Earlylands in Conversation

Earlylands Advisory

Ukraine

South Africa

Russia

Critical Minerals

Baltic States

Long Nineteenth Century Africa

Africa Policy

NATO

Democratic Republic Of the Congo

China

George Orwell

British Army

Snake Island Institute

Copper

United States-Africa Relations

Trump Administration Africa Policy

Anzana Electric Group

Putin

Ukraine War

Rainbow Nation

A discussion series with leading thinkers focused on issues at the intersection of business, politics, and culture. Whether it be trends in corporate deal-making, shifts in geopolitics, or notable new writing, our aim is to focus on the ideas and themes that drive headlines, inform boardroom conversations, and motivate policymakers.

15 ratings

Publishes	Twice monthly	Episodes	29	Founded	a year ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	NewsNews Commentary

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Latest Episodes

Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 29 - Journalist and Author Howard Amos on Daily Life in the Real Russia

We’ve spent multiple episodes discussing the Ukrainian perspective on Russia’s brutal war. For this episode we shift our focus to a look at how the average Russian views not only the war, but more broadly life in Putin’s autocratic state. Our guest i... more

5 May 2026 • 37 min

Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 28 - Snake Island Institute Co-founder Maryna Hrytsenko on Bringing Ukraine's Battlefield Innovations to Western End Users

For this episode of the podcast we go back to Ukraine. Our guest today sets a new standard for what a highly intelligent, motivated, and deeply patriotic young person can do. Although only 25-years old, Maryna Hrytsenko has established herself as one... more

21 Apr 2026 • 41 min

Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 27 - Oxford Academic Richard Reid Reassesses the Nineteenth Century Scramble for Africa

For this episode of the podcast we turn our attention back to Africa and roll back the clock to the 19th century. Our guest today is Professor Richard Reid of St. Cross College, Oxford.Richard is a specialist in 19th and 20th century African history ... more

7 Apr 2026 • 36 min

(BREAKING) Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 26 - Bloomberg Global Defense Editor Gerry Doyle on Key Trends from War in Iran, Ukraine, and Much Else

Today's episode is out of cycle, but as the issues under discussion are the very essence of timely, we wanted to bring them to you as soon as possible. Our conversation is with Bloomberg Global Defense Editor Gerry Doyle. Gerry is at the forefront of... more

31 Mar 2026 • 39 min

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The Rest Is PoliticsGoalhanger

Recent Guests

Maryna Hrytsenko

Co-founder of Snake Island Institute

Snake Island Institute

Episode: Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 28 - Snake Island Institute Co-founder Maryna Hrytsenko on Bringing Ukraine's Battlefield Innovations to Western End Users

Richard Reid

Professor of 19th and 20th century African history, St. Cross College, Oxford

St. Cross College, Oxford

Episode: Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 27 - Oxford Academic Richard Reid Reassesses the Nineteenth Century Scramble for Africa

Gerry Doyle

Global defense editor, Bloomberg News

Bloomberg News

Episode: (BREAKING) Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 26 - Bloomberg Global Defense Editor Gerry Doyle on Key Trends from War in Iran, Ukraine, and Much Else

Allan Kilavuka

Former group CEO of Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways

Episode: Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 25 - From GE Accountant to Kenya Airways' CEO: Allan Kilavuka on His Journey to Running a Major Global Airline

Jason Burke

Guardian journalist and author of The Revolutionists

The Guardian

Episode: Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 24 - The Guardian's Jason Burke on His Book "The Revolutionists: The Extremists Who Hijacked the 1970s"

Brigadier Ben Barry

Retired British Army brigadier, author of The Rise and Fall of the British Army, 1975-2025

International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS); King's College London

Episode: Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 23 - Brigadier (Ret.) Ben Barry on the Rise and Fall of the British Army

Simon Freemantle

Standard Bank Senior Political Economist, noted commentator on South Africa's political economy

Standard Bank

Episode: Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 22 - Standard Bank’s Simon Freemantle on Growing Signs That South Africa’s Recovery Is Underway

Ernest Scheyder

Journalist and author of The War Below, Lithium, Copper, and the Global Battle to Power Our Lives

Author/Journalist

Episode: Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 21 - Journalist & Author Ernest Scheyder on the Pivotal Role of Critical Minerals in Everyday Life

