Michael and Andy discuss their recent travels and the bleak prospects for resolving conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, Taiwan’s preparedness for a potential Chinese attack, and the unfolding crisis in Venezuela. Michael also shares his son’s podcast, "3rd & 33", which focuses on college football.

Michael explores the world of leadership analysis with former CIA analyst Jennifer Welch. Now the Chief Geoeconomics Analyst for Bloomberg Economics, Jennifer discusses the art and science of crafting detailed profiles of world leaders—from understanding their personal histories to deciphering their strategic mindsets. She reveals how leadership analysis illuminates the human element in global affairs and can make or break diplomatic negotiations.

Michael talks with Israeli intelligence expert Uri Bar-Joseph, who dissects the stunning failure of Israeli intelligence ahead of the October 7th Hamas attack—a “perfect failure” that shook the foundations of Israel’s vaunted security apparatus. Tracing the roots of this debacle back decades, Bar-Joseph discusses the fatal flaw in Israel’s national security strategy: prioritizing military might over diplomatic engagement. It’s part of Uri’s new book in Hebrew, 'Beyond the Iron Wall.'