Geopolitics and Security
International affairs, wars, militaries, intelligence, and diplomacy, including Israel's wars and external security.
#913: 72 Hours That Changed the World: The Iran Conflict
As a massive military operation enters its third day, Herman and Corn break down the tactical shifts and global impacts of the Iran conflict.
#912: Is the United Nations Unfit for Global Security?
As missiles fly over Jerusalem, Corn and Herman ask: Is the UN a shield for aggressors or a relic of a bygone era?
#909: Why Air Defense Is Never Hermetic
Why isn't air defense 100% effective? Herman and Corn break down the high-stakes game of physics and decoys happening at the edge of space.
#907: Economy of Force: Fighting a War on Every Front
Explore how nations manage finite military assets and AI-driven strategy during high-stakes, multi-front escalations in this deep dive.
#905: The 3 AM Siren: The Science of Nighttime Missile Attacks
Why do sirens always wail at 3 AM? Discover the high-stakes game of orbital mechanics and satellite blind spots behind nighttime missile strikes.
#904: The Empire of Bases: How US Footprint Became a Target
As 27 US bases face unprecedented strikes, Herman and Corn trace the 80-year history of the American military footprint in the Middle East.
#903: Why Missile Defense Can Never Be Perfect
If Israel has the world's best defense, why do missiles still hit? Explore the brutal physics and high-stakes reality of ballistic interception.
#902: The Geopolitical Silence of Giants
Following the decapitation of Iran’s leadership, why are Russia and China staying silent? Explore the shifting tides of global power.
#901: The Iranian Decapitation: Four Paths After the Strike
Following the massive US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Herman and Corn analyze the four potential trajectories for the region's future.
#900: Epic Fury: The Decapitation of Iran’s Leadership
Herman and Corn analyze the "Epic Fury" strikes, the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, and a Middle East reshaped by unprecedented regional warfare.
#899: 44 Hours in the Cockpit: The Limits of Human Endurance
How do pilots stay alert for 44-hour missions? Herman and Corn explore the grueling science of fatigue management in long-range air combat.
#898: Operation Epic Fury: The Outbreak of the US-Iran War
With the Supreme Leader dead and the Strait of Hormuz closed, Herman and Corn analyze the devastating first 36 hours of the US-Iran war.
#897: The Dark Phase: When a Bomb Becomes Invisible
How does a massive nuclear facility shrink into a weapon the size of a soup can? Explore the "dark phase" of atomic weapon production.
#895: The Spy's Digital Handshake: Covert Comms Under Total Surveillance
Discover the hidden tech behind modern espionage, from spectral camouflage to passive signaling in the world's most dangerous conflict zones.
#894: Iran After Khamenei: The IRGC’s Fight for Survival
Following the death of the Supreme Leader, we examine the IRGC’s grip on Iran’s economy, military, and its future as a "state within a state."
#893: The Art of Red Teaming: Why You Must Break Your Own Plans
Learn why the most resilient organizations pay people to prove them wrong and how red teaming techniques can prevent catastrophic failures.
#892: Proximity vs. Mass: The Shelter Trade-Off
Compare the physics of home safe rooms versus deep underground car parks to find the safest spot during a ballistic missile attack.
#891: When Sirens Become Background Noise: Alarm Fatigue in War
Learn how to combat alarm fatigue and build a mental toolkit for staying resilient during unprecedented regional escalations.
#890: The Manhattan Project Model: How to Hide a War
Explore the secret years of planning and AI-driven simulations behind the massive joint strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
#889: Why the Oldest Tech Wins in a Crisis
When 5G fails in a concrete bunker, why is a $30 plastic radio your best hope? Discover the physics of why old tech beats the new.