Podcast appearances and mentions of brandon weichert

Krystal and Saagar discuss Trump says US will take Kharg Island, Professor Marandi says Iran welcomes invasion. Brandon Weichert: https://weichert.substack.com/ Mohammad Marandi: https://x.com/s_m_marandi?s=20 To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: www.breakingpoints.com Merch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Krystal and Saagar discuss Trump considered nuking Iran, Trump says he loves inflation, Morning Joe unhinged Platner interview. Brandon Weichert: https://weichert.substack.com/ Mohammad Marandi: https://x.com/s_m_marandi?s=20 To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: www.breakingpoints.com Merch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brandon Weichert is a former U.S. congressional staffer, geopolitical analyst, and national security expert with an M.A. in Statecraft & National Security Affairs from the Institute of World Politics. He serves as Senior National Security Editor at 19FortyFive.com, hosts The National Security Hour on America Outloud News/iHeartRadio, and runs The Weichert Report online journal while consulting for the Department of Defense and private organizations.-----Link to All Things Viva: https://www.shoutout.fans/vivafreiBUY A BOOK! https://amzn.to/4qBXikSSEND ME SOMETHING! David Freiheit 20423 SR 7 Ste F6319 Boca Raton 33498TIP WITH CRYPTO! bc1qt0umnqna63pyw5j8uesphsfz0dyrtmqcq5ugwmFor advertising inquiries please email sponsorships@rumble.comTHAT IS ALL!

Krystal and Saagar discuss Congress tries to intertwine US and Israeli militaries, Graham Platner cheating scandal, Cenk banned from UK. Jeffrey Sachs: https://www.jeffsachs.org/ Brandon Weichert: https://x.com/WeTheBrandon?s=20 Cenk Uygur: https://www.youtube.com/theyoungturks To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: www.breakingpoints.com Merch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Krystal and Saagar discuss the US bombing Iran again, Jeffrey Sachs on WH economic lies, artists bail on Trump 250th event. Jeffrey Sachs: https://www.jeffsachs.org/ Brandon Weichert: https://x.com/WeTheBrandon?s=20 Cenk Uygur: https://www.youtube.com/theyoungturks To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: www.breakingpoints.com Merch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Day and Harrison Berger talk to geopolitical analyst Brandon Weichert about the Iran war, President Trump's visit to China, and the Russian thinker urging Vladimir Putin to escalate against Europe. Recorded May 13, 2026.

Project Out Loud – When you promise no foreign wars and then engage in one, the coalition that rallied behind an America First message weakens. And when the war drags on, every day the headlines carry images of higher gas prices and empty store shelves. Politics responds to pocketbooks. The midterm map can flip on an economic whisper. So what must happen now?

Brandon Weichert discusses his book Biohacked, explaining China's "Field of Dreams" strategy to dominate high-tech sectors by attracting Western talent and investors to their innovation hubs. This approach stems from Mao Zedong's goal to catch up to and eventually defeat the United States using its own technological expertise. Central to this effort is the Thousand Talents Program, which identifies and recruits global scientific experts — including Yale genetics students lured by offers to pay off massive student debt in exchange for industrial espionage. (1)1905

