Defense Nerds Podcast

Leo and Joe break down Congress’ return to work this month, including the defense appropriations package (1:30) and the annual defense authorization bill (6:05). The pair also discuss President Donald Trump’s cancelled peace summit with Taliban leaders at Camp David (15:40) before fitting in some forced football/national defense talk.

Leo and Joe continue their month of fantasy draft nonsense with a contest to see who can create the best Joint Chiefs of Staff from popular television shows. Defense News Senior Pentagon Correspondent Aaron Mehta joins the hosts for the experiment, which quickly turns to conversations about space conquest and fictional war crimes.

Leo and Joe continue their month of fantasy draft nonsense with a contest to see who can create the best fleet of American military aircraft. Defense News air warfare reporter Valerie Insinna, who rips apart all the mistakes they made and panders to the aviation geek crowd.

Leo and Joe take a break from the news for a little summer fun, drafting a team of the best American military movie characters. They’re joined by producer Ben (Bob?) Murray as they take a trip through films like War Games and Independence Day as well as a few good ones.

Leo and Joe get ready for the summer congressional recess with a wrap-up of lawmakers’ last-minute work before leaving town: finalizing the new budget deal (1:05), confirming a host of defense posts (6:10) and punting the controversial nomination of Gen. John Hyten until the fall (8:40). The pair also get you ready for National Presidential Joke Day (18:00).

Leo and Joe look at the surprising two-year, $2.7 trillion budget

deal (1:00) and whether it leaves House Republicans with regrets for their earlier opposition to the annual defense authorization bill (5:10). They also look at the rush of defense confirmations to end the congressional summer session (11:30) before discussing

military culture mistakes in television (17:00).

Leo and Joe break down Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s attack on Defense Secretary nominee Mark Esper (1:05) and what his likely confirmation means for Pentagon leadership vacancies (9:25). They also discuss Turkey’s fight with the White House over the F-35 (12:30) before worrying about the sound track for the Top Gun sequel (19:05).

Leo and Joe recap the fights to come following House passage of

the annual defense authorization act (1:05) and the upcoming confirmation hearing for Defense Secretary nominee Mark Esper (8:00). They also discuss Leo’s recent interview with Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg (10:15) and end with possible

new names for military bases with ties to the confederacy (17:20).