PODCAST · news
The Steady State Sentinel
by The Steady State
The Steady State Sentinel is produced by The Steady State, a community of former national security professionals who spent their careers safeguarding the United States at home and abroad. Today, we continue that mission by staying true to our oaths to defend the Constitution, uphold democracy, and protect national security. Each episode features expert hosts in conversation with accomplished guests whose experience sheds light on the crises and challenges facing the nation. New episodes every Tuesday and subscribe on YouTube for the video editon.
Episodes
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“A Few Good People”: James Martin on Service, Democracy & Congress
The Florida congressional candidate on military service, democratic institutions, national security, and why Congress needs to reclaim its constitutional role. Episode Summary: In this candidate edition of The Steady State Sentinel, host Bree Fram sits down with James Martin, Democratic nominee…
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Spies, Yachts & Kleptocrats: Alex Finley on Russia’s Hidden Money
What bureaucracy, satire, sanctions, and superyachts reveal about intelligence, Russian power, and Western institutions. Episode Summary Former CIA officer, journalist, author, and Russian oligarch yacht tracker Alex Finley joins John Sipher for a wide-ranging conversation about intelligence,...
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You Don’t Set Quotas for Law Enforcement Because Bad Things Are Going to Happen
A sheriff, a former immigration official, and an immigration policy director examine what happens when aggressive immigration enforcement collides with policing, constitutional rights, and community trust. In the third installment of The Steady State Sentinel’s series on immigration, hosts Peter...
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143 Day incarceration : A Lawful Permanent Resident, a Bad $25 Check, and the Cost of America's Immigration System
A legal-status hospice care provider detained for 143 days tells her story — the conditions inside, the demand for obscure "magical paperwork," and why she and her husband are now fighting to change the law. Hosts Lauren Anderson and Peter Mina sit down with Donna Hughes-Brown, a British-born...
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No Cloak, No Dagger: A Professor's Secret Life Inside the CIA
A distinguished professor and decorated intelligence officer on 25 years of balancing academia and espionage, the value of scientific credentials in the field, and why diversity makes the CIA stronger. Host Jim Lawler sits down with his former CIA colleague Dr. Les Paldy, a distinguished service...
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From West Point to Congress: A Veteran Runs on Common Sense and Service
A former Army lieutenant colonel and Lincoln Project executive on why he's running for Congress, the "weight of leadership," and why the costs, chaos, and corruption of this administration are hitting home in Missouri. Host John Sipher sits down with Fred Wellman, a West Point graduate, former…
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A Million-Dollar Lawsuit and the State of American Intelligence
Veteran journalist Jeff Stein on the chilling effect of Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) suits, the purge of the intelligence community, and why he's "cautious" about the future. Host Jim Lawler sits down with Jeff Stein, the founding editor-in-chief of Spy Talk and a…
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The Autocrats' Worst Enemy: Why Despots Fear Mayors
A former U.S. Ambassador and Los Angeles Deputy Mayor on why local leaders are democracy's front line, how cities can resist authoritarianism, and what you can do to help. Host Lauren Anderson sits down with Ambassador Nina Hachigian, founder and CEO of the Alliance for Local Leaders…
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Cornucopia of Vectors of Theft: How China Is Stealing America's Economic Future
A former CIA officer on China’s espionage successes, America’s IP losses, and the growing threat to the U.S. economy. Host John Sipher sits down with his former CIA colleague Glenn Chafetz, now Director of the 2430 Group, a nonprofit focused on state-sponsored espionage against the economy.…
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The Intelligence You Don't See: A Career Analyst Warns about Systemic Weaponization of the Intelligence Community
A former CIA analyst and NSC director on the weaponization of the DNI, the decapitation of the NSC, and why dissent is no longer tolerated. Host Bree Fram, a retired Space Force colonel, sits down with Julia Curlee, a former CIA analyst with 25 years of experience who served as an National…
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The Iran You Don't See: The Regime, the People, and What America Gets Wrong
A 22-year veteran of the CIA and Iran specialist on why the regime survives, the MOU disaster, the lessons of Iraq, and the history and humanity of Iranians. Host Jim Lawler sits down with his former CIA colleague Mark Fowler, a decorated case officer and one of the most experienced Iran…
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America's Nuclear Guardians: A Conversation on Security, Espionage, and Speaking Truth to Power
A former acting Under Secretary for Nuclear Security on the damage being done to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, and why he "never bets against America." Host Jim Lawler sits down with his former CIA colleague Bruce Held, who served as Chief of...
