Best Perchnet Podcasts (2026)

1
The Chuck Norris Premium (US invades Venezuela) 1:21:06

Play Pause

2h ago1:21:06

1:21:06

Welcome to another normal week in geopolitics - on your left, you'll see the Trump administration (allegedly) flying into Caracas at 1am and walking Nicolás Maduro out the door. No moral sermons, no democracy talk, just raw power politics, naked and unapologetic. Jacob and Marko unpack what this moment says about American empire, hypocrisy fatigue,…

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The (Geopolitical) Movies That Made Us 1:37:08

1h ago1:37:08

1:37:08

Geopolitics isn’t just policy memos and grim men in bad suits... it’s explosions, bad decisions, and unintended consequences (preferably set to a great score). The movies that we obsess over aren’t accidental; they’re training wheels for understanding power. War films that explain absolutely nothing. Spy thrillers where everyone is in the wrong. Re…

1
Forecast 2026 57:46

22h ago57:46

57:46

Welcome to the future. In 2026, we're pretty convinced that the global map will get some major rewrites. Our '26 bingo card has the potential collapse of the Venezuelan and Cuban regimes, the end of the war in Ukraine, and the subsequent battle for Russia’s very soul crossed out. While others fear peaking deglobalization, Marko and Jacob see a path…

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Cocaine Cowboys 1:12:29

8d ago1:12:29

1:12:29

Look, the world is decoupling, and everyone is making their bet. Mexico just threw their chips on the table with 50% tariffs, effectively divorcing China to marry the U.S. in a desperate play for North American relevance. Meanwhile, the Andes are swinging hard right, betting that nationalism and market-pro policies are the only way to survive a mul…

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Do Better 1:08:15

14d ago1:08:15

1:08:15

The global discourse has hit a new low: political commentators are creating content out of a YouTube moron’s mean-spirited quest for clicks. Nick Fuentes, please, for the love of god, do better. Marko and Jacob drill past the outrage to ask why "mean" has become the default setting for public life. Then, Marko takes on the herculean task of defendi…

1
Ctrl, Alt, Del 1:32:37

17d ago1:32:37

1:32:37

Let's talk about the National Security Strategy! American policy is entering its “choose-your-own-adventure” era, where fiscal dreams meet bond-market reality, and every global problem looks oddly like a mortgage-rate issue. What happens when primacy of nations collides with actual nations... some of which are run by people you wouldn’t trust with …

1
Comrades and Fuehrers 1:29:12

1M ago1:29:12

1:29:12

Rising political extremes, shifting alliances, and competing visions of global order collide as leaders improvise their way through economic anxiety and geopolitical recalibration. Matt Gertken hops into the fray to help the cousins probe the uncomfortable overlap between left-wing populism and right-wing nationalism, the strategic ambiguity surrou…

1
Starting Five: US Presidents 2:03:16

2M ago2:03:16

2:03:16

Jacob and Marko finally caved to the mob on X and did what everyone (one guy who asked nicely) keeps yelling at them to do - rank the top five geopolitical U.S. presidents and the bottom five disasters. Not the best presidents. Not the most “inspirational.” The most geopolitically competent… and the ones who should never have been allowed within 50…

1
Communist Reagan 1:34:55

2M ago1:34:55

1:34:55

Power tilts, voter moods, and economic pressures collide as shifting swing-state margins, rising price levels, and clashing visions of populism redefine the boundaries of U.S. politics. Marko Papic and Jacob Shapiro traces how competing narratives on inflation, governance, and national identity shape the struggles within both major parties, while g…

1
Reverse Nixon 1:50:05

2M ago1:50:05

1:50:05

Sanctions, alliances, and power balances are shifting faster than markets can price them. Marko Papic and Jacob Shapiro look at the U.S. Treasury’s crackdown on Russian oil, the fragility of global energy flows, and the illusion of stability in a world built on competing pain thresholds. Between Washington’s brinkmanship, Moscow’s resolve, and Beij…

1
The Illusion of Decoupling 1:19:09

3M ago1:19:09

1:19:09

Global trade isn’t just an economic story - it’s a test of power, pride, and patience. Jacob and Marko dive into the illusion of U.S.-China decoupling, exploring how power, dependency, and ideology are colliding in a world too connected to pull apart. From semiconductor choke points to rare earth retaliation, the United States and China are caught …

