Episode 185—Venezuela Armada and the EU’s Ukraine Deal
Today on the Flash Traffic Podcast we talk about the Venezuela Armada, the EU actually doing something, Ukraine strikes Russia, a Suburban SUV with a mini-gun, and more!
Content:
00:00 Venezuela's Oil Crisis and U.S. Military Presence
03:21 Trump's Ignorance and Military Leadership
06:20 Operation Southern Spear and Venezuelan Naval Escorts
09:06 The Real Reasons Behind U.S. Actions in Venezuela
12:04 U.S. Reputation in Latin America
15:04 Ukraine's Strategic Military Developments
18:02 European Support for Ukraine
20:41 Ukraine's Military Innovations and Challenges
23:34 Recent Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Assets
38:39 Analyzing Drone Warfare and Air Defense Systems
44:30 The CIA's Lost Nuclear Device
50:41 The Search for the Missing Nuclear Device
53:36 The Goofy Space Force and Military Innovations
59:15 Graphic Videos and the Absurdity of War
Articles and Videos:
1. Trump Orders Blockade of Some Oil Tankers to and From Venezuela - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/us/politics/trump-blockade-venezuela-oil-tankers.html?searchResultPosition=1
2. Inside Congress Live — https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/12/17/congress/house-gop-narrowly-defeats-boat-strike-limits-00696784
3. With New E.U. Loan, Ukraine Avoids Budget Crunch and Can Plan War Effort - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/world/europe/ukraine-russia-frozen-assets-loan.html
4. Ukraine Plan Calls For Enhanced Military, With U.S. and European Backup - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/world/europe/ukraine-security-guarantees-talks.html?searchResultPosition=1
5. Ukraine ‘blows up £300m Russian submarine’ with underwater drones — https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/15/ukraine-blows-up-300m-russian-submarine-underwater-drones/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
6. Satellite Pix: Russian Missile Sub Hit by Ukraine Undersea Drone Is Stationary, Leaking Oil — https://www.kyivpost.com/post/66611
7. Strike in Belgorod Region Eliminates Two russian S-400 Air Defense Systems (Video) | Defense Express — https://en.defence-ua.com/news/strike_in_belgorod_region_eliminates_two_russian_s_400_air_defense_systems_video-16865.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
8. How Did the C.I.A. Lose a Nuclear Device in the Himalayas? - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/12/13/world/asia/cia-nuclear-device-himalayas-nanda-devi.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share
9. Space Force unveils new themes for weapon systems to boost identity — https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/12/12/space-force-unveils-new-themes-for-weapon-systems-to-boost-identity/
10. DVIDS - Video - Chief of Space Operations Guardian Motion Graphics — https://www.dvidshub.net/video/989521/chief-space-operations-guardian-motion-graphics
11. PATINA RESEARCH on X: "The Dillon Aero Convoy Escort Vehicle CEV offers VIP protection with CNC machined, aerospace grade components, including a concealed Dillon Aero M134D housed within the cabin. While the M134 remains completely undetectable, the system can be fully deployed in under three seconds https://t.co/Qf44cWUZiF" / X — https://x.com/patinaresearch/status/2001731740159635556
12. MAKS 25 🇺🇦👀 on X: "🔥 Impressive fire show! Two Russian "camels" carrying fuel to positions were destroyed using an FPV drone of the operator of the 414th brigade "Birds of Magyar". Pokrovsk direction, Donetsk region. https://t.co/4FJ7MKWcSa" / X — https://x.com/maks_nafo_fella/status/2000524897164874113?s=46
It's War We Friday, and Eric and I talk about basically whatever we want to talk about. We talk about Venezuela, Cambodia and Thailand, U.S. Army drones, Ukrainian drones, prediction markets, and more!
Content:
03:34 Venezuela: The Next Big Conflict?
