Best Natsec Podcasts (2025)

1
The Long War: Glenn Corn 55:19

3d ago55:19

55:19

Michael Allen talks with former CIA executive and US foreign policy expert Glenn Corn, a regular guest of NatSec Matters. Glenn shares insights from his recent trip to Ukraine and the outlook for US support in its fight against Russia. He also highlights smart moves by President Trump in countering the Kremlin and offers reasons for optimism for Uk…

1
Episode 723: June Free For All - With Lots of UKR Drones 59:54

2h ago59:54

59:54

Mark and I are back from most of May taking care of business!Time for a MIDRATS! Show Links Pentagon chief tells Asian allies: Raise defence spending to 5% of GDP like Europe Tom Shugart post on PRC ship in Norfolk, from APR 2024 1980s Strategic Homeporting Initiative Claude Berube on OSS developing deep strike drone boats against Japanese bridges …

1
Palaces & Policy Shifts: Jeffrey Feltman 56:20

10d ago56:20

56:20

Michael Allen talks with former senior State Department official Jeffrey Feltman about President Trump's "new approach" to the Middle East following his recent trip to the Gulf. Jeffrey analyzes the President's focus on major investment deals, the evolving US positioning on Iran's nuclear program, the surprising U-turn on Syria, and how Mr. Trump's…

1
Ep 12: Best of Geopolitics (So Far) 12:09

11d ago12:09

12:09

In this special episode of Code and Country, we bring together insights from some of the world’s foremost experts in cybersecurity, intelligence, law, and defense. Built around the theme of geopolitics and digital conflict, this compilation traces how nation-state tensions, ransomware groups, and AI threats are converging to reshape the cyber battl…

1
Beijing's Long Game: Mike Studeman 46:57

17d ago46:57

46:57

Michael Allen talks with retired rear admiral and China expert Mike Studeman about the geopolitical implications of President Trump's trade negotiations with China and US policy to counter Chinese influence and threats. Mike, former Commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence, discusses how China might exploit an "America First" orientation, the …

1
The Biotech Frontline: Dawn Meyerriecks 43:33

25d ago43:33

43:33

Jeremy Bash explores the biotech battleground with former CIA science and technology chief Dawn Meyerriecks. Dawn, a key voice on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, discusses the urgent need for US leadership to address critical vulnerabilities in the country's bio-industrial base. Dawn also makes a case for why powerful go…

1
Ep 11: Patrick Gorman, Former US Intelligence Community CIO, CISO Bank of America 21:13

25d ago21:13

21:13

Nation-states don’t steal data, they wage war. In this episode of Code and Country, former US Intelligence Community CIO, CISO at Bank of America, and Chief Security Officer at Bridgewater Associates, Patrick Gorman exposes how cyber warfare threatens North America’s federal systems, higher education, BFSI, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. Go…

1
Episode 722: China's Overseas Bases & the Transition to War, with T.X. Hammes 57:42

28d ago57:42

57:42

The People’s Republic of China continues to expand its already well-established contestation of ownership, access, and control of ports throughout the world. They have done this in parallel with building the world’s largest navy and a diverse set of military capabilities clearly designed with one purpose—defeating the U.S. military in the Indo-Paci…

1
Statecraft 2.0: Dennis Ross 1:03:18

1M ago1:03:18

1:03:18

Andrew Shapiro talks with former US Ambassador Dennis Ross, who argues that the country's foreign policy needs a reboot. Amb. Ross explains the principles of "Statecraft 2.0" – why the US must adapt its leadership for a challenging multipolar world, navigating the global influence and interests of China and Russia.…

1
Episode 721: Reforming the Pentagon, with Gary Anderson 50:57

1M ago50:57

50:57

With each new administration, there is opportunity for change and reform. In the new Trump Administration, reform isn’t seen as a secondary effect of a leadership change but as a requirement.What reform options should the new Pentagon leadership explore under the Trump Administration? Joining us to discuss this and related topics is Gary Anderson, …

