The podcast where new, emerging, and diverse voices in foreign policy and national security discuss the issues of today and tomorrow. Hosted by Grant Haver and Zoe Weinberg and produced in cooperation with Foreign Policy for America's NextGen Initiative.
Russia and Wagner Group after Prigozhin, with Journalist John Lechner
Zoe and Natalya sit down this week with journalist and researcher John Lechner to discuss the impact of Yevgeny Prigozhin's death on the Wagner Group and Russian domestic politics. John is the author of a forthcoming book on the subject entitled, "Putin's Chef, Wagner, and the War for Ukraine." They also discussed navigating a career path as an independent researcher, and how to travel to challenging corners of the globe. Learn more about your ad choices.
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9/22/2023 • 53 minutes, 12 seconds
Misinformation and Elections with Malika Mehrotra
Elections and tech policy expert Malika Mehrotra joins Zoe and Natalya this week to discuss the risks posed by mis- and disinformation in upcoming election cycles. They discuss Malika's early career experience in politics and how it has shaped her interest in the impact of new technology on civics and political integrity. They also touch on potential regulatory approaches and whether generative AI poses a new type of threat.
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9/6/2023 • 44 minutes, 57 seconds
How to Sell to the Government with Joey Arora
Zoe and Natalya are joined this week by Joey Arora, partner at the Outpost, where he supports companies in securing government contracts in defense, and a former co-founder of AFWERX. They talk about Joey's path from the Air Force to entrepreneurship, trends in defense tech investing, and what every founder should know before trying to secure a government contract. If you are under 40 and interested in being featured on the podcast, be sure to fill out this form: https://airtable.com/shr5IpK32opINN5e9.
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8/22/2023 • 48 minutes, 37 seconds
ChinaTalk with Jordan Schneider
This week Zoe teams up with Jordan Schneider of ChinaTalk for a special crossover episode. They discuss the changing mood on China relations, AI competition, and TikTok. They also explored what it's like to be an independent researcher in the foreign policy space and the intellectual freedom it allows. You can hear more from Jordan at chinatalk.media. If you are under 40 and interested in being featured on the podcast, be sure to fill out this form: https://airtable.com/shr5IpK32opINN5e9.
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8/9/2023 • 54 minutes, 6 seconds
Understanding the Nuclear Threat in 2023 with April Arnold
Zoe is joined by arms control and nonproliferation implementation specialist April Arnold this week, fresh from the Aspen Security Forum. They discuss highlights from the Forum, as well as April's assessment of the nuclear threat from North Korea, Iran, Russia, and China. They also discuss the portrayal of nuclear risks in entertainment and media in the wake of the release of Oppenheimer. If you are under 40 and interested in being featured on the podcast, be sure to fill out this form: https://airtable.com/shr5IpK32opINN5e9.
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7/25/2023 • 50 minutes, 56 seconds
Sports as Foreign Policy, with Lucy Montgomery
This week Zoe and Natalya are joined by Lucy Montgomery, the founder of the Women's College Players Association, to talk about the nexus of sports and global affairs. They discuss how athletes can serve as global ambassadors, but also frequently bear the burden of international strife and conflict worldwide.If you are under 40 and interested in being featured on the podcast, be sure to fill out this form: https://airtable.com/shr5IpK32opINN5e9.
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7/11/2023 • 51 minutes, 45 seconds
How to be a Rule-Breaker in Washington with Maggie Feldman-Piltch
This week Maggie Feldman-Piltch, founder of Unicorn Strategies and #NatSecGirlSquad, joins the show to share her journey as a policy entrepreneur and rule-breaker. She also discusses her forthcoming book, Non-State Actress: National Security But Not Boring, how government agencies are like midcentury modern furniture, and how to rock purple hair in Washington.
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6/27/2023 • 48 minutes, 27 seconds
Russian Politics and the War in Ukraine with Aaron Schwartzbaum
This week Zoe and Natalya are joined by Aaron Schwartzbaum, a 2023 Templeton Fellow with the Eurasia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute to discuss Kremlinology, Great Power competition, and the war in Ukraine. Aaron currently hosts FPRI's Bear Market Brief, The Continent, and Report in Short podcasts.
