

32:28

Dr Balissa Greene is an award winning organisational psychologist with substantial leadership experience in large complex organisations. Her focus is on diversity, inclusion and culture change. Balissa's knowledge and experience of the British Army is profound. Furthermore, her thought leadership is impressive. Her wisdom and commitment to evidence…

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Four Reds Make a Right 33:08

9M ago33:08

33:08

It’s the 60th anniversary year of the RAF's Red Arrows aerobatics team, and with the commemorations taking in our Gini’s far-flung Canada, it felt only right that we celebrate them in style. Gini and Jamie were lucky enough to catch up with current Red 6 Flight Lieutenant Stuart Roberts and Red 9 Flight Lieutenant Patrick ‘Paddy’ Kershaw about the …

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Knowing your vulva from your vagina - with Victoria Kinkaid 29:46

9M ago29:46

29:46

Victoria Kinkaid is a British Army doctor specialising in women's health. She is a qualified Human Security Advisor and co-founded the Female Genital Mutilation education project. She's also been shortlisted for a 2024 Women in Defence Award. Victoria grew up in Northern Ireland and shares how dreaming big, social justice, equality and feminism hav…

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Never Bring an Aardvark to a Dogfight 29:28

9M ago29:28

29:28

Known affectionately as the Aardvark for its reputation as a terrain-hugger with a big nose, the General Dynamics F-111 was one of the United States Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force’s go-to combat aircraft. Mike Crain spent years in its cockpit for the latter, starting at the hilariously young age of 21! Our Jamie Gordon caught up with Mike…

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Bullying, bling and cuddles - with Damian Jenkins 38:08

9M ago38:08

38:08

Lieutenant Colonel Damian Jenkins is the Consultant Neurologist for the Armed Forces and he is also Dean of St Hugh's College, Oxford. He was awarded the MBE for transformational leadership and the professionalisation of the Army's LGBT+ Network. Damian considers learning and leading with compassion, challenge and drive. He reminds us that leadersh…

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The RIAT Round-Up 2024! 41:45

9M ago41:45

41:45

We’re back, baby! To all MavGeeks old and new: welcome! Man, it feels good to be home. Gini Carlin and Jamie Gordon are absolutely buzzing to begin a bumper new sequence of excuses to natter about their military aircraft obsession and bring you along for the ride. To kick things off, Gini shares some interviews she conducted with an assortment of h…

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Language, laughter and legacy - with Jane Oremosu and Dr Maggie Semple, OBE 35:42

9M ago35:42

35:42

Jane Oremosu and Dr Maggie Semple are hugely successful businesswomen and thought-leaders on cultural change, inclusion and ethics with a focus on leadership development and governance. They are authors of My Little Black Book: A Blacktionary, - a pocket guide to the language of race. Jane and Maggie entertain and educate in equal measure. Both are…

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MavGeeks Returns for Series 5! 1:51

10M ago1:51

1:51

Got an obsession with aircraft that’s impossible to contain? Worried you might be as maniacal about big metal birds as that bloke that sat on a car park by Heathrow Airport filming everything during that storm? Power down your radar, you’ve arrived! MavGeeks: A Military Aircraft Obsession is back and bigger then ever for series 5! Join Gini Carlin,…

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Captain Morgan's lost her marbles - with Gemma Morgan 49:27

10M ago49:27

49:27

Gemma Morgan recounts her journey from a promising young army officer to a survivor of severe trauma. Her book, Pink Camouflage, exposes the harsh realities she faced, including PTSD from her Kosovo deployment and a traumatic assault by a fellow soldier. Gemma shares her experiences of neglect and stigma within the military, calling for urgent cult…

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The risks worth taking - with Fiona Blyth 33:19

10M ago33:19

33:19

Fiona Blyth shares her remarkable journey from serving with the British Army to her roles as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Mongolia and working with the United Nations. Fiona reveals how embracing risks and stepping into uncertainty have shaped her professional life and leadership approach. She reflects on the challenges and growth that come with pur…

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Permission to cry - with Rabbi Samuel Landau 39:04

10M ago39:04

39:04

Rabbi Samuel Landau is an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi and clinical psychologist who has recently worked with the British Army’s “Desert Rats” on cultural and behavioural change. Today he delves into the importance of traditions while highlighting the need to adapt them to fit modern society. He discusses the challenges of navigating complex issues with h…

