Off Duty Diplomat

In the final episode of season three, Alexis and Fallon go deep into what the experience of working at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul meant and the legacy of the work.

In this episode, we explore the two great calamities that occured during and after my tour at the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan- COVID and the Taliban returning. We also say goodbye to Reda and Muzhgan.

Living in a war zone- how do you know when you're safe? In this epsiode we discuss the micro and the macro of secruity living at the former U.S. Embassy in Kabul Afghanistan.

Alexis delves into the lifestyles of the American diplomats behind the walls of the fortress-Embassy in Kabul. What does it mean to be in a place without really engaging with that place? How would it look to give up almost everything in your life to do your job?

Ever wondered what US diplomats did in Afghanistan before the pull-out? Alexis walks you through her job as assistant cultural affairs officer, which mostly centered on managing grants (aka giving away money).

In this episode Alexis explains how she moved to Afghanistan in 2018 and the process of starting work at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.

Season 3 of the podcast starts with a Q+A between Fallon and Alexis all about Afghanistan! Learn something new, while Alexis sets the stage for her final overseas tour as a diplomat.

Welcome to the most candid episode of the podcast to date! Alexis looks back on her time in Israel and tells the stories that didn't make the main feed...Be warned, there's plenty of "colorful" language in this one.

TW: Suicide Alexis and Fallon check-in on recent events in the Palestinian and Israeli conflict. This is an extremely frank and emotional discussion of these difficult events. Please take care of yourselves.

Hello all!! It's been a minute, but Alexis and Fallon are back with another in the explainer series on international agreements! We have an informative Q+A exposing the role that treaties and agreements play in keeping and creating global order. Enjoy!

Alexis and Fallon finish up our recap of Netflix's "the Diplomat" with our usual blend of frustration, humor, and reflection. 

Alexis and Fallon dive into episode 7 of Netflix's "The Diplomat". The discussion covers communication in high-stakes environments and touches on Alexis' own experience in Afghanistan. 

Alexis and Fallon dive back in to season one of Netflix's "The Diplomat"! Who is actually responsible for the attack on the British Navy? What is the actual chain of command for a VIP visit? How do private military organizations fit into the global security aparatus? Join us for another fun and informative convo!

Alexis and Fallon recap and dive (deep) on episodes 3 and 4.  President Rayburn's plans in the Gulf have everyone more on edge than normal (if that’s possible). They spend the first chunk of the episode babysitting/negotiating what the President and PM should or shouldn’t say re: who bombed the boat. Hal has to out himself as the problem (shocker) to support the fact that Kate, and all the rea...

Alexis and Fallon review episodes 1 & 2 of the Netflix series "The Diplomat". In these episodes, after a hostile attack on a British vessel in the Persian Gulf that killed 41 soldiers, seasoned diplomat Kate Wyler reluctantly assumes a new role in the UK, putting her “governing” skills and marriage to Hal, a former US ambassador, to the test. the episode ends with Hal being mysteriou...

Alexis and Fallon go deep on the Netflix series "the Diplomat". What did they get right? What did they get wrong? What are the benefits and drawbacks of being a tandem diplomatic couple? How does Alexis feel about political appointee Ambassadors? Enjoy!

Another installment in the Israel explainer series, Alexis and Fallon imagine a possible peace process in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and get into all of the details.

In this episode, Fallon and Alexis reflect on season one of the podcast and give a few final thoughts and reflections.

Alexis and Fallon close out season 2 with a discussion of the main takeaways from Alexis’ tour.

Alexis, Nitzan, and Lisa wrap up their reminiscences of working at the Embassy in Israel. Plus, Alexis looks ahead at the next step in her career: Afghanistan.

Ever wondered what it was like to work with the Trump White House? Alexis tells you ALL about it…

What happens at an Embassy when a Secretary of State visits? When the President visits? Alexis gives you a behind-the scenes look at what it takes for working-level diplmats to support a VIP visit.

What does an embassy press officer do? Alexis explains the work of a deputy spokesperson, and the unique complexities of being a first time manager in a totally new country and culture.

Alexis explains the process of moving overseas for her second diplomatic assignment at the Embassy in Israel. She also describes the process of learning Hebrew, and introduces you to two of her former colleagues from that time, Lisa and Nitzan.

Alexis and Fallon are back for season two of the podcast! In this epsiode we do a Q&A about Israel to help set the stage and give some context for the rest of the season. Play along and see how many you get right!