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6/13/2023 • 45 minutes, 48 seconds
Deepfakes and Generative AI with Ben Colman
This week Zoe and Natalya are joined by CEO of Reality Defender Ben Colman, to discuss the power of synthetic media and the risks it poses to geopolitics and democracy. They discuss a recent deepfake of an attack at the Pentagon, as well as potential regulatory solutions. If you are under 40 and interested in being featured on the podcast, be sure to fill out this form.
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5/30/2023 • 49 minutes, 35 seconds
Platforms, Progress and Storytelling
This week Zoe is joined by new co-host Natalya Thakur to discuss activism, social media, and Iran with technologist Sameera. Sameera also discussed her work-in-progress novel and how storytelling is a powerful form of cross-cultural exchange. If you are under 40 and interested in being featured on the podcast, be sure to fill out this form.
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5/17/2023 • 41 minutes, 20 seconds
Defeating the Dictators with Charles Dunst
This week Grant and Zoe talk with Charles Dunst about his new book "Defeating The Dictators: How Democracy Can Prevail In The Age Of The Strongman". Can democracies actually learn something from dictators? Are people more interested in economic well being or social ax-grinding? Find out during this exciting conversation.
In our final segment Charles recommends The Cairo Trilogy: Palace Walk, Palace of Desire, Sugar Street, Grant rants about the breakability of stress balls, and Zoe discusses the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.
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3/21/2023 • 48 minutes, 22 seconds
Video Games and Foreign Policy with Bonner Price
Next in Foreign Policy is doing a mini-series on culture and foreign policy. In the final episode of the mini-series, Grant and Zoe talk with Bonner Price about Video Games and how they interact with foreign policy.
In the final segment, Zoe talks about TiTANiQUE and Grant rants against ticket fees.
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3/9/2023 • 28 minutes, 45 seconds
Foreign Policy Media with Helen Zhang
Next in Foreign Policy is doing a mini-series on culture and foreign policy. In the second episode of the mini-series, Grant and Zoe talk with Helen Zhang of International Intrigue about how foreign policy media works and how she made her own niche.
In the final segment, Zoe talks about the Dems moving their first presidential primary to South Carolina, Grant talks about The Last of Us, and Helen talks about tech trends.
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2/21/2023 • 35 minutes, 25 seconds
Streaming Foreign Policy with Tamar Nisbett
Next in Foreign Policy is doing a mini-series on culture and foreign policy. In this first episode of the mini-series, Grant and Zoe talk with Tamar Nisbett about her work in streaming and focusing on audiences in Eastern Africa and the Middle East. Tamar recommends checking out Young Famous and African and Blood Sisters if you are trying to dip your toes into content made by and for Africans.
In the final segment, Zoe talks about a magic disappearing license plate, Tamar discusses George Santos, and Grant recommends more researching into the impact of sanctions.
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2/7/2023 • 39 minutes, 26 seconds
Brazil, Peru, Venezuela and all of South America with Diego Area
South America faces a number of challenges, from sustained protests in Peru, a riot in Brasilia, increasing inequality, democratic decline, and much more. Zoe and Grant talk with Diego Area, deputy director for strategic development at the Adrienne Arsht Latin American Center of the Atlantic Council, about all of these issues, what links them, and what (if anything) the United States can do about them.
For our final segment Diego praises Dune (the movie and the book), Zoe recommends some true crime podcasts, and Grant offers some birthday wisdom.
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1/24/2023 • 33 minutes, 10 seconds
Development Finance and Naz El-Khatib
The Development Finance Corporation is one of America's newest organizations in foreign policy. Zoe and Grant talk with Naz El-Khatib, DFC’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, about the organization, its work, and the intersection of foreign policy and finance.
For our final segment Naz talks about the Australian Open, Zoe discusses 'Goblin Mode', and Grant comments on the insurrection in Brazil.
