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.) Pete Romero 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.  

#1 diplomacy podcast, FeedSpot
#1 international podcast, Goodpods
#5 all time top foreign, Goodpods
#10 all time top international, Goodpods

Latest Podcast Episodes

Jimmy Kolker is back to tell us how, as Ambassador to Uganda, he helped stem the spread of this deadly disease and save scores of human lives.  
How did Tom Shannon end up Secretary of State for 12 days?  How do transitions work, when one president leaves and another takes office?  
We revisit Pete's stories about Naples, with a couple of bonuses at the front. Happy summer!
Social Democracy in Northern Europe, not to be confused with socialism of any stripe.  And what is socialism, anyway?  With Ambassador Jimmy Kolker.  Plus knowledge test:  What fabulous 70s band brought us the name of this episode?
Peas in a pod?  Or something much more complex?  As it happens, each country is different, even if each would-be strong man looks much the same.  Join Tom Shannon and Melvin Levitsky for an expert look at a fascinating polity. Part of our "Is It Happening Here?" series.
Will Cops-in-a-Box keep Fulanita home?  What else do these guys have for us?
You think of your loved ones first:  Honoring the lives of those who sacrificed theirs in the line of service.  With remarks from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the story of Ambassador Jonathan Addleton.  
What happens when Fulanita arrives? And what is this wall, really? And what do drugs have to do with all of this?  Bill Brownfield and John Feeley, together with Pete, unpack the deets in our second of three episodes on the border.  Plus, a barnyard narco song you do not want to miss.

The Podcast Team

Ambassador and Co-Host

Amb. Pete Romero had a twenty-five year career as a diplomat in the US Foreign Service. In his last three postings, he was head of our embassy in El Salvador, US Ambassador in Quito, Ecuador and Assistant Secretary of the Western Hemisphere Bureau at the US Department of State.

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 Engineer

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.

Learn more

Related videos

U.S. Diplomacy & Development: A Call for Latino Leaders

A little music to go along with our episode “Corruption Vs. The Ambassador”.

Heroes of Diplomacy: Honoring Dr. Ralph Bunche

Our Sponsors