Episodes

  • Episode 749: Operation Epic Fury Free for All
    Mar 2 2026
    Hard to think of a better time to have a Midrats Podcast Free-for-All.2026 continues to produce more content than we know what to do with, but we’ll give it our best.

    Show Links
    • CENTCOM’s Epic Fury Day-1 Summary
    • LUCAS attack drone
    • Intifada Podcast: Hamas in the U.S.
    • UK gives a nod for base use
    • Sal Mercogliano on the Strait of Hormuz
    • Israeli bomb shelter dating app
    Summary

    Join Sal and Mark as they analyze the recent military operations, geopolitical implications, and strategic considerations surrounding Operation Epic Fury and the broader Middle East tensions. This episode offers in-depth insights into military assets, regional dynamics, and the future of Iran and its neighbors.

    Chapters

    00:00: Introduction
    02:04: Main Focus: Operation Epic Fury and Iran
    03:07: Details of US Military Assets Used in the Strike
    06:28: Targeting Command and Control Centers in Iran
    08:12: Iran’s Military Capabilities and Regional Impact
    09:38: Iranian Public Sentiment and Future Opportunities
    11:25: Support for Iranian People and Regime Dynamics
    13:46: Iranian Revolutionary Guard and Sleeper Cells
    16:52: Impact of Expatriates and International Support
    18:14: Challenges of Leadership and Control in Iran
    20:09: Strategic Goals and Limitations of the Operation
    22:02: Analysis of Military and Political Leadership Decisions
    25:24: Logistics, Risks, and Future Outlook
    28:43: Potential for Further Actions and Regional Stability
    31:17: European and Global Reactions to the Strike
    34:38: International Responses and NATO’s Role
    37:11: Iran’s Response and Proxy Activities
    41:54: Intelligence, Misinformation, and Media Challenges
    45:18: Implications for US and Allies’ Security
    49:25: Operational Successes and Future Risks
    54:31: Technological Innovations and Regional Impact
    55:57: Humor and Human Element in Military Operations
    01:00: Conclusion
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    1 hr
  • Episode 748: The 21st Century Battleship, with Robert Farley
    Feb 23 2026
    So, is this the time to make battleships great again?I would be hard-pressed to think of a better guest to help us explore that question than returning guest, Rob Farley. A starting point for our conversation will be his article from December, The Trump-Class Battleship Summed Up In 1 Word.

    Show Links
    • The Battleship Book, by Robert Farley’s
    • Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce
    • Lawyers, Guns, and Money
    • Dr. Robert Farley’s X Profile
    • Dr. Robert Farley’s Blue Sky Profile
    • My thoughts on SLCM-N
    Summary

    In this episode, Dr. Robert Farley discusses the concept of battleships, their historical significance, and the strategic considerations for modern naval warfare. The conversation covers technological challenges, political implications, and future force structure planning.

    Chapters

    00:00: Introduction to the Battleship Debate
    02:31: Historical Context and Modern Relevance of Battleships
    07:44: Survivability and Modern Warfare Challenges
    13:11: The Role of Nuclear Capabilities in Battleships
    20:11: Political and Strategic Implications of Battleship Armament
    23:15: Technological Innovations and Future of Naval Warfare
    32:36: Design Philosophy and Size of Modern Warships
    39:32: Historical Lessons and Future Capabilities
    46:03: Political Implications of Naval Procurement
    52:30 Shipbuilding Challenges and Future Directions

    Dr. Robert Farley has taught security and diplomacy courses at the Patterson School since 2005. He received his BS from the University of Oregon in 1997, and his Ph.D. from the University of Washington in 2004. In addition to the book of the moment, The Battleship Book (Wildside, 2016), Dr. Farley is the author of Grounded: The Case for Abolishing the United States Air Force (University Press of Kentucky, 2014), and Patents for Power: Intellectual Property Law and the Diffusion of Military Technology (University of Chicago, 2020). He has contributed extensively to a number of journals and magazines, including the National Interest, the Diplomat: APAC, World Politics Review, and the American Prospect. Dr. Farley is also a founder and senior editor of Lawyers, Guns and Money.
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    56 mins
  • Episode 747: Mid-February Free for All
    Feb 16 2026
    Need a moment to recover from Valentine’s Day? Of course you do!

