Remo Podcast

Want to LEAD AND WIN https://combatready.eu/ Subscribe and join the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast In this episode, Remo and Chris dive into the untold story of the Baltic Battalion’s early days and what it really took to build a modern fighting force from the ruins of the Soviet Union. Chris shares raw, firsthand experiences from training Estonian soldiers in Paldiski, facing broken infr...

Want to LEAD AND WIN https://combatready.eu/ Subscribe and join the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast In this episode, Remo Ojaste and Chris Sheppard examine the Baltic Battalion as a modern special operations case study, focusing on methods, leadership, and long-term impact rather than secrecy or hero narratives. The conversation explores how an indirect, low-visibility approach — centered...

In this episode, Chris dives deep into the often-overlooked emotional and cultural barriers to effective military training. Set against the backdrop of his early work with Estonian soldiers, he shares how initial efforts were met with resistance, mistrust, and even quiet hostility. The core issue? Feedback was taken as personal criticism, not professional development. Chris explores the concept of...

What happens when you take a group of conscripts, wipe the slate clean, and have just nine months to turn them into effective soldiers—and potential leaders? In this episode, Remo and Chris dive deep into military training, exploring the challenges of teaching leadership, confronting egos, and creating real-world scenarios where rank doesn’t matter, but capability does. From humorous misunderstand...

In this episode, former Royal Marine Christopher Sheppard joins Remo Ojaste to unpack what it really takes to train soldiers, lead under pressure, and transform post-Soviet mindsets into modern military excellence. From drunken construction crews in 90s Latvia to high-stakes ambush training and the brutal truth about moral courage, this conversation is raw, real, and packed with hard-earned lesson...

But only if you’re okay with losing 80% of your people. This episode explores how the ghost of the Soviet system still lingers in doctrine, command structures, and attitudes — and why it’s not just outdated, it’s dangerous. Join the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast

This episode dives into a powerful moment where training failed the people it was meant to protect. It questions the difference between drilling procedures and truly preparing someone for combat—or any high-stakes environment. The story explores how bad habits get baked into systems, how convenience replaces competence, and why it takes courage to reteach when everything’s on the line. It’s a shar...

What does it really mean to grow up, especially in a world that often lacks structure? In this deep and reflective episode, Remo and Allar talk about the role military service played in shaping them—not just as soldiers, but as men. They reflect on childhoods filled with mischief, absent parenting, and early video game obsessions, and how that chaos eventually gave way to discipline through conscr...

Teaching isn’t just explaining — it's building something from the ground up. Remo and Chris break down what makes an effective instructor by examining military pedagogy: explanation, demonstration, imitation, and progressive practice. They explore how proper instruction is built on a backbone of structure, like weapon drills, and then layered with critical thinking, real-time adaptation, and deep...

In this episode, we engage with Jan Knutti — a Finnish entrepreneur, former Navy Special Forces (SOF) operator, TV personality, and author. Jan shares his transformative journey from over two decades in the Finnish military and Border Guard to becoming the CEO of Polar Apex Oy, a company at the forefront of military and tactical gear innovation. We delve into his experiences in special operations,...

Episode 11 Part 3 with Chris Sheppard In this episode, Remo and Chris dive into the challenges of leadership in the military, discussing how frontline soldiers receive instant feedback while higher-ranking officers often struggle to recognize mistakes. They explore how ego and hierarchy can block valuable lessons and how the best leaders remain open to change. The conversation also touches on the...

Episode 11 Part 2 with Chris SheppardWar isn’t just about fighting the enemy—sometimes, the biggest battle is against nature. Chris details the unforgiving conditions of the Falklands, from relentless cold to the struggle for food and shelter. He explains how proper training, fitness, and mental toughness can mean the difference between life and death in the field. Join the conversation on Instagr...

In 1994, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Baltic states faced a monumental challenge—building modern defense forces from the remnants of a rigid, Soviet-trained military. Enter Christopher Alan Sheppard, a Royal Marine Commando who was supposed to stay for just a few months but ended up shaping Estonia’s military for decades. From battlefield leadership to training warriors, Shepherd sha...

In this follow-up episode on Donald Trump, we examine his disruptive leadership style, its impact on global alliances, and the deeper questions of power, ethics, and strategy. Is provocation a necessary tool for shaking up the system, or does it erode fundamental democratic values? From historical lessons to military tactics and international law, we analyze how Trump's approach challenges traditi...

In this episode, Remo Ojaste and Eerik Heldna dive into the impact of Donald Trump's leadership on global politics. From NATO and U.S.-Europe relations to Russia, China, and the shifting balance of power, they explore whether Trump's approach is calculated strategy or reckless disruption. How does his influence shape Estonia and the world? And what does it mean for the future of global alliances?...

It is an experiment, a challenge, and a new hobby. I've gone through many phases in life: from military service in the Estonian Special Operations Forces to playing poker professionally, selling military equipment, and now running Combat Ready, a leadership consultancy based on Extreme Ownership principles. Why start a podcast? - To improve my English and speaking skills - To share my thoughts for...

Join the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast This discussion explores the life and leadership of Konstantin Päts, Estonia's first president, during its journey to independence. It highlights his role in the 1905 revolution, exile, declaration of independence, and nation-building amidst war. The conversation underscores his resilience, strategic thinking, and the complex legacy he left as both...

Join the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast In this conversation, Remo and Eerik explore the complexities of leadership, intent, and morality. They discuss how understanding a person's intent is crucial in evaluating their actions, especially in controversial situations. The dialogue delves into the nuances of influence, the importance of humility in leadership, and the distinction between ma...

Join the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast In this episode, Remo and Eerik discuss the historical context of Estonia's independence and the threats posed by the Soviet Union, particularly focusing on the coup attempt in December 1924. They explore the planning and execution of the coup, the immediate response from Estonian forces, and the lessons learned from this critical moment in history....

Join the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast In this conversation, Remo Ojaste and Eerik Heldna explore the concept of the one third rule, which posits that personal growth requires a balance of good, neutral, and hard times. They discuss the implications of this rule on individual development, national resilience, and military training. The dialogue delves into the psychology of overachievers...

Join the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast In this compelling episode, Combat Ready CEO Remo Ojaste sits down with Eerik Heldna to explore the complexities of internal struggles, the foundations of justice, and the role of rules in building a functional society. Together, they tackle thought-provoking questions about the balance between personal freedom and societal order, the challenges of...

Join the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast In this thought-provoking episode, Combat Ready CEO Remo Ojaste and Eerik Heldna dive into the critical decisions that shaped Estonia’s early years of independence. Eerik, with his deep understanding of leadership during times of uncertainty, shares insights into the tough choices and bold strategies that were necessary to build a free and democrati...

Join the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast In this episode, Remo sits down with Eerik Heldna, an expert in geopolitics, for an in-depth 90-minute discussion on Estonian geopolitics. Eerik brings his extensive knowledge to the table, sharing insights into Estonia’s strategic position, historical challenges, and the ever-evolving dynamics of the region. Together, Remo and Eerik explore their v...

Join the conversation on Instagram: @remopodcast This episode is already up on Combat Ready channel, but we think this is a great episode to start the Remo Podcast channel! In this special episode, Combat Ready CEO & COO, Remo Ojaste & Eerik Heldna sit down and give us an overview of the history of Estonia in 90 minutes. From the early days of the first peoples to arrive into these lands,...