1
The Arctic Power Play: Iris Ferguson 43:43

1M ago43:43

43:43

Andrew Shapiro talks with former Pentagon Arctic policy head Iris Ferguson about how melting sea ice is ushering in a new era of great power competition, ending decades of 'Arctic exceptionalism.' Iris, the DOD's first Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Arctic, discusses Russia's interests, China’s pursuit of influence as a 'near-Arctic state,' and…

1
Ep 10: Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer, NATO CIO 31:04

1M ago31:04

31:04

What does it take to defend 32 nations across five domains in an era of AI, quantum, and nation-state threats? In this episode of Code and Country, we sit down with NATO’s first-ever CIO and CISO, Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer, for an inside look at the alliance’s approach to cybersecurity, digital transformation, and geopolitical defense. We explore wh…

1
Episode720: Sen. Tim Sheehy on the Challenges and Opportunities Revitalizing the Navy 29:18

1M ago29:18

29:18

Many frustrated by the perceived lack of understanding of our nation’s maritime heritage requirements want new leaders with fresh ideas, unburdened by legacy entanglements. It is hoped that a younger cohort with military experience, preferably naval, in the House of Representatives and the Senate who bring to the job an additional background in bus…

1
The 'Tariff Trap': Craig Singleton 42:03

2M ago42:03

42:03

Michael Allen talks with Craig Singleton, Senior Director for China at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about whether President Trump is locked into an inescapable trade war with China's Xi Jinping. Craig discusses the high-stakes gamble each leader is making, convinced the other will fold first. They explore whether 'strategic decoupling…

1
Episode 719: NATO's Maritime North, with Dr. Sebastian Bruns 59:35

2M ago59:35

59:35

Returning for the full hour will be Dr. Sebastian Bruns. Sebastian is a seapower expert and maritime strategist. His current project as Senior Researcher at the Institute for Security Policy Kiel University (ISPK) is “NATO Maritime Strategies and Naval Operations since 1985”, a multi-year effort to explore the Alliance’s maritime and naval roles be…

1
The Turkish Tightrope: Glenn Corn 50:00

2M ago50:00

50:00

Michael Allen talks with former CIA senior executive Glenn Corn about whether Turkey is a US ally or wildcard. They discuss how Turkey is navigating the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine while managing relationships with both Washington and Moscow. Glenn also explores the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the future of the Kurds, the decline of Hezbollah, and …

1
Ep 9: Brent Arnold - Partner and Data Breach Coach, Gowling WLG 29:09

2M ago29:09

29:09

When a ransomware attack hits, the headlines focus on the ransom. But what happens after the payment clears? In this episode of Code and Country, we bring in Partner and Data Breach Coach Brent Arnold of Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP to uncover the truth about data breach response, the limits of cyber insurance, and the legal frontlines of cybersecurity…

1
Trump, Ukraine, and the Ceasefire Gamble: Peter Rough 45:08

2M ago45:08

45:08

What does President Trump's plan for peace in Ukraine look like, and what could it cost Kyiv? Michael Allen talks with Peter Rough, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, about the high-stakes diplomacy under way right now. Peter unpacks the determined push for a ceasefire, the potential shift to offering Russia more 'carrots' than 'sticks,' and …

1
Economic Warfare: Eddie Fishman 45:28

2M ago45:28

45:28

Michael Allen speaks with Eddie Fishman, sanctions expert and author of Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare. Eddie explains how the U.S. has wielded economic weapons against Russia, Iran, and China, and how sanctions and supply chain dominance are reshaping global power. He also explores the risks of overusing these tools, Ch…

1
Code and Country Ep. 8: Neil Bisson 23:20

2M ago23:20

23:20

In this episode of Code and Country, former CSIS and CBSA intelligence expert Neil Bisson explores the rising threats facing Canada and its allies. Cyber attacks, geopolitical tension, and cross-border crime are converging to reshape Canada’s security landscape. Cyber and physical threats are no longer separate. Nation-state actors and cybercrimina…

