Best Undiplomatic Podcasts (2024)

1
Thomas Zimmer on Project 2025 50:43

2d ago50:43

50:43

Historian Thomas Zimmer discusses the radical authoritarian playbook called Project 2025, what it tells us about MAGA extremism in the Republican Party, and how it threatens the foundations of U.S. democracy. Daniella and Colin also talk about recent decisions from the Supreme Court and extreme weather driven by climate change.…

1
Live: Biden's Electoral Crisis, Foreign Policy Gaslighting | Ep. 187 20:57

2d ago20:57

20:57

The vegetable versus the fascist? The Democratic Party is in chaos. Why AOC and the Squad back Biden (for now). Biden's Trumpian turn. The truth about Biden's foreign policy record.By Van Jackson

1
Kamala Harris and the Race to Replace Biden | Ep. 186 26:27

10d ago26:27

26:27

An emergency live episode of the Un-Diplomatic podcast. Van explains the situation the Democratic Party faces: who will replace Biden, why it's likely Kamala Harris, why Bernie should be her running mate, and what all that means for foreign policy. Livestream on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSc9-8Qra5w&t=842s Un-Diplomatic Newsletter: h…

1
Chris Geidner on the Supreme Court 53:02

16d ago53:02

53:02

Chris Geidner, journalist and analyst for the "Law Dork,” joins the show to discuss the U.S. Supreme Court, its remaining decisions and the impact they’ll have on our freedoms and rights. Colin and Erin also talk about this week’s presidential debate.

1
Think Tank Life, Chiquita Banana Death Squads, The New Yorker Treatment, Defund ICBMs | Ep. 185 53:42

25d ago53:42

53:42

Navigating the politics of Washington think tanks. Matt's interview with The New Yorker's Isaac Chotiner. Robert O'Brien wants the entire Marine Corps to relocate to Asia. Arundhati Roy is a target of Modi's Hindu-fascist turn. The case for defunding ICBMs. And Chiquita Banana death squads. Un-Diplomatic Newsletter on the politics of think tanking:…

1
Raquel Willis on Juneteenth, Pride, and Collective Liberation 35:05

23d ago35:05

35:05

Raquel Willis joins the show to discuss intersectional activism; MAGA attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion; and her journey as a Black transgender activist and journalist. Daniella and Colin also talk about how extreme heat is affecting workers and new Biden administration rules that will help fix the United States’ broken immigration system…

1
The Logic of Peacemaking: A Live Event on Nukes and Statecraft | Ep. 184 36:49

28d ago36:49

36:49

“One man’s deterrence is another man’s escalation.” Van spoke at an event rolling out a recent report, What Should Be Done? Practical Policies to Prevent Nuclear Escalation. At the event and in the report, Van laid out a logic of peacemaking, relating the strategic, the political, and the nuclear all together. Listen further if you want to know why…

1
Erin Reed on Pride and the Fight for Transgender Rights 38:23

1M ago38:23

38:23

Journalist Erin Reed discusses the importance of Pride month, the fight for transgender rights, and the issues motivating LGBTQI+ voters. Daniella and Colin also talk about Donald Trump’s tax proposals, and his plans to wrestle power away from federal agencies and Congress if elected.

1
Fake 'peace through strength,' Mexico's election, A.I. hasn't changed War, D-Day's Legacy | Ep. 183 51:52

1M ago51:52

51:52

Van, Julia, and Matt discuss how to think about Biden's Gaza ceasefire deal. Why "peace through strength" is a chauvinist meme. A.I. is a violent grift that hasn't changed war. Mexico's election of Claudia Sheinbaum highlights a potential contradiction between industrial policy and geopolitics. Thinking about the meaning of D-Day in light of milita…

1
Sky Sitney on the Power of Documentary Films 30:33

1M ago30:33

30:33

DC/DOX Film Festival Director and Co-Founder Sky Sitney discusses why documentaries are such an important form of storytelling, the origins and purpose of DC/DOX, and what to expect from this year's festival. Daniella and Colin also talk about upcoming U.S. Supreme Court decisions and right-wing plans to dismantle protections against foreign interf…