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1/10/2023 • 35 minutes, 28 seconds
Sports Washing, The World Cup, and Ben Valdez-Hempel
The World Cup may be over but the questions about the politics of FIFA and soccer remain. Zoe and Grant talk with Ben Valdez-Hempel of District Sports and Manchester City about the beautiful game and the people and policies that are making it so ugly.
For our final segment Zoe talks about George Santos lying about his resume, Ben goes down the rabbit hole on Scientology, and Grant recommends Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio.
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12/27/2022 • 45 minutes, 26 seconds
The Iranian Protests with Sara Haghdoosti
Protests following the death of Masha Amini continue to put pressure on Iran. Grant and Zoe talk with Sara Haghdoosti of Win Without War about the protests, what America can do to help, and how literature can cross boundaries.
For our final segment Zoe talks about Topdog/Underdog, Sara gives a shout out to Bluey, and Grant talks about border clashes between China and India.
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12/13/2022 • 40 minutes, 45 seconds
What We're Following Post-Thanksgiving
As we come back from the Thanksgiving holiday, Grant and Zoe go guest-less and talk about a variety of issues they are following. First, they talk about the World Cup and the intersection of human rights and international sports. Next, they turn to an open letter from a variety of outlets on the prosecution of Julian Assange. Then they take on the protests in China before finally turning to the revelation of Kim Jong Un having a 10-year old daughter.
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11/29/2022 • 43 minutes, 59 seconds
Defense Technology Innovation with Cameron McCord
A core challenge facing the American defense enterprise is the pace of technology innovation. Grant and Zoe sat down with Cameron McCord to talk about how his experience in the military and on the Hill make him think differently about the issue of tech innovation within government.
In our final segment, Zoe talks about the collapse of FTX, Cameron discusses this article in Breaking Defense, and Grant slams FIFA.
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11/15/2022 • 48 minutes, 20 seconds
China with Jacob Stokes
The Chinese Communist Party's 20th Congress is in the rearview mirror but what lessons can we take from it about the future of China's domestic and foreign policy. Grant and Zoe sat down with Jacob Stokes of the Center for a New American Security to break it down.
In our final segment, Jacob recommends the mamaRoo bassinet, Zoe talks about the Just Stop Oil protests, and Grant talks about George Mason Basketball!
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11/1/2022 • 45 minutes, 36 seconds
Foreign Policy and Congress with Geo Saba
Congress is supposed to be the preeminent branch of government but in foreign policy and technology issues it often feels woefully behind. Grant and Zoe talk about this issue with Geo Saba, Chief of Staff to Ro Khanna (CA-17), and about his experience working on Capitol Hill.
In our final segment, Zoe discusses the success of the DART program, Geo Saba talks about the Nobel Prize winners in Physics, and Grant talks about the ongoing crisis in Haiti.
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10/18/2022 • 44 minutes, 5 seconds
NatSec Daily with Alex Ward
With so much going in foreign policy, it is vital to have access to outlets that distill the most important news into easily digestible pieces. One of the best is National Security Daily the Politics Newsletter anchored by Alex Ward. Zoe and Grant sat down with Alex to hear about his work and get his hot takes on the foreign policy issues of the day.
In our final segment, Grant recommends The Bear, Zoe discusses the protests in Iran, and Alex highlights human rights abuses leading up to the World Cup.
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10/4/2022 • 45 minutes, 31 seconds
The Changing Face of the United Kingdom with Scott Bade
The Queen is dead and Brexit lives on. Grant and Zoe talk with Scott Bade of the Eurasia Group about how these changes will impact the United Kingdom and elsewhere.
In our all podcast final segment, Zoe talks about Patagonia and the Climate, Scott talks about Space Policy, and Grant talks about a variety of border clashes.
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9/20/2022 • 45 minutes, 34 seconds
Africa and the Diaspora with Bo Machayo
On the heels of Blinken's trip to Africa, Grant and Zoe talk with Bo Machayo, co-chair of NextGen's Africa Working group about a variety of issues facing the continent, a diaspora centered foreign policy, and much more.
