Best A Better Peace The War Room Podcast Podcasts (2025)

1
VULNERABLE SKIES: DRONES AND NATIONAL SECURITY 32:38

Play Pause

1d ago32:38

32:38

From late 2024 to early 2025, numerous unidentified drones were reported over U.S. cities and military bases. While some of these "mystery craft" were later attributed to FAA-authorized research and other purposes, their presence highlighted the potential threat and vulnerability of defense and infrastructure facilities. Paul Lushenko, chief strate…

1
BRUNSON ON KOREA: READINESS & ALLIANCES 32:31

9d ago32:31

32:31

In May 2025, the U.S. Army War College hosted its fourth annual Strategic Landpower Symposium. The event featured General Xavier Brunson, commander of United Nations Command, ROK/U.S. Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea, as the keynote speaker. In a discussion with host Tom Spahr, General Brunson shared insights into his demanding role an…

1
The War Aint Over 12:24

12d ago12:24

12:24

This episode is the season finale; focusing on a recap of what has been covered. Reminding the listener of the cycle, the pitfalls and the solution found in the 4 P's. The listener is both invited to share testimony as well as informed on the upcoming season. Send us a text Support the show More than a Podcast. Its a Godcast. Living The lowLIFE is …

1
RESILIENCE AND EFFECTIVENESS: EXAMINING ENDURANCE IN SENIOR MILITARY LEADERS 37:24

16d ago37:24

37:24

Despite the fact that so many of them make it look easy, the daily lives of senior U.S. military leaders can be incredibly demanding. Laura Weimer examined how senior leaders manage their well-being (or, at times, struggle to do so) amidst these demanding careers, and she’s in the studio with host JP Clark to share her discoveries. Drawing from her…

1
Endurance: The Weaker the Better 17:20

19d ago17:20

17:20

This episode explores how humility and endurance empower us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and faith. By leaning on God in difficult times and embracing our weaknesses, we can foster resilience and find joy even in trials. • Endurance in Storms • Exploring James 1 • Emphasizing Faith to Overcome • Highlighting Humble Transformations • Per…

1
AI IN STRATEGIC PLANNING: THE FUTURE OF STRATEGY? 36:48

23d ago36:48

36:48

In a previous episode, we highlighted the Annual Army War College Strategy Competition. This week, host Tom Galvin speaks with a team from the Carlisle Scholars Program that used the competition as the opportunity to experiment with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for strategy formulation. Josh Aldred, Claudio Blardone, Robby Haugh, and Ada…

1
ENHANCING STRATEGIC THINKING THROUGH COMPETITION 41:34

30d ago41:34

41:34

One of the interesting things is there's no agreement domestically among civilians and military or internationally about what strategy is.Each year, while the military senior service schools compete upon the fields of friendly strife in the event known as Jim Thorpe Sports Days, the U.S. Army War College hosts a different kind of contest: The Annua…

1
Obedience: May I Have Another? 15:04

1M ago15:04

15:04

This episode focuses on embracing obedience in our lives can lead us to unexpected peace and transformation, even when it feels uncomfortable. The episode focuses on the connection between humility and obedience, using biblical stories to illustrate the rewards of trusting God’s plan. • Discussing the struggles of pride and rebellious nature • Anal…

1
COLONELS WRITING FOR COLONELS (RE-RELEASE) 36:55

1M ago36:55

36:55

It's time to talk about the Harding Project once again. The project is the Chief of Staff of the Army's (CSA) effort to renew professional publications, strengthen the profession, and ultimately enhance the warfighting capability of the U.S. Army. Jake Larkowich, Deputy Commandant of the U.S. Army War College and associate editor for War Room, step…

1
ON WRITING: MILITARY AUTHORS AND THE HARDING PROJECT (RE-RELEASE) 41:16

1M ago41:16

41:16

Whether putting pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard, writing clarifies and improves ideas while also allowing those thoughts to be shared with others. But the idea of publishing one's thoughts can be intimidating. Why does it seem so hard to get thoughts down on paper? And how do you approach an editor? How do you even get started? Zach Griffit…

