A brief discussion on why we are here.

The German military made a mistake this week when they didn’t encrypt a private conversation with multiple senior military leaders discussing Ukraine. What is the fallout? Has it happened before?

This episode we discuss the gang crisis in Haiti, compare it to others, and predict a solution.

This episode we will be discussing the major points found within this year's Office of the Director of National Intelligence's threat assessment: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. How much of a threat are they and what what is the U.S. doing to mitigate the threats?

This episode we discuss the origins of Yemen's Houthi movement, or Ansar Allah, and how a local civil war morphed into an international concern.

This episode we discuss the terror attack at the Crocus Music Center in downtown Moscow which left almost 140 dead. We will compare and contrast those likely possible, landing on the obvious, ISIS, and discuss who ISIS is and why they would conduct such a gruesome assault. 

Iran and Israel have been at odds over religion and politics, arguably, for millennia. In this episode we discuss the most recent attack by Iran on Israel in response to an assassination of 7 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leaders in Damascus and attempt to predict where the feud is headed. Also, we dive into the history of both nations and look to identify the roots of conflict.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) turns 75 this April. In this episode we explore NATO's origins, its history, and discuss why NATO is so relevant to today's foreign affairs landscape. 

In this episode we examine Secretary of State Antony Blinker’s most recent trip to China, learn what was discussed, and identify why this trip is important. We also look into the Chinese Communist Party’s behavior with other nations, particularly the United States, and whether they are “playing by the rules.”

LTC Shawn Tabankin is the deputy operations officer (G3) for the New York Army National Guard. During his over 25 years of service, LTC Tabankin has served in numerous combat roles and brings a wealth of experience to a conversation on foreign affairs from multiple perspectives. In this episode we discuss his time in Djibouti, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and his opinions of today's great power competition. All opinions are our own and do not represent those of the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.

In this episode we discuss the potential ceasefire deal on the table between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Both sides have acknowledged a deal is pending, however, neither has agreed officially. We discuss what led to the negotiations, what may come of them, who Hamas is as an organization, and why a ceasefire is even a possibility.

What is the connection between China and America's current fentanyl crisis? Is the Chinese Communist Party involved? Does the Taliban play a role? In this episode we tackle this challenging topic and hope to shed light on what the "crisis" really is. 

In this episode of Headlines and History we discuss the helicopter crash that killed Iran's President and Foreign Minister last week, who or what was responsible for the crash, what happens next, and who the next president might be. 

LTC Lisa Bennett is currently the Senior Intelligence Mentor for the New York Army National Guard. She recently spent three years in Germany, as both an Intelligence Planner and Analysis and Control (ACE) Chief, working for U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command. Our conversation focuses on Ukraine's efforts to defend itself against the Russian invasion of their land but also touches on China, Vladimir Putin, NATO, and her service. Enjoy!

All opinions expressed in the interview are those of the participants and do not reflect those of the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Government.

In this episode I speak with LTC Stephen Totter, the senior Joint Intelligence Officer for Joint Task Force Empire Shield in New York City, a senior Intelligence Mentor for the New York Army National Guard, a civilian attorney, and real estate investor. LTC Totter shares his experience in Iraq, his thoughts on Iraq's future, how to lead intelligence teams while stateside, and how he uses intelligence training to advance his real estate career. Enjoy!

In this episode we explore Niger's latest military coup, what it means for Africa and relations with Russia, China, and the United States. We discuss why Niger is prone to military coups--seven constitutions in about 60 years--and what, if anything, can be done about it, and if the United States will maintain relations with Niger in the coming years.

I do not speak for the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense, or the United States government. All opinions are my own.

This week's episode is all about TikTok. I conducted a YouTube live event on Saturday, June 22nd, and am republishing the talk here. In it I discuss why TikTok is not alone (that potentially all Chinese-owned technology companies are a problem), how the United States is not the only country concerned with its data collection strategies, and how American companies are using your data differently. Enjoy! 

In this episode of Headlines and History, I discuss the call to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III in 2005. The story beings with my joining the New York Army National Guard, what the political zeitgeist was, and how a National Guard Division Headquarters (42d Infantry Division) took command in combat for the first time since the Korean War. 

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we continue our series on my time in Iraq by discussing my few weeks in Kuwait and what FOB Danger looked like in Iraq. I also discuss the kinetic environment, sleeping and working, and why a pond was next to my hooch. Lastly, I open with a few comments I forgot to address previously on why the Bush Administration was in Iraq in the first place. Enjoy!

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we continue our series on my time in Iraq by discussing what daily life was like during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. I also cover the most tragic event of our deployment and quite possible, the most tragic of the whole war. We learned all too keenly that defending Americans from the enemy was hard enough but not as hard as defending Americans against ourselves.

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we continue our series on my time in Iraq by discussing the overall environment in 2005 and which events shaped the threat landscape. Tactics were changing, voting was happening, and foreign fighters were slaughtering civilians. The sectarian violence that began in late 2005 led directly to the decision to surge forces in the next couple years. Enjoy!