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Breaking the Cockpit Barrier: One Pilot's Fight to Engineer Inclusion into the Military
A retired Air Force lieutenant colonel on height requirements that excluded 44% of women, the first maternity flight suit, and why "truth isn't afraid of transparency." In her debut as a co-host of the Steady State Sentinel, retired Space Force Colonel Bree Fram joins Lauren Anderson to interview...
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The Recruiter's Recruiter: Trust, Treason, and the Human Elements of Espionage with Jim Lawler
25-year CIA case officer and author Jim Lawler on the ten qualities of a top recruiter, the A.Q. Khan takedown, the Hanssen case, and why speaking truth to power matters more than ever. In this episode, host Lauren Anderson turns the tables on co-host Jim Lawler, a 25-year veteran of the CIA's...
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Phillips O'Brien on America's Strategic Collapse
The acclaimed military historian explains why conflict in Iran, Ukraine and the erosion of alliances point to a deeper crisis in American strategy and details the critical nature of the 2026 midterm elections. In the latest episode of the Steady State Sentinel, Phillips O'Brien, Professor of...
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The Making of a Public Servant: Lauren C. Anderson's Journey to the Senior Ranks of the FBI
Service, gut checks, the power of humanity in law enforcement, and why she said “yes” to The Steady State. In a format shift, host Peter Mina turns the microphone over to co-host Lauren C. Anderson to explore her origin story — from a childhood visit to the FBI where a tour guide told her girls...
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The Uncrowned King: Ambassador Charles A. Ray on America’s Authoritarian Turn
A former U.S. Army officer, diplomat, and ambassador to Cambodia and Zimbabwe on oath, duty, service beyond party, the collapse of institutional guardrails, and why rebuilding trust will take decades. Host Jim Lawler, a former senior CIA operations officer, sits down with Ambassador Charles A.…
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The Bob Mueller Standard: Justice, Integrity, and Public Service
Two former federal prosecutors on what the job is supposed to represent at its best, why Bob Mueller was the model, and the prosecutor’s unique duty to serve and protect the system itself. What does it mean to be a federal prosecutor when the client is the United States and the measure of success...
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Inside the Situation Room: Larry Pfeiffer on the Politicization of Intelligence, Professional Integrity, and the Cost of Truth
A former CIA chief of staff and White House Situation Room senior director warns that politicized intelligence can weaken national security by chilling truth telling, hollowing out institutions, and discouraging young talent from entering public service. Former senior CIA operations officer Jim...
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Common Sense for a Democracy in Crisis
The fight to repair public service, Congress, and democratic accountability In this episode of The Steady State Sentinel, John Sipher speaks with veteran intelligence and counterterrorism official Russ Travers about the state of American democracy, the national security system, and his…
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Hunting Weapons of Mass Destruction (with Andy Weber)
This special joint episode of the Steady State Sentinel and Mission Implausible brings together two podcasts focused on separating fact from manipulation, defending democratic institutions, and understanding real-world national security threats. Hosted by former CIA officers John Sipher and Jerry...
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Afraid to Speak, Afraid for Democracy: New Poll Finds Widespread Concern About Authoritarianism
A top pollster and an award-winning journalist break down who is self‑censoring, why Gen Z sees democracy differently, and whether the U.S. can reverse its authoritarian slide. Host Lauren C. Anderson, former senior FBI executive, sits down with pollster Stefan Hankin of Lincoln Park Strategies…
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The War on the Press: How Trump Attacks the First Amendment
A veteran LA Times correspondent on Trump’s assault on the press, the White House Correspondents' Dinner security scare, and the fight for truth in a fractured media era. In the latest episode of the Sentinel podcast, former CIA Operations Officer Margaret Henoch interviews Bob Drogin, a 38-year...
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The Most Powerful Intelligence Tool You’ve Never Heard Of: A Former CIA Lawyer Explains Section 702
A deep dive into FISA, modern surveillance authorities, and the growing tension between intelligence collection and civil liberties in the digital age. Former CIA Senior Officer Jim Petrila joins Peter Mina to break down the evolution of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), the...
