The News Items Podcast

Ben Hodges, retired U.S. Army lieutenant general and author, outlines how cheap drones, energy chokepoints, maritime sabotage, and Arctic maneuvering are reshaping conflict. He discusses Ukraine’s grinding war, Iran’s asymmetric tactics, threats to shipping and infrastructure, and Europe’s industrial and political strains. Sharp and urgent conversation about how future wars may already be unfolding.

On this episode of The News Items Podcast, host John Ellis sits down with award-winning journalist Jeffrey Stern, author of Warhead, for a sweeping conversation about how precision-guided bombs reshaped not only modern warfare but also its very moral terrain.Stern traces the surprising origins of “smart” weapons back to World War II, when early guided bomb experiments, including the ill-fated mission that killed Joseph Kennedy Jr., hinted at a future of remote-controlled destruction. The technology lay dormant until the Cold War and Vietnam era, when the Eisenhower administration’s emphasis on precision found an unlikely partner in Texas Instruments. What began as tinkering with guidance systems evolved into the laser-guided bombs that defined the Gulf War and transformed America’s military image into one of surgical, high-tech dominance.But the story doesn’t end with Desert Storm. Stern and Ellis examine how drone warfare and autonomous weapons have complicated the promise of precision. Has technology reduced civilian casualties, or simply made war easier to wage? And what happens when algorithms, not pilots, make life-and-death decisions?Along the way, Stern reflects on the human stories behind the machinery, the evolution of war coverage in the media age, and his own move into film production. News-Items.comHosted by John EllisProduced by Dale Eisinger

In this episode of the News Items Podcast, host John Ellis welcomes political analyst Charlie Cook, founder of the Cook Political Report. They delve into the evolution of American politics since the late 1970s, discussing the stark polarization of today's political landscape compared to the more ideologically diverse parties of the past. Cook reflects on how the dynamics of voter behavior have shifted, with a significant portion of the electorate now firmly aligned with either party, making it increasingly difficult for candidates to appeal to undecided voters. They also explore the implications of recent elections, including the narrow margins that have defined recent presidential races and the challenges facing both parties in the upcoming midterms. The conversation further touches on the role of media in shaping public perception, particularly regarding President Biden's age and mental capacity, and how the media's credibility has been affected by its coverage of Trump. Cook shares insights on the upcoming midterm elections, highlighting key races and the factors that could influence voter turnout. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of the Democratic Party and the potential for independent candidates in a polarized political environment.News-Items.comHosted by John EllisProduced by Dale Eisinger

In the latest News Items Podcast, Juan Enriquez and John got together and discussed the life sciences revolution, the AI revolution, scientific research, the impact of advanced technologies on nation-states and the perils of brain drain. There was more to it than that, but that’s the gist. It’s a fascinating conversation because of Juan’s extraordinary grasp of complex topics and issues and his ability to discuss them in ways all of us can understand.News-Items.comHosted by John EllisProduced by Dale Eisinger

In this episode of the News Items Podcast, host John Ellis interviews Rick Cordella, the president of NBC Sports. Rick shares his journey from being a sports enthusiast and basketball player at Providence College to leading NBC Sports. He discusses his early career in fantasy sports, which led to an acquisition by NBC, and his subsequent rise through the ranks. Rick highlights the strategic importance of sports in driving subscriptions and engagement for platforms like Peacock, emphasizing the role of sports as a cultural touchstone. The conversation also touches on NBC's recent acquisitions, including NBA and MLB rights, and the challenges of managing major events like the Super Bowl and Winter Olympics simultaneously. Rick reflects on the evolving media landscape, the value of niche sports content, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships in the sports industry. The episode concludes with insights into NBC's new sports channel and the future of sports broadcasting.News Items on Substack

In this conversation, John Ellis interviews Sven Beckert about his book Capitalism: A Global History. Beckert discusses the definition of capitalism, its historical evolution, and its global implications. He emphasizes the importance of understanding capitalism from a historical perspective, highlighting key events such as the Industrial Revolution and the rise of neoliberalism. The conversation also touches on the role of inequality, financialization, and the unique characteristics of Chinese capitalism, as well as the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the future of capitalism.News Items on SubstackCapitalism: A Global History on Amazon

Dr. Neal Kassell is the founder and chairman of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation and former Co-Chair of Neurosurgery at the University of Virginia. He’s the driving force behind focused ultrasound. For the most up-to-date information about focused ultrasound, here’s a link to “The State of the Field 2025” report.I talked with Neal at some length two weeks ago. The science is remarkable. The technology is developed (and developing). One story he tells about a woman with essential tremor is astonishing.Listen here. You’ll be amazed.

In this inaugural episode of the News Items Podcast -- The Future Coming at You --  I interviewed Jane Metcalfe about (1) “capturing” the digital revolution in the 1990s (with Wired magazine, which she co-founded), (2) covering the neobiological revolution with proto.life, (3) helping organize a global consortium to draw the map of the human immune system, and (4) helping advance “focused ultrasound” to treat a number of diseases, including cancer. She was a great guest. We think you'll agree.