1
Working-Class Foreign Policy and the Pivot to Asia | EP. 182 48:28

1M ago48:28

48:28

Van made an appearance on the Squaring the Circle podcast, a military-facing show that got into his origins in the national security state. The discussion talks about the importance of a working-class perspective in foreign policy, what was really wrong with Obama’s pivot to Asia, why Van is critical of “great-power competition,” and a number of ot…

1
Season Five Finale 18:37

1M ago18:37

18:37

Well, WeSTAT community, we did it. Today marks the completion of season five, the season of evolution, the first season on my own. And I thought we should take a look back to see all that has happened this season. After 30 episodes, what worked? What didn't? I'll tell you what I think, and maybe you can let me know if you agree or want to add to th…

1
Best of: Daniel Immerwahr on Star Wars as Low-Key Anti-Imperialism | Ep. 181 28:50

1M ago28:50

28:50

This re-released conversation with Daniel Immerwahr is one of our all-time top ten episodes, initially released on December 30, 2022. In Part II of Van's sit-down w/ Professor Daniel Immerwahr (author of How to Hide an Empire), they talk about Daniel's recent chapter about the politics and ideology of George Lucas's Star Wars. Was the Galactic Repu…

1
Andy Kroll on MAGA Illiberalism and Project 2025 41:43

2M ago41:43

41:43

ProPublica reporter Andy Kroll joins the show to talk about MAGA extremism in Michigan, Project 2025, and the impact the far-right’s agenda could have on U.S. democracy. Colin and Erin also discuss Donald Trump’s hush-money trial in Manhattan and talk about abortion rights with Sabrina Talukder, director of the Women’s Initiative at the Center for …

1
Mark Joseph Stern on Trump, the Courts, and Accountability 34:06

2M ago34:06

34:06

Mark Joseph Stern, senior writer for Slate, joins the show to discuss former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial, the implications his legal cases have for American democracy, and the U.S. Supreme Court decisions we can expect to come at the end of this term. Daniella and Colin also talk about MAGA Republican flip-flopping on reproductive rig…

1
Best of: Daniel Immerwahr on Why Geopolitics is a Racket | Ep. 180 40:37

2M ago40:37

40:37

This re-released conversation with Daniel Immerwahr is one of our all-time top ten episodes, initially released on December 28, 2022. Why do geopoliticians blow off climate change and environmental degradation? Is geography really an insurmountable force? What do "geopolitical risk consultants" really do? And what should we make of the fact that ge…

1
Being Undiplomatic with Deesha Dyer 49:36

2M ago49:36

49:36

Not following the expected path isn't necessarily a recipe for success in a city like Washington, D.C., but that is exactly what my guest this week, Deesha Dyer, did. At the age of 31, working full time and in community college part time, she took a chance on herself and applied for a White House internship in the Obama administration. And thank go…

1
Lindsey McLendon on Public Safety in America 33:44

2M ago33:44

33:44

Lindsey McLendon, senior fellow for Criminal Justice Reform at the Center for American Progress Action Fund, joins the show to talk about public safety, including crime trends, drivers, and evidence-based solutions to improve accountability and justice. Daniella and Colin also talk about MAGA Republican election denialism and Trump’s efforts to get…

1
WeSTAT Mini: Will I Ever See My Dry Cleaning Again? 13:45

2M ago13:45

13:45

Mother's Day was yesterday, so to celebrate, I gave myself the weekend off! There's no new interview content for you today, BUT I do have a story for you. For those who know me personally, you'll already know this story, but for the rest of you, enjoy this personal journey to free my trapped dry cleaning. More interviews will resume next week, but …

1
Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine on 'The Sixth' and Remembering the Insurrection 39:32

