The DSR Network
The DSR Network
This podcast will take you on a smart, direct, sometimes scary, sometimes profane, sometimes hilarious tour of the inner workings of American power and of the impact of our leaders and their policies on our standing in the world. Hosted by noted author and commentator David Rothkopf and featuring regulars Rosa Brooks of Georgetown Law School, Kori Schake of AEI, and Ed Luce of the Financial Times, the program will be the lively, smart dinner table conversation on the big issues of the day that you wish you were having...without the calories. Sometimes special guests will join the conversation and always the emphasis will be on providing the unvarnished perspectives others shy away from. Deep State Radio is the insider perspective on American national security and foreign policy that you can't find anywhere else.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider becoming a member by visiting thedsrnetwork.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 3, 2026 • 32min
Siliconsciousness: The Epidemic in Deepfake Financial Scams and Potential Cures
Alice Marwick, research director at Data & Society who studies online deception, and Anya Shiffrin, Columbia SIPA policy expert on AI-enabled scams, unpack AI-driven financial fraud. They explore deepfakes beyond video, how scams are personalized and scaled, platforms’ roles in the scam pipeline, regulatory duty-of-care ideas, reporting gaps, and simple steps people can take to avoid being duped.
Apr 3, 2026 • 27min
The Daily Blast: Trump Blurts Out Damning War Admission as GOP Panics: “What the Hell?”
David Rothkopf, foreign policy writer and podcaster, analyzes U.S. national security and the Iran conflict. He dissects Trump’s offhand Strait of Hormuz line as an admission of failure. He explores how shifting blame to allies risks NATO and deepens a quagmire. He also outlines the political fallout for Republicans and what renewal might look like for Democrats.
Apr 2, 2026 • 41min
Words Matter: Depravity as Far as the Eye Can See
Norm Ornstein, political scholar known for deep knowledge of Congress and governance, offers sharp analysis of DOJ shakeups and pardon abuses. He and David Rothkopf unpack Pam Bondi’s removal, Todd Blanche’s rise, and the erosion of Justice Department integrity. They also trace how policies favor foreign rivals, harm veterans, and corrode military morale.
Apr 2, 2026 • 1h 3min
AI, Energy and Climate: Nuclear security in Iran, energy innovation and AI: Ernest Moniz
Ernest Moniz, former U.S. Energy Secretary and MIT physicist who leads the Energy Futures Initiative, discusses nuclear security in Iran and the risks of striking civilian power infrastructure. He talks about AI’s dual role: creating cyber risks to command-and-control while becoming essential for defense, grid resilience, weather prediction, and scaling energy innovations like hydrogen and subsurface technologies.
Apr 2, 2026 • 24min
DSR Daily April 2: Trump’s Disastrous Address Makes Everything Worse
A heated take on a chaotic televised address and its international fallout. Analysis of how the Iran conflict reshapes alliances and benefits rivals. Discussion of a Republican plan to reopen DHS and critiques of immigration enforcement. Coverage of U.S. recognition moves in Venezuela and alleged corruption. Celebration of NASA’s Artemis II crewed lunar mission.
Apr 2, 2026 • 25min
The Daily Blast: Trump Spirals into Rage as Brutal Poll Hits and Legal Losses Pile Up
Corey Brettschneider, political scientist and author on presidential power and constitutional law. He breaks down recent court setbacks that checked expansive claims of power. He analyzes the Supreme Court hearing on birthright citizenship and why lower courts matter. He also discusses limits on war powers and how public opinion functions as a final check.
Apr 1, 2026 • 37min
Trump Can’t Hide the Ugly Truth About Operation Epic Fiasco
Doug Lute, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO and retired Lieutenant General, brings military strategy and alliance expertise. He dissects the Iran conflict, NATO tensions, and global fallout. Short takes cover munitions shortages, Strait of Hormuz disruptions, and how U.S. unpredictability reshapes alliances and economies.
Apr 1, 2026 • 26min
DSR Daily April 1: End to War May (Or May Not) Come Soon
Discussion of mixed signals about a possible end to the Iran conflict and its wider costs. A new executive order aiming for a nationwide voter list and the legal pushback it faces. Revival of protections for migrants after a DHS ruling. Celebration of the first Moon mission since 1972 and its implications for deep space exploration. Controversy over Gulf drilling exemptions and wildlife risks.
Apr 1, 2026 • 25min
The Daily Blast: Donald Trump’s Presidency Is in Free Fall
Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible and organizer behind massive No Kings protests, reflects on huge turnout even in red areas. She discusses why Trump’s approval is collapsing, how war and immigration energized new opposition, and what sustained grassroots mobilization could mean for turnout and the midterms.
4 snips
Mar 31, 2026 • 25min
DSR Daily March 31: National Gas Prices Above $4 a Gallon as Trump Flounders
They unpack soaring gas prices topping $4 and the political risk that creates. They examine a planned summit aimed at countering Antifa and the free speech implications. They discuss a new Israeli law targeting Palestinians and its global and political fallout. They explore January 6 legal fights and controversial DOJ settlements.