Megyn Kelly opens the show by discussing the lengthy but ultimately unsuccessful peace negotiations between VP JD Vance and the Iranians, Trump's new proposal to conduct a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, new reporting that the blockade will actually be related to Iran's ports, Trump's major criticism of Pope Leo XIV as soft on crime and doing a bad job after the pope criticized the war, the AI image he posted portraying himself as Jesus, the massive backlash it received even from his supporters, and more. Then Brandon Weichert, host of "NatSec Talk" on Rumble, joins to discuss what will happen next with Iran as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalate, the risk of military strikes resuming, whether VP JD Vance was set up to fail with the Iran peace negotiations, Netanyahu's comments about getting reports from Vance throughout the negotiations, Fox News discussing the benefits of censorship to stop certain "narratives" from changing how people think about issues, the accurate framing that Israel did help lead Trump and America into the war with Iran, and more. Then Megyn dives into the story of Rep. Eric Swalwell and the alleged misconduct with a former staffer, his California governor campaign being torpedoed in what appears to be a coordinated hit by the Democrat establishment and corporate media, questions about the former staffer's story in her CNN interview, the truth about the stories being told now by alleged victims now, the facts many in the media are ignoring, and more.    Weichert- https://rumble.com/user/NatSecTalk   Birch Gold: Text MK to 989898 to join Birch Gold's Learn and Earn event by April 30! Veracity Selfcare: Head to https://VeracityHealth.coand use code MK for up to 65% off your order Done with Debt: https://www.DoneWithDebt.com & tell them Megyn Kelly sent you! Herald Group: Learn more at https://GuardYourCard.com     Follow The Megyn Kelly Show on all social platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MegynKelly Twitter: http://Twitter.com/MegynKellyShow Instagram: http://Instagram.com/MegynKellyShow Facebook: http://Facebook.com/MegynKellyShow  Find out more information at:https://www.devilmaycaremedia.com/megynkellyshow Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listen to the FULL EPISODE early/ ad-free on Substack: https://coffeeandamike.substack.com/ Brandon Weichert is geopolitical analyst, national security expert, author and host of "NatSec Talk" on Rumble. He discusses President's Trumps criticism of Tucker, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones, war in the Middle East, future of Israel, propaganda war, AI, midterms, and much more. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE LIKE AND SHARE THIS PODCAST!!!   Follow Me X- https://x.com/CoffeeandaMike IG- https://www.instagram.com/coffeeandamike/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeandaMike/ YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@Coffeeandamike Rumble- https://rumble.com/search/all?q=coffee%20and%20a%20mike Substack- https://coffeeandamike.substack.com/ Apple Podcasts- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-and-a-mike/id1436799008 Gab- https://gab.com/CoffeeandaMike Locals- https://coffeeandamike.locals.com/ Website- www.coffeeandamike.com Email- info@coffeeandamike.com   Support My Work Venmo- https://www.venmo.com/u/coffeeandamike Paypal- https://www.paypal.com/biz/profile/Coffeeandamike Substack- https://coffeeandamike.substack.com/ Patreon- http://patreon.com/coffeeandamike Locals- https://coffeeandamike.locals.com/ Cash App- https://cash.app/$coffeeandamike Buy Me a Coffee- https://buymeacoffee.com/coffeeandamike Bitcoin- coffeeandamike@strike.me   Mail Check or Money Order- Coffee and a Mike LLC P.O. Box 25383 Scottsdale, AZ 85255-9998   Follow Brandon X- https://x.com/WeTheBrandon?s=20 Rumble- https://rumble.com/user/NatSecTalk?e9s=src_v1_cmd Substack- https://www.emerald.tv/s/natsec-guy   Sponsors Vaulted/Precious Metals- https://vaulted.blbvux.net/coffeeandamike McAlvany Precious Metals- https://mcalvany.com/coffeeandamike/

Krystal and Saagar discuss Trump moves Iran deadline, huge missile barrage in Israel, US pilot rescue operation. Trita Parsi: https://x.com/tparsi?s=20 Brandon Weichert: https://x.com/WeTheBrandon?s=20 To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: www.breakingpoints.comMerch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Krystal and Saagar discuss Iran control over Hormuz, energy rationing around the world, Iran damage coverup, Iran worried about US using nukes. Trita Parsi: https://x.com/tparsi?s=20 Brandon Weichert: https://x.com/WeTheBrandon?s=20 To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: www.breakingpoints.comMerch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Megyn Kelly begins the show with a shocking report about Kristi Noem's husband's secret cross-dresser double life, pictures in The Daily Mail showing him wearing giant fake breasts, Kristi Noem's reaction, and more. Then Brandon Weichert, host of "NatSec Talk" on Rumble, joins to discuss Trump's warning to European countries that they should “fight for yourself” in the Strait of Hormuz, his mixed messages on what America will do in the Iran war, what the uranium mission might entail, the messages to President Trump being pushed through various forces in the media, what the leaks before and during the war really tell us, what happens if Trump pulls out of the Iran war right now, the impact to the region in the short and long-term, and more. Then Tom Bevan and Andrew Walworth of RealClearPolitics join to discuss the national security implications of Kristi Noem's cross-dressing husband exposed in The Daily Mail, what this means for Noem's next political move, new reporting about the potential motive for this leaking to the public, what to make of GOP House retirements ahead of 2026, the JD Vance prediction market odds for 2028, breaking down the overall polls, and more.   Weichert- https://rumble.com/user/NatSecTalk Bevan & Walworth- https://www.realclearpolitics.com/   Riverbend Ranch: Visit https://riverbendranch.com/ | Use promo code MEGYN for $20 off your first order. Relief Factor: Break up with pain—Relief Factor targets inflammation so you can move better and feel better; try the 3-Week QuickStart for just $19.95 at https://ReliefFactor.com or call 800-4-RELIEF  Birch Gold: Text MK to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold Quo: Make this the season where no opportunity slips away. Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://www.Quo.com/MK     Follow The Megyn Kelly Show on all social platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MegynKelly Twitter: http://Twitter.com/MegynKellyShow Instagram: http://Instagram.com/MegynKellyShow Facebook: http://Facebook.com/MegynKellyShow  Find out more information at:https://www.devilmaycaremedia.com/megynkellyshow Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brandon Weichert, one of DC's sharpest military analysts, unpacks the quagmire unfolding in the Middle East, and reveals his grave concerns for the "boots on the ground ground" about to arrive. It's worse than you think. Watch and Read Trish on Substack Follow Trish on X @woodreporting Website: www.trishwoodpodcast.com 

