NatSec Matters
News & Politics Podcasts
Formerly known as Intelligence Matters, the NatSec Matters podcast features former senior national security officials Michael Allen, Jeremy Bash, and Andrew Shapiro as they interview top leaders in national security, including intelligence officers, military leaders, and policymakers, on the most critical security challenges of our time. Their interviews offer insights into the world’s most pressing problems and assess the effectiveness of U.S. policy responses. They also explore the biographies and careers of individuals who have devoted their lives to protecting our nation, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the inner workings of national security decision-making. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email our team at bgs@bgsdc.com.
Location:
United States
Genres:
News & Politics Podcasts
Description:
Formerly known as Intelligence Matters, the NatSec Matters podcast features former senior national security officials Michael Allen, Jeremy Bash, and Andrew Shapiro as they interview top leaders in national security, including intelligence officers, military leaders, and policymakers, on the most critical security challenges of our time. Their interviews offer insights into the world’s most pressing problems and assess the effectiveness of U.S. policy responses. They also explore the biographies and careers of individuals who have devoted their lives to protecting our nation, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the inner workings of national security decision-making. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email our team at bgs@bgsdc.com.
Language:
English
Website:
https://sites.libsyn.com/488036
Episodes
Shielding the Homeland: Vice Admiral James Syring
7/16/2025
Jeremy Bash is joined by former Missile Defense Agency Director Vice Admiral (Ret.) James Syring, who discusses the evolving threats to U.S. air defense, including hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. He explains the vulnerabilities of current systems, which were designed decades ago and now face threats posed by advanced arsenals. VADM Syring details how the 'Golden Dome' initiative will integrate existing and new technologies, like low-Earth orbit satellite constellations for continuous tracking and AI for rapid, precise decision-making.
Duration:00:50:19
The Russian Time Bomb: Peter Rough
7/10/2025
Peter Rough, Director of the Hudson Institute’s Center on Europe and Eurasia, joins Michael to discuss why time may be running out for Russia in its war on Ukraine. He argues that tighter international sanctions enforcement and increased U.S. weapons and intelligence support could begin to squeeze the Kremlin as early as late this year, as the economic costs of the war mount. This comes as the dog days of summer in Ukraine wear on without any fundamental shifts in the conflict.
Duration:00:33:18
Beyond the Barrel: Dr. Karen Young
7/2/2025
Michael talks with Dr. Karen Young, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, about the potential economic ripple effects of the Israel-Iran conflict. Dr. Young explains the ‘decoupling’ of Middle Eastern conflict from global oil prices, the impact of U.S. fracking on oil supply, and the increasing efficiency of global oil usage—and why it all matters for Middle East geopolitics.
Duration:00:45:50
Arrows and Quivers: Dr. Tom Karako
6/25/2025
Michael talks with Dr. Tom Karako, Director of the Missile Defense Project at CSIS, about the high-stakes missile confrontation between Israel and Iran, recorded just before the recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Tom analyzes the role of ballistic missiles in the conflict, the capabilities of Israeli and US defenses, and the strategic implications of the Trump Administration's "Golden Dome" initiative for US national security.
Duration:00:47:01
Special Episode: The Iranian Nuclear Gamble with Richard Nephew
6/24/2025
Senior research scholar at Columbia University and former NSC Director for Iran Richard Nephew joins Michael for another special episode to analyze the recent US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Richard discusses President Trump's decision-making, the Iranian reaction, the assessed damage to the nuclear program versus potential hidden capabilities, the critical loss of IAEA access, and the fragile outlook for a lasting ceasefire.
Duration:00:59:29
The 'Sledgehammer' to Global Trade: Kelly Ann Shaw
6/18/2025
Michael talks with Kelly Ann Shaw, former Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs, about President Trump’s 'sledgehammer' approach to international trade and tariffs. Kelly Ann, who also served as Trade Counsel to the House Ways and Means Committee, explains the current state of the global "trade war," the strategic de-escalation with China on critical minerals, and the White House's broader push to rebalance trade relationships and counter what it calls unfair practices.
Duration:00:48:06
Special Episode: The Next Move in the Iran Crisis with Richard Nephew
6/17/2025
In this special episode, Michael talks with Iran expert Richard Nephew, who warns of impending U.S. military strikes on Iran's deeply buried nuclear facilities—a task only the American military can achieve. The former NSC official casts doubt on Israel's regime change strategy, fearing it could backfire and lead to an even more hardline Iranian government. Richard also discusses Iran's potential for escalating attacks on key shipping channels and regional energy infrastructure, risking a wider conflict, all while the hope of an international nuclear deal hangs in the balance.
Duration:01:03:39
The Iran Equation: Gen. Frank McKenzie
6/11/2025
In this episode of NatSec Matters, we revisit Michael Allen's conversation 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 military actions, and the strategic fallout from the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. General McKenzie also explores the rising threat of ISIS, the limitations of over-the-horizon operations in Afghanistan, and the critical role of U.S. partnerships in deterring global adversaries.
Duration:00:40:06
An Unwinnable War: Mark Montgomery
6/4/2025
Michael Allen welcomes back RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery to the podcast, where he explains why—even with a ceasefire—ending the war between Russia and Ukraine could be “impossible.” He discusses the recent shifts in military gains and losses on both sides, and what it could take to change the odds in favor of either Moscow or Kyiv.
Duration:00:42:57
The Long War: Glenn Corn
5/28/2025
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 Ukrainian fighters.
Duration:00:55:19
Palaces & Policy Shifts: Jeffrey Feltman
5/21/2025
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 transactional style is reshaping relationships in the volatile region.
Duration:00:56:20
Beijing's Long Game: Mike Studeman
5/14/2025
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 critical importance of Taiwan for US economic and national security, and the strategic calculations behind Xi Jinping's timeline for potential military action.
Duration:00:46:57
The Biotech Frontline: Dawn Meyerriecks
5/7/2025
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 government-private sector alliances are essential to securing America's strategic edge in this vital domain.
Duration:00:43:33
Statecraft 2.0: Dennis Ross
4/30/2025
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.
Duration:01:03:18
The Arctic Power Play: Iris Ferguson
4/23/2025
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 the US imperative to bolster homeland defense, domain awareness, and alliances from Greenland to Alaska.
Duration:00:43:43
The 'Tariff Trap': Craig Singleton
4/16/2025
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' is now a leading US policy objective, and what it could mean for global supply chains and the future of Taiwan.
Duration:00:42:03
The Turkish Tightrope: Glenn Corn
4/9/2025
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 the looming question of Iran – all through the lens of Ankara's interests.
Duration:00:50:00
Trump, Ukraine, and the Ceasefire Gamble: Peter Rough
4/2/2025
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 Ukraine's precarious calculations on manpower, aid, and future security. With US support hanging in the balance and European resolve tested, Michael and Peter explore if a lasting peace is even possible.
Duration:00:45:08
Economic Warfare: Eddie Fishman
3/26/2025
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, China’s evolving role, and the future of economic conflict in an era of great power competition.
Duration:00:45:28
Guardians of the Sky: Frank Kendall
3/19/2025
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 Space Force, the challenges of missile defense, and the urgent need to counter China’s rapid military advancements.
Duration:00:40:29