12:19 AI and the Future of Warfare
15:22 Digital Manipulation in Media
20:14 The Military Industrial Complex: Drones and Defense
25:48 The Switchblade Drone Debate: Efficacy and Relevance
31:48 Prediction Markets: Betting on Global Events
38:44 Insights from Polymarket Bets
45:51 Shooting Drones
1. Visegrád 24 on X: "BREAKING: U.S. soldiers have stormed and seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast. It was used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan and Iranian oil. Trump says that the U.S. will keep the oil from the seized tanker. https://t.co/5mRu9QkNw7" / X — https://x.com/visegrad24/status/1998901107066810427?s=46
2. Open Source Intel on X: "Reporter: Yesterday, the U.S. seized a ship off the coast of Venezuela. Would you welcome a U.S. military intervention in Venezuela? María Corina Machado: Look, some people talk about an invasion in Venezuela, the threat of an invasion, and I answer: Venezuela has already been https://t.co/viNJ6gDQuI" / X — https://x.com/Osint613/status/1999071571483165070?s=20
3. Visioner on X: "🇺🇸 The American anti-aircraft "drone" complex Merops has gained the ability to receive information from many different radar systems. Each drone costs approximately 14,500 US dollars, and the Merops system is one of the most promising developments in the C-UAS field. See the https://t.co/s8NwrI2YeB" / X — https://x.com/visionergeo/status/1998848458351063067?s=20
4. The Pentagon Wars | English Full Movie | Comedy War - YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNpGBTU_jt4
5. Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 on X: "Test flight of the Ukrainian high speed Anti-Shahed FPV drone “STING” https://t.co/418LDFrLdm" / X — https://x.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1887521608018911683
6. Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 on X: "The @wilendhornets are presenting their "Hornet Vision" video system, which is used on the "STING" anti-Shahed drones. The video system provides a much higher quality video transmission from the interceptor to the operator. https://t.co/sZoaAGEYTk" / X — https://x.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1997970474710757481?s=20
7. Sprinter Press on X: "The Cambodian army attacked a Thai military post on the border https://t.co/l1FkQVyI5J" / X — https://x.com/SprinterPress/status/1998333858790388134
8. Dr. Anthony Tingle on X: "The Pentagon is restricting reporting. The National Guard moves toward Memphis. The DoD buying expensive knock-off drones. And more! Listen and watch on Spotify: https://t.co/kaiRstHofs Watch on YouTube: https://t.co/tMbHyRkEeN https://t.co/d8qtvETE5w" / X — https://x.com/AnthonyLTingle/status/1970229425594884171?s=20
9. Enezator on X: "I don’t even want to think about how far artificial intelligence will go in a few years https://t.co/YqQdauCvN3" / X — https://x.com/Enezator/status/1998875236390023582?s=20
10. Army pilots face low morale, 'survivor remorse' amid big cuts — https://taskandpurpose.com/news/army-pilots-question-aviation-cuts/
11. A Switchblade launcher now tested on Abrams Tanks. https://t.co/k2zFTr0CnV" / X — https://x.com/casualartyfan/status/1998148351238496601?s=46
12. A War Turned Into a Global Casino: Polymarket Cashes In on Ukraine’s Suffering — https://www.kyivpost.com/post/65449
13. Polymarket | The World's Largest Prediction Market — https://polymarket.com/
14. Ukrainian BMP-1 gunner firing 6 shells in under 20 seconds https://t.co/7CggfijPov" / X — https://x.com/Zoma3mk/status/1998811996725326300?s=20
15. Destruction of the enemy in the Pokrovsk direction. December 10, 2025 https://t.co/z3B3x1UXmx" / X — https://x.com/Heroiam_Slava/status/1999043863663563254?s=20
My guest today is Dylan Burns. He is a journalist who’s covered the Ukraine war since the beginning. He’s been to all the hottest places in the war, and he has seen everything. We talk about Pokrovsk, Kherson, drones, and more.
Dylan’s documentary One Year on the Pokrovsk Frontline:
https://youtu.be/Xv5PBB2dXuc?si=JmZ3xfI1KmESx16U
DylanBurnsTV on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@dylanburnstv
Contents:
00:00 The Art of War Journalism
03:48 Navigating Military Press Relations
06:48 The Reality of Soldier Experiences
09:36 Documenting the Front Lines
12:46 Building Trust with Soldiers
15:39 Dangerous Situations in Conflict Zones
18:32 The Risks of Reporting from the Battlefield
21:33 The Human Cost of War
24:45 The Impact of Drone Warfare
27:48 The Future of Kherson and Civilian Safety
30:50 Targeting Civilians: A Humanitarian Crisis
33:42 The Psychological Impact of War
35:49 The Destruction of Pokrovsk: A Personal Reflection
40:01 Strategic Military Movements in Donetsk
43:48 The Evolution of Drone Warfare
49:59 Cost Disparities in Military Technology
52:20 The Future of the War: Predictions and Insights
Today, I offer a short update and commentary on Ukraine’s Negotiations and its ongoing corruption scandal.
Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/uCKsENXf-JM
Content:
00:00 The Impact of Trump's Foreign Policy
00:00 European Perspectives on American Politics
00:16 The Weak Link in Negotiations: Ukraine and Europe
00:17 Understanding the Broader Context of the Conflict
00:31 Research Insights from Ukraine
00:32 Expert Perspectives on Russia and Putin
00:55 Experiencing Urban Warfare Training in Ukraine
01:39 Exploring the Drone Tunnel
02:29 Logistics and Future Plans in Ukraine
02:30 Overview of the Negotiation Process
03:42 Key Players in the Negotiation
07:00 Critique of European Involvement
07:55 The Four Players in the Peace Process
08:29 Critique of Europe's Role
11:21 Frozen Russian Assets as Leverage
13:27 European Gridlock and Legal Liabilities
15:42 Negotiation Competence: A Comparison with Past Efforts
18:23 Ukraine: A Complex Conflict
18:57 The Current State of the Front Lines
23:44 Russia's Strategic Air Attacks
27:11 Ukraine's Strategic Strike Complex
30:01 Corruption Scandals in Ukraine
40:04 Negotiation Predictions and Future Outlook
My guest today is Mark Galeotti. Mark has published over 30 books on Russian politics, security, and organized crime. Today, we discuss the latest peace plan, the resiliency of the Putin regime, the Russian way of war, and the future of this war.
He has just released an updated version of his book We Need to Talk About Putin: How the West Gets Him Wrong. Available anywhere books live, even Amazon.com: https://a.co/d/cN2hZzP.
Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/W3w5GNJgWO8
My guest today is Thomas Mutch. He is a photojournalist and author who has covered the war in Ukraine since the beginning. We discuss war journalism, the Human Safari in Kherson, corruption, Russia’s economic troubles, and the future of this war.
His new book is The Dogs of Mariupol: Russia's Invasion and the Forging of Ukraine's Iron Generation. Available anywhere books live, even Amazon.com: https://a.co/d/872SNWg.
My guest today is Thomas Theiner. A former member of the Italian army, Thomas is a film maker and historian. For many years he lived in Kyiv for working for Ukraine's largest film company and was there during the 2014 Maidan. We discuss the history of Russia and Ukraine, and why Russia is such a terrible place.
My guest today is Colin Freeman. He is journalist and author known for his firsthand reporting from conflict zones and his work as a foreign correspondent for The Sunday Telegraph. We discuss his new book about volunteer fighters in Ukraine, The Mad and the Brave, the war, and the time he was kidnapped for six weeks by Somalia pirates.
Colin’s new book, The Mad and the Brave, is available anywhere you buy books:
https://a.co/d/aw7aezg
Content:
00:00 Introduction
02:15 Insights on the War in Ukraine
05:23 Colin Freeman's Kidnapping Experience
11:06 The Economics of Somali Piracy
14:24 The Mad and the Brave: Colin's New Book
20:10 Finding and Interviewing Foreign Fighters
23:23 Risks of Reporting from the Front Lines
25:50 The Chaos of War: First Impressions on the Front Lines
29:14 Untold Stories: The Cutting Room Floor
31:32 Vetting the Legionnaires: Truth and Trust in Combat
38:21 The Current State of the War: Perspectives and Predictions
43:49 Future Endeavors: What's Next for Colin Freeman
My guest today is Brad Crawford. Brad is a U.S. Army veteran who volunteers in Ukraine as a combat adviser and trainer, helping rebuild and train Ukrainian military units. We discuss training the Ukrainian Army, drones, battlefield adaption, lessons learned from this war, and more!
The Tactical Combat Advisory Group website:
TCAGUkraine.org
Content:
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Volunteer Training in Ukraine
03:39 Challenges and Support for Training Efforts
06:52 Training Methodologies and Tactical Approaches
10:15 Capturing Lessons Learned and Adapting Training
13:46 Communication and Language Barriers in Training
17:22 The Evolution of Drone Warfare and Its Impact
20:55 Integrating Drone Training into Combat Scenarios
24:39 Leadership Training and Staff Development
28:09 Real-Life Experiences and Stories from the Frontlines
35:13 The Resilience of Soldiers in Combat
36:01 Understanding ITAR and Training Regulations
39:19 The Effectiveness of Training in Ukraine
44:09 Decentralizing Training for Greater Impact
48:53 Operational Security and Public Perception
Today on the Flash Traffic Podcast, we discuss the Army’s troubles in adapting to drone warfare, a US military-industrial-complex scam brought to you by General Motors, a mine-clearing drone, how not to survive a drone attack, and more!