Brandon on X: https://x.com/WeTheBrandon Brandon's Website: https://theweichertreport.wordpress.com/ ----- SUPPORT VIVA! GET MERCH! www.vivafrei.com BUY A BOOK! https://amzn.to/4qBXikS SEND ME SOMETHING! David Freiheit 20423 SR 7 Ste F6319 Boca Raton 33498 TIP WITH CRYPTO! bc1qt0umnqna63pyw5j8uesphsfz0dyrtmqcq5ugwm For advertising inquiries please email sponsorships@rumble.com THAT IS ALL!

Brandon Weichert joins us for an overview of the situation and what may be coming next. Sponsors: Monetary Metals Persist SEO Guest's Twitter: @WeTheBrandon Show notes for Ep. 2742

Krystal and Saagar discuss US scrambles on munitions, Trump begs ships to cross Strait of Hormuz, Epstein prison guard secret cash deposit. Brandon Weichert: https://x.com/WeTheBrandon?s=20 To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: www.breakingpoints.comMerch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Krystal and Saagar discuss Trump threatens fury on Iran, Israel panics, Iran rejects ceasefire. Brandon Weichert: https://x.com/WeTheBrandon?s=20 To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: www.breakingpoints.comMerch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we confront the alarming escalation of conflict in Iran and the potential implications for global stability, with insights from Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs. We also hear from Alon Mizrahi, a conversation between Tucker Carlson and Brandon Weichert, as well as some humorous clips to lighten the harsh realities. We discuss the threat of nuclear escalation in the context of military actions and the catastrophic consequences of elite decision-making on international relations. Tune in as we explore the realities on the ground, the role of the U.S. in foreign conflicts, and the pressing need for a new approach to diplomacy and sustainability. Support the Podcast via PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LBGXTRM292TFC&source=url Professor Sachs on the Glenn Diesen podcast offers a critical analysis of the situation, asserting that we are indeed in the early days of World War III. He highlights the confusion and unpredictability surrounding U.S. foreign policy, particularly under the current administration, and warns of the dangers posed by unchecked military aggression. Sachs argues that the U.S. has historically operated with a mindset of global hegemony, often at the expense of international law and the principles of cooperation that the United Nations was founded upon. For an extended interview and other benefits, become an EcoJustice Radio patron at https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio Resources/Articles: Commentary from Alon Mizrahi https://alonmizrahi.substack.com/ Jeffrey Sach's interview from Glenn Diesen's podcast: https://glenndiesen.substack.com/ Excerpt from Tucker Carlson's interview [https://youtu.be/gHrFcBeB7Lw?si=Jal52YYzzVu9MBoS] of Brandon Weichert https://nationalinterest.org/profile/brandon-j-weichert Jeffrey D. Sachs [https://jeffsachs.org/] is a U.S. economist and public policy analyst. He is a professor at Columbia University, where he was formerly director of The Earth Institute, and is director of the Center for Sustainable Development at the university. From 2002 to 2018, Sachs was special adviser to the UN Secretary-General. He has been president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Sachs is co-founder and chief strategist of Millennium Promise Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending extreme poverty and hunger. Sachs has written many books and received several awards. His views on economics, on the origin of COVID-19, and on the Russian invasion of Ukraine have garnered attention and criticism. Jack Eidt is an urban planner, environmental journalist, and climate organizer, as well as award-winning fiction writer. He is Co-Founder of SoCal 350 Climate Action and Executive Producer of EcoJustice Radio. He writes for a PBS SoCal Artbound project called High & Dry [https://www.pbssocal.org/people/high-dry]. He is also Founder and Publisher of WilderUtopia [https://wilderutopia.com], a website dedicated to the question of Earth sustainability, finding society-level solutions to environmental, community, economic, transportation and energy needs. Follow him on Substack [https://jackeidt.substack.com/]. Podcast Website: http://ecojusticeradio.org/ Podcast Blog: https://www.wilderutopia.com/category/ecojustice-radio/ Support the Podcast: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LBGXTRM292TFC&source=url Executive Producer and Host: Jack Eidt Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats Episode 281 Photo credit: designaire on pixabay

