Podcast Episodes

The "Rubicon: Crossed?" Edition

Episode 231

This week, the gang talks about the explosive revelations of a whistleblower regarding a phone call that Trump had with the president of Ukraine. What's the political and legal significance? What doe…

Published on 5 years, 9 months ago

The "WhistleSTOP" Edition

Episode 230

The Director of National Intelligence refuses to tell Congress about a whistleblower allegation that may involve President Trump. Israelis go to the polls as Benjamin Netanyahu fights to maintain pow…

Published on 5 years, 9 months ago

The “You Can’t Fire Me, I Quit!” Edition

Episode 229

Donald Trump and John Bolton finally part ways. The CIA had a spy in the upper reaches of the Kremlin, then got him out of Russia. And Trump’s Middle East peace negotiator calls it quits.

Hosted on A…

Published on 5 years, 9 months ago

The "'Surprised,' 'Stunned,' and 'Shocked'" Edition

Episode 228

A new inspector general report faults former FBI Director Jim Comey for how he handled memos about his meetings with Donald Trump. The CIA isn’t so sure about a White House plan to expand its presenc…

Published on 5 years, 10 months ago

The "What’s Past is Prorogue" Edition

Episode 227

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson suspends parliament as the Brexit deadline looms. World leaders push back—maybe?—on President Trump at the G7 summit. And Trump tells aides that he’ll pardon them…

Published on 5 years, 10 months ago

The “Skyfall” Edition

Episode 226

Susan and Shane are away, so Ben and Tamara are joined by special guests Scott Anderson and Quinta Jurecic. A Russian missile test accident kills scientists and raises questions. Hong Kong and Kashmi…

Published on 5 years, 10 months ago

The “It’s the Terrorism, Stupid” Edition

Episode 225

A series of shootings renews the discussion and debate around domestic terrorism. The U.S.-China trade war raises big questions about America’s role as a global power. And the United States faces a m…

Published on 5 years, 10 months ago

The “You Too Can Be the DNI!” Edition

Episode 224

President Trump said he will nominate a junior congressman and prominent Mueller critic as the next director of national intelligence. CIA Director Gina Haspel has become a bulwark between the White …

Published on 5 years, 11 months ago

The “I Refer You to the Report” Edition

Episode 223

Bob Mueller finally had his close up. Was he ready for it? Did he change any minds? Did we learn anything new about his investigation? We’ll talk about Mueller’s testimony this week before two congre…

Published on 5 years, 11 months ago

The Report: Part I: Active Measures

We have a special treat for you in the Rational Security feed. Last week, Susan and Ben shared an Object Lesson with you: the podcast The Report, a deep dive narrative look at the contents of the Mue…

Published on 5 years, 11 months ago