2M ago39:32

39:32

Filmmakers Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine join the show to discuss their new documentary, "The Sixth" and why stories from the January 6, 2021, attack on the nation’s capital must be told. Daniella and Colin also talk about new health equity measures and housing policies from the Biden administration.…

1
I Went to a Women's Healing Retreat..... 50:45

2M ago50:45

50:45

In January I participated in a women's healing retreat with the Mystic Chics. a healing group of 3 modern medicine women, 2 sisters and an aunt, who are passionate about awakening feminine power using multiple modalities of healing via energy, music, sound, movement and more. I'm not a total "woo" person, but I'm also not a total cynic. Let's say I…

1
Deesha Dyer on 'Undiplomatic' and Working in the White House 31:44

2M ago31:44

31:44

Former White House social secretary Deesha Dyer joins the show to discuss her new book, "Undiplomatic," overcoming imposter syndrome in political careers, and creating more opportunities for marginalized Americans. Daniella and Colin also discuss recent progressive federal policies and widespread protests on college campuses.…

1
Author Emily Barth Isler on Synesthesia and The Color of Sound 42:30

3M ago42:30

42:30

Have you heard of synesthesia? It is when your brain routes sensory information through multiple unrelated senses, causing you to experience more than one sense simultaneously. Some examples include tasting words or linking colors to numbers and letters. My guest this week, Emily Barth Isler, is an author of essays and children's books, including t…

1
Earth Day Special: Trevor Higgins on Combating Climate Change 29:01

3M ago29:01

29:01

Trevor Higgins, senior vice president of Energy and Environment at the Center for American Progress Action Fund, joins the show to discuss Earth Day, recent climate policy wins from the Biden administration, and how to save our planet. Daniella and Colin also talk about two sets of oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court this week and speak wi…

1
Should I Do More Mini Episodes? 12:33

3M ago12:33

12:33

I have a few things we should talk about this week! Do you think I need a permanent co-host? Why is it so hard to get people to talk on the show? Is Taylor Swift causing friendships to end? Mahjong It's a random assortment. It's a monologue. I promised I wouldn't do any monologues. So what should I do about that? Support the Show. Keep up with all …

1
Live Event! US Foreign Policy and the 2024 Elections | Ep. 179 1:23:51

3M ago1:23:51

1:23:51

Out of the maybe 20 live events I spoke at in the US recently, only one—one!—was actually recorded and you’re about to hear it. About this Event: From the War on Terror to the militarization of the Pacific, and from imperial competition with China to US support for Israeli atrocities in Palestine, the US quest for primacy has devastating consequenc…

1
Rob Wilcox on the Gun Safety Movement 25 Years After Columbine 32:35

3M ago32:35

32:35

Rob Wilcox, deputy director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, joins the show to discuss the 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, recent wins for the gun violence prevention movement, and how to honor the victims and survivors of mass shootings. Daniella and Colin also talk about what Donald Trump’s economic pr…

1
The Sound of Women's Voices 48:10

3M ago48:10

48:10

Did you know that the six most common complaints about the sound of a women's voice are: Their voice is too high They sound like children They don't sound authoritative enough They have vocal fry They use too much upspeak Their voice is too low For a woman who wants to speak up publicly, it can start to feel like we are damned if we do, and damned …

1
Michael Pollan and Melissa Robledo on ‘Food, Inc. 2’ 31:37

3M ago31:37

31:37

Author Michael Pollan and film producer Melissa Robledo join the show to discuss the sequel to their groundbreaking 2008 documentary, "Food, Inc." They talk about what’s changed in the food industry, the dangers of extreme attacks on regulation, and what progressive leaders are doing to strengthen our food system. Daniella and Colin also speak abou…

1
Free and Fair Elections with Tate Fall, Director of Elections for Cobb County Georgia 47:20

3M ago47:20

47:20

I am a proud voting American. From local, national, primary, or general, I never miss my opportunity to participate in my civic duty and cherished right to vote. I love the process of going to my polling precinct and casting my ballot. I slap that sticker on my chest and walk around all day with pride, knowing that instead of choosing to do nothing…

