Warax and Natasha

Alex Finley, who *claims* to be a *former* CIA spy is here to discuss everything from accusations of collusion against the president to why redheaded spies are hot. Alex is the author of Victor in the Rubble, a satirical look at what it's like to work for the CIA and the owner of many beautiful accessories. Natasha is in awe. Warax thinks it's hot that Natasha is in awe. Shenanigans ensue. On a more serious note: We are again disappointed with how the audio for this podcast turned out. We need better software in particular — which is why we hope you sign up to be our patron on Patreon. We will thank you, all the way from the bottom of Natasha's heart, i.e. gin glass.

National Security Correspondent Spencer Ackerman (@attackerman) joins the program to discuss the DOD's dishonorable involvement in the detention of immigrants, hatred and violence directed at journalists, and which color is best for underwear. Natasha and Spencer say red is the optimum color. (Surprise, surprise.) #russiagate

The legendary Malcolm Nance talks about his new book, The Plot to Destroy Democracy. Our country is in peril, he says. And he is right. But there is a light at the end of this tunnel. And it's not just Natasha's blonde highlights.

Talia Lavin drops by the podcast to discuss how incels are not merely awkward guys who have trouble talking to women — but an actual hate group. Women's bodies are discussed in some detail, shocking Warax's Puritan sensibilities. Then there is a bit about getting shot in the face — because what Warax and Natasha podcast be complete without some discussion of violence?

Hello, Mr. President! The former leader of Estonia drops in for a chat about how politics today have become a sh*tshow — hence the title of the episode. The dirty old tricks of demagogues everywhere — be they Putin or Trump — haven't changed much. But how best to counter them, whether as Americans, Estonians, or, for that matter, as Ukrainians? Toomas Hendrik Ilves may have some answers. Bonus: Warax discusses what it was like to prepare for a potential war with Russia, while Natasha, in typical style, discusses where she was conceived (not quite like Venus on a seashell, but close enough for our purposes).

Author and National Book Award winner Phil Klay drops by the program to talk war porn, moral narcissism, SEALs gone wild, and dumb things one can say to Joe Biden when debating the Forever War. Notice how this episode is shorter than the others? Yeah, we still need better equipment — sound problems are a bitch. Which is why we need you, yes YOU, to click on our Patreon link and become a patron. You know you love us. We promise to love you right back. Unless you're Seb Gorka or something.

How do you spot a Russian spy? Is the pee tape real? Should you go to Russia for the World Cup? For this and more, Warax and Natasha turn to the expertise of Mark Galeotti: academic, analyst, expert on shadowy things and people, and author of VORY: Russia's Super Mafia. Mysteries are revealed, suspicions are raised, and Natasha whines and complains about being labeled a spy while having to deal with harassment from actual spies. Hah! Should've thought about it before being born on the wrong side of the Iron Curtain, Natasha.

On the first episode of the Warax and Natasha podcast — a not at all irreverent analysis of current issues by an angry Afghan war veteran and his faithful companion, an angry Russia expert/journalist — Pulitzer winner Tom Ricks drops in to discuss everything that's wrong with the United States today. Everything that's wrong with Russia gets a shout-out too. Everyone is depressed. Natasha suggests that empathy can save us. The men agree. Everyone gets more depressed anyway. Stephen King rides in on a white horse to save the day. Or does he.