In our all podcast final segment, Bo talks about the origins of the Samosa, Zoe brings you some PSL facts, and Grant continues to highlight the genocide in Xinjiang.
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9/6/2022 • 36 minutes, 47 seconds
Cyber.RAR with Bethan Saunders and Michaela Lee
This week Grant and Zoe have something special cooked up, a crossover with the cyber.rar podcast. They speak with two of the co-hosts Bethan Saunders and Michaela Lee about their experience podcasting and the state of cyber policy before the tables are turned and Grant and Zoe and put on the spot.
In our all podcast final segment, Zoe recommends Scam Goddess, Bethan talks up Cyber Unmanned, Michaela highlights Iron Butterfly, and Grant shares his love for Slate's Spoiler Special.
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8/23/2022 • 45 minutes, 8 seconds
Surveillance Capitalism with Anastasia Uglova
This week Grant and Zoe were joined by Anastasia Uglova. Anastasia Uglova is a privacy educator in crypto and she leads communications and ecosystem development at Lighthouse, the open metaverse navigation engine. They discuss why the internet is based on surveillance, why this matters for the metaverse, and what might be done to fix it.
In the final segment, Anastasia talks about the inability to follow news from Russia, Grant raves about The Sandman, and Zoe has some potty talk.
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8/9/2022 • 48 minutes, 6 seconds
The War in Syria and Biden's trip to the Middle East with Sasha Ghosh-Siminoff
This week Grant and Zoe were joined by Sasha Ghosh-Siminoff. Sasha Ghosh-Siminoff is is the Executive Director of People Demand Change Inc. They discuss the current state of the war in Syria; how Turkey, Iran, and Russia are engaged in the conflict; and Biden recent trip to the Middle East.
In the final segment, Zoe talks about Myanmar's killing of democratic activists, Sasha talks about the new trailer for the Black Panther Sequel, and Grant highlights the end of the Arab Spring.
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7/26/2022 • 35 minutes, 15 seconds
Forecasting Foreign Policy with Mary Brooks
This week Grant and Zoe were joined by Mary Brooks. Mary is a resident fellow for Cybersecurity and Emerging Threats at R Street Institute. They discuss prediction markets, how useful that can be to policymakers, and why forecasting politics can be so challenging.
In the final segment, Zoe talks about the national lifeguard shortage, Mary talks about the impact of current events on the study of early earth history, and Grant talks about the Crisis in Sri Lanka.
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7/12/2022 • 35 minutes, 24 seconds
Fighting for Food Security With Izzy Ernst
This week Grant and Zoe were joined by Izzy Ernst. Izzy is a Strategic Partnerships Advisor at the World Food Programme. They discuss how the World Food Programme is fighting the global food crisis as well as the difficulties associated with it.
In the final segment, Grant talks about a corruption scandal in Antigua and Barbuda, Izzy talks about potential changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol, and Zoe highlights a piece about the end of Roe v. Wade.
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6/28/2022 • 39 minutes, 10 seconds
The Summit of the Americas with Guy Mentel
This week, Zoe is taking her summer vacation, so Grant talks solo with Guy Mentel. Guy is the President of Global Americans and just got off the plane from his trip to Los Angeles for the Summit of the Americas. They talk about the Summitt, who did and didn't show up, and what it means for the future of America's relationship with its neighbors as well as other issues in the region.
In the final segment, Guy talks about the Alliance for Development in Democracy and Grant reveals a dark secret.
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6/14/2022 • 46 minutes, 56 seconds
Food and Food Policy with Ali Rosen
This week Grant and Zoe were joined by Ali Rosen. Ali is the Founder and Host of Potluck with Ali, a TV show on NYC Life and a website about food, drink and travel. She is also the author of two cookbooks, and she has been nominated for a James Beard Award and two Emmys. They talk about all things food policy from your plate to the planet.
