Hotel Havoc Podcast & Blog

About Hotel Havoc Podcast & Blog

War, peace, and everything in between. A light hearted but inquisitive approach to some of the complex events, topics, and people that defines our lives, featuring guests with different mindsets, opinions, and backgrounds. Please note this podcasts discusses adult topics and may contain adult language. Opinions do not represent those of the DoD or any other government organization.

Publisher

Havoc Six

Category

government · history · news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Jun 2023

Latest episode

26 Jun 2025

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Jun 2025

   The Cartel Civil War

   Stefano Ritondale, Chief Intelligence Officer at Artorias, examines the ongoing cartel civil war in Mexico and its operational dynamics in an interview with the host.

2. 

   27 Sept 2024

   Diplomacy & The Art of the Grift

   Enjoying the show or have feedback? I'd love to hear from you!Dmitry Grozoubinski is a former Australian diplomat, and the author of the book "Why Politicians Lie About Trade". Ukrainian born, he served on the MH17 taskforce in Kyiv in 2014, and has been a vocal commentator on the war since the renewed invasion in 2022.Support the showAbout the host:Ian is a United States Army Officer, commissioning as a Combat Engineer. He has experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and spent several...

3. 

   16 Sept 2024

   "Visual Friendlies, Tally Target"

   Enjoying the show or have feedback? I'd love to hear from you!Ethan Brown is a United States Air Force veteran, having served with distinction for 11 years and multiple combat deployments as a special operations forward air controller. After leaving the service, he serves as a Senior Fellow for Defense Studies at the Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress, a non-partisan policy think tank in Washington D.C. He is the author of the “Visual Friendlies, Tally Target” book tri...

4. 

   16 Sept 2024

   20 Days In Mariupol

   Enjoying the show or have feedback? I'd love to hear from you!I sat down with Tetyana, a Ukrainian-American who is an award-winning author and a multi-lingual translator and who has spent 20+ years in the media and creative industries. While she has also wrote as a freelance writer and editor for magazines/newspapers, she currently works as a historical fiction author. Her latest book, 'The Child of Ukraine' was released in July 2023. She has performed translation duties for Frontline PBS, Ne...

5. 

   17 Apr 2024

   Men of God / Men of War

   On this episode, I sat down with Steve and Nate, twin brothers separated by church and tradition. They recently released a book titled "Men Of God Men Of War": two journeys, two stories - and one shared vision. Nate learned his lessons through war and conflict; Steve learned his lessons through the twisting of faith. If interested in purchasing their book, it is available on Amazon (this episode is not sponsored): https://www.amazon.com/Men-God-Nathan-Smith/dp/1944296263/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1 Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191112/support) About the host: Ian is a United States Army Officer, commissioning as a Combat Engineer. He has experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and spent several years in Washington, DC as a strategic defense analyst. Summary: Thank you for taking the time to check out the show! If you enjoy the episodes and blog content, consider subscribing to be notified of new content and episodes. Subscriptions to support the show goes directly back into improving the overall quality and frequency. Thank you! Ian

6. 

   11 Apr 2024

   Public Affairs & Special Operations: An NCO's Journey

   On the latest episode, I chatted with Sergeant Major Jason Baker. Baker is a seasoned Public Affairs Soldier who has spent half his 24-year-long Army career supporting Airborne and Special Operations units. As a flailing fine art photography major in college, he was an unlikely recruit but, an impromptu call from a recruiter changed his life trajectory. A year later he would find himself deployed to Afghanistan and later Iraq. He is passionate about the role of military public affairs in information operations and enjoys consuming the many conversations and debates found in the digital environment. Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191112/support) About the host: Ian is a United States Army Officer, commissioning as a Combat Engineer. He has experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and spent several years in Washington, DC as a strategic defense analyst. Summary: Thank you for taking the time to check out the show! If you enjoy the episodes and blog content, consider subscribing to be notified of new content and episodes. Subscriptions to support the show goes directly back into improving the overall quality and frequency. Thank you! Ian

7. 

   27 Nov 2023

   Green Berets & Special Operations

   On Episode 10, I had the chance to sit down with Chuck Ritter. Chuck is on year 25 of service with the U.S. Army. A former infantrymen, Special Forces Weapons Sergeant, Intel Sergeant, Team Sergeant, and current Deputy Commandant for the Army Special Warfare School. He has served in Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. Twitter: @Chuck_Ritter92 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4Hc8cA7jwanKhkU4bed6Bw Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191112/support) About the host: Ian is a United States Army Officer, commissioning as a Combat Engineer. He has experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and spent several years in Washington, DC as a strategic defense analyst. Summary: Thank you for taking the time to check out the show! If you enjoy the episodes and blog content, consider subscribing to be notified of new content and episodes. Subscriptions to support the show goes directly back into improving the overall quality and frequency. Thank you! Ian

8. 

