Unclassified With Preston Stewart and Ben Wheeler

Unclassified

Unfiltered, unpolished, & undeniably engaging, Unclassified with Preston Stewart & Ben Wheeler brings global politics, geopolitics, and international relations to life. Join as they break down the world's most pressing issues with a mix of sharp analysis & candid humor. Whether it's decoding international power plays or dissecting the latest global headlines, they cut through the noise to deliver smart, relatable conversations you actually want to listen to. Forget the monotony this is global affairs for the rest of us. Because the world’s complicated, but talking about it doesn't have to be

  1. 2d ago

    The Iran-Trump Situation Is Getting Crazy

    Ben and Preston discuss a range of topics including the unexpected influx of calls from Amish ice cream customers, the complexities of U.S. foreign policy as exemplified by Henry Kissinger's legacy, and the ongoing tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions. They delve into the controversy surrounding journalist Barack Ravid and his reporting on U.S.-Iran negotiations, the implications of energy transitions in geopolitics, and the challenges of military escalation in the region. The conversation highlights the intricate dynamics of diplomacy, the munitions dilemma, and the strategic positioning of Iran in the current geopolitical landscape. In this conversation, Preston Stewart and Ben discuss the recent US government export control directive on AI technologies, particularly focusing on Claude's Fable V and Mythos V. They explore the implications of AI on national security, military operations in Latin America, and the potential future conflicts that may arise. The discussion also includes audience questions about combat experiences and the evolving nature of military strategy in response to technological advancements. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YmaFZihykI0iov9XgQ0uD Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unclassified-with-preston-stewart-and-ben-wheeler/id1781679521 RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/fdedafdc/podcast/rss Unfiltered, unpolished, and undeniably engaging, Unclassified with Preston Stewart & Ben Wheeler brings global politics, geopolitics, and international relations to life. Join Preston and Ben as they break down the world's most pressing issues with a mix of sharp analysis, candid humor, and an occasional dose of chaos. Whether it's decoding international power plays or dissecting the latest global headlines, they cut through the noise to deliver smart, relatable conversations you actually want to listen to. Forget the monotony - this is global affairs for the rest of us. Preston Stewart: @PrestonStewart @PrestonStew_ on X, IG, and TikTok. Preston’s Substack: https://prestonstew.substack.com/ Ben Wheeler: @BenWheeler @BenTheWheeler on IG Ben’s Substack: https://benwheeler.substack.com/ Chapters 00:00 Amish Ice Cream Crisis 02:40 The Kissinger Dilemma 05:25 Iran's Ongoing Turmoil 08:06 Barack Ravid Controversy 10:58 The Iran Deal Dynamics 13:38 Energy Transition and Geopolitics 16:24 Iran's Strategic Positioning 19:11 Military Escalation and Its Consequences 21:54 The Munitions Dilemma 28:06 US Export Control on AI Technology 31:49 AI's Impact on National Security 35:22 Military Operations in Latin America 37:06 Audience Questions and Insights on Combat 45:50 Future Conflicts and Military Strategy

    58 min
  2. Jun 6

    Ukraine Is Back!

    Ben’s Substack: https://benwheeler.substack.com/p/its-time-to-reshape-americas-alliances Ukraine United: https://u24.gov.ua/ Preston Stewart shares insights from his recent trip to Ukraine, discusses the current state of the Ukraine conflict, and explores geopolitical dynamics involving Russia, Iran, and the US. The conversation covers Ukraine's military strategies, international support shifts, and the impact of recent events on global politics. Unfiltered, unpolished, and undeniably engaging, Unclassified with Preston Stewart & Ben Wheeler brings global politics, geopolitics, and international relations to life. Join Preston and Ben as they break down the world's most pressing issues with a mix of sharp analysis, candid humor, and an occasional dose of chaos. Whether it's decoding international power plays or dissecting the latest global headlines, they cut through the noise to deliver smart, relatable conversations you actually want to listen to. Forget the monotony - this is global affairs for the rest of us. Preston Stewart: @PrestonStewart @PrestonStew_ on X, IG, and TikTok. Preston’s Substack: https://prestonstew.substack.com/ Ben Wheeler: @BenWheeler @BenTheWheeler on IG Ben’s Substack: https://benwheeler.substack.com/ Chapters 00:00 Podcast Comeback and Personal Updates 02:50 Preston's Experience in Ukraine 05:43 The Ukraine Freedom Project 08:31 Shifts in American Support for Ukraine 11:20 Zelensky's Open Letter to Putin 14:07 Viewer Questions on Ukraine 16:56 The State of Russian Propaganda 19:40 Insights from the Ground in Ukraine 22:30 Schrödinger's War: Is It On or Off? 27:12 Ongoing Conflict: The Reality of War 30:07 Political Maneuvering: War Powers and Congressional Approval 36:47 Cultural Commentary: The State of American Politics 37:10 Mount Rushmore of American Leaders: A Historical Perspective

