NatSec Matters
Beacon Global Strategies LLC
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 pressing problems and assess the effectiveness of U.S. policy responses. They also explore the biographies and careers of individuals who have devoted their lives to protecting our nation, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the inner workings of national security decision-making. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email our team at bgs@bgsdc.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
13 snips
Apr 6, 2026 • 48min
President Trump's Latest Ultimatum to Iran: Adm. Chris Grady
Admiral Chris Grady, retired four-star admiral and former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, shares frontline naval and strategic planning expertise. He walks through the April 6 deadline, targeting Iran’s energy and deeply buried missile sites. He explains why seizing and sanitizing islands and clearing the Strait of Hormuz matter. He outlines operational options, timelines, and the assets involved.
4 snips
Apr 2, 2026 • 27min
Emergency Podcast - Decoding the President's Iran Address: Matt Kroenig
Matt Kroenig, VP for Geostrategy at the Atlantic Council and former defense/intel official. He breaks down the president’s Iran address and its timeline. Short-term operational choices and escort mission mechanics are debated. Iran’s use of denial tactics, risks of ground operations, and regional alliance shifts are explored.
Apr 1, 2026 • 43min
Ukraine's Persistence, Baltic 'Gray Zone' Attacks & Russia's Weak Spots: Mark Montgomery
Michael speaks with Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, following his recent trip to Ukraine. Admiral Montgomery explores the warfare strategies currently defining the conflict, as well as the evolving "gray zone" tactics Russia is employing against the Baltics. He also identifies critical weak spots in the Russian military machine, from logistical vulnerabilities to strategic anxieties, and provides a sobering assessment of the "ground situation" in Ukraine. Finally, Admiral Montgomery explains why the war could realistically continue for another three years and what the US must do to maintain the defense of its allies in the face of persistent Russian aggression.
Mar 25, 2026 • 46min
Off-Ramp or Escalator - The Iranian Regime's Final Act?: Dr. Seth Jones
Dr. Seth Jones, president of CSIS's Defense and Security Program and national security expert, weighs in on Iran's military degradation and regional power reset. He discusses reopening the Strait of Hormuz, potential island operations like Karg, and risks around enriched uranium. He also covers shifts in targeting aimed at regime leadership and worrying munitions shortages affecting broader deterrence.
Mar 20, 2026 • 49min
Israel's Strategic Reset: Yaakov Katz
Yaakov Katz, former Jerusalem Post editor and author, brings sharp expertise on Israeli security and regional strategy. He discusses Israel shifting focus from proxies to direct confrontation with Iran. Conversations cover public support for the campaign, targeting priorities from missiles to leadership figures, U.S. coordination, and political fallout for Israel's leadership.
10 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 54min
The Hormuz Pressure Cooker and Oil Price Roulette: Clay Seigle & Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery
Mark Montgomery, retired Rear Admiral and naval security expert, explains what it takes to reopen the Straits of Hormuz and escort tankers. Clay Siegel, energy-security fellow, outlines how Hormuz disruptions could spike global oil and LNG markets. They discuss strikes on Kharg Island, convoy tactics, mine-clearance challenges, and how military and market moves shape the regional energy squeeze.
Mar 12, 2026 • 51min
Searching for Cracks in Iran's Core: Michael Doran
Michael speaks with Michael Doran, Director of the Hudson Institute's Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East and a former senior director in the National Security Council, about the outlook for U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran. Mr. Doran explains the internal power dynamics within the Iranian regime and why they matter to potential negotiations to de-escalate or end the conflict. He also explores the likely diverging interests of Israeli and American leaders, why understanding the influence of Iranian ethnic groups is vital to charting possible outcomes, and why he believes a citizen-led uprising to topple the government is unlikely.
Mar 11, 2026 • 54min
The CENTCOM Playbook for Iran?: Gen. Joseph Votel
Michael discusses the rapidly developing conflict in the Middle East with General Joseph Votel, former commander of CENTCOM and U.S. Special Operations Command. General Votel analyzes the strategic implications of Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz and the challenges of a potential special operations raid to recover highly enriched uranium in the country. He also examines the shifting power dynamics within the Iranian regime, including how the new Supreme Leader's lack of religious credentials may lead to increased influence from the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Mar 10, 2026 • 41min
Chaos & Control in Iran: Amb. Jeffrey Feltman
Jeffrey Feltman, former UN Under-Secretary-General and Brookings fellow, offers a sharp read on Iran's leadership shift and regional risks. He unpacks Mojtaba Khamenei's sudden rise and regime cohesion. He outlines Israeli targeting, nuclear risks tied to HEU, and the potential for wider regional escalation.
63 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 55min
Exclusive - The Iranian End Game: Richard Nephew
Richard Nephew, former National Security Council director for Iran and current scholar, analyzes Iran’s strategic behavior and nuclear risks. He discusses how the regime might retaliate regionally, leadership succession scenarios, and risks of fragmentation and proliferation. Short, sharp takes on strikes, energy pressure, and the Straits of Hormuz’s de facto closure.
