Best ascf Podcasts (2025)

1
Charting the Future: U.S. Maritime Strategy in the Face of China's Rise 27:25

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1d ago27:25

27:25

Peace Through Strength podcast with ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford and guest Captain Peter Petrelius (U.S. Navy Retired). Captain Petrelius said there is a lack of mariners and merchant vessels. He also states that U.S. shipyards need to be updated. China is outpacing the U.S. in shipping, shipyards, and building. Please subscribe to our newslet…

1
Can D.E.I. survive at West Point? Part I. 16:35

19d ago16:35

16:35

PTS Podcast host Joy Votrobek discusses D.E.I. in the military with returning guest Colonel (Ret.) Bill Prince and ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford. Col. Prince points out that diversity may benefit some fields, but not in the military. Instead, a military unit needs teamwork and unity. Col. Prince questions why West Point offers a variety of D.E.…

1
India-Pakistan Escalation 15:55

26d ago15:55

15:55

Did you know Pakistan and Bangladesh were originally part of India? ASCF brings you a historical understanding of modern impact. PTS podcast host Joy Votrobek discusses current events and the history of India and Pakistan with ASCF senior analyst Laurence Sanford. Historical animosities, fueled by wars and militant activities, have led to a volatil…

1
Risking Stability: The Vital Role of U.S. Allies & NATO 34:52

1M ago34:52

34:52

PTS podcast host Joy Votrobek discusses strained relationships with U.S. allies and NATO with ASCF senior fellow Alan Dowd. NATO has been there for the U.S. on numerous occasions, including 9/11, Iraq, Afghanistan, the war on ISIS, and recently in the Red Sea. They discuss how the current Trump Administration's comments and actions lead to uncertai…

1
USS Truman was not damaged by the Houthis. 9:55

1M ago9:55

9:55

PTS host Joy Votrobek joins Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford with a brief update on the Houthi War. They debunk the claim by the Houthis that they damaged the USS Truman. They address the claim by the Trump Administration that a Chinese satellite may be aiding the Houthis. Finally, they examine the PTS strategy of U.S. Global Leadership and Freedom of …

1
Best Balanced History of Gaza with a Surprise Ending! 32:56

2M ago32:56

32:56

ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford interviews Colonel (Ret.) Pete McIllwain. Pete’s 22-year career with the CIA also included time in Tel Aviv. He gives an excellent, balanced history of Gaza and how Hamas came to power. Pete discusses the W River Summit in Washington, D.C., where he personally spoke with Yasser Arafat about why Arafat declined a tw…

1
Defending Sovereignty in Ukraine and Taiwan 29:03

2M ago29:03

29:03

PTS podcast host Joy Votrobek interviews ASCF senior fellow Alan Dowd about his last two articles regarding Free World Defense and Taiwan. Alan coined the phrase "Free World Defense," premised on strength and winning to maintain an International Rules-Based Order. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum and the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act are vague security ass…

1
News Detox! Pop Culture's Influence on the Intel Community. 15:17

2M ago15:17

15:17

We are taking a break from all the news today to bring you a special guest, Brian Freeman, straight from our PTS Podcast studio. Brian Freeman, a New York Times best-selling thriller author, has chosen to carry on with The Bourne series. Brian has written 31 thrillers, 6 of which are part of The Bourne series. His latest book, "The Bourne Escape," …

1
Turning a Blind Eye: The World's Silence on Houthi Actions. 14:35

3M ago14:35

14:35

SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, AND SHARE! Peace Through Strength podcast host Tracy Steele interviews ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford about the continued Houthi Crisis and the Red Sea shipping lanes. Mr. Sanford provides a historical background of the Houthis and the civil war in Yemen between the Shi'iah and Sunni Muslim groups. The Shi'iah Houthis are a p…

