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The Battleplan Podcast

Jeremy Walters

This podcast aims to help military learners of English talk about and understand current affairs.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 12 min
  • English
  • #47
    July 22 · 11 min

    The Dark Triad

    Can the society you grow up in shape your personality? A fascinating new international study suggests that countries with higher levels of corruption, inequality, poverty and violence may also have higher levels of so-called "dark" personality traits. But does this mean society changes who we become, or is the relationship more complicated? In this episode of the Battleplan Podcast, Jeremy Walters explores the psychology behind the Dark Triad, explains the groundbreaking research, and examines the crucial difference between correlation and causation. Develop your STANAG Level 3 English while exploring one of the most thought-provoking questions in modern psychology.

  • July 20 · 11 min

    Hybrid Warfare

    Modern warfare is no longer confined to the battlefield. In this episode of the Battleplan Podcast, we explore the growing threat of hybrid warfare and why NATO is placing increasing emphasis on protecting critical infrastructure. From sabotage and cyber attacks to plausible deniability and resilience, discover how modern states seek to achieve strategic objectives without crossing the threshold of open war. Perfect for STANAG 6001 Level 3 learners, this episode develops advanced military English while examining one of today's most important defence and security challenges. Please visit www.stanagbatleplan.com for more details

  • July 7 · 10 min

    Turkey and the F-35

    Could Türkiye be on its way back into the F-35 fighter programme? In this episode of the Battleplan Podcast, we examine the dispute that pushed Türkiye out of the programme in 2019, the controversial purchase of Russia’s S-400 air-defence system, and the signs that Washington may now be reconsidering its position. We explore why the United States regarded the S-400 and F-35 as fundamentally incompatible, how sanctions and legal restrictions complicated relations between two NATO allies, and why the Trump administration may now be looking for a compromise. Could moving the S-400 to a third country offer a viable solution? And what would a Turkish return mean for NATO, Greece, Israel, Russia and the wider regional balance of power? Designed for Level 3 STANAG learners, this episode combines current affairs, defence and security with challenging C1-level vocabulary in context. Stay informed, build your military English, and prepare for the issues shaping today’s security environment.

  • Nov 29, 2025 · 7 min

    The Ages of Life

    The human brain doesn’t stop developing in early adulthood. According to new research from the University of Cambridge, it goes through five major stages marked by structural turning points at around 9, 32, 66, and 83 years of age. These shifts change how the brain connects, communicates, and processes information throughout life. In this episode, Jeremy explains the study in clear terms, explores what these turning points mean for learning, performance, and ageing, and breaks down why the science challenges many long-held assumptions about maturity and development. A clear, accessible overview for listeners interested in science, education, and the forces shaping modern society. It aims to introduce and explain important language for English learners, especially those preparing for the Level 3 STANAG 6001 Exam. More information can be found on the Battleplan website: Battleplan Blog: www.stanagbattleplan.com/blog

  • Nov 21, 2025 · 9 min

    How China Spies on and Shapes the West

    Episode Description China’s intelligence activity in the West is no longer limited to traditional spying. From political influence networks and cyber penetration of critical infrastructure to economic espionage and online manipulation, Beijing uses a multi-layered approach designed to operate in the shadows — and deny everything. In this episode, Jeremy breaks down recent cases across the UK, the United States, Ukraine, and Europe to reveal how these different threads connect into one strategic system. A clear, accessible overview for listeners interested in security, geopolitics, and the evolving nature of modern espionage. It aims to introduce and explain important terms for English learners, especially those intending to do the Level 3 Stanag 6001 Exam. More info can be found on the Battleplan website: Battleplan Blog www.stanagbattleplan.com

  • Nov 5, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min

    An interview with Olena Chekryzhova – Teaching English on the Front Lines

    In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Olena Chekryzhova, founder of Eng for UArmy and creator of Armiyska Angliyska — the first and only YouTube channel dedicated to Military English for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 🇺🇦Olena is an experienced English teacher, CELTA/CPE-certified educator, and the head of ENGINFORM online language center. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Olena has dedicated her expertise to helping Ukrainian soldiers gain the language skills they need for communication, interoperability, and international cooperation.🎙️ What we cover in this interview: • Olena’s journey and motivation for starting Eng for UArmy • What it’s like teaching English in a warzone • The unique needs and motivations of military learners • The role of English in NATO integration and interoperability • Stories of resilience, leadership, and human connection • The future of Eng for UArmy 👉 Subscribe to Battleplan Podcast for more conversations at the intersection of language, NATO interoperability, and the lessons from Ukraine’s war of resilience.🔗 Learn more about Eng for UArmy: https://engforuarmy.org/en🔗 ENG for UARMY: Армійська Англійська: / @engforuarmy #BattleplanPodcast #MilitaryEnglish #Ukraine #NATO #STANAG6001 #LanguageLearning

  • S1 · E42
    Sep 11, 2025 · 10 min

    The Rising Divide — Polarisation in Western Political Discourse

    This week's episode is about the growing polarisation of political discourse across Western democracies. It aims to introduce and explain important terms for English learners, especially those intending to do the Level 3 Stanag 6001 Exam. More info can be found on the Battleplan website: Battleplan Blog www.stanagbattleplan.com

