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PODCAST

Underground Strategy

Underground Strategy

Welcome to Underground StrategyWhere military tactics, leadership, and real-world strategies meet a whole lot of banter. Hosted by Max Lauker (ex-Swedish Special Operations, Intelligence, and Private Security) and Tony Garcia (ex-SANDF with extensive field experience and academic insight), we break down the latest in military strategy while keeping things real, candid, and fun. Whether you"re into the latest military insights or just here for smart conversations (and a few laughs), we"ve got you

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All Episodes

1:01:59

Mandela’s War: The ANC’s Military Wing with Thula...

Underground Strategy ·

2025/02/02

Today, we take a deep look into uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC), and its pivotal role in South African history. Of course, no discussion about MK is complete without exploring the leadership and legacy of Nelson Mandela.Joining us to break it all down is Professor Thula Simpson, a leading expert on South African history, award-winning author, and researcher who has spent years examining the ANC’s armed struggle.We dive into how and why MK was formed, the

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54:29

UGS Special: Rethinking Warfare with Amos Fox - Part 1

Underground Strategy ·

2025/01/30

Amos C. Fox joins Underground Strategy to challenge conventional thinking on modern warfare. From maneuver warfare’s shaky foundations to the realities of attrition, we dig into the strategic narratives shaping today’s conflicts. Are we fighting the wars we think we are, or just the ones doctrine tells us to prepare for?Amos C. Fox, PhD, is a Fellow with Arizona State University's Future Security Initiative and a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Houston. He hosts

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43:18

British Auxiliary Units with Andrew Chatterton – Part 2

Underground Strategy ·

2025/01/26

In this second part of our conversation with Andrew Chatterton, we explore the extreme lengths Britain went to in preparing for a German invasion. From hidden resistance networks to the brutal realities of underground warfare, this episode unpacks the operations that never made the history books.We also discuss the use of women and teenagers in secret roles, the harsh choices these units had to make, and how their actions would have shaped the fight for Britain. Plus, what would have happened if

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37:47

British Auxiliary Units with Andrew Chatterton - Part 1

Underground Strategy ·

2025/01/19

In this episode of Underground Strategy, we go full cloak and dagger with British auxiliary units, the country’s secret last line of resistance during WWII. Max and Tony are joined by historian Andrew Chatterton, an expert on Britain’s covert civilian forces, to explore the unsung heroes who were prepared to fight from the shadows if the Nazis invaded.We uncover the origins of these secret units, their training, recruitment, and the ingenious tactics they planned to use against an occupying force

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46:10

UGS Special: The Battle of Spioenkop – A Masterclass...

Underground Strategy ·

2025/01/16

In this episode, Max and Tony are joined by Robert Davidson, a South African author and battlefield guide, to explore the history and significance of the Spioenkop campaign during the Anglo Boer War.Robert shares his lifelong passion for military history, recounting how decades of research culminated in his book on the tragic Spioenkop battle. The discussion highlights the strategic missteps, human stories, and the role of groundbreaking battlefield photography that seared the campaign into public

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20:33

Hand-to-Hand Combat: Tradition, Training, and Reality

Underground Strategy ·

2025/01/12

In this episode, Max and Tony dive into the myths and realities of hand-to-hand combat. From Hollywood's dramatizations to the harsh realities of the battlefield, they explore how militaries approach close-quarters combat and its role in modern training and operations.The discussion touches on the evolution of techniques like Krav Maga, the importance of mental and physical toughness, and how these skills translate to other scenarios like close protection. Max reflects on his own training and

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40:42

Churchill’s Spaniards: A Forgotten Chapter in WWII...

Underground Strategy ·

2025/01/05

We’re kicking off 2025 with the second part of our discussion with Seán Scullion, active-duty officer, historian, and author of Churchill’s Spaniards.This episode dives deeper into the incredible story of Spanish Republicans who joined the British Army during WWII, continuing their fight against fascism across Europe, North Africa, and beyond.Séan shares powerful accounts of these men’s bravery and resilience, as well as the challenges they faced as soldiers and survivors. We also touch on the

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47:24

Churchill’s Spaniards: A Forgotten Chapter in WWII...

Underground Strategy ·

2024/12/29

In the final Underground Strategy episode of the year, Max Lauker and Tony Garcia are joined by Séan Scullion—active-duty officer, historian, and author of Churchill’s Spaniards.Séan shares the remarkable story of Spanish Republicans who, after fighting in the Spanish Civil War, joined the British Army during WWII. These men, fighting for freedom and survival, served in the Pioneer Corps, SAS, and other units across Europe, North Africa, and beyond.We explore their resilience, bravery, and the

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35:14

Military Christmas - Reflections and Realities

Underground Strategy ·

2024/12/25

In this edition of Underground Strategy, Max and Tony bring a festive yet poignant twist to the podcast as they explore the traditions, letters, and unique experiences of military personnel during Christmas. From historical moments like the 1914 Christmas Truce to personal reflections from their own deployments, this episode delves into the resilience and camaraderie that emerge in the most challenging circumstances.Max shares stories of cozy family Christmases alongside recollections of Swedish

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27:55

Military Culture: Ceremonies and the Role of War

Underground Strategy ·

2024/12/22

In this episode, recorded just days before Christmas, Max Lauker and Tony Garcia bring a relaxed yet reflective tone to the Underground Strategy podcast. From holiday traditions to the deep connections between military service, ceremonial duties, and global conflict, this conversation covers a lot of ground.The episode begins with Max and Tony sharing Christmas traditions—from Swedish celebrations on the 24th to Scottish winter mornings with blazers and cookies for Santa. But the discussion soon