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Saving My Life's Work: Eric Rubin on the Dismantling of American Diplomacy
The Spoils System Returns, the Foreign Service Professional Association Is Crushed, and Why the Next President Will Be Handicapped In the latest episode of the Sentinel, Peter Mina interviews Ambassador Eric Rubin, a 38‑year Foreign Service veteran, former president of American Foreign Service...
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The Fragile Glue: Mark Zaid on Whistleblowers, Retaliation, and the Rule of Law
Government Transparency, Security Clearance Battles, and the Future of American Democracy Former CIA officer Jim Lawler and former FBI senior executive Lauren C. Anderson host Mark Zaid, a renowned national security attorney who has represented whistleblowers, been personally targeted by a...
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The MAGA Crack-Up: David Corn on Iran, the FBI, and a Democracy Under Siege
Conspiracy Narratives, Media Challenges, and the Long Shadow of Russian Influence Former CIA officer John Sipher sits down for the latest Sentinel podcast with David Corn, Washington bureau chief for Mother Jones and one of the nation’s most respected political journalists. They dive deep into…
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Protecting Liberty in the Age of Surveillance
How a former Chief of the Office of Civil Liberties, Privacy and Transparency at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence thinks about privacy, protest, and the power of government data. In the latest episode of the Sentinel, American University Adjunct professor and...
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The Counterrevolution: Tom Shannon on America’s Retreat from the World
Soft Power, Hard Choices, and the Hollowing Out of U.S. Diplomacy In this edition of the Sentinel podcast, host Lauren Anderson, former senior FBI executive, sits down with Ambassador Tom Shannon, one of the most experienced diplomats of his generation. They discuss what Shannon describes as a...
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Leaving MAGA: Identity, Propaganda, and the Path Back
A conversation on identity, disinformation, and the path out of political extremism In this week's episode of the Sentinel podcast, John Sipher speaks with Rich Logis, founder of Leaving MAGA, about his journey into—and out of—the movement. They explore how identity, belonging, and media…
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From Iran to Ukraine: Inside America’s National Security Breakdown
Strategic Failures, Intelligence Erosion, and the New Global Threat Landscape In the latest episode of the Sentinel podcast, Jim Lawler hosts investigative journalist Seth Hettena to discuss the U.S. war with Iran, domestic security, and global policy challenges. Domestically, they discuss the...
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Allies, Intelligence, and a Fraying American Center
In this week's episode, Lauren Anderson and Phil Gurski discuss the Five Eyes partnership, the FBI’s challenges, and why politicized intelligence endangers everyone. Summary: Former FBI executive Lauren Anderson sits down with Canadian intelligence veteran Phil Gurski, the first international…
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Reporting in the Crosshairs: Shane Harris on Politicized Intelligence, Press Freedom, and America’s Allies
Inside the risks of reporting on intelligence in an era of political pressure and weakening institutional guardrails John Sipher sits down with The Atlantic’s Shane Harris for a wide-ranging conversation on intelligence reporting, the unraveling of trust in American institutions, threats to press...
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Might Makes Right? Michael Morell on U.S. Power, Allies, and Adversaries
Former CIA deputy director Michael Morell joins former senior CIA operations officers Jim Lawler and John Sipher to reflect on post 9/11 overcorrection towards counterterrorism. They assess the current “might makes right” approach to foreign policy, and weigh the arguments for and against efforts...
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An Apolitical FBI is Vital to National Security
Host Lauren Anderson leads a candid conversation with retired FBI officials Mark Ferbrache, Nikki Rutman, and Mae Syed. Their discussion covers successfully resolved cases, the value of the FBI to civil society, and the reputational damage caused by politicization of law enforcement.
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America’s “Strategic Self-Immolation”
National Security reporter and author Tim Weiner and host Jim Lawler discuss how the Trump Administration’s politicization of our national security institutions, attacks on our constitution and rule of law, and betrayal of our allies are putting us in danger of losing our civil liberties at home...