Ben Connable

Author of Ground Combat, Puncturing the Myths of Modern War; PhD in War Studies; Executive Director, Battle Research Group; Adjunct Professor at Georgetown; former RAND political scientist; retired Marine Corps Intelligence and MEFO

Georgetown University; Battle Research Group; Georgetown; RAND Corporation

Episode: Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 20 - Historian & Strategist Ben Connable on the Realities of Modern Ground Combat

Host

Todd Johnson

Host of Earlylands in Conversation; guides discussion and interviews with a focus on geopolitics, leadership, and policy.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 15 ratings

Always something interesting
Great mix of guests!
Apple Podcasts
5
AfricaNow
United Statesa month ago
Superb mix of guests
One of my favorites
Apple Podcasts
5
JLTCO25
United States2 months ago
Such a great podcast!
Fantastic Podcast and captivating discussion and topics.
Apple Podcasts
5
MicheleinDenver
United Statesa year ago

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Listeners Say

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Guests consistently deliver expert analysis across geopolitics, energy, and policy topics.

Interviews blend historical context with current events for a nuanced view.

High-quality guests and insightful conversations that suit decision-makers and investors.

Chart Rankings

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Apple Podcasts	#128	Ukraine/News/News Commentary
Apple Podcasts	#238	Finland/News/News Commentary

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 27 - Oxford Academic Richard Reid Reassesses the Nineteenth Century Scramble for Africa

Q: Why use a road in Tanzania as the narrative entry point, and how does it function as a lens for the story?

The road provides a concrete, kinetic way to illuminate the interactions between African and European actors, offering a microcosm of broader regional dynamics and allowing for a human-centered portrayal of state-building, commerce, and warfare along a corridor that symbolically connects the coast to the interior.

Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 27 - Oxford Academic Richard Reid Reassesses the Nineteenth Century Scramble for Africa

Q: Can you lay out the central thesis for the listeners and explain what you mean by calling this period and the book an African Revolution?

The book argues that Africa's Long Nineteenth Century was a period of revolutionary, creative, and politically innovative change driven largely by African dynamics, not just European intrusion. It seeks to rebalance the traditional narrative by showing how indigenous transformations in governance, economy, and warfare set the stage for later colonization and reshaped the Scramble for Africa.

Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 25 - From GE Accountant to Kenya Airways' CEO: Allan Kilavuka on His Journey to Running a Major Global Airline

Q: What was the four-part plan during Covid and how did it sustain the airline?

The plan focused on survival, stabilization, recovery, and growth, with emphasis on clear communication, persistence, cultural change, and stakeholder support to endure a four-year turnaround period.

Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 25 - From GE Accountant to Kenya Airways' CEO: Allan Kilavuka on His Journey to Running a Major Global Airline

Q: How did Allan transition from JumboJet to Kenya Airways, and what did the board see in him?

Allan explains he was seen as a fit due to leadership, governance, and the ability to grow teams, even though he wasn't an aviation specialist; his senior leadership experience and integrity were highly valued, and a chairman's recommendation helped him step in during a transition.

(BREAKING) Earlylands in Conversation - Ep. 26 - Bloomberg Global Defense Editor Gerry Doyle on Key Trends from War in Iran, Ukraine, and Much Else

Q: What lessons are Western governments taking from Ukraine's procurement model?

The key takeaway is agility and rapid iteration—producing, testing, and fielding at speed—alongside a balanced approach to drone-centric capabilities and traditional platforms.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Earlylands in Conversation

What is Earlylands in Conversation about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful interview series that bridges business, geopolitics, and culture through in-depth conversations with researchers, policymakers, journalists, and industry experts. Episodes span a broad map: from military history and defense economics to African energy development, great-power competition, and critical minerals for the global energy transition. The show frequently connects historical context with contemporary policy and investment dynamics, offering practical takeaways for boardrooms, policymakers, and investors. Notable strengths include its wide geographic and sector coverage, candid guest insights, and a willingness to tackle tough topics with nuance and rigor.

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How many episodes of Earlylands in Conversation are there?

Earlylands in Conversation launched a year ago and published 29 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Earlylands in Conversation?

Recent guests on Earlylands in Conversation include:

1. Maryna Hrytsenko
2. Richard Reid
3. Gerry Doyle
4. Allan Kilavuka
5. Jason Burke
6. Brigadier Ben Barry
7. Simon Freemantle
8. Ernest Scheyder

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