Sirens: A Bombshell production

Sirens, a new podcast from the ladies of Bombshell, dissects the institutions of American power. With their trademark wit and charm, join Loren DeJonge Schulman, Radha Iyengar Plumb, and Erin Simpson as they sound the alarm on technology, governance, and national security issues. (And maybe lure men to their deaths.)

Trade Taxes, Acquisition Reform, and Nuclear Testing 11/14/2025

Trade Taxes, Acquisition Reform, and Nuclear Testing Sirens starts with favorite bake-off challenges and runs the cocktail circuit with the latest Supreme Court validation that tariffs are taxes, what the latest elections mean (or don’t, apparently), and the trend of general officer removals. We dig into the sexiest dumpster fires: acquisition reform and where the death of direct file fits in the flow of tax reform in US history. PONI Director Heather Williams joined for a delightfully disturbing warning signs on nuclear testing and getting nuclear weapons into public consciousness. And finally, importantly: when is too early to put up Christmas decorations? /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/39034745

The Pentagon and the Press: interview with Valerie Insinna 11/05/2025

The Pentagon and the Press: interview with Valerie Insinna Breaking Defense reporter and longtime Pentagon press corps member Valerie Insinna details the work of the media in DOD, what the department owes Americans in terms of transparency, and the implications of Hegseth’s new press guidelines. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/38927655

Shutdown, Southcom, and Pentagon Press 10/30/2025

Shutdown, Southcom, and Pentagon Press Now that the Louvre jewel thieves have been caught, Sirens asks, what museum would you plan a heist for? On the cocktail circuit, we’re chatting Tomahawks, no, sanctions yes on Russia-Ukraine, the new Japanese PM, and Trump’s Asia trip. In Dumpster Fires, there’s thousands unleashed across the US as the shutdown continues; plus, there is some strange strange stuff going on in Southcom. In warning signs, Breaking Defense reporter Valerie Insinna joins us for a discussion of what makes the Pentagon press corps unique amid Hegseth’s recent actions against the media. Finally, what inflatable protest creature are you? /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/38838510

More on the unitary executive with Laura Dickinson 10/21/2025

More on the unitary executive with Laura Dickinson If you're wondering what happens when as the foundations of separtion of power shift in real time, then this mini-episode is for you! Join the ladies of Bombshell for the fasinating, full length interview with Laura Dickinson of GWU Law School. We get an expert view on recent Supreme Court rulings, what executive power really means, and where we go from here. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/38731150

Hostage Deal, Cyber gangs, and Unitary Executive 10/15/2025

Hostage Deal, Cyber gangs, and Unitary Executive Admit it; do you set google alerts for yourself, your partner's doppleganger, or pedandtic civ-mil terms? Sirens debates and drills through shutdown RIFs, the emerging hostage deal, and tariffs + hemlines predictions. In Dumpster Fires, we ask, IS there a new phase in Russian combat operations or are we just paying attention (with more or less the same question on recent increase in cyber attacks). In Warning Signs, GWU Law Professor Laura Dickinson joins for a fascinating discussion on separation of powers. Then help us remember our favorite Diane Keaton moments as we reminsce on a truly amazing career. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/38598735

Climate Change on the Battlefield 10/08/2025

Climate Change on the Battlefield On this mini-episode, we talk with Erin Sikorsky about her new book “Climate Change on the Battlefield.” Listen in as we discuss how climate change affects military operations and military readiness, which countries are doing things right, and how the US could address systemic risks differently. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/38510175

UNGA, Advise & Consent, Democratic Data 10/02/2025

UNGA, Advise & Consent, Democratic Data Sirens (should Sirens just be a book pod?) starts with the best question: if you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be? On the cocktail party circuit, we had to discuss the Great Gathering of Gobsmacked GOFOs, plus how the US gave up AI norms at UNGA and changes to social security. Amid Dumpster Fires aplenty, we dig into chaotic reforms to H1B visa and the consequences to the economy and national security, as well as the nuclear change to senate nominations process. In Warning Signs, we welcome former US Chief Data Scientist Denice Ross for a wonderful discussion on the federal data system and democratic accountability. And Gong Show? We had no choice: Robert Redford. It's the fall that's gonna kill you. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/38437830

