Best TIm Zak Podcasts (2025)

1
In-Bum Chun - Understanding the Political Crisis in South Korea 35:58

17d ago35:58

35:58

Host Adam Lowther interviews retired Lieutenant General In-Bum Chun about the recent political turmoil in South Korea, including President Yoon's declaration of martial law and the ongoing impeachment process. General Chun provides insights into the historical context of South Korean politics, the current political divide, and the implications of t…

1
Episode 668: Life With Ghosts 1:43:09

18d ago1:43:09

1:43:09

"Spooky Southcoast" recorded live Saturday, December 14, 2024. After more than a year, "Spooky Southcoast" returns as Tim welcomes Stephen Berkley, the director of the new documentary Life With Ghosts. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spookysouthcoast/support

1
Kris Osborn: Navigating Modern Defense 35:22

23d ago35:22

35:22

In this episode, Adam interviews Kris Osborn, a prominent defense journalist and president of the Center for Military Modernization. They discuss various topics including the U.S. nuclear posture, the implications of low yield weapons, advancements in digital engineering for defense acquisition, infrastructure challenges with the Sentinel and B-21 …

1
General Rand: The Critical Role of Personnel in U.S. Air Force's Strategic Deterrent 33:22

1M ago33:22

33:22

In this conversation, General Retired Robin Rand discusses the critical role of personnel in maintaining the U.S. Air Force's strategic deterrent capabilities. He highlights the challenges of operating and maintaining aging military assets, the importance of leadership and motivation in harsh conditions, and the evolving training processes for pilo…

1
Tim Nank: The Evolution and Implications of Tactical Nuclear Weapons 33:03

1M ago33:03

33:03

Tim Nank, a former Naval Intelligence Officer, discusses the complexities and implications of tactical nuclear weapons. He explores the evolution, advantages, and potential use of these weapons in modern warfare, as well as the perceptions surrounding their effects. The conversation delves into the geopolitical landscape, the need for public educat…

1
Gen (Ret.) Robin Rand: Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense Innovation Institute (OADII) 35:40

1M ago35:40

35:40

Jim Howe hosts Gen (Ret.) Robin Rand, the Executive Director of Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense Innovation Institute (OADII) where they discuss the establishment of OADII and it's research is accelerating critical results for our nations security. In his role, General Rand is the lead executive for the University of Oklahoma’s institute that concentra…

1
Aaron Holland: A Personal Journey in the Nuclear Field 35:51

2M ago35:51

35:51

Aaron Holland, a passionate young scholar in the field of nuclear deterrence, shares his journey from a master's student to a PhD candidate, discussing the complexities of nuclear strategy and the challenges he faced in military recruitment. He emphasizes the importance of networking, mentorship, and resilience in pursuing a career in the nuclear f…

1
Robert Peters: Escalation; A Tool for Deterrence 36:30

2M ago36:30

36:30

In this episode of NucleCast, Bob Peters discusses the often-misunderstood concept of escalation in national security. He explores how escalation is perceived negatively by many national security professionals, leading to a risk-averse approach that can undermine deterrence. Peters argues that the U.S. needs to embrace escalation as a strategic too…

1
#20 - Dean Herman on Fearless Leadership 25:00

2M ago25:00

25:00

Today's guest, Dean Herman, has pastored 5 Points Church in South Carolina since 2004 where they've experienced rapid growth and lives changed. /// Discover a fresh new podcast for ministry leaders full of raw encouragement plus insanely-practical tips and interviews. Subscribe now to LeaderShift and grab more free leadership resources at JonathanH…

1
Zak Kallenborn: AI safety Legislation and Autonomous Drones: A New Era in Combat 36:47

2M ago36:47

36:47

In this episode of NucleCast, Zak Kallenborn discusses the implications of AI legislation, particularly California's SB 1047, and its intersection with national security and weapons proliferation. He explores the potential risks of AI in biological research and the challenges of regulating such technologies. The conversation shifts to the evolving …