Brandon Weichert discusses US interference in Iran, specifically the 1953 coup and Ambassador Sullivan's 1978 memo suggesting the Carter administration replace the Shah with Khomeini. 1.

Could the supreme court rule against Trump on birthright citizenship? Raise the voting age or repeal the 19th amendment? Brandon Weichert and what this military build up in the middle east means. What are our capabilities in the middle east right now? Follow The Jesse Kelly Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJesseKellyShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SHOW SCHEDULE 2-13-20261909 BENGAL1.Jeff Bliss discusses Governor Newsom's mixed popularity in California, highlighting failures in housing affordability, rising homelessness, and the costly, delayed high-speed rail project undermining his national ambitions.2.Jeff Bliss reports on Las Vegas's growth as Californians relocate there, the continued success of In-N-Out Burger, and the irony of California's beautiful weather amidst persistent economic troubles.3.Jeff Bliss and Brandon Weichert debate the AI boom, predicting a market correction followed by a second wave where robotics and AI integration fundamentally transform the global economy.4.Conrad Black reflects on former Prime Minister Stephen Harper's conservative achievements and analyzes current leader Pierre Poilievre's similar but more comprehensive vision to rescue Canada's stagnating economy.5.Veronique de Rugy of the Mercatus Center analyzes tensions between the President and the Federal Reserve, warning against fiscal dominance where political pressure regarding debt forces the Fed to lower rates.6.Jim McTague describes Lancaster County's freezing tundra weather, inflation impacting Valentine's Day sales, and a significant financial windfall for local government from a new data center.7.Michael Munger reviews George Selgin's book False Dawn, arguing that regime uncertainty from FDR's arbitrary New Deal policies hindered investment and actually prolonged the Great Depression.8.Michael Munger explains how post-WWII economic recovery defied Keynesian predictions of doom due to the removal of government controls and a massive release of pent-up consumer demand.9.Josh Rogin discusses the trade conflict between the US and India, noting that tariffs were used as leverage regarding Russian oil and Modi's diplomatic de-risking from Washington.10.Josh Rogin analyzes the reopening of trade between Washington and Delhi, suggesting India is returning to a non-aligned strategy despite improved relations and adjusted tariff rates.11.Bill Roggio and Caleb Weiss of the Long War Journal discuss a sophisticated Islamic State drone attack on an airfield in Niger, highlighting security failures by the Russian Africa Corps that replaced US forces.12.Bill Roggio and Caleb Weiss provide updates on Somalia including relative success against Al-Shabaab leadership, while reports confirm Russian deceptive recruitment of Africans for the war in Ukraine.13.Henry Sokolski of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center analyzes the crumbling Non-Proliferation Treaty, citing Iran's inspection violations and China's nuclear expansion as critical challenges for the upcoming international review conference.14.Henry Sokolski critiques the chaotic government response to a balloon over El Paso, arguing the incident exposes dangerous coordination flaws in America's homeland security apparatus and interagency communication.15.Bob Zimmerman of Behind the Black contrasts SpaceX's routine success with ULA's technical struggles, attributing the booming private space sector and massive investments to a shift toward capitalist models.16.Bob Zimmerman covers ESA's fast-tracked Apophis asteroid mission, a commercial attempt to resÅcue a NASAtelescope, and the contrasting regulatory environments of the UK and New Zealand for space launches.Å

Brandon Weichert predicts the next major shift involves pairing reliable AI with accurate robotics to replicate human hands, lowering costs but potentially displacing American workers across manufacturing sectors.1958

Jeff Bliss and Brandon Weichert debate the AI boom, predicting a market correction followed by a second wave where robotics and AI integration fundamentally transform the global economy.1919 PACIFIC PALISADES AND HOLLYWOOD SETS

