Podlitical Risk

On October 12, 2014, Grant Rumley, expert on Palestinian politics and the world's second-biggest Robbie Williams fan*, joined us to discuss, well, Palestinian politics; gobble about Turkey; and answer the question: where in the world is Kim Jong-un? * Aaron takes the top spot with his "Let Me Entertain You" tattoo. This episode originally featured a ten-minute rant by Stephen about the international response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa that was not fit for public consumption.

On March 30, 2014, we sat down with professionally good-looking news ace Paul D. Shinkman of US News & World Report to discuss what constitutes a foreign-policy win in the twenty-first century and why television set in Washington, DC is so unrealistic. (Hint: it fails to convey the abject misery of the DC Metro system.) Paul argues that the Russians can't feed themselves on nationalism; Aaron confuses 'The Americans' with 'The Blacklist'; and Stephen uses the phrase "banking sector" repeatedly.

On May 11, 2014, we were joined by Jeff Dressler -- Afghanistan and Pakistan expert, Professional Staff Member for the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives, and one of Diplomatic Courier's 2012 Top 33 Under 99. (Try saying that one fast or with a straight face.) Under consideration: Afghanistan's elections; Boko Haram; Ukraine and NATO; and the mystery of Jeff's middle name. Archibald or Avikevious? You'll have to listen to find out. Plus, Aaron shows off about his upcoming travel plans, and Stephen, as is his wont, insults Wales.