  • S1 · E41
    Mar 31, 2025 · 7 min

    Global Health

    This week's episode is about the struggles facing the global health system. It aims to introduce and explain important terms for English learners, especially those intending to do the Level 3 Stanag 6001 Exam. More info can be found on the Battleplan website: Battleplan Blog www.stanagbattleplan.com

  • S1 · E40
    Mar 24, 2025 · 8 min

    Asteroid Mining

    This week's episode is about the race to develop asteroid mining. It aims to introduce and explain important terms for English learners, especially those intending to do the Level 3 Stanag 6001 Exam. More info can be found on the Battleplan website: Battleplan Blog www.stanagbattleplan.com

  • Mar 17, 2025 · 7 min

    A Global Trade War

    This week's episode is about the implications of a global trade war. It aims to introduce and explain important terms for English learners, especially those intending to do the Level 3 Stanag 6001 Exam. More info can be found on the Battleplan website: Battleplan Blog www.stanagbattleplan.com

  • S1 · E38
    Mar 10, 2025 · 6 min

    The Antarctic Circumpolar Current

    This week's episode is about The Antarctic Circumpolar Current. It aims at introducing and explaining this important term for English learners, especially those intending to do the Level 3 Stanag 6001 Exam. More info can be found on the Battleplan website: Battleplan Blog www.stanagbattleplan.com

  • S1 · E37
    Mar 3, 2025 · 36 min

    Ryan McBeth Interview

    This week, I sat down with Ryan McBeth @RyanMcBethProgramming , security analyst and OSINT expert, for an in-depth discussion on NATO interoperability, modern warfare, and lessons from Ukraine.#BattleplanPodcast #RyanMcBeth #NATO #OSINT #MilitaryAnalysis #Security #Geopolitics #STANAG #UkraineWar #ModernWarfare #Podcast #MilitaryLearning The video is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jpQMRSud95o?si=D2TRF_lZp8KaxGsw🎙️ We break down:✅ The future of NATO in an evolving world✅ How OSINT is changing military strategy✅ Key takeaways from the Ukraine conflictNavigating Modern Warfare: Insights with Ryan McBeth In this episode, we are joined by Ryan McBeth, a software engineer, intelligence analyst, YouTube content creator, and novelist. Ryan shares insights on NATO's current role in aiding Ukraine, the importance of air dominance in conflicts, the strategic use of cyber warfare, and the pressing need for a national reserve of critical components like computer chips. He also discusses the implications of potential future conflicts with China and the evolving dynamics within NATO. Join us for an in-depth conversation on modern warfare, the role of technology, and the geopolitical landscape.

  • Feb 23, 2025 · 7 min

    China Australia Maritime Dispute

    This week's episode is about a recent incident in the South Pacific. It aims at introducing and explaining this important term for English learners, especially those intending to do the Level 3 Stanag 6001 Exam. More info can be found on the Battleplan website: Battleplan Blog www.stanagbattleplan.com

  • Feb 14, 2025 · 8 min

    The Military Industrial Complex

    This week's episode is about the military-industrial complex. It aims at introducing and explaining this important term for English learners, especially those intending to do the Level 3 Stanag 6001 Exam. More info can be found on the Battleplan website: Battleplan Blog www.stanagbattleplan.com

  • Jan 18, 2025 · 6 min

    The UK/Poland Defence Pact

    This week's episode is about the announcement by the recent visit of the British Prime Minister to Poland and the signing of a new UK/Poland Defence Pact. It aims at introducing and explaining important terminology for English learners, especially those intending to do the Level 3 Stanag 6001 Exam. More info can be found on the Battleplan website: Battleplan Blog www.stanagbattleplan.com

  • Dec 13, 2024 · 5 min

    Quantum Computers

    This week's episode is about the announcement by Google of the new Willow Chip, a breakthrough in quantum computers. It aims at introducing and explaining important terminology for English learners, especially those intending to do the Level 3 Stanag 6001 Exam. More info can be found on the Battleplan website: Battleplan Blog www.stanagbattleplan.com

  • Dec 8, 2024 · 5 min

    Romanian Presidential Election

    This week's episode is about the annulment of the Romanian Presidential Election. It aims at introducing and explaining important terminology for English learners, especially those intending to do the Level 3 Stanag 6001 Exam. More info can be found on the Battleplan website: Battleplan Blog www.stanagbattleplan.com

  • Nov 25, 2024 · 6 min

    Social Media Bill

    This week's episode is about a new law being passed in Australia aimed at tackling some of the problems of social media. It aims at introducing and explaining important terminology for English learners, especially those intending to do the Level 3 Stanag 6001 Exam. More info can be found on the Battleplan website: Battleplan Blog www.stanagbattleplan.com

  • Nov 17, 2024 · 8 min

    The Mega Coral

    This week's episode is about the discovery of a mega coral and its implications. It aims at introducing and explaining important terminology for English learners, especially those intending to do the Level 3 Stanag 6001 Exam. More info can be found on the Battleplan website: Battleplan Blog www.stanagbattleplan.com

  • Nov 10, 2024 · 4 min

    The Re-Election of Trump

    This week's episode is about how the re-election of Trump could affect European and World security. It aims at introducing and explaining important terminology for English learners, especially those intending to do the Level 3 Stanag 6001 Exam. More info can be found on the Battleplan website: Battleplan Blog www.stanagbattleplan.com

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