Articles and Videos:
1. The Army’s Race to Catch Up in a World of Deadly Drones - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/us/army-drone-warfare.html?unlocked_article_code=1.tE8.YP72.zQTfizXt7oNP&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
2. Infantry Squad Vehicle — https://www.gmdefensellc.com/site/us/en/gm-defense/home/integrated-vehicles/infantry-squad-vehicle.html
3. New 2026 Chevrolet Colorado For Sale at Mike Maroone Chevrolet South | VIN: 1GCPTFEK8T1125698 — https://www.mikemaroonechevroletsouth.com/new/Chevrolet/2026-Chevrolet-Colorado-colorado-springs-co-d1d5c272ac1818cc9ffc769c8619e995.htm?_pcsourceid=02d76d157370443c7cd39eddc5549807&assetGroupId=6474933339&store=gmps-alserra-co&vin=1GCPTFEK8T1125698&sd_campaign=C%20-%20Pmax%20-%20VA%20-%20New&sd_digadprov=purecars&sd_channel=vehiclelisting&sd_campaign_type=pmaxother&sd_program=tier3&sd_adid=20492119604&sd_digadcid=20492119604&sd_keyword=&sd_adgroup=00-DIV-NA_PCH_InMarket_New__Vehicle%20Ads&utm_content=PC~v1~~AGD~~~AGD_N~00-DIV-NA_PCH_InMarket_New__Vehicle%20Ads&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=vehiclelisting&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20487026106&gbraid=0AAAAABfWCwHdKJKo4vC7qOrO7o8fvTKub&gclid=CjwKCAjwxrLHBhA2EiwAu9EdM1M2o7S5P8jXX7SeHCwbeFLYNktDubbNcElr_G5aKgNWJRnri_h68hoC_I8QAvD_BwE
4. GM Defense Welcomes Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks to GM Technical Center — https://www.gmdefensellc.com/site/us/en/gm-defense/home/news-and-events/news.detail.html/Pages/news/us/en/2021/nov/1108-gmdefense.html
5. Dimko Zhluktenko 🇺🇦⚔️ on X: "Ukrainian soldier with a red dot aim shotgun takes out russian FPV drone. This is extremely skillful and lucky by Ukrainian defender in Zaporizhya region. Bravo mate!!! https://t.co/ErqUhxAY7n" / X — https://x.com/dim0kq/status/1977032601245544591
6. Roy🇨🇦 on X: "Backpack line charges for clearing landmines are normally deployed by small rockets. In this short clip a Chinese drone has been adapted for this task. 1/ https://t.co/EJLIux3YQj" / X — https://x.com/GrandpaRoy2/status/1977219808245714975
7. The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare on X: "Eat shit https://t.co/nk82cDWIeD" / X — https://x.com/mouw5284/status/1977235806512116010
8. Roy🇨🇦 on X: "Cross sections of Ukrainian “YBN” and “UYA” FPV warheads. Both warheads have shaped-charge EFP (Explosively Formed Projectile) designs with steel ball fragmentation elements. 1/ https://t.co/nlVnywPZC8" / X — https://x.com/GrandpaRoy2/status/1977405144930374044
9. Ukraine Battle Map on X: "Barracuda-500 🇺🇸 is a low-cost cruise missile Ukraine 🇺🇦 needs thousands of Barracuda-500 is an air and ground launched cruise missile developed by US manufacturer Anduril Costing <$200,000, Barracuda-500 has a range of up to 925km, a speed of Mach 0.75, and a 45kg warhead https://t.co/CB7BUDp7nm" / X — https://x.com/ukraine_map/status/1977227563828494664
10. Roy🇨🇦 on X: "Test firings of Russian anti-FPV “shotgun” rifle cartridges that have had the bullet replaced with a galvanized steel capsule containing 7 lead shot. At only 5 m there is considerable dispersion of the shot. https://t.co/8rRpOmTyZX" / X — https://x.com/GrandpaRoy2/status/1977080827193491887
11. ✝ ⚔️ Hunter UA ✠ 🇺🇸🇺🇦 on X: "🔥A 🇷🇺Russian occupier arrived to kill 🇺🇦Ukrainians for money. But something went wrong...💥💀 https://t.co/mM9AYg8OrU" / X — https://x.com/UaCoins/status/1976936555273941462
My guest today is Dr. Jahara “Franky” Matisek. We talk about the Gaza cease-fire, the Colombia boat attack, the National Guard in Illinois, cockroach spies, landing a large cargo plane on an aircraft carrier, and more!
