LitWar Podcast

LW22: Anuradha Bhagwati

In this episode, we sit down with Anuradha Bhagwati, former Marine Corps officer and author of the raw and revolutionary memoir, Unbecoming. Bhagwati’s deeply personal narrative chronicles her journey from the daughter of strict Indian immigrants to a trailblazing activist who fought for historic policy reforms in the military. After leaving behind an Ivy League education to join the Marines, Bhagwati confronted sexism, racism, and injustice within one of the most masculine institutions in the world. As a bisexual woman of color, her time in the Corps challenged her in ways she never anticipated.
Join us as we discuss Bhagwati’s experience in the military, her courageous fight to dismantle the misogyny and discrimination she witnessed, and the resilience it took to pursue such transformative change, including her role in lifting the ban on women in combat roles. We explore her journey of self-discovery, activism, and the inner conflict of balancing duty with personal values. 

LW21: Michael Ramos

In this episode, we sit down with author Michael Ramos to discuss his powerful memoir, The After: A Veteran's Notes on Coming Home. Ramos, an Iraq War veteran, offers a raw and compelling look at the complexities of returning to civilian life after serving in combat. In his essay collection, Ramos delves into his decade-long military career, the challenges of transitioning back into a society that often misunderstands veterans, and the personal struggles he faced through divorce, remarriage, and the loss of comrades.
Join us as we explore his journey from serving as a Navy chaplain's bodyguard to becoming a writer, teacher, and advocate for bridging the gap between military and civilian communities. We discuss the deeply personal stories that shaped his memoir, the nonlinear approach to storytelling, and his reflections on what it means to be a warrior, veteran, and father.

LW20: Chris Knapp

In this episode, we sit down with novelist Chris Knapp to discuss his debut novel, States of Emergency. Set against the sweltering backdrop of Paris in 2015, Knapp’s novel captures the fragility of a marriage and the existential weight of a world in crisis. We explore the origins of States of Emergency, delving into how Knapp masterfully intertwines personal and global turmoil, creating a narrative that speaks to both the intimate cracks in a relationship and the larger, looming uncertainties of our time.
Join us as we talk about his journey as a writer, from his experiences at MFA at the University of Virginia to his success in renowned publications like The Paris Review and Granta. Knapp also shares insights into his creative process, exploring the delicate balance between hope and despair, and how he captures the nuances of human connection amidst chaos.
We are in the midst of our first Platoon Book Club Initiative in which we are funding and facilitating platoon-sized book clubs for active duty and reserve platoons in every branch of the military. Click here to learn more.

LW19: Emily St. John Mandel

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed novelist Emily St. John Mandel to reflect on the ten-year anniversary of her groundbreaking novel, Station Eleven. Mandel’s poignant narrative explores the fragile balance between civilization and chaos, art and survival, in the aftermath of a global pandemic. Join us as we discuss the origins of Station Eleven, the novel's lasting impact, and its surprising resonance in today’s world. Mandel shares her journey as a writer, from crafting the complex characters who navigate a post-apocalyptic landscape, to witnessing the story’s adaptation into a critically acclaimed HBO Max series. We also explore her creative process and how she balances themes of hope and despair in her work. Whether you're a fan of dystopian fiction, literary storytelling, or thoughtful explorations of the human condition, this conversation is not to be missed. 
We are in the midst of our first Platoon Book Club Initiative in which we are funding and facilitating platoon-sized book clubs for active duty and reserve platoons in every branch of the military. Click here to learn more.

LW18: Jessica Pearce Rotondi

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Pearce Rotondi to explore her compelling memoir, What We Inherit: A Secret War and a Family’s Search for Answers. Jessica’s poignant narrative takes us deep into her family’s quest to uncover the truth behind her uncle’s disappearance during the covert war in Laos. Her memoir delves into her investigative journey of unearthing long-buried secrets, navigating the complex terrain of grief and memory, and confronting the legacy of war on her family. Join us as we discuss her meticulous research process, the emotional challenges of telling such a personal story, and the broader implications of uncovering hidden histories. Whether you're drawn to stories of family, history, or the enduring impact of conflict, this conversation offers a powerful reflection on the ways our past shapes our present.
We are in the midst of our first Platoon Book Club Initiative in which we are funding and facilitating platoon-sized book clubs for active duty and reserve platoons in every branch of the military. Click here to learn more.

LW17: John Dailey

In this episode, we sit down with retired Marine Corps veteran John A. Dailey to delve into his debut memoir, Tough Rugged Bastards. Dailey’s powerful narrative offers a unique exploration of the gritty realities of military life, leadership, and the unyielding spirit of those who serve. Join us as we discuss his role in the early days of the Marine Corps' most elite unit, formed in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. He takes us through his military career, the transition to an MFA creative writing program, and the journey to publication. Dailey shares his insights on the intersections of leadership, resilience, and the human cost of conflict, offering listeners a profound understanding of the forces that shape military servicemen and women and their decisions. Whether you're a fan of military memoirs, leadership lessons, or personal stories of perseverance, this conversation is not to be missed. His views are his own and do not reflect those of SOCOM, MARSOC, or the DOD.
We are in the midst of our first Platoon Book Club Initiative in which we are funding and facilitating platoon-sized book clubs for active duty and reserve platoons in every branch of the military. Click here to learn more.