    44 min
  3. May 9

    The Paradox of American Military Strategy Right Now

    Preston Stewart breaks down how the United States is at war but it also at a ceasefire that it continues to strike Iran through. Unfiltered, unpolished, and undeniably engaging, Unclassified with Preston Stewart & Ben Wheeler brings global politics, geopolitics, and international relations to life. Join Preston and Ben as they break down the world's most pressing issues with a mix of sharp analysis, candid humor, and an occasional dose of chaos. Whether it's decoding international power plays or dissecting the latest global headlines, they cut through the noise to deliver smart, relatable conversations you actually want to listen to. Forget the monotony - this is global affairs for the rest of us. Preston Stewart: @PrestonStewart @PrestonStew_ on X, IG, and TikTok. Preston’s Substack: https://prestonstew.substack.com/ Ben Wheeler: @BenWheeler @BenTheWheeler on IG Ben’s Substack: https://benwheeler.substack.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Whimsical Conversations 02:22 Project Freedom and the Current State of War 05:40 Coalition Challenges and Military Operations 11:25 CIA Assessment and Iranian Resilience 17:02 Future of the Conflict and Regional Military Dynamics 27:07 Shifting Alliances in the Middle East 27:44 The Onset of World War III 30:21 The Role of Major Powers in Global Conflict 31:56 China's Position in Global Tensions 35:09 The Cost of War and American Resolve 36:27 Naval Warfare Experience and Its Implications 38:10 Cuba: A Potential Flashpoint 41:13 Understanding the Cuban Situation 47:17 Evaluating the War Against Iran 48:55 The Future of U.S. Foreign Policy 52:12 Ukraine's Strategic Decisions in Warfare

    1h 2m
  4. May 2

    Iran War 1 Is Over, Iran War 2 Has Begun

    The Iran war is over but the sequel: Iran War 2 is just beginning. Preston Stewart Breaks It Down For Us. Unfiltered, unpolished, and undeniably engaging, Unclassified with Preston Stewart & Ben Wheeler brings global politics, geopolitics, and international relations to life. Join Preston and Ben as they break down the world's most pressing issues with a mix of sharp analysis, candid humor, and an occasional dose of chaos. Whether it's decoding international power plays or dissecting the latest global headlines, they cut through the noise to deliver smart, relatable conversations you actually want to listen to. Forget the monotony - this is global affairs for the rest of us. Preston Stewart: @PrestonStewart @PrestonStew_ on X, IG, and TikTok. Ben Wheeler: @BenWheeler @BenTheWheeler on IG Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Current Global Conflicts 05:21 The Legalities of War and Military Engagement 10:56 Iran's Military Capabilities and Recent Strikes 16:05 Media Transparency and Military Accountability 21:28 Corruption in Politics and Military Operations 23:43 Analyzing Military Capabilities and Strategic Outcomes 28:25 The Complexity of Iran's Nuclear Program 34:07 Negotiating with Iran: The JCPOA and Beyond 38:27 U.S. Troop Withdrawals and European Security 41:37 Munitions Shortages and Military Readiness 46:03 Advice for Aspiring Military Officers 48:01 NATO's Role in the Iran Conflict 49:14 The Future of U.S. States and Secession

    1 hr
  5. Apr 24

    The Strait of Hormuz Is Open? Closed? Who Knows?

    The Strait of Hormuz Is Open? No, it’s closed? Wait it’s neither? Preston Stewart Breaks It Down For Us Unfiltered, unpolished, and undeniably engaging, Unclassified with Preston Stewart & Ben Wheeler brings global politics, geopolitics, and international relations to life. Join Preston and Ben as they break down the world's most pressing issues with a mix of sharp analysis, candid humor, and an occasional dose of chaos. Whether it's decoding international power plays or dissecting the latest global headlines, they cut through the noise to deliver smart, relatable conversations you actually want to listen to. Forget the monotony - this is global affairs for the rest of us. Preston Stewart: @PrestonStewart @PrestonStew_ on X, IG, and TikTok. Ben Wheeler: @BenWheeler @BenTheWheeler on IG Chapters 00:00 Podcast Introduction and Absence 02:40 Current Status of Iran and the Strait of Hormuz 05:32 Insider Trading and Military Operations 08:26 The Complexity of U.S. Military Strategy 10:59 Political Dynamics and War Powers 13:54 The Role of Values in U.S. Foreign Policy 16:43 The Iranian People and War Justifications 19:11 Ceasefire and Military Strategy 22:20 The Future of U.S.-Iran Relations 33:22 Ceasefires and Historical Context 36:59 Threats and Perceptions of Strength 37:45 Monkey Gate: A Lighter Note 42:53 Market Reactions and Political Announcements 46:06 Propaganda and Communication Strategies 48:07 Defense Strategies for Smaller Nations 49:54 Nicknames and Political Rhetoric 54:04 Negotiation Dynamics and Parting Thoughts

