Headlines and History

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we discuss what might be the greatest intelligence operation in history: Israel's decision to detonate thousands of pagers worn by Hezbollah members in Lebanon. While Israel has not claimed responsibility, so we don't know for sure, it seems most likely Israel is responsible given they are the only regional entity to have the capability and motive. H...

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we discuss Linda Sun and her time in New York State government working for two governors and the Chinese Communist Party. She was indicted this week by the Eastern District of New York for working to influence New York politics in a way that supported the People's Republic of China and hurt Taiwan. As we discuss, I wouldn't call her a spy per se, but...

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we review my time at the 2024 Intelligence and National Security Summit hosted in the Washington D.C. area in late August. The summit is designed to bring together intelligence leaders in government, industry, and academia to network and devise ways to make collaboration easier and more efficient. Many topics were discussed during the plenary panels...

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we take our first look back since the show began. We've covered a good deal of topics and it is a good time to see how each has evolved. We revisit such characters as "Barbecue" in Haiti, groups like Yemen's Houthis, and tense situations like Iran and Israel. Retrospections will drop occasionally in our journey, so stay tuned and as always...enjoy! W...

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we talk about the story on everyone's mind...Kursk. I explain in American military doctrinal terms what the Ukrainians accomplished on August 6th, 2024, and if they were effective. I discuss whether the prognosticators are correct on what this operation means for the war against Russia and if President Putin can do anything about it. We wrap up by co...

In this latest episode of Headlines and History I speak with Chana Studley, an author, counselor, and academy award winner, about her mission to help those suffering with mental health issues. Her latest book--Beyond Diagnosis. A Paradigm Shift from Pathology to Innate Health--shares 45 personal stories of recovery. During the conversation we tackle topics such as PTSD, overall wellbeing, addition...

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we finish our series on my time in Iraq by discussing some leftover funny, and not-so-funny, tales. We start with a broken finger from a guy with a back tattoo, find ourselves in the literal crosshairs of a General, and end with a Soldier who refused to shower for weeks while deployed. Enjoy! Want to support the show? Want photos? Visit https://patre...

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we continue our series on my time in Iraq by discussing the overall environment in 2005 and which events shaped the threat landscape. Tactics were changing, voting was happening, and foreign fighters were slaughtering civilians. The sectarian violence that began in late 2005 led directly to the decision to surge forces in the next couple years. Enjoy...

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we continue our series on my time in Iraq by discussing what daily life was like during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. I also cover the most tragic event of our deployment and quite possible, the most tragic of the whole war. We learned all too keenly that defending Americans from the enemy was hard enough but not as hard as defending Americans against...

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we continue our series on my time in Iraq by discussing my few weeks in Kuwait and what FOB Danger looked like in Iraq. I also discuss the kinetic environment, sleeping and working, and why a pond was next to my hooch. Lastly, I open with a few comments I forgot to address previously on why the Bush Administration was in Iraq in the first place. Enjo...

In this latest episode of Headlines and History we continue our series on my time in Iraq by discussing pre-deployment training at Fort Dum, NY, while considering why President George W. Bush sent us in the first place. I'll discuss some interesting stories like living in World War II barracks with moldy bathrooms, lieutenants tellings senior enlisted members to "at ease" in front of hundreds, and...

In this episode of Headlines and History, I discuss the call to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III in 2005. The story beings with my joining the New York Army National Guard, what the political zeitgeist was, and how a National Guard Division Headquarters (42d Infantry Division) took command in combat for the first time since the Korean War.  Be sure to visit Headlines and History fo...

This week's episode is all about TikTok. I conducted a YouTube live event on Saturday, June 22nd, and am republishing the talk here. In it I discuss why TikTok is not alone (that potentially all Chinese-owned technology companies are a problem), how the United States is not the only country concerned with its data collection strategies, and how American companies are using your data differently. E...

In this episode we explore Niger's latest military coup, what it means for Africa and relations with Russia, China, and the United States. We discuss why Niger is prone to military coups--seven constitutions in about 60 years--and what, if anything, can be done about it, and if the United States will maintain relations with Niger in the coming years. **I do not speak for the U.S. Army, the Departm...

In this episode I speak with LTC Stephen Totter, the senior Joint Intelligence Officer for Joint Task Force Empire Shield in New York City, a senior Intelligence Mentor for the New York Army National Guard, a civilian attorney, and real estate investor. LTC Totter shares his experience in Iraq, his thoughts on Iraq's future, how to lead intelligence teams while stateside, and how he uses intellige...

LTC Lisa Bennett is currently the Senior Intelligence Mentor for the New York Army National Guard. She recently spent three years in Germany, as both an Intelligence Planner and Analysis and Control (ACE) Chief, working for U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command. Our conversation focuses on Ukraine's efforts to defend itself against the Russian invasion of their land but also touches on China, Vladim...

In this episode of Headlines and History we discuss the helicopter crash that killed Iran's President and Foreign Minister last week, who or what was responsible for the crash, what happens next, and who the next president might be.  Check out https://headlinesandhistory.com for more! Visit https://spanglerforge.com for all your outdoor knife and blacksmith needs! Check out my interview on The Med...

What is the connection between China and America's current fentanyl crisis? Is the Chinese Communist Party involved? Does the Taliban play a role? In this episode we tackle this challenging topic and hope to shed light on what the "crisis" really is.  For more be sure to visit https://headlinesandhistory.com

LTC Shawn Tabankin is the deputy operations officer (G3) for the New York Army National Guard. During his over 25 years of service, LTC Tabankin has served in numerous combat roles and brings a wealth of experience to a conversation on foreign affairs from multiple perspectives. In this episode we discuss his time in Djibouti, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and his opinions of today's great power competit...

In this episode we discuss the potential ceasefire deal on the table between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Both sides have acknowledged a deal is pending, however, neither has agreed officially. We discuss what led to the negotiations, what may come of them, who Hamas is as an organization, and why a ceasefire is even a possibility. For more be sure to check out https://headlinesandhistory.com

In this episode we examine Secretary of State Antony Blinker’s most recent trip to China, learn what was discussed, and identify why this trip is important. We also look into the Chinese Communist Party’s behavior with other nations, particularly the United States, and whether they are “playing by the rules.”

Iran and Israel have been at odds over religion and politics, arguably, for millennia. In this episode we discuss the most recent attack by Iran on Israel in response to an assassination of 7 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leaders in Damascus and attempt to predict where the feud is headed. Also, we dive into the history of both nations and look to identify the roots of conflict.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) turns 75 this April. In this episode we explore NATO's origins, its history, and discuss why NATO is so relevant to today's foreign affairs landscape.  Want to support the show? Check out… https://www.patreon.com/HeadlinesandHistoryPodcast Visit YouTube for video clips and episodes    

This episode we discuss the terror attack at the Crocus Music Center in downtown Moscow which left almost 140 dead. We will compare and contrast those likely possible, landing on the obvious, ISIS, and discuss who ISIS is and why they would conduct such a gruesome assault. 

This episode we discuss the origins of Yemen's Houthi movement, or Ansar Allah, and how a local civil war morphed into an international concern.