1
Oval Office clash and the Bigger Picture. 12:43

3M ago12:43

12:43

PTS Brief on the Oval Office clash between Zelensky, Trump, and Vance. PTS podcast Joy Votrobek and Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford speculate the possibilities of a bigger picture involving Putin and Trump. It is in Zelensky's best interest to sign a minerals deal for security reasons and continued military aid. Mr. Sanford is a U.S. Navy veteran who …

1
Are Ukrainian Minerals Key to a Peace Deal? 13:54

3M ago13:54

13:54

PTS Host Joy Votrobek discusses the Obstacles to Peace in Ukraine with Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford. There is a lack of trust on both sides; a dispute over Russian-speaking territories; and finally the need for a lasting security agreement. Is it possible diplomacy could be achieved starting with the mineral rights agreement? Mr. Sanford is a U.S. …

1
Tariff Safeguards Challenge Consumers 13:40

4M ago13:40

13:40

The incoming Trump Administration had a busy week - notably deporting illegal immigrants. Colombia would have turned the plane around until Trump threatened a tariff hike. Peace Through Strength podcast host Joy Votrobek discusses the advantages and disadvantages of tariffs with ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford. Please subscribe, comment, and shar…

1
Gaza's Riviera and Türkiye's Ambitions 17:35

4M ago17:35

17:35

PTS host Joy Votrobek and ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford discuss Trump's Gaza plans and Erdogan's vision of a New Ottoman Empire. Both are two distinct visions yet intersecting geopolitical aspirations that highlight the complexities of regional politics. Erdogan's ambition to revive a sense of Ottoman grandeur seeks to expand Türkiye's influenc…

1
Trump 2.0 Challenges and Change 26:50

4M ago26:50

26:50

How did January 6th impact President Trump's effectiveness as a global leader? PTS Host Joy Votrobek and ASCF Sr. Fellow Alan Dowd discuss Trump's past global leadership successes and how he may what he faces in his 2nd term. They also discuss his reasons for pulling out of global organizations and treaties. Finally, they address NATO and U.S. alli…

1
Tump's TikTok Dilemma 16:11

4M ago16:11

16:11

President Trump has a TikTok dilemma. Trump has a chance to be a hero to millions of TikTok users, but he also has the opportunity to be a strong leader in the face of a national security matter. He has given TikTok another 75 days to divest. PTS host Joy Votrobek discusses the TikTok dilemma with senior analyst Laurence Sanford. They also discuss …

1
Combat Readiness and the future of drones and cyber warfare. 25:07

5M ago25:07

25:07

PTS Webinar on National Preparedness focuses on the future of combat readiness and the role of drones and cyber warfare. Drones are being used in the ongoing Ukraine and Middle East battles. In the U.S., drone sightings are causing a stir and much speculation. This webinar fields questions about drones and cyberwarfare based on open-source research…

1
Webinar: Peace Through Strength in an "America First" Administration. 26:43

5M ago26:43

26:43

Peace Through Strength is not a new strategy; it has existed since the Roman Empire. President-elect Donald Trump has revived the popular phrase. The ASCF's December webinar discusses the history of "Peace Through Strength" and how Trump may differ from Reagan and the Cold War. In an age of rising superpowers, new economic alliances, and autocratic…

1
When Justice is Clouded: Addressing Prejudice in ICC Warrants. 12:05

6M ago12:05

12:05

PTS host Joy Votrobek and ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford address the International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Prejudice within the International Criminal Court (ICC) poses significant challenges to pursuing justice and accountability. Certain cases, such as those of Netanyahu, may be influenced by political agendas or selective…

1
Syria's Uncertain Future 12:17

6M ago12:17

12:17

PTS Host Joy Votrobek speculates with Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford on what the fall of Assad's regime in Syria means for minorities and regional stability. There is still instability in the northern part of Syria as the Turkish-backed alliance continues to fire on the Kurds. The future of minorities in Syria will depend on whether Golani will stick…

1
BRICS in the Americas. 16:35

6M ago16:35

16:35

BRICS represents both opportunities and challenges for South America, primarily through Brazil's engagement. BRICS' influence on global economic and political dynamics is significant, and its activities can shape the future of inter-regional relations in South America. Please subscribe to our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly Web…

