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
Mar 31, 2026 • 21min
The Daily Blast: Angry Trump Erupts over War Failures as Pope’s Harsh Rebuke Hits Hard
Sarah Posner, journalist and religion scholar who hosts Reign of Error, unpacks how extreme Christian Reconstructionist ideas shape calls for violence. She traces the theology behind dehumanizing rhetoric, connects it to threats against Iran, and explains why the Pope’s rebuke matters. Short, sharp takes on religion, politics, and the rhetoric fueling harsh wartime impulses.
Mar 30, 2026 • 22min
DSR Daily March 30: Millions Join “No Kings” Protests
They cover massive “No Kings” protests, how turnout and demographics could reshape politics. They analyze Iran-linked missile strikes across the Middle East and possible U.S. responses. They examine ICE assisting airport security and the travel and economic fallout. They discuss a Russian oil delivery to Cuba and a high court hearing on birthright citizenship.
Mar 30, 2026 • 21min
The Daily Blast: Trump Throws Stephen Miller Under Bus in Surprise Display of Panic
Chris Newman, counsel at the National Day Laborer Organizing Network and longtime immigrant worker advocate. He unpacks leaks showing tension over mass deportations. He describes how Miller’s tactics harmed officials and communities. He explores whether Trump is distancing himself from Miller and what shifting politics mean for immigration policy.
Mar 29, 2026 • 16min
DSR Weekly Wrap-Up: Trump Adds Signature to Money in Latest Vanity Project
Conversation covers a high-profile signature being added to paper currency and the controversy around presidential vanity projects. Discussion of the Senate deal that averted a partial government shutdown and its effects on homeland agencies. Debate about U.S.-Europe tensions related to Iran, pauses on military strikes, and the diplomatic risks of escalation.
Mar 27, 2026 • 29min
Words Matter: Top House Dem: Trump’s Got No Good Options in Iran
Adam Smith, ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee and U.S. Representative, offers a congressional perspective on defense and homeland security. He discusses legal limits on funding TSA by executive order. He explains how political loyalty weakens oversight and how promotions undermine military expertise. He assesses why there is no easy military solution in Iran and the risks of escalation.
Mar 27, 2026 • 20min
The Daily Blast: Trump Explodes in Angry Panic over Midterms as Brutal Fox Poll Hits
Ryan O'Donnell, executive director of Data for Progress and polling expert, walks through public opinion on the midterms and the Iran war. He breaks down how war opposition and rising costs are eroding independent support. He highlights which voter groups are slipping away and why candidate quality and messaging on affordability could shape November.
Mar 26, 2026 • 35min
NTK: Jen Welch Gets It! It’s Time for Us All to Become ‘Dark Woke!’
Jennifer Welch, podcaster and political commentator, argues Democrats must stop playing nice and go on offense. She discusses Trump’s erratic behavior, Christian nationalism’s political role, why Democrats should expose hypocrisy instead of pandering, and the strategy of adopting a bold ‘dark woke’ message to damage MAGA branding and win over changing voters.
Mar 26, 2026 • 16min
DSR Daily March 26: Trump and Iran at Odds Over Peace Deal
Discussion of the DOJ’s $1.25M settlement with Michael Flynn and the political fallout. Tension between Trump and Iran over a proposed ceasefire and rejected indirect talks. Coverage of missile strikes, energy market shocks, and regional escalation. Legal verdicts hitting Meta and YouTube and their possible industry fallout.
Mar 26, 2026 • 23min
The Daily Blast: Trump Press Sec Goes Full Cult as New Leaks on War Humiliate Him Badly
Emily Horne, former National Security Council and State Department official who writes the Spin Class Substack. She discusses curated war briefings that sanitize violence. She critiques press claims that truth is whatever the president says. She warns that hagiography and loyalty tests corrode honest advice and responsible wartime decision making.
Mar 25, 2026 • 33min
Searching for an Offramp to a Reckless, Irresponsible War
Ed Luce, Financial Times columnist known for geopolitics and global economics, offers sharp analysis. Rosa Brooks, Georgetown law professor and national security expert, critiques military policy. They debate whether a viable off-ramp from the Iran conflict exists. They discuss escalation cycles, Iran’s leverage via the Strait of Hormuz, political limits of firepower, and why negotiated face-saving exits look unlikely.
