Podcasts about flashpoints

In this episode of STRAT, retired Marine Intelligence Officer Hal Kempfer examines two rapidly evolving geopolitical flashpoints—Venezuela and Ukraine—each perched at critical strategic inflection points. Venezuela faces mounting U.S. military and diplomatic pressure after President Trump's declaration closing its airspace and the deployment of a powerful U.S. naval task force to the Caribbean. The situation places both Washington and the Maduro regime in precarious positions as covert operations, international legal concerns, and escalating cartel designations reshape the stakes. Meanwhile, Ukraine confronts a controversial peace plan that mirrors longstanding Russian objectives, raising fears about territorial concessions, regime change, and the future of Western commitment. With negotiations spanning Geneva to Washington and political turmoil in Kyiv, the outcome could redefine European security—while signaling broader implications for NATO, global alliances, and U.S. resolve in the Indo-Pacific. A complex and consequential moment is unfolding on both fronts.Takeaways:· Why U.S. pressure on Venezuela has reached a decisive point.· Strategic implications of closing Venezuelan airspace.· Capabilities and options of the U.S. carrier and MEU task force.· How cartel terrorist designations broaden potential U.S. target sets.· Concerns over reported Navy conduct and international law.· Why Ukraine's proposed peace plan aligns closely with Russian aims.· How political instability in Kyiv and global negotiations shape outcomes.· Broader risks for NATO, Europe, and U.S. commitments worldwide.#STRATPodcast #HalKempfer #MutualBroadcastingSystem #StrategicRiskAnalysis #Geopolitics #NationalSecurity #VenezuelaCrisis #UkraineWar #USForeignPolicy #MilitaryStrategy #IntelAnalysis #RussiaUkraine #SouthAmericaSecurity #NATOAllies #GlobalStability #DefenseInsights #PolicyAnalysis #SecurityBriefing #InternationalRelations #RiskAssessment

The Flashpoints of Woke Capitalism: Occupy Wall Street and the SEC — Charles Gasparino — Gasparinoidentifies the 2008 financial crisis and the ensuing progressive populist backlash, including the Occupy Wall Streetencampment at Zuccotti Park, as pivotal flashpoints accelerating corporate woke adoption. CEOs embraced ESG and DEI frameworks, influenced by ideological groupthink at forums like Davos. Corporate leadership adopted stakeholder capitalism as a political defense mechanism against progressive lawmakers including Senator Elizabeth Warren and regulatory pressure. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), particularly under the Biden administration, has begun systematically enforcing woke corporate policies through regulatory authority. 1931

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – November 28, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – November 27, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

NATO on the Brink is a sharp, fast-paced podcast exploring the real flashpoints where a NATO–Russia conflict could begin — from the Suwałki Gap and Kaliningrad to Baltic Sea tensions, Black Sea drone incidents, hybrid warfare, cyberattacks and Europe's critical infrastructure risks. If you want clear, factual insight into how modern conflict actually starts and what rising NATO tensions mean for the UK and Europe, this podcast delivers essential situational awareness without hype or fearmongering. Your weekly briefing on European security, hybrid threats, and the fragile stability of a world entering a new era of risk.

What happens when fans learn their beloved Star Trek is returning, but not the way they expect? This week on The Trek Files, we take a mid-season dive into the pre-internet letter-writing era of fandom with a look at Interstat #109, a Star Trek "LOC-zine" published just after the announcement of The Next Generation in late 1986. With Mission Log host and producer John Champion joining Larry, we revisit that first wave of passionate, skeptical, and sometimes prophetic reactions from fans adjusting to the idea of Star Trek without Kirk, Spock, or the original cast. From fears about recasting to early excitement about a new crew, these letters reveal a fandom both resistant to change and deeply hopeful for Trek's future. And while the tone may be more thoughtful than today's drive-by social media culture, the underlying emotions haven't changed. Together, John and Larry reflect on how fandom evolves, why backlash often masks deep investment, and how publications like Interstat helped shape the Trek we know today—slowly, one stamp at a time.

