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
Nov 14, 2025 • 25min
The Daily Blast: Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Fresh Epstein Bombshell Should Terrify Trump
Yassamin Ansari, a Democratic Representative from Arizona and a key voice on the Epstein files, dives into the political turmoil surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's disclosures. She reveals Trump's growing anxiety as GOP members face pressures to support the release of critical information. Ansari discusses the implications of potential Republican defections and highlights the significant impact this could have on party unity. With Democrats poised to keep the pressure on, she outlines their strategies for further disclosures and the midterm election consequences for vulnerable Republicans.
Nov 14, 2025 • 39min
Words Matter: The Cruelty Is The Point
In this engaging discussion, Norm Ornstein, a seasoned political scholar, joins David Rothkopf to dissect the dire implications of Washington's dysfunction on everyday Americans. They delve into how elites evade accountability, spotlighting the Epstein case and its cascading effects. Ornstein critiques Republican healthcare strategies that exacerbate vulnerabilities, while emphasizing the intentional cruelty embedded in policy choices. Their insightful analysis challenges listeners to consider the real-world costs of political maneuvers and the urgent need for accountability.
Nov 13, 2025 • 20min
DSR Daily November 13: House to Vote on Epstein File Release
The hosts dive into the impending House vote on the release of Jeffrey Epstein's files, highlighting its potential implications. They discuss the recent end to a 43-day government shutdown and its political consequences. The conversation shifts to alarming reports of settler violence in the West Bank, sparking a debate over accountability. Additionally, they touch on a Supreme Court case regarding the removal of a Fed Governor and call for urgent action to curb arms supplies to conflict-stricken Sudan.
Nov 13, 2025 • 24min
The Daily Blast: Trump Press Sec’s Epstein Spin Implodes as New Info Rattles Him Deeply
Nicole Hemmer, a historian specializing in the American right, dives into the recent revelations from the Epstein files that are shaking Trump's political foundation. She unpacks the growing tensions within MAGA, outlining how some figures are eyeing a post-Trump landscape. The discussion also highlights the White House's pressure on Republicans to suppress Epstein-related inquiries, revealing deep cognitive dissonance among MAGA supporters. Hemmer warns of potential radicalization and explores the implications for the future trajectory of the American right.
Nov 12, 2025 • 44min
Late-Stage Trump is Scarier Than Ever
The hosts dive into the latest Epstein email leaks and their implications for Trump and the MAGA movement. They explore why flawed leaders get re-elected, questioning the cognitive dissonance among supporters. The discussion touches on the rising influence of Marjorie Taylor Greene and potential political consequences for Trump’s declining influence. They also consider how domestic scandals might distract from foreign policy issues and ponder if the Epstein files can truly shift public perception. Humor and anecdotes add levity to their serious analysis.
Nov 12, 2025 • 15min
DSR Daily November 12: HUGE Trump/Epstein Revelations
New revelations suggest Trump may have known about Epstein's abuses, stirring up outrage. The hosts debate Trump's proposed $2,000 tariff dividend, questioning its legality and feasibility. They analyze a Supreme Court ruling impacting SNAP benefits amid government shutdown fears. Trump’s controversial $1 billion lawsuit against the BBC is also discussed, highlighting his ongoing media clashes. Additionally, proposals for ending the shutdown and debates on phone record protections round out the conversation.
Nov 12, 2025 • 20min
The Daily Blast: Trump Wrecks His Own Case for Tariffs as Bizarre SCOTUS Rant Backfires
Alex Jacquez, a trade policy expert and former adviser under President Biden, joins the discussion on Trump's controversial tariff claims. He delves into Trump's contradictory statements about revenue, highlighting inconsistencies that undermine his legal standing. Jacquez explains the legal challenges to the tariffs, potential refunds if overturned, and the negative macroeconomic impacts these tariffs have caused. The talk emphasizes how Trump's chaotic approach to trade policies could lead to more crises, revealing the intricate relationship between politics and economic strategy.
Nov 11, 2025 • 19min
DSR Daily November 11: Judge Deals Blow to GOP Redistricting
A judge has rejected a GOP congressional map in Utah, favoring a centrist alternative that keeps a Democratic stronghold intact. The Supreme Court is set to hear a significant case on mail-in ballot deadlines that could affect elections in 30 states. Tensions are rising as Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene clash over policy priorities, with Greene urging a focus on domestic issues. Meanwhile, the COP30 summit in Brazil is underway, urging nations to collaborate on climate action amidst criticisms of the US's absence.
Nov 11, 2025 • 21min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Rage over Shutdown Boils Over in Rant that Should Wake Up Dems
Political journalist Brian Beutler dives into the chaos surrounding the government shutdown. He critiques the Democrats' strategic failures and explains how Trump's erratic rants reveal his political vulnerability. Beutler discusses the humanitarian impacts of the shutdown, the risks of Democrats caving on healthcare subsidies, and proposes stronger messaging strategies for leveraging political power. His insights illuminate potential paths forward for Democratic leadership as they approach the pivotal 2026 elections.
Nov 10, 2025 • 49min
NTK: How Dems Can Move On from Their Latest F*ck Up
Tara McGowan, a political strategist and founder of Courier Newsroom, and Simon Rosenberg, political analyst and founder of NDN/Hopium Chronicles, dive into the fallout from Senate Democrats' recent blunders. They analyze the anger over leadership's mistakes, the implications for future elections, and the need for a strategy shift to rebuild trust. Addressing voter motivations, they discuss the urgency of revitalizing the party's message and the importance of projecting strength to regain lost momentum against Republican challenges.