1
SECURITY VS. DEFENSE: A VITAL DISTINCTION FOR THE HOMELAND 36:28

2M ago36:28

36:28

The U.S. Army War College (USAWC) recently hosted its 2025 Homeland Defense Symposium, gathering experts to tackle the complex issues of defending the homeland. A key focus was clarifying the difference between Homeland Security (law enforcement and emergency response) and Homeland Defense (military protection against external threats). Bert Tussin…

1
Forgiveness: Free to Forget 18:46

2M ago18:46

18:46

This episode focuses on the transformative power of forgiveness and its importance in living a life of humility and peace. By exploring biblical teachings, personal stories, and practical steps, we emphasize the necessity of releasing grudges to experience true healing and connection with God. • The difficulty of giving and receiving forgiveness • …

1
SIGNALS, CYBER AND STRATEGY: RETIRED GENERAL PAUL NAKASONE 32:48

2M ago32:48

32:48

Retired U.S. Army General Paul Nakasone recently addressed the resident class at the U.S. Army War College, and he also sat down for an episode of A Better Peace with host Tom Spahr. While reflecting on his time leading the National Security Agency (NSA) and U.S. Cyber Command, Nakasone provides a fascinating peek into the world of cyber intelligen…

1
Service: First is Last 14:31

2M ago14:31

14:31

This episode delves into the significance of servanthood, emphasizing how true service reflects the heart of God. Through personal stories and biblical teachings, we explore how humility counters pride, leading to greater fulfillment and connection with others. Exploring the biblical basis of service through Jesus' example The struggle of overcomin…

1
INSIDE THE PRESIDENT'S DAILY BRIEF 32:54

2M ago32:54

32:54

Ever wonder what goes into the President's Daily Brief (PDB)? It's not your average morning news. Stephanie Sellers, a former PDB briefer, is currently the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Representative to the U.S. Army War College and the General Walter Bedell Smith Chair of National Intelligence Studies. She joins host Ron Granieri to share her…

1
INTEL IMPERATIVES: SECURING THE HOMELAND 31:09

2M ago31:09

31:09

Retired Rear Admiral Paul Becker joins host Darrell Driver in the studio to discuss the role of intelligence in U.S. Homeland Security. Intelligence is discovering what an adversary seeks to conceal, a concept relevant to both warfare and homeland defense. Becker emphasizes the unique challenges of applying intelligence domestically, including lega…

1
TECH ADOPTION AT PACE: CULTURE, INTEGRATION, AND LEADERSHIP 29:35

3M ago29:35

29:35

The successful adoption of new technology in the military depends on the organization's culture, the technology's applicability and ease of incorporation into existing systems and processes, and, perhaps most importantly, the leadership guiding the transformation. Dan Gregorio and Andy Knight join host Tom Spahr to discuss the I Corps’s adoption of…

1
Restoration: The Bounce Back 16:36

3M ago16:36

16:36

The episode explores the theme of restoration through faith and humility, emphasizing how God can mend broken lives and hearts. It discusses personal loss and the power of surrendering to God's process for healing. Discusses the promise of restoration in Joel 2:25 Explores the steps of humility, surrender, and patience Shares a personal story of lo…

1
Pride: A Den of Lions 21:50

3M ago21:50

21:50

This episode explores the hidden danger of pride and how it sabotages our lives and relationships with God. By examining biblical examples and personal stories, we uncover the significance of humility as the antidote to pride and encourage active reflection and prayer for growth. Discussion on the essence and manifestations of pride Connection of p…

1
FROM COMPETITION TO CONFLICT: CHARTING THE COURSE OF THE SFABS 42:37

4M ago42:37

42:37

In 2017, the U.S. Army established Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs) to organize, train, equip, and advise foreign security forces. Tom Spahr spoke with two former SFAB commanders, Dustin Blair and Jon Post, to discuss the development of these brigades, their role in great power competition, and their potential use in future large-scale co…