51
Episode 718: March Free for All 56:37

2M ago56:37

56:37

Summary Sal and Mark delve into the current state of the U.S. Navy, discussing the size and capabilities of the fleet, the challenges of operating as a two-ocean Navy, and the potential for utilizing alternative naval assets such as offshore supply vessels. They explore the ongoing debate between manned and unmanned aircraft. Discussed some of the …

1
Guardians of the Sky: Frank Kendall 40:29

2M ago40:29

40:29

Jeremy Bash speaks with former Air Force Secretary LTC (Ret.) Frank Kendall about the future of U.S. air and space dominance amid rising threats from China and Russia. Mr. Kendall describes the Pentagon’s toughest modernization decisions, from next-generation fighter jets to autonomous combat aircraft. He also discusses the evolving role of the Spa…

51
Episode 717: The Maritime State, with Ross Kennedy 52:56

3M ago52:56

52:56

The origin story of the United States of America begins, in no small part, with maritime trade issues. Most of the declared and many of the undeclared, wars our nation has fought can be traced to the safety of our maritime commerce and unfettered access to the open seas. Look at any map, and you’ll see we have oceans to the east and west of us, bet…

1
The Estonian Watchmen: Arnold Sinisalu 45:38

3M ago45:38

45:38

Michael Allen speaks with Arnold Sinisalu, former chief of Estonia’s Internal Security Service, about Estonia’s frontline role in countering Russian espionage and subversion. Arnold describes how Estonia tracks and disrupts Russian intelligence operations, from spy arrests to cyber defense. He also discusses Russia’s evolving sabotage tactics acros…

1
Code and Country Ep. 7: Richard Fadden, former CSIS Director 29:59

3M ago29:59

29:59

Canada’s next election is already under attack—and most voters don’t even know it Foreign adversaries are not waiting for ballots to be cast before interfering in Canada’s 2025 federal election. The fight isn’t happening at polling stations—it’s happening online, in misinformation campaigns, and through AI-driven influence operations. In this episo…

51
Episode 716: Mid-March Melee 56:38

3M ago56:38

56:38

Having trouble keeping up with all the developments in the national security realm over the last two months? Well, let not your heart be troubled, Sal & Mark are here for you this week with the ever-popular Midrats Melee format! No guest this week for the podcast, just your two humble hosts, solving the world’s problems in 60-minutes. Show Links Re…

1
Transatlantic Tensions: Nico Lange 44:51

3M ago44:51

44:51

Michael Allen speaks with Nico Lange, senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, about Germany’s political future and the major shifts in transatlantic security. They discuss the recent German elections, Germany’s evolving defense strategy, and Europe’s response to a changing U.S. foreign policy under President Trump. Nico also offer…

51
Episode 715: Securing Ukraine's Future Security, with Emma Ashford 57:42

3M ago57:42

57:42

A firm and lasting peace treaty, a ceasefire, in or out of NATO, in or out of the EU, European or international peacekeeping forces, an unending slog, or Russian tanks in downtown Kyiv? What are the realistic…and unrealistic…options for Ukraine as they enter the 4th year of the Russo-Ukrainian War of 2022?Is the best path for Ukrainian security ins…

1
Russia's 'Shadow War': Bojan Pancevski 49:35

3M ago49:35

49:35

Michael Allen speaks with The Wall Street Journal‘s Chief European Political Correspondent, Bojan Pancevski, about his recent article on Russia’s new ‘Department of Special Tasks.’ Panchevski reveals the unit’s clandestine operations in Europe, its motives behind acts of sabotage, and the broader geopolitical implications. He also discusses his inv…

1
Code and Country Ep. 6: Shelly Bruce 32:23

3M ago32:23

32:23

Ep. 6: Code and Country: The Security Agency You’ve Never Heard Of In this episode of Code and Country, we dive into the high-stakes world of cybersecurity, national security, and geopolitical threats with former Chief of Communications Security Establishment (CSE), Canada’s top cyber intelligence agency, Shelly Bruce. With more than 30 years at CS…

