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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 weeklyEpisodes148Founded3 years ago
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Artwork for NatSec Matters

Latest Episodes

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

Michael is joined by Dr. Nadia Schadlow, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and former Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategy, to discuss the architecture of U.S. global power amid fast-moving crises in the Mideast, China, and Ukraine. Dr. ... more

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

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

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
Richard Nephew
Senior research scholar at Columbia University and former director for Iran at the National Security Council
Columbia University; National Security Council
Episode: The Deal-Maker's Dilemma: Richard Nephew
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
  • 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 Statesa month ago
  • Poor analysis

    No proper analysis or debate.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    >>l
    United Kingdoma month 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 States4 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 States5 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
#53
United States/Government
Apple Podcasts
#37
Canada/Government
Apple Podcasts
#149
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#46
Germany/Government
Apple Podcasts
#69
Australia/Government
Apple Podcasts
#118
France/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
Reading Between the Lines - What's Hidden in the New Iran Agreement: Dr. Rebeccah L. Heinrichs and Rich Goldberg
Q: What is your sense of what is actually in this document and when might it be released?
Rebecca argues that the hardest parts between the U.S. and the Iranian regime have not been resolved, so she is skeptical we will see detailed language or a formal release soon. She describes the MOU as prioritizing Strait of Hormuz access and conditional sanctions relief, with substantial disagreement over dismantling the nuclear program.
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.

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?

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. Modern War Institute
4. The President’s Inbox
5. Net Assessment

How many episodes of NatSec Matters are there?

NatSec Matters launched 3 years ago and published 148 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. Rebecca Heinrichs
2. Admiral Bob Harward
3. Alan Mendoza
4. Eddie Fishman
5. Richard Fontaine
6. Joseph Votel
7. Richard Nephew
8. Rich Goldberg

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