The President's Daily Brief
Hosted by Daniel Wright, Michael Baker & Ryan McNeil · 95 decoded episodes · newest Oct 7, 2026
Each morning, the President of the United States receives a highly classified briefing on the most important issues facing the country -- The President's Daily Brief. Now you can hear your very own PDB, in the form of a podcast, every morning at 6am Eastern, and every afternoon at 4pm Eastern. You'll get 20 minutes of the most important topics of the day and why you should care, arming you with what you need to know to help solve America's most pressing challenges. Former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker hosts new episodes daily.
Episodes 95
- Oct 7, 2026 · 13 minWashington sets Iran war terms as Tehran’s authority remains unclearThe episode connects the prospects for ending the Iran war to an unresolved question over who in Tehran can negotiate, while France faces intensifying student unrest.
- Oct 7, 2026 · 22 minIran plot prompts B-1 withdrawal as China expands in Southeast AsiaThe episode connects a reported threat to American personnel with a broader contest over military access and influence in Southeast Asia.
- Oct 6, 2026 · 13 minSaudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey mobilize against HouthisA new regional defense pact could widen Yemen’s war as Ukraine’s strikes expose mounting pressure on Russia’s energy infrastructure.
- Oct 6, 2026 · 15 minSaudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey mobilize against HouthisA new regional defense arrangement could widen Yemen’s conflict while Ukraine’s strikes raise fresh questions about Russia’s energy resilience.
- Oct 6, 2026 · 21 minIran’s leverage weakens as U.S. shifts regional security postureThe episode connects recovering Gulf oil exports, pressure on the Houthis, and U.S. bomber movements to a changing contest over regional leverage and security.
- Oct 5, 2026 · 12 minYemen offensive widens beyond the Bab el-MandebAn expanding Saudi-backed campaign against Iran-supported Houthis could reshape Yemen’s conflict and security around a vital maritime chokepoint.
- Oct 5, 2026 · 22 minYemen offensive raises risk of direct U.S. involvementThe episode connects a renewed Houthi offensive, an alleged expansion of Russia’s strike doctrine, and security cases spanning aviation and cybercrime.
- Oct 3, 2026 · 1h 15mAI’s battlefield risks meet Iran’s regional leverageThe episode connects uncertainty about emerging technology with the harder security choices shaping Iraq, Iran, aviation, and regional deterrence.
- Oct 2, 2026 · 12 minU.S. expands Middle East deployment as Ukraine fields new missileThe episode links a possible escalation involving U.S. forces and Iran with Ukraine’s effort to build an independent strike capability.
- Oct 2, 2026 · 21 minIran’s economic crisis collides with covert threatsThe episode connects Iran’s financial deterioration to pressure on its oil trade, alleged activity in Britain, and warnings of political violence.
- Oct 1, 2026 · 14 minIran prepares wider retaliation as Hezbollah tests Syria tiesThe episode connects a potential escalation between Iran and the United States with a possible realignment in Hezbollah’s relationship with Syria.
- Oct 1, 2026 · 22 minQatar carries U.S.-Iran messages as Washington tightens sanctionsThe episode tracks a diplomatic channel operating under pressure while U.S. forces leave Iraq and regional security commitments shift.