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
Jul 22, 2025 • 22min
The Daily Blast: Trump Press Sec Throws FBI Under Bus amid Brutal New Epstein Poll Drop
G. Elliott Morris, a data analyst and author known for his insights on polling data, joins the discussion to tackle the fallout from the Epstein scandal on Trump's approval ratings. He reveals how Trump’s low numbers are connected to public perception of the scandal and the shifting accountability narrative being pushed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Morris emphasizes the unique challenges this presents for Trump and examines the growing skepticism among young voters regarding political transparency.
Jul 21, 2025 • 20min
The DSR Daily for July 21: Harvard and Trump Court Showdown
The legal showdown between Harvard and the Trump administration over $2.5 billion in research funding raises questions about academic freedom. The EPA's shutdown of its research office amidst staffing cuts sparks concerns for public health and the environment. In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Eshiba faces political turbulence despite a coalition loss, reflecting rising populism. The discussion also highlights AI bots spreading pro-Trump narratives and critiques cultural distractions in politics, emphasizing the clash between serious issues and trivial debates.
Jul 21, 2025 • 22min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Ugly New Attack on Stephen Colbert Reveals Dark Side of Firing
In this discussion, Michael Sozan, a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, dives deep into the controversial firing of Stephen Colbert by CBS, connected to a hefty $16 million settlement with Trump. Sozan critiques this settlement as a troubling capitulation to Trump's bullying. The conversation explores how Trump's aggressive media tactics mirror authoritarian regimes, raising concerns about journalistic integrity and censorship. Sozan emphasizes the importance of resisting such pressures to safeguard democratic values in media.
Jul 20, 2025 • 17min
The DSR Weekly Wrap-Up: The MAGA Epstein Rift Deepens
Political tensions rise as Democrats resist Trump nominees while exploring the potential fallout from Trump's push to release grand jury testimony in the Epstein case. The podcast also uncovers the controversy surrounding the possible cancellation of a popular late-night show, linking it to broader themes of censorship and free speech. Insights into recent government reshuffles highlight their impact on international relations. Tune in for engaging discussions on the intersection of media, politics, and public sentiment!
Jul 18, 2025 • 37min
Need to Know: How Would the Founders View This Latest Turning Point in US History?
Join historian Joanne Freeman from Yale as she delves into the minds of America's Founding Fathers like Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. She discusses the Burr-Hamilton duel's significance and how today’s political hostility mirrors the past. Freeman highlights events like the Whiskey Rebellion to illustrate government authority challenges. She emphasizes the importance of citizen engagement in safeguarding democracy, urging listeners to draw lessons from history to navigate current threats to democratic ideals.
Jul 18, 2025 • 23min
The Daily Blast: Trump Press Sec Snaps at Media as Queries about His Mental State Grow
Mark Jacob, author of the Stop the Presses Substack, dives into the mounting troubles facing President Trump, including declining poll numbers and bizarre stories questioning his mental state. He critiques the defensive tactics of press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who lashes out at reporters over Trump's mental fitness. The conversation reveals the media's inconsistent scrutiny of political leaders and explores the implications of Trump's influence on the Republican identity, raising concerns about the future of democracy.
Jul 17, 2025 • 23min
Words Matter: Never Mind Being Blind, Right Now Justice in the US is Near Death
Dahlia Lithwick is a leading expert on the Supreme Court, while Norm Ornstein is a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, focusing on U.S. politics. Together, they dive into the alarming erosion of democracy in America. They address the troubling influence of loyalty over legality within the Justice Department and the contentious nomination processes that threaten judicial integrity. The conversation explores the normalization of authoritarian practices and the critical implications for civil liberties and the rule of law.
Jul 17, 2025 • 16min
The DSR Daily for July 17: Senate Hands Trump Another Win
The Senate has approved significant cuts to public broadcasting and foreign aid, raising eyebrows on the political landscape. There's an uproar over the administration's handling of Epstein's files, with MAGA supporters expressing frustration over unmet transparency promises. Legal battles are brewing over FEMA funding cuts, jeopardizing disaster relief efforts. Lastly, the podcast touches on natural disasters in the U.S. and a fragile ceasefire in Syria, highlighting the complex challenges both domestically and internationally.
Jul 17, 2025 • 24min
The Daily Blast: Inside Trump’s Angry, Desperate Push to Silence MAGA on Epstein Fiasco
Asawin Suebsaeng, a writer at Rolling Stone known for his political insights, dives into President Trump's escalating fury over the Epstein files impacting his supporter base. He reveals the chaos within the MAGA movement as Trump struggles to silence discussions and faces mounting dissatisfaction among Republicans. Suebsaeng explores the internal tensions between Trump's leadership and grassroots conspiracy theories, shedding light on how these dynamics impact his public image and political future.
Jul 16, 2025 • 15min
The DSR Daily for July 16: Israel Strikes Syria
Israel's recent airstrikes on Damascus spark debates about accountability and civilian casualties, especially among Druze communities. Meanwhile, the Republican Party grapples with internal discord over the release of Epstein files, showcasing tensions between party leaders. On the international front, a new trade agreement with Indonesia raises questions about U.S.-China relations. The hosts weave these complex issues into a captivating discussion that highlights the interconnectedness of political maneuvers and global events.
