Podcast
NatSec Matters
Hosted by Beacon Global Strategies LLC · EN
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.
50episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Beyond the Barrel: Dr. Karen Young
Jul 2, 202500:45:50Tap to summarizeMichael 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.
Transcribe →Arrows and Quivers: Dr. Tom Karako
Jun 25, 202500:47:01Tap to summarizeMichael 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.
Transcribe →Special Episode: The Iranian Nuclear Gamble with Richard Nephew
Jun 25, 202500:59:29Tap to summarizeSenior 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.
Transcribe →The 'Sledgehammer' to Global Trade: Kelly Ann Shaw
Jun 18, 202500:48:06Tap to summarizeMichael 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.
Transcribe →Special Episode: The Next Move in the Iran Crisis with Richard Nephew
Jun 18, 202501:03:39Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →The Iran Equation: Gen. Frank McKenzie
Jun 11, 202500:40:06Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →An Unwinnable War: Mark Montgomery
Jun 4, 202500:42:57Tap to summarizeMichael 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.
Transcribe →The Long War: Glenn Corn
May 28, 202500:55:19Tap to summarizeMichael 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.
Transcribe →Inside the President's Daily Brief
Jan 1, 2025Tap to summarizeMichael 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.
Transcribe →Inside the Digital Battlefield: Dmitri Alperovitch
Nov 20, 2024Tap to summarizeAndy talks with Dmitri Alperovitch, one of the brilliant minds behind CrowdStrike and a leading voice in cybersecurity. He's also author of the new book, World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century. In this episode, Dmitri explores the digital threats reshaping national security - from sophisticated state-sponsored hacks to the U.S.-China tech rivalry. Dmitri shares candid insights on America's cyber readiness, why Taiwan matters more than ever, and how AI is transforming the battlefield.
Transcribe →