In the final segment, Zoe talks about the impact of climate change on Maine's lobsters, Grant highlights a report linking drought and hotter temperatures to potential rolling blackouts in the U.S., and Ali suggests "Watermelon and Red Birds: A Cookbook for Juneteenth and Black Celebrations" by Nicole Taylor
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5/31/2022 • 46 minutes, 15 seconds
Sri Lanka in Crisis with Akhil Bery
This week Grant and Zoe were joined by Akhil Bery. Akhil is the Director of South Asia Initiatives at the Asia Society Policy Institute. They discuss the protests in Sri Lanka and the root of its economic problems. They also dive into the issues facing India and Pakistan.
In the final segment, Akhil recommends Tokyo Vice, Grant discusses the virtues of some basic foods, and Zoe talks about a great new program subsidizing the internet.
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5/17/2022 • 46 minutes, 18 seconds
To The Moon with Jessy Kate Schingler
This week Grant and Zoe were joined by Jessy Kate Schingler, Director of Governance and Policy at the Open Lunar Foundation. They discuss space policy, how to make sure the money doesn't become an evil death ray, and what the big questions are as we continue to explore the stars.
In the final segment, Zoe discusses Harvard University's attempts to atone for their ties to slavery, Jessy Kate recommends The Ministry for the Future: A Novel by Kim Stanley Robinson, and Grant argues against protectionism in light of Indonesia's recent ban on exports on Palm Oil.
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5/3/2022 • 44 minutes, 37 seconds
Unidentified Aerial Phenomena with Katie Howland
This week Grant and Zoe were joined by Katie Howland, a Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) transparency activist. They discuss the history of UAP, why there is sudden interest from Capitol Hill and the media, and what we should be looking out for in the coming months and years.
In the final segment, Katie talks about the rash of new anti-LGBTQ legislation, Zoe highlights an article about the mental impact on military drone operators, and Grant recommends Friends at the Table.
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4/19/2022 • 40 minutes, 14 seconds
Freedom in the World with Amy Slipowitz
This week Grant and Zoe were joined by Amy Slipowitz the research manager of Freedom in the World at Freedom House. They discuss the report, its methodology, recommendations, and how it all gets pulled together.
In the final segment, Zoe talks about Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals; Amy discusses the protests in Sri Lanka and Seinfeld; and Grant Haver denounces the Patriarch of Moscow.
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4/5/2022 • 36 minutes, 43 seconds
Documenting the Hong Kong Protests with Lorraine Ma
This week Grant and Zoe were joined by Lorraine Ma an award-winning producer whose recent film Faceless, a documentary on the Hong Kong democracy movement that will air on VICE in June. They discuss the film, making documentaries on political subjects, and South-East Asia.
In the final segment, Grant recommends The Price of Everything, Zoe raves about Boys State, and Lorraine suggests Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom and Dick Johnson Is Dead.
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3/22/2022 • 43 minutes, 4 seconds
Reporting on Russia, Ukraine, and National Security with Amy Mackinnon
This week Grant and Zoe were joined by Amy Mackinnon an award winning national security and intelligence reporter for Foreign Policy. They discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, Biden's response, and the impact it has had on the ground.
In the final segment, Zoe talks about a new book How the Color Line Bends: The Geography of White Prejudice in Modern America by Nina M. Yancy, Amy recommends Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival & Hope in an American City, and Grant suggests your read Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End.
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3/8/2022 • 43 minutes, 38 seconds
The Information War in Ukraine with Ben Sohl
This week we have a special episode because Russia has begun a war of choice in Ukraine. Grant and Zoe spoke with Ben Sohl a foreign policy professional who researches Russia, Eurasia, and information warfare. They discuss how Russia views war, the impact of facts on disinformation, and how the U.S. can fight back.
In the final segment, Grant talks about the response of India and China to the war in Ukraine. Ben talks about the finale of Euphoria, and Zoe talks about Ketanji Brown Jackson and her love for one reality tv show.
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3/1/2022 • 39 minutes, 26 seconds
Tech, Taiwan, and China with Shirley Hargis
This week Grant and Zoe are joined by Shirley Hargis, a consultant, a fellow at the Taiwan NextGen Foundation, and the executive Director of Black Professionals in International Affairs. We explore the upcoming Chinese Communist Party Congress, the impact of the Olympics, and how technology plays into all of this.
