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
7 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 37min
Special Episode - The Battle for the Middle East: Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery
Mark Montgomery, retired Rear Admiral and national security leader, brings 32 years of Navy experience and policy work. He breaks down U.S.-Israeli strike objectives, sequencing and campaign rhythm. He analyzes risks to shipping, regional bases, and Gulf states. He assesses Iran’s options, proxy threats, and great power reactions in a rapidly shifting Middle East.
Feb 26, 2026 • 46min
Eliminating 'El Mencho' & Re-Engineering the Americas: Dr. Ryan Berg
Dr. Ryan Berg, director of the Americas Program and Venezuela specialist at CSIS. He breaks down Mexico's violent cartel fallout after El Mencho's killing and the shifting U.S.-Mexico security cooperation. He maps Venezuela's high-stakes road to credible elections and outlines U.S. pressure and outreach strategies toward Cuba.
Feb 18, 2026 • 45min
Red Sea Rivalries - The Proxy War for Sudan and the Geopolitical Interests in East Africa: Josh Meservey
Josh Meservey, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and expert on African geopolitics and counterterrorism. He unpacks the Sudanese civil war and its ripple effects across the Red Sea. He explains Saudi and UAE rivalries, maritime choke points, and the Great Power competition as China expands in Africa. He argues the U.S. should prioritize trade and strategic engagement over traditional aid.
Feb 11, 2026 • 48min
The Lurking Escalation with Iran & the Future of the Mideast: Tamir Hayman
Tamir Hayman, retired Israeli major general and former head of IDF intelligence now leading INSS, weighs in on Iran’s rebuilt missile program and the rising chances of military action. He maps Gaza’s shifting control and prospects for a technocratic administration. He also traces a regional reshuffle as Saudi Arabia recalibrates ties with Iran and adjusts relations with neighbors.
Feb 4, 2026 • 42min
US-Iran Summit - Taming Mideast Volatility: Gregory Brew
Gregory Brew, senior analyst at the Eurasia Group and Iran specialist, discusses the high-stakes Istanbul summit. He explains U.S. demands on nukes, missiles, and proxies. He outlines the role of U.S. military pressure, Tehran’s internal credibility crisis, and why strikes remain likely. He also covers regional calculations, possible Iranian targets, and how oil and China factor into the outcome.
36 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 1h 2min
The Iranian Regime's Long Goodbye: Richard Goldberg
Richard Goldberg, a national security expert on Iran and former NSC director for countering Iranian WMD, gives a sharp walkthrough of Iran's protest history and why recent uprisings differ. He maps the regime's violent playbook, explains 2024 pressures like sanctions and internet blackouts, and explores military and political options shaping the country's uncertain future.
34 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 52min
The Future of the Iranian Regime: Jeffrey Feltman
Michael interviews Jeffrey Feltman, a former U.S. diplomat and expert on Middle Eastern politics, about the turmoil in Iran. Feltman discusses the regime's violent crackdown on protests and the significant economic challenges the country faces. He highlights the diverse nature of the protests and the critical factors that might lead to regime collapse, including potential elite defections. Feltman suggests nonkinetic approaches to support protesters and examines the implications of a weakened Iran for the region.
Jan 14, 2026 • 42min
Venezuela After Maduro - U.S. Intervention, Cartels, and the Road Ahead: Dr. Ryan Berg
Dr. Ryan Berg, Director of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, shares his insights on Venezuela's tumultuous future. He delves into the successful Delta Force raid that captured Nicolas Maduro, spotlighting U.S. military prowess. Ryan discusses Venezuela's geopolitical stakes, including drug trade and migration, and the strategic importance of U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean. He also reveals plans for U.S. control of Venezuelan oil revenues and the implications for regional stability.
Jan 7, 2026 • 53min
Venezuela with David Shedd & One Million Downloads
In a captivating discussion, David Shedd, former acting director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, delves into a daring U.S. military operation aimed at capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro for narco-terrorism. He reveals the intricate planning, surprising failures of Venezuelan security, and the operation’s dual motive of regime change. Shedd also highlights the current power dynamics in Venezuela, the implications for Latin America, and the complexities surrounding future governance and U.S. policy.
12 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 40min
The Race to Control Global Tech: Craig Singleton
Craig Singleton, a senior director and fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, dives deep into the tech rivalry between the U.S. and China. He highlights China's strategic use of rare earth magnets and its implications for American manufacturing. Singleton critiques the profit-sharing deal involving NVIDIA's H20 chips, warning of potential risks. He details China's 'five-lever playbook' for dominating critical technologies like polysilicon and LiDAR, emphasizing the hidden threats to U.S. national security, including in biotech.