SHOW SCHEDULE 2-9-20261828 BANK OF ENFGLAND Guests: Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani. Al-Qaeda has grown significantly since 9/11, maintaining a long-term vision for a global caliphate and establishing safe havens in Afghanistan and Syria, unlike the more isolated ISIS. Guests: Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio. Al-Qaeda veteran Ahmed al-Shara's presidency in Syria highlights the group's diplomatic manipulation and Western naivety in accepting jihadists who adopt modern suits and polished personas. Guests: Ernesto Araujo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Conservatives gathered in Brussels to champion freedom of speech and consolidate the "Foro Madrid," a transatlantic alliance uniting Latin American and Europeanleaders against socialism. Guests: Ernesto Araujo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Venezuelan regime factions clash over detaining opposition figures, while Brazilian conservative Flavio Bolsonaro seeks international support to combat totalitarianism ahead of the upcoming national election. Guests: Bill Roggio and Jonathan Schanzer. Reports indicate Iran's regime has killed thousands to suppress ongoing unrest, feigning diplomatic willingness while maintaining a paranoid grip on power and refusing real concessions. Guests: Bill Roggio and David Daoud. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem pledges loyalty to Iran, threatening asymmetric attacks on global U.S. assets if the "mothership" is struck, while organizing for Lebanese elections. Guests: Gordon Chang and Peter Huessy. China reportedly conducted secret underground nuclear tests to develop battlefield weapons for coercion, ignoring arms control treaties while the U.S. struggles to modernize its own deterrents. Guests: Gordon Chang and Brandon Weichert. NASA's Artemis 2 moon mission faces indefinite delays due to SLS rocket flaws, leading experts to urge replacing the bureaucratic program with SpaceX's efficient Starshipsystem. Guests: Bill Roggio and Bridget Tumi. The Houthis maintain improved military capabilities despite a temporary lull in attacks, remaining a persistent threat to Red Sea shipping and eager to support Iran if conflict erupts. Guests: Bill Roggio and John Hardie. Trilateral peace talks regarding Ukraine show limited progress on core issues, while Russia faces communication disruptions from Starlink denials and continues striking Ukrainianenergy infrastructure. Guests: Marianna Yarovskaya and Lyuba Sobol. Filmmaker Yarovskaya and activist Sobol discuss their documentary "Lyuba's Hope," highlighting the severe repression in Putin's Russia and the struggle of exiles fighting for democracy. Guests: Marianna Yarovskaya and Lyuba Sobol. Lyuba Sobol represents democratic Russian forces at the Council of Europe, aiming to delegitimize Putin, while facing continued threats and surveillance alongside other exiled activists. Guests: Bill Roggio and Ahmed Sharawi. Syrian leader Ahmed al-Shara secures resources by integrating the Kurdish SDF into his forces, while the U.S. watches for red lines regarding threats to Israel or regional stability. Guests: Bill Roggio and Edmund Fitton-Brown. The U.S. deploys military assets to pressure a defiant Iran, but the weakened regime refuses concessions to avoid looking vulnerable, relying on bluster and proxy distractions. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. Berkowitz argues that "National Conservatism," which seeks to root public life in a specific Christian vision, contradicts America's founding principles of religious pluralism and constitutional liberty. Guest: Craig Unger. Unger details Donald Trump's early alleged ties to Russian state security and the mob, beginning with the Commodore Hotel deal and continuing through real estate money laundering.E

Guests: Gordon Chang and Brandon Weichert. NASA's Artemis 2 moon mission faces indefinite delays due to SLS rocket flaws, leading experts to urge replacing the bureaucratic program with SpaceX's efficient Starshipsystem.1963

HEADLINE: China's "Field of Dreams" Espionage Strategy. GUEST: Brandon Weichert. SUMMARY: Weichert details China's strategy to build innovation hubs that attract Western scientists, using the "Thousand Talents" program to lure researchers and students, facilitating the transfer of proprietary technology to China for military dominance. Q956 UNIVERSITY OF ELECTRONIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OPENING

HEADLINE: Charles Lieber and the CRISPR Threat. GUEST: Brandon Weichert. SUMMARY: Weichert highlights Charles Lieber's conviction and He Jiankui's unethical gene experiments, illustrating how China exploits dual-use biotechnology to advance military goals and defeat Western rivals.PEKING 1904

HEADLINE: Protecting US Data and Seeking Damages. GUEST: Brandon Weichert. SUMMARY: Weichert urges stricter tech transfer laws and stronger investment screening through CFIUS, arguing the US must hold China financially accountable for the COVID-19 pandemic's global damage. 1915

HEADLINE: The Wuhan Lab and General Chen Wei. GUEST: Brandon Weichert. SUMMARY: Weichert links Wuhan Institute of Virology security failures to PLA Major General Chen Wei, alleging military control over research and a political cover-up of the lab leak theory. 1903

PREVIEW: Brandon Weichert of The National Interest critiques NASA's plans for the Artemis 2 mission and the Space Launch System. Weichert argues that the SLS is likely to fail to meet expectations and suggests that NASA may ultimately be forced to rely on Elon Musk's SpaceX and the Starship program to reach the moon, rather than continuing with the government's expensive, single-use rocket.

