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Iran
China
Russia
United States
Ukraine
Israel
National Security
CIA
NATO
Venezuela
Artificial Intelligence
North Korea
Middle East
Taiwan
Syria
Hezbollah
Turkey
Cybersecurity
Trump Administration
Al-Qaeda

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 pressi... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes151Founded3 years ago
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Artwork for NatSec Matters

Latest Episodes

Michael speaks with Anthony Vinci, former career intelligence officer and the first Chief Technology Officer of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. They discuss Anthony's new book, "The Fourth Intelligence Revolution: The Future of Espionage... more

Special guest host Klon Kitchen, Managing Director for the Global Technology Policy Practice at Beacon Global Strategies, is joined by Dr. Divyansh Kaushik, machine learning expert and BGS Vice President, to analyze the trajectory of frontier artific... more

Andrew Shapiro is joined by Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman, whose distinguished diplomatic career includes serving as U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. Amb. Feltman, now a visiti... more

Michael is joined by David Shedd, former Acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and a veteran intelligence officer, for a comprehensive look at the shifting geopolitical dynamics across Latin America. David discusses the structural collap... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Nadia Schadlow
Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and Co-Chair of the Hamilton Commission on Securing America's National Security Innovation Base
Hudson Institute
Episode: 'Leapfrogging' Diplomacy: Dr. Nadia Schadlow
Rebecca Heinrichs
Senior Fellow and Director of the Keystone Defense Initiative, Hudson Institute
Hudson Institute
Episode: Reading Between the Lines - What's Hidden in the New Iran Agreement: Dr. Rebeccah L. Heinrichs and Rich Goldberg
Admiral Bob Harward
Former Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command; retired Navy SEAL
U.S. Navy; Shield AI (Executive Vice President)
Episode: Operation Epic Fury 2?: Adm. Robert Harward
Alan Mendoza
Chief Advisor for Global Affairs at Nigel Farage's Reform Party
Reform Party
Episode: Special Episode - The Political Firestorm at 10 Downing Street: Dr. Alan Mendoza
Eddie Fishman
Senior Fellow and Director of the Maurice Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations
Council on Foreign Relations
Episode: The Hormuz Hotline: Eddie Fishman
Richard Fontaine
CEO of the Center for a New American Security
Center for a New American Security
Episode: Blockade Brinkmanship: Richard Fontaine
Joseph Votel
Former commander of US Central Command and former commander of US Special Operations Command
Former U.S. military commands
Episode: The Iranian 'Escalation Trap': Gen. Joseph Votel
Rich Goldberg
President of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies
Foundation for Defense of Democracies
Episode: The New Status Quo in the Strait of Hormuz: Roger Zakheim & Rich Goldberg
Chris Grady
Admiral, former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
US Navy
Episode: President Trump's Latest Ultimatum to Iran: Adm. Chris Grady

Host

Michael Allen
Host of NatSec Matters; Beacon Global Strategies

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 477 ratings
  • Conservative shift

    I listened to Intelligence Matters for years, and it was a balanced, thoughtful podcast that explored the most pressing issues in national security and foreign policy. However, in the last few months, the tenor of the show has changed markedly. Things are notably more conservative and hawkish with respect to foreign policy. Although there are still some interesting discussions and debates, I find that there is simply too much credibility laundering and post hoc rationalization for the foreign po... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Ryanstudent2
    United Statesa month ago
  • Used to be good

    Seems to have taken a conservative bias recently when it used to be a podcast of reason.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    thedeadpoint
    United Statesa month ago
  • No balance - it has a very strong agenda

    See review by makai lanai

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    HgihB
    United States2 months ago
  • Admiral Harwood

    Blatant dishonesty and bold face lies. Admiral Harwood stated the JCPOA allowed Iran to enrich to 60%, that is not true at all. The JCPOA limit was 3.67 %. Shame on you for stating that and shame on the moronic host for not questioning it!

