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?
Recent Episodes
20 episodesAmerican Power Extra: The China-Russia Threat Everyone Gets Wrong
Everyone gets the China-Russia relationship wrong. One camp sees a unified anti-American alliance. The other sees a fragile marriage of convenience destined to collapse. A major two-year study from the Center for European Policy Analysis argues that both views miss what makes the partnership dangerous. In this episode of American Power, we break down what the relationship between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin actually looks like, why China holds most of the leverage, and why the biggest threat to the United States is not a combined Chinese-Russian military. It is the growing coordination of supply chains, financial networks, information warfare, sanctions evasion, and strategic pressure designed to stretch American attention across multiple regions at once. We examine how China went from supplying roughly 3% of Russia’s imports in 2000 to more than a third by 2023, why China now provides an estimated 70–90% of the critical components Russia needs to sustain its war machine, and why Beijing appears determined to keep Moscow alive without allowing Russia to become economically independent. We also explore the idea of China and Russia engaging in “parallel play” rather than operating as a true military alliance, the warning signs that would indicate that relationship is hardening, and the broader network connecting China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. 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
What the USS Lincoln Crisis Reveals About the U.S. Military
Nat Towsen, Chad Scott and Matt Randolph unpack the crisis aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and what it reveals about military leadership, morale and America’s ability to project power around the world. Plus, why dwindling diesel inventories and uncertainty around the Strategic Petroleum Reserve could create the next major economic headache. 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
American Power Extra: Why American Healthcare Fails Us
America built its healthcare system around the promise of rugged individualism: work hard, take responsibility, and take care of yourself. But illness does not care how responsible you are. In this American Power Extra, the hosts examine what happens when a fundamentally collective problem is treated as a personal burden. The United States spends more than twice as much per person on healthcare as many peer nations, yet Americans live shorter lives, millions remain uninsured or underinsured, and medical debt continues to push families toward financial ruin. 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
How Energy Became the World's Most Powerful Weapon
This week on American Power, Nat Towsen, Chad Scott, and Matt Randolph explore how oil has become one of the world's most effective geopolitical weapons. They unpack new reporting that suggests hundreds of millions of barrels of oil may have gone unreported in global inventories, and what that could mean for energy markets. The conversation also examines how countries weaponize energy through sanctions, shipping lanes, pipelines, and what true energy independence could mean for America's 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
Are We Running Out of Missiles?
This week on American Power, host Nat Towsen is joined by military analyst Chad Scott and energy expert Matt Randolph to examine two stories with major implications for American power. First, they break down the growing concerns over U.S. munitions stockpiles, why Patriot and THAAD missile shortages matter, and how countries like Iran, China, and Russia may be adapting their strategies to exploit America's political and military vulnerabilities. Then, the conversation turns to the global energy market, where Chad and Matt trace a series of dramatic oil price swings tied to announcements about the Iran conflict. They explore allegations of market manipulation, why geopolitical messaging can move billions of dollars in minutes, and what happens when war, energy, and financial markets become deeply intertwined. 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
Sen. Martin Heinrich on the AI Race America Might Not Be Ready For
Senator Martin Heinrich joins American Power to explore why energy has become one of America's most important national security challenges. Together with Nat Towsen, Chad Scott, and Matt Randolph, he breaks down the Strait of Hormuz, diplomacy with Iran, the AI race with China, the future of the electric grid, and why America can't compete globally without investing in the infrastructure that powers its economy and its military. 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
American Power Extra: How Trust in Elections Gets Broken
Donald Trump says election security is one of his top priorities, but do his actions match his rhetoric? In this American Power Extra, Chad Scott examines how U.S. election security evolved after Russian interference in 2016 and traces the bipartisan efforts by the Obama, first Trump, and Biden administrations to strengthen protections against cyberattacks, foreign influence, and threats to election workers. He then explores why many of those same institutions are now being dismantled and what that could mean for the 2026 midterms and beyond. 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
Energy Expert Robert Rapier on America’s Biggest Energy Myth
Energy expert Robert Rapier joins American Power to explain why the Iran war continues to affect gas and diesel prices, even though the United States is the world’s largest oil producer. The panel breaks down the Strait of Hormuz, America’s complicated claim to energy independence, Trump’s options for ending the conflict, and the long-term future of oil, renewables, nuclear power, AI data centers, and water scarcity. 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