   27 Nov 2023

   "Vatnik Soup" with Pekka Kallioniemi

   On Episode 9, I had the opportunity to sit down with Pekka Kallioniemi, star of the now infamous "Vatnik Soup" series of articles and videos that exposes propagandists operating on X, formerly known as Twitter, who routinely post controversial or questionable content regarding the war in Ukraine. Pekka can be found @p_kallioniemi on X, or "The Soup Central" on YouTube. Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191112/support) About the host: Ian is a United States Army Officer, commissioning as a Combat Engineer. He has experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and spent several years in Washington, DC as a strategic defense analyst. Summary: Thank you for taking the time to check out the show! If you enjoy the episodes and blog content, consider subscribing to be notified of new content and episodes. Subscriptions to support the show goes directly back into improving the overall quality and frequency. Thank you! Ian

9. 

   6 Sept 2023

   Iraqi Children Foundation

   On episode 8, I spoke with Justin, a former Marine/Army officer who currently serves as the Associate Director for Outreach & Veteran Engagement at the Virginia based non-profit, Iraqi Children Foundation. The 501c3 is focused on intervening with love and hope in the lives of Iraqi children who are vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and exploitation by criminals, traffickers, and extremists. Website: www.iraqichildren.org Twitter: @ iraqichildren Justin's Twitter: @ JustInChirps About the host: Ian is a United States Army Officer. He has experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and spent several years in Washington, DC as a strategic defense analyst. Opinions expressed do not represent those of the DoD or any other government organization. If you enjoy the episodes and blog content, consider subscribing to be notified of new content and episodes. Subscriptions to support the show goes directly back into improving the overall quality and frequency. Thank you! Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191112/support) About the host: Ian is a United States Army Officer, commissioning as a Combat Engineer. He has experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and spent several years in Washington, DC as a strategic defense analyst. Summary: Thank you for taking the time to check out the show! If you enjoy the episodes and blog content, consider subscribing to be notified of new content and episodes. Subscriptions to support the show goes directly back into improving the overall quality and frequency. Thank you! Ian

10. 

    22 Aug 2023

    Officers, NCOs, and the Ukrainian 47th Brigade

    On episode 7, I sit down with two members of the United States Marine Corps to analyze and discuss a recent video provided by the 47th "Magura" Brigade in Ukraine. We also discussed some of the changes coming for the Marines, and how that may impact future conflicts. Video discussed during the chat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk5OG6JYmfI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk5OG6JYmfI) Liberty Ukraine: https://www.libertyukraine.org/ (https://www.libertyukraine.org/) (Opinions do not represent those of the DoD or any other government organization.) Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191112/support) About the host: Ian is a United States Army Officer, commissioning as a Combat Engineer. He has experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and spent several years in Washington, DC as a strategic defense analyst. Summary: Thank you for taking the time to check out the show! If you enjoy the episodes and blog content, consider subscribing to be notified of new content and episodes. Subscriptions to support the show goes directly back into improving the overall quality and frequency. Thank you! Ian

11. 

    3 Aug 2023

    Sushi & Service

    On Episode 6, I sat down with a good friend of mine who goes by the name of Kyle, or "Kai". Kyle is a sushi chef & content creator. He also brews his own mead in his spare time, called "Aesir's Delight", which is inspired by Norse traditions. Please note that there is adult language in this episode. Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191112/support) About the host: Ian is a United States Army Officer, commissioning as a Combat Engineer. He has experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and spent several years in Washington, DC as a strategic defense analyst. Summary: Thank you for taking the time to check out the show! If you enjoy the episodes and blog content, consider subscribing to be notified of new content and episodes. Subscriptions to support the show goes directly back into improving the overall quality and frequency. Thank you! Ian

12. 

    19 Jul 2023

    "Bulletproof Bras" & Combat Arms

    On Episode 5, I talked with Kim & Karli; two active duty Army Field Artillery officers. On this episode, we talked about the recent New Yorker/Task & Purpose article discussing "bulletproof bras", as well as some of the experiences they've had as two women in combat arms job. (Opinions do not represent those of the DoD or any other government organization.) Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191112/support) About the host: Ian is a United States Army Officer, commissioning as a Combat Engineer. He has experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and spent several years in Washington, DC as a strategic defense analyst. Summary: Thank you for taking the time to check out the show! If you enjoy the episodes and blog content, consider subscribing to be notified of new content and episodes. Subscriptions to support the show goes directly back into improving the overall quality and frequency. Thank you! Ian

13. 

    14 Jul 2023

    Part 1: Deploying to Iraq & Syria

    On Episode 4, I bring on two of my NCO's that deployed with me to Syria. We discuss some of the funnier parts of deployment, but also some of the more impactful moments that are still with us today. We openly discuss adult topics as well as traumatic events. NOTE: This is a 2 part episode. Video recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfhDErq8pdU&t=1356s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfhDErq8pdU&t=1356s) Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191112/support) About the host: Ian is a United States Army Officer, commissioning as a Combat Engineer. He has experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and spent several years in Washington, DC as a strategic defense analyst. Summary: Thank you for taking the time to check out the show! If you enjoy the episodes and blog content, consider subscribing to be notified of new content and episodes. Subscriptions to support the show goes directly back into improving the overall quality and frequency. Thank you! Ian

14. 