51
Episode 714: The New Administration and China, with Dean Cheng 55:24

3M ago55:24

55:24

In the first month of the new Trump Administration, much of the attention outside our borders has focused on Europe and the Middle East—the two regions that always seem to divert our focus from America’s greatest competitor, the People’s Republic of China (PRC). We often think of the challenge in terms of the most obvious arena—the Pacific—but it e…

1
International Headwinds: Mark Montgomery 55:18

3M ago55:18

55:18

Michael Allen speaks with retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, Senior Director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He shares insights on the Ukraine war, examining Russia’s tactical advantage, the challenges Ukraine faces amid inconsistent aid, and the vital role of international alliances. H…

1
Geopolitics in Transition: Jon Finer 53:33

4M ago53:33

53:33

Jeremy Bash speaks with Jon Finer, former Principal Deputy National Security Advisor to President Biden. Jon offers candid insights on addressing Iran’s destabilization, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and China’s ambitions over Taiwan. He also previews the challenges facing the new administration.By Beacon Global Strategies, LLC

1
Code and Country Ep. 5: Sami Khoury 28:34

4M ago28:34

28:34

Join us on Code and Country as we delve into the high-stakes world of cybersecurity with one of Canada’s top experts, Sami Khoury. Currently serving as the Senior Official for Cyber Security for the Government of Canada, Sami has a storied career spanning over three decades at the forefront of national and international cyber defense. From his earl…

1
Inside Israeli Military Intel: Tamir Hayman 53:02

4M ago53:02

53:02

Michael Allen speaks with Maj. Gen. Tamir Hayman, former head of Israeli army intelligence, about the current threat landscape to Israeli national security. Tamir discusses Israel’s evolving strategic response since the October 7, 2024, attacks. He also explains the complex approach to negotiating hostage releases and the daunting challenge of gath…

1
Episode 713: Seth Folsom's, Nothing Here Worth Dying For 1:04:12

4M ago1:04:12

1:04:12

Returning to Midrats this week to discuss his latest non-fiction novel is Seth W.B. Folsom, Colonel, USMC (Ret.). From the Amazon page: Nothing Here Worth Dying For tells the story of his command of Task Force Lion—a “purpose-built” combat advisor team—and his frenetic 2017 deployment to Iraq’s Al Anbar Province. Charged with the daunting task of a…

1
Strategic Frontlines: Gen. Frank McKenzie 41:10

4M ago41:10

41:10

Michael Allen speaks with General (Ret.) Kenneth 'Frank' McKenzie, Jr., former commander of U.S. Central Command, about the evolving security challenges in the Middle East. They discuss Iran’s vulnerabilities, the impact of Israel’s recent military actions, and the strategic fallout from the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. General…

1
Code and Country Ep. 4: Elizabeth Sizeland 32:39

4M ago32:39

32:39

In this episode of Code and Country, we talk to Elizabeth Sizeland, former U.K. Deputy National Security Adviser and Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Resilience and Security, to explore the evolving intersection of cybersecurity, resilience, and national security. From her leadership experience shaping U.K. cyber policies and managing domestic …

1
Episode 712: Condition of the Navy's Amphibious Fleet And Its Impacts on Marines: the View from GAO 59:27

4M ago59:27

59:27

Does the US Navy have the right number and mix of amphibious ships, and are those ships being properly maintained? The Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) recent report to Congress explored this topic in depth, and today’s Midrats Podcast will delve into it further. From the summary of the report: Amphibious warfare ships are critical for Mari…

1
Episode 711: The Defense Reformation, with Shyam Sankar 1:02:48

4M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

When a report has an opening like this, you know you have to find a way to get the author on Midrats. As a nation, we are in an undeclared state of emergency.…This is a hot Cold War II. The West has empirically lost deterrence. We must respond to this emergency to regain it. We have a peer adversary: China. “Near-Peer” is a shibboleth, a euphemism …

