American Power

Chad Scott, Nat Towsen, Mr. Global

American Power is a geopolitical podcast about the forces beneath the headlines, where military strategy, energy markets, and political decision-making collide. Hosted by writer and comedian Nat Towsen alongside military strategist, Chad Scott and an oil and energy expert, Mr. Global, the show breaks down global events through the systems that shape them.
Each episode goes beyond the daily news cycle to examine incentives, history, and unintended consequences. Why do wars become hard to stop once they start? How do oil markets anticipate conflict before governments admit it? And who really pays the price when strategy, economics, and politics intersect?

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48 episodes
Avg 57 min
English

Episodes 48

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#48
Wednesday · 20 min
American Power Extra: America Is Checking Out
In this American Power Extra, Matt Randolph examines a troubling shift in American society: we're spending less time with one another, losing trust in our institutions, avoiding the news, and increasingly withdrawing from public life. Drawing on research about social isolation, declining institutional confidence, and news fatigue, Matt explores how social media, political polarization, and an outrage-driven media landscape are pushing Americans further apart. But the consequences go beyond politics. From the health risks of loneliness to the erosion of community and civic participation, Matt asks a bigger question: What happens to democracy when people stop believing society is worth participating in? We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#47
October 30 · 27 min
American Power Extra: Can Trump Overturn the Midterm Elections?
In this American Power Extra, Chad examines the constitutional limits of presidential authority over elections, the Justice Department's controversial lawsuits in Alaska and California, and the potential for contested Senate and House races in states like Texas and Maine. Chad breaks down what happens when state officials refuse to certify election results, whether Congress can reject duly elected members, and how historical election disputes in Indiana and New Hampshire reveal some surprising vulnerabilities in America's electoral system. From federal election monitors and allegations of voter fraud to recounts, lawsuits, and the possibility of a constitutional confrontation in January 2027, we explore the difference between legally challenging an election and attempting to undermine its outcome. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#46
October 28 · 1 hr 20 min
Did China Just Save the Global Oil Market?
This week on American Power, Nat Towsen, Chad Scott and Matt Randolph welcome oil market analyst Rory Johnston, founder of Commodity Context, to break down the lasting damage of the Iran war on global oil supplies, diesel prices and international shipping. Rory explains why the energy crisis could stretch well into next year, how China's unexpected moves may have prevented an even bigger price shock, and why Trump's attempts to influence oil markets are losing their effectiveness. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#45
October 26 · 14 min
Netanyahu's Last Stand: Israel's Election Explained
Israel heads to the polls on October 27, but the election could leave Benjamin Netanyahu in power even without a governing majority. In this Special Report, Chad breaks down Israel's complicated coalition system, Netanyahu's political survival strategy, and the unresolved questions surrounding the October 7 attacks. He also examines Netanyahu’s major challengers, Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett, and why replacing Netanyahu may not significantly change Israel's policies toward Gaza, the West Bank, or Iran. With Arab-Israeli voter turnout potentially reshaping the election, another political deadlock could be ahead, complicating Donald Trump's Middle East agenda and raising questions about Israel's political future. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#44
October 23 · 16 min
American Power Extra: We're Not All in This Together
We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#43
October 21 · 1 hr 39 min
Trump, Putin and the Business of Betrayal
This week on American Power, Nat Towsen, Chad Scott and Matt Randolph examine Trump's increasingly controversial relationship with Russia, from sanctions relief and restrictions on Ukrainian military support to potential conflicts of interest surrounding Russian oil deals. The conversation explores Elon Musk's growing influence over military technology, the financial interests of Trump's inner circle, and why Republicans continue to enable a president whose decisions appear to benefit Moscow. Plus, the team tackles a bigger question: In an era of political corruption, billionaire influence and rampant misinformation, who is actually holding those in power accountable? We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#42
October 16 · 30 min
American Power Extra: What Happens If Trump Loses Congress?
In this American Power Extra, Chad Scott breaks down what a Democratic House and potentially a Democratic Senatencould actually do to constrain Trump after the 2026 midterms. From war powers and military funding to oversight, confirmations, impeachment, and the limits of congressional authority, this episode looks at where Congress has real leverage and where the president still holds the advantage. The episode also examines the critical lame-duck window between Election Day and January 3rd, when Trump and a Republican Congress could lock in funding, appointments, or even military realities that a new Democratic majority would struggle to reverse. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#41
October 14 · 1 hr 20 min
Trump Turns to Putin as the Middle East Crisis Escalates
This week on American Power, Nat Towsen, Chad Scott and Matt Randolph break down Trump's Russian diesel deal, why it could undermine sanctions against Moscow, and what his calls to replace Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mean for the war in Ukraine. Then, the conflict in the Middle East takes another dangerous turn. As Houthi attacks threaten Saudi Arabia's airports, oil infrastructure and shipping routes, the team examines Saudi Arabia's military vulnerabilities, the risk of deeper U.S. involvement and what another escalation could mean for global energy prices. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#40
October 9 · 28 min
American Power Extra: Could the Americas Become Energy Independent?
In this American Power Extra, Matt Randolph proposes a bold idea: a Pan-American Energy Alliance that would connect the energy resources of North, Central and South America to reduce dependence on foreign oil, protect against global energy shocks and strengthen economies across the Western Hemisphere. From oil and natural gas to nuclear, renewables and critical minerals, Matt explains how regional cooperation could reshape energy security, create jobs and reduce OPEC's influence over American energy prices. But could an alliance this ambitious actually work? We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#39
October 7 · 1 hr 42 min
The Real Winner of Trump’s Trade War? China.
This week on American Power, Nat Towsen, Chad Scott and Matt Randolph are joined by international trade expert Chad Bown to break down Trump’s tariff strategy, America’s growing economic fight with Canada, and why weakening U.S. alliances could ultimately give China an even bigger advantage. Bown also explains how China gained leverage over critical minerals and global supply chains, why America needs its allies to compete, and how the ongoing energy shock could keep gas, diesel and consumer prices elevated long after the immediate crisis ends. Check out Chad Bown's book How to Win a Trade War: An Optimistic Guide to an Anxious Global Economy at https://www.chadpbown.com/books/ We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#38
October 2 · 18 min
American Power Extra: Putin’s New Plan to Break Ukraine
Russia’s war in Ukraine may be entering a new phase. After years of grinding offensives and enormous losses, Russia has made little net battlefield progress in 2026. Now, Vladimir Putin appears to be leaning harder into a different strategy: attacking Ukraine’s economy, energy grid, transportation network, logistics, and civilian infrastructure in an effort to make the war too costly to sustain. In this episode, Chad break's down Russia’s evolving theory of victory, Ukraine’s counter-campaign against Russian refineries and logistics, the growing economic pressure on both countries, and what history tells us about whether strategic bombing can actually force an enemy to give in. The next phase of this war may be decided as much by economic endurance and logistics as by territory on the battlefield. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#37
September 30 · 1 hr 12 min
What Did Trump Actually Get From Xi?
This week on American Power, Nat Towsen, Chad Scott and Matt Randolph break down the Trump-Xi summit, the limited agreements that came out of it, and why both countries may be more interested in buying time than resolving their biggest disputes. Then, the conversation turns to the AI race. Is competition with China becoming an excuse for American tech companies to race ahead without meaningful guardrails? The team examines the national security risks, enormous financial incentives and growing argument that slowing down AI development means letting China win. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#36
September 25 · 15 min
One Week Ago, Mr. Global Died. Here’s What He Wishes He’d Done Differently