In our final segment, Zoe discusses the recent hack of OpenSea, Shirley talks about politics and sports, and Grant honors a sad milestone.
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2/22/2022 • 33 minutes, 19 seconds
Democracy and the BRICS in Africa with Constance Pruitt
This week Grant and Zoe are joined by Constance Pruitt, a Ph.D. Candidate and Instructor in the Political Science department at Howard University. We discussed the recent coups on the continent amongst other threats to democratic governance as well as how the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa)are getting involved in Africa.
In our final segment, Zoe talks about recommends the TV Show The Gilded Age, Connie talks about the latest adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion as well as the bomb threats against HBCUs, and Grant talks about the progressives and organized labor.
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2/8/2022 • 40 minutes, 22 seconds
Mentorship and the Indo-Pacific with Mira Rapp-Hooper and Richard Fontaine
This week Grant and Zoe break format and bring on two guests Mira Rapp-Hooper, Director of Indo-Pacific strategy at the National Security Council, and Richard Fontaine, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for a New American Security. Mira and Richard talk about mentorship and how it shapes both personal and professional lives. They also talk about co-authoring a piece for the National Interest about how China see's its role in the world, Richard recent piece in Foreign Affairs on the lack of a China strategy in Washington, and the Biden Administration's larger Indo-Pacific strategy.
In our final segment, Zoe talks about the recent acquisition of Activision-Blizzard by Microsoft, Richard argues that the Saints should still be considered the best team in the NFL, Grant discusses Taiwanese largess, and Mira recommends a few books:
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
Silverview by John le Carré
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1/25/2022 • 49 minutes, 25 seconds
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in NatSec with Alexandria Maloney
This week Grant and Zoe are joined by Alexandria Maloney, an international affairs officer at US CENTCOM with the US Department of Defense and the President of Black Professionals in International Affairs. Alexandria discusses the fight for diversity and inclusion in national security, what hurdles Black Americans and other People of Color face in the field, and what allies can do to support them.
In the final segment, Grant talks about Station Eleven, Zoe is following the end of Elizabeth Holmes trial, and Alexandria wants people to pay their taxes.
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1/11/2022 • 38 minutes, 32 seconds
Pop Culture and Foreign Policy with Mike Fox
This week Grant and Zoe are joined by Mike Fox, a Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Professional. Mike talks about what Marvel can teach us about foreign policy, how American movies give American ideals a soft power bump, and why Grant is wrong about the Olympics.
In the final segment, Mike discusses the recent elections in Chile, Grant critiques America's Drone Wars, and Zoe suggests you go see Red Rocket.
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12/28/2021 • 45 minutes, 53 seconds
The Western Hemisphere with Will Freeman
This week Grant and Zoe are joined by Will Freeman, PhD candidate at Princeton University. Will talks about why the Western Hemisphere doesn't get the amount of attention it deserves, how Hungary and South American populists are similar, and what the U.S. can do about Venezuela.
In the final segment, Zoe discusses the lack of justice for the 10 civilians killed by a U.S. drone in the waning days of the War in Afghanistan, Grant hypes up Zoe's recent New York Times Op-Ed, and Will talks about the darker side of El Salvador accepting Bitcoin.
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12/14/2021 • 38 minutes
Diversity and Nukes with Simone Williams
This week Grant and Zoe are joined by Simone Williams, Program Manager at the Leadership Council for Women in National Security. Simone talks about nuclear weapon modernization, switching careers into national security, and the vital importance of diversity in foreign policy.
In the final segment, Zoe discusses the play "Is This A Room?", Simone talks about the rule of law and justice, and Grant reads a portion of Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude.
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11/30/2021 • 42 minutes, 3 seconds
The intersection of Politics and Foreign Policy with Kristina Biyad
This week Grant and Zoe are joined by Kristina Biyad, Outreach Manager for Foreign Policy for America. Kristina talks about organizing the foreign policy community, intermestic issues, and the need to provide a platform for the next generation of foreign policy leaders.
