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The Steady State Sentinel

The Steady State
National Security
Democracy
January 6th
Donald Trump
FBI
United States
Authoritarianism
Ukraine
Iran
Counter-Terrorism
Republican Party
U.S. Immigration System
Russia
CIA
China
Five Eyes
MAGA
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
Social Media
United States Foreign Policy

The Steady State Sentinel is produced by The Steady State, a community of former national security professionals who spent their careers safeguarding the United States at home and abroad. Today, we continue that mission by staying true to our oaths to defend the Constitution, uphold democracy, and protect national security. Each episode features expert hosts in conversation with accomplished guest... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes30Founded5 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsGovernmentNews Commentary

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Artwork for The Steady State Sentinel

Latest Episodes

The fight to repair public service, Congress, and democratic accountability

In this episode of The Steady State Sentinel, John Sipher speaks with veteran intelligence and counterterrorism official Russ Travers about the state of American democracy, ... more

This special joint episode of the Steady State Sentinel and Mission Implausible brings together two podcasts focused on separating fact from manipulation, defending democratic institutions, and understanding real-world national security threats. Host... more

YouTube

A top pollster and an award-winning journalist break down who is self‑censoring, why Gen Z sees democracy differently, and whether the U.S. can reverse its authoritarian slide.

Host Lauren C. Anderson, former senior FBI executive, sits down with pol... more

YouTube

A veteran LA Times correspondent on Trump’s assault on the press, the White House Correspondents' Dinner security scare, and the fight for truth in a fractured media era.

In the latest episode of the Sentinel podcast, former CIA Operations Officer M... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Bob Drogan
Reporter with 38 years at the Los Angeles Times, former national/foreign/Washington correspondent
Los Angeles Times
Episode: The War on the Press: How Trump Attacks the First Amendment
Jim Petrilla
Former CIA General Counsel; long-time advisor on legal issues in the intelligence community
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Episode: The Most Powerful Intelligence Tool You’ve Never Heard Of: A Former CIA Lawyer Explains Section 702
Eric Rubin
Senior Fellow with the Democratic Resilience Program at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA/SIPA)
CEPA/SIPA, Board of Directors at The Steady State
Episode: Saving My Life's Work: Eric Rubin on the Dismantling of American Diplomacy
Mark Zaid
Washington, D.C.-based attorney specializing in national security, First Amendment claims, and whistleblower representation
James Madison Project; Whistleblower Aid
Episode: The Fragile Glue: Mark Zaid on Whistleblowers, Retaliation, and the Rule of Law
David Korn
Political journalist covering power, corruption, disinformation, and democracy; Washington bureau chief for Mother Jones
Mother Jones
Episode: The MAGA Crack-Up: David Corn on Iran, the FBI, and a Democracy Under Siege
Alex Joel
Senior project director and resident adjunct professor, American University Washington College of Law
American University Washington College of Law
Episode: Protecting Liberty in the Age of Surveillance
Tom Shannon
Ambassador, former Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs
Princeton University (teaching)
Episode: The Counterrevolution: Tom Shannon on America’s Retreat from the World
Rich Lojas
Founder and executive director of Leaving MAGA, advocate for off-ramps and reconciliation for those who left or question MAGA
Leaving MAGA
Episode: Leaving MAGA: Identity, Propaganda, and the Path Back
Seth Hatena
Investigative journalist and author specializing in national security and power structures
Independent journalist; author of Trump, Russia, a definitive history; written for The Iceman Substack
Episode: From Iran to Ukraine: Inside America’s National Security Breakdown

Host

Jim Lawler
Host of The Steady State Sentinel; Former senior CIA operations officer

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 59 ratings
  • Refreshing

    It is refreshing to hear a nonpartisan discussion regarding the dangers facing our country in this moment. I learn something new from each episode and this has deepened my respect for those who have served and who still are serving our country in a professional manner despite challenges.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nick likes brains
    United States2 months ago
  • Excellent and informative

    Thank you

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Portland Antifasist
    United States3 months ago
  • What a privilege