Sirens at Climate Week Live! 09/26/2025

Sirens at Climate Week Live! Americans want a government that is agile, responsive, and able to deliver basic services while also solving complex challenges like climate change. Yet the climate community tends to over-focus on questions of climate policy design rather than questions of climate policy implementation — resulting in ambitious efforts like the Inflation Reduction Act that held great promise on paper but ran into roadblocks in the real world. In this live taping, host Loren DeJonge Schulman is joined by special guests Carol Browner, former U.S. EPA Administrator, Jordan Diamond, Executive Director of the Environmental Law Institute, and Nancy Metayer Bowen, Vice Mayor of Coral Springs, FL, to discuss why government capacity is the overlooked engine of climate progress — and explore how civic leaders, lawyers, and public innovators are tackling procedural bottlenecks, modernizing outdated systems, and strengthening the connective tissue between federal, state, and local actors to unlock faster and more durable climate outcomes. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/38367050

AI Skills, Appropriations, Armed Conflict Law 09/17/2025

AI Skills, Appropriations, Armed Conflict Law On the Sirens cocktail circuit this week is (no surprise) renaming the Department of Defense, the deporting US industrial strategy (Korean workers), and two-steps-back, one-step forward White House announcements on AI skills while cutting education funds. Among the week's dumpster fires: does the US even have an appropriations process anymore? and, how to talk about what we're seeing in political violence? Finally, events in in Venezuela and Qatar raise questions on if the law of war is just law of personalist performances. Also: Katabasis! /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/38249300

JROC, Gerrymandering, and Guardsmen 09/03/2025

JROC, Gerrymandering, and Guardsmen Sirens starts the school year bright eyed in It's a Drill, highlighting new Deputy Secretary of Defense powers in requirements, the new Chief Design Officer at the White House, and whether those trade taxes are legal. In Dumpster Fires, we explore the redistricting arms race set off by Texas and how it fits into the evolution of democracy in the US, along with how it feels to own 10% of Intel (any takers for a share of State Capitalism?). In Warning Signs, we are delighted (horrified) to welcome Dr. Lindsay Cohn to dig into when and how state governors resist federal deployments of the National Guard in their state, and what this portends for the role of the guard in the future. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/38077405

Hiring Managers, Human Capital, Human Beings 08/27/2025

Hiring Managers, Human Capital, Human Beings Sirens gives you a mini-episode close to our hearts: what are the do's and, very importantly, don'ts of running a great hiring process as a hiring manager. There's horror stories, yes, but also great advice for new leaders and old hands. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/37976785

Green Energy, Guard in DC, "Great" Power Summits 08/20/2025

Green Energy, Guard in DC, "Great" Power Summits Sirens returns with an action packed episode. Loren, Erin, and Radha cover China's foray into green tech (plus grantmaking politcization and Pentagon reorganizations) in it's a drill. Closer to home, the ladies discuss how DC is (not) welcoming national guardsmen from a variety of states and talk the history and context of DC Home Rule, plus what is up with the new report from the Department of Energy on climate change. In warning signs, Dr. Elizabeth Saunders joins to share in the bafflement over the blitz of Russia, Ukraine and everyone else summits this week. The ladies close out with a gong show on TV (Buffy reboot!) they're excited to (re)start watching. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/37893015

Tariffs , Inflation, and International Relations 08/11/2025

Tariffs , Inflation, and International Relations In this mini-episode, join Radha and Erin's full interview with amazing guest and expert Emily Bensen on all things tariffs (aka trade taxes). They talk through the theory of the case for setting these tariffs, review the successful and not-so-successful negotiations, and look at where the economy and the American people likely to see the impact of these tariffs in the weeks and months ahead /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/37760660

AI, BLS, and (Not) 90 Deals 08/06/2025

AI, BLS, and (Not) 90 Deals There's just too much going on in our sixty second It's a Drill exercise, but Radha, Erin, and Loren manage to highlight Taiwan dithering, NIH funding shenanigans, and small set of AI Action Plan details. In bigger, can't miss Dumpster Fires, they dive into what drove the shift in public reactions to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and what it may mean, as well as what happens when a president fires the BLS commissioner on jobs day. Radha and Erin welcome our second guest, Emily Benson, for a long Warning Signs exploration of our favorite repeat topic, trade taxes, and the Trump Administration's theory of change. Finally - being meta - we chat our favorite podcasts. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/37703830