1
Code and Country Ep. 3: VADM Mike McConnell, USN (Ret.) 1:00:16

5M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

What does it take to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity? VADM Mike McConnell, USN (Ret.), former Director National Intelligence (DNI), Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Vice Chairman of Booz Allen Hamilton, joins Code and Country to share unparallelled insights on the critical issues shaping the digital defense …

1
Episode 710: Affordable Approaches to Improve US and Allied Shipbuilding and Ship Repair with Michael Roberts & Bryan Clark 58:02

5M ago58:02

58:02

There is almost a cottage industry in appreciating the decades-long shortfall in America’s maritime industrial base for shipbuilding and repair.After more than a decade of self-delusion in labeling the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as merely a ‘Pacing Challenge’, people are increasingly waking up to the fact that the PRC has overtaken the USA in…

1
'Flip the Script' 58:18

5M ago58:18

58:18

Michael and Andy join Beacon Global Strategies Managing Director Michael Allen to share a major announcement about the future of Intelligence Matters. They also discuss their geopolitical forecasts for 2025, examining potential developments in the Middle East, Russia, Ukraine, and China.By Beacon Global Strategies, LLC

1
Episode 709: Midrats 15th Anniversary Show with Claude Berube 59:44

5M ago59:44

59:44

Happy New Year to everyone…and Midrats is back with you. Join us today for a broad-ranging discussion for our 15th Anniversary Show with a regular guest since the start, Claude Berube. The conversation will go who knows where, but we will begin by reflecting on how the defense media and information environment has evolved since 2010—not just from t…

1
Inside the President's Daily Brief 41:32

5M ago41:32

41:32

Michael revisits his conversation with Andy about their unique experiences as CIA briefers for President George W. Bush. They share behind-the-scenes stories of preparing the President’s Daily Brief, navigating high-stakes national security discussions, and managing the delicate balance of delivering tough truths.…

1
Code and Country Ep. 2: Ed Hammersla 42:13

5M ago42:13

42:13

In this episode of Code and Country, cybersecurity expert Ed Hammersla explores the evolution of cybersecurity in both the government and commercial sectors. With decades of experience at IBM, Raytheon, and Trusted Computer Solutions, Ed discusses cutting-edge topics like trusted Linux systems, cross-domain solutions, and securing sensitive data. D…

1
Umasking the CIA: Jonna Mendez 46:32

5M ago46:32

46:32

Michael revisits his interview with former CIA officer Jonna Mendez about her memoir, In True Face: A Woman’s Life in the CIA, Unmasked. Jonna reflects on her unconventional path into the CIA, her groundbreaking work in disguise and clandestine photography, and the challenges of navigating a male-dominated field. She also discusses her work evaluat…

1
The Trump-China Dilemma: Chris Johnson 40:09

6M ago40:09

40:09

Michael talks with Chris Johnson, head of China Strategies Group, about Beijing’s vulnerabilities and its uneasy anticipation of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. They explore the high-stakes rivalry between the U.S. and China, including economic tensions, Xi Jinping’s grip on power, and the geopolitical flashpoints that could redefine the …

1
Episode 708: The Icebreaker Imperative, with Peter Rybski 56:28

6M ago56:28

56:28

With one of the most militarily and energy strategic states in our union, Alaska, being in the Arctic, and the extensive interests we have on the other side of the planet in Antarctica, do you wonder why our nation’s icebreaking “fleet”—being what it is—amounts to an antique road show? Are you curious how our plan to replace them is making the LCS …

1
Code and Country Ep 1: Chris Lynam, RCMP 31:23

6M ago31:23

31:23

In the inaugural episode of Code and Country, Plurilock CEO Ian L. Paterson and Chris Lynam of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police talk about cybersecurity, national security, and law enforcement's evolving role in combating cybercrime. Learn about Chris' career, the NC3's mission to reduce the impact of cybercrime on Canada, their collaboration with…

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