The Steady State Sentinel

Host Lauren Anderson leads a candid conversation with retired FBI officials Mark Ferbrache, Nikki Rutman, and Mae Syed. Their discussion covers successfully resolved cases, the value of the FBI to civil society, and the reputational damage caused by politicization of law enforcement.

National Security reporter and author Tim Weiner and host Jim Lawler discuss how the Trump Administration’s politicization of our national security institutions, attacks on our constitution and rule of law, and betrayal of our allies are putting us in danger of losing our civil liberties at home and increasing our national security threats abroad.

Host Peter Mina interviews Bill Braniff and Dexter Ingram, two renowned experts on countering extremism who issue a red alert on the executive branch’s shameless reliance on white supremacist symbolism and arguments to defend its actions. (recorded 1-16-26)

Lieutenant General (Retired) Ben Hodges speaks out on the improper use of the U.S. military, its impact on U.S. defense and our allies’ growing distrust. (Recorded 12-4-2025)

In this episode, Dr. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an NYU professor and expert in fascism and authoritarian leaders speaks with host Jim Lawler about the threats from authoritarianism in the United States and what can be done to push back on this rising tide. (Recorded 1-27-2026)

What are the consequences for national security when experienced professionals face personal and professional costs for telling truth to power? Co-hosts Lauren Anderson, James Lawler, Peter Mina, and John Sipher discuss the personal costs of professional integrity and how those pressures, when repeated across institutions, can weaken the systems responsible for protecting national security. (recorded 2-6-2026)

Political analyst Jack Hopkins shares three red flags with The Steady State Sentinel guest host Margaret Henoch, warning that Iran, attacks on the judiciary, and targeting of U.S. citizens by the government are potentially incendiary threats to U.S. democracy and national security. (recorded 01-14-2026)

The Steady State Chair and seasoned diplomat Jim O’Brien denounces one-man rule and transactional foreign policy decisions in conversations with host Peter Mina, criticizing the Trump-created environment of cruelty that shadows our nation. (recorded 01-15-2026)

Denver Riggleman, a former Republican member of Congress, reveals the soul-killing costs of trying to uphold the Constitution in a party that upholds Trump first. From affordability to foreign policy, he tells co-hosts Jim Lawler and John Sipher, the consequences for America are profound.

Former Congressmember Adam Kinzinger shares the human toll of standing up to the cult of Donald Trump and putting country before party. Speaking with co-hosts and former CIA experts Jim Lawler and John Sipher, Kinzinger bares all about what 10 years of Donald Trump has done to America’s soul. (recorded 12-15-2025)

What happens when the rules stop protecting those who follow them? Immigration attorney Amy Peck and former FBI executive Lauren Anderson examine how unpredictable enforcement erodes trust, legitimacy, and the rule of law—and why the consequences extend far beyond immigration.

The Steady State Executive Director Steven Cash draws on decades of experience watching foreign democracies fail to highlight the existential risks the United States faces under President Donald Trump. Award-winning CIA operative James Lawler conducts this provocative discussion about encroaching dictatorship in the United States.