1
General (Ret) Robin Rand: A Fighter Pilot's Journey to Commander of AF Global Strike Command 38:50

2M ago38:50

38:50

In this episode of NucleCast, host Jim Howe interviews General Robin Rand, a recently retired Air Force general with a remarkable 40-year career. The conversation covers General Rand's early influences, his journey through flight training, and his various global assignments during pivotal moments in history, including the Cold War and the aftermath…

1
#19 - Mark Artrip on Church Planting and Twenty-One Pilots 35:42

2M ago35:42

35:42

Today's guest is Mark Artrip, lead pastor of Movement Church near Columbus, Ohio. Mark has a wealth of experience in church planting as well as a uniquely personal connection to the rock band, Twenty-One Pilots. /// Discover more practical advice and leadership tips at JonathanHerron.com and on all social media platforms @HighFiveJon!…

1
Robert Peters: Deterrence and the Israeli Response 34:29

3M ago34:29

34:29

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam Lowther and Bob Peters discuss the implications of the October 7th anniversary, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Israel and the broader Middle East. They explore the failures of deterrence leading up to the attack, the complexities of Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the evolving dynamics between Israel and its Ar…

1
Christopher Stone: Dynamic Parity, Arms Control, and Military Strategy 38:06

3M ago38:06

38:06

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam and Chris Stone engage in a deep discussion about the concept of dynamic parity in nuclear deterrence. They explore the implications of parity versus superiority in military strategy, the challenges of arms control, and the political landscape affecting defense spending. The conversation highlights the need for mo…

1
#18 - Zak White 21:15

3M ago21:15

21:15

With a Bachelors in Biblical Studies from Wayland Baptist University, today's guest Zak White moved his family to the Schertz area in June 2009 and launched Revolution Church in January 2010. Since then, he has inspired the church to grow and evolve into a thriving spiritual family, with over 5,000 people embracing Christ and over 1,700 individuals…

1
Capt. (Ret.) Brad Baker - Nuclear Propulsion, Merging Energetics, and Additive Manufacturing 32:45

3M ago32:45

32:45

Captain Retired Brad Baker discusses the development of the nuclear engineering program at the U.S. Naval Academy and the recruitment of nuclear propulsion officers. He emphasizes the importance of technical training and the opportunities available in the Navy for those with a nuclear engineering background. Brad also talks about the additive manuf…

1
#17 - Erskin Anavitarte 32:21

3M ago32:21

32:21

Today's guest, Erskin Anavitarte, is a Texas-born Singer-Songwriter, Diversity Spokesman, Adoption Advocate, and music Co-Producer. He connects with people through his energetic personality, musical artistry and lyrical truth. Whether across the country or around the world, Erskin’s focus is to strengthen ministries, engage the culture and create i…

1
#16 - Tim Schurrer 27:28

3M ago27:28

27:28

Today's guest, Tim Schurrer, is the author of The Secret Society of Success and host of the Build a Winning Team podcast, where he challenges people to consider “helping others win” as the North Star for how they should live and lead. He’s also the CEO of David Novak Leadership, a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation whose mission is to make the …

1
Adam Lowther, Ph.D. - The Need for Dynamic Parity 33:37

3M ago33:37

33:37

Dr. Adam Lowther joins guest host, Jim Howe, to discuss the current state of America's nuclear deterrent and proposes a new approach called Dynamic Parity. He explains that Dynamic Parity aims to create a balance of nuclear capability between the US and autocratic regimes, prevent superiority of adversaries, enhance extended deterrence, and manage …

1
Richard Fisher: China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, A Dangerous Alliance 38:50

4M ago38:50

38:50

In this episode of NucleCast, Rick Fisher, senior fellow with the International Assessment and Strategy Center, talks about the current state of North Korea's nuclear program. Fisher predicts that by the mid-2030s, North Korea will have the ability to conduct a catastrophic first strike against the United States. He credits the work of other expert…

