Unclassified With Preston Stewart and Ben Wheeler

In this episode, Ben Wheeler interviews Preston Stewart about his recent trip to Ukraine, discussing his experiences, the challenges of traveling in a war zone, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. They delve into the realities of life in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict, the role of drones in modern warfare, and the interactions with both military personnel and civilians. Preston shares personal stories and insights, highlighting the human element of war and the motivations of foreign fighters. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of the conflict and the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people.

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.

Ben Wheeler:

@BenWheeler

@d1wheeler on X, TikTok

@BenTheWheeler on IG

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ukraine's Current Situation

02:41 Journey to Ukraine: Travel Challenges and Experiences

05:50 Life in Ukraine: Observations and Interactions

08:43 The Reality of War: Vibe Shifts and Military Presence

11:40 Delivering Support: Meeting Military Units and Equipment Handoffs

14:40 Drone Warfare: Tactics and Implications

17:37 Civilians and Soldiers: Daily Life Amidst Conflict

20:14 Reflections on Responsibility and Impact

23:20 Comparative Insights: Ukraine vs. Afghanistan

29:14 Reflections on War: Similarities and Differences

32:00 The Role of Drones in Modern Warfare

34:58 Interactions with Civilians: Stories from the Ground

38:45 Personal Connections: Finding Humanity in Conflict

41:40 The Disbandment of the Foreign Legion

44:38 Motivations for Joining the Fight

45:44 Support from Home: Conversations with Loved Ones

48:37 Navigating the Front Lines: Risks and Realities

51:28 The Gray Zone: Proximity of Forces

55:15 Sustainability of the Conflict: Aid and Resources

59:01 Final Thoughts: Insights from the Experience

In this episode, Ben and Preston discuss their recent experiences, including Ben's move and Preston's trip to Ukraine. They delve into the details of Operation Absolute Resolve, which successfully captured Venezuelan leader Maduro, and explore the implications of this operation on U.S. foreign policy and international relations. The conversation also touches on the role of social media in shaping public perception and the complexities of legal proceedings against Maduro. As they reflect on the future of Venezuela and the potential for further U.S. military actions, they consider the broader impact of these 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:

⁠@PrestonStew_⁠ on X, IG, and TikTok.

⁠Preston Stewart⁠ on YouTube

Ben Wheeler:

⁠@d1wheeler ⁠on X, TikTok

⁠@BenTheWheeler⁠ on Instagram

⁠Ben Wheeler⁠ on YouTube

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and New Beginnings

02:42 Reflections on Ukraine and Off-Grid Experiences

05:38 Operation Absolute Resolve: The Maduro Mission

08:17 Military Success and Implications

11:07 The Aftermath: Maduro's Capture and Legal Proceedings

13:57 Venezuela's Political Landscape Post-Maduro

16:10 The Future of U.S. Intervention in Venezuela

19:12 International Reactions and Global Implications

21:43 Domestic Politics and the Lame Duck Presidency

24:22 Concluding Thoughts on U.S. Foreign Policy

34:00 The Lame Duck Presidency and Foreign Policy Dynamics

35:09 Shifting Political Support for Military Actions

36:09 Long-term U.S. Interests in Foreign Conflicts

36:49 The Greenland Controversy and NATO's Role

38:07 European Threats and U.S. Military Strategy

40:31 The Consequences of U.S.-Europe Conflict

41:24 Iran's Domestic Turmoil and U.S. Response

44:11 The Hypocrisy of International Law

46:07 The Struggle Between Idealism and Realism in Foreign Policy

50:41 Finding Balance in U.S. Foreign Relations

55:32 Resolutions and Reflections on Foreign Policy

In this episode of the podcast, Ben Wheeler and Preston Stewart discuss a variety of topics including the ongoing military actions in Ukraine, the logistics behind U.S. strikes, the resilience of militant groups, and the U.S. strategy in Venezuela. They also delve into the differences between Al-Qaeda and ISIS, the potential responses to ISIS retaliation, and the implications of U.S. military operations in Southeast Asia. The conversation touches on public perception of military actions, the future of U.S. involvement in Latin America, and updates on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The episode concludes with listener questions and reflections on the holiday season.

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.

