Exploring threats to global stability from Ukraine to China to the Middle East with host Gavin Esler – former BBC News presenter, Washington correspondent and host of Newsnight – plus Ukraine-based war reporter Oz Katerji and independent conflict analyst Emma Beals. This Is Not A Drill dives deep into the dangers, corruption, conflicts, disinformation, rivalries and ruthless realpolitik that are making our world ever more dangerous. Support This Is Not A Drill on Patreon from just £3 per month to get each episode early plus bonus material and exclusive merchandise. From Podmasters, the team behind Oh God, What Now?, Paper Cuts and The Bunker.
This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler
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4.8(2,386 reviews)
248 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇬🇧
86
Podcast Authority
BetaExcellentBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality95
Social0
YouTube93
Engagement97
Podcast Overview
Exploring threats to global stability from Ukraine to China to the Middle East with host Gavin Esler – former BBC News presenter, Washington correspondent and host of Newsnight – plus Ukraine-based war reporter Oz Katerji and independent conflict analyst Emma Beals. This Is Not A Drill dives deep into the dangers, corruption, conflicts, disinformation, rivalries and ruthless realpolitik that are making our world ever more dangerous. Support This Is Not A Drill on Patreon from just £3 per month to get each episode early plus bonus material and exclusive merchandise. From Podmasters, the team behind Oh God, What Now?, Paper Cuts and The Bunker.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
11/8/2021
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86
Podcast Authority
BetaExcellentBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality95
Social0
YouTube93
Engagement97
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excellent
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Recent Episodes
September 17, 2026
New Weapons for New Wars – ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE goes to war
Gavin Esler interviews Major General (Ret.) Mick Ryan and other experts about how artificial intelligence is transforming modern warfare and its ethical implications.
September 10, 2026
New Weapons for New Wars – DEFENCE SYSTEMS get smart
Gavin Esler interviews defense experts Patrycja Bazylczyck, Michael Horowitz, Illya Sekirin, Peter Apps, Mick Ryan, and Sidharth Kaushal about how smart defense systems adapt to new weapons in modern warfare.
September 3, 2026
New Weapons for New Wars – MISSILES: The next generation
Gavin Esler interviews Dr. Sidharth Kaushal, Peter Apps, and Dr. Jessica Dorsey about how new missile technologies are reshaping modern warfare and deterrence.
248 total episodes available with 149 transcripts
Recent guests on This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler
Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.
Mick Ryan
Guest
Michael Horowitz
Guest
Neda Bolourchi
Guest
Jessica Dorsey
Guest
Peter Apps
Guest
Patrycja Bazylczyck
Guest
Illya Sekirin
Guest
Sidharth Kaushal
Guest
Dr Sidharth Kaushal
Guest
Dr Jessica Dorsey
Guest
Mark Hilborne
Guest
Dr Nigel Gould-Davies
Guest
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 10 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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