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Chilling Racial Cleansing
Host Peter Mina interviews Bill Braniff and Dexter Ingram, two renowned experts on countering extremism who issue a red alert on the executive branch’s shameless reliance on white supremacist symbolism and arguments to defend its actions. (recorded 1-16-26)
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No Rules of Engagement
Lieutenant General (Retired) Ben Hodges speaks out on the improper use of the U.S. military, its impact on U.S. defense and our allies’ growing distrust. (Recorded 12-4-2025)
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We are Living Through a Giant Civics Lesson
In this episode, Dr. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an NYU professor and expert in fascism and authoritarian leaders speaks with host Jim Lawler about the threats from authoritarianism in the United States and what can be done to push back on this rising tide. (Recorded 1-27-2026)
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Rubicon Moments
What are the consequences for national security when experienced professionals face personal and professional costs for telling truth to power? Co-hosts Lauren Anderson, James Lawler, Peter Mina, and John Sipher discuss the personal costs of professional integrity and how those pressures, when...
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The Most Perilous Time
What happens when an astronaut who’s seen Earth from 250 miles up—and an Air Force fighter pilot who’s defended it from the ground—decides that American democracy is now in more danger than at any point in his lifetime? In this conversation, Terry Virts makes a blunt, urgent case for why he’s...
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We’re Sitting on a Powder Keg
Political analyst Jack Hopkins shares three red flags with The Steady State Sentinel guest host Margaret Henoch, warning that Iran, attacks on the judiciary, and targeting of U.S. citizens by the government are potentially incendiary threats to U.S. democracy and national security. (recorded...
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A Terrible Way to Govern
The Steady State Chair and seasoned diplomat Jim O’Brien denounces one-man rule and transactional foreign policy decisions in conversations with host Peter Mina, criticizing the Trump-created environment of cruelty that shadows our nation. (recorded 01-15-2026)
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The Country is Suffering
Denver Riggleman, a former Republican member of Congress, reveals the soul-killing costs of trying to uphold the Constitution in a party that upholds Trump first. From affordability to foreign policy, he tells co-hosts Jim Lawler and John Sipher, the consequences for America are profound.
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America's Soul: Adam Kinzinger on Courage and Country
Former Congressmember Adam Kinzinger shares the human toll of standing up to the cult of Donald Trump and putting country before party. Speaking with co-hosts and former CIA experts Jim Lawler and John Sipher, Kinzinger bares all about what 10 years of Donald Trump has done to America’s soul....
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No One Is Protected: Immigration, Institutional Trust, and Arbitrary Enforcement
What happens when the rules stop protecting those who follow them? Immigration attorney Amy Peck and former FBI executive Lauren Anderson examine how unpredictable enforcement erodes trust, legitimacy, and the rule of law—and why the consequences extend far beyond immigration.
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An Existential Threat to the Republic
The Steady State Executive Director Steven Cash draws on decades of experience watching foreign democracies fail to highlight the existential risks the United States faces under President Donald Trump. Award-winning CIA operative James Lawler conducts this provocative discussion about encroaching...
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Too Many Of Our Leaders Are No Longer Accountable
On the anniversary of the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, veteran national-security leaders and Steady State Sentinel hosts Lauren Anderson, James Lawler, Peter Mina and John Sipher break their silence. Drawing on decades of service in the CIA, FBI, and Homeland Security (DHS), they...
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Too Many Of Our Leaders Are No Longer Accountable (Teaser)
On the anniversary of the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, veteran national-security leaders and Steady State Sentinel hosts Lauren Anderson, James Lawler, Peter Mina and John Sipher break their silence. Drawing on decades of service in the CIA, FBI, and Homeland Security (DHS), they...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Steady State Sentinel is produced by The Steady State, a community of former national security professionals who spent their careers safeguarding the United States at home and abroad. Today, we continue that mission by staying true to our oaths to defend the Constitution, uphold democracy, and protect national security. Each episode features expert hosts in conversation with accomplished guests whose experience sheds light on the crises and challenges facing the nation.
New episodes every Tuesday and subscribe on YouTube for the video editon.
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The Steady State
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Steady State Sentinel have?
The Steady State Sentinel currently has 49 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Steady State Sentinel about?
The Steady State Sentinel is produced by The Steady State, a community of former national security professionals who spent their careers safeguarding the United States at home and abroad. Today, we continue that mission by staying true to our oaths to defend the Constitution, uphold democracy, and...
How often does The Steady State Sentinel release new episodes?
The Steady State Sentinel has 49 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Steady State Sentinel?
You can listen to The Steady State Sentinel on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Steady State Sentinel?
The Steady State Sentinel is created and hosted by The Steady State.
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