CSIS the truth of the matter
Podcast

The Truth of the Matter

Many of us have questions about global issues and not a lot of places to turn to for reliable and thoughtful answers. In The Truth of the Matter, host Andrew Schwartz breaks down complex policy issues of the day. No Spin, No Bombast, No finger pointing. Just informed discussion.

The Truth of the Matter is produced by David Lotfi and Ava Rose.

Podcast Series by H. Andrew Schwartz

Subscribe and Listen

All The Truth of the Matter Podcast Episodes

Filter by

1 - 10 of 372 results
The Truth of the Matter

AI Competition and Security: A discussion with Kemba Walden and Devin Lynch

Kemba Walden, president of the Paladin Global Institute and former Acting National Cyber Director, and Devin Lynch, senior director of the Paladin Global Institute and former director in the Office of the National Cyber Director, join the podcast to discuss their new report, “The AI Tech Stack: A Primer for Tech and Cyber Policy.”

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz, Kemba Walden, and Devin Lynch — July 10, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter
The Truth of the Matter

Keeping Our Beaches Clean with the Surfrider Foundation

Mara Dias, Water Quality Initiative senior manager at the Surfrider Foundation, joins the podcast to discuss how the Foundation's Blue Water Task Force helps monitor water quality at beaches across the country and the public health implications of reducing contamination.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Mara Dias — July 3, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter
The Truth of the Matter

NATO’s “Brain-Dead” Summit

CSIS’s Max Bergmann, director of the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program, joins the podcast to discuss what really happened at the NATO summit and how defense spending will impact European economies going forward.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Max Bergmann — June 30, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter
The Truth of the Matter

Did U.S. Strikes Prevent an Iranian Bomb—or Provoke One?

CSIS’s Heather Williams, director of the CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues, joins the podcast to discuss the uncertain status of Iran’s nuclear program following Operation Midnight Hammer and what we should be watching for next.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Heather Williams — June 27, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter
The Truth of the Matter

Is Ideology Blinding Iran to Reality?

Ambassador Dennis Ross, counselor and William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and best known for serving in five U.S. presidential administrations, joins the podcast to discuss whether the war represents a turning point in Israel-Iran relations, if Israel exceeded its traditional defense posture, and how Iran should consider the state of play going forward.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Amb. Dennis Ross — June 26, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter
The Truth of the Matter

Emergency Podcast: How Degraded is Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Program?

CSIS Missile Threat Program director Tom Karako joins the podcast to assess conflicting reports about the degradation of Iran’s nuclear and missile program and how soon Iran may be able to rebuild.  

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Tom Karako — June 25, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter
The Truth of the Matter

12-Day War: Now What?

CSIS’s Jon Alterman, a longtime Middle East scholar and geopolitical expert, joins the podcast to discuss potential outcomes from Israel and Iran’s 12-day war and shaky ceasefire. 

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Jon B. Alterman — June 24, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter
The Truth of the Matter

Emergency Podcast: Iran Strikes Back

CSIS Middle East Program Director Mona Yacoubian joins the podcast to discuss Monday’s strike by Iran on Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military installation in the Middle East and the broader strategic implications of the conflict.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Mona Yacoubian — June 23, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter
The Truth of the Matter

Google's Gopi Kallayil on the AI Revolution

In this crossover episode, Mariana and Andrew are joined by Gopi Kallayil, Google’s Chief Business Strategist for AI, to discuss how AI is reshaping industries and human creativity, while emphasizing the need for new checks and balances.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz, Mariana Campero, and Gopi Kallayil — June 20, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter
The Truth of the Matter

How Might Iran Conflict End?

CSIS’s Norm Roule, a former senior U.S. intelligence officer for the Middle East joins the podcast to discuss how conflict with Iran might end, what regime change could look like, the wider implications for the United States and the region and more.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Norman T. Roule — June 20, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter