Best True Bromance Podcasts (2025)

1
Have You No Sense of Decency, Mr. Secretary? 13:27

3d ago13:27

13:27

With so much disinformation flying around, Senator Chris Van Hollen sets the record straight and takes down Secretary Rubio at the same time.By Amb. (Ret.) Pete Romero & Writer/Producer Laura Bennett

1
The Pastry Chef, the Hand Grenade, the OSS and Vietnam 44:27

9d ago44:27

44:27

From wartime to prosperity, Ambassador Ted Osius shares his personal experience of change in US/Vietnam relations since the end of the war 50 years ago. Best question: Why is Amb. Osius optimistic, even in today’s trade climate? Hint: Nothing is Impossible, the title of both Amb. Osius’s book and his previous episode with us. For bonus fun, enjoy t…

1
Politics of Retribution 46:32

16d ago46:32

46:32

How did a utopian vision for society lead to one of the bloodiest regimes in history, Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge? Why does it matter today? Was it mediocrity? Arrogance? Or is it just easier to seize power than it is to govern? Prof. Andrew Mertha of Johns Hopkins’ School of International Studies, whose new book Bad Lieutenants – out today, lays it out…

1
Is the Chaos at State Over? 45:28

24d ago45:28

45:28

Acting Undersecretary for Management, Ambassador Tibor Nagy, had a front row seat to the twenty-something DOGE Musketeers and their slash and burn approach to “re-organizing” venerable national security infrastructure. Tibor reflects on that and opines on whether the worst is over.By Amb. (Ret.) Pete Romero & Writer/Producer Laura Bennett

1
Squeezing Blood From a Stone 38:03

27d ago38:03

38:03

Overseas, mugged, sick, arrested, who are you going to call and will there be anyone to answer? Tom Yazdgerdi, the President of AFSA, the State Department labor union, fears what budget cuts will mean for traveling Americans.By Amb. (Ret.) Pete Romero & Writer/Producer Laura Bennett

1
What’s Behind the Trump-Bukele Bromance? 35:49

1M ago35:49

35:49

Is it simply mutual self-interest or is it Bukele's head start on the authoritarian’s handbook? Both? AmDip’s own Pete Romero breaks it down, with feeling!By Amb. (Ret.) Pete Romero & Writer/Producer Laura Bennett

1
Democracy Prevails! 45:40

1M ago45:40

45:40

Former US Ambassador to South Korea Kathleen Stephens answers the question: How was martial law defeated within hours and the would-be dictator impeached? Hint: The citizens, and the soldiers(!) said no. Putting up barricades with sofas and chairs, and grabbing a gun from a soldier, one woman asked, "Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?" Even the presid…

1
Universities in the Trump Crosshairs 26:46

2M ago26:46

26:46

US colleges and universities are a battleground for First Amendment rights. Each side of the political spectrum wants to limit these rights for the other side. Now the Trump Administration has weaponized these issues by cutting grants and detaining students. Is there a neutral path forward? ASU honors student Sami Al-Asady breaks it down for us.…

1
DEI: Enemy of the People? 40:53

2M ago40:53

40:53

Trump has led a relentless attack on Diversity Equity and Inclusion, saying it undermines a meritocracy. Former State DEI chief Ambassador Gina Abercrombie Winstanley asserts that equity and inclusion are simply effective management tools for molding smart teams. You be the judge.By Amb. (Ret.) Pete Romero & Writer/Producer Laura Bennett

1
South Africans Don't Like to be Bullied 32:34

2M ago32:34

32:34

And why does it matter how regular South Africans feel about US behavior toward their country? Ambassador Charlie Ray untangles the powerful dynamics within South Africa domestically and vis-a-vis the United States, and helps us understand what this means for our present and future. Plus: It's up to us to create our world and it all starts with vot…

1
Bad Rap: Party's Over 34:02

2M ago34:02

34:02

Introducing a new podcast from 20/20 and ABC Audio, "Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy." In this six-part series, ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmire takes listeners inside the rise and fall of Diddy, tracing how whispers of abuse came to light and led to his downfall. This is episode one, "Party's Over." Diddy was a legendary party host. His s…

1
We are Americans and we stand for something. 35:41

2M ago35:41

35:41

What happens when the US washes its hands of its international obligations? Ambassador Mike Polt, Co-Founder of ASU’s Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab, views our president as our chief diplomat and calls the Zelensky-Trump Oval Office meeting a pivotal moment. We have humiliated the rest of the world, including our friends. Now what?…

