

John Spencer
Retired U.S. Army Major and leading expert on urban warfare. Known for frontline experience, strategic insights, and influential writing on modern combat in cities.
Top 10 podcasts with John Spencer
Ranked by the Snipd community

124 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 1h 21min
War Expert Debunks Gaza Lies - John Spencer
In this conversation, John Spencer, a retired U.S. Army Major and urban warfare expert, breaks down the complexities of the Gaza conflict. He tackles misconceptions about Hamas and emphasizes the unique challenges of urban combat. Their discussion explores the critical need for truthful narratives in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, critiques military strategies, and highlights the disconnect between military actions and global perception. Spencer also shares insights on the humanitarian situation and the geopolitical implications of the ongoing conflict, urging listeners to evaluate information critically.

115 snips
Jun 10, 2024 • 1h 36min
454. Urban Warfare, Civilian Casualty, & Human Shields | John Spencer
John Spencer, an award-winning scholar and combat veteran, joins the discussion to share his expertise on urban warfare. They delve into the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict, focusing on military strategies, the role of civilian casualties, and the ethics of using human shields. Spencer also highlights the influence of social media on public perception and the responsibilities of aid agencies in conflict zones. The conversation brings to light the intricate dynamics of urban combat and the need for nuanced understanding amidst political tensions.

76 snips
May 7, 2024 • 1h 39min
#366 — Urban Warfare 2.0
John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point, offers deep insights into the complexities of urban warfare. He discusses the shocking nature of the Hamas attacks on October 7th and the challenges of distinguishing combatants from civilians. Spencer analyzes the implications of using human shields and the unique tactics employed in Gaza. The conversation also touches on the double standards faced by the IDF, the complexities of casualty reporting, and the urgent need for a political resolution to ongoing conflicts, particularly with Hezbollah and Iran.

62 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h
How Do You Fight in a City?
John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Madison Policy Forum and a former U.S. Army officer, dives into the complexities of urban warfare. He explores the unique challenges of combat in city environments and compares historical battles from the U.S.-Mexican War to recent urban conflicts in Iraq and Gaza. Spencer debunks common myths about room-to-room fighting, reveals the impact of cognitive warfare, and illustrates how Israel grapples with Gaza’s vast tunnel systems and the implications for civilian populations. His insights on evolving tactics are both enlightening and eye-opening.

55 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 55min
Ep. 2387 - Two Terror Attacks in One Day. What is Happening??
John Spencer, combat veteran and Urban Warfare Institute director, offers military analysis. He discusses two same-day terror attacks, U.S.-Iran tensions, and whether America can outlast Iran's terror strategy. Conversations cover vetting, homeland security responses, strategic options in the Strait of Hormuz, and how to degrade Iran’s military levers.

54 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 44min
How Can America Defeat Iran? With John Spencer
John Spencer, retired Army officer and urban warfare expert, explains a 'neurological' campaign of precision strikes on Iran’s centers of gravity. He discusses targeting as strategy, psychological effects on leadership, the limits of decapitation, and which capabilities make such strikes possible. Short, strategic, and focused on modern methods of influence in conflict.

33 snips
Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 11min
Can Israel Actually Win This War?
Seth Frantzman, a senior analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and John Spencer, a military expert from West Point, delve into Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas. They discuss the staggering statistics of hostages and casualties, questioning Israel's war goals and strategies. Frantzman warns of potential disaster if current tactics continue, while Spencer outlines the complexities of urban warfare and the challenges facing the Israeli Defense Forces. Together, they explore the intricate dynamics affecting both U.S.-Israel relations and regional stability in a world increasingly influenced by conflict.

32 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 9min
'HYPOCRITE!' Dave Smith on Douglas Murray Joe Rogan Debate | Feat Eric Weinstein
Dave Smith, a comedian and libertarian commentator known for his sharp insights, joins John Spencer, a military strategy expert, and Eric Weinstein, a Harvard mathematician and intellectual dark web figure, for a lively discussion. They dissect the recent Rogan debate between Smith and Douglas Murray, examining the digital age's influence on public discourse. Key topics include the ethics of war, the necessity of firsthand experience in understanding conflict, and the moral complexities surrounding civilian casualties, ultimately questioning who truly wins in today’s polarized debates.

21 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 57min
Episode 97: Can America and Israel finish the job? A conversation with John Spencer.
John Spencer, a national security and urban warfare analyst, offers sharp analysis rooted in combat and teaching experience. He breaks down tactical moves in the Gulf, U.S. and Israeli targeting aims, and how ambiguity and deception shape strategy. He also examines Iran’s escalation gambit and whether the U.S. has the political will to follow through.

20 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 36min
#525 - John Spencer Views Explosion
John Spencer, the Executive Director of the Urban Warfare Institute and a veteran with 25 years of service, dives deep into urban combat scenarios in Gaza and Ukraine. He discusses the complexities of fighting an enemy embedded in civilian populations, unpacking the tactics of Hamas and the implications for lawful military responses. Spencer also critiques media portrayals of modern warfare and highlights the importance of accurate casualty reporting. His insights into urban defense strategies and the evolving dynamics of warfare provide a compelling lens on current conflicts.