American Power Extra: Death by a Thousand Cuts
The American Dream didn't vanish overnight. In this American Power Extra, Matt Randolph examines the decades-long economic transformation that reshaped the middle class—from stagnant wages and declining unions to globalization, soaring housing and healthcare costs, and the rise of Wall Street. Using historical data and economic trends, he explores how policy choices changed who benefits from the American economy, and why many families feel like they're working harder while falling further behind. 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
Ambassador Julie Smith on NATO's Trust Crisis
Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julie Smith joins American Power for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of the transatlantic alliance. Together, they unpack the latest NATO summit, the war in Ukraine, Trump's impact on America's relationships with its allies, and why restoring trust may be the alliance's biggest challenge in the years ahead. Plus, a look at hybrid warfare, cyber threats, Greenland, tariffs, and what the next chapter of NATO could look like. 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
American Power Extra: When AI Becomes National Security
What happens if America's biggest AI companies become too important to fail? In this American Power Extra, Chad Scott explores why Washington may be preparing to treat artificial intelligence as critical national infrastructure, what that could mean for companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, and whether government investment in AI blurs the line between free markets and state power. Plus, why the race with China could redefine capitalism, national security, and the future of American technological leadership. 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
What Happens If NATO Falls Apart?
This week on American Power, host Nat Towsen is joined by military strategist Chad Scott and energy expert Matt Randolph to explain why one of the world's oldest military alliances still shapes everything from global security to the price you pay at the pump. The team examines the latest fighting in Iran, the growing threat to Middle East energy infrastructure, and what renewed attacks could mean for oil markets. They also break down the recent NATO summit, Ukraine's growing military capabilities, and why Russia viewed the alliance's latest commitments as a setback. Plus: a conversation about misinformation during wartime, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and why understanding global alliances is essential to understanding American power. 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
America's Allies Are Making Backup Plans
This week on American Power, host Nat Towsen is joined by military strategist Chad Scott and energy expert Matt Randolph to explain why gas prices remain stubbornly high even as oil prices fall, what Ukraine's attacks on Russian refineries could mean for global diesel supplies, and why energy markets are behaving unlike anything experts have seen before. Then the conversation turns to geopolitics. Chad breaks down why NATO allies are accelerating military spending, how Europe's security strategy is evolving, and why America's unpredictability is forcing allies to rethink decades of defense planning. Finally, the team examines growing public tensions between the Trump administration and Israel, the future of negotiations with Iran, and what those fractures could mean for stability in the Middle East. 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
Ukraine Found Russia’s Weak Spot
This week on American Power, Nat Towsen, Chad Scott, and Matt Randolph break down Putin’s rare admission of fuel shortages, Ukraine’s escalating strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, and why diesel may be one of the most important weapons in the war. Chad explains how Russia’s battlefield losses, collapsing logistics, and growing domestic pressure could threaten Putin’s grip on power. Matt breaks down why diesel shortages matter far beyond Russia and how disruptions to fuel, fertilizer, and exports could ripple through the global economy. Plus: Trump’s energy policy, America’s renewable energy failures, and why local socialist wins in New York may signal a bigger shift in how voters think about affordability, climate, and power. 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
Ukraine Found Russia’s Weak Spot
This week on American Power, Nat Towsen, Chad Scott, and Matt Randolph break down Putin’s rare admission of fuel shortages, Ukraine’s escalating strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, and why diesel may be one of the most important weapons in the war. Chad explains how Russia’s battlefield losses, collapsing logistics, and growing domestic pressure could threaten Putin’s grip on power. Matt breaks down why diesel shortages matter far beyond Russia and how disruptions to fuel, fertilizer, and exports could ripple through the global economy. Plus: Trump’s energy policy, America’s renewable energy failures, and why local socialist wins in New York may signal a bigger shift in how voters think about affordability, climate, and power. 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
Mr. Global Goes to Washington
This week on American Power, Nat Towsen, Chad Scott, and Matt Randolph unpack Matt's appearance before a Senate energy committee, where he challenged lawmakers to think about energy affordability, corporate power, and the people struggling to pay their bills. Then the conversation turns to Iran, where a new agreement raