Shows
Sirens: A Bombshell productionReductions, Retention, and ReimaginingIn this mini-episode of Sirens, Radha and Loren continue the conversation with (first! special!) guest Cristin Dorgelo, former senior advisor at the Office of Management and budget, detailing the longer tail of of impacts the American people and the federal workforce can anticipate from the current chaos of RIFs, and how this might be a chance to reimagine the federal talent management process.2025-07-2913 minSirens: A Bombshell productionAssistant Secretaries, Abundance, And RIFsSirens is back with episode four, and we’ve added our first guest and a virtual gong! Erin, Radha and Loren race through a drill on the NDAA, TSA security theatrics, the Fed Chair, and air conditioning (?!), followed by a true dumpster fire (the new Schedule G) and more of a dumpster framework (abundance: what is it actually?). Our first guest, former OMB senior advisor Cristin Dorgelo, goes deep on the context, process and consequences of Reductions in Force. And we disclose our favorite TikToks/Reels moments! 2025-07-231h 05Sirens: A Bombshell productionPlanes, Tanks, and Autonomous VehiclesSirens is back with a mini-episode dissecting the Defense Department's budget request. Listen as Radha and Erin review the process and substance of DoD's behemoth budget - what's new, what's not, and what we're watching! And of course, because it's our valentine - how does this process compare to what usually happens. 2025-07-1620 minSirens: A Bombshell productionRevolving Doors, RIP USAID, and Resistance.Sirens is back with episode 3! On the cocktail circuit, the Erin, Radha and Loren chat the on and off again relationship with Ukraine munitions, Social Security Performance Data, and the ever-revolving door. Bigger picture in Warning Signs, they dive deep into the death of USAID (long live USAID?) and the crazy competition for AI talent. And Erin gives us an incredible lesson on the history and efficacy of political protest. The Gong Show closes with 4th of July traditions.2025-07-091h 06Sirens: A Bombshell productionTech Colonels, Posse Comitatus, IranThis is Sirens, a new podcast from the hosts of Bombshell. This week Loren, Erin, and Radha recast military movies with Muppets and kick off "it's a drill" - cocktail chatters on recent events like the commissioning of tech leaders and stalling of the big beautiful bill. Diving deeper with "Dumpster Fires," they talk concerns on domestic use of military forces and promise and perils of AI in public sector. With "Warning Signs" they dig into slow burn crises and long term hazards, with this week (no surprise) on Iran. How did we get here and is it a big...2025-06-251h 08Sirens: A Bombshell productionCozy Mysteries, Delicious fantasy, and Nonfiction?This is Sirens, a new podcast from the hosts of bombshell. This week Loren, Erin, and Radha are experimenting with shorter form content to dive deep on matters large and small in between thelonger shows. Our first one explores summer reading philosophy, and you'll come away with a dozen ideas for your beach library. Come for the cozy or delicious novels, stay for the new series you should try. There's also some nonfiction if that's you thing!2025-06-1812 minSirens: A Bombshell productionBond markets, AI and DOGE2025This is Sirens, a new series, brought to you by the Ladies of Bombshell - Loren DeJonge Schulman, Radha Iyengar Plumb, and Erin Simpson. In this episode, our hosts talk about why they are launching a new podcast, reveal what horrible things they have discovered at the bottom of their work bags, and talk about issues that may lure men to their death (but in a good way!). They discuss what's stuck in their craw from the big beautiful bill to changes in foreign student rules to drama in the national security council. Then, they deep dive on key issues...2025-06-101h 02Sirens: A Bombshell productionLook what you made me doLoren, Erin, and Radha reunite for a special 90 minute episode to break down the biggest and messiest issues from the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. Come for the new (AI!) ice breakers, stay serious analysis (and gossipy intrigue) of tariffs-ahem-TRADE TAXES, a whole new world of foreign relations, and general government mayhem. And of course pop culture from spicy dragon books to Star Wars to our old favorite Thomas Cromwell. (An independent production) 2025-05-051h 32Sirens: A Bombshell productionThen One Foggy Christmas EveIn the tradition of British dramas, Erin, Loren, and Radha reunite for a special holiday episode. The ladies flip the script, answering a range of questions from the first ever Manniversary guest Kai Ryssdal. They then return to some of their greatest hits including transition process, civ-mil issues, and personnel policy replete with process details and holiday movie analogies. Stay through the end to hear pop culture recommendations and special appearances from many former guests with answers to their favorite Bombshell questions.2020-12-1553 minSirens: A Bombshell productionOne for the RoadFor their 100th episode, Erin, Loren and Radha discuss new issues, like the escalating conflict at the Ethiopia-Eritrea border, old issues, like HVT targeting of al-Qaeda leadership, and, of course, continuing trade issues with China. They then turn to a discussion of all the White House mayhem (Ok, not all! No one has that kind of time), including lack of legal authority for Department of Homeland Security leadership to make decisions about DACA, the Defense Department “purge,” and the complicated, not-quite-yet-started transition of the Biden administration. The team ties a bow on this episode with a discussion of holiday movies and...2020-11-1759 minSirens: A Bombshell productionAnticipation Is Making Me LateLoren, Erin, and Radha are joined by their most frequent guest (Kori Schake) and a new guest (Katrina Mulligan) to discuss foreign policy issues we'll need to worry about regardless of the election outcome! After a lively discussion, the ladies go over foreign policy issues that have been over-discussed, under-discussed, and the processes that will always be their valentines. They wrap up with pop culture, self-care, and indulgences to help get you through election day and beyond!2020-11-0356 minSirens: A Bombshell productionFinal CountdownLoren, Radha, and Erin reconvene to explore many of Bombshell's greatest hits - Brexit, troop levels in Afghanistan, and arms control. With a dash of ethnic conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh thrown in for flavor. The ladies then drop a Bombshell of their own: this fair podcast will be wrapping up in 2020. It's the final countdown! 2020-10-2040 minSirens: A Bombshell productionKarma Puh-leezeErin, Radha and Loren use COVID-19 as a frame to ask what this crazy time has brought to our attention, what it’s distracted is from, what it’s possibly helped, and how it’s shaped our own skills and interests. And shopping. Links “,” Reuters, October 01, 2020 “,” The Guardian, October 05, 2020 Todd Lopez, “,” US Department of Defense, September 29, 2020 2020-10-0753 minSirens: A Bombshell productionI'm a Loser, BabyLoren, Radha, and Erin invite Camille Stewart, non-resident fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center, to discuss all the cyber threats and how individual behavior uniquely connects with our ability to mitigate or respond to them. In keeping up foreign relations, we provide short updates on Alexei Navalny, Belarus, and Brexit alongside a brief farewell to Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe. We'd like to remind you all that Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq are still a thing, and after all the takes have been shared on Trump's views on service members, we talk about the role of the press in this story.2020-09-091h 00Sirens: A Bombshell productionIt's Fun to Stay in the JCPOARadha, Erin, and Loren host Nina Jancowicz, disinformation fellow at the Wilson Center and author of , to talk about the ongoing protests in Belarus and what we should read into the alleged poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. In keeping up foreign relations, the ladies explore the latest U.S. attempt to use the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA or “Iran nuclear deal”) — an agreement the United States ghosted on — to reinstate sanctions on Iran, and in White House mayhem they assess how the recent Senate Select Committee on Intelligence report on the 2016 election. Plus, process is our Valentine...2020-08-2559 minSirens: A Bombshell productionTik Tok Ya Don’t StopThis week Erin and Radha regroup while Loren takes a much-deserved vacation. They do a quick review on COVID-19 with the good (100 days no new cases in New Zealand), the bad (cases in Brazil, India, and the United States continue to grow), and the ugly (long-term economic consequences in the United States, India, and Brazil). They also dig into the recent explosion and protests in Lebanon and then go deep on the recent executive order impacting TikTok and WeChat. After reminding us that Afghanistan is still a thing, they talk about the lack of accurate and comprehensive briefings for POTUS an...2020-08-1148 minSirens: A Bombshell productionSimple Joys of MaidenhoodThis week the band is back together with Loren, Radha, and Erin once again all in the same time zone. They dive into Mike Pompeo's China speech, global COVID trends, and the world-famous Missile Technology Control Regime. Also, Congress approved the NDAA, and they have lots of thoughts on DHS "troops" engaging protesters in Portland. Stick around for pop-culture dissection of the Guinevere Deception! Links “,” US Department of State, July 23, 2020 Thomas Wright, “,” Atlantic, July 25, 2020 Richard Haass, “,” Washington Post, July 25, 2020 “,” Arms Control Association, July 2017 Aaron Mehta and Valerie Insinna, “,” Defense One, July 25, 2020 Amanda Macias, “,” CNBC, July 24, 2020 Rachel S. Cohen, “,” Air Force Magazine, July 23, 2020 Connor...2020-07-2858 minSirens: A Bombshell productionPeople Try to Put Us DownWith Radha and Erin on the road, Loren invites Ashely Feng of the Center for a New American Security, Kaleigh Thomas of CNAS, Kara Frederick of CNAS, Hijab Shah of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and Meghan McGee of Georgetown University for a Bombshell takeover to discuss foreign policy issues with big generational shifts.2020-07-141h 07Sirens: A Bombshell productionRevenge of CartographyIn this episode of Bombshell, the ladies welcome Madelyn Creedon, former deputy administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration, to discuss the state of arms control today. The crew also discusses other foreign relations goings on: North Korea won’t call South Korea on their cell phone, late at night, or otherwise; India-China drama continues; and there’s much ado in Venezuela. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering full withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan before November and you may have noticed something’s up in civil-military relations.2020-06-1652 minSirens: A Bombshell productionChina, All the Way to New YorkIn this week’s episode, while Loren cleans out her office, Radha and Erin dig into an array of China-related topics: Huawei! India! Hong Kong! And last, but certainly not least, the World Health Organization. The ladies then turn to White House/American mayhem and try to be analytical while lamenting ongoing violence against black Americans and the potential deployment of U.S. troops in American cities. And finally, an awkward transition to a discussion of pop-culture yields some gems. Links Huawei Scott Bade, “,” Tech Crunch, May 30, 2020 Emily Feng, “,” NPR, May 28, 2020 India Border Jeffrey Gettleman and Steven Lee Myers, “,” New York Times, May...2020-06-0246 minSirens: A Bombshell productionI'm On A BoatThis week Erin, Loren, and Radha regroup for a "what did I miss" session to discuss the events of the last few weeks. Starting with the bizarre coup that wasn't in Venezuela, the ladies go on to talk about the Iran not-so-snap-back sanctions — including the Babysitter's Club analogy that you’ll need in order to understand why everyone is so annoyed — and the potentially pending restart of the China trade war. They then turn to the dwindling number of inspector generals and remind everyone why process is their valentine. They close out this episode with a discussion of books that will h...2020-05-1950 minSirens: A Bombshell productionBurning Out Our Fuse Up Here AloneJung Pak, senior fellow at the Brookings Institute, joins Bombshell to discuss her fascinating and timely new book: . Radha, Erin, and Loren remind listeners that Afghanistan is still a thing even if the U.S. government would prefer it not to be. Also, did you know it’s possible to restart a trade war amid the pandemic? Or that the United States is a participant in the JCPOA? Neither did we. Plus, pop culture!2020-05-0552 minSirens: A Bombshell productionI Do My Hair Toss, Check My EmailsThis week the ladies are back with a normal-ish episode, complete with special guest Nora Bensahel! She helps them dive deep on COVID-19 impacts on the defense budget. From there, they explore possible changes to the “global order,” Loren offers a tutorial on Hungary and Israel, and Radha schools us on trade issues. The ladies wrap up with a discussion of the most pressing issue of the day - haircuts. And issue a heartfelt socially distant hug to the Iyengar family. Links “,” BBC, April 17, 2020 Jessie Yeung, “” CNN, April 16, 2020 Thomas Y. Choi, Dale Rogers, Bindiya Vakil, “,” Harvard Business Review, March 27, 2020 David Barno and Nora Be...2020-04-2155 minSirens: A Bombshell productionThe One Where We Talk About Our FeelingsThis week Loren and Erin talk their way through all the coronavirus feelings: fear, hope, gratitude, some minor policy questions, and the pop culture that's giving us life. Stay home, be safe, wash your hands.2020-04-0729 minSirens: A Bombshell productionThis is FineKathleen Hicks, director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and all-around superhero, joins Loren, Radha, and Erin for an all-COVID-19 episode, starting with potential contributions by the Department of Defense to addressing this crisis. The ladies explore different angles of the global pandemic, including how it's impacting other ongoing international events, the economy, and domestic politics. Thanks be they also spend a lot of time on pop culture to soothe the soul.2020-03-2454 minSirens: A Bombshell productionDon't Ask, Don't GetThis week Erin, Loren, and Radha reunite after a midwinter break to talk pandemics. They then turn to the Afghanistan “peace” deal, Israeli elections (third time’s the charm?), and recent developments in Syria. As always, there’s plenty of White House mayhem with a new chief of staff, and vacancies as far as the eye can see in Pentagon civilian leadership. Thankfully, Hilary Mantel books and Love is Blind provide a pop culture escape to soothe (or at least distract) the soul. Links Coronavirus Matthew Herper, “,” Stat, March 6, 2020 “,” The Economist, February 2020 Afghanistan Diaa Hadid and Scott Neuman, “,” NPR Morning Edition, February 21, 20...2020-03-1048 minSirens: A Bombshell productionLet Us Be Elegant or DieThis week the ladies return to regular programming and try to catch up after one of the more crazy weeks in recent political memory. They start off with the Coronavirus crisis before returning to an old-standby, Brexit. They also provide some color commentary on the recent Irish elections. And how could they forget the new Middle East Peace Plan! That’s before they get to impeachment, NSC firings, and White House Mayhem. Stick around and hear them gush about Little Women. Links Coronavirus “,” New York Times, February 9, 2020 Colleen Shalby, “” Los Angeles Times, February 8, 2020 Brexit Dharshini David, “,” BBC, February 9, 2020 “,” BBC, January 27, 2020 Irish Elections Ro...2020-02-1140 minSirens: A Bombshell productionMan, I Feel Like a WomanErin, Radha and Loren welcome three special guests for their annual "manniversary" episode: Hayes Brown from Buzzfeed, Tommy Vietor of Pod Save the World, and Maj. Gen. Patrick Donahoe join them to talk about communicating national security in this crazy world.2020-01-281h 06Sirens: A Bombshell productionTigers on a Gold LeashThis week Bombshell welcomes Suzanne Maloney of Brookings to chat all things Iran. And because we love our listeners so much, we extended the discussion for the whole show to consider legality, effectiveness, process, and what happens next. Also, Megxit. Duh. Links Jonathan Marcus, “” BBC, January 3, 2020 Agnes Callamard, “,” Just Security, January 8, 2020 Loveday Morris, “,” Washington Post, January 10, 2020 Brian Naylor, “,” NPR, January 10, 2020 Rick Noack, Armand Emamdjomeh, and Joe Fox, “,” Washington Post, January 10, 2020 Ian Talley and Isabel Coles, “,” Wall Street Journal, January 11, 2020 Robert Jervis, “,” War on the Rocks, January 9, 2020 Suzanne Maloney, “,” Politico, January 11, 20202020-01-1456 minSirens: A Bombshell productionNothing Changes on New Year’s DayErin, Radha, and Loren mull over 2019, muse about 2020, and debate Rise of the Skywalker. We will be with you again.2019-12-3140 minSirens: A Bombshell productionBombshell Live! From NatSec Girl SquadThis week Radha and Erin lead a special live episode from the NatSec Girl Squad Conference. They are joined by Dana Stroul, Kim Kagan, and Mara Karlin who all recently participated in the Congressionally mandated Syria Study Group. Listen in as the ladies discuss Syria policy, study group process, and answer audience questions! Links "," USIP, September 24, 20192019-12-1757 minSirens: A Bombshell productionThank You Mr. NarwhalThis week Radha, Erin, and Loren reunite to drink eggnog (or not!) and talk about events in London, from interrupting violent attacks with narwhal tusks to interrupting NATO ministerials with middle school-esque drama. The ladies then turn to protests in the Middle East, predictions on China trade deals, and Hong Kong legislation. Rounding it out is a lively discussion of all the mayhem that ensued when Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer (not that Richard Spencer) resigned. After that, the ladies have a much-needed pop culture discussion on all the holiday movies they're looking forward to watching. Links London Terrorist Att...2019-12-0338 minSirens: A Bombshell productionWith Your Shield or On ItThis week Loren, Erin, and Radha are joined by the peerless Mira Rapp-Hooper. Taking a break from stalking her perfect oat milk, Mira walks the ladies through alliances and shifting demands with Japan and Korea. The ladies do a whirlwind review of Hong Kong, Bolivia, auto tariffs, and pardons. After 5 words (plus margin of error) on impeachment stories of note, Erin and Radha (yup Radha) discuss the new Star Wars series where to Loren's dismay Radha declares her love of Star Wars puppets (especially those teddy bears). Links Mira Rapp-Hooper, , (Harvard University Press, 2020) Asia Simon Denyer and Min Joo Kim, "," W...2019-11-1949 minSirens: A Bombshell productionIt's (Barely) Daylight in AmericaThis week the ladies of Bombshell go deep on the Syria raid and the “value” of high-value targeting, before turning their attention to popular protests in Iraq and Lebanon. Of course, no episode would be complete without a Brexit update! Radha regales us with CFIUS tales and we all lament the attacks on LTC Vindman. Also, will the NDAA ever pass? Links Tamara Qiblawi, "," CNN, November 2, 2019 Sara Khairat, "" Aljazeera, November 1, 2019 Alissa Rubin, "," New York Times, November 1, 2019 Jen Kirby, "," Vox, October 29, 2019 Mark Landler and Stephen Castle, "," New York Times, November 2, 2019 Leo Shane III and Joe Gould, "" Defense News, October 30, 2019 John M. Donne...2019-11-0549 minSirens: A Bombshell productionTo Sleep, Perchance to DreamMelissa Dalton from CSIS joins Loren, Radha, and Erin to offer a thorough, if morose, update on the U.S. military withdrawal from northern Syria and where that leaves Syrian Kurds. Bombshell returns to the topic of the United Kingdom which....might have a Brexit deal? The ladies also dive into the implications of recent NBA/China drama and what's going on with the impeachment inquiry, and amazingly have a disagreement about political speech by uniformed and retired military. Links Cameron Abadi, "" Foreign Policy, October 17, 2019 Benjamin Mueller and Matina Stevis-Gridneff, "" New York Times, October 17, 2019 Adam Taylor, "," Washington Post, October 17, 20192019-10-2254 minSirens: A Bombshell productionContext is AllBombshell takes a step back to offer some context to the whirlwind of Ukraine and related investigations: what’s with Ukraine’s political trajectory, why is it a magnet for crises involving external actors these days, and how is it being impacted by today’s scandals? In Trump’s trade negotiations with China, how have elections become intertwined with those discussions? Turning to the White House, President Trump has had multiple crises emerge from calls with foreign leaders - how does his process shape those results. The NSC staff is wrapped up with today’s whistleblower investigation - who are they, and h...2019-10-0851 minSirens: A Bombshell productionBecause We Can Can CanThis week Bombshell is blessed by the return of Tamara Cofman Wittes to help everyone understand Iran’s possible motives in the strike on an Aramco facility and what Saudi Arabia might do next. And as a bonus she sticks around to dive into Israeli elections. Then Erin, Radha, and Loren take a deep, nerve-calming breath to dive into the current White House Mayhem: the ouster of John Bolton, the arrival of Robert O’Brien, and the whistleblower-Ukraine monstrosity. Also, Erin saw Moulin Rouge and you should too, if you can can can. Links Aramco Attacks Stephen Kalin, "," Reuters, September 21, 2019 Lara Se...2019-09-2452 minSirens: A Bombshell productionOut of OrderThis week Erin, Loren, and Radha are joined by War on the Rock's new editor-in-chief Becky Zimmerman to talk about the talks that never were with the Taliban and catch up on the situation in Afghanistan more generally. The ladies then turn to the chaos in the UK, ongoing protests in Hong Kong, the release of classified information by the President (again!), MILCON spending for the border wall, and the Mattis book. Whew! After all that, the dive into pop culture with book and podcast rec's for all. Links Afghanistan Erin Banco and Asawin Suebsaeng, "," Daily Beast, August 30, 2019 Mujib Mashal, "," N...2019-09-1049 minSirens: A Bombshell productionSecond ThoughtsTori Whiting of the Heritage Foundation joins Radha in geeking out over trade chaos and the potential for a recession -Bombshell's very first guest economist. Erin, Radha, and Loren catch up on the impact of over a century of South Korea-Japan tensions and offer a small ray of light in the latest political agreement news out of post-Bashir Sudan before turning to the G7, that meeting of world leaders. And to Loren and Erin's infinite delight, we devote all of pop culture to the military career of Logan Echolls and the new Disney-Star Wars releases. Links Korea-Japan Grace Shao, "," CNBC, A...2019-08-2748 minSirens: A Bombshell productionThe Bluest EyeThe great Meg Guliford joins Erin and Radha for this week's episode of Bombshell, while Loren enjoys a much deserved vacay. The ladies take a tour of world hotspots with a discussion of North Korean missile tests, the Kashmir crack down, and ongoing protests in Hong Kong. Radha schools us all on currency manipulation before we turn to Director of National Intelligence drama. The show wouldn't be complete without an exploration of domestic terrorism and white supremacist violence — alongside a heartfelt celebration of Toni Morrison Links North Korea Dagyum Ji, "," NK News, August 11, 2019 Josh Smith, David Brunnstrom, "," Reuters, August 12, 2019 Kashmir Sameer Ya...2019-08-1358 minSirens: A Bombshell productionThe One with Mara JadeThis week on Bombshell Loren and Erin hold down the fort and ask the brilliant Elsa Kania to explain the new Chinese defense white paper. Britain has a new PM, Pakistan’s visited the US, and there are ongoing protests in Moscow and Hong Kong. Meanwhile, we might have a budget deal? And the president keeps trying to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia. Erin finally saw Capt. Marvel and we collectively wish cast a real Mara Jade adventure. Links China Mike Yeo, "," Defense New, July27, 2019 Anthony H. Cordesman, "," CSIS, July 24, 2019 Elsa B. Kania, "," CNAS, July 25, 2019 Elsa B. Kania, "," CNAS, July 24, 2019 Imr...2019-07-3049 minSirens: A Bombshell productionStranger Than FictionErin, Radha and Loren reunite with author and general badass Nada Bakos to talk about her new book, The Targeter. Foreign relations are pretty lit these days: possible Russian funding of far-right politics in Italy, tiny steps of progress in Afghan govt-Taliban negotiations, and an unexpected political agreement in post-coup Sudan. The music hasn’t stopped in the latest round of DOD musical chairs and the UK ambassador to the US was defenestrated by tweet. All in all stranger than fiction - so do read more fiction! Links Sudan Nadine Awadalla, Eltayeb Siddig, and Khalid Abdelaziz, "," Reuters, July 13, 2019 Richmond Danso, "" Was...2019-07-1651 minSirens: A Bombshell productionThe ApprenticeErin, Radha and Loren return after some technical difficulties to rehash the G20, a newsy leader summit full of the president reversing the well-honed positions of his staff. Radha explains how China and the US are talking trade again, with a re-opening of US exports to Huawei and a gentle ask that China remake itself utterly. White House mayhem reminds us all that we almost went to war with Iran and we have no leaders anywhere at the Department of Defense. And do you have summer reading material to distract yourself from the world? Bombshell can help with its summer r...2019-07-0243 minSirens: A Bombshell productionLie [Down] and Think of The QueenBombshell welcomes back Amanda Sloat to dish on all the drama across the pond - Brexit, the selection of the new Tory leader, and Trump’s visit, which was surely not (short)waisted [sic]. Foreign relations are a-twitter with elections in the European Union and Israel (yes, again). And Kim Jong Un thumbed his nose at the world to show that he of course does not murder his failed negotiators – he just imprisons them. The Trump administration has launched another salvo in a trade war with Mexico the same week it noticed USMC-A to Congress, proving that we do indeed cont...2019-06-0450 minSirens: A Bombshell productionA Song of Slights and IreThis week the ladies dive into the recent Iran drama with Ariane Tabatabai. Next, they revisit some recent election results before turning to whirlwind trade developments, as talks with China fall apart and new restrictions are levied against Huawei. White House Mayhem never disappoints, and the ladies sound off on the moral and strategic bankruptcy of pardoning war criminals. Pop-culture brings us home. Links Elections Damien Cave, "," New York Times, May 18, 2019 Hywel Griffith and Jay Savage, "," BBC, May 19, 2019 Douglas Schorzman and Kai Schultz, "" New York Times, May 19, 2019 Trade Brendan Murray, "," Bloomberg, May 19, 2019 China Chris Buckley and Keith Bradsher, "," New York T...2019-05-2147 minSirens: A Bombshell productionThis is the Song That Never EndsThis week Erin and Radha hold down the fort and return to some of Bombshell's greatest hits topics, starting with North Korean missile tests and a double feature from ISIS (a new video from Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and the horrific attacks in Sri Lanka), and spinning some militias in Libya and new Iran sanctions for good measure. With the continuing mayhem in Washington, they turn to the chaos in Venezuela, lack of data from Afghanistan, and of course the “clash of civilizations” on the horizon with China. With Loren out, Erin has to skip Game of Thrones coverage and talk prince...2019-05-0743 minSirens: A Bombshell productionComedy or ChocolateThis week, Loren, Radha, and Erin explore the world's many recent elections - in Israel, India, Indonesia, and Ukraine. They then return to Northern Ireland, not to talk about Brexit, but to unpack resurgent sectarian violence. The recent coup in Sudan rounds out a very sporty Keeping up Foreign Relations. Radha notes we're still waiting on a big trade summit with China before we dive headfirst into the Mueller report and speculate wildly on the ongoing counter-intelligence investigation(s). DoD remains opaque as ever, while DHS gets purged. Finally, a lively Pop Culture round-up to take our minds off all...2019-04-2349 minSirens: A Bombshell productionReal or Fake?The ladies of Bombshell take on proteins and Afghanistan policy all in one segment with special guest Frances Brown. Across the pond, Brexit is going nowhere fast and NATO is celebrating a grand birthday while the American president is questioning whether he wants to keep paying dues. In It’s Aghast, 5G is fast, the future, and not so much fun for American competitiveness. And in White House mayhem, the Congress mustered up some war powers energy to get the US out of the military operations in Yemen that the administration claims we aren’t in, while the president visited the b...2019-04-0952 minSirens: A Bombshell productionThink Instead About Having a Great LifeJoin Bombshell for a rousing discussion of the fathomless train wreck that is Brexit and the increasing lack of predictability of the upcoming Israeli elections. Believe it or not, China trade talks are not going as well as they might, as we discuss in "It's Aghast." In White House mayhem, President Trump issued a tremendous press release on the fourth or fifth defeat of ISIL with some bombast and a little general life advice, while recognizing the generally illegal Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights, crapping on his own North Korea policy, and putting out a DOA defense budget. We're...2019-03-2642 minSirens: A Bombshell productionLive at Duke University!Erin, Radha, and Loren made the trip to Duke University to join the Carlucci National Security Symposium at the Sanford School of Public Policy. On the agenda for this special live show: topics we want presidential candidates to debate, big ideas we want to stop hearing about in foreign policy and what big issues that bridge the public and private sectors should we be worrying more about. It is unclear whether Erin has performed enough penance for visiting Duke in basketball season. 2019-03-1244 minSirens: A Bombshell productionAin't It Hard Keeping It So HardcoreThis week Dr. Tanvi Madan joins the ladies to explain the brewing crisis between India and Pakistan in Kashmir. Then Radha breaks down last week’s trade negotiations with China (what really is an MOU anyway and what happened to our leverage?). We revisit Venezuela as the Vice President prepares for a trip to the region and then discuss the humanitarian and policy implications of the “ISIS wives.” White House Mayhem lives up to its name with uncoordinated Syria policies, rogue nuclear reactor deals, and sad faces in Munich. We’re all enjoying the many escapes offered by Pop Culture. Links K...2019-02-2654 minSirens: A Bombshell productionShove It All Into OCOThis week Paula Garcia Tufro joins the Radha, Loren, and Erin to discuss the brewing crisis in Venezuela. Then the ladies fashion an update on Brexit, explore uncharted waters in Iraq, and ask what is the point of a second North Korea summit when nothing has happened since the first! Radha unpacks recent trade negotiations with China before the group asks the unanswerable question: just how much money can you shove into OCO? Finally, Erin and Loren profess their undying love for Matthew Goode. Links Venezuela Ethan Bronner, "," Bloomberg Keeping up Foreign Relations Brexit William James, "," Reuters Jon Henley, Jennifer Ra...2019-02-1248 minSirens: A Bombshell productionA Few Good MenIt's our 2nd annual Manniversary episode! We dug deep to find the most smoldering hot takes from the men in the national security arena. Join us for a far-ranging discussion with Stan McChrystal, Jeffrey Lewis, and Clint Watts! Links Stanley McChrystal, Jeff Eggers, Jay Mangone, , (Portfolio 2018) Jeffrey Lewis, , (Mariner Books, 2018) Clint Watts, , (Harper, 2018) 2019-01-291h 00Sirens: A Bombshell productionMakes We Wonder Why I Even Bring the ThunderBombshell returns in 2019 with a new set of Bombshell questions and a guest, Dana Stroul, to give our best shot at explaining US-Syria policy. Secretary Pompeo has finished a whirlwind tour (while his staff are unpaid) trying to do the same, and at least one of the parties to potential US-North Korea summit seems to be doing its homework (guess which). The team digs deep into the longest government shutdown in history and considers just what kind of emergency it would be if Trump used national emergency powers to build a wall. Plus, lots of pop culture for the new...2019-01-1542 minSirens: A Bombshell productionLive at the National WWI Museum!Loren and Erin travel to Kansas City for a special live recording at the National World War I Museum. Joined by John Ismay and Steve Leonard, they dig into the many aspects of the Forever Wars including some Civ-Mil 101, opportunities for oversight and accountability, and everyone's favorite GWOT film. Links Amy Schafer, "," CNAS , Pew Research Center Nikki Wentling, “," Stars and Stripes2019-01-011h 00Sirens: A Bombshell productionAn Emergency BombletteThis ONE TIME we huddled for an emergency podcast. Because the Secretary of Defense resigned in protest. That doesn’t happen everyday. At least we hope not. Enjoy! 2018-12-2226 minSirens: A Bombshell productionIt Was a Very Good YearThis week Radha, Loren, and Erin sit down to try and figure out just what the hell happened in 2018. Storm clouds gather as the ladies discuss what NatSec stories we missed - and what we’ll still be talking about in 10 years. But Radha brings the sunshine as we discuss the most important events for the military services in 2018 (which sadly has not resulted in any Space Marines). We wrap up with a review of the Administration’s secret villains and heroes and put a bow on it with movie plot lines that best capture 2018. Links "," War on the Rocks Keith...2018-12-1841 minSirens: A Bombshell productionAnd the Money Kept Rolling InThis week Erin, Loren, and Radha read the G20 tea leaves, opine on continued chaos in Afghanistan, and remind you about all the White House mayhem from Saudi politics to a Moscow Trump Tower. Radha gets way too excited about USMCA (pronounced U-Smack-Ah) and all things trade before the ladies round some pop culture. Keeping Up Foreign Relations Afghanistan Rahim Faiez, "," TIME John Bacon, "," USA Today Jessica Purkiss and Abigail Fielding-Smith, "," Just Security Ukraine Andrew Higgins, "," New York Times Andrew Osborn, "," Reuters Alex Ward, "." Vox It's Aghast G20 "," BBC Krishanadev Calamur, "," Atlantic "," India Today USMCA Jen Kirby, "," Vox White House Mayhem Yemen...2018-12-0440 minSirens: A Bombshell productionCome What MayErin, Radha, and Loren invited Dr. Lindsay Cohn of the U.S. Naval War College to join their posse and explain America's history of employing the military for domestic purposes. In Keeping Up Foreign Relations, UK Prime Minister Theresa May is still negotiating the terms of her break up with the EU, and new revelations on the tragic killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi are giving us a collective heart attack. A new entrant to White House mayhem, First Lady Melania Trump, flexes her muscle to oust the fifth Deputy National Security Advisor of the Trump administration, and we assess the as...2018-11-2049 minSirens: A Bombshell productionA Post-Election BombletteLoren, Erin, and Radha meet up in a special short episode to talk about the election aftermath. What will happen with the change in the house, who is on the Senate armed services committee, and what is oversight anyway?! Plus, a quick discussion on the defense budget and why data and statistics should be a year-round pastime! 2018-11-0822 minSirens: A Bombshell productionWait a Minute, Mr. PostmanThis week Tamara Cofman Wittes joins the Bombshell ladies to discuss the fallout of the Khashoggi assassination and the future of US-Saudi relations. We get further bogged down in Afghanistan and try to understand the migrant caravan moving north from Central America. Then Radha tries to cheer us up by explaining the intricacies of the Universal Postal Union. For icing on the cake, we dive deep into the INF treaty and wonder if the Defense Department really being asked to cut its budget. Saudi Emma Ashford, "," War on the Rocks Keeping up Foreign Relations Caravan Delphine Schrank, "," Reuters Afghanistan Dan Lam...2018-10-2349 minSirens: A Bombshell productionEvery Rosé has a ThornThis week, Loren, Radha, and Erin are reunited to discuss such cheery topics as political assassinations and sexual violence (albeit in the form of Nobel Prizes awarded to combat it). Radha dives deep on NAFTA 2.0, and we work our way through the crazy Chinese hacked hardware story. Rounding out White House Mayhem, John Bolton is back and joins the president and vice president in making blustery foreign policy speeches. And Erin demands answers on Banksy's newest prank. New WOTR podcast: Melanie Marlowe, Bryan McGrath, and Christopher Preble, "," War on the Rocks KUFR Nobel prize Emily Sullivan, "," NPR Saudi-Turkey "," BBC Karim Fahim...2018-10-0940 minSirens: A Bombshell productionIn Vino VeritasThis week on bombshell Erin and Radha drink at Kori Schake's favorite bar in the world. Joined by Amelia Egghart, they discuss why climate change is still a thing and the (lack of) process in national security issues from Syria to Korea. They also remind us why you shouldn't start a land or trade war in Asia. And of course all the White House mayhem that's fit to print. Did we mention the guest was a chicken? Venezuela China Israel/Russia Climate 2018-09-2641 minSirens: A Bombshell productionLive at the Army Navy Club!The Army and Navy Club in Washington, DC, hosted Loren and Radha this week for a live show. Lara Seligman of Foreign Policy and Valerie Insinna of Defense News joined the Bombshell crew to discuss defense journalism in the Trump administration, what it's like to cover a 17 year old war, and the most mayhem of mayhem weeks the White House has had in the last year. To listen to the audience Q&A for this episode, sign up for the War Hall at 2018-09-1148 minSirens: A Bombshell productionNext Time Jack Write a MemoErin, Radha, and Loren head back to school from summer break, with smiling and shining faces. This week they catch up on some extensive Kabul mayhem, covering recent Taliban forays into Afghan-government controlled cities, the state of possible negotiations among both parties, and how this fits into new changes on command at ISAF and CENTCOM. Revisiting a topic that's come up since the first episode of Bombshell, the ladies check in on U.S. support to the coalition campaign in Yemen and recent USG and Congressional frustrations with civilian casualties in the region - are we any closer to the e...2018-09-0447 minSirens: A Bombshell productionIt’s AghastWhile the ladies of Bombshell will talk with just about anyone, should the U.S. government? Bombshell dives into President Trump's proclivity for theatrical political summits with adversaries, following up on current efforts in Afghanistan, North Korea, and Iran. Radha introduces a new segment on trade: It's Aghast! And the National Defense Authorization Act is a 2500 page gold mine of wonky policy fun. Keeping up Foreign Relations North Korea "," BBC News Ellen Nakashima and Joby Warrick, "," Washington Post Uri Friedman, "," Atlantic Pakistan Elections Colin Cookman, "," War on the Rocks Alyssa Ayres, "," Council on Foreign Relations Afghanistan Strategy Thomas Gibbons-Neff and Helene Co...2018-08-0745 minSirens: A Bombshell productionAnd Now For Something Quite SpecialAlina Polyakova of Brookings joins the Bombshell crew to dive into the fallout from the Helsinki Summit. Radha furthers our education on tariffs, er trade taxes, as the great trade war of 2018 slouches toward chaos. Meanwhile, Teresa May’s Brexit woes continue as she mucks around with Northern Ireland. And despite Secretary Pompeo’s personal attention, President Trump is catching on to the fact that Singapore did not set up the greatest of deals with North Korea. In White House mayhem Trump’s NSC is trying desperately to stay out of his line of sight as they manage crises he won’t l...2018-07-2449 minSirens: A Bombshell productionNo Muppet, No Muppet. You're the Muppet.This week we do our best impersonation of the Georgetown set recording from 1789 and lamenting the world gone to hell. We break down Pompeo's trip to North Korea, Theresa May's Brexit woes, and the NATO summit which has already been overrun by chaos Muppets. With so much White House mayhem, we focus on Trump's upcoming meeting with Putin, and Radha gets on her soapbox about MAVNI and suitability screenings. Need a pop-culture escape? We suggest Crazy Rich Asians and Sharp Objects. Dahlia Lithwick, "," Slate Daniel Russel, "," Foreign Policy Jane Vaynman and Vipin Narang, "." Washington Post Nick Wadhams, "," Bloomberg Alex Hunt and B...2018-07-1132 minSirens: A Bombshell productionMutually Assured DysfunctionBombshell goes international! Loren warily crosses the border to visit Stefanie von Hlatky, Stephanie Carvin, and Elaine Bunn for a special Canadian episode at the Kingston Conference on International Security. The ladies give deterrence a playlist and it’s own film series, then dive deeper into what deterrence means to the public and How to Teach Your President About Deterrence. And since deterrence is above all a human interaction, we discuss that elephant in the room: what it means to be a woman in the field.2018-06-2642 minSirens: A Bombshell productionPractical, Tactical BrillianceIn the most ambitious crossover event since that one time on TGIF, Bombshell joins Rational Security for a very special joint episode. Radha, Erin, Loren, Shane, and Susan take on our hellscape of a government’s evolving policy on family separation; Radha as a Real Life Economist schools us on the not-so-cleansing fire of the latest trade wars, and, of course we go full blast on Space Force. You knew it was coming. It’s real. And it’s spectacular. 2018-06-2147 minSirens: A Bombshell productionThe Goat RodeosRadha, Loren, and Erin invite Alex Bell to preview the Singapore Trump-Kim summit, explaining that while there’s more than staring into one another’s eyes for arms control, chemistry is a good start. When we recorded, the G7 had wrapped but not yet crashed and burned into a playground taunt with Canada, so Radha gives a good lesson on tariffs instead of assessing border skirmishes along the Great Lakes. If you’ve been distracted you may have not noticed the absurd amount of Chinese espionage activity as the OPM hacks bear fruit. The show recommends everyone keep an eye on the...2018-06-1150 minSirens: A Bombshell productionThe HangoverThis week we ask Emma Ashford to reveal the mysteries of Trump's Middle East policy. Then Loren, Radha, and Erin dive into the recent trade dramas before pondering whether the summit with North Korea is best understood as a Rom-Com or Telenovela. Colombian elections, change of command in Afghanistan, and the toxic culture within ICE round out the conversation before we escape to the wonders of pop-culture. Emma Ashford and John Glaser, “,” CATO Institute Emma Ashford, “,” Strategy Studies Quarterly Trevor Thrall and Emma Ashford, “,” CATO Institute Runrig, “,” Reuters Camila Zuluaga, “,” Washington Post Ana Swanson, “,” New York Times Shawn Donnan, “,” Financial Times Jonathan Landay and Rupam Jain, “...2018-05-2954 minSirens: A Bombshell productionThe Only Way Out Is throughThis week the Bombshell crew does something different. After a crazy few days in the national security world, we break down the good, the bad, and the pop-culture remedies. From Spain to Iran, to Iraq and Lebanon, to Niger and back home to the Haspel hearings and aviation mishaps we ask ourselves: what are we doing here? Also, Arnie Hammer discovered Iran-Contra and we rank order our favorite Chrises. "," Economist Richard Nephew and Ilan Goldenberg, "," Foreign Policy Colin H. Kahl and Vipin Narang, "." Washington Post , May 7, 2018 Alice Hunt Friend, "," War on the Rocks Paul Szoldra, "," Task & Purpose Mieke Eoyang, "," Atlantic Sophie...2018-05-1549 minSirens: A Bombshell productionAll He Had to Do Was Turn LeftThis week on Bombshell, Rebecca Lissner of Penn's Perry World House guest hosts with Radha and Loren to discuss the handshake heard round the world at the DMZ. The Iran Deal is on the rocks yet again, despite the entreaties of a very affectionate President Macron of France and #squadgoals eye rolls of Chancellor Merkel. The White House has some personnel wins (Pompeo's confirmation), losses (Dr. Ronny Jackson's trash fire of a VA nomination) and draws (Gina Haspel's confirmation delay). And the ladies of Bombshell are steadfastly the only people on the planet talking Tina Brown and chick-lit vs. Infinity War...2018-05-0255 minSirens: A Bombshell productionOnly Mostly DeadThis week on Bombshell, Radha, Erin, and Loren play natsec madlibs with Amanda Sloat, discussing every possible complexity of US-Syria policy during John Bolton's first week. The neverending potential for a trade war, protests in the run up to the US embassy in Israel's moving day, and Russian expulsions get a lightning round in Keeping Up Foreign Relations. And for White House mayhem they stick to the other side of the river, checking in on the disturbing trend of aviation mishaps, the anniversary of combat integration of women, and sending troops to the border. And you should all be watching Ki...2018-04-1851 minSirens: A Bombshell productionLong Legs and BrainsErin, Radha, and Loren make it back to the Show (where we never handle our own luggage), welcoming back all-star guest Kori Schake to talk NSC turnover, civil-military relations, and everything else that's radical in a tubular kind of way. We break down Kim Jong-Un's super-secret trip to Beijing and note that when the Saudi Crown Prince