Appointees, Schedule Cs, and Deputies 08/02/2025

Appointees, Schedule Cs, and Deputies The ladies bring you a mini-episode answering a question you never thought to ask: what makes for a good political appointee? They discuss why we have political appointees, how they can be useful (or not), and how they can work with career personnell. Listen to hear the good, the bad, and the not so ugly. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/37647160

Reductions, Retention, and Reimagining 07/29/2025

Reductions, Retention, and Reimagining In this mini-episode of Sirens, Radha and Loren continue the conversation with (first! special!) guest Cristin Dorgelo, former senior advisor at the Office of Management and budget, detailing the longer tail of of impacts the American people and the federal workforce can anticipate from the current chaos of RIFs, and how this might be a chance to reimagine the federal talent management process. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/37596705

Assistant Secretaries, Abundance, And RIFs 07/23/2025

Assistant Secretaries, Abundance, And RIFs Sirens is back with episode four, and we’ve added our first guest and a virtual gong! Erin, Radha and Loren race through a drill on the NDAA, TSA security theatrics, the Fed Chair, and air conditioning (?!), followed by a true dumpster fire (the new Schedule G) and more of a dumpster framework (abundance: what is it actually?). Our first guest, former OMB senior advisor Cristin Dorgelo, goes deep on the context, process and consequences of Reductions in Force. And we disclose our favorite TikToks/Reels moments! /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/37522980

Planes, Tanks, and Autonomous Vehicles 07/16/2025

Planes, Tanks, and Autonomous Vehicles Sirens is back with a mini-episode dissecting the Defense Department's budget request. Listen as Radha and Erin review the process and substance of DoD's behemoth budget - what's new, what's not, and what we're watching! And of course, because it's our valentine - how does this process compare to what usually happens. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/37431950

Revolving Doors, RIP USAID, and Resistance. 07/09/2025

Revolving Doors, RIP USAID, and Resistance. Sirens is back with episode 3! On the cocktail circuit, the Erin, Radha and Loren chat the on and off again relationship with Ukraine munitions, Social Security Performance Data, and the ever-revolving door. Bigger picture in Warning Signs, they dive deep into the death of USAID (long live USAID?) and the crazy competition for AI talent. And Erin gives us an incredible lesson on the history and efficacy of political protest. The Gong Show closes with 4th of July traditions. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/37347365

Tech Colonels, Posse Comitatus, Iran 06/25/2025

Tech Colonels, Posse Comitatus, Iran This is Sirens, a new podcast from the hosts of Bombshell. This week Loren, Erin, and Radha recast military movies with Muppets and kick off "it's a drill" - cocktail chatters on recent events like the commissioning of tech leaders and stalling of the big beautiful bill. Diving deeper with "Dumpster Fires," they talk concerns on domestic use of military forces and promise and perils of AI in public sector. With "Warning Signs" they dig into slow burn crises and long term hazards, with this week (no surprise) on Iran. How did we get here and is it a big deal? Closing out, a Gong Show round highlights favorite summer traditions! And of course, don't forget issues may lure men to their death (but in a good way way!). (edited) /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/37147755

Cozy Mysteries, Delicious fantasy, and Nonfiction? 06/18/2025

Cozy Mysteries, Delicious fantasy, and Nonfiction? This is Sirens, a new podcast from the hosts of bombshell. This week Loren, Erin, and Radha are experimenting with shorter form content to dive deep on matters large and small in between thelonger shows. Our first one explores summer reading philosophy, and you'll come away with a dozen ideas for your beach library. Come for the cozy or delicious novels, stay for the new series you should try. There's also some nonfiction if that's you thing! /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/37049900

Bond markets, AI and DOGE2025 06/10/2025

Bond markets, AI and DOGE2025 This is Sirens, a new series, brought to you by the Ladies of Bombshell - Loren DeJonge Schulman, Radha Iyengar Plumb, and Erin Simpson. In this episode, our hosts talk about why they are launching a new podcast, reveal what horrible things they have discovered at the bottom of their work bags, and talk about issues that may lure men to their death (but in a good way!). They discuss what's stuck in their craw from the big beautiful bill to changes in foreign student rules to drama in the national security council. Then, they deep dive on key issues like why is there a race on AI, the complicated relationship between Silicon Valley and DC, and what we can learn from the governance approach in the first few months of the Trump Administration. And finally, pop culture. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/36942125