1
Position: Know Your Place 19:01

4M ago19:01

19:01

This episode invites listeners to trust God's positioning in their lives, exploring how humility and surrender can lead to growth and understanding. Through biblical insights and personal stories, we reflect on what it means to flourish in uncomfortable circumstances. Trusting God's plan even when circumstances feel uncomfortable Understanding the …

1
BONUS EPISODE -- THE MELTING POINT: GENERAL FRANK MCKENZIE, USMC, RETIRED 1:03:10

4M ago1:03:10

1:03:10

On 3 February 2025, the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) hosted the former commander of U.S. Central Command, General Frank McKenzie, USMC, Retired, to discuss his book "The Melting Point: High Command and War in the 21st Century." Joined by Tom Spahr on stage they discussed his experience as a combatant commander and the challenges…

1
WAR, WORDS, AND THE FOURTH ESTATE 40:28

4M ago40:28

40:28

The complex and evolving relationship between the military and the media has spanned various periods in U.S. history. In a discussion with War Room editor-in-chief JP Clark, Thomas Crosbie, author of The Political Army: How the U.S. Military Learned to Manage the Media and Public Opinion, explores how the military has grappled with integrating medi…

1
DATA-DRIVEN DEFENSE: THE MAVEN SMART SYSTEM 40:28

4M ago40:28

40:28

Hold on tight, this episode is a whirlwind of data-infused targeting, intel, and logistics. Joe O'Callaghan joins host Tom Spahr in the virtual studio to discuss the Department of Defense's Maven Smart System. Maven was first developed to leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to help speed intelligence analysis, but has since been a…

1
Prayer: Want His Will 17:18

4M ago17:18

17:18

This episode explores the transformative power of prayer, emphasizing humility and authentic connection with God over perfection. We discuss the Lord’s Prayer, persistence in prayer, and personal reflections that shift our understanding from self-serving requests to divine alignment. Examining misconceptions about prayer Unpacking the Lord's Prayer…

1
A Legend Living Low: MLK Day Special 14:52

5M ago14:52

14:52

Martin Luther King Jr. exemplified the intersection of humility, justice, and love throughout his life, showing us how to advocate for change without compromising on compassion. By reflecting on his teachings and actions, we can learn to face adversities with grace while embodying the principles of humility, peace and service. • Honoring Dr. King’s…

1
Posture: Down is Up 19:44

5M ago19:44

19:44

Living low begins with understanding your heart's posture before God, emphasizing the importance of humility over pride. This episode explores the significance of authentic engagement in prayer through the lens of biblical parables and personal stories, inviting listeners to reflect on their own relationship with God. • Exploring the concept of hea…

1
FIGHTING TOGETHER: THE CANADIAN-AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP IN WORLD WAR II (ON WRITING) 31:56

5M ago31:56

31:56

It's time for another episode in our On Writing series. Host Michael Neiberg is joined in the studio by Tim Cook, the chief historian at the Canadian War Museum. Tim emphasizes the importance of making history accessible to the public, which involves finding compelling ways to tell stories and connect with readers. Their discussion covers Cook's la…

1
The War on Pride Begins (Edited) 15:46

5M ago15:46

15:46

A Message From DL the lowLIFE: This is an edited version of Episode One. Content remains the same. Long pauses and Outro have been addressed. Original will remain available to document the journey. (I design write, record and edit everything myself.) This episode explores the profound impact of pride and the transformative power of humility. We dis…

1
The Birth of The 4 P's 16:02

5M ago16:02

16:02

We delve into the transformative practice of humility through the Four Ps: Posture, Prayer, Position, and Pride. By examining these principles, we learn to replace pride with peace and discover a deeper connection with God. Exploring the foundational role of posture in building humility The power of prayer in our lives and our relationships with Go…