1
S. Leo Chiang on 'Island in Between' and Taiwan’s Story 32:25

3M ago32:25

32:25

Filmmaker S. Leo Chiang joins the show to discuss his Oscar-nominated New York Times opinion documentary, "Island in Between," and Taiwanese relations with the United States. and China. Daniella and lead producer Erin also talk about lowering health care costs and speak with Cait Smith, Director of LGBTQI+ Policy at the Center for American Progress…

1
We Should Talk About Tik Tok with Pamela Wurst Vetrini 54:12

4M ago54:12

54:12

We should talk about Tik Tok. As a Gen X-er, I cling to my Facebook and I feel fancy that I consistently use Instagram. But if I'm being honest, I know that this makes me basically an elderly user of social media apps. YouTube and Tik Tok are the social media apps where Gen Z and Gen Alpha are spending the majority of their time. So, what's an "Ins…

1
Imani Gandy on the fight for Reproductive Rights 38:29

4M ago38:29

38:29

Rewire News Group Editor-at-Large Imani Gandy joins the show to discuss U.S. Supreme Court arguments on medication abortion, attacks on reproductive rights, and how progressives can fight back. Daniella and Colin also discuss the economic ramifications of Donald Trump’s proposed 10 percent tariff and the Republican Study Committee’s disastrous budg…

1
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan on Progressive Leadership 41:28

4M ago41:28

41:28

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (D) joins the show to discuss progressive wins in her state and the fight for popular policies such as reproductive rights and gun reforms. Daniella and Colin also talk about Donald Trump’s encouragement of political violence and speak with Andrea Ducas of the Center for American Progress Action Fund about the 14th…

1
WeSTAT Pop Culture 57:20

4M ago57:20

57:20

Join Jessica and her pop culture guest of the week, Joey Klei, as they discuss the pop culture topics that are front of mind for them. Where is Princess Catherine? ***Big correction!! Jessica says MULTIPLE times that the timeline starts 12/23/23, but it really was 12/28/23. In her excitement, she got the date wrong, a lot. This is why she is not ru…

1
Dan Pfeiffer on the 2024 Election 31:42

4M ago31:42

31:42

Dan Pfeiffer joins the show to discuss the State of the Union, distrust in institutions and the impact the changing media landscape will have on the 2024 race. Colin and lead producer Erin also talk about President Biden’s budget and speak with CAP Action’s Rose Khattar about a new playbook for women’s economic advancement.…

1
Chinese Capitalism v. Debt Geopolitics w/ Shahar Hameiri | Ep. 178 58:58

4M ago58:58

58:58

Why is “debt-trap diplomacy” nothing more than an anti-China meme? Why is the geopolitical interpretation of Chinese overseas lending wrong, and what does that suggest about US/Western estimates of China’s intentions? Why do Chinese firms hate writing down unpayable debts? And why do smaller developing nations rarely benefit from international fina…

1
Gender Diversity with Jamie Bruesehoff 1:05:15

4M ago1:05:15

1:05:15

"If we understand there is a biblical basis, there is a theological basis for understanding that transgender people and gender expansive people are created in the image of God - just like all people- then it makes it easier to .... understand we don't have to choose between our faith and the people we love." Jamie Bruesehoff is an award-winning LGB…

1
Karen Finney on the State of the Union 35:02

4M ago35:02

35:02

Karen Finney joins the show to discuss Super Tuesday primary results, President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, and what it all means for the 2024 election. Daniella and Colin also talk about the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the 14th Amendment and presidential disqualification, as well as MAGA extremists’ attacks on reproductive he…