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1:14:35

Andrew Balaam - Selous Scout and Bush War Operator

Underground Strategy ·

2024/12/15

This week on the Underground Strategy Podcast, Max and Tony sit down with Andrew Balaam, a former Selous Scout and veteran of the Rhodesian Bush War.From Andrew’s early life in Southern Rhodesia to his experiences in the legendary Selous Scouts, this episode goes straight into the realities of pseudo-operations, inter-unit rivalries, and life on the frontlines of a conflict that shaped Southern Africa’s history. Andy shares unique insights into the tactical and personal challenges of operating

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21:51

UGS Special Edition: General Botha - Rise to Power...

Underground Strategy ·

2024/12/12

In this UGS Special Edition, we continue our military legends series by exploring General Louis Botha’s transformative journey from wartime commander to statesman.In this episode, Max and Tony discuss Botha’s pivotal role in World War I, including his leadership during the Southwest Africa campaign, the challenges of commanding a divided nation, and the moral complexities of fighting alongside the British so soon after the Anglo-Boer War.They also reach into the dynamics of Botha’s partnership with

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37:40

Military Requirements and Selections - Thoughts and...

Underground Strategy ·

2024/12/08

In this week’s episode of Underground Strategy, Max and Tony tackle the evolving dynamics of military recruitment and selection processes, providing a unique perspective shaped by their personal experiences and years of observation. As the holiday season approaches, the duo reflects on the spirit of Christmas creeping into their routines—lights, advent traditions, and thoughts of thoughtful gifts (books, anyone?) make their way into the conversation, adding a lighter touch before diving into the

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23:05

UGS Special Edition: General Louis Botha – Rise to...

Underground Strategy ·

2024/12/05

In this UGS Special Edition, we continue our military legends series with a focus on General Louis Botha, a towering figure in South African military history and often likened to America’s George Washington.In this episode, Max interviews Tony, who shares insights from his co-authored book, Botha, Smuts and the First World War. They explore Botha’s early life, his rise as a commander during the Second Anglo-Boer War, and his strategic genius in defending the Tugela line against British forces. This

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26:30

WWII Espionage in South Africa with Evert Kleynhans

Underground Strategy ·

2024/12/01

In this episode of the Underground Strategy podcast, we’re joined by military historian and professor Evert Kleynhans from Stellenbosch University. Known for his research on South African military history, Evert walks us through the fascinating and often-overlooked story of German espionage networks in South Africa during WWII. He explains the role of the Ossewabrandwag and shares insights into Smuts’ complex balancing act of politics, security, and wartime priorities.Evert also gives us a look at

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23:58

Limited Series Behind the Book: Number 788 - The End...

Underground Strategy ·

2024/11/28

In this fifth and final episode of the Number 788 podcast series, host Des Latham wraps up the journey with Max Lauker, reflecting on the incredible experiences that shaped his life in special operations and intelligence. From the Swedish Arctic Ranger Regiment to covert missions across the globe, Max shares how his career evolved from military operations to a focus on intelligence and beyond.Returning from pivotal deployments in the Balkans, Max recalls his unit’s role in identifying key violations

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21:44

Mexican Cartels—The Evolution of Small Armies with...

Underground Strategy ·

2024/11/24

In this week’s episode of Underground Strategy, Max and Tony sit down with Alex, also known as Agent Condorito, to explore the militarization of Mexican cartels and their evolving tactics. Alex, an open-source intelligence enthusiast, has been closely monitoring cartels through digital channels, uncovering insights that often go underreported.Alex discusses the rapid transformation of cartels like the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels, who have incorporated conventional warfare tactics,

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30:35

Limited Series Behind the Book: Number 788 - The...

Underground Strategy ·

2024/11/21

Welcome to Episode 4 of our limited series on Number 788, hosted and produced by South African media figure Desmond Latham. Desmond, known for his History of South Africa podcast, brings his expertise and narrative skill to this series, guiding listeners through the defining missions and experiences of Max Lauker’s career in Swedish special operations.In this episode, Desmond and Max dive into Max's deployment in the Balkans—a transformative chapter in his career. Max reflects on the complex shift

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22:02

The Lives and Narratives of POWs with Karen Horn

Underground Strategy ·

2024/11/17

In this edition of Underground Strategy, Max Lauker and Tony Garcia welcome historian Karen Horn, who brings her extensive research on prisoners of war (POWs) to the podcast. Karen shares insights from her books, In Enemy Hands and Prisoners of Jan Smuts, exploring the lives and experiences of POWs from WWII. Through her detailed research and personal interviews, Karen uncovers stories that reveal both the resilience and humanity of those who endured captivity.During this engaging conversation,

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22:05

Limited Series Behind the Book: Number 788 -...

Underground Strategy ·

2024/11/14

Welcome to Episode 3 of our limited series on Number 788, hosted and produced by South African media figure Desmond Latham. Known for his History of South Africa podcast, Desmond brings his deep experience and sharp perspective to this series, guiding listeners through the pivotal events that shaped Max Lauker’s journey into Swedish special operations.In this episode, Desmond and Max dive into the transition from intense training to high-stakes operations, revealing some of the unorthodox,

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