In this latest episode of Headlines and History I speak with Chana Studley, an author, counselor, and academy award winner, about her mission to help those suffering with mental health issues. Her latest book--Beyond Diagnosis. A Paradigm Shift from Pathology to Innate Health--shares 45 personal stories of recovery. During the conversation we tackle topics such as PTSD, overall wellbeing, addition, anxiety, and more. Chana resides in Jerusalem which also becomes a topic we discuss given the current state of affairs in Israel. Enjoy!

I do not speak of the United States Army, the National Guard, or the government in any way. All opinions are my own.

The content should not be construed as medical advice, only the opinion of the guest.

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we finish our series on my time in Iraq by discussing some leftover funny, and not-so-funny, tales. We start with a broken finger from a guy with a back tattoo, find ourselves in the literal crosshairs of a General, and end with a Soldier who refused to shower for weeks while deployed. Enjoy!

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we talk about the story on everyone's mind...Kursk. I explain in American military doctrinal terms what the Ukrainians accomplished on August 6th, 2024, and if they were effective. I discuss whether the prognosticators are correct on what this operation means for the war against Russia and if President Putin can do anything about it. We wrap up by comparing this operation to others in history in an attempt to discern what just might happen going forward. Enjoy!

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we take our first look back since the show began. We've covered a good deal of topics and it is a good time to see how each has evolved. We revisit such characters as "Barbecue" in Haiti, groups like Yemen's Houthis, and tense situations like Iran and Israel. Retrospections will drop occasionally in our journey, so stay tuned and as always...enjoy!

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we review my time at the 2024 Intelligence and National Security Summit hosted in the Washington D.C. area in late August. The summit is designed to bring together intelligence leaders in government, industry, and academia to network and devise ways to make collaboration easier and more efficient. Many topics were discussed during the plenary panels and breakout sessions, but a few key topics stood out: artificial intelligence, China, election interference, and the Space domain. Join me as I discuss the event's highlights and how these topics, and more, affect the foreign affairs and military conflict landscapes. Enjoy!

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we discuss Linda Sun and her time in New York State government working for two governors and the Chinese Communist Party. She was indicted this week by the Eastern District of New York for working to influence New York politics in a way that supported the People's Republic of China and hurt Taiwan. As we discuss, I wouldn't call her a spy per se, but she worked for an adversary nonetheless, and will likely be found guilty of her alleged crimes. Also is there a historical example that mirrors Sun's behavior...from a friend no less? We find out, on this week's episode, of Headlines and History. Enjoy!

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we discuss what might be the greatest intelligence operation in history: Israel's decision to detonate thousands of pagers worn by Hezbollah members in Lebanon. While Israel has not claimed responsibility, so we don't know for sure, it seems most likely Israel is responsible given they are the only regional entity to have the capability and motive. How did they do it? And why? Is this part of a larger operation to come? Was it an accident? We discuss these questions and more on this week's episode. Enjoy!

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we explore the history of Venezuela through three of its more influential leaders: Simón Bolívar, Hugo Chávez, and Nicolás Maduro. This we are doing in preparation for next week's show when I sit down with Alexandra Winkler, a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) fellow to discuss the current state of Venezuela. We will begin with how and why Simón Bolívar came to create an independent Venezuela, followed by how Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, through socialist principles and egomania, ruined it. Enjoy!

Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike own September 27, 2024. Join me to discuss what this means for the region, how Iran will respond, who will replace him, and if Israel has completed its mission on this H&H Extra! episode of Headlines and History. 

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we have a pointed conversation with Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Fellow Alex Winkler. Alex, a native Venezuelan, is an expert on her home country's politics and staunch supporter of democracy. We address a range of topics that include the ills of socialism, the dictatorships of Hugo Chavez and Nicholas Maduro, and how the United States could do more to protect the everyday Venezuelan. Be sure to visit https://www.csis.org/people/alexandra-winkler to see all of Alex's work. Enjoy!

Welcome to another episode of Headlines and History with Jon Molik. This week we discuss the most popular topic in the foreign affairs space: Hezbollah. The Islamic Republic of Iran's original proxy, once a major force in the region, has been dealt numerous blows by Israel over the past few weeks in what some consider the most audacious and effective intelligence operations in history. Multiple leaders, to include Hassan Nasrallah, are dead and the organization is reeling. Join me today as we discuss the organization's history, its purpose, and what it might become, if anything, in the future. 

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we have finally arrived at the collaboration event of the Battle of Saratoga. Join me, Jon Molik of Headlines and History, and Rob Bradley from Dark History, as we banter on about many aspects of the battle. We discuss tactics, operations, leaders, and effects. Find out how the battle was really two in one, how a traitor led America to victory, and why this plot of land in upstate New York became the place upon which the revolution's turning point played out. Enjoy! 