LW16: Ben Brody

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed photographer Ben Brody to delve into his book, Attention Servicemember. Brody's evocative images and narrative offer an exploration of the complexities of military life and the nuanced experiences of servicemembers unlike any other. Join us as we discuss the inspiration behind his striking visual storytelling, the challenges of capturing such deeply personal and political themes, and the intricate process of bringing this powerful collection to life. Brody shares his insights on the intersections of military service, personal identity, and societal impact, offering listeners an understanding of the social dynamics that shape our world. Whether you're a fan of impactful photography or military narratives, this conversation is not to be missed. Tune in for an engaging and enlightening discussion that sheds light on the craft of visual storytelling and the enduring impact of Attention Servicemember.
We are in the midst of our first Platoon Book Club Initiative in which we are funding and facilitating platoon-sized book clubs for active duty and reserve platoons in every branch of the military. Click here to learn more.

LW15: Dewaine Farria

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed author Dewaine Farria to delve into his powerful debut novel, Revolutions of All Colors. Farria's gripping narrative weaves together the lives of three friends, exploring the complexities of identity, race, and the search for belonging against the backdrop of pivotal moments in American history. Join us as we discuss the inspiration behind his richly textured characters, the challenges of writing about such deeply personal and political themes, and the intricate process of bringing this poignant story to life. Farria shares his insights on the intersections of military service, civil rights, MMA fighting,
and personal revolution, offering listeners a profound understanding of the social dynamics that shape our world. Whether you're a fan of contemporary fiction, historical narratives, or thought-provoking literature, this conversation is not to be missed. Tune in for an engaging and enlightening discussion that sheds light on the craft of storytelling and the enduring impact of Revolutions of All Colors.
 
We are in the midst of our first Platoon Book Club Initiative in which we are funding and facilitating platoon-sized book clubs for active duty and reserve platoons in every branch of the military. Click here to learn more.

LW14: Ben Kesling

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Ben Kesling, a journalist and author who focuses on military and veterans issues. He was a longtime Wall Street Journal reporter and covered the Pentagon, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and was a combat correspondent. He also covered campaigns, Congress and riots. Ben shares his profound experiences as a journalist providing listeners with an insider's perspective on the challenges facing our veterans today.
Beyond his reporting, Ben has devoted significant effort to supporting veterans as they navigate life after service. In this episode, he discusses the importance of addressing mental health issues, the impact of his work on his own perspective, and the initiatives he has been involved in to provide veterans with the resources and support they need.
Ben Kesling is a graduate of Wabash College, Ben also has a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard University. He attended Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and the Middlebury Language School for Arabic. He is also a two-day Jeopardy! champion.
Ben has won journalism awards from the New York Press Club and the Washington chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. He is the author of the book “Bravo Company,” about an Army company's harrowing deployment to Afghanistan and the soldiers’ decade of reckoning after. Before becoming a journalist, he was a United States Marine Corps infantry officer who deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He lives in Chicago.
Join us as Ben Kesling opens up about the transformative experiences that shaped his career, the critical issues facing veterans today, and the inspiring stories that fuel his commitment to making a difference. This episode is a tribute to the resilience of our servicemen and women and a testament to the enduring power of their stories.

LW13: Jane Ferguson

Award-winning foreign correspondent Jane Ferguson sits down with the LitWar Podcast to discuss her riveting memoir, "No Ordinary Assignment." Jane takes us behind the headlines, sharing her firsthand experiences from some of the world's most dangerous conflict zones. 
From the streets of Yemen and Afghanistan to the frontlines in Syria and beyond, Jane's career has been marked by extraordinary moments that have resulted in award-winning journalism. In "No Ordinary Assignment," she offers a deeply personal account of her journey, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in journalism. 
Join us as Jane recounts harrowing tales from the field, reflects on the emotional toll of war reporting, and shares the lessons she's learned along the way. This episode provides a unique glimpse into the life of a foreign correspondent and the extraordinary resilience required to bring untold stories to the world.
Jane Ferguson is a New York City-based international correspondent, war reporter and national security and foreign affairs expert. Her award-winning journalism has spanned the US, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. She has also been a contributor to The New Yorker since 2018, providing reporting and analysis on US foreign policy, counterterrorism, and conflicts in Ukraine, Yemen, Afghanistan, Somalia and Iraq.
We are in the midst of our first Platoon Book Club Initiative in which we are funding and facilitating platoon-sized book clubs for active duty and reserve platoons in every branch of the military. Click here to learn more.