1
Will the Hezbollah-Israeli Ceasefire Stick? 13:19

6M ago13:19

13:19

The durability of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel hinges on several complex factors, including regional dynamics, internal politics, and external pressures. Will UNIFIL turn a blind eye to Hezbollah activity, or will they help make this 60-day ceasefire stick? Historically, ceasefires in this context have been fragile, often disrupted by s…

1
BRICS Global Reach Webinar 28:54

6M ago28:54

28:54

The American Security Council Foundation presented a BRICS Webinar on November 13, 2024. This Webinar addresses how an expanding BRICS could impact the global economy. BRICS started with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. They have recently expanded their membership to Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Saudi has not confirm…

1
Trump's Peace Through Strength 29:43

7M ago29:43

29:43

PTS host Joy Votrobek has a panel discussion with ASCF, senior analyst Laurence Sanford and Sr. Fellow Alan Dowd regarding their thoughts on how Trump's re-election will affect Ukraine. They also review how Trump's strategy for Peace Through Strength may impact the U.S. military and U.S. allies, particularly NATO. Subscribe to our newsletter at www…

1
Power Consolidated: Erdogan's Türkiye in an Autocratic Shift 11:07

7M ago11:07

11:07

PTS podcast host Joy Votrobek and ASCF senior analyst Laurence Sanford discuss Recep Tayyip Erdogan's aspirations to revive the Ottoman Empire and a caliphate. This revivalist sentiment is reflected in Erdogan's foreign policy, which seeks to expand Türkiye's influence in the Middle East and North Africa. Erdogan's approach could risk alienating ne…

1
Assassination of CIA Dick Welch 37:01

7M ago37:01

37:01

Special guest Ralph Mariani tells ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford the story of the assassination of Richard Welch, a CIA SOS in Athens, Greece. Ralph tells the back story of Richard Welch and his time in the CIA leading up to his assassination on December 23rd, 1975. Richard Welch was assassinated by a radical Marxist Lenin group called 17 Novemb…

1
Precision Strikes: Israel Targets Iran, Hezbollah Stays the Course. 13:24

7M ago13:24

13:24

Peace Through Strength podcast brief on the recent Israeli precision attacks on Iranian airfields and missile defense systems. Podcast host Joy Votrobek speaks with ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford about the conflict between Israel and Iran and Hezbollah's involvement. They also discuss how the U.S. elections may affect the next steps for both Isr…

1
Communism: Propaganda or Utopia 16:01

7M ago16:01

16:01

Special Peace Through Strength podcast brief on an article titled "Explaining Communism" in the kids section of our local newspaper. The article was published on October 18th, 2024, in the local Press Journal, a Treasure Coast Newspaper owned by USA Today. Our Sr. Analyst and a teacher/mother share their thoughts on the article. These criticisms hi…

1
Israeli retaliation, NATO Survival, and Ukraine. 37:46

8M ago37:46

37:46

Peace Through Strength podcast host Joy Votrobek speaks with ASCF Sr. Fellow Alan Dowd and Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford regarding Iran's rocket attack on Israel, alliances, NATO, and Ukraine. They start by discussing the barrage of rockets fired from Iran at Israel on October 2nd, 2024 and how Israel may retaliate. They continue to speak to NATO's …

1
Future Leaders: The Junior ROTC Experience 22:58

8M ago22:58

22:58

American Security Council Foundation Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford interviews Commander (Ret) Peter Bissett on the Navy Junior ROTC program as an investment in our youth. Commander Bissett is a former Navy pilot engineer who heads the Navy Junior ROTC program at Sebastian High School. He discusses how the Junior ROTC program is more than preparation…

1
Hezbollah's pager phenomenon! 14:14

9M ago14:14

14:14

PTS Brief on Hezbollah pager detonations with host Joy Votrobek and ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford. Hezbollah's pager detonations bring more questions than answers. Who purchased this batch of pagers and communication devices, and from what company or companies? It was a sophisticated and well-organized attack. Israel has not claimed responsibil…

1
Webinar: Venezuela's Ballot Betrayal 15:43

9M ago15:43

15:43

American Security Council Foundation senior analyst Laurence Sanford discusses the situation in Venezuela and the questionable election results. ASCF Director of Operations and PTS Podcast host Joy Votrobek facilitates the webinar and fields guests' questions for Mr. Sanford. The ASCF holds one Webinar a month. The webinar and poll results will be …

1
China exploits U.S. Tariff Laws. 11:17

9M ago11:17

11:17

Peace Through Strength podcast host Joy Votrobek discusses reciprocity with ASCF senior analyst Laurence Sanford. They discuss reciprocity regarding the U.S. de minimus laws. China exploits the U.S. de minimus law to ship cheap clothing and fentanyl to the U.S. Mr. Sanford also addresses opening the sale of oil to Europe to lessen dependency on Rus…

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The Battle for Free Speech 3:46

9M ago3:46

3:46

American Security Council Foundation senior analyst Laurence Sanford gives an overview of free speech and social media platforms, including the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Dorov, the censorship of "X," Facebook's admission they were pressured by the American government to censor the COVID pandemic, and the Hunter Biden laptop story. Mr. Sanfor…

1
Is DEI at West Point Cultural Marxism? 48:47

10M ago48:47

48:47

Peace Through Strength podcast host Joy Votrobek and cohost Laurence Sanford meet with West Point graduate Matthew Newgent and discuss how cultural Marxism has manifested at West Point in the form of DEI. Matthew explains how important it is for USMA to keep Duty, Honor, and Country in its mission statement. Matthew stated that West Point removed D…

1
Israel's Reciprocity and Resilience 12:48

10M ago12:48

12:48

Peace Through Strength podcast host Joy Votrobek speaks to ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford about Israel's reciprocity and resilience toward Iran and proxies. They discuss Israel's ability to sustain another attack from Iran, Hezbollah's domestic issues in Lebanon, and the CCP's attempts to be a diplomat in the Middle East. Please follow us on Fac…

1
Taliban Al-Qaeda connection prior to 9/11 1:17:20

10M ago1:17:20

1:17:20

ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford interviews Colonel (Ret.) Pete McIllwain. Pete served as Chief of the CIA’s Clandestine Services during the opening days of the Afghan War, where he coordinated CIA operations with the U.S. Army Special Forces. Pete’s 22-year career with the Agency included serving as Deputy Chief of Base in Berlin during the fall …

1
Is Apathy toward Freedom on the Rise? 34:54

11M ago34:54

34:54

PTS Host Joy Votrobek speaks to ASCF Sr. Fellow Alan Dowd about "Threats Abroad, Worries at Home." They highlight the aggressive actions of autocratic regimes such as Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, which pose threats to democratic nations. Furthermore, they address the worrisome decline in free governments worldwide and the internal challeng…

1
Taxpayer dollars are funding Free Palestine movements 18:12

12M ago18:12

18:12

PTS host Joy Votrobek discusses the pro-Palestinian movement with ASCF senior analyst Laurence Sanford. They discuss who is funding these protests, which include U.S. taxpayer dollars from the EPA. The Climate Justice Alliance (CJA) received a $50 million grant from the EPA. The CJA supports the Free Palestine movement. The podcast concludes with a…

1
The enemy of my enemy is my friend. 16:24

12M ago16:24

16:24

PTS podcast host Joy Votrobek speaks to ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford about Iran and its proxies' disdain for Western civilization. While Israel may enter trade agreements with Arab countries, they know Islam is no friend. Iran has openly called for the destruction of Israel, and Hamas has indoctrinated Gazans. They discuss Iran's nuclear capab…

1
Does Iran have nuclear capabilities? Most likely. 53:29

1y ago53:29

53:29

Nuclear engineer, Lee Boyland, believes that Iran already has nuclear capability. The question is, will they use it? Most countries with this destructive power stay in check because of the Mutual Assured Destruction theory. However, Iran is run by an Islamic theocracy that believes martyrs are honored after death.…