1
Chelsey Goodan On How We Consistently Underestimate Teenage Girls 54:31

4M ago54:31

54:31

“I’ve personally witnessed how Chelsey changes the lives of teenage girls for the better. This book is exactly what we all need right now, for our families and for our future voices in the world." —Laura Dern, Academy Award-winning actress and New York Times bestselling author of Honey, Baby, Mine Teenage girls have a lot of assumptions made about …

1
UAW’S David Green on Championing Labor 28:32

5M ago28:32

28:32

United Auto Workers Region 2B Director David Green joins the show to talk about the Trump and Biden administrations' approaches to labor and the closure of an auto plant in Ohio under former President Trump. Daniella also revisits a November 2023 interview with CAP Action’s Brendan Duke on the need to fund the government.…

1
Devon Gray on Fighting Poverty 35:19

5M ago35:19

35:19

Devon Gray joins the show to discuss the fight against poverty and how to grow the middle class. Colin and Daniella also talk about Alexei Navalny's death and the state of reproductive rights in the U.S. with the Center for American Progress Action Fund's Maggie Jo Buchanan.

1
The Possibilities of Progressive Worldmaking | Ep. 177 46:53

5M ago46:53

46:53

This interview with the Review of Democracy podcast is the deepest dive to date on Van Jackson’s book, Grand Strategies of the Left: The Foreign Policy of Progressive Worldmaking. Subscribe to the Un-Diplomatic Newsletter Review of Democracy PodcastBy Van Jackson

1
Max Bergmann on the War in Ukraine 35:46

5M ago35:46

35:46

Max Bergmann joins the show to discuss the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine, the need to pass defense aid for Ukraine and other allies, and NATO’s critical role in countering Russian aggression. Daniella and Colin also talk about former President Donald Trump's efforts to pause his 2020 election case and special counsel Robert Hur’s report …

1
We Should Talk About Vern Kidwell 13:13

5M ago13:13

13:13

We Should Talk About That is going on a break for a couple of weeks for a little refresh and re-tooling. But before I go, I want to take a minute to honor a man who has meant so very much to me, my father in law, Vernard Charles Kidwell, Jr. Vern passed away February 4th, 2024 at the ripe age of 98 and I am just back from a weekend of honoring him …

1
Preston Mitchum on Advocacy, Representation, and Black History Month 44:48

5M ago44:48

44:48

Preston Mitchum joins the show to discuss Black History Month, intersectional advocacy, and the importance of representation in entertainment. Colin and Daniella also talk about President Joe Biden’s efforts to relieve student debt and are joined by Allison McManus, managing director for National Security and International Policy at the Center for …

1
Jess Buchanan and Her Latest Anthology, Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self Acceptance 47:14

5M ago47:14

47:14

This week I welcome Jess Buchanan back on the show to talk about the release of her second anthology series, Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self Acceptance. It was so great to catch up on what's been happening in her world and to discuss this project. In this episode: Find out why this topic was chosen for the antholo…

1
Rep. Jamie Raskin on Protecting Democracy 36:41

6M ago36:41

36:41

U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) joins the show to discuss MAGA extremism, legal accountability for former President Donald Trump, and the need to protect American democracy. Daniella and Colin also talk about immigration negotiations and the good news about the U.S. economy.

1
Guam, War, and the Non-Sovereign Pacific, w/ Kenneth Gofigan Kuper | Ep. 176 1:03:35

6M ago1:03:35

1:03:35

What does Guam’s political status say about US strategic thought? What strategic choices does Guam have if it were allowed self-determination? What does America’s imperial relations with Guam have in common with the rest of the Non-Sovereign Pacific? And why does the existence of a Non-Sovereign Pacific region make both the Pacific and the great po…

1
Michelle Horton, author of, "Dear Sister: A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds" 1:05:23

6M ago1:05:23

1:05:23

In September 2017, after years of physical abuse and sexual torture, Nicole "Nikki" Addimando fatally shot her abusive partner in self-defense. And in February 2020, Nicole was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison for killing the perpetrator of her abuse, where she became part of the 97% of women in prison nationwide who have experienced physica…

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