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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 weeklyEpisodes146Founded3 years ago
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NewsGovernment

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Artwork for NatSec Matters

Latest Episodes

Michael is joined by Richard Nephew, Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University and former Director for Iran at the National Security Council, to examine the fragile state of the U.S.–Iran ceasefire and the looming terms of a potential memorandum... more

Michael is joined by Dr. Rebeccah L. Heinrichs, Senior Fellow and Director of the Keystone Defense Initiative at the Hudson Institute, and Rich Goldberg, Senior Advisor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, to pull back the curtain on the sti... more

Michael Allen is joined by Admiral (Ret.) Robert "Bob" Harward, former Deputy Commander of CENTCOM and a retired Navy SEAL, for an intensely candid look at what he believes the ultimate end state of the Iran conflict should look like. Drawing on his ... more

Michael is joined by Dr. Alan Mendoza, Chief Advisor for Global Affairs for the U.K.'s Reform Party, to explain the political firestorm engulfing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Labour Party. Dr. Mendoza provides an insider's look at the mounting... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

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
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
Matt Kroenig
Vice President for Geostrategy and Senior Director of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council
Atlantic Council
Episode: Emergency Podcast - Decoding the President's Iran Address: Matt Kroenig
Seth Jones
President of the Defense and Security Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Episode: Off-Ramp or Escalator - The Iranian Regime's Final Act?: Dr. Seth Jones
Yaakov Katz
Former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post; journalist and defense analyst
Jerusalem Post
Episode: Israel's Strategic Reset: Yaakov Katz

Host

Michael Allen
Host of NatSec Matters, Beacon Global Strategies

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 471 ratings
  • 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 States12 days ago
  • Poor analysis

    No proper analysis or debate.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    >>l
    United Kingdom17 days ago
  • Propoganda

    This is not informed, balanced analysis, but simply ultra right wing rants, ignoring the inconvenient facts and complexities within this important area. I’m sure it will appeal to the MAGA core but there are far more informative pods out there for the discerning listener.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Dirty-Dan!
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Bias Creeping in Early 2026

    Typically, and over the last couple of years of my listening, the show has offered a fair and reputable perspective on national security issues, foreign affairs, and global security policy. However, in early 2026, a shift became noticeable: the conversations around Venezuela and Iran revealed deep-seated neoconservative and borderline warhawk rhetoric between both host and guests. Leading up to the 28 February strikes in Iran, the host and some of the guests appeared to be salivating at the idea... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Aabbccddeeffgg77231
    United States3 months ago
  • Excellent podcast on current events with insights you don’t typically hear

    The deep dives with all the guests makes it very enjoyable to learn about current events from people with exceptional knowledge who have spent years in their respective fields. Would be great to hear about more domestic security issues, but I enjoy the excellent coverage of multiple theaters of operation.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chadillac253
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise high-quality, thought-provoking analysis and access to experts.
Episodes are seen as credible and informative by many, with strong praise for guest expertise.
Some criticisms note timeliness and transparency issues with reruns.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#15
United States/Government
Apple Podcasts
#21
Canada/Government
Apple Podcasts
#24
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#9
Australia/Government
Apple Podcasts
#42
Italy/Government
Apple Podcasts
#54
France/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Deal-Maker's Dilemma: Richard Nephew
Q: What are the viable options for handling HEU—raid, diplomacy, or something else?
Options include a high-risk raid with feasibility concerns and potential escalation, continued satellite surveillance, or pursuing a diplomatic arrangement to downblend or relocate HEU, with each path carrying different political and strategic costs.
The Deal-Maker's Dilemma: Richard Nephew
Q: Where do you see the HEU situation, particularly regarding the missing HEU and the Isfahan tunnel complex?
Most HEU is likely in the Esfahan tunnel complex, which is difficult to access militarily; the missing HEU remains a question with some evidence pointing to a narrow corridor, suggesting risk and uncertainty in reconstitution or shielding.
The Deal-Maker's Dilemma: Richard Nephew
Q: What grade would you give the overall military campaign so far, and how does it relate to the stated objectives?
The campaign has shown tactical sophistication and significant attritional effects, particularly against the IRGC, but it remains ambiguous whether the strategies fully align with the original political and strategic goals, especially regarding long-term outcomes and the nuclear issue.
The New Status Quo in the Strait of Hormuz: Roger Zakheim & Rich Goldberg
Q: Rich, why don't you start?
Rich explains the framing of the blockade around Iranian ports, the need to focus on the choke points, and how the markets perceive the risk as the mission progresses, while underscoring the importance of safe sea lanes for commercial shipping.
The Hormuz Pressure Cooker and Oil Price Roulette: Clay Seigle & Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery
Q: From a policy perspective, what options does the United States have to address higher oil prices beyond restoring oil through the Straits?
The panel outlines using reserves releases, waiving some regulations to improve fuel manufacturing efficiency, reinvigorating reinsurance confidence, and pursuing clear, credible signals to deter disruption—though none of these substitutes fully replace the Gulf's role in global exports.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About NatSec Matters

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

NatSec Matters presents high-level conversations with former senior national security officials and policy leaders. Episodes center on contemporary security challenges, geopolitics, and US policy responses, featuring insider perspectives on Iran, Russia, China, Latin America, and regional crises. The show stands out for its access to practitioners and policymakers, offering pragmatic impact-focused analysis and scenario planning, often with a sharp emphasis on U.S. strategy, deterrence, and defense posture. Potential sponsors and guests can expect a rigorous, policy-driven audience interested in defense, intelligence, diplomacy, and national security strategy.

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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. School of War
4. War on the Rocks
5. Modern War Institute

How many episodes of NatSec Matters are there?

NatSec Matters launched 3 years ago and published 146 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. Admiral Bob Harward
2. Alan Mendoza
3. Eddie Fishman
4. Richard Fontaine
5. Rich Goldberg
6. Chris Grady
7. Matt Kroenig
8. Seth Jones

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