    What a privilege to listen to conversations between utmost professionals who have spent their lives giving their best to the country and want to continue being a resource for those who are fighting for our democracy. Really a balm to the soul, not to mention the excellent perspectives.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Amalia Sancha
    United States4 months ago
  • Intelligent Politics

    Refreshing to hear from real experts with unselfish motivations. Even better, party affiliation does not deter from the truth!! Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    FunJeanne
    United States4 months ago
  • Important, Must Listen To

    This is a fabulous, well researched, thoughtful, and non-partisan podcast about the danger the United States faces due to the erosion of the rule of law. It’s a must listen for any US citizen. Easily understandable.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NicholeJCny
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

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

High-quality guests from government, military, and journalism that deepen understanding
Nonpartisan, expert-led discussions focused on democracy and national security
Calm, context-rich analysis that avoids partisan provocation

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#104
United States/Government
Apple Podcasts
#174
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#244
Canada/Government
Apple Podcasts
#165
Italy/Government
Apple Podcasts
#167
Australia/Government
Apple Podcasts
#209
France/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The War on the Press: How Trump Attacks the First Amendment
Q: Tell me what that does to when you start suppressing the press. Give me the list of, I realize it's an ABC, of how that damages democracy, how that damages freedom, how that damages the country.
The guest outlines concrete consequences—from restricted access to government information to legal and financial pressure on media outlets—that undermine accountability and trust in democracy.
The War on the Press: How Trump Attacks the First Amendment
Q: Enough experience to answer this one. How does Trump's assault on the press come across to someone who is a member of the press as opposed to how it comes across to the rest of us?
The guest explains that Trump's actions represent an unprecedented campaign against freedom of expression and a broader war on independent journalism, challenging the legitimacy and safety of professional reporting.
The Most Powerful Intelligence Tool You’ve Never Heard Of: A Former CIA Lawyer Explains Section 702
Q: How did the rise of the internet and fiber optics change surveillance practices under FISA?
Technological evolution shifted surveillance from satellite-based 'birds' to fiber networks, prompting 702 to address incidental collection more broadly and requiring careful procedural controls, audits, and targeting lists to manage U.S. person data.
The Most Powerful Intelligence Tool You’ve Never Heard Of: A Former CIA Lawyer Explains Section 702
Q: What is the basic structure of FISA and how did it originate?
FISA originated in response to abuses and overreach exposed by the Church and Pike hearings, creating a legal framework to govern surveillance while preserving Fourth Amendment protections; it distinguishes between wire and satellite communications and established the need for warrants in certain scenarios.
Saving My Life's Work: Eric Rubin on the Dismantling of American Diplomacy
Q: What are the biggest risks you see from eroding career civil service protections today?
Loss of experienced personnel and nonpartisan advice undermines effective negotiations and national security, risking a permanent hollowing of the U.S. diplomatic corps.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Steady State Sentinel

What is The Steady State Sentinel about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful, security-focused program that centers on the balance between national security and civil liberties, diplomacy, and democratic norms. Across episodes, guests range from former intelligence and military professionals to seasoned journalists and policymakers, discussing topics like surveillance, alliance security, foreign policy, and the resilience of democratic institutions. The show tends to feature nonpartisan, expert perspectives and aims to provide context and practical insights for policymakers, professionals in national security, and informed observers who want to understand how complex global and domestic security challenges unfold while upholding constitutional values. A notable strength is its roster of experienced gues... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Steady State Sentinel?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Steady State Sentinel:

1. Mission Implausible
2. Shield of the Republic
3. The DSR Network
4. The Long Game with Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer
5. Letters from an American

How many episodes of The Steady State Sentinel are there?

The Steady State Sentinel launched 5 months ago and published 30 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Steady State Sentinel?

Recent guests on The Steady State Sentinel include:

1. Bob Drogan
2. Jim Petrilla
3. Eric Rubin
4. Mark Zaid
5. David Korn
6. Alex Joel
7. Tom Shannon
8. Rich Lojas

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