American Diplomat Podcast

Real U.S. diplomats share the untold truths behind world events—what went right, what went wrong, and what you’ll never see in the news.

Want to know what it’s really like on the frontlines of international diplomacy?  Each week, Amb. (Ret.) Dan Rosenblum and co-host Laura Bennett sit down with active and retired US diplomats to pull back the curtain on the gritty, human side of international affairs.  From dealing with foreign leaders to navigating the chaos of war zones, these diplomats share the stories that drive the headlines.  

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Latest Podcast Episodes

Its economic potential is huge, but AI also brings serious national security threats. How exactly do diplomats work to create global standards that promote innovation but also protect us? Knowledge is power in uncertain times so pull up a chair for an in-depth chat with Daniel Remler, bona fide AI diplomat.
Ever wonder what it’s really like to move policy along as a diplomat? Join Ed Gabriel and Bob Holley as they chronicle the progress of policy in the Western Sahara. Kings die, Texans retire and administrations come and go – but in the end, the people’s voices may yet be heard.
Why is Romania so important for US interests? Hint: The Black Sea, and a very long border with Ukraine. Amb. Kathy Kavalec shares insights on this often overlooked but strategically powerful US alliance.
How does empathy help create a more peaceful world, whether we are a first-year diplomat or Secretary of State? Amb. Kathy Kavalec (one of Dan’s besties from way back) shares the diplomatic impacts of personal experience. Part one of two.
Public Diplomacy – Journalists have tough questions. What if you just don’t have the answers? How do you prepare? Get inside the machinery with former State Department spokesperson Amb. Mark Toner and learn the policy impacts of the words we use.
Gotcha, right? Or, “Click before it’s too late!” Or even, “Hey, kid. You’re pretty good at this. Want a real gun?” Career public diplomacy officer Karl Stoltz tells the truth about “FIMI” – deep fakes, false personas, trolls, bots – lies that aim to provoke fear and anger and destabilize target populations.
When did the US first warm to India and why? Why did Pakistan nominate Trump for a Nobel? And what does the Y2K bug have to do with US-India relations today? Former ambassador Don Lu shares stories and insight on person-to person diplomacy and his personal connection to Disney’s Splash Mountain.
Why can’t we just bomb our way to victory in Iran? Listen to Lt. General Karen Gibson, former Director of Intelligence for U.S. Central Command, tell tales of the three-legged stool of military, intel and diplomacy in Iran, Afghanistan, and Iraq – when things go well and when they do not.

The Podcast Team

Ambassador and Co-Host

Dan Rosenblum has served as ambassador in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, leading negotiations, building consensus, and communicating publicly about United States policy toward the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia. Fun fact: Dan hosted a radio show before he graduated college!

Producer and Co-Host

Laura Bennett has written, directed, produced and edited short films that have won 11 awards and screened at 35 festivals throughout the United States. Laura speaks Spanish, French and English and has traveled in five continents, often solo and working as a volunteer.

Sound Producer

Lorenzo Wilkins heads SD33/Art Direction and Design, focusing on identity, publication and marketing design.  His client list includes the former UPN television, Fox television, PBS, Spike Lee's 40 Acres & a Mule, the NAACP, the National Society of Black Engineers, Jane Firor & Associates, City First Bank of DC, the Education Trust and several political campaigns.

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