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
Apr 3, 2024 • 42min
Somalia & Ukraine: Army Ranger veteran James Lechner
Army Ranger veteran James Lechner discusses his experiences in Somalia during Black Hawk Down and in Ukraine. He shares intense details of missions, survival in battles, and transition to supporting Ukrainian military. Comparisons of unity between Ukraine and the US are also explored.
Mar 27, 2024 • 46min
National Security Law: Judge James Baker
Former Chief Judge James Baker and host Andy discuss national security law, Baker's journey from the Marine Corps to upholding the Constitution, the US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the Centaur Model balancing human-machine AI development, regulation versus innovation in AI, and navigating technological advancements in law.
Mar 20, 2024 • 51min
Iran: John Sotos
Former CIA analyst John Sotos discusses Iran's goals in the Mideast, relations with the US, domestic support for the regime, and modern-day challenges since the Iranian Revolution. Topics include Iran's pursuit of regional power, internal struggles, success in regional objectives, and uncertainties facing the Islamic Republic.
Mar 13, 2024 • 46min
Gender & Disguise at the CIA: Jonna Mendez
Former CIA Chief of Disguise, Jonna Mendez, shares her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated agency, her unconventional journey into the CIA, and the innovative methods for secure communication used in intelligence operations.
Mar 6, 2024 • 39min
Tech at the CIA: Nand Mulchandani
Explore the Chief Technology Officer at the CIA, bridging tech companies with national security needs, and nurturing the next generation of tech enthusiasts
Feb 28, 2024 • 49min
'Live' at Yale
Michael and Andy speak to International Security Studies students and community members at Yale, in New Haven, Connecticut, for a special episode. Moderated by the Jackson School of Global Affairs's Ted Wittenstein, they discuss the challenges facing US intelligence agencies today including China, Russia, and the Israel-Gaza war. They also talk about what it takes to be a superior intelligence officer and analyst, and how to make national security decisions in the 21st century.
4 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 37min
The Art of Strategy: Hal Brands
Discussion with Hal Brands on the art of strategy throughout history, exploring US strategy towards China, proxy warfare tactics by Iran, and the global strategic vision of John Quincy Adams.
Feb 14, 2024 • 44min
'Live' at Texas A&M Bush School in Washington
Michael and Andy visit the Washington, D.C., campus of the Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service where they record a 'live' episode of the podcast with students and others. They discuss current national security threats, how the government handles classified documents, careers in the intelligence community, and artificial intelligence.
Feb 7, 2024 • 39min
The 'Russian Mindset': Rolf Mowatt-Larssen
Former CIA Moscow chief Rolf Mowatt-Larssen discusses the 'Russian mindset' and its influence on Putin's actions in Ukraine. Topics include preparing children for dangers, significance of puppet shows, lack of peace in Russia, and reasons for pessimism in the war in Ukraine.
5 snips
Jan 31, 2024 • 47min
American Dynamism & Tech Innovation: Marc Andreessen
Marc Andreessen, Silicon Valley venture capitalist and software engineer, discusses American tech innovation and its impact on national security. He explores the historical relationship between the tech industry and the federal government, the challenges of regulating biotech and AI, and the need for collaboration in facing technological disruption to national security.
