Have loved this podcast for years. The carroll- Hamblett team were interesting and incisive and never failed to entertain. Now, it has become less interesting and almost hard to listen to. Just try listening to the most recent SNA episode and notwithstanding the contractor pitch, the background noise was unbearable! Please up the game and get back to the purpose of the podcast and improve the technical quality!! Thanks
Bill and Ward are informed hosts, bringing the best Naval and National Security thinkers on the show. I especially like hearing the thoughts of yourng officers and enlisted people who are at the pointy end of the spear. The only weak spot is the theme music…I have ideas…
Really enjoy this podcast. Great stories and information everyone should know about our history, as well as jewels for naval and maritime enthusiasts .
Great choice of guest, he explains well about one of his favorite subjects, I’m glad that they always choose any person not just famous people. Thank you for creating this I hope this podcast causes more people to fulfill their dream of joining the navy. Lastly I say Go Navy! Beat Army! [no offense]
USNI and this podcast in particular do exceptional work at challenging institutional thinking, highlighting or hosting rational discussions, and giving a voice to those without power in the community. Absolutely vital presence in this time of change and an important archive of thought.
Former sub JO and stumbled across this podcast recently. Have been cherry picking past episodes - most particularly love the provocative thinking put forward (most typically by retired officers ... hmm) on episodes that get at fleet strategy issues, SwO career path challenges, and the like. Ward is great - keep it up. And will join USNI now, too!
Listening to this podcast convinced me to join the Naval Institute. All the hosts have been good, but it’s particularly cool to hear Ward’s inputs. I’m a career naval aviator and remember “Punk’s War” as my intro to what life in the fleet was going to feel like.
Here’s your “other:” The Naval history episodes are boring- and I love Naval history. I’d recommend either dropping them or spicing them up. Please don’t continue to delve into details about the process of researching historical details.
Otherwise, keep it up. I like the current events discussions, the interviews with Proceedings contributors, my chiefs are paying attention to Master Chief Kingsbury, and I like learning about the Navy outside of my squadron. Thank you.
I started listening to the podcast when I was midshipmen and it helped opened my eyes to a lot of the issues that the Navy is facing. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to all of the guest speakers and the solutions that they pose to the issues. As a young JO on a ship now, having the insight that comes from listening to the independent forum helps me engage in meaningful conversations with my peers about the current topics in today’s Navy. Thank you.
Love hearing the views of many active and former NAVY. I think it is especially interesting to hear about some current threats and operations. I’m a little worried about our shortcomings. I hope you will explore more about those on the pod!