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It's impossible to motivate an empty chair - with Steve Prest 32:47

10M ago32:47

32:47

Steve Prest is a recently retired Royal Navy Commodore. A leader renowned for his commitment to putting people first, Steve delves into the challenges of strategic leadership and the vital role of a growth mindset in fostering an empowering culture. He shares insights on how humility and self-confidence are crucial for rewarding team efforts and bu…

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Coming alive, coming out - with Adam Powney 31:29

10M ago31:29

31:29

Adam Powney—a dedicated army reservist, social media manager, and openly gay man—reveals his transformative journey from a sensitive, artistic young man unsure about fitting into the military to finding his place and thriving in an environment where he once thought he didn’t belong. Reflecting on the advice he would give his 18-year-old self, Adam …

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To all the women who came before me - with Rosie Wild 39:53

10M ago39:53

39:53

Major Rosie Wild reflects on her historic achievement as the first woman to pass the parachute regiment's demanding P Company test in 2020. She candidly discusses how she followed a trail blazed by previous women who attempted and struggled with the course, honouring their pioneering efforts. Rosie emphasises her gratitude for their sacrifices and …

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Introducing: The Culture Colonel 3:29

11M ago3:29

3:29

BFBS Creative presents ‘The Culture Colonel,’ a series dedicated to exploring leadership within the Armed Forces and Defence sector. Hosted by retired Army Colonel and now Creative’s Head of Inclusion Lindsay MacDuff, who has spent years involved in leadership, cultural and behavioural change in Defence, each episode features informal yet insightfu…

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International Women's Day With Colonel Kim Campbell 29:32

1+ y ago29:32

29:32

This International Women's Day, our Gini takes to the skies with none other than the decorated Colonel Kim Campbell. The pair trace Kim's extensive career, from a storied 24-year stint in the American Air Force flying the A-10 Thunderbolt (AKA the Warthog) to her success as a keynote speaker and author in the present day. Happy International Women'…

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Saving Lives With Llewis Ingamells of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance 32:18

1+ y ago32:18

32:18

To tie a knot on this fourth series of MavGeeks, Gini and Jamie come good on a promise they made way back in one of its earliest episodes. That's right, they've tracked down Llewis Ingamells, Chief Pilot of the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance! Llewis was incredibly generous with his time and wisdom, imparting reams of insider knowledge on this fascin…

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More Takeoffs Than Landings With Chris Burwell 34:25

1+ y ago34:25

34:25

This week, Gini joins Jamie from her new Canadian digs for an otherwise classic slice of MavGeeks. Earlier this year, the pair managed to pin down ex-Harrier pilot turned author Chris Burwell for a three-person natter about fast jet flight, Chris' excellent book "Nine Lives: The Compelling Memoir of a Cold War Harrier Pilot", and that fabled awkwar…

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Long Road to RIAT 32:52

1+ y ago32:52

32:52

As winter hits hard and we weather enough storms with names to crew an Avro Lancaster, Gini and Jamie take a look back on (marginally) sunnier times and climes in this RIAT retrospective. Gini was at the Royal International Air Tattoo in July with a microphone and a mission: chat to as many pilots as possible. She caught up with aircrew of the B52,…

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Mandy Hickson: Queen of the Skies 34:14

1+ y ago34:14

34:14

Jamie’s in the cockpit today for a long-overdue natter with Mandy Hickson. Rightly described by Gini as a “Queen of the skies”, Mandy’s a decorated Tornado GR-4 pilot with over 30 years of aviation experience, three tours of duty and 45 missions over Iraq to her name. After leaving the RAF, she authored the 2020 bestseller “An Officer, Not A Gentle…

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MavShrieks: The Halloween Special! 36:56

1+ y ago36:56

36:56

This week, we celebrate spooky season! First, Gini catches up with Richard Craig, keen aviator and ghost tour guide at the UK's most haunted castle, Chillingham. Richard shares all manner of hair-raising aviation tales, as does Rachel Parsons of the Retford Ghost Hunters. When they spoke last year, Rachel told Gini all about a recent encounter with…