⁠Preston Stewart⁠ on YouTube

Ben Wheeler:

⁠@d1wheeler ⁠on X, TikTok

⁠@BenTheWheeler⁠ on Instagram

⁠Ben Wheeler⁠ on YouTube

Chapters

00:00 Podcast Introduction and Theme Song Discussion

02:53 Ukraine Roundup: Operation Hawkeye Strike

05:50 Understanding Targeted Strikes and Military Logistics

08:39 The Resilience of Terrorist Organizations

11:08 Al-Shara's Diplomatic Response to Attacks

14:01 Comparing Al-Qaeda and ISIS: Strategies and Effectiveness

16:33 The U.S. Response to ISIS and Future Threats

19:33 Venezuela: U.S. Military Strategy and Drug War Dynamics

22:12 The Complexity of U.S. Military Operations in Mexico

25:07 Shifting Justifications for Military Action in Venezuela

33:01 The Complexity of War Justifications

38:24 The Uncertain Future of Venezuela

43:55 Russia's Struggles in Ukraine

50:32 Reflections on the Year and Future Prospects

In this episode of the Unclassified Podcast, Ben Wheeler and Preston Stewart delve into a range of pressing political topics, including Preston's unexpected Senate run, disillusionment with U.S. politics, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They discuss the implications of U.S. foreign policy, the complexities of international alliances, and the challenges of promoting democracy abroad. The conversation also touches on regional conflicts in Venezuela and Southeast Asia, as well as Canada's national defense strategy. Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with viewer questions, providing insights into the current geopolitical landscape.

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.

⁠Preston Stewart⁠ on YouTube

Ben Wheeler:

⁠@d1wheeler ⁠on X, TikTok

⁠@BenTheWheeler⁠ on Instagram

⁠Ben Wheeler⁠ on YouTube

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Political Aspirations

02:48 Poll Results and Public Sentiment

05:31 Ukraine's Military Developments

08:17 U.S. Involvement in Ukraine and Global Alliances

11:03 The C5 Alliance and Its Implications

14:50 Cultural and Ideological Differences with Russia and China

18:26 Foreign Policy Perspectives and American Values

31:39 The Limits of Democracy Promotion

33:19 Military Posture and Venezuela's Future

36:23 The Complexity of U.S. Intervention

37:45 Cuba: A Missed Opportunity?

44:22 Thailand and Cambodia: A Regional Conflict

49:19 Canada's National Defense Strategy

53:54 Military Maintenance and Bureaucratic Bottlenecks

America has been hijacked by corruption, Preston Stewart and Ben dig deep into it. They also talk about the new Pentagon press core and the horrible National Security Strategy, and America’s total betrayal of Europe.

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.

⁠Preston Stewart⁠ on YouTube

Ben Wheeler:

⁠@d1wheeler ⁠on X, TikTok

⁠@BenTheWheeler⁠ on Instagram

⁠Ben Wheeler⁠ on YouTube

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties

01:40 The Controversy Surrounding Pete Hegseth

09:18 The New Pentagon Press Corps and Its Implications

10:55 Shifts in U.S. National Security Strategy

18:11 Public Sentiment vs. Policy on NATO and Ukraine

27:36 The State of Netflix and Its Content

29:19 Corruption in Media Mergers

30:32 The Normalization of Corruption

32:26 Geopolitical Implications of Corruption

35:42 Ukraine's Struggle Against Corruption

37:06 The Need for Accountability

38:38 The American Public's Disconnection

41:58 The Path Forward Against Corruption

43:28 Military Leadership and Accountability

46:26 Networking with NATO Veterans

49:37 Future Plans for the Podcast

Pete Hegseth may have committed war crimes, Preston Stewart and Ben Wheeler delve into the accusations as well as the peace talks in Ukraine and Russia.

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.

⁠Preston Stewart⁠ on YouTube

Ben Wheeler:

⁠@d1wheeler ⁠on X, TikTok

⁠@BenTheWheeler⁠ on Instagram

⁠Ben Wheeler⁠ on YouTube

Chapters

00:00 Thanksgiving Reflections and Tragedy

02:01 The Assassination of Sarah Beckstrom

05:20 Understanding CIA Zero Units

08:40 The Controversy Surrounding Pete Hegseth

12:36 Legal Implications of Military Actions

16:04 Accountability in Military Operations

19:45 The Ukraine Peace Negotiations

23:28 The Role of Key Figures in Negotiations

29:15 The Sloppy State of Communications

32:23 US Strategy and National Security Concerns

35:24 The Role of Europe in the Ukraine Conflict

38:11 Venezuela: Current Situation and Future Implications

39:46 Winter Warfare: Strategies and Expectations

44:13 NATO's Trust in the US: A Deteriorating Relationship

50:44 Long-Term Geopolitical Strategies and Predictions

Preston Stewart and Ben Wheeler talk about the current peace proposal between Russia and Ukraine that the US is forcing on Ukraine

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.

