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The Grumpy Strategists

Strategic Analysis Australia
AUKUS
Australia
China
United States
Australian Defence Force
Donald Trump
Submarines
Ukraine
Trump Administration
Defense Spending
National Defense Strategy
Defense Budget
Virginia Class Submarines
Defence Spending
National Defence Strategy
United States Navy
Renewable Energy
Australian Defence Industry
Alliance Relations
Taiwan

The Grumpy Strategists chat about defence and security issues, from an Australian perspective. We say simple things about complicated issues that help cut through the politics and careful bureaucratic talking points. Critical but constructive conversations about the big security and technology issues affecting our world. RSSVERIFY

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes90Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
GovernmentNewsPolitics

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Latest Episodes

Marcus and Michael broadcast this first video podcast from the Bunker, after taking measures to obscure the location (security, opacity and non-disclosure is baked in to the SAA culture, given we focus on Australia's Defence organisation...).

The fi... more

In Episode 82, Marcus scours the garbage bins around government offices in Canberra to feed the SAA bunker's furnaces and so avoid rising energy prices as the Houthis block Red Sea shipments. It's a nervous time, even deep in the Brindabella bunker. ... more

Marcus and Michael broadcast this edition of the Grumpy Strategists from two secure locations: Marcus kicking back birdwatching from SAA's home bunker in the Brindabellas outside Canberra, and from an undisclosed site in Secret Harbor WA. They apply ... more

The Grumpies return to SAA's bunker deep in the Brindabella Hills. It's time to take stock of the $9 billion spent so far on 3 Hunter frigates for Australia's Navy, with $18 billion still to go. The right time to stop a bad project is now, before mor... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Elbridge Colby
Former US deputy defense strategist, associated with Aukus discussions
Independent analyst / consultant
Episode: AUKUS subs' temporary base is permanent again: Mr Conroy loses his trousers in Washington, startling Elbridge Colby
Graeme Dobell
Australian journalist specializing in defense and foreign policy
Australia's defense/foreign policy journalism veteran
Episode: America in Asia: a very different Hegesth to 2025 & regional ordering amongst disorder
Marcus Hellyer
Head of research at SAA, frequent guest with defense and security expertise
SAA
Episode: America's wartime defense budget: $1.5 trillion to deliver a military able to fight everyone - except China.....
Vasyl Myroshnychenko
Ukrainian Ambassador representing Ukraine in Australia
Ukrainian Government
Episode: The Ambassadors Series - a Grumpy Strategist meets a high energy Ukrainian Ambassador
Steve Baxter
Head of Beaten Zone Ventures and a former member of the Australian Army with extensive business experience in technology.
Beaten Zone Ventures
Episode: Grumpy Strategist Makers Series - with Beaten Zone's Steve Baxter
Douglas Hsu
Senior Taiwanese representative in Australia
Taiwanese Government
Episode: A Grumpy Strategist meets Taiwan's Australian rep: world health, regional security, economics & trade - Episode 43
Peter Jennings
Founder and Director of Strategic Analysis Australia; former advisor to multiple defense ministers
Strategic Analysis Australia
Episode: Episode 36: A Grumpy Strategist meets a Wise Owl: caught between China & the US, Australia fixates on a 2040 Fantasy Force
Rob Kremer
Director and Defence Sector Lead at Kinexus
Kinexus
Episode: Grumpy Strategist Makers' Series - the workforce edition with KINEXUS
Robert Nioa
Head of Nioa Group, a company specializing in weapons and munitions.
Nioa Group
Episode: Grumpy Strategist Makers Series Episode 3 - NIOA Group

Hosts

Marcus Hellyer
Co-host/analyst, defense and security expert
Michael Shewbridge
Host of Grumpy Strategists, connected to SAA/ASPI networks

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 52 ratings
  • Great discourse on a subject that needs this discussion

    For any Australian Defence enthusiast/professional I recommend this podcast. The dry humour and observations are on point. If the ADF believed in contestability it would make this mandatory listening for all uniform and APS staff.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Brozy007
    Australia2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Engaging personalities and clear takeaways for industry and policy folks
Insightful, witty defences analysis that's easy to follow for non-experts
Strong critical lens on budgets and governance, with practical implications

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#181
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#14
Australia/Government
Apple Podcasts
#34
Israel/Government
Apple Podcasts
#38
Norway/Government
Apple Podcasts
#110
Sweden/Government
Apple Podcasts
#130
United Arab Emirates/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 36: A Grumpy Strategist meets a Wise Owl: caught between China & the US, Australia fixates on a 2040 Fantasy Force
Q: How are our strategic circumstances today?
The current strategic outlook is the most challenging Australia has faced, largely due to a more assertive China and a lack of significant government action to strengthen defense capabilities in response to this threat.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Grumpy Strategists

What is The Grumpy Strategists about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A Canberra-based defense and security discussion, this show blends sharp analysis with dry wit to unpack Australia's defense posture, alliance dynamics, and big-ticket programs like Aukus and submarine projects. Episodes routinely critique budgeting, governance, transparency, and policy framing while translating complex military and technology topics into accessible takes for professionals, policymakers, and enthusiasts. A notable strength is the combination of rigorous, evidence-informed analysis with candid, personality-driven banter that often challenges official narratives and invites pragmatic conversations about capability, accountability, and strategic risks.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Grumpy Strategists?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Grumpy Strategists:

1. The National Security Podcast
2. Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny
3. If You're Listening
4. Full Story
5. Defence & Security Podcast Network

How many episodes of The Grumpy Strategists are there?

The Grumpy Strategists launched 3 years ago and published 90 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 The Grumpy Strategists?

Recent guests on The Grumpy Strategists include:

1. Elbridge Colby
2. Graeme Dobell
3. Marcus Hellyer
4. Vasyl Myroshnychenko
5. Steve Baxter
6. Douglas Hsu
7. Peter Jennings
8. Rob Kremer

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