1
WAR CRIMES AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN LOAC 31:16

5M ago31:16

31:16

The Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), also known as international humanitarian law (IHL), is a set of rules that govern warfare and aim to minimize harm to civilians and non-combatants. Alexandra Meise joins podcast editor Ron Granieri to examine the development of LOAC, which stems from treaties like the Geneva Conventions, domestic laws of individual…

1
The War on Pride Begins 17:22

5M ago17:22

17:22

This episode explores the profound impact of pride and the transformative power of humility. We discuss personal struggles with pride, biblical examples, and practical steps toward living a low life that embraces vulnerability and seeks God’s grace. Personal stories of pride leading to downfall Biblical insights on pride and humility The story of K…

1
BEYOND INTUITION: AI'S ROLE IN STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING (PART 2) 25:40

6M ago25:40

25:40

Andrew Hill and Steve Gerras return to the studio with host Tom Spahr to further explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in national defense. This episode delves into the critical question of human oversight in lethal force decisions with AI assistance. Join the debate as they dissect the potential consequences of over-reliance on human in…

1
BEYOND INTUITION: AI'S ROLE IN STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING (PART 1) 26:23

6M ago26:23

26:23

In September 2024, Andrew Hill and Steve Gerras authored a compelling three-part series that explored the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in national defense. They provocatively argued that the conventional wisdom is wrong: human intuition is not indispensable, even though we might all wish it were. Recognizing the significance of thi…

1
ECHOES OF ERASURE: POLAND’S MEMORY AND IDENTITY 36:39

6M ago36:39

36:39

With the invasion of Poland in 1939, Nazi Germany set the stage for conflict and strife that has repercussions to this day. Jadwiga Biskupska is an expert on Poland under Nazi occupation and she joins podcast editor Ron Granieri to discuss the intricate relationship between Poland's historical memory and its contemporary identity. Their discussion …

1
BLOOD FOR STONES? PROTECTING CULTURAL PROPERTY IN WAR (PART 2) 33:33

6M ago33:33

33:33

Cultural property encompasses both tangible artifacts and intangible heritage that shapes societies. Historian Matthias Rogg is back in the studio, this time with Laurie Rush, an archaeologist and anthropologist working as a Department of the Army civilian at Fort Drum, NY. Laurie, who has extensive experience supporting the Army in cultural proper…

1
BLOOD FOR STONES? PROTECTING CULTURAL PROPERTY IN WAR (PART 1) 27:52

6M ago27:52

27:52

Cultural property encompasses both tangible artifacts and intangible heritage that shapes societies. Historian Matthias Rogg and international law expert Lando Kirchmair delve into the critical issue of protecting cultural property during armed conflicts. They discuss the multifaceted threats to cultural property, including destruction, seizure, mi…

1
THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF HOMELAND DEFENSE 32:25

7M ago32:25

32:25

In November 1944, Japan launched thousands of balloons carrying incendiary bombs across the Pacific, aiming to set fire to American forests and divert resources from the war effort. While the campaign caused minimal damage and few casualties, it highlights the vulnerability of the U.S. homeland to attack. To discuss lessons from this historical eve…

1
THE SPY AND THE STATE: THE PARADOX OF AMERICAN INTELLIGENCE 34:09

8M ago34:09

34:09

The American intelligence community (IC) is a complex network of 18 different agencies constantly vying for authority and resources. This competition, along with the ongoing effort to balance civilian and military organizations within the IC, is the focus of today's discussion. Dr. Jeff Rogg, a senior research fellow at the Global and National Secu…

1
RETENTION THROUGH INNOVATION: THE BLENDED EDUCATION PROGRAM 31:12

8M ago31:12

31:12

The Army is actively seeking innovative programs and ideas to address the recruitment and retention challenges it faces. One such idea is the newly designed Blended Education Program (BEP) at the U.S. Army War College. The BEP is a hybrid program that combines the best aspects of the residential program, including staff rides to Gettysburg, Washing…