Content
00:00 Introduction and Disturbing Trends in Drug Use
04:55 Current Events: Ceasefire in Israel and Gaza
09:37 US Military Presence and Hostage Negotiations
14:36 Nobel Peace Prize Speculations
19:36 US Drug Policy and International Law
24:34 The Evolving Tactics of Drug Smuggling
29:30 The Drug War Dilemma
32:45 National Guard Deployment in Chicago
37:05 AI in Modern Warfare
49:43 The Boomba: A New Military Concept
Articles and videos:
1. Gaza Cease-Fire Begins, Israel Says, as Thousands Return to the North - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/world/middleeast/gaza-cease-fire-israel-hamas.html
2. Colombia’s President Says Boat Bombed by U.S. Was Carrying Colombians - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/world/americas/colombia-citizens-boat-us-bombed.html?searchResultPosition=5
3. Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump’s National Guard Deployment in Chicago Area - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/us/judge-national-guard-chicago-illinois.html?searchResultPosition=3
4. A.I. Fighter Jets and Cockroach Spies: Inside the Changing Business of War - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/30/business/economy/defense-spending-startups.html?searchResultPosition=1
5. Defense Intelligence on X: "🇺🇸🚢Why sinking an US aircraft carrier is a daydream. https://t.co/36qNEsuRaI" / X — https://x.com/di313_/status/1975633878783303751?s=46
6. Serhii Sternenko ✙ on X: "Багатьох учора здивувала новина, що російський FPV-дрон на оптоволокні залетів у Краматорськ та атакував авто. Але тут нема нічого дивного. Війна 2025 вже сильно відрізняється від війни 2024. Від ЛБЗ до Крама — 20 кілометрів. FPV противника можуть літати і на більші відстані. https://t.co/jKCdmsWUbd" / X — https://x.com/sternenko/status/1975093028898410803?s=46
7. Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 on X: "The Rarog unit of the @usf_army hunts Russian infantry using FPV drones with night vision. https://t.co/NDqsLnC6tf" / X — https://x.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1975494828801859991?s=46
My guest today is Ryan O’Leary. An American infantry company commander who has fought in Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. We talk about drones, Russian infantry tactics, the Ukrainian Army’s manpower issue, and more!
Machines don't win wars, Soldiers do
https://x.com/RyanO_ChosenCoy/status/1974189910757146944
On this episode, we discuss the dangers of nuclear power plants in Ukraine, snipers, drones, armored vehicles, steroids, and more!
Articles and videos:
1. War Monitor Clips on X: "https://t.co/NjSbBJPXCA" / X — https://x.com/warmonitorclips/status/1974519886975234132?s=46
2. Roadrunner | Anduril — https://www.anduril.com/roadrunner/?_bhlid=19464e53fc6361c84554d8ce9db59034d396849d
3. Nuclear Reaction: Meltdown | PBS LearningMedia — https://rmpbs.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/phy03.sci.phys.matter.meltdown/nuclear-reaction-meltdown/
4. Clash Report on X: "Russia launched 20+ Shahed/Geran-2 drones on Slavutych, destroying the 330 kV substation powering Chernobyl NPP. Chernobyl NPP lost power for 3+ hours, including its New Safe Confinement dome and spent fuel storage. Diesel generators kicked in, no radiation leak. Zelensky https://t.co/LHzpHwwKHC" / X — https://x.com/clashreport/status/1973672468809187478
5. Preston Stewart on X: "Russian drone ambush. This is a technique being used more and more across the front. A drone sits on a main travel route, turns off the rotor to save power and waits for a passing vehicle to strike from an angle they may not be monitoring as closely. https://t.co/IIw7VBLhMP" / X — https://x.com/prestonstew_/status/1973892499971395699?s=46
6. MAGA Cult Slayer🦅🇺🇸 on X: "Man portable air defense systems. Pretty dang cool. https://t.co/MIDGcFceBI" / X — https://x.com/magacult2/status/1974492909639696432?s=46
7. RyanFJBLGB🇺🇸🦅 on X: "If this guy comes at you, you’re dead. https://t.co/LYoWp9duqu" / X — https://x.com/ryanpatrick1991/status/1924185704613208381?s=46
On this episode, we discuss the government shutdown, the war with drug cartels, the joys of fentanyl, the evolution of MMA, drones attacking the police, when, if ever it’s appropriate to throw a knife, and much more! Truly a war weave Friday.