SHOW SCHEDULE 1-26-261808 GREAT HALL BANK OF ENGLAND Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani discuss global turmoil and confrontation, examining U.S. policy failures in Afghanistan. The conversation addresses the ongoing consequences of American withdrawal and the resurgence of threats in the region, highlighting how strategic missteps continue to destabilize the area and embolden adversaries. Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani examine how Africa remains unprotected from jihadists and plunderers. The discussion explores the continent's vulnerability to extremist expansion and resource exploitation, with weak governance and insufficient international attention allowing terrorist networks and predatory actors to operate with increasing impunity across multiple nations. Ernesto Araujo and Alejandro Pena Esclusa analyze Venezuela's posture of public defiance while remaining privately obedient to the Trump administration. The segment explores the contradictions in Caracas's diplomatic stance, suggesting the regime's theatrical resistance masks behind-the-scenes accommodations driven by economic pressure and political survival calculations. Ernesto Araujo and Alejandro Pena Esclusa report on a spontaneous Rio rally supporting the Bolsonaro family. The demonstration reflects continued popular backing for the former Brazilian president despite legal challenges, indicating that conservative movements in Latin America retain significant grassroots energy and organizational capacity. Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus McCotter discuss Iran's ongoing executions and mass murders. The segment details the regime's brutal crackdown on dissent, highlighting the systematic use of capital punishment against protesters and minorities as Tehran intensifies domestic repression amid international isolation and internal unrest. Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus McCotter examine Saudi Arabia's internal disagreements over a potential air campaign against Iran. The conversation explores Riyadh's strategic calculations, balancing regional security concerns against the risks of direct military confrontation with Tehran and the complexities of American alliance dynamics. Mark Simon and Gordon Chang address Hong Kong's persecution of democracy advocates through show trials. The discussion highlights Beijing's systematic dismantling of civil liberties, using the judicial system to silence opposition figures and signal that resistance to Communist Party authority will face severe consequences. Brandon Weichert and Gordon Chang analyze the PRC using ground-based nodes to influence states. The segment examines China's expanding infrastructure of political and economic pressure points, demonstrating how Beijing leverages physical assets to project power and shape foreign government policies. John Hardie reports that Russia continues targeting heat and light infrastructure in Kyiv, while Ukraine retaliates by striking Russian infrastructure. The segment examines the escalating war of attrition against civilian utilities as both sides seek to undermine morale and economic capacity through systematic attacks on essential services. Jack Burnham reveals that Chinese academics have been granted easy access to Energy Departmentsupercomputing resources used in nuclear weapon simulations. The discussion highlights alarming security lapses allowing potential adversaries to benefit from sensitive American technology with direct military applications and strategic implications. Cleo Paskal and Bill Roggio examine the PRC threat to Oceania from Guam's perspective. The segment details China's aggressive influence peddling and buying throughout the Pacific islands, as Beijing systematically works to undermine American strategic positioning and cultivate dependent relationships across the region. Cleo Paskal and Bill Roggio discuss the UK's giveaway of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, highlighting China's influence over the Mauritian government. The transfer raises concerns about Beijing potentially gaining strategic access to a critical Indian Ocean location near vital shipping lanes and military installations. Ahmad Sharawi reports that Al Sharaa continues attacking minorities in Syria, with Kurds being driven back while the U.S. stands aside. The Druze community also faces assault as the new regime consolidates power through ethnic persecution despite initial promises of inclusive governance. Janatyn Sayeh describes Iran's mass murders amid a broken economy with no communications or internet access. The segment portrays a regime in crisis, resorting to extreme violence against its population while infrastructure collapse and international isolation accelerate the government's deteriorating grip on power. David Daoud examines how Hezbollah reigns over villages in Lebanon. The segment details the organization's methods of social control, combining armed intimidation with provision of services to maintain dominance over Shia communities and enforce loyalty to the movement's political and military agenda. David Daoud explores what Hezbollah will manage if Tehran fails. The discussion considers the organization's future autonomy and survival prospects should its Iranian patron collapse, examining whether the group can sustain itself independently or faces inevitable decline without external support.

