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148 episodes

Backyard Hegemony - Reasserting U.S. Influence in the Western Hemisphere: David Shedd
17/06/2026 | 50 mins.
Michael is joined by David Shedd, former Acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and a veteran intelligence officer, for a comprehensive look at the shifting geopolitical dynamics across Latin America. David discusses the structural collapse of Cuba and the outlook for U.S. intervention, the delicate execution of the administration's plan for Venezuela, and the profound strategic challenges posed by Chinese investments in the U.S. backyard. He also explores the sharp friction points surfacing within the U.S.–Mexico relationship and the reality of behind-the-scenes intelligence sharing.
'Leapfrogging' Diplomacy: Dr. Nadia Schadlow
10/06/2026 | 53 mins.
Michael is joined by Dr. Nadia Schadlow, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and former Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategy, to discuss the architecture of U.S. global power amid fast-moving crises in the Mideast, China, and Ukraine. Dr. Schadlow provides a compelling assessment of how the administration is utilizing a disruptive, iconoclastic approach to confront years of slow, multilateral processing and force rapid diplomatic end states.
The Price of Peace in Iran: Richard Nephew
31/05/2026 | 41 mins.
Michael is joined by Richard Nephew, Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University and former Director for Iran at the National Security Council, to examine the fragile state of the U.S.–Iran ceasefire and the looming terms of a potential memorandum of understanding (MOU). Richard shares his concerns about the current trajectory of negotiations, warning that Washington is at risk of overpaying with massive sanctions relief without securing a durable, verifiable nuclear agreement. Richard also helps unravel the strategic and economic fallout of the crisis, examining the potential long-term impact of costly oil and how the conflict has shifted Iran's strategic calculus toward a more aggressive, risk-tolerant posture.
Reading Between the Lines - What's Hidden in the New Iran Agreement: Dr. Rebeccah L. Heinrichs and Rich Goldberg
27/05/2026 | 56 mins.
Michael is joined by Dr. Rebeccah L. Heinrichs, Senior Fellow and Director of the Keystone Defense Initiative at the Hudson Institute, and Rich Goldberg, Senior Advisor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, to pull back the curtain on the still-unreleased U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding to end the war. They explore the hidden risks of a premature diplomatic off-ramp, with Dr. Heinrichs and Mr. Goldberg analyzing why a partial deal could squander the historic geopolitical momentum built up over weeks of military pressure. Finally, they map out a definitive theory of victory, evaluating the operational steps the U.S. could take to forcibly dismantle Tehran's nuclear program.
Operation Epic Fury 2?: Adm. Robert Harward
20/05/2026 | 1h 1 mins.
Michael Allen is joined by Admiral (Ret.) Robert "Bob" Harward, former Deputy Commander of CENTCOM and a retired Navy SEAL, for an intensely candid look at what he believes the ultimate end state of the Iran conflict should look like. Drawing on his distinguished military career and the unique perspective of having lived in Tehran during his youth, Admiral Harward rejects the cautious consensus of Washington skeptics. Instead, he doubles down on the strategic necessity of driving toward total regime change, arguing that the U.S. holds a historic opportunity to decisively alter the global order.

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About NatSec Matters

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.

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