Articles and videos:
1. Trump ‘Determined’ the U.S. Is Now in a War With Drug Cartels, Congress Is Told - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/02/us/politics/trump-drug-cartels-war.html?searchResultPosition=1
2. Russia Using Long-Range Drones To Attack Ukrainian Trains: Official — https://www.twz.com/news-features/long-range-drones-used-by-russia-to-attack-ukrainian-trains-official
3. VA staffer accused of blindly approving over 85,000 disability claims — https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/09/29/va-staffer-accused-of-blindly-approving-over-85000-disability-claims/
4. FUNKER530 on X: "The Phoenix unit of Ukraine claims one of their drone pilots eliminated 61 Russian soldiers in a single day. As @Will_Killmore puts it, “Compare that kill count to legendary snipers in history, and you'll begin to comprehend how hellacious and brutal the drone war actually is at https://t.co/0a3gZW0i9L" / X — https://x.com/funkeractual/status/1972758614868705557?s=46
5. FUNKER530 on X: "Chaotic perspective of pro-Ukrainian Belarusians as their humvee is hit by a drone. https://t.co/Mu8cKndjWC" / X — https://x.com/funkeractual/status/1973848228450947314?s=46
6. Preston Stewart on X: "Ukraine's 225th Assault Regiment striking a boat full of Russians https://t.co/QPSnnQ1mEs" / X — https://x.com/prestonstew_/status/1973784010271887778
Keywords
government shutdown, drug cartels, fentanyl, addiction, martial arts, self-defense, drones, modern warfare, counter-drone technology, veterans affairs
Takeaways
The government shutdown is largely ignored by the public.
The U.S. Postal Service is heavily subsidized and still losing money.
Fentanyl addiction is a growing crisis in America.
Martial arts training may not be practical in real-world scenarios.
Drones are changing the landscape of modern warfare.
Counter-drone technology is lacking in current military strategies.
The potential for drone insurgencies poses a significant threat.
Veterans Affairs faces scrutiny over disability claims processing.
The conversation highlights the absurdity of current political leadership.
Chapters
00:00 Government Shutdown and Postal Service Challenges
05:22 War with Drug Cartels: A New Front
11:02 The Impact of Fentanyl and Drug Addiction
16:51 Martial Arts and the Legacy of Steven Seagal
21:52 The Efficacy of Martial Arts
26:15 The Evolution of MMA and Its Impact
28:01 Military Training and Hand-to-Hand Combat
34:25 Weapons and Self-Defense Strategies
36:17 Current Events and Global Conflicts
42:45 Disability Ratings and Personal Secrets
43:53 Drones in Warfare: A New Era
45:31 The Future of Policing and Drone Technology
47:36 The Accessibility of Insurgency Tactics
49:25 Countermeasures Against Drone Threats
51:11 The Impact of Drones on Military Operations
54:56 The Vulnerability of Boats in Warfare
57:44 The Role of Firearms in Modern Defense
59:35 Closing Thoughts on Warfare and Technology
Two retired military officers discuss Trump’s and Hegseth’s speech to the senior military officers. Policy is made or reiterated. Unforeseen repercussions inbound!
Articles and videos:
1. Trump addresses top military leaders at Quantico - YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o-3Vd2KZIc
2. NSTRIKE on X: "‼️🇻🇪🇺🇲 The Venezuelan army, in response to Donald Trump’s threats, is preparing to face U.S. forces and, to defend the coastline, is carrying out a live-fire drill with a Zu-23 anti-aircraft cannon from the deck of a Los Frailes-class ship. See the latest updates with us: https://t.co/agPNkQvlUb" / X — https://x.com/nstrike1231/status/1973120434754183473?s=46
3. NSTRIKE on X: "‼️🇻🇪🇺🇲 The Venezuelan army, in response to Donald Trump’s threats, is preparing to face U.S. forces and, to defend the coastline, is carrying out a live-fire drill with a Zu-23 anti-aircraft cannon from the deck of a Los Frailes-class ship. See the latest updates with us: https://t.co/agPNkQvlUb" / X — https://x.com/nstrike1231/status/1973120434754183473?s=46
4. The threat of missiles and drones on X: "‼️🇵🇱This morning, Poland’s new F-35 jets, identified as WOLF1 and WOLF2, made a low pass over Drake Field in Fayetteville, Arkansas. See the latest updates with us:@StatWatch25 https://t.co/KHlyNRgebT" / X — https://x.com/statwatch25/status/1973121901909385564?s=46
Trump has changed his opinion on Ukraine, again, and is contemplating sending US Tomahawk missiles. The US Army is cutting 20% of its aviation (helicopter) personnel. Pete Hegseth literally gets hit in the nuts. And more!