1
The New Cold Peace 1:41:42

3M ago1:41:42

1:41:42

What happens when a superpower’s bluff runs out? Jacob and Marko trace Russia’s unraveling - from collapsing refineries and fading deterrence to the myth of its “paper bear” strength. They ask what real power looks like when fear no longer works, why Europe feels emboldened, and how Ukraine’s strategy is quietly rewriting modern warfare. Beyond the…

1
17 Seconds or Less 1:24:31

3M ago1:24:31

1:24:31

Marko and Jacob dive into the latest twists of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Marko makes the case that Russia’s size—once its biggest advantage—is now a glaring weakness, as Ukraine’s drones expose just how fragile pipelines, refineries, and infrastructure really are. Along the way, they poke fun at NATO’s cautious responses, revisit Poland’s not-so…

1
Elon and Orwell 1:34:20

4M ago1:34:20

1:34:20

Pokemon cards outperforming Meta, Cornell students skinning bears, and Elon Musk misusing Orwell... Welcome to this Geopolitical Cousins episode 25. Jacob and Marko continue their conversation about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, arguing that his killing was likely driven less by ideology and more simply a symptom of disaffected young men radic…

1
Political Violence And Theater 1:17:39

4M ago1:17:39

1:17:39

Jacob and Marko open up today's emergency episode with a sobering reflection on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, part of a disturbing rise in U.S. political violence. They urge caution against rushing to assign motives before facts emerge, warning that both left and right are exploiting the tragedy for division. From there, the episode dives into…

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We're So Back (It's So Over) 1:25:55

4M ago1:25:55

1:25:55

After battling several rounds of pneumonia, Jacob Shapiro rejoins the fray with Marko and tackles the whole month of missed content. The two spar over vaccine mandates and the cultural recycling of movies before turning to the economic disruptions posed by artificial intelligence. From there, the discussion moves to geopolitics: a hot-mic exchange …

1
What The F*ck Is a Framework Trade Agreement??? 1:15:24

5M ago1:15:24

1:15:24

Jacob and Marko roll out their first “Geopolitical Six Pack,” each bringing three key global developments to the table. They unpack the Trump-EU “framework” trade deal, argue over the strategic logic of tariffs, and assess Europe’s long game. From Taiwan’s volatile domestic politics to Trump’s AI policy pivot and Chinese tech strategy, the cousins …

1
Putin’s Out of Time, Not Troops 54:36

6M ago54:36

54:36

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic dive into the shifting dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war and Trump’s evolving stance. They analyze Trump’s 50-day ultimatum to Putin, potential secondary sanctions, and U.S. weapons sales to NATO. The conversation critiques misconceptions about Trump’s loyalty, explores Putin’s domestic challenges, and assesses the po…

1
Realpolitik with Range (Trade Value Leaders Index P2) 2:06:09

6M ago2:06:09

2:06:09

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic deliver part two of their Trade Value Leaders ranking—a spirited, analytical exercise measuring global leaders by their geopolitical utility. Shapiro leans into controversial picks like Lula and Netanyahu, defends the logic behind selecting Orban, and emphasizes competence over charisma. Marko defends bold picks like S…

1
The Trade Value Leader Index 1:26:04

6M ago1:26:04

1:26:04

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic debut a provocative “Trade Value Index” - ranking the top 30 global leaders by geopolitical and economic value, modeled after Bill Simmons’ NBA Trade Value framework. They debate each pick based on leadership effectiveness, economic performance, future potential, and strategic skill. Categories include “products of the…

1
Postmortem on the Iran-Israel War 57:19

6M ago57:19

57:19

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic discuss the aftermath of the Iran-Israel war, analyzing President Trump's controversial claims of obliterating Iran's nuclear program and the broader geopolitical implications. They critique the media's response, evaluate future scenarios for Iran—including regime stability or shifts toward authoritarianism—and express…

1
America Strikes Iran 1:24:21

7M ago1:24:21

1:24:21

Jacob and Marko break down the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, unpacking the strategic logic, historical echoes, and likely retaliation scenarios. They debate the possibility of regime change, Iranian restraint, and why Strait of Hormuz closure is the true red line. The cousins also explore Trump’s foreign policy instincts, the limits of mul…