showed up for his two week tour of America, not all welcomes were warm. Meanwhile, VA Secretary Shulkin is out (sometimes you win), the president's personal doctor is in (sometimes you lose); and DoD tries to square the circle on the transgender ban (someti...2018-04-0245 minSirens: A Bombshell productionNot Bringing Rexy BackThis week, the ladies of Bombshell welcome Lindsey Ford, from the Asia Society Policy Institute, to chat about this spring's Appointment in Helsinki: the US-North Korea presidential summit. Then, they set an Iran Deal death watch and puzzle through what happens when Red Sparrow meets real life in the nerve-agent poisoning of a Russian double agent in the UK. White House mayhem continues to say "hold my beer" with the firing of Rex Tillerson and what it means for Trump administration Kremlinology. Finally, the pop culture world is looking up, with the return of Occupied, the digital release of Last Jedi...2018-03-2046 minSirens: A Bombshell productionBeen Caught Steelin'This week, the ladies of Bombshell welcome Sarah Margon, Washington Director of Human Rights Watch, to explore a side of the Syria conflict we discuss too little on this show: the human dimension. The ladies wade through three different political maelstroms in Italian elections, President Xi’s quest for immortality, and President Putin’s land of misfit nukes. Hairstyles, process, and wrongheaded beliefs about trade deficits explain the White House, and Radha plugs spoken word cookbooks (written by spies). Economist, "," Economist Laura McGann, "" Vox Sarah Margon, "," Foreign Affairs Marc Freeman, "," Hollywood Reporter Evan Osnos, "" New Yorker Philip Rucker, Ashley Parker, and Josh Da...2018-03-0651 minSirens: A Bombshell productionNo Joy in MunchenThis week, the Bombshell ladies welcome Lauren Fish of the Center for a New American Security to talk all things FY19 defense budget, including why this big funding increase may not be all that it seems. While finding future employment for Navy SEALs on the skeleton track, we talk North Korea’s charm offensive, how we and maybe everyone else have totally lost the plot in Syria, and why the Munich Security Conference was the party everyone wanted to bail on. We offer everything you wanted to know about security clearances and deployability (and then everything you didn’t know you wa...2018-02-2146 minSirens: A Bombshell productionCha Cha Bang BangThis week the ladies of Bombshell return to regularly scheduled programming, re-introducing ourselves with our new Bombshell questions including everyone's favorite bars and least favorite books. Next we turn to our old friends Afghanistan and North Korea (wondering if we'll ever get a public debate on either), before wonking out to the Nuclear Posture Review and State of the Union address. Also, if you PT three times per day but don't log it in Strava does it even count, bro? Finally, a dazzling potpourri of pop-culture - even Radha weighs in. Don't forget to send all your process valentines! David D. K...2018-02-0651 minSirens: A Bombshell productionIt's Raining MenOn our first anniversary we couldn’t help but wonder: What's it like to be a man in national security? Kai Ryssdal, Frank Gavin, and Benjamin Wittes join us to discuss.2018-01-261h 04Sirens: A Bombshell productionBe Like ShawnBombshell returns from a long winter's nap for its first 2018 episode and first test run of a brand new set of Bombshell questions! Christy Abizaid joins us to talk Pakistan and the joys of Austin, TX, and we talk protests in Iran and what happens when South Korea hears that hotline bling. Yet another White House shuffle could be in the works, and we eagerly anticipate the arrival of a new defense strategy. Finally, hyperspace ramming and Nazi uncles get the attention you'd expect from us in pop culture. Bonus: expect news about a Bombshell anniversary party soon! After we reco...2018-01-1249 minSirens: A Bombshell productionSpecial Episode: Live from Maxwell AFB!Loren, Radha, and Erin traveled to Maxwell AFB for a special live year in review episode at the Air Command and Staff College. Come for their thoughts on the biggest national security stories of the year and stay for an extended Q&A with ACSC students (starting around 39:00). Plus, bonus Star Wars commentary.2017-12-191h 36Sirens: A Bombshell productionWe Can Only Hope, SirThis week Susanna Blume joins to tell us how the sausage is made on Capitol Hill - the defense budget, continuing resolutions, and other congressional hijinks. And Radha returns from maternity leave! Then we wade through the president's Jerusalem announcement and recent Brexit breakthroughs, before dissecting the new National Security Strategy. And of course we discuss Season 2 of "The Crown" - and our new gift guide! Episode Reading: Susanna V. Blume and Lauren Fish, “,” CNAS Susanna V. Blume and Lauren Fish, “,” CNAS Max Fisher, “,” New York Times Ishaan Tharoor, “,” Washington Post Tony Connelly, “,” RTE BBC, “,” BBC Alex Hunt and Brian Wheeler, “,” BBC Kate Brannen, "," T...2017-12-1354 minSirens: A Bombshell productionCandlesticks Always Make a Nice GiftThis week on Bombshell we talk with Mieke Eoyang about, well, basically everything. We take a rapid fire tour of political dramas in Zimbabwe, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon. Stop for a bit to bask in the crazy sunshine of Turkish plots and then return to the United States just to ask: Exactly how many troops do we have overseas? Then just for kicks, we debate what a lawful order for a nuclear first strike would look like. We wrap up with Mieke's Twitter conversation with John Cusack and Erin's dream for a Master and Commander sequel. Episode Reading Ben Fr...2017-11-2950 minSirens: A Bombshell productionBurn Before PleadingThis week on Bombshell, Quinta Jurecic of Lawfare (and Washington Post!) fame joins us to break down the Mueller investigation, AUMF debate, and whether Mike Flynn is really a character from a Coen Brothers' movie. We also discuss the president's trip to Asia and do our best to understand the drama in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, which is all happening without the benefit of a functioning State Department. Quinta confesses her love of James Comey's Twitter account, while Erin and Loren do their best cosplay courtesy of Rag and Bone. Episode Reading: Quinta Jurecic, "," The Washington Post Benjamin Wittes, "," Lawfare Jul...2017-11-1546 minSirens: A Bombshell productionThe Fallout's Gonna Kill YouThis week on Bombshell, Alice Hunt Friend joins us to talk all things Africa and civ-mil. We dive into U.S. operations in Niger and the Kenyan elections reboot. Shinzo Abe and Xi Jinping get new mandates while preparing for the president’s big trip to Asia, along with the rest of us. And we all wait for the fallout from the Mueller indictments. Episode Reading: Alice Hunt Friend, "?" Center for Strategic and International Studies Alice Hunt Friend, "," The Hill Greg Jaffe and Karen DeYoung, "," Washington Post Thomas E. Ricks, "," Foreign Policy Loren DeJonge Schulman, "," The Atlantic David Dollar, "," Brookings Instituti...2017-11-0145 minSirens: A Bombshell productionMe too and the Gimme GimmesThis week on Bombshell, special guest Elizabeth Rosenberg explains the art of unmaking the Iran deal and the consequences of the Trump administration's Iran 'strategy.' Foreign relations are keeping us busy with a tinderbox in Kirkuk at the worst possible time, and a new lens on the Pentagon's under-scrutinized advise and assist efforts in Africa that resulted in four soldier's killed in an ambush this month. Mattis and the White House are sending mixed signals on transparency and democratic accountability on the Hill and in the press (what else is new?). Erin, Radha, and