    14 Jul 2023

    Part 2: Trauma, PTSD, and Moving Forward

    On Episode 4, I bring on two of my NCO's that deployed with me to Syria. We discuss some of the funnier parts of deployment, but also some of the more impactful moments that are still with us today. We openly discuss adult topics as well as traumatic events. NOTE: This is a 2 part episode. Video recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfhDErq8pdU&t=1356s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfhDErq8pdU&t=1356s) Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191112/support) About the host: Ian is a United States Army Officer, commissioning as a Combat Engineer. He has experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and spent several years in Washington, DC as a strategic defense analyst. Summary: Thank you for taking the time to check out the show! If you enjoy the episodes and blog content, consider subscribing to be notified of new content and episodes. Subscriptions to support the show goes directly back into improving the overall quality and frequency. Thank you! Ian

15. 

    5 Jul 2023

    Media Narratives w/ Calibre Obscura

    I sat down with Calibre Obscura, also known as "Cali", to discuss how the media portrays the conflict in Ukraine. We also discussed the impact of NAFO on Russian disinformation ops, incorrect assumptions regarding the ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive, and other topics. About Cali: Cali (@calibreobscura) is interested in arms research & analysis, with a focus on Asia, Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa. He is a self described "effort poster" and frequently provides insight and opinions on weapon systems in play around the globe. He co-runs the Ukraine Weapons Tracker page (@uaweapons). Special shout out to @ruariotoole (https://twitter.com/RuariOToole) for music. Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191112/support) About the host: Ian is a United States Army Officer, commissioning as a Combat Engineer. He has experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and spent several years in Washington, DC as a strategic defense analyst. Summary: Thank you for taking the time to check out the show! If you enjoy the episodes and blog content, consider subscribing to be notified of new content and episodes. Subscriptions to support the show goes directly back into improving the overall quality and frequency. Thank you! Ian

16. 

    27 Jun 2023

    COTS Drones & Modern Warfare

    On the second episode, I brought on two United States Marine Corps NCOs to talk about the impact of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) drones and their immediate impact on modern warfare. About my guests: LiveFaust (Twitter = @LivFaustDieJung): LivFaustDieJung is a former Marine infantryman with a post military background in small arms and light weapons, counterterrorism, and targeting as a US government defense analyst. His experience includes hands on exploitation of enemy threat weapons and identification/attribution of weaponry/equipment to the nation or group using them. He presently works independently writing on all manner of defense topics with a preference for SALW and small unit tactics. Matthew (Twitter = @IAmTheWarax) Matthew is a self described "hippopotamus appreciator", shitposter, and ex-Marine Corps Tank Commander. Podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191112/support) About the host: Ian is a United States Army Officer, commissioning as a Combat Engineer. He has experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and spent several years in Washington, DC as a strategic defense analyst. Summary: Thank you for taking the time to check out the show! If you enjoy the episodes and blog content, consider subscribing to be notified of new content and episodes. Subscriptions to support the show goes directly back into improving the overall quality and frequency. Thank you! Ian

17. 

    7 Jun 2023

    China, Taiwan, & Lessons From Ukraine

    On our inaugural episode, we discussed several questions plaguing the defense community ever since the start of the war in Ukraine: are we learning lessons from Ukraine and applying them to a potential future conflict in Taiwan? If so, are we learning the right lessons? Is China truly ready for a fight of this magnitude? Tune in! Special shout out to my guests today: About Patrick (@realcynicalfox (https://twitter.com/realcynicalfox)): Patrick Fox is a former security forces Airman and veteran of the Iraq War.  He holds a BS in Political Science from Tennessee State University  and a Masters in Security from University College of London.  Currently he works as a freelance foreign policy and military analyst. About LiveFaust(@livfaustdiejung (https://twitter.com/LivFaustDieJung)): LiveFaustDieJung is a former Marine infantryman with a post military background in small arms and light weapons, counterterrorism, and targeting as a US government defense analyst. His experience includes hands on exploitation of enemy threat weapons and identification/attribution of weaponry/equipment to the nation or group using them. He presently works independently writing on all manner of defense topics with a preference for SALW and small unit tactics. Special shout out to @ruariotoole (https://twitter.com/RuariOToole) for music. Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191112/support) About the host: Ian is a United States Army Officer, commissioning as a Combat Engineer. He has experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and spent several years in Washington, DC as a strategic defense analyst. Summary: Thank you for taking the time to check out the show! If you enjoy the episodes and blog content, consider subscribing to be notified of new content and episodes. Subscriptions to support the show goes directly back into improving the overall quality and frequency. Thank you! Ian

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

11,738

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.7 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 41 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

30

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

51