The National Security Law Podcast - Podcast Rankings and reviews

While this show does a good job of breaking things down for non lawyers such as myself, I also appreciate the fact that I need to look things up from time to time. The show trusts my willingness and ability to do so rather than shying away from getting too technical. I have learned a ton in the couple of years I have been listening. It’s actually relaxing to hear substantive discussions about law and policy rather than the sort of horse race analysis that daily news broadcasts provide which manage to be both boring and stressful. I do miss the DEEP DIIIVVVEEESSS.
If I could give it an extra star I would for Bobby Chesney’s passing mention of a podcast called Strong Songs during the Frivolity section of an episode this summer. That was a huge gift to me. I’ve been looking for something like that forever. Thanks.

Always good, nuanced discussion, they do a fantastic job of explaining legal issues in terms non lawyers can understand

Chesney and Vladeck not only recap but also explain recent developments at the intersection of US law and national security. Although bringing basic familiarity with legal concepts is helpful, the law school dean/prof and prof (respectively) regularly pause to explain arcana or nuances to the non-lawyer listener. Plus the “Frivolity” segments at the end are enjoyable and often thought-provoking critiques of film, sports, and television.

A podcast with two friends who have ideological differences but find common ground and work to articulate their disagreements for the benefit of the listener. That shouldn’t be as refreshing as it is, but, well, it is.

Don’t get me wrong. Bobby and Steve will make you laugh. They’re a pair of delightful dork dads with fun hobbies and quirks. But you’ll also leave each episode feeling like there’s a better way. Our society needs more of this.