1
Major David Phillips - Taking Bold Action for Strategic Stability in East Asia 33:58

4M ago33:58

33:58

Major David Phillips discusses his article on the feasibility, acceptability, and suitability of redeploying non-strategic nuclear weapons to South Korea. He highlights the need for the US to re-examine its policy goal of achieving denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and suggests that the redeployment of nuclear weapons would strengthen deterr…

1
Lieutenant General James Kowalski, USAF (Ret) Part 2 - Challenges and Accomplishments of Air Force Global Strike Command 39:29

4M ago39:29

39:29

Part 2 of this history of Air Force Global Strike Command features former Commander Jim Kowalski. He discusses the challenges and accomplishments of standing up the Global Strike Command. The conversation covers topics such as basing decisions, culture change, resourcing, and the importance of maintaining a strong nuclear force. Lt. Gen. Kowalski e…

1
Lieutenant General James Kowalski, USAF (Ret) Part 1 - The Creation of Air Force Global Strike Command 35:51

4M ago35:51

35:51

In this Legacy Series, Lt. Gen. James Kowalski discusses the creation of Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) in response to incidents that highlighted the need for improved nuclear enterprise management. The incidents included the accidental shipment of warheads and fuses, which raised concerns about operational oversight and surety processes. …

1
Lucian Niemeyer: Promoting Advanced Nuclear Reactor Deployment 36:07

4M ago36:07

36:07

The Honorable Lucian Niemeyer, a leading voice in the policymaking community for advanced nuclear capabilities, discusses the work of the United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN Power), a non-profit entity since 2021, in promoting advanced nuclear reactor deployment. He emphasizes the importance of nuclear power for grid reliability and c…

1
Andrew Metrick and Philip Sheers - Escalation Management in a Protracted War 38:45

5M ago38:45

38:45

Guest host, Jim Howe, interviews Andrew Metrick and Phil Shears from the Center for New American Security (CNAS) on escalation management in a protracted war with China. They discuss the implications of a potential conflict with China and the need for the US to adapt its deterrence strategies. The researchers conducted tabletop exercises to explore…

1
Fei-Ling Wang, Ph.D. - China Transforming the World Order 32:34

5M ago32:34

32:34

Professor Fei-Ling Wang tells NucleCast about his new book, 'The China Race: Global Competition for Alternative World Orders.' He argues that the United States and China are engaged in a global competition that goes beyond relative power and influence. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) seeks to transform the world order into a hierarchical system w…

1
Bryan Clark - Rethinking the Approach to Deterrence: The Need for Force Design Planning 34:33

5M ago34:33

34:33

In this episode of NucleCast, Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, talks about the challenges and implications of nuclear modernization. They discuss the growing threats from China, Russia, and other countries, and the need for the United States to rethink its approach to deterrence. They also explore the budget constraints and acq…

1
Bruce Klingner - Recent Developments in U.S.-South Korea Relations 38:36

5M ago38:36

38:36

Bruce Klingner is a Senior Fellow at the Heritage Foundation and an expert on South Korea and North Korea. He discusses the recent developments in the relationship between the United States and South Korea, including the Washington declaration and the NATO summit. He also explores the topic of South Korea's potential nuclearization and the level of…

1
Dave Jonas and Patrick Rhoads - The Challenges of Nuclear Disarmament 35:11

5M ago35:11

35:11

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam interviews Pat Rhoads and Dave Jonas, who have been writing a series of articles on nuclear issues. They discuss the strategic environment, the potential for nuclear disarmament, and the challenges of nuclear modernization. David S. Jonas is a partner at the law firm of Fluet, Huber & Hoang (FH+H). His practi…

1
Jonathan Ventura - Unlocking Opportunities: Bringing Talent to the National Security Field 34:42

6M ago34:42

34:42

Jonathan Ventura, a career coach at Montana State University, discusses his efforts to bring talented students into the nuclear weapons complex and national security field. He emphasizes the importance of helping students understand the wide range of opportunities available to them, regardless of their academic discipline. Ventura also highlights t…

