The Steady State Sentinel is produced by The Steady State, a community of former national security professionals who spent their careers safeguarding the United States at home and abroad. Today, we continue that mission by staying true to our oaths to defend the Constitution, uphold democracy, and protect national security. Each episode features expert hosts in conversation with accomplished guests whose experience sheds light on the crises and challenges facing the nation.
New episodes every Tuesday and subscribe on YouTube for the video editon.
Latest episodes
Showing 20 · updated from the feed
143 Day incarceration : A Lawful Permanent Resident, a Bad $25 Check, and the Cost of America's Immigration System
A legal-status hospice care provider detained for 143 days tells her story — the conditions inside, the demand for obscure "magical paperwork," and why she and her husban
Sep 22 40 min
No Cloak, No Dagger: A Professor's Secret Life Inside the CIA
A distinguished professor and decorated intelligence officer on 25 years of balancing academia and espionage, the value of scientific credentials in the field, and why di
Sep 15 37 min
From West Point to Congress: A Veteran Runs on Common Sense and Service
A former Army lieutenant colonel and Lincoln Project executive on why he's running for Congress, the "weight of leadership," and why the costs, chaos, and corruption of t
Sep 8 46 min
The Autocrats' Worst Enemy: Why Despots Fear Mayors
A former U.S. Ambassador and Los Angeles Deputy Mayor on why local leaders are democracy's front line, how cities can resist authoritarianism, and what you can do to help
Aug 25 34 min
Cornucopia of Vectors of Theft: How China Is Stealing America's Economic Future
A former CIA officer on China’s espionage successes, America’s IP losses, and the growing threat to the U.S. economy.
Host John Sipher sits down with his former CIA coll
Aug 18 48 min
The Intelligence You Don't See: A Career Analyst Warns about Systemic Weaponization of the Intelligence Community
A former CIA analyst and NSC director on the weaponization of the DNI, the decapitation of the NSC, and why dissent is no longer tolerated.
Host Bree Fram, a retired Spa
Aug 11 45 min
The Iran You Don't See: The Regime, the People, and What America Gets Wrong
A 22-year veteran of the CIA and Iran specialist on why the regime survives, the MOU disaster, the lessons of Iraq, and the history and humanity of Iranians.
Host Jim La
Aug 4 48 min
America's Nuclear Guardians: A Conversation on Security, Espionage, and Speaking Truth to Power
A former acting Under Secretary for Nuclear Security on the damage being done to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, and why
Jul 28 40 min
Breaking the Cockpit Barrier: One Pilot's Fight to Engineer Inclusion into the Military
A retired Air Force lieutenant colonel on height requirements that excluded 44% of women, the first maternity flight suit, and why "truth isn't afraid of transparency."
Jul 21 49 min
The Recruiter's Recruiter: Trust, Treason, and the Human Elements of Espionage with Jim Lawler
25-year CIA case officer and author Jim Lawler on the ten qualities of a top recruiter, the A.Q. Khan takedown, the Hanssen case, and why speaking truth to power matters
Jul 14 52 min
Phillips O'Brien on America's Strategic Collapse
The acclaimed military historian explains why conflict in Iran, Ukraine and the erosion of alliances point to a deeper crisis in American strategy and details the critica
Jul 7 45 min
The Making of a Public Servant: Lauren C. Anderson's Journey to the Senior Ranks of the FBI
Service, gut checks, the power of humanity in law enforcement, and why she said “yes” to The Steady State.
In a format shift, host Peter Mina turns the microphone over t
Jun 30 49 min
The Uncrowned King: Ambassador Charles A. Ray on America’s Authoritarian Turn
A former U.S. Army officer, diplomat, and ambassador to Cambodia and Zimbabwe on oath, duty, service beyond party, the collapse of institutional guardrails, and why rebui
Jun 23 43 min
The Bob Mueller Standard: Justice, Integrity, and Public Service
Two former federal prosecutors on what the job is supposed to represent at its best, why Bob Mueller was the model, and the prosecutor’s unique duty to serve and protect
Jun 16 51 min
Inside the Situation Room: Larry Pfeiffer on the Politicization of Intelligence, Professional Integrity, and the Cost of Truth
A former CIA chief of staff and White House Situation Room senior director warns that politicized intelligence can weaken national security by chilling truth telling, hol
Jun 9 37 min
Common Sense for a Democracy in Crisis
The fight to repair public service, Congress, and democratic accountability
In this episode of The Steady State Sentinel, John Sipher speaks with veteran intelligence an
Jun 2 39 min
Hunting Weapons of Mass Destruction (with Andy Weber)
This special joint episode of the Steady State Sentinel and Mission Implausible brings together two podcasts focused on separating fact from manipulation, defending democ
May 30 58 min
Afraid to Speak, Afraid for Democracy: New Poll Finds Widespread Concern About Authoritarianism
A top pollster and an award-winning journalist break down who is self‑censoring, why Gen Z sees democracy differently, and whether the U.S. can reverse its authoritarian
May 26 41 min
The War on the Press: How Trump Attacks the First Amendment
A veteran LA Times correspondent on Trump’s assault on the press, the White House Correspondents' Dinner security scare, and the fight for truth in a fractured media era.
May 19 31 min
The Most Powerful Intelligence Tool You’ve Never Heard Of: A Former CIA Lawyer Explains Section 702
A deep dive into FISA, modern surveillance authorities, and the growing tension between intelligence collection and civil liberties in the digital age.
Former CIA Senior
May 12 43 min
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Chart positions
Where The Steady State Sentinel ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 25, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
It is refreshing to hear a nonpartisan discussion regarding the dangers facing our country in this moment. I learn something new from each episode and this has deepened my respect for those who have served and who still are serving our country in a professional manner despite challenges.
Nick likes brains · Mar 2026
What a privilege to listen to conversations between utmost professionals who have spent their lives giving their best to the country and want to continue being a resource for those who are fighting for our democracy. Really a balm to the soul, not to mention the excellent perspectives.
Amalia Sancha · Feb 2026
This is a fabulous, well researched, thoughtful, and non-partisan podcast about the danger the United States faces due to the erosion of the rule of law. It’s a must listen for any US citizen. Easily understandable.
NicholeJCny · Jan 2026
The Sentinel is consistently thoughtful, well-reported, and genuinely illuminating. What sets it apart is its calm, non-partisan approach: complex and often emotionally charged topics are handled with care, context, and intellectual honesty rather than outrage or provocation. The reporting is rigorous, the storytelling is clear, and the insights linger long after an episode ends. It’s the rare podcast that deepens understanding without inflaming division—and that alone makes it essential listening
Getsmarter333 · Jan 2026
We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.
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Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of The Steady State Sentinel, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