1
How is Trump 2.0 Like An Onion? 23:18

3M ago23:18

23:18

A foreign policy grandmaster strategist? Or is our president guided simply by whim and spite, without a cohesive plan? Pete and Laura break it down. You be the judge.By Amb. (Ret.) Pete Romero & Writer/Producer Laura Bennett

1
Tariff Wars 37:31

3M ago37:31

37:31

Tony Wayne, former Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs and US Ambassador to Mexico, pulls apart the strands. First, what is an import? How many times would you guess a raw material or auto part crosses a Canadian or Mexican border in the process of making and assembling a car? 4? 5? Each crossing carries a 25% tariff. Tha…

1
When Economists Wage War 29:32

3M ago29:32

29:32

Diplomat and Author Edward Fishman reveals how globalization is giving way to zero-sum self-interest. Can we win the emerging economic warfare? Listen, and read his new book Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare.

1
USAID and the Fate of Gazans 32:04

3M ago32:04

32:04

Peace in the Middle East starts in Gaza and the West Bank. But beautiful parks and fountains and casinos…the Riviera of the Middle East, a beautiful vacation spot in what is now rubble? And somehow the US would own it. But what about all those Gazans, walking home along a highway, carrying all of their belongings, some with donkeys, on their way ba…

1
Mar-A-Panama? 47:41

4M ago47:41

47:41

How many "Mar-a-" conquests will there be? US Ambassador (ret) to Panama John Feeley breaks it all down, with a quick review of the relevant past, and substantive, yet richly candid view of Trump’s foray into the Canal Zone today. Get smart on what is true and what is not true at all.By Amb. (Ret.) Pete Romero & Writer/Producer Laura Bennett

1
Mar-A-Greenland? What Do the Europeans Think? 43:50

4M ago43:50

43:50

The Arctic is a serious US national security issue. NATO, particularly Denmark, agree and have offered significant resources to better secure the area from China and Russia. Will Trump accept these or hold out for Mar-a-Greenland? Can we divide the policy rhetoric from the policy outcomes? Luke Coffey, former adviser to the British defense minister…

1
Trump 2.0: Is Humiliation the Point? 26:17

4M ago26:17

26:17

Was Trump’s big showdown with President Petro of Colombia a show of might and power, or was there another reality behind the smoke and mirrors? Pete has a thing or two to say about optics, policy and human lives, from the standpoint of the practice of diplomacy.By Amb. (Ret.) Pete Romero & Writer/Producer Laura Bennett

1
"America First" Meets the Global Economic Machinery 47:04

4M ago47:04

47:04

Ambassador (and ASU professor) Ed O’Donnell offers a close look at the economic impacts of Trump’s foreign policies "Tariff is a beautiful word”, “The Chinese are going to take over the Panama Canal!” and "Drill, baby, drill." What’s the reality beneath the bombast, globally and in American households?…

1
It Ends With Us 32:04

4M ago32:04

32:04

We're talking about the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni hit of 2024, It Ends With Us. Special thanks to Le Goose for our intro music.

1
Looking Around the Corner Before It's Too Late 46:36

5M ago46:36

46:36

Predictive data help make us aware of conflicts and atrocities we can anticipate. Keith Noble, Director of the Office of Advanced Analytics in State’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, shares his work with State's Academic Centers for Conflict Anticipation and Prevention. How do students, undergraduates and graduates, work with State…

1
Syria: Money’s Gotta Flow 42:56

5M ago42:56

42:56

Welcome to 2025 from AmDip! Amb. Patrick Theros unpacks Syria for us, from the Halcyon 1970s of mini-skirts and old cars on the streets, to the chaos of the present day. What was the West’s role in Syria’s changes, and what should the US do now?By Amb. Pete Romero & Writer/Producer Laura Bennett

1
In Vodka Veritas! Encore! 28:58

5M ago28:58

28:58

Ambassador Dick Hoagland, having served many years in Russia and former Soviet republics, has had ample opportunity to consider the high-stakes drinking game of vodka diplomacy. Bottoms up and happy New Year!By Amb. Pete Romero & Writer/Producer Laura Bennett

1
Carry-On 26:13

5M ago26:13

26:13

We close out our "Christmas" series (debatable) with Netflix's Carry-On, a movie so full of clichés it should come with a free eye roll. From the improbable plot to the over-the-top drama, they pull no punches in roasting this forgettable thriller. Special thanks to Le Goose for our intro music.