1
Jeremy Prichard - The History of 20th Air Force 38:06

6M ago38:06

38:06

Dr. Jeremy Prichard, the command historian at 20th Air Force, discusses the history of 20th Air Force, its origins, transition to the ICBM force, and the challenges faced in fielding the ICBMs. He also shares insights on the Minuteman 3 deployment, the Peacekeeper, and the challenges of modernizing the infrastructure for the Sentinel program. Dr. J…

1
Lindell Lucy - The Journey From Teacher to Nuclear Deterrence Advocate 37:35

6M ago37:35

37:35

Lindell Lucy shares his journey from teaching history in Hawaii to becoming interested in nuclear weapons and international security, particularly in the context of Taiwan's geopolitical situation. He discusses the need for nuclear deterrence and the potential acquisition of nuclear weapons by Taiwan as a means of self-defense against China's coerc…

1
Muhammad Faisal - Pakistan's Nuclear Program 34:22

6M ago34:22

34:22

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Mohammed Faisal about Pakistan's nuclear program. Faisal provides a brief history of Pakistan's nuclear program, starting from the 1960s when Pakistan and India went to war over Kashmir. He explains that Pakistan's decision to pursue a nuclear option was driven by the perceived threat from India and the…

1
Maj. Gen. Stacy Jo Huser - 20th Air Force: Capabilities and Opportunities 33:28

7M ago33:28

33:28

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Major General Stacey Huser, the 20th Air Force Commander, about the capabilities and challenges of the ICBM leg of the nuclear triad. They discuss the history of 20th Air Force, the aging Minuteman III missiles, and the importance of maintaining and sustaining the system. They also talk about the change…

1
B.G. (Ret.) Gregory S. Bowen - The Importance of Hedging 36:44

7M ago36:44

36:44

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Brigadier General Retired Greg Bowen about hedging in nuclear conflicts. They discuss the importance of hedging as a strategy to quickly react to unforeseen events in a conflict. They also emphasize the need for the president to have multiple options and tools in the toolkit to deal with different scena…

1
Bruce Tarter - LLNL's Technology, the Development of Nuclear Weapons, and the Era of Stockpile Stewardship 36:38

7M ago36:38

36:38

Bruce Tarter is Director Emeritus of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and was the eighth director to lead the Laboratory since it was founded in 1952. This episode covers the history and influence of the lab's technology on policy and strategy, the development of nuclear weapons, and the era of stockpile stewardship. It also delves into t…

1
Thomas Ramos - The Importance of Capturing History to Inform Current Threats 33:16

7M ago33:16

33:16

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Tom Ramos, a physicist at Lawrence Livermore National Lab, about the relevance of the early years of the Cold War to today's national security challenges. They discuss the lessons learned from the past and how they can inform our approach to handling current threats from Russia and China. They emphasize…

1
William Hennigan - Bringing Nuclear Issues to the Forefront for Everyday People 34:19

8M ago34:19

34:19

William Hennigan, national security correspondent for the New York Times Opinion Section, discusses his series of articles on nuclear issues and the motivation behind them. He highlights the convergence of events such as modernization efforts, arms control treaties, and the war in Ukraine that prompted the New York Times to focus on nuclear issues.…

1
#15: Larry Osborne 26:15

8M ago26:15

26:15

Today's guest, Larry Osborne, has trained and coached thousands of top-level leaders in both the non-profit and profit sectors. Larry’s leadership books include: Lead Like A Shepherd, Sticky Church, Sticky Teams, Sticky Leaders, Mission Creep, and The Unity Factor. /// Discover a fresh new podcast for ministry leaders full of raw encouragement plus…

1
Greg Weaver - The Need for U.S. Strategy: Rebuilding and Expansion of the US Nuclear Weapons Production Infrastructure 35:03

