NatSec Matters - podcast cover

NatSec Matters

Beacon Global Strategies LLCbgsdc.com
Former senior national security officials Michael Allen, Jeremy Bash, and Andrew Shapiro 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.

Episodes

The 'Russian Mindset': Rolf Mowatt-Larssen

Michael talks about the 'Russian mindset' with former CIA Moscow chief Rolf Mowatt-Larssen. He explains how his experience in the former Soviet Union could offer a glimpse into how Russia views its war on Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats, and the adversity Russians have faced over the decades.

Feb 07, 202439 minSeason 1Ep. 18

American Dynamism & Tech Innovation: Marc Andreessen

Andy talks with Silicon Valley venture capitalist and software engineer Marc Andreessen about how the American tech sector can innovate for the national interest and how new technologies like AI can improve warfare and defense. Send us your feedback at [email protected].

Jan 31, 202447 minSeason 1Ep. 17

Chinese Cognitive Warfare: Josh Baughman

Andy talks about the complexities and goals of China's cognitive warfare program with Josh Baughman, an analyst at the China Aerospace Studies Institute at Air University.

Jan 24, 202444 minSeason 1Ep. 16

Targeting a Nuclear Smuggler: Jim Lawler

Andy talks with former Chief of the CIA's Counterproliferation Division's Special Activities Unit Jim Lawler about the agency's efforts targeting the 'Father of Pakistan's Nuclear Program' the late Abdul Qadeer Khan. Andy also talks with Jim about his espionage novels including 'Living Lies', 'In the Twinkling of an Eye' and 'The Traitor's Tale'. Send us your feedback at [email protected].

Jan 17, 202439 minSeason 1Ep. 15

Taiwan: Bonnie Glaser

Michael talks with Taiwan expert Bonnie Glaser, who is managing director of the German Marshall Fund's Indo-Pacific Program, ahead of Taiwan's elections January 13. Also, Michael and Andy want to hear from you. Send us your feedback at [email protected] . We'll also read some of your reviews of the podcast from Apple onair.

Jan 09, 202442 minSeason 1Ep. 14

The Year of Living Dangerously: Michael Allen

In this special episode, Beacon Global Strategies Managing Director Michael Allen turns the microphones on Michael and Andy and interviews them about their forecasts for national security and intelligence in 2024.

Jan 03, 202456 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Artificial Ingelligence: Klon Kitchen

Andy talks with Beacon Global Strategies's Klon Kitchen about artificial intelligence and national security. Klon leads the firm's Global Technology Policy Practice. Andy and Klon also talk about the recent Executive Order on AI.

Dec 27, 202345 minSeason 1Ep. 12

The Evolution of Warfare: Gen. David Petraeus

Andrew talks with Gen. David Petraeus about his new book "Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine" which was co-authored with acclaimed military historian Andrew Roberts. Andrew and the former CIA Director discuss decades of U.S. military strategy, China, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and the Israel-Gaza War.

Dec 20, 202350 minSeason 1Ep. 11

FISA Section 702: White House Advisor Josh Geltzer Returns

Deputy Assistant to the President & White House Deputy Homeland Security Advisor Josh Geltzer returns to Intelligence Matters to discuss with Michael the urgent need for Congress to reauthorize FISA Section 702, before it's due to sunset at the end of the month.

Dec 06, 202344 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Geospatial Intelligence: NGA Director Vice Admiral Frank "Trey" Whitworth

Michael speaks with the Director of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency Vice Admiral Frank "Trey" Whitworth. They discuss new technologies in satellite imagery and data analysis, careers at NGA, and the vital roles officers at NGA serve in protecting the United States.

Nov 22, 202341 minSeason 1Ep. 7

China: Chris Johnson

As President Biden prepares to meet today (Wednesday November 15) with Chinese Premier Xi Jingping in San Francisco on the sidelines of APEC, Michael speaks with CEO of China Strategies Group Chris Johnson about relations between the two countries, what they are expected to discuss, and how they might work together and against each other.

Nov 15, 202343 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Russia's War on Ukraine: Andrea Kendall-Taylor

Andy talks with Andrea Kendall-Taylor, she's a former CIA analyst and is now a Senior Fellow and Director of the Transatlantic Security Program at CNAS. They discuss what's at stake in Russia's war on Ukraine, and what could be next.

Nov 08, 202338 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Mideast Crisis: Leon Panetta

Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta joins Michael to discuss the Israel-Gaza war, and the threats to democracy around the world.

Nov 01, 202343 minSeason 1Ep. 4

FISA Section 702: White House Advisor Josh Geltzer

Michael talks with Josh Geltzer, Deputy Assistant to the President, Deputy White House Counsel, & Legal Advisor to the Nation Security Council, about the pending reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Unfortunately, our recording of Josh falls short of reflecting how he sounds as true to life as he does in person. We'll fix that the next time Josh joins Michael.

Oct 25, 202338 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Israel's War on Hamas: Analysis

Michael introduces new co-host of Intelligence Matters: The Relaunch, Andrew Makridis. The former CIA Chief Operating Officer, who retired in 2022, discusses with Michael what could be next for Israel, Hamas, Gaza, the West Bank, Iran and the US. It comes as Israel mounts its assault on Hamas, following the deadly surprise attack by the Palestinian militant group that has been designated as a terrorist organization by the US.

Oct 18, 202339 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Israel-Gaza War: Eyal Hulata

In the debut episode of Intelligence Matters: The Relaunch, Michael speaks with former National Security Advisor to Israeli Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, Eyal Hulata, about the Israel-Gaza war following a weekend surprise attack by Hamas.

Oct 11, 202342 minSeason 1Ep. 1