1
AN EVENING WITH FORMER USAREUR COMMANDING GENERAL BEN HODGES 32:14

9M ago32:14

32:14

On August 8, 2024, retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, who served as the Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe from 2014 to 2017, visited Carlisle. Michael Neiberg had the pleasure of sitting down with him for a conversation about his latest book, Future War and the Defence of Europe. Their conversation was held at a public presentation at the …

1
THE SCHOLAR AND THE STRATEGIST: SIR HEW STRACHAN (ON WRITING) 32:36

9M ago32:36

32:36

Last week, the U.S. Army War College welcomed Sir Hew Strachan, a distinguished British military historian and accomplished author. He graciously took the time to sit down with Michael Neiberg in the studio for another episode of our "On Writing" series. During their conversation, Sir Hew shared his journey to becoming one of the foremost experts o…

1
ASKING DATA THE RIGHT QUESTIONS 31:07

9M ago31:07

31:07

Tom Spahr is back in the studio with another insightful discussion focused on data management, refinement, and exploitation within the military. He is joined by CW4 Kelsey Gibson, a senior technical advisor with years of experience in data and digital modernization in the special operations community. Together, they examine the challenges of develo…

1
SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO BE THERE: ADVANCED REGIONAL STUDIES AT THE WAR COLLEGE 30:39

9M ago30:39

30:39

This week, we have one final episode in our "Back to School" series highlighting another special program at the U.S. Army War College. The Advanced Regional Studies (ARS) program offers opportunities for students to meet the senior decision- and policy-makers of our allied and partner nations on their own turf. Daniel Krebs, the director of ARS, is…

1
MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR TAILORED EDUCATION AT THE U.S. ARMY WAR COLLEGE 29:44

10M ago29:44

29:44

Last week, we noted the next few conversations veer into some of the "inside baseball" of how the Army War College educates strategic leaders. Episodes like this are mainly to inform incoming resident students about options available to them, but other listeners might be interested in getting some insights into the inner workings of senior joint pr…

1
IMMERSIVE PROGRAMS AT THE U.S. ARMY WAR COLLEGE 35:10

10M ago35:10

35:10

We know that the next few episodes are a little bit of inside baseball. But one of the things we like to do at War Room is highlight the innovative means and methods by which the U.S. Army War College develops strategic leaders. Episodes like this inform incoming resident students of the options available to them during their academic year as well …

1
COLONELS WRITING FOR COLONELS 36:31

10M ago36:31

36:31

It's time to talk about the Harding Project once again. The project is the Chief of Staff of the Army's (CSA) effort to renew professional publications, strengthen the profession, and ultimately enhance the warfighting capability of the U.S. Army. Jake Larkowich, Deputy Commandant of the U.S. Army War College and associate editor for War Room, step…

1
STRATEGIC AUTONOMY: OURS, THEIRS AND THE BALANCE IN BETWEEN 30:27

11M ago30:27

30:27

Alliances are difficult beasts to manage. Priorities don't always align; gains for some are sacrifices for others. Resources aren't equally provided or distributed. It is a difficult dance for leaders to balance participation in alliances for the greater good while maintaining the strategic autonomy of their sovereign nation. Marcus Antonini spent …

1
NATO INTEROPERABILITY: A CARLISLE SCHOLARS STUDY 34:51

11M ago34:51

34:51

The Carlisle Scholars Program at the U.S. Army War College is a unique experience for a select seminar of students each academic year. After completing the majority of the academic requirements in an accelerated 10 weeks of course work, the remainder of the year focuses on research, writing, and advising senior leaders. Bernardo Gonzalez-Lazaro Sue…

1
CHASING THE BEST: TALENT MANAGEMENT FOR THE MASSES (HOW SHOULD THE ARMY RUN?) 34:23

11M ago34:23

34:23

Talent management is simple. All that is necessary is to match the many people in any particular rank and specialty who are moving at a given time to the right job that matches talent, enables professional growth, meets personal and family needs, and maximizes unit effectiveness and efficiency. Maybe it is not so simple after all. Sarah Kaiser and …