8M ago35:03

35:03

In this episode of NucleCast, Greg Weaver, former Deputy Director for Strategic Stability in the Joint Staff J5 and nuclear policy expert, discusses the potential use of nuclear weapons in a Taiwan conflict and the role of nuclear weapons in deterring and fighting China. Weaver emphasizes the need for the US to determine its strategy regarding nucl…

1
Col. USAF (Ret.) Curtis McGiffin - Enhancing Decision-Making: AI-enabled NC3 36:49

8M ago36:49

36:49

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam and Colonel Curtis McGiffin discuss the need for an AI-enabled NC3 system with a dead hand. They argue that the current NC3 system and the decision-making process have significant problems that need to be addressed and propose using AI tools to enhance the decision-making process and improve the speed and effectiv…

1
Kyle Balzer, Ph.D. - The Importance of SLCM-N in the US Nuclear Posture 32:05

8M ago32:05

32:05

In this episode of NucleCast, Dr. Kyle Balzer discusses three topics: the submarine launch cruise missile (SLCM-N), the origins of tailored deterrence, and the concept of hedging the hedge. SLCM-N is seen as a missing piece in the US nuclear posture, providing regional presence, promptness to respond, widespread deployment, and complicating adversa…

1
Amit Gupta, Ph.D. - Revamping Defense Production: Strengthening India's Capabilities 36:17

8M ago36:17

36:17

Dr. Amit Gupta discusses the Indian and Pakistani nuclear weapons programs and their relations with China. The Indian nuclear program was driven by the desire for autonomy and the need to showcase scientific ability. The Pakistanis pursued nuclear weapons as a deterrent against India's conventional advantage. Both countries have developed their nuc…

1
Peter Huessy - The Unrealistic Scenario in "Nuclear War: A Scenario" 36:47

9M ago36:47

36:47

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther interviews Peter Huessy, a senior fellow at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, about Annie Jacobsen's book 'Nuclear War, A Scenario.' They discuss the flaws in Jacobsen's arguments and mischaracterizations of American nuclear policy. Huessy points out that Jacobsen's scenario is unrealisti…

1
Major General Retired Chris Adams - From Old to New: The B-52/B-36 30:02

9M ago30:02

30:02

In this episode of NucleCast, Major General (Retired) Chris Adams shares his experiences flying the B-36 and B-52 aircraft and serving in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) during the Cold War. General Adams discusses the unique features of the B-36, including its three-pilot configuration and powerful engines. He also highlights the transition to fly…

1
Joseph Bosco - Major Security Threats Facing the US Today 33:41

9M ago33:41

33:41

In this episode, Adam Lowther interviews Joseph Bosco, a former senior Department of Defense official, who discusses the complex challenges and decisions the US faces in a world with multiple adversaries, including Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Bosco emphasizes the need for strong leadership and a coordinated strategy to confront these thre…

1
Kevin Cooney, Ph.D. - The Morality of Nuclear Weapons 44:06

9M ago44:06

44:06

In this episode, Adam and Dr. Kevin Cooney discuss the morality of nuclear weapons. They explore the concept of just war theory and its application to nuclear weapons, as well as the role of international law in regulating conflict. They delve into the historical context of the use of nuclear weapons in World War II and the ethical considerations s…

1
Rob Spalding, Brig Gen, USAD (Ret) - Protecting Our Most Valuable Asset, Our Data 38:41

9M ago38:41

38:41

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews US Air Force Brigadier General (ret) Rob Spalding, CEO of SEMPRE, about their 5G technology and its relevance to the nuclear enterprise. They discuss the need for resilient infrastructure in the face of natural disasters and potential EMP attacks. SEMPRE's technology aims to provide communication capabi…

1
Lt. Col. Anthony Santino - The Important Mission of the 576 Flight Test Squadron 36:45

9M ago36:45

36:45

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Santino, Commander of the 576 Flight Test Squadron, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, discusses the importance of ICBM testing and the unique mission of his squadron. He explains the process of ICBM testing and the role it plays in ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of the weapon system. Santino also addres…

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