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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.

Intelligence Matters: The Relaunch

Michael sits down with Admiral (Ret.) Chris Grady, former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to break down the tactical evolution of the Iran conflict following President Trump's recent address to the nation. Admiral Grady provides an insider's perspective on the new deadline the President has announced for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating new strikes. He also explains the strategic calculus behind targeting Iran's energy infrastructure and deeply buried "missile cities." The conversation, recorded on April 3, 2026, explores the sophisticated "ecosystem" of Iranian defiance—from the mixing of missile propellant to the naval mechanics required to "cut the tail off the scorpion" and neutralize threats across the region's islands. Finally, Admiral Grady reflects on his time at the Bush National Security Council to explain how the U.S. is utilizing specialized assets like bunker busters to ensure the Iranian regime cannot threaten global security for a generation.

President Trump's Latest Ultimatum to Iran: Adm. Chris Grady

In this special episode, Michael discusses President Trump's primetime address to the nation on the Iran war with Matt Kroenig, Vice President for Geostrategy at the Atlantic Council. Matt offers his reaction to the President's forward-looking timeline and the administration's strategic claim that the conflict's final objectives are now within sight. He also assesses the likelihood of a ground invasion and how Iran might utilize "denial" attacks to fight back. Finally, Matt weighs in on shifting global alliances, including the impact of Elon Musk's decision to sever Russia's access to Starlink.

Emergency Podcast - Decoding the President's Iran Address: Matt Kroenig

Michael speaks with Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, following his recent trip to Ukraine. Admiral Montgomery explores the warfare strategies currently defining the conflict, as well as the evolving "gray zone" tactics Russia is employing against the Baltics. He also identifies critical weak spots in the Russian military machine, from logistical vulnerabilities to strategic anxieties, and provides a sobering assessment of the "ground situation" in Ukraine. Finally, Admiral Montgomery explains why the war could realistically continue for another three years and what the US must do to maintain the defense of its allies in the face of persistent Russian aggression.

Ukraine's Persistence, Baltic 'Gray Zone' Attacks & Russia's Weak Spots: Mark Montgomery

Michael speaks with Dr. Seth Jones, president of CSIS's Defense and Security Department, to analyze a critical moment in the Iran conflict: are we headed for a diplomatic off-ramp or a rapid escalation toward regime change? Dr. Jones assesses the degradation of Iran's naval and drone capabilities and explains why the current campaign has successfully reset the regional balance of power. However, he also explores the "buying time" strategy of Iranian diplomacy and the increasing pressure from Gulf states to see the regime ended as it continues to strike commercial and energy targets. Finally, Dr. Jones examines the tactical shift in Israeli targeting and what it means for the long-term survival of the IRGC.

Off-Ramp or Escalator - The Iranian Regime's Final Act?: Dr. Seth Jones

Michael speaks with Yaakov Katz, former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post and author of "While Israel Slept", about the profound shift in the Israeli perspective as the focus of the war moves from regional proxies to a direct conflict with Iran. Yaakov explains why a majority of Israelis now support this military campaign, viewing it as a "unique historical opportunity" to dismantle the source of regional instability. He also examines the influence of President Trump on Israel's strategic calculus and offers a candid assessment of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's dramatic political comeback following the October 7th attacks.

Israel's Strategic Reset: Yaakov Katz

In this special episode, Michael zeroes in on the potential for a collapse in global energy security amid the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. First, he speaks with Clay Seigle, a senior energy security fellow at CSIS, about the economic impact of the dangerous choke point at the Straits of Hormuz, where a paralyzed trade is threatening to send global oil prices soaring. Clay also analyzes the strategic implications of U.S. strikes on military infrastructure at Iran's key oil depot on Kharg Island. Then, Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), breaks down the high-stakes naval mechanics of reopening the Straits and why the U.S. must reset Iran's nuclear and ballistic capabilities by "five or seven years" to ensure long-term regional stability.

The Hormuz Pressure Cooker and Oil Price Roulette: Clay Seigle & Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery

Michael speaks with Michael Doran, Director of the Hudson Institute's Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East and a former senior director in the National Security Council, about the outlook for U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran. Mr. Doran explains the internal power dynamics within the Iranian regime and why they matter to potential negotiations to de-escalate or end the conflict. He also explores the likely diverging interests of Israeli and American leaders, why understanding the influence of Iranian ethnic groups is vital to charting possible outcomes, and why he believes a citizen-led uprising to topple the government is unlikely.

Searching for Cracks in Iran's Core: Michael Doran

Michael discusses the rapidly developing conflict in the Middle East with General Joseph Votel, former commander of CENTCOM and U.S. Special Operations Command. General Votel analyzes the strategic implications of Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz and the challenges of a potential special operations raid to recover highly enriched uranium in the country. He also examines the shifting power dynamics within the Iranian regime, including how the new Supreme Leader's lack of religious credentials may lead to increased influence from the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The CENTCOM Playbook for Iran?: Gen. Joseph Votel

Michael Allen discusses Iran's new Supreme Leader with Jeffrey Feltman, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution and former UN Under-Secretary-General. Feltman examines the sudden rise of Mojtaba Khamenei following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, and discusses the regime's internal cohesion despite widespread domestic opposition. He also explains Israeli military targeting strategies, the risk of a "race for the bomb," and the potential for significant regional escalation.

Chaos & Control in Iran: Amb. Jeffrey Feltman

In an exclusive conversation, Michael talks to former National Security Council Director for Iran Richard Nephew about the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and the regime's response. Richard, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, explores how a collapse of the Islamic Republic could unfold and the last-ditch retaliation measures the regime could take against its Middle East neighbors and U.S. forces in the region. He also evaluates leadership succession possibilities and growing concerns regarding nuclear proliferation.

Exclusive - The Iranian End Game: Richard Nephew

Michael reintroduces this episode featuring his conversation with former CIA officer Rolf Mowatt-Larssen, who shares unique anecdotes that reveal the Russian mindset, from a puppet show to a symbolic Bolshoi performance. His firsthand experiences in the country explore how history, culture, and psychology shape Russia's worldview—and foreshadow its actions in geopolitics today.

A Window on Russia: Rolf Mowatt-Larssen

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