1
2025: A Year of Frenemies? 27:28

5M ago27:28

27:28

Pete and Laura look back on their favorite episodes of the past year, covering cybercrime, space diplomacy and gangsterism among others. And what's to come in the new administration? Borders north and south, changes in the Middle East, and Ukraine. We expect challenges with adversaries, but more importantly, how will the new administration engage o…

1
The Family Man 36:37

5M ago36:37

36:37

We continue to celebrate the holiday season with the modern classic, The Family Man. We are joined by Michael Denniston of Sober Cinema to revel in the greatness of this film's superhero, Nicolas Cage. Special thanks to Le Goose for our intro music.

1
Keeping Them Home: The Private Sector Steps Up 39:20

5M ago39:20

39:20

Ambassador Luis Arreaga, Senior Advisor at the Partnership for Central America, brings companies such as Meta, Mastercard, Microsoft, together with the World Bank, NGOs and civil society organizations to address one of the root causes of immigration: lack of economic opportunity. The result speak for themselves: 90,000 jobs.…

1
Global Agreement: Online Predators Dealt a Setback 37:53

6M ago37:53

37:53

Ambassador Deborah McCarthy unpacks the benefits to the global community, particularly the American public, of the recently concluded UN Convention on Cybercrime. The mission: to better protect our children from predators and our data from thieves.By Amb. (Ret.) Pete Romero & Writer/Producer Laura Bennett

1
Fit for Purpose: Modernization at State 44:30

6M ago44:30

44:30

Got a leak? Call a plumber. Want security and prosperity for you and the family, call a diplomat. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma and Ambassador Mike Polt (Arizona State University) speak to gearing up the career Foreign Service to meet intensifying global challenges and explain why talent, experience and expertise matter more than ever. Li…

1
Gremlins 30:28

6M ago30:28

30:28

We are back and in the holiday spirit. This episode, we discuss the 1984 holiday classic, Gremlins. Special thanks to Le Goose for our intro music. https://twitter.com/TruBromanceCast https://letterboxd.com/TrueBromance/

1
Our Friend Hosay and the Value of Immigration 17:03

6M ago17:03

17:03

“I feel wonderful!” Hosay Erfani, who appeared on our show as the Taliban took over (They Will Cut Our Heads, Of course, And What of Our Friend Toobah), had a harrowing escape from the deadly regime. Now in the US for two years, she is an unbelievable young woman, turning adversity into opportunity, opportunity into success. Here is her tale. Bravo…

1
Disinformation's Sputnik Moment 44:18

6M ago44:18

44:18

Nadya Bliss, the executive director of ASU’s Global Security Initiative, helps us understand disinformation from the ground up. What is the algorithmification of information and what are the technological incentives for its distribution? When is AI just fine, when is it a problem, how do we detect it and what should we do? What is the power of dipl…

1
Hamas, Hezbollah, Israel and Iran - the Pieces, Together 38:45

7M ago38:45

38:45

We all recognize the intractability and tragedy of the Arab/Israeli conflict but what are the dynamics of Iran’s proxy forces, separately fighting Israel, working together? What is each of their relationship with Iran? And what will be the Trump impact? Ambassadors Jeffrey Feltman and Jake Walles, who spent decades in the Middle East, share stories…

1
Trailer: 'Radioactive: The Karen Silkwood Mystery' 2:29

7M ago2:29

2:29

Introducing a new investigative true crime series: "Radioactive: The Karen Silkwood Mystery." Karen Silkwood’s death 50 years ago this November continues to haunt Oklahoma and the nation. The 28-year-old plutonium plant worker died in a fatal crash while driving to meet a reporter with The New York Times allegedly to deliver evidence documenting un…

1
The Trump Foreign Policy: First 90 Days 32:31

7M ago32:31

32:31

Campaign promises - repatriating the undocumented, Mexico’s role in securing the border, tariff quid pro quos and NATO’s role in a Russian/Ukraine peace - will require expert diplomacy. Will the new administration be up to it? Secretary Tom Shannon, who led State in the first Trump administration, is here to tell us what Trump’s early days will loo…