What happens when fans learn their beloved Star Trek is returning, but not the way they expect? This week on The Trek Files, we take a mid-season dive into the pre-internet letter-writing era of fandom with a look at Interstat #109, a Star Trek "LOC-zine" published just after the announcement of The Next Generation in late 1986. With Mission Log host and producer John Champion joining Larry, we revisit that first wave of passionate, skeptical, and sometimes prophetic reactions from fans adjusting to the idea of Star Trek without Kirk, Spock, or the original cast. From fears about recasting to early excitement about a new crew, these letters reveal a fandom both resistant to change and deeply hopeful for Trek's future. And while the tone may be more thoughtful than today's drive-by social media culture, the underlying emotions haven't changed. Together, John and Larry reflect on how fandom evolves, why backlash often masks deep investment, and how publications like Interstat helped shape the Trek we know today—slowly, one stamp at a time.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – November 24, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Today on the show: We speak with Dan Kovalik, the lawyer currently representing Colombian President Gustavo Petro. And we talk about how and IF AID is getting into  Gaza. Joining us is Iyas Sartawi from Project Hope Palestine. The post Flashpoints – November 19, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – November 14, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – November 11, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – November 10, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – November 7, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – November 6, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Today on the show: Emanuel Rozental talks about Columbia and about The New Democratic Socialist Mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani. Melissa Nold, lawyer, alleges Brentwood police smashed elder Yolanda Ramirez head in, she is dead, and they are covering it all up. Alameda County Supervisor, Nikki Fortunato Bas, proposals to help protect migrants from ICE The post Flashpoints – November 5, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Today on the show: we'll be joined by Flashpoints contributor, Arun Gupta who joins us live from new York City, as results from the widely watched mayors race pour in: And the New Vision for Border Patrol Agents:  the border is where Trump says it is: all this and more straight ahead. The post Flashpoints – November 4, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

TODAY ON THE SHOW: our weekly segment:Genocide watch with Sam Husseini and Special Guest Rabbi Andrue Kahn, Executive Director of the American Council for Judaism:palestinians continue to die, as prisoners are exchanged, both dead and alive: And we'll speak to CodePink founder, Medea Benjamin, in Havana, Cuba delivering desperately needed supplies cut off by the US/Israeli Blockade and aggravated by recent hurricanes The post Flashpoints – November 3, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Today on the show: an in depth look at Haiti as a result of decades of US counter-insurgency and illegal occupation: we'll be joined by Long time Haiti Activist Pierre LaBossier: Also day of the dead has special meaning in the mission district of San Francisco under daily threat of Trump sweeps The post Flashpoints – October 31, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Global Flashpoints: Ceasefires, Nuclear Claims, and the Legality of Venezuela Deployment Guest: Colonel Jeff McCausland Colonel Jeff McCausland assesses global conflicts, noting the Gaza ceasefire remains fragile as neither Israel nor Hamas is willing to compromise meaningfully.

Global Flashpoints: Ceasefires, Nuclear Claims, and the Legality of Venezuela Deployment Guest: Colonel Jeff McCausland Colonel Jeff McCausland assesses global conflicts, noting the Gaza ceasefire remains fragile as neither Israel nor Hamas is willing to compromise meaningfully. Russia remains defiant, having recently tested a claimed nuclear-powered missile, with Putin insisting Ukraine must surrender to achieve peace. McCausland criticizes the US deployment of a carrier battle group near Venezuela as "overkill," resembling nineteenth-century gunboat diplomacy intended to intimidate the Maduro regime. He questions the legality of kinetic action against alleged drug smugglers without Congressional approval. R

TODAY ON THE SHOW: Greg Palast returns with a new edition of the Election Crimes Bulletin: Today Greg starts with US  military destabilization in Venezuela and ends with the US military in the streets of cities all over america to control the results of the next election: Palast says: I met Chávez and Maduro. I know drugs are not the reason Trump wants war with Venezuela. And Nora Barrows Friedman returns with the weekly newscast from the Electronic Intifada… The post Flashpoints – October 30, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – October 29, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Today on the show: U.S. Continues its extrajudicial killing off the coast of Venezuela: Also Food and Hunger in America: The SNAP programs, also known as Food Stamps will shut its doors on Saturday, leaving OVER 42 million Americans in jeopardy: we'll be joined by Food Not Bombs founder and Executive director Keith McHenry, in self-imposed exile in Mexico, after receiving several credible death threats: Also joining us is Tiny of Poor People's Network… The post Flashpoints – October 28, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – October 27, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Resources:MILPA Collective: A movement organization rooted in Salinas, California, led by formerly incarcerated and system-impacted individuals. Learn more about MILPA Collective at: https://www.milpacollective.org/Just Narratives for Multiracial Solidarity:Nov 13-15St. Louis, MOREGISTER NOW at https://www.raceforward.org/training-and-events/just-narratives Executive Producers: Hendel Leiva, Cheryl Blakemore, Priscilla Sam

