The Tea Leaves Podcast

The Asia Group
  • 4.9 (90)
  • BUSINESS

The Asia Group's Rexon Ryu and Tiffany Ma break down the Indo-Pacific through revealing interviews with policymakers, business leaders, journalists, and artists from the world's most dynamic and consequential region. Previous guests include Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA), and Washington Post Asia editor Ana Fifield.

  1. 09/23/2025

    IPDI Spotlight: Reimagining the Allied Maritime Industrial Base

    In this Indo-Pacific Defense Incubator (IPDI) Spotlight episode of Tea Leaves, Kelly Magsamen and Chris Johnstone sit down with Admiral (Ret.) John Richardson and Admiral (Ret.) James Foggo to explore the urgent challenges and opportunities facing the allied maritime industrial base. From China's dominance in global shipbuilding to the strategic imperative of revitalizing U.S. and allied capacity, the conversation dives deep into co-production, innovation, and policy reform. The discussion provides insights on how the U.S. and its partners can build a more resilient and interoperable maritime defense ecosystem.

    56 min

  2. 09/08/2025

    IPDI Spotlight: Accelerating Allied Innovation Through AUKUS Pillar II

    In this episode of Tea Leaves, Kelly Magsamen, Senior Advisor at The Asia Group, sits down with Abe Denmark, TAG Partner and former Senior AUKUS Advisor to the Secretary of Defense, to unpack the strategic significance of AUKUS Pillar II. They explore how the U.S., U.K., and Australia can fast-track defense innovation across autonomy, long-range strike, and integrated air defense. The conversation highlights opportunities for industrial collaboration, bold new trilateral initiatives, and the critical role of speed in delivering next-generation capabilities. Tune in for insights on how governments and industry can work together to shape the future of Indo-Pacific security through next-generation deterrence.

    37 min

  3. 05/14/2025

    Building the Indo-Pacific’s Defense Future: Innovation, Industry, and Alliances with Kelly Magsamen

    In this episode of Tea Leaves, Rexon and Mira sit down with Kelly Magsamen, former Chief of Staff to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and newly appointed Senior Advisor at The Asia Group, to introduce the Indo-Pacific Defense Incubator (IPDI). Drawing on her decades of experience in the Pentagon, NSC, and State Department, Kelly unpacks the evolving landscape of defense innovation, industrial cooperation, and allied technology partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. The three discuss how the U.S. and its allies can scale next-generation defense capabilities, the role of private capital and disruptor firms, and the strategic challenges posed by China’s rapid advances. Kelly also offers insights on what defense industry leaders and companies should watch as the Trump administration recalibrates its Indo-Pacific security priorities.

    33 min

  4. 04/30/2025

    Dr. Kurt Campbell Returns to Tea Leaves to Discuss The China Challenge: Industrial Scale and Allied Strategy

    In this episode of Tea Leaves, TAG Chairman Dr. Kurt Campbell joins the show to discuss his recent Foreign Affairs article, “Underestimating China,” and outlines why the United States must shift its strategic approach to remain competitive. In his conversation with Rexon Ryu, Dr. Mira Rapp-Hooper, and Tiffany Ma, Dr. Campbell discusses his argument that unless the United States moves toward “capacity-centric statecraft” and allied scale, the U.S. risks falling behind China in key domains relating to military capabilities, technology, and operational elements. He explores the flaws in assessments of Chinese power, need for a protected allied market, and the need for two-way industrial cooperation.

    42 min

  5. 04/16/2025

    Tariff Shockwaves: The New Era of U.S.-China Economic Competition

    In this episode of Tea Leaves, Rexon Ryu and Tiffany Ma are joined by Dr. Mira Rapp-Hooper, head of The Asia Group’s Geopolitics Practice, and Dr. Evan Medeiros to assess where things stand nearly two weeks after April 2’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement. They unpack the escalation from sector-specific tariffs to looming reciprocal measures and examine the U.S.-China trade standoff. Dr. Medeiros leads a discussion on why this round of the trade war marks a more entrenched phase of an economic standoff, China’s confident posture and retaliation strategy, and what it all means for businesses navigating the fallout. The team also explores the structure of ongoing negotiations and how trade talks are increasingly intertwined with broader strategic issues.

    39 min

  6. 11/22/2024

    Tariffs, Technology, and Transactionalism - U.S. Policy in Asia Under Trump

    In this episode of the Tea Leaves Podcast, Rexon Ryu and Tiffany Ma are joined by Ambassador Kurt Tong to explore the Indo-Pacific's response to the re-election of Donald Trump. Ambassador Tong provides valuable insights into how regional leaders and businesses are bracing for potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy. Tune in for a deep dive into the evolving dynamics shaping Asia's future in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

    21 min

  7. 06/04/2024

    China Outlook: Evan Medeiros on the China’s Complex, Competitive Relations with the U.S. and EU

    In this episode of Tea Leaves, TAG President Rexon Ryu and Dr. Evan Medeiros explore the expanding scope of US-China and EU-China competition in the spheres of security, economics, technology, and governance. They discuss recent bilateral meetings, emerging tariff policies, China's military assistance to Russia, and the importance of dialogue to prevent miscalculation. Tune in for expert insights on navigating two of the most consequential bilateral relationships today.

    28 min

  8. 01/22/2024

    Sharon Burke on Environmental Security and the Energy Transition

    Sharon Burke is the Founder and President of Ecospherics, an environmental research and advisory firm based in Washington, D.C. She most recently served as the lead on climate change, energy, and environment for the Biden-Harris Transition Team. She previously served as the first Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy at the Department of Defense (DoD), where she oversaw the energy security of U.S. military operations. Before her time at DoD, she worked as a Senior Fellow and Vice President at the Center for a New American Security, where she initiated a program called “Natural Security” to examine the intersection of natural resources and national security. She has also worked at the State Department, Amnesty International, and the New America think tank. Sharon holds a bachelor’s degree from Williams College and a master’s degree in international affairs with a focus on energy policy from Columbia University.

    35 min
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4.9
out of 5
90 Ratings

About

The Asia Group's Rexon Ryu and Tiffany Ma break down the Indo-Pacific through revealing interviews with policymakers, business leaders, journalists, and artists from the world's most dynamic and consequential region. Previous guests include Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA), and Washington Post Asia editor Ana Fifield.

Information

  • Creator
    The Asia Group
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    117
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Tea Leaves Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Tea Leaves Podcast