    Showlinks
    • Truxtun-Supply Collision
    • Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference
    • Maritime Action Plan
    Summary

    In this episode of Midrats, Sal and Mark discuss various topics related to national security, starting off with the Truxton-Supply collision. They also delve into Secretary Rubio’s speech regarding NATO relations, the decline of the international order, and the challenges posed by China’s global influence. Additionally, they explore the Maritime Action Plan and its significance for the future of shipbuilding and economic policy in the U.S.

    Chapters

    00:00: Introduction
    02:10: The Truxtun-Supply Collision
    11:55: Operational Tempo and Navy Readiness
    17:24: Secretary Rubio’s Speech and NATO Relations
    27:18: The Decline of the International Order
    37:03: China’s Global Influence and Fishing Practices
    45:51: Maritime Action Plan and Economic Policy
    57:59: Strategic Capabilities and Future of Shipbuilding
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 746: Budgets, Ships, and the CBO, with Eric Labs - on Midrats
    Feb 1 2026
    Show Links
    • The Congress, the Golden Fleet, and the Shipbuilding Industrial Base in 2026
    Summary

    In this episode of Midrats, Sal and Mark engage with Eric Labs, a senior analyst at the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), to discuss the complexities of shipbuilding costs, the role of the CBO in providing independent estimates, and the challenges faced by the U.S. Navy in maintaining and expanding its fleet. Eric shares insights on the differences between CBO and Navy cost estimates, the impact of maintenance on overall ship costs, and the importance of a skilled labor force in shipbuilding. The conversation also touches on the historical context of shipbuilding budgets, congressional appropriations, and the future of naval forces in the face of evolving defense needs.

    Dr. Eric Labs is Senior Analyst for Naval Forces and Weapons at the Congressional Budget Office in Washington, D.C. He specializes in issues related to the procurement, budgeting, and sizing of the forces for the Department of the Navy. He received his doctorate in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduated from Tufts University, summa cum laude, in 1988. He has worked for the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis in Cambridge, Massachusetts and, from 1994 to 1995, as a Visiting Scholar at the Center for International Security Studies at the University of Maryland. Dr. Labs has been with the Congressional Budget Office since 1995.

    Chapters

    00:00: Introduction to the CBO and Eric Labs
    03:01: Understanding the Role of the CBO
    06:01: Cost Estimation Approaches in Shipbuilding
    08:54: Historical Context of CBO Estimates vs Navy Estimates
    12:04: Challenges in Shipbuilding Cost Estimates
    15:09: The Impact of Maintenance on Ship Costs
    18:00: Congressional Budgeting and Shipbuilding Appropriations
    20:48: Labor Force Challenges in Shipbuilding
    23:58: Future of the U.S. Navy Fleet and Shipbuilding
    27:05: Conclusion and Future Considerations
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    58 mins
  • Episode 745: Mid-Winter Melee...National Defense Strategy et al
    Jan 26 2026
    No need to force yourself to head outside in this horrible weather—unless you are in the Free State of Florida where the high is expected to hit 80F or so.

    From the Friday National Defense Strategy dump to whatever comes over the transom, we’ve got you covered.