⁠Preston Stewart⁠ on YouTube

Ben Wheeler:

⁠@d1wheeler ⁠on X, TikTok

⁠@BenTheWheeler⁠ on Instagram

⁠Ben Wheeler⁠ on YouTube

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating One Year of the Podcast

01:16 The State of Ukraine: A Dire Situation

02:54 Analyzing the Leaked 28-Point Plan

06:30 Breaking Down the 28 Points: Sovereignty and Non-Aggression

10:57 NATO's Role and Expansion: A Controversial Discussion

12:37 Security Guarantees: Are They Worth Anything?

16:57 Ukraine's Military Limitations: A Dangerous Precedent

20:15 Capitulation or Compromise? The NATO Dilemma

22:32 European Troops and the Implications for Ukraine

23:56 US Guarantees: A Complex Web of Conditions

27:10 Rebuilding Ukraine: Economic Opportunities and Challenges

28:31 Reintegrating Russia: A Risky Proposition

30:28 Frozen Assets and Economic Incentives

33:05 Nuclear Agreements: A Step Forward or Backward?

34:43 Arms Control and Trust Issues

35:40 Ukraine's Non-Nuclear Status

36:46 Budapest Memorandum and Nuclear Agreements

37:26 Zafirizhia Nuclear Power Plant Controversy

38:23 Cultural Education and Tolerance Initiatives

39:19 Territorial Recognition and Demilitarization

40:30 Fortifications and Military Strategy

45:44 Humanitarian Efforts and Child Repatriation

49:42 Elections in Ukraine During War

53:19 Amnesty and Accountability

55:10 Peace Council and Implementation

58:54 Implications for Russia and Future of the Conflict

Preston Stewart and Ben Wheeler talk about the ongoing threats to Nigeria, Mexico, and Venezuela.

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.

⁠Preston Stewart⁠ on YouTube

Ben Wheeler:

⁠@d1wheeler ⁠on X, TikTok

⁠@BenTheWheeler⁠ on Instagram

⁠Ben Wheeler⁠ on YouTube

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

03:01 Election Insights and Political Implications

06:01 Trump's Response to Election Results

08:49 Voting Rights and Citizenship Issues

12:01 Current Events in Africa: Sudan Crisis

15:08 Understanding the Sudanese Civil War

17:55 US Foreign Policy in Africa: Nigeria Focus

20:46 The Complexity of Nigeria's Situation

24:07 Military Intervention and Strategic Decisions

27:00 Venezuela and Broader Military Considerations

28:13 Military Movements and Strategic Decisions

31:22 The Role of Evangelical Support in Military Actions

34:45 Russian Advances in Ukraine: Analyzing the Situation

35:00 Military Intervention in Mexico: A Controversial Debate

39:19 The Draft: Current Perspectives and Future Possibilities

41:20 Steve Bannon: Influence and Controversy in Politics

Preston Stewart and Ben Wheeler talk about the upcoming war with Venezuela and discuss the potential motivations.

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.

⁠Preston Stewart⁠ on YouTube

Ben Wheeler:

⁠@d1wheeler ⁠on X, TikTok

⁠@BenTheWheeler⁠ on Instagram

⁠Ben Wheeler⁠ on YouTube

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Anniversary Celebrations

03:00 Halloween Traditions and Experiences

06:10 Thoughts on Donald Trump and Halloween

09:03 Escalating Tensions and Military Operations

11:59 The Complexity of Military Action in Venezuela

14:55 Consequences of Regime Change

18:01 Potential Fallout from Targeting Maduro

21:04 The Risks of Military Intervention

23:55 Public Perception and International Relations

26:53 The Drug War and Its Implications

29:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

36:08 The Impact of Foreign Policy on Public Perception

40:05 Nuclear Proliferation and European Security

44:54 The Role of the U.S. in Global Alliances

48:26 The 25th Amendment and Presidential Fitness

53:11 Nuclear Testing and Military Strategy

58:23 Pakistan and the Taliban: A Complex Relationship

01:01:00 Presidential Interference in Military Decisions

Preston Stewart and Ben Wheeler reveal Trump’s infinite money glitch. They also talk about the upcoming war with Venezuela and Trump’s reversal on Ukraine.

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.

⁠Preston Stewart⁠ on YouTube

Ben Wheeler:

⁠@d1wheeler ⁠on X, TikTok

⁠@BenTheWheeler⁠ on Instagram

⁠Ben Wheeler⁠ on YouTube

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:56 Trump's Lawsuit Against the Government

03:08 Press Corps and Daily Announcements

06:05 Pentagon Press Corps Policies

11:59 Media Access and New Press Dynamics

17:07 Venezuela and Military Strategy

26:00 Conclusion and Future Implications

33:17 The Drug War and Its Implications

41:29 Shifting Strategies: Venezuela to Ukraine

49:13 The Future of Third Party Candidates

50:58 Political Homelessness and Identity

58:34 The Role of Social Media in Politics