1
I'm Going to Kathmandu - Encore 29:16

7M ago29:16

29:16

Oh, the stress of the election! We're feeling the strain! So we thought we could all use a little break. Here's one of our earliest, most fun episodes. Larry Dinger regales us with tales of tires on fire, pollution, trekking, and one of the most bizarre episodes in monarchy in the world. Now Laura wants to join the Foreign Service and all of us wan…

1
War Criminals Held to Account 46:54

7M ago46:54

46:54

David Scheffer, our country's foremost diplomat on war crimes, reveals the unstoppable forces seeking justice. The bad get badder and the good get better.By Amb. (Ret.) Pete Romero & Writer/Producer Laura Bennett

1
There Is Always Hope – Encore 40:27

8M ago40:27

40:27

An inspirational story of personal redlines and resilience that has stuck with us: Ambassador John Feeley left a beloved job as US Ambassador to Panama, at the pinnacle of his career. Why? He could in good conscience act as the personal representative of a particular US President. John Feeley shares candidly the painful but surmountable experience …

1
Just Don’t Call Them, “the Baltics” 33:13

8M ago33:13

33:13

Soviet occupation of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania ended 30 years ago but to many, it could have been yesterday. How secure are these states, and what will happen to them if Ukraine falls? Is there any change in security policy, in case of a Trump victory in the US?By Amb. (Ret.) Pete Romero & Writer/Producer Laura Bennett

1
Viva la Presidenta! 31:48

8M ago31:48

31:48

Out with the old, in with the new? Will Claudia Sheinbaum, new (and first female) President of Mexico, allow the departing leader AMLO to control her presidency, as designated successors of autocrats often do, or will she govern on her own terms? What will happen with all of those door-to-door check giveaways? Sheinbaum does not tip her hand. Amb. …

1
Benghazied! 29:18

8M ago29:18

29:18

And what does Behghazi have to do with our withdrawal from Afghanistan, and why are people investigating our exit from that country on the third anniversary of the withdrawal, not, say, on the first or second anniversary? Ambassador Dennis Jett has a thing or two to say about this.By Amb. (Ret.) Pete Romero & Writer/Producer Laura Bennett

1
Digital Militias and Collective Delusion 44:42

8M ago44:42

44:42

Prominent Brazilian journalist Cecilia Tornaghi shares the major struggle between Elon Musk and Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes, after the judge shut down X. The episode begs the question: Since these platforms have become a public service, do they bear responsibility for who uses them? Who decides what is truth, disinformation, o…

1
War Game – See this Film! 32:16

9M ago32:16

32:16

Janessa Goldbeck, ex-Marine, CEO of Vet Voice Foundation and producer of the new film War Game, explains what a war game is and how it became the basis for this unusual and highly effective film. What will happen if we experience another insurrection at the coming inauguration? Why are vets and servicemembers special targets of foreign disinformati…

1
The World Is Burning 35:05

9M ago35:05

35:05

FSO Chad Houghton takes us back to 2020 when John Kerry, the first Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, brought the US back into the Paris agreement. Quiz: Which is worse, methane or CO2? Also, what argument won people over diplomatically (hint – not the moral or scientific angle)? And how do we work with adversaries like China to cool things do…

1
Trade is Leaving the Planet 39:52

9M ago39:52

39:52

David Thomas, Executive Director of ASU’s Milo Space Science Institute, describes the global stability benefits of providing countries of the world access to space through education (what’s it like to mine ice water on the shadow region of the moon?) and ridesharing (yes, ridesharing) to space. Prada is making space suits and Hilton is designing cr…

1
Attempted Takeover of Voice of America 17:42

9M ago17:42

17:42

Steve Herman, author of Behind the White House Curtain, is back to tell the tale of the time the Trump administration tried to seize editorial control of the Voice of America and turn it into a propaganda agency. Why is it in our interests as Americans for VOA to remain an independent, credible source worldwide, even covering negative events in the…

1
This Steal Was For Real: Venezuela 39:50

10M ago39:50

39:50

The Maduro regime told breathtaking lies about voting tallies, but the opposition has proof. What are diplomats doing to promote a democratic outcome? Keith Mines, Vice President of the Latin America Program at the US Institute for Peace, explores the options and shares first-hand tales of similar instances in the region. Over seven million Venezue…

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