    Show Links
    • 2026 National Defense Strategy
    • Heritage Foundation’s, Tidalwave
    • Beans, Bullets, and Black Oil, Rear Adm. Worrall Reed, USN
    • Fourth Arm of Defense: Sealift and Maritime Logistics in the Vietnam War, Sal Mercogliano
    • USS Zumwalt Underway for First Time Since 2023 After Missile Refit, Sam LaGrone
    • 2009, George Soros interviewed by then WEF ‘Young Global Leader’ and future Canadian Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland
    Summary

    In this episode of Midrats, the hosts discuss the recent release of the National Defense Strategy, its implications for U.S. military policy, and the focus on China one of the primary concerns. They also address European defense responsibilities, Canada’s political landscape, and the importance of logistics in military preparedness. The conversation highlights the need for candor within military culture and the future of naval warfare technologies.

    Chapters

    00:00: Introduction and Overview
    02:45: Airing Grievances: National Defense Strategy Release
    07:09: Analysis of National Defense Strategy
    12:41: Focus on China: Realistic Approaches
    18:31: European Defense Responsibilities24:28: Canada’s Political Landscape and Defense Issues
    30:38: Logistics and Military Preparedness
    40:48: The Importance of Candor in Military Culture
    53:30: Future of Naval Warfare and New Technologies
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Episode 744: Greenland: Belle of the Ball, with Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan
    Jan 19 2026
    Is four months too short a turnaround for a guest on Midrats? Not if the topic at hand keeps running to the top of your read board.From the unending diplomacy responding to the Trump Administration’s unending drive to get Greenland’s geography—and the resulting security—more firmly under American control, to the sitcom-worthy deployment of a couple of dozen “Coalition of the Freezing”—Greenland can’t-stop-won’t-stop from gathering eyeballs and attention.So, we’re bringing back Elizabeth Buchanan for another visit. We’ll use her recent article in The Spectator as starting off point, A buyer’s guide to Greenland.Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan is a senior fellow with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and an expert associate of the French Ministry of Armed Forces’ Institute for Strategic Research.Most recently she was Head of Research for the Royal Australian Navy (Department of Defence). Dr Buchanan is co-founder of the polar warfare program (Project 6633) at the Modern War Institute of the West Point Military Academy. Before joining Australia’s Defence Department, Dr. Buchanan was Lecturer of Strategic Studies for the Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the Australian War College.Elizabeth holds a Ph.D. in Russian Arctic Strategy and completed her post-doctoral studies as a Maritime Fellow at the NATO Defense College in Rome. She has published widely on geopolitics, most recently with Australian Foreign Affairs, International Affairs, War on the Rocks, Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, The Australian, and The American Conservative.Dr. Buchanan has been a Visiting Scholar with the Brookings Institution and was an analyst with Royal Dutch Shell. Elizabeth has three published books:: Russian Energy Strategy in Asia and Red Arctic: Russian Arctic Strategy under Putin. In addition to, So you want to own Greenland, she also has an upcoming book, Competitive Cooperation at the Ends of the Earth.Show links:So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump.Liz’s SEP 2024 visit to Midrats.The Unfortunate Greenland Kerfuffle.Denmark’s strategic concerns about China and Russia around Greenland, via Nick Solheim.Liz on X.SummaryIn this episode of Midrats, the hosts welcome back Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan, a senior fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and Center for the National Interest, to discuss the ongoing geopolitical significance of Greenland. The conversation delves into the historical context of U.S.-Greenland relations, particularly in light of recent tensions and discussions surrounding Greenland’s potential independence. Dr. Buchanan emphasizes the importance of understanding Greenland’s strategic position in the Arctic, especially regarding U.S. national security interests and the implications of a changing global landscape, including China’s growing influence. The dialogue also touches on the complexities of Greenland’s relationship with Denmark and the potential for a direct U.S.-Greenland partnership.Chapters00:00: Introduction and Overview of Greenland’s Importance02:38: Historical Context of U.S.-Greenland Relations05:52: The 2004 Defense Treaty and Its Implications12:23: Greenland’s Independence Movement and Future Prospects31:50: Best Case Scenarios for U.S.-Greenland Relations32:17: Understanding the Scrappy Spirit of Greenland39:12: The Geopolitical Landscape: Europe and the U.S.54:31: Greenland’s Future: Independence or Status Quo?
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    59 mins
  • Episode 743: Palantir's Mike Gallagher and Matt Babin on AI & Shipbuilding Integration
    Jan 11 2026
    Summary

