The DSR Network
The DSR Network
This podcast will take you on a smart, direct, sometimes scary, sometimes profane, sometimes hilarious tour of the inner workings of American power and of the impact of our leaders and their policies on our standing in the world. Hosted by noted author and commentator David Rothkopf and featuring regulars Rosa Brooks of Georgetown Law School, Kori Schake of AEI, and Ed Luce of the Financial Times, the program will be the lively, smart dinner table conversation on the big issues of the day that you wish you were having...without the calories. Sometimes special guests will join the conversation and always the emphasis will be on providing the unvarnished perspectives others shy away from. Deep State Radio is the insider perspective on American national security and foreign policy that you can't find anywhere else.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider becoming a member by visiting thedsrnetwork.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 18, 2025 • 48min
Words Matter: Reflecting on Rob Reiner and his Legacy
Norm Ornstein, a renowned political scholar and commentator, joins the discussion, reflecting on the tragic legacy of Rob Reiner and his family. They explore the urgent need for reform in mental health policies, highlighting the underlying stigma and systemic failures that plague the system. Ornstein advocates for better police training in crisis situations and reveals successful treatment models like Miami's court-based program. The conversation also touches on Reiner's impactful artistic and social advocacy, emphasizing the importance of compassion in public policy.
Dec 18, 2025 • 15min
DSR Daily December 18: Trump’s Unhinged Prime-time Address
Discussing Trump's prime-time address, hosts label it as 'unhinged' and critique its tone and inaccuracies. They also spotlight the House's passing of a healthcare bill, which threatens ACA subsidies for millions. An $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan raises eyebrows, showcasing mixed signals in U.S. policy. The potential politicization of the FCC is another hot topic, alongside Australia's new hate-speech laws in response to a hate crime. The conversation is lively and layered, capturing urgent political issues.
Dec 18, 2025 • 21min
The Daily Blast: Mike Johnson Rattled by New Revolt as MAGA-GOP Fury Boils: “Bullshit!”
Grace Seegers, a staff writer at The New Republic, delves into the tumultuous world of House Republicans as they face a revolt over Affordable Care Act subsidies. She discusses how infighting threatens Speaker Mike Johnson’s control, with factions clashing over strategy. Grace highlights the likely political fallout from subsidy cuts, including rising premiums and increased uninsured rates. The conversation reveals the human toll on voters and examines how health care issues are becoming crucial for upcoming elections.
Dec 17, 2025 • 37min
Trump Wags a Venezuelan Dog. Or Is Something Else Going On Here?
Join Rosa Brooks, a law professor and foreign policy expert, Ed Luce, a Financial Times columnist, and David Sanger, a national security journalist, as they dissect Trump's provocative blockade against Venezuela. They delve into the shifting justifications for U.S. interventions, questioning whether this is a genuine threat or simply a political distraction. The trio also explores the implications for NATO and Russia's growing influence, proving that in geopolitics, there's always more than meets the eye.
Dec 17, 2025 • 24min
DSR Daily December 17: Trump’s Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers
Trump's recent blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers raises legal questions and potential consequences for oil markets. The team discusses the implications for U.S. strategy and the likely impact on oil prices. They also delve into the expanded travel ban seen as discriminatory, and the alarming presidential powers tied to national security claims. A revealing Vanity Fair profile adds to the tension within the administration as they reflect on the ramifications of a presidency that leaves many feeling worse off.
Dec 17, 2025 • 25min
The Daily Blast: Trump Press Sec Goes Off Rails as Susie Wiles Fiasco Takes Worse Turn
Asawin Suebsaeng, a political reporter for Zeteo known for his coverage of the Trump administration, discusses the fallout from Susie Wiles' candid Vanity Fair interviews. Wiles' assertion that Trump's prosecutions are about 'retribution' complicates his legal battles, providing ammunition for his adversaries. Suebsaeng critiques Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s fervent defense of Trump and analyzes how such loyalty often mirrors authoritarian sycophancy. The conversation delves into the broader implications of these admissions on Trump's judicial challenges.
Dec 16, 2025 • 24min
DSR Daily December 16: More Vile Comments from Trump
In a lively discussion, hosts condemn Trump's harsh comments on Rob Reiner, highlighting the implications of his rhetoric. They delve into Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC and explore the broadcaster's response. The launch of a claims commission by Ukraine to retrieve assets from Russia is also analyzed. Additionally, the legality of U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats raises eyebrows, and there's an examination of Trump's domestic priorities versus the struggles of ordinary Americans.
Dec 16, 2025 • 25min
The Daily Blast: Marjorie Taylor Greene Humiliates Trump over Reiner as MAGA Cracks Up
In this conversation, Alex Shephard, a senior editor at The New Republic, delves into the recent political drama surrounding Donald Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene. He highlights Greene's unexpectedly dignified response to Trump's insensitive remarks about Rob Reiner's death, revealing cracks within the MAGA base. The discussion also touches on how weakening support for Trump could benefit Democrats and explores internal MAGA divisions over policy failures and economic concerns, suggesting a turbulent future for Trump and his supporters.
Dec 15, 2025 • 19min
DSR Daily December 15: Tragic Shooting in Sydney
On the DSR Daily for Monday, we break down the tragic shooting at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, the election of far-right Kast in Chile, the conviction of a pro-democracy advocate in Hong Kong, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 15, 2025 • 23min
The Daily Blast: Raging Trump Wrecks GOP’s 2026 Message as MAGA Panic Grows: “Disaster”
Economist Rob Shapiro, a public policy analyst renowned for his insights on economic policy and inequality, dives deep into the precarious state of the GOP amidst Trump’s mixed messages on affordability. He reveals how Trump's contradictory stance—orchestrated to deflect blame—actually worsens economic conditions. Shapiro also highlights rising inflation trends and explains how tariffs contribute to increased costs. With GOP insiders admitting to a 'looming disaster' ahead, he discusses the dire implications for the party's future right through 2026.