In the final segment, Zoe discusses the appointment of an infrastructure Czar, Grant talks about the beginning of the College Basketball season, and Kristina goes deep on Western Sahara.
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11/16/2021 • 36 minutes, 13 seconds
Global Health with Shannon Kellman
This week Grant and Zoe are joined by Shannon Kellman, Policy Director at Friends of the Global Fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Shannon talks about where we are in the fight against COVID, the recent breakthrough of a malaria vaccination, and how to talk to members of Congress about technical topics.
In the final segment, Grant discusses Dune, Zoe talks about the New York Governor's race, and Shannon endorses the musical Six.
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11/2/2021 • 42 minutes, 34 seconds
Cybersecurity with Ben Read
This week Grant and Zoe are joined by Bryan Read, Director of Cyber-Espionage Analysis at Mandiant and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University. Ben talks about the importance of Cyber Hygiene, the impact of cryptocurrencies on ransomware, and the balance between private and public defenses.
In the final segment, Zoe talks about some news out of Guantanamo Bay, Ben suggests The Children's Illustrated Clausewitz, Grant continues to sound the alarm on the situation in Ethiopia.
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10/19/2021 • 30 minutes
Climate Change as National Security with Kate Guy
This week Grant and Zoe are joined by Kate Guy, Research Fellow with the Center for Climate and Security (CCS), and Deputy Director of the International Military Council on Climate and Security. Kate talks about how to think of climate change as a national security issue, what gives her hope when working on such a difficult issue, and Cli-fi.
In the final segment, Zoe talks about the new season of Survivor, Kate talks about Space Porn (not what you are thinking), and Grant talks about the future of Europe.
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10/5/2021 • 41 minutes, 5 seconds
Human Rights in the Middle East with Philippe Nassif
This week Grant and Zoe are joined by Philippe Nassif, Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa for Amnesty International. Philippe discusses protests in Iraq, Military Aide in Egypt, and why Lebanon fell apart again.
In the final segment, Grant discusses BTS at the UN, Zoe talks about the recent SpaceX flight, and Philippe is following extreme weather along the gulf coast.
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9/21/2021 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
Protecting Afghans with Farhat Popal
This week Grant and Zoe are joined by Farhat Popal, Immigrant Affairs Manager with the City of San Diego and former Senior Program Analyst at Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). Farhat talks about what the United States can do to protect Afghans in Afghanistan and support them wherever they seek refuge.
In the final segment, Zoe discusses anticipating Sally Rooney's new book Beautiful World, Where Are You and Grant endorses playing Wingspan.
Help Afghan refugees here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/21/how-to-help-afghan-refugees/
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9/7/2021 • 37 minutes, 32 seconds
Fighting Corruption with Paul Massaro
This week Grant and Zoe are joined by Paul Massaro, Senior Policy Advisor to the Helsinki Commission and Adjunct Fellow with the Hudson Institute’s Kleptocracy Initiative. Paul talks about why corruption should be the central organizing feature of America' foreign policy, how dirty money impacts middle America, and how corruption prevented American from achieving success in Afghanistan.
In the final segment, Grant discusses the human cost of the war in Ethiopia, Zoe highlights the latest news in the movement to #FreeBritney, and Paul urges everyone to let their inner child free and watch DC's Justice League cartoon.
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8/24/2021 • 44 minutes, 46 seconds
Great Power Competition with Ali Wyne
This week Grant and Zoe are joined by Ali Wyne, Senior Analyst with Eurasia Group's Global Macro Team and Foreign Policy for America Board member. Ali discusses why he thinks China's rise should not dictate America's foreign policy, the use of analogy in thinking about international relations, and what a competitive coexistence with China could look like.
In the final segment, Zoe highlights how the press is being prevented from covering the withdrawal from Afghanistan, Ali suggests that you read the latest issue of Foreign Affairs, and Grant recommends the Eternal Jukebox.
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8/10/2021 • 42 minutes, 45 seconds
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