Welcome to another episode of Headlines and History with Jon Molik. This week we take a step back and answer a basic question: What is the Intelligence Community? This podcast covers foreign affairs and military conflict, but my experience in the intelligence field often leads to my discussing intelligence-related matters. Therefore, it makes sense that I explain what that is so all listeners can be on the same page. So, I'll discuss such topics like what the differences are between the CIA and NGA. What is military intelligence and how does it relate to the bigger picture. And how the government works within its constitutional duties while also keeping Americans safe. Join me as I answer questions like these, and more, on this week's episode of Headlines and History. 

Welcome to another episode of Headlines and History with Jon Molik. This week I ask you to join me for a quasi-rant. Over the past few weeks we've seen multiple attacks by Israel and Iran against each other, and as you might imagine, online prognosticators and analysts abound. What I've noticed is a lack of understanding about, or acceptance of, the diplomatic angles of these military engagements. As Carl von Clausewitz said many years ago, war is a tool used by nation-states to further political desires. In other words, diplomacy and strategic goals always provide the foundations of military conflict, not the other way around. So this week let's address the diplomatic concerns surrounding Israel and Iran and why the military attacks end up the way they do.

Welcome to another episode of Headlines and History with Jon Molik. This week Ryan McBeth joins us for a conversation spanning a wide range of topics that include Iraq, military weapons, American history, Ukraine, drone warfare, and his employer, AeroMedLab. Ryan is an expert in C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), military weapons (from today and yesterday), cyber targeting, and disinformation. Join Ryan and I for a lighthearted conversation about serious topics, this week, on Headlines and History. 

Welcome to another episode of Headlines and History with Jon Molik. This week we have a special guest returning to the show: LTC Stephen Totter. For those that have been with us since the start, you will remember LTC Totter joining us to discuss his time in Iraq, his views on the international order, and even some advice in the real estate world. This week we have him back to talk about the United States' role in policing the world, who it benefits, who it hurts, and if such activity should even occur at all. We cover events from World War I through today as we dig into the pros and cons of U.S. global intervention. In fact, our conversation went so well we had to split it into two episodes. So, enjoy this first half of our discussion and be sure to join us next week for the second. Enjoy!

Welcome to another episode of Headlines and History with Jon Molik. This week I cover in full a topic that I've talked around in the past: the new axis of evil...or is it? For many, Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea are a group of adversaries that are seen as working together as a counterbalance to the West. Is that really the case? Is China and Russia's participation in BRICS just for economic gain or is their membership more sinister? Do the other partners approve of North Koreans fighting in Russia or do they not care? This week I tackle these questions and more in what I've called Part 1. Next week I will discuss if the United States should be concerned about this new grouping, and even if it does, does it have a role in doing something about it. Enjoy!

Welcome to another episode of Headlines and History with Jon Molik. This week LTC Lisa Bennet joins us--again--for a conversation spanning a wide range of topics that includes Russia, NATO, Ukraine, Putin, Zelensky, and Trump. Lisa is an Army intelligence veteran with nearly 30 years' experience that includes numerous deployments overseas. She spent approximately three years with United States Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) and leans on that experience to educate us on the Ukraine-Russia war, European geopolitics, and what the upcoming U.S. presidential term may mean for the war. Thanks for joining Lisa and me this week and enjoy the episode!

Welcome to another episode of Headlines and History with Jon Molik. This week we have a special guest returning to the show: LTC Stephen Totter. For those that have been with us since the start, you will remember LTC Totter joining us to discuss his time in Iraq, his views on the international order, and even some advice in the real estate world. This week we have him back to talk about the United States' role in policing the world, who it benefits, who it hurts, and if such activity should even occur at all. We cover events from World War I through today as we dig into the pros and cons of U.S. global intervention. In fact, our conversation went so well we had to split it into two episodes. So, enjoy this first half of our discussion and be sure to join us next week for the second. Enjoy!

Welcome to another episode of Headlines and History with Jon Molik. This week we return after a brief hiatus and discuss a bit of my recent trip to Israel. We start with a show update and then hit some trip highlights. Enjoy!

Welcome to another episode of Headlines and History with Jon Molik. This week we being a multipart series on the heady arguments over Israel and Palestine. This week: origins and religion. Enjoy!

Welcome to another episode of Headlines and History with Jon Molik. This week we begin a multipart series on the heady arguments over Israel and Palestine. This week: genocide and the right to exist. Enjoy!

Welcome to another episode of Headlines and History with Jon Molik. This week we begin a multipart series on the heady arguments over Israel and Palestine. This week: morality and ethics on Oct 7. Enjoy!

Welcome to another episode of Headlines and History with Jon Molik. This week we tackle the Syrian Civil War with Part 1: Background of Assad's Fall. Enjoy!

Welcome to another episode of Headlines and History with Jon Molik. This week we tackle the Syrian Civil War with Part 2: After the Fall and What's Next? Enjoy!

Welcome to another episode of Headlines and History with Jon Molik. This week we talk Israel-Palestine again in response to questions that came after our mini-series. Here is Part 1: Right of Return and Expansion. Enjoy!

Welcome to another episode of Headlines and History with Jon Molik. This week we talk Israel-Palestine again in response to questions that came after our mini-series. Here is Part 2: Biblical Rights and Children in Combat. Enjoy!