1
Durable Peace in Ukraine? Sr. Fellow Alan Dowd 28:07

1y ago28:07

28:07

PTS host Joy Votrobek discusses a peace solution for Ukraine and Russia with ASCF Sr. Fellow Alan Dowd. They discuss what conditions are necessary to achieve a sustainable peace settlement in the Ukraine / Russia conflict. They analyze the current state of the war, the geopolitical interests at play and security agreements with allies in Europe and…

1
Will Hamas Kiss a Ceasefire goodbye? 14:43

1y ago14:43

14:43

PTS host Joy Votrobek interviews ASCF senior analyst Laurence Sanford about his article "Ceasefire." They give updates on the Israeli War and discuss Hamas's stance on releasing hostages and a real Ceasefire. Mr. Sanford also discusses why the United States needs a "winning" strategy and what that looks like. Mr. Sanford is a former U.S. Navy offic…

1
FL. Rep. Randy Fine sheds light on the Islamic org CAIR 22:05

1y ago22:05

22:05

PTS podcast Host Joy Votrobek discusses the Hamas-linked CAIR organization with Florida Representative Randy Fine and ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford. CAIR is an acronym for the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Representative Randy Fine introduced FL. House Resolution 1209 to encourage all state and local government agencies to suspend cont…

1
It's Only Has Hard As You Make It! 30:08

1y ago30:08

30:08

Lt. Commander U.S. Navy Seal (Retired) Amir Pishdad, Jr. speaks to ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford about his experience becoming a Navy Seal. Navy Seal training and experiences that lead to personal lifelong achievements.By ascf

1
Decoupling from "Made in China" 12:36

1y ago12:36

12:36

Podcast host Joy Votrobek interviews Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford regarding his article "China's Contempt." They focus specifically on Wall Street getting rich from doing business with China. Mr. Sanford believes that could be changing and that companies may start decoupling from China. They also discuss the de minimus tax rule and the increase in …

1
ASCF on the Rhett Palmer radio show 44:35

1y ago44:35

44:35

Joy Votrobek and Laurence Sanford talk to Rhett Palmer about the American Security Council Foundation and current national security issues. Rhett Palmer is "Mayor of the Airways" on Vero's Voice. A radio show out of Vero Beach, FL.By ascf

1
Cyberwarfare is a Threat to Our Infrastructure 14:28

1y ago14:28

14:28

PTS podcast Host Joy Votrobek interviews ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford about the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) cyber warfare threat to our National Security. They discuss the Volt Typhoon malware discovery in Guam, TikTok security concerns, and American infrastructure vulnerability to cyber attacks. Mr. Sanford is a former U.S. Navy officer a…

1
How do we define our Allies? 29:10

1y ago29:10

29:10

Peace Through Strength podcast host Joy Votrobek speaks with ASCF senior fellow Alan Dowd about the definition of our Allies, supporting free democracies, and increased spending for deterrence. Alan gives the technical definition of allies and explains why it is in our best interest to support free democracies. Alan details the economic and securit…

1
South Africa Support Hamas 13:32

1+ y ago13:32

13:32

PTS podcast Host Joy Votrobek interviews ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford on his article "South Africa supports Hamas." Nelson Mandela supported the Palestinians, but he also supported a two-state solution? What about the current ruling ANC party? Nelson's grandson recently invited Hamas leaders to South Africa. Hamas has indicated they do not wan…

1
Inside Hamas Tunnels with Captain Toti. 37:13

1+ y ago37:13

37:13

Peace Through Strength podcast host Joy Votrobek and ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford speak with special guest Captain William "Bill" Toti, Retired U.S. Navy. Captain Toti was invited to Israel and worked with an IDF soldier, Col. Roy Levy. Roy took Bill inside Hamas tunnels in 2016. Unfortunately, Col. Roy Levy was one of the first IDF soldiers k…

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