Articles and videos:
1. Trump's pro-Ukraine shift based on new intel showing Russian battlefield, economic losses — https://nypost.com/2025/09/24/world-news/trumps-pro-ukraine-shift-based-on-new-intel-showing-russian-battlefield-economic-losses/
2. Trump to make 'final determination' on supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles as Russia 'refuses' peace talks, Vance says — https://kyivindependent.com/trump-to-make-final-determination-on-supplying-ukraine-with-tomahawk-missiles-as-russia-refuses-peace-talks-vance-says/
3. MAKS 25 🇺🇦👀 on X: "🦅😔 Occupied Kherson region. The impact of electronic warfare on FP-1 type UAVs. https://t.co/EGX3eOGd9i" / X — https://x.com/Maks_NAFO_FELLA/status/1970782624395505785
4. US Army to Cut 6,500 Aviation Jobs in Transformation — https://thedefensepost.com/2025/09/23/us-army-aviation-job-cuts/
5. C4H10FO2P ☠️ on X: "Moment when 🇺🇦-forces downed 🇷🇺Mi-8 helicopter with FPV-drone https://t.co/XcxTGYvfii" / X — https://x.com/markito0171/status/1972589889972801792
6. Cloooud |🇺🇦 on X: "🔥🇷🇺Russian invader filmed the moment of destruction of their 🇨🇳Chinese «Desertсross-1000» all-terrain vehicle by a 🇺🇦Ukrainian FPV drone in the Pokrovsk direction. https://t.co/SZbMzLuf8Q" / X — https://x.com/GloOouD/status/1972680977316032946
7. Cloooud |🇺🇦 on X: "🤯🤯🤯🤯Assassination attempt on the US Secretary of War!!! @PeteHegseth hope you’re ok. https://t.co/T5PlDIkpnw" / X — https://x.com/GloOouD/status/1972709574198083648
The Pentagon is restricting reporting. The National Guard moves toward Memphis. The DoD buying expensive knock-off drones. And more!
Articles and videos:
1. Pentagon Introduces New Restrictions on Reporter Access - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/20/business/media/pentagon-restrictions-reporters-hegseth-trump.html?searchResultPosition=4
2. Trump Is Expanding the National Guard’s Role. Some Former Generals Worry. - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/21/us/national-guard-crime-washington-cities.html?searchResultPosition=2
3. Ukraine Counterattacks, Scoring Rare, if Modest, Success in Northeast - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/21/world/europe/ukraine-sumy-advances.html
4. U.S. Military Selects Little-Known Utah Supplier for Drone Program - WSJ — https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/u-s-military-selects-little-known-utah-supplier-for-drone-program-c492dc3d?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Today, Eric and I talk about Russia’s incursions into Europe’s airspace and air defense.
Eric’s book (from his pseudonym John West) Fry the Brain: The Art of Urban Sniping and its Role in Modern Guerrilla Warfare
Buy it at: https://a.co/d/2TGmvFH
Articles and videos:
1. Estonia says its airspace was violated by three Russian jets | CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/19/europe/estonia-airspace-russia-jets-latam-intl
2. What a No-Fly Zone Over Ukraine Would Mean for the West - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/16/world/europe/ukraine-nato-no-fly-zone-poland.html?unlocked_article_code=1.nE8.UL5C.Y8Gso44TvRy4&smid=url-share
3. The Hottest New Defense Against Drones? Lasers - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/18/world/europe/drones-laser-weapons.html?searchResultPosition=1
4. best clip from pentagon wars - Search — https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=best+clip+from+pentagon+wars&mid=CB955FD34CF5D47408E8CB955FD34CF5D47408E8&FORM=VIRE&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0
5. 🇺🇲 1968: Douglas AC-47 Spooky firing at Viet Cong positions in Vietnam, near the border of Cambodia [video] : r/WarplanePorn — https://www.reddit.com/r/WarplanePorn/comments/vzm96f/1968_douglas_ac47_spooky_firing_at_viet_cong/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
6. Zelenskyy: One year of war costs almost US$120bn, half must be found elsewhere | Ukrainska Pravda — https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/09/17/7531318/
7. OSINT Intuit 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇮🇱 🇬🇪 on X: "20250914: For those who haven't seen it, here is the arrival of an AFU Aeroprakt A-22 at the Novo-Ufimsky Petrochemical Refinery in Ufa. #OSINT https://t.co/89edGC5sZB" / X — https://x.com/ukikaski/status/1967583114978382274?s=46
8. Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 on X: "The gap in the anti-tank ditch line is covered with mines. It's clear that numerous explosions have already occurred in this location. In the video, a Russian motorcyclist is blown up by one of the mines in this bottleneck. https://t.co/iLKd1syyTI https://t.co/U7vsJegAGR" / X — https://x.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1968966208725627086
9. I STOLE AN F-16. MERICA MEMED on X: "Bookmark this video just in case. Might come in handy someday https://t.co/QGAd3yLgUu" / X — https://x.com/mericamemed/status/1967581671244574753?s=46
Today, Eric and I look at the Israeli Defense Force incursion into Gaza City.
Eric’s book (from his pseudonym John West) Fry the Brain: The Art of Urban Sniping and its Role in Modern Guerrilla Warfare
Buy it at: https://a.co/d/2TGmvFH
Articles and videos:
1. Israel Pounds Gaza City as Fears Mount for Those Inside - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/17/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-city.html
2. OIP.jUv1xUV3rklGkVh71p7wJQHaHa (474×474) — https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.jUv1xUV3rklGkVh71p7wJQHaHa?r=0&w=474&h=474&c=7&p=0
3. Vivid.🇮🇱 on X: "Hi, Gaza City. The IDF has arrived. Not a single building will be left standing if you do not surrender, lay down your arms, and release all the hostages now. Finish the job, Israel. 🇮🇱 https://t.co/SjbQLwp4kH" / X — https://x.com/VividProwess/status/1967959158839476529
4. Hillel Fuld on X: "Class is dismissed. The Islamic University of Gaza City is gone. https://t.co/oQbAoWBFhl" / X — https://x.com/HilzFuld/status/1967214125949521990
5. Jews Fight Back 🇺🇸🇮🇱 on X: "🚨 BREAKING: Israeli drone strikes a mosque in Gaza City used for terror ops. If your “place of worship” doubles as a launchpad for jihad, don’t be shocked when it goes boom. https://t.co/sUFhqBqJfL" / X — https://x.com/JewsFightBack/status/1964702204461568462
6. Al Jazeera English on X: "Watch the moment Israeli forces bombed and destroyed a 13th century mosque in the Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City on Tuesday. https://t.co/tXZnErhHg3" / X — https://x.com/AJEnglish/status/1968246046548705676
7. Trump’s Laissez-Faire Stance Gives Netanyahu Free Pass for Gaza Escalation - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/16/world/middleeast/trump-netanyahu-gaza-escalation.html?searchResultPosition=1
Trump makes a fake sanction proposal to NATO, Russia ups their drone production, the US Air Force sucks-up to Belarus, fake war bro podcasts, and more!
Eric’s book (from his pseudonym John West) Fry the Brain: The Art of Urban Sniping and its Role in Modern Guerrilla Warfare
Buy it at: https://a.co/d/2TGmvFH
Articles and videos:
1. Trump Says He Will Impose More Sanctions on Russia if NATO Does - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/13/us/politics/trump-sanctions-russia-ukraine.html?unlocked_article_code=1.mE8.rPC7.VUA55r5fqDnB&smid=url-share
2. Visegrád 24 on X: "US military officers made a surprise visit to Belarus to observe the joint Russia-Belarus "Zapad-2025" military drills. https://t.co/TnKPWKmgmC" / X — https://x.com/visegrad24/status/1967560305325830316
3. Russia Made Drone Production a Supreme Priority. Now It Swarms the Skies. - The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/14/world/europe/russia-ukraine-drone-attacks-production.html?unlocked_article_code=1.mE8.OWvw.CaXmq06VB8EZ&smid=url-share
4. 'We will show you whatever you want' — US observers attend Russia, Belarus Zapad-2025 drills — https://kyivindependent.com/us-observers-attend-russia-belarus-zapad-2025-drills/
5. Frontline report: Ukrainian forces spring trap on Russian breakthrough near Pokrovsk - Euromaidan Press — https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/09/14/frontline-report-ukrainian-forces-spring-trap-on-russian-breakthrough-near-pokrovsk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
6. BEST Training MISTAKE Ever? - @YourNarrator @unsubscribepodcast 162 - YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fgOZQiQLK_Q
7. 🪖MilitaryNewsUA🇺🇦 on X: "❗️🇺🇦Ukrainian fiber-optic FPV drones destroyed a 🇷🇺Russian truck hidden in a hangar and a towed gun/howitzer in the Bryansk region https://t.co/slA8l1r2a0" / X — https://x.com/front_ukrainian/status/1966518026649424030