This transcript from The John Bachelor Show features a live discussion between host John Bachelor, former Congressman Thaddius McCotter, and scholars Judy Dempsey and Brandon Weichert. The participants evaluate the geopolitical instability of early 2026, focusing heavily on widespread civil unrest in Iran and the regime's potentially violent "Samson option" response. The conversation transitions into the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlighting deep divisions within the European Union regarding ceasefires and security guarantees. The experts also analyze German domestic politics, specifically the rise of the populist AfD party and its impact on immigration policy. Finally, the dialogue addresses controversial rumors regarding the Trump administration's interest in Greenland and the potential for separatist movements in North America to seek U.S. protection.1970 UK EMBASY TEHRAN

Guest: Brandon Weichert. Iranian protesters face a brutal regime that may utilize a "Samson Option," firing all missiles at Israel if the government falls. Weichert notes that while the Israelis and CIA have covert assets on the ground, the protest movement lacks a cohesive leader. Proposals for restoring the Pahlavi dynasty are criticized as an impractical solution.1997 DAMASCUS

Guest: Brandon Weichert. Turmoil in Iran threatens China's energy security, as Beijing receives roughly 70-80% of Iranian oil. Weichert suggests Russia and China are using the crisis to test anti-Starlink technologies. Furthermore, the regime might import foreign terrorists to suppress domestic dissent, while the U.S. provides behind-the-scenes support to the movement.1307 TABRIZ

Guest: Brandon Weichert. Turmoil in Iran threatens China's energy security, as Beijing receives roughly 70-80% of Iranian oil. Weichert suggests Russia and China are using the crisis to test anti-Starlink technologies. Furthermore, the regime might import foreign terrorists to suppress domestic dissent, while the U.S. provides behind-the-scenes support to the movement.1970 IRAN

PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Brandon Weichert. Weichert analyzes how Iranian turmoil affects Shaheddrone production, noting that Russia has already moved toward domestic manufacturing. He suggests that the disruption of Starlink in Iran is not accidental but reflects Russia and China testing anti-Starlink weapon systems, using the Iranian conflict as a strategic testing ground.

SHIFTS IN US POLICY AND THE RISE OF THE SHIA CRESCENT Colleague Brandon Weichert. This section tracks US policy shifts from Clinton's diplomatic attempts to the unintended consequences of the 2003 Iraq War. Weichert argues that removing Saddam Hussein eliminated a check on Iranian power, allowing Tehran to establish a "Shia Crescent" of influence stretching to Lebanon. The conversation covers the deep Sunni-Shia hostility and Iran'sstrategic co-opting of the Palestinian cause to weaken Israel. It also critiques the Obama administration's JCPOA, describing it as a failed attempt to equalize regional power between Iran and Israel, and traces Iran's nuclear ambitions back to Eisenhower's "Atoms for Peace" program. SHADOW WAR BY BRANDON WEICHERT NUMBER 31897 DAMASCUS

 IRAN'S QUEST FOR SUPREMACY AND FUTURE NUCLEAR NEGOTIATIONS Colleague Brandon Weichert. Weichert discusses Iran's ultimate goal of regional supremacy, describing the regime as the "octopus brain" directing proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah to attack Israel. He notes that his book anticipated the proxy attacks that occurred on October 7. Looking forward, Weichert analyzes potential US responses, contrasting the flaws of the original JCPOA—specifically its sunset clauses which would have allowed nuclear weapons by 2025—with a potentially tougher stance under a second Trump term. The segment concludes with the grim warning that the regime may choose destruction over abandoning its nuclear ambitions. SHADOW WAR BY BRANDON WEICHERT NUMBER 41960 NASSER IN DAMASCUS

US INTERVENTION IN IRAN: FROM OPERATION AJAX TO THE SHAH'S FALL Colleague Brandon Weichert. This segment introduces Brandon Weichert's book, The Shadow War, and examines the history of USinterference in Iran. It details Ambassador William Sullivan's 1978 "Thinking the Unthinkable" memo, which suggested the Carter administration prepare for the Shah's removal as he weakened. The discussion highlights how the USconsidered Ayatollah Khomeini a potential replacement to stabilize Iran, a massive miscalculation. It also revisits the 1953 Operation Ajax, clarifying that pro-Western Iranian military forces, aided by the British and CIA, ousted Prime Minister Mosaddegh after he attempted to consolidate power and nationalize oil. SHADOW WAR BY BRANDON WEICHERT NUMBER1850 TEHRAN