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – October 24, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Hour 2 covers the 22-day government shutdown with Republicans blaming Democrats including Schumer and Jeffries. Marc critiques Jen Psaki, comments on Trump's ballroom plan and an abortion clinic controversy in Colorado. Nichole Murray delivers business headlines on the stock market, Toys R Us, OpenAI's browser, and American Airlines coffee. Social topics include school library book fights, social media and parenting, and the Alzheimer's walk. The hour closes with In Other News.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – October 20, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – October 13, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – October 10, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – October 9, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – October 8, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – October 7, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – October 6, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Today on the Show: We feature a front-line interview with  Nane Alejandrez, the celebrated founder of Barrios  Unidos: Nane is on the frontline holding the line against the extreme right wing that has taken control in Washington D.C.: And Trump appears to declare war on Venezuela The post Flashpoints – October 3, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – October 2, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – September 30, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Jon Herold opens the week with a deep dive into the looming government shutdown, breaking down Trump's negotiations with Congress, Republican infighting over ACA subsidies, and the DoD's contingency plans prioritizing border security and Middle East operations. He connects these developments to broader devolution themes, highlighting continuity of operations and Trump's strategy of using shutdowns as leverage to force real change. The episode also covers Trump's White House meeting with Netanyahu and the 21-point Gaza peace plan, along with speculation about signals tied to military aircraft sales. Jon examines the devastating LDS church shooting in Michigan, Rudy Giuliani's Dominion settlement, and new rulings against Mike Lindell, before turning to Oregon's lawsuit challenging Trump's National Guard deployment under Title 10. Other stories include China's ferry buildup for Taiwan, misleading narratives about drug prosecutions, and EA's massive $55 billion buyout led by Saudi funds and Jared Kushner. With sharp humor, first-principles thinking, and plenty of rug metaphors, Jon ties together shutdown brinkmanship, legal showdowns, and geopolitical maneuvering into one packed episode.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – September 29, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

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Today on the show: The Electronic Intifada with Nora Barrows Friedman: Nora reports that the genocide continues and more Palestinians die of starvation, as the Israelis continue to blockade the flow of crucial food supplies and medicine badly needed by the Palestinians. Meanwhile over a half million people on the run with no where to hide: And a protest at Oakland ariport against using private airports as pipe lines to resupply the genocide. The post Flashpoints – September 18, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

How do you love your church during cultural flashpoints? Last week's assassination of political activity Charlie Kirk is one of those flashpoints. It seems that people are making the decision to leave their churches based on how their pastors and leadership have responded to big cultural moments in our society, whether that's through action or through silence. Don't miss the conversation on Equipped with Chris Brooks as we look at five troubling trends threatening the church today and encourage pastors. September thank you gift:Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World by Becky Harling Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – September 12, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – September 11, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – September 9, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – September 2, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine, that focuses on human, civil and workers right, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. The post Flashpoints – September 1, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

In this gripping Talking Lead Podcast episode, Lefty sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Kyle Mills to discuss his explosive new thriller, Fade In. Dive into the high-stakes world of ex-Navy SEAL Salam "Fade" al-Fayed as he tackles a global threat. Kyle shares insights on his move to Granada, Spain, and reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic, eerily predicted in his 2019 novel Lethal Agent. We also explore how his books Red War and Enemy of the State foreshadowed the Russian-Ukrainian and Israel-Palestine conflicts. Plus, hear how Kyle crafts authentic characters inspired by real-life figures, including his FBI-agent father and family acquaintances. Whether you're a die-hard thriller fan, history buff, or follower of global affairs, this episode packs inspiration, intrigue, and unfiltered opinions. Tune in now on Spotify, Rumble, or Apple Podcasts—subscribe, rate, and review to join the Talking Lead community!