Look what you made me do 05/05/2025

Look what you made me do Loren, Erin, and Radha reunite for a special 90 minute episode to break down the biggest and messiest issues from the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. Come for the new (AI!) ice breakers, stay serious analysis (and gossipy intrigue) of tariffs-ahem-TRADE TAXES, a whole new world of foreign relations, and general government mayhem. And of course pop culture from spicy dragon books to Star Wars to our old favorite Thomas Cromwell. (An independent production) /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/36453415

Then One Foggy Christmas Eve 12/15/2020

Then One Foggy Christmas Eve In the tradition of British dramas, Erin, Loren, and Radha reunite for a special holiday episode. The ladies flip the script, answering a range of questions from the first ever Manniversary guest Kai Ryssdal. They then return to some of their greatest hits including transition process, civ-mil issues, and personnel policy replete with process details and holiday movie analogies. Stay through the end to hear pop culture recommendations and special appearances from many former guests with answers to their favorite Bombshell questions. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/17203946

One for the Road 11/17/2020

One for the Road For their 100th episode, Erin, Loren and Radha discuss new issues, like the escalating conflict at the Ethiopia-Eritrea border, old issues, like HVT targeting of al-Qaeda leadership, and, of course, continuing trade issues with China. They then turn to a discussion of all the White House mayhem (Ok, not all! No one has that kind of time), including lack of legal authority for Department of Homeland Security leadership to make decisions about DACA, the Defense Department “purge,” and the complicated, not-quite-yet-started transition of the Biden administration. The team ties a bow on this episode with a discussion of holiday movies and other pop culture … and that's a wrap! Links Cara Anna, “,” AP News, November 15, 2020 “,” BBC News, November 15, 2020 “Peter Mwai, “,” BBC News, November 11, 2020 David Porter, “,” AP News, November 14, 2020 /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/16845647

Anticipation Is Making Me Late 11/03/2020

Anticipation Is Making Me Late Loren, Erin, and Radha are joined by their most frequent guest (Kori Schake) and a new guest (Katrina Mulligan) to discuss foreign policy issues we'll need to worry about regardless of the election outcome! After a lively discussion, the ladies go over foreign policy issues that have been over-discussed, under-discussed, and the processes that will always be their valentines. They wrap up with pop culture, self-care, and indulgences to help get you through election day and beyond! /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/16667081

Final Countdown 10/20/2020

Final Countdown Loren, Radha, and Erin reconvene to explore many of Bombshell's greatest hits - Brexit, troop levels in Afghanistan, and arms control. With a dash of ethnic conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh thrown in for flavor. The ladies then drop a Bombshell of their own: this fair podcast will be wrapping up in 2020. It's the final countdown! /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/16476335

Karma Puh-leeze 10/07/2020

Karma Puh-leeze Erin, Radha and Loren use COVID-19 as a frame to ask what this crazy time has brought to our attention, what it’s distracted is from, what it’s possibly helped, and how it’s shaped our own skills and interests. And shopping. Links “,” Reuters, October 01, 2020 “,” The Guardian, October 05, 2020 Todd Lopez, “,” US Department of Defense, September 29, 2020 /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/16308641

When There are Nine 09/22/2020

When There are Nine This week, Mira Rapp-Hooper and Rebecca Lissner return to the show to discuss American grand strategy, female partnerships, and their fabulous new book, . The ladies then revisit the administration’s foreign policy in the Middle East - with notes on the UAE-Israel accord and Iran sanctions drama. Also, Tiktok! Soothing pop-culture ties a bow on it. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/16111283

I'm a Loser, Baby 09/09/2020

I'm a Loser, Baby Loren, Radha, and Erin invite Camille Stewart, non-resident fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center, to discuss all the cyber threats and how individual behavior uniquely connects with our ability to mitigate or respond to them. In keeping up foreign relations, we provide short updates on Alexei Navalny, Belarus, and Brexit alongside a brief farewell to Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe. We'd like to remind you all that Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq are still a thing, and after all the takes have been shared on Trump's views on service members, we talk about the role of the press in this story. /episode/index/show/bombshell/id/15944867

Sirens: A Bombshell production

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