NatSec Matters
Beacon Global Strategies LLC
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 22, 2023 • 41min
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 15, 2023 • 43min
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 8, 2023 • 38min
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 1, 2023 • 43min
Mideast Crisis: Leon Panetta
Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta discusses the Israel-Gaza war, threats to democracy worldwide, the impact of the September 11th attacks, intelligence and military failures in crisis, the fragility of US support for Israel, media responsibility in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and potential positive outcomes of the ongoing Middle East war.
Oct 25, 2023 • 38min
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 18, 2023 • 39min
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 11, 2023 • 42min
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.
