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
Oct 31, 2025 • 30min
The Daily Blast: Trump ICE Raids Take Awful Turn as Dem Gov Drops Alarming New Warning
Dave Karpf, a professor of media and public affairs, joins the discussion to detail the chaos initiated by Trump’s ICE raids at a children's Halloween parade in Chicago. He highlights the alarming response from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who warns that children are being terrorized. Karpf argues for the necessity of provocative strategies in political communication to engage low-attention voters. He connects historical civil rights tactics to contemporary movements and stresses the importance of progressive media investment to counteract conservative narratives.
Oct 30, 2025 • 27min
Words Matter: Crazier Craziness from Trump Lies Ahead
Norm Ornstein, a veteran scholar of Congress and political commentator, joins David Rothkopf to discuss the current political landscape. They analyze why Republicans continue the government shutdown and the negative impacts of suspended SNAP benefits, which threaten their own voter base. Ornstein speculates on potential compromises and examines the cascading effects of the shutdown, while also addressing Trump's overseas behavior and possible distractions he might pursue. The conversation reveals the intricate connections between politics, public health, and economic consequences.
Oct 30, 2025 • 21min
DSR Daily October 30: Trumps Resumes Nuclear Weapon Testing
The discussion kicks off with Trump's shocking announcement to resume nuclear weapons tests, raising eyebrows across the globe. There's a breakthrough on US-China trade relations, with a new tariff deal focusing on fentanyl and rare earths. Senators demand transparency from ICE on deportation flights amidst escalating concerns. Confusion swirls around SNAP funding as state pushback mounts against USDA reversals. Finally, experts dive into the implications and risks surrounding nuclear tests, clarifying misconceptions about their nature.
Oct 30, 2025 • 22min
The Daily Blast: Trump Ballroom Fiasco Takes Bad New Turn as Economic Data Gets Brutal
Elizabeth Pancotti, the managing director at the Groundwork Collaborative, sheds light on the worsening economic climate, highlighting mass layoffs and soaring Obamacare premiums. She discusses the public backlash against Trump’s extravagant ballroom plans, noting the stark contrast with millions facing economic hardships. Pancotti emphasizes the importance of media accountability and how Democrats might leverage this disconnect to focus on affordability, underscoring that voters are increasingly concerned about everyday economic struggles.
Oct 29, 2025 • 47min
China Understands How to Deal with Trump, Why Don't America's Leaders?
In this discussion, Melanie Hart, a senior director at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub and former State Department advisor, delves into the complexities of U.S.-China relations. She predicts limited concessions in the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting, emphasizing China's confidence in leveraging rare-earths and tech ambitions. Hart also warns of potential long-term risks as countries de-risk from Chinese supplies. The conversation highlights the delicate balance of diplomacy, with Taiwan's concerns and Trump's unpredictable tone in focus, making for a captivating geopolitical analysis.
Oct 29, 2025 • 21min
DSR Daily October 29: Israel Strikes Gaza in Defiance of Ceasefire
The podcast dives into Israel's aggressive strikes on Gaza, marking a significant breach of ceasefire that resulted in numerous casualties. It examines new oversight for Border Patrol agents in Chicago following recent controversies. Trump’s visit to South Korea brings a $350 billion investment deal that could reshape economic ties. Additionally, the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa is linked to climate change, while discussions on the global inaction against genocide highlight a pressing humanitarian crisis.
Oct 29, 2025 • 21min
The Daily Blast: Marjorie Taylor Greene Wrecks Trump’s Shutdown Strategy in Savage Rant
Matthew Sheffield, a former right-wing insider and author, joins to discuss Marjorie Taylor Greene's surprising backlash against the GOP's government shutdown strategy. Greene publicly confronts Mike Johnson about the party’s failure to propose health care solutions, exposing rifts within the MAGA coalition. Sheffield analyzes how this fractures GOP unity and how Democrats can capitalize on the situation. He elaborates on the nihilistic tactics of right-wing media and suggests strategies for moving forward as these internal conflicts intensify.
Oct 28, 2025 • 39min
Siliconsciousness: Trump AI Policy May Not Mean What You Think It Means
Alondra Nelson, a scholar and former Acting Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, joins to unpack the complexities of AI policy under the Trump administration. She challenges the notion that the policy is purely deregulatory, suggesting it masks targeted industry influence. Discussing the impact of bias in AI, she highlights how federal cutbacks threaten innovation and long-term leadership. Nelson also explains the evolving relationship between tech firms and government, where state regulations attempt to fill federal gaps.
Oct 28, 2025 • 16min
DSR Daily October 28: Hurricane Melissa Closes in on Jamaica
Category 5 Hurricane Melissa is poised to impact Jamaica, causing concern over potential flooding and storm surges. The hosts dive into the heated redistricting battles in Virginia and Indiana, crucial for the upcoming elections. In a significant legal move, Texas is suing Tylenol's manufacturers over safety claims regarding pregnancy. Tensions rise as Venezuela halts energy talks with Trinidad and Tobago, spurred by geopolitical dynamics. Additionally, a new US–Japan agreement aims to secure critical minerals, reducing reliance on China.
Oct 28, 2025 • 48min
NTK: Inflatable Frogs Are Really Important… and More
Tara McGowan, a media and political strategist, and Simon Rosenberg, a political analyst, join the conversation to unpack the ever-evolving political landscape. They discuss the alarming tactics from Republicans leading up to the 2026 midterms and the implications of gerrymandering and voting restrictions. The duo emphasizes the need for authentic messaging on corruption and democratic threats. They highlight the role of decentralized protests, like inflatable frogs, and the urgency of grassroots organizing to protect democracy.