1
To Bomb or Not To Bomb 1:42:19

7M ago1:42:19

1:42:19

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic respond to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. They unpack the potential for U.S. airstrikes, the unraveling MAGA coalition, and the fantasy of regime change in Iran. Marko draws parallels to the 1999 NATO campaign in Serbia, warning against simplistic assumptions about military power. Jacob proposes four scen…

1
Israel Strikes Iran 1:02:02

7M ago1:02:02

1:02:02

Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic react in real time to Israel’s stunning military strikes on Iran. With key nuclear sites hit and top Iranian commanders killed, the cousins break down what this means for Iran’s capacity to retaliate, the role (or lack thereof) of U.S. strategy, and why Saudi Arabia’s response might be the most important of all. They e…

1
Manufactured Chaos 1:33:38

7M ago1:33:38

1:33:38

Marko and Jacob unpack the media frenzy and political theater surrounding the ICE raids and escalating protests in Los Angeles. Marko cuts through the noise, calling out the mutually parasitic relationship between Trump and the media, and argues that California’s political posturing may hint at deeper national fissures. They dig into immigration hy…

1
The New Age of Making Stuff (or Pretending To) 1:46:56

7M ago1:46:56

1:46:56

Marko tears into the political class’s inability to talk about industrial policy without veering into Cold War nostalgia. He and Jacob unpack why tariffs are back—not as economic tools, but as cultural signals. Marko argues that globalization was always a political project, and it’s unraveling just as planned. From American washing machines to Euro…

1
Uber-Manliness 1:32:21

7M ago1:32:21

1:32:21

Marko kicks off this week’s episode with a takedown of Middle East punditry, arguing that Biden’s calm, calculated response to Iran’s attack on Israel is exactly what stability looks like in a multipolar world. While Jacob frets over deterrence and mixed signals, Marko doubles down: ambiguity is the new clarity. They unpack India’s chaotic yet pred…

1
Maple Syrup and Soft Power 1:51:12

8M ago1:51:12

1:51:12

Marko and Jacob wrap up their Geopolitical Power Draft, spar over Canada’s place in the top 10, and debate whether demographics or tech will shape the next world order. Marko defends Canada with maple syrup, AI, and ag exports, while Jacob sides with rivers, realpolitik, and skepticism. They explore honorable mentions like the UAE, Rwanda, and a hy…

1
Our 2025 Geopolitical Power Draft 1:26:47

8M ago1:26:47

1:26:47

The cousins return with chaos, caffeine, and an inaugural Geopolitical Power Draft - but not before Marko rants about Gulf monarchies, Trump’s diplomatic plane deals, and why Saudi Arabia might out-liberal Israel by 2050. He skewers Western pearl-clutching, explains why Qatar owes him a jet, and declares multipolarity the new default. Along the way…

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TikTok Dictators and the End of Hegemony 56:52

8M ago56:52

56:52

This week, the cousins speed-run chaos: Houthis hitting Israel, Trump cutting side deals, and Jordan taking heat for not hosting enough sick kids from Gaza. Marko argues that the U.S. is done playing global babysitter, and that might actually be stabilizing. They dig into Israel’s delusions of American loyalty, Burkina Faso’s TikTok dictatorship, a…

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A Jew and a Nihilist Talk About The Pope 1:11:30

8M ago1:11:30

1:11:30

After a whirlwind of parenting, flights, and failed schedules, the cousins are back with overreactions and the U.S. dollar’s free fall. They riff on Chinese tech breakthroughs... but Marko's still not buying BYD over a German car. Europe? Left for dead, so maybe it’s time to buy? Jacob freaks out over India-Pakistan tensions, while Marko tries to k…

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The Tip of a Peninsula with a Bunch of Crazy People 1:13:17

9M ago1:13:17

1:13:17

Marko unloads on the myth that austerity worked in Greece, calling out lazy linear thinking, Eurozone nerds with Excel models, and Paul Krugman’s fantasy economics. He explains how Greece’s turnaround was real - but not for the reasons anyone thinks - and why Syriza’s U-turn was political heroism, not betrayal. The conversation pivots to India, whe…