    1h 1m
  6. Apr 4

    The Day Everything Went Wrong In Iran

    The US Air Force Just Had Its Worst Day in Decades, losing several fighter jets and helicopters as it searches for a shot down pilot. Preston Stewart breaks down the efforts to find the pilot and what comes next in the Iran-US war. Unfiltered, unpolished, and undeniably engaging, Unclassified with Preston Stewart & Ben Wheeler brings global politics, geopolitics, and international relations to life. Join Preston and Ben as they break down the world's most pressing issues with a mix of sharp analysis, candid humor, and an occasional dose of chaos. Whether it's decoding international power plays or dissecting the latest global headlines, they cut through the noise to deliver smart, relatable conversations you actually want to listen to. Forget the monotony - this is global affairs for the rest of us. Preston Stewart:  @PrestonStew_ on X, IG, and TikTok. Ben Wheeler:  @BenTheWheeler on IG Chapters 00:00 Apologies and Reflections 02:51 Spring Break Adventures 05:27 Carnival Ideas and Local Events 08:13 Military Operations and Recent Incidents 10:54 Search and Rescue Operations 14:03 Iran's Military Capabilities 16:53 Lessons from Combat Experience 19:31 Total War Rhetoric and Its Implications 22:40 War Crimes and Accountability 25:17 Civilian Impact and Military Strategy 27:53 Domestic Political Changes 30:40 Reflections on Leadership and Accountability 37:10 Presidential Records and Legal Controversies 40:08 Birthright Citizenship and Supreme Court Challenges 43:46 Political Landscape and Republican Party Dynamics 47:21 Military Leadership Changes and Implications 49:15 Impact of the Iran Conflict on Global Defense 53:01 Historical Lessons from Military Engagements 56:36 Special Operations and Nuclear Material Retrieval

    1h 13m
  7. Mar 28

    The Iran War Won’t End

    Preston Stewart analyzes the upcoming ground invasion of Iran, the opening of the strait of the Hormuz, and the lack of strategy in a war with Iran. Unfiltered, unpolished, and undeniably engaging, Unclassified with Preston Stewart & Ben Wheeler brings global politics, geopolitics, and international relations to life. Join Preston and Ben as they break down the world's most pressing issues with a mix of sharp analysis, candid humor, and an occasional dose of chaos. Whether it's decoding international power plays or dissecting the latest global headlines, they cut through the noise to deliver smart, relatable conversations you actually want to listen to. Forget the monotony - this is global affairs for the rest of us. Preston Stewart: @PrestonStewart @PrestonStew_ on X, IG, and TikTok. Ben Wheeler: @BenWheeler @BenTheWheeler on IG Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:17 Connecting the Dots: Bison, Chestnuts, and American Malaise 02:06 Preston's Experience at Penn State and Military Engagements 03:04 Missed Week and Personal Updates 03:50 President's Statement on Iran and Regional Shock 05:27 Critique of US Leadership and War Planning 08:01 US Military Movements and Strategic Concerns 09:29 Messaging Failures and War Communication Strategies 11:41 Iran's Checkmate and US Limitations 14:20 The Risks of Half-Hearted Military Actions 15:44 The D-Day Analogy and War Planning Lessons 17:16 Iran's Perception of Victory and Strategic Deception 20:43 US Perception of War and Iran's Checkmate 23:53 Oil, Strait of Hormuz, and Global Economic Risks 28:20 Iran's Infrastructure and Regime Stability 31:17 US Naval Movements and Regional Tensions 33:45 US Global Interests and Strategic Failures 39:25 Potential Oil Crisis and Economic Shocks 43:35 Global Power Dynamics and Future Conflicts 46:29 Questions and Audience Engagement

    1h 13m
4.3
out of 5
80 Ratings

About

Unfiltered, unpolished, & undeniably engaging, Unclassified with Preston Stewart & Ben Wheeler brings global politics, geopolitics, and international relations to life. Join as they break down the world's most pressing issues with a mix of sharp analysis & candid humor. Whether it's decoding international power plays or dissecting the latest global headlines, they cut through the noise to deliver smart, relatable conversations you actually want to listen to. Forget the monotony this is global affairs for the rest of us. Because the world’s complicated, but talking about it doesn't have to be

You Might Also Like