One week ago, Matt Randolph, better known as Mr. Global, suffered a massive “widowmaker” heart attack. During emergency treatment, his heart stopped twice, requiring doctors to shock and resuscitate him both times. Now home and recovering, Matt shares what happened, the warning signs he wishes he hadn’t ignored, and why assuming he was simply “out of shape” nearly cost him his life. He also reflects on what the experience taught him about taking care of himself, being there for his family, and why he wants anyone who feels like something isn’t right to get checked out. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#35
September 23 · 1 hr 16 min
Ambassador Kurt Volker on What It Will Take to Stop Putin
This week on American Power, Nat Towsen and Chad Scott are joined by former U.S. Ambassador to NATO and former Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker to discuss the future of the war in Ukraine, Russia’s escalating hybrid attacks on NATO countries, and what it would take to deter Putin. Volker also explains why he believes Ukraine should eventually join NATO, how the war in Iran is affecting America’s ability to support its allies, and why U.S. power is strongest when America doesn’t go it alone. Check out Amb. Kurt Volker's article Why Ukraine Will Win (and Why the West Should Help Now) We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#34
September 18 · 27 min
American Power Extra: Trump, Xi and the Race to Control the Future
In this American Power Extra, Chad Scott breaks down what’s at stake in the Donald Trump and Xi Jinping summit, from tariffs and China’s control of critical minerals to the AI race, Taiwan and Iran. With tensions growing faster than potential agreements, Chad explains what each side wants, where a deal may actually be possible, and why simply preventing another U.S.-China escalation could count as progress. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#33
September 16 · 1 hr 18 min
The Iran War Is Spreading
This week on American Power, Nat Towsen, Chad Scott and Matt Randolph break down the Houthi advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, and how the growing conflict could further disrupt global shipping and oil supplies while stretching U.S. military resources even thinner. Plus, Trump blames the Russia-Ukraine war for soaring diesel prices, and the EPA rolls back decades of limits on power plant emissions. The team examines what’s really driving higher fuel prices and who benefits when environmental protections disappear. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#32
September 11 · 16 min
American Power Extra: Would You Sell Your Vote for $5,000?
In this American Power Extra, Matt Randolph takes on the idea that a $5,000 check should be enough to buy political loyalty. He explains why desperately needed financial relief is no substitute for real policy, accountability or leadership, and why no amount of money should be enough to make Americans abandon their principles. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#31
September 9 · 1 hr 19 min
Omer Bartov on Gaza, Genocide and American Complicity
This week on American Power, Nat Towsen, Chad Scott and Matt Randolph are joined by Omer Bartov, Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Brown University, to examine Israel’s actions in Gaza and why Bartov believes they meet the definition of genocide. A former IDF officer who initially resisted using the term, Bartov explains what changed his mind, why he believes the destruction goes beyond defeating Hamas, and whether the genocide is continuing today. The conversation also explores America’s role in enabling Israel, the environmental devastation of Gaza, the line between criticism of Israel and antisemitism, and what it would take for Israel to reckon with what has happened and build a different future. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#30
September 4 · 22 min
American Power Extra: What Even Is Trump's Foreign Policy?
In this American Power Extra, Chad Scott breaks down the contradictions at the heart of Donald Trump’s “America First” foreign policy. From fighting a war with Iran while depleting weapons meant to deter China to demanding allies become more self-reliant while undermining those same alliances, Chad examines how Trump’s unpredictability is reshaping American power and giving adversaries more opportunities to test its limits. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout
#29
September 2 · 1 hr 17 min
Did Trump Get Played on Venezuela’s Oil Deal?
This week on American Power, Nat Towsen, Chad Scott and Matt Randolph dig into Trump’s Venezuela oil deal, from questions about the country’s massive reported reserves and whether its heavy crude can actually refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the enormous investment required to develop new production. They also examine whether the deal is really about countering China and why Venezuela’s history of nationalizing foreign oil investments could leave American companies and taxpayers holding the bag. Then, as fighting with Iran escalates again, they examine dwindling U.S. munitions, the Strait of Hormuz, and whether America still has a viable path to victory. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

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