1
Let Them Drink Bleach 49:43

9M ago49:43

49:43

Trump's tariff chaos isn’t strategy - it’s a policy car crash in slow motion. Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic walk listeners through how we got here: tariffs based on 6th grade math, no off-ramps, and the U.S. launching a trade war… against everyone. Meanwhile, the rest of the world’s like, cool, we’ll just trade with each other. This isn’t about toa…

1
Riding on the Hog of a Fiscal Orgy 1:44:23

9M ago1:44:23

1:44:23

Jacob and Marko convene an emergency episode to discuss Liberation Day. Afterwards, they speak to fellow cousin Matt Gertken about President Trump’s comments that he might serve a third presidential term. -- Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction and Episode Overview (01:46) - Discussion on Tariffs and Trade Deficit (02:58) - Reciprocal Tariffs and Eco…

1
Get Off Our Lawn! 59:22

9M ago59:22

59:22

Jacob and Marko make a cousins episode happen even as Jacob is moving into a new office and Marko is on the road – at one point he was literally recording from a bathroom at a hotel in Fort Lauderdale because that is the only place he could get WiFi. What other podcast hosts have that kind of dedication? None! This week the cousins tackle Trump’s l…

1
Will the U.S. go to War with Iran? 1:57:40

10M ago1:57:40

1:57:40

Jacob and Marko run down the most important issues of the week: Will the U.S. go to war with Iran? Why did President Erdogan arrest his top rival? Is Indonesia helping or hurting itself by courting its military? And is Chinese consumption really happening? From there, they turn to the kind of geopolitical sports analysis that only they can offer, d…

1
F*cking Around and Finding Out 1:08:38

10M ago1:08:38

1:08:38

The inaugural episode of the Geopolitical Cousins podcast sees Marko and Jacob wax philosophical about net assessments, debate where the Trump administration thinks the world is multipolar, and interrogate what the future of Canada, Europe, and inflation look like in a land of all sticks and no carrots. -- (00:00) - Intro (00:50) - Approach and Pre…

Perchnet Podcasts

1
Geopolitical Cousins

Jacob Shapiro & Marko Papic

1
The Chuck Norris Premium (US invades Venezuela) 1:21:06

1
The (Geopolitical) Movies That Made Us 1:37:08

1
Forecast 2026 57:46

1
Cocaine Cowboys 1:12:29

1
Do Better 1:08:15

1
Ctrl, Alt, Del 1:32:37

1
Comrades and Fuehrers 1:29:12

1
Starting Five: US Presidents 2:03:16

1
Communist Reagan 1:34:55

1
Reverse Nixon 1:50:05

1
The Illusion of Decoupling 1:19:09

1
The New Cold Peace 1:41:42

1
17 Seconds or Less 1:24:31

1
Elon and Orwell 1:34:20

1
Political Violence And Theater 1:17:39

1
We're So Back (It's So Over) 1:25:55

1
What The F*ck Is a Framework Trade Agreement??? 1:15:24

1
Putin’s Out of Time, Not Troops 54:36

1
Realpolitik with Range (Trade Value Leaders Index P2) 2:06:09

1
The Trade Value Leader Index 1:26:04

1
Postmortem on the Iran-Israel War 57:19

1
America Strikes Iran 1:24:21

1
To Bomb or Not To Bomb 1:42:19

1
Israel Strikes Iran 1:02:02

1
Manufactured Chaos 1:33:38

1
The New Age of Making Stuff (or Pretending To) 1:46:56

1
Uber-Manliness 1:32:21

1
Maple Syrup and Soft Power 1:51:12

1
Our 2025 Geopolitical Power Draft 1:26:47

1
TikTok Dictators and the End of Hegemony 56:52

1
A Jew and a Nihilist Talk About The Pope 1:11:30

1
The Tip of a Peninsula with a Bunch of Crazy People 1:13:17

1
Let Them Drink Bleach 49:43

1
Riding on the Hog of a Fiscal Orgy 1:44:23

1
Get Off Our Lawn! 59:22

1
Will the U.S. go to War with Iran? 1:57:40

1
F*cking Around and Finding Out 1:08:38