THE HOSTAGE CRISIS, THE IRAN-IRAQ WAR, AND THE CARTER DOCTRINE Colleague Brandon Weichert. Focusing on the aftermath of the 1979 revolution, this segment explores the American hostage crisis and the subsequent Iran-Iraq War initiated by Saddam Hussein in 1980. Hussein attacked to exploit Iran's post-revolutionary chaos and seize the Shatt al-Arab waterway, fearing the spread of radical Islamism. Weichert explains the Carter Doctrine, which committed the US to military intervention to protect Persian Gulf interests, a policy expanded by the "Reagan Corollary." The discussion notes that neither the American public nor the administration fully grasped the deep-seated grievances fueling the Iranian revolution. SHADOW WAR BY BRANDON WEICHERT NUMBER 21917 BAGHDAD

Guest: Brandon Weichert. Chinese tech giant Baidu is developing high-end chips to boost its market valuation. However, the Chinese state drives this "chip war" for military control and resilience rather than profitability. Despite some puffery regarding capabilities, China is serious about creating indigenous alternatives to American technology.1954

CHINA'S CHIP THEFT AND AI WARFARE RISKS Colleague Brandon Weichert, The National Interest. Weichert discusses China's attempts to upgrade older ASML machines and reverse-engineer chips to bypass sanctions. They also review 2025 lessons, noting that AI in military war games tends to escalate conflicts aggressively toward nuclear options, warning that China may fuse AI with its nuclear command systems. NUMBER 2

CHINA'S CHIP THEFT AND AI WARFARE RISKS Colleague Brandon Weichert, The National Interest. Weichert discusses China's attempts to upgrade older ASML machines and reverse-engineer chips to bypass sanctions. They also review 2025 lessons, noting that AI in military war games tends to escalate conflicts aggressively toward nuclear options, warning that China may fuse AI with its nuclear command systems. NUMBER 2

PREVIEW Guest: Brandon Weichert. Weichert explains how China attempts to reverse engineer advanced chip fabricator machines from the European firm ASML to bypass sanctions. Chinese entities reportedly broke machines while tinkering, then called ASMLfor repairs specifically to observe the technicians and learn the intricate mechanics of the forbidden technology. The strategy is similar to a car mechanic deliberately tampering with a competitor's high-performance engine until it fails, then calling the competitor's support team to fix it—not because they need the car running, but because they want to watch exactly how the expert puts the pieces back together.

Nvidia's Jensen Huang and the AI Revolution: Colleague Brandon Weichert praises Nvidia's Jensen Huang as a pivotal geopolitical figure driving the AI revolution, comparing AI's growth to the railroad boom and predicting long-term economic benefits and massive opportunities for construction and energy sectors as the US builds infrastructure to support data centers. 1938

PREVIEW — Brandon Weichert — Jensen Huang and Nvidia's Geopolitical Influence. Weichert identifies Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang as potentially America's most consequential and strategically important technology tycoon, arguing he now surpasses Elon Musk in direct geopolitical influence and institutional power to shape American foreign policy and national security priorities. Weichert suggests that Huang's desire to expand semiconductor chip sales into Chinesemarkets is systematically influencing the Biden administration to soften its national security rhetoric and shift from hawkish threat characterization to dovish diplomatic accommodation regarding Beijing, potentially subordinating American strategic autonomy to Nvidia's commercial interests and market access imperatives. 1958

Nvidia Chip Sales to China Raise National Security Concerns: Colleague Brandon Weichert reports on the Trump administration approving Nvidia H200 chip sales to China while taking a 25% cut, warning this transactional approach compromises national security by aiding China's military AI, signaling a shift from hawkish policies to favoring business interests like soybeans. 1837

Nvidia Chip Sales to China Raise National Security Concerns: Colleague Brandon Weichert reports on the Trump administration approving Nvidia H200 chip sales to China while taking a 25% cut, warning this transactional approach compromises national security by aiding China's military AI, signaling a shift from hawkish policies to favoring business interests like soybeans. 1773

Nvidia Chip Sales to China Raise National Security Concerns: Colleague Brandon Weichert reports on the Trump administration approving Nvidia H200 chip sales to China while taking a 25% cut, warning this transactional approach compromises national security by aiding China's military AI, signaling a shift from hawkish policies to favoring business interests like soybeans. 1850