    In this conversation, the hosts and Palantir’s Head of Defense Mike Gallagher and Head of Shipbuilding and Naval Programs Matt Babin discuss the integration of AI and advanced manufacturing techniques in shipbuilding, particularly focusing on the role of Palantir’s ShipOS in transforming shipyard operations. They explore the generational gap in expertise within the industry, the importance of optimizing workforce efficiency, and the collaboration between NAVSEA and the Maritime Industrial Base Program. The discussion also touches on legislative support needed for modern shipbuilding and the challenges faced in submarine maintenance and production.

    Showlinks
    • U.S. Navy Partners with Palantir to Modernize Shipbuilding Supply Chain and Accelerate Shipbuilding
    • The Maritime Industrial Base Program
    • How big is the Columbia SSBN?
    Takeaways
    • AI and software can enhance traditional shipbuilding processes.
    • ShipOS integrates various aspects of shipyard operations.
    • Bridging the generational gap is crucial for shipbuilding.
    • Workforce efficiency can be optimized through better planning.
    • Legislative support is needed for consistent funding in shipbuilding.
    • Software tools can help decision-makers understand costs better.
    • The shipbuilding industry must attract younger talent.
    Chapters

    00:00: The Future of Shipbuilding and AI Integration
    03:55: Transforming Shipyard Operations with ShipOS
    10:31: Bridging Generational Gaps in Shipbuilding Expertise
    12:00: Optimizing Workforce Efficiency in Shipyards
    18:24: Advanced Manufacturing Techniques in Shipbuilding
    20:48: Leveraging Commercial Technology for Naval Advantage
    25:51: Collaboration Between NAVSEA and the Maritime Industrial Base Program
    33:42: Legislative Support for Modern Shipbuilding
    44:32: Addressing Challenges in Submarine Maintenance and Production
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    54 mins
  • Episode 742: The Venezuelan Raid
    Jan 5 2026
    With a few days now behind us, most of the general facts are in on our raid into Caracas, Venezuela to capture Nicolás Maduro and, it appears, his wife as well.

    Now that Maduro is a guest of the Southern District of New York, it is time to not just look at some of the details of the buildup and execution of this raid, but the initial lessons we can take from it, and what it means in the larger strategic environment.

    Summary

    In this episode of Midrats, Mark and Sal discuss the recent military operation in Venezuela, reflecting on its execution and implications for national security. They explore the potential for Venezuela’s recovery, the role of governance, and the international reactions to the operation. The conversation also touches on the economic impact of Venezuelan oil, China’s influence in the region, and the effectiveness of international organizations like the UN.

    Takeaways
    • The military operation in Venezuela was well-planned and executed.
    • The ages of service members involved ranged from 20 to 49.
    • Venezuela has the potential for economic recovery if governance improves.
    • China’s influence in Latin America poses challenges for U.S. interests.
    • The UN’s effectiveness in international law is questioned.
    • Venezuelan oil could impact global energy prices.
    • The operation sends a strong signal to adversaries.
    • Governance and rule of law are crucial for Venezuela’s future.
    • The U.S. military’s capabilities are unmatched globally.
    • The situation in Venezuela is a test for U.S. foreign policy.
    Chapters

    00:00: New Year, New Beginnings
    02:11: Operation in Venezuela: A Military Success
    09:36: Venezuela’s Future: Opportunities and Challenges
    16:25: International Reactions and Implications
    23:08: The Role of Governance in Venezuela’s Recovery
    28:16: The Economic Impact of Venezuelan Oil
    36:38: China’s Influence and Global Fishing Rights
    43:17: The UN and International Law: A Critical View
    48:38: Looking Ahead: The Path for Venezuela
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    1 hr