Loren are as usual looking...2017-10-1856 minSirens: A Bombshell productionWe Got This, RexyThis week, the Bombshell squad goes shoulder to shoulder into the fray of referenda for the Iraqi Kurds and the Catalans in Spain, alongside a recap of the German general election. Like many women have before us, we ask "Why Chad?" and explore the merits of the new Trump travel ban. We wonder if it was painful for Secretary Tillerson to get cut off at the knees over North Korea, and contemplate the interagency fun of the Puerto Rico relief efforts. Finally, we spend some quality time pondering the existential crises brought on by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick's Vietnam docum...2017-10-0446 minSirens: A Bombshell productionHow I Learned to Start Worrying...Erin, Radha, and Loren get the band back together and invite Laura Rosenberger to dish about the launch of the Alliance for Security Democracy (her new project aimed at countering Russian efforts to undermine democratic institutions), her love of the Steelers, and our open invitation to military listeners to help us land on a carrier. Then it's Groundhog Day in Keeping of Foreign Relations, with new antics and new histrionics around North Korea and Iran, and White House mayhem heads to New York for the U.N General Assembly. Finally, we look forward to the NDAA and the Red Sparrow...2017-09-2053 minSirens: A Bombshell productionLattes at the End of the WorldThis week, Bombshell bids farewell to summer with our final distributed ops episode, closing out what has been a nice, quiet August (ha. ha). Afghanistan is, as usual, still a thing, but this time President Trump - or his teleprompter - actually gave us some thoughts on the matter. We lament waking up to a nuclear test in North Korea and the latest chapters in the Kenyan election and China-India border disputes, and drill down on how everything became about readiness and readiness became about everything: the Seventh Fleet, the Army, DACA, you name it. Finally, we give our take...2017-09-0654 minSirens: A Bombshell productionLivin' in a Powder KegThis week the Bombshell crew preps for the eclipse from opposite corners of the world to ask why we haven't all perished in the Fire and the Fury (alternate title for our next romance novel). Along with North Korea we talk India-China donnybrooks, military 'options' in Venezuela, and are somehow not overwhelmed by all the mayhem emanating from the White House. We go once more with feeling in Afghanistan, ask what Bannon's departure will mean for foreign policy, and debate the Chiefs subtweets on Charlottesville. Loren heads off to Porto, Radha chases the totality, and Erin enjoys the second order...2017-08-2243 minSirens: A Bombshell productionDay-Drinking Like a QueenThis week on Bombshell, we each dial in from parts-unknown to compare our drinking habits to the Queen of England. We also discuss new North Korean sanctions, whether anyone sent flowers to the new Pakistani Prime Minister, and what on earth is happening in Venezuela. White House mayhem is dialed to eleven and we dissect leaks, tweets, and the new sheriff in town. Finally Loren and Radha confess their love of spoilers because they’re obviously insane control freaks. Episode Reading: "," by Thomas Gibbons-Neff and Brian Murphy, The Washington Post. "", by Phil Carter, Slate. "," Nicholas Casey, The New York Times. "," Ca...2017-08-0841 minSirens: A Bombshell productionHow to Lose a Clearance in 10 DaysSusan Hennessey of Lawfare and Rational Security fame joins Radha and Erin to wade through recertifying the Iran deal, social media shenanigans in the Persian Gulf, and whither the new Russia sanctions. Also on tap: all the leaks! and how we forgot about our $1 billion in foreign loans. Radha swoons over a baby hippo and Erin begs Loren to return so we can talk about Jon and Sansa. Reading: Peter Baker, “,” The New York Times. Monika Nalepa, “,” The Monkey Cage. M. Taylor Fravel, “,” The Indian Express. Barkha Dutt, “” The Washington Post. Mark Champion and Marek Strzelecki, “,” Bloomberg. Jana Winter, Robbie Gramer, and Dan De Luce...2017-07-2541 minSirens: A Bombshell productionIn Space, No One Can Hear you ScreamSpecial guest Amy Shafer joins us for the full show and highlights her fabulous research on the civil-military divide in America (and dishes on the Air Force Tops in Blue). Then we celebrate the liberation of Mosul, walk through the North Korean missile test, and wonder what exactly happened at the G20 meetings. Also on the table: Whither our Afghan strategy? And Erin gets giddy over space marines. Stick around for our “Game of Thrones” preview!* *By which we mean fan-girl shouts of joy and anticipation. Reading: , Amy Shafer, CNAS “,” Mike Giglio, Buzzfeed “,” Defense One Staff, Defense One “,” Liz Sly, The Washington Post ...2017-07-1248 minSirens: A Bombshell productionGutter? Catahr? Let's Call the Whole Thing OffHow do you solve a problem like Qatar? This week over Pimms Cups, we talk with Mara Karlin about all the Middle East dramas (and why she loves the SAIS cult). We lament the State Dept budget and UK politics, pay tribute to the USS Fitzgerald, and wonder if we’ll ever have a strategy in Afghanistan or Syria. Finally, American Gods, the Manic Pixie Dream S2 of Band of Brothers, and Fidget Spinners. Reading: "," by Radha Iyengar and Jake Shapiro, Empirical Studies of Conflict "" by Katya Alder, BBC "" by Adam Becket, Business Insider "," by Ben Rhodes, The Atlantic "," by Br...2017-06-2147 minSirens: A Bombshell productionSoon, and For the Rest of Your LifeThis week we go it alone to focus on your questions! We force Radha and Loren to actually define their true loves of process and staffing, all while drinking delicious white sangria. Plus, what’s a wonk? Then we dig into the president’s whirlwind trip, upcoming U.K. elections and Erin and Radha's obsession with measurement error, how to make decisions on major international agreements after a Frenchman shakes your hand too hard, and whether the world is really as zero-sum as reality TV. Reading: , Steve Hadley, Texas A&M , Eliot Cohen, The Atlantic , Nate Silver, FiveThirtyEight , Nate Silver, Five...2017-06-0747 minSirens: A Bombshell productionIraq Chalk, Chickenhawk, DPRK Who?This week Radha, Loren, and Erin drink hot toddies and reluctantly dig into the newest Marine Corps scandal. They also explore growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and Europe with a brief "missiles: big, medium, and small" explainer; debate the wisdom of loosening counter-terrorism policies while gutting American soft power (aka, Is it always a good time to kill bad guys?); and exorcise the bogeyman of the deep state. Stick around for pop culture digestif. Readings: Marine Scandal as Paul Szoldra on the NYT on Hayes Brown on (see also ) Loren Schulman on the (see also ) Erin Simpson and Max Fisher...2017-03-1547 minSirens: A Bombshell productionRage Against AlcibiadesThis week, Loren, Radha, and Erin discuss the North Korean assassination (beware the perfume lady) and take questions from listeners (what is inter-service rivalry anyway?). joins to dissect the defense budget, H.R. McMaster's challenges at the National Security Council, Thucydides, and why she hates Moneyball.2017-03-0149 minSirens: A Bombshell productionAint' No Party Like an America First PartyThis week on Bombshell, we walk through the first week of the Trump administration. Sit down and listen to Radha Iyengar Plumb, Loren Dejonge Schulman, and Erin Simpson discuss America First, cabinet confirmations, Chelsea Manning, Wall of Stars + Hall of Heroes, re-organization of the National Security Council, and the immigration order. Stick around for our favorite podcasts and thoughts on Sherlock.2017-02-0149 min