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Jcs19090
    United States2 months ago
  • Poor analysis

    No proper analysis or debate.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    >>l
    United Kingdom2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Strong policy depth and industry relevance
Relaunch brought back rigorous national security conversations
Some episodes perceived as pro‑policy or partisan by critics
High-quality analysis that helps decode complex geopolitics
Insightful discussions with high-profile guests

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#33
United States/Government
Apple Podcasts
#28
Canada/Government
Apple Podcasts
#73
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#41
Australia/Government
Apple Podcasts
#72
Italy/Government
Apple Podcasts
#87
France/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

'Leapfrogging' Diplomacy: Dr. Nadia Schadlow
Q: I thought I would just ask you at the outset to outline for our audience, what is grand strategy generally, and does the United States currently have a coherent grand strategic plan?
Dr. Schadlow emphasizes that grand strategy is about articulating desired outcomes and aligning the full spectrum of instruments of power to achieve those ends, and she notes ongoing debates about how it differs from national security strategy. She also highlights that the current administration is trying to move quickly in a shifting geopolitical environment while balancing alliance dynamics and regional commitments.
Backyard Hegemony - Reasserting U.S. Influence in the Western Hemisphere: David Shedd
Q: What role does China play in the Western Hemisphere, and how should the U.S. respond?
China's influence is broad—economic investment, infrastructure, and data security via Huawei/ZTE—creating strategic leverage that the U.S. must counter with faster, better-funded investment and strategic diplomacy to prevent China from displacing U.S. influence, including countering military and commercial footholds like ports and manufacturing facilities.
Backyard Hegemony - Reasserting U.S. Influence in the Western Hemisphere: David Shedd
Q: How is the U.S. handling security cooperation with Mexico amid cartel violence and the anti-cartel mission?
The partnership centers on intelligence sharing, targeted actions against key nodes of narcotics networks, and ensuring vetted units operate without cartel infiltration, while recognizing the broader political and law-enforcement complexities that constrain rapid, sweeping changes.
Backyard Hegemony - Reasserting U.S. Influence in the Western Hemisphere: David Shedd
Q: What is the situation in Venezuela and what is the U.S. approach to phase two and phase three of stabilization and elections?
Phase two focuses on economic stabilization through controlled oil revenues funneled to the Venezuelan people, while phase three envisions national elections with a transition plan that ensures the military and security services can be leveraged to support a credible electoral process, though the guest remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing patience and controlled, monitored reform.
Reading Between the Lines - What's Hidden in the New Iran Agreement: Dr. Rebeccah L. Heinrichs and Rich Goldberg
Q: Do you think the actual text of the MOU will be released?
Rich agrees with Rebecca's skepticism, noting that the process relies on negotiating with political leaders rather than the IRGC, and he questions the ability of the negotiators to enforce any agreement given the regime's internal power structure.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About NatSec Matters

What is NatSec Matters about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A deep-dish, policy-focused program that probes high-stakes national security topics through conversations with former officials, military leaders, and policy experts. Episodes frequently center on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, escalation risks, and diplomacy, often weighing military options against political constraints and alliance dynamics. A standout trait is the consistent emphasis on practical implications for policymakers and industry stakeholders, including energy markets and maritime security, making it a go-to for listeners who want rigorous, decision-forward analysis from practitioners with firsthand experience.

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Which podcasts are similar to NatSec Matters?

These podcasts share a similar audience with NatSec Matters:

1. Irregular Warfare Podcast
2. Global Security Briefing
3. War on the Rocks
4. Net Assessment
5. Modern War Institute

How many episodes of NatSec Matters are there?

NatSec Matters launched 3 years ago and published 151 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact NatSec Matters?

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What guests have appeared on NatSec Matters?

Recent guests on NatSec Matters include:

1. Nadia Schadlow
2. Rebecca Heinrichs
3. Admiral Bob Harward
4. Alan Mendoza
5. Eddie Fishman
6. Richard Fontaine
7. Joseph Votel
8. Rich Goldberg

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