Episode 20: Interview with Peter McAleese
After thoroughly exploring the book “No Mean Soldier” by Peter McAleese in two back-to-back podcasts, Hank and Bindu finally sit down with the man himself and discuss his incredible career with him. We dive deeper into McAleese’s childhood, his experiences with the notorious Tony Callan, some of the lighter moments of his career, and the Operation Phoenix to kill Pablo Escobar. The podcast was originally recorded in May 2022, with significant assistance from friends of ours in the United Kingdom.
After the interview, we remained friends with Peter and continued to keep in touch regularly. It was always a pleasure to chat with, and work with a true legend. Beyond the legendary soldier, was an incredible gracious, humourous, and truly welcoming man. Even in his later years, he remained sharp as a tack. Our great friend, Peter McAleese, passed away on the morning of 19 May 2024.
The recording of this video interview remains the one of the biggest highlights of our podcast. We recommend additionally listening to Episode 18 and 19, which detail overviews of Peter’s exceptionally incredible military career which spanned Aden, Borneo, Cyprus, Angola, Rhodesia, South Africa, Colombia and beyond.
Episode 18: An overview of Peter’s early career in the British SAS, Parachute Regiment, and later as a mercenary commandant with the FNLA in Angola.
Episode 19: A continuation of Peter’s story, through his service with the Rhodesian SAS/Special Branch, South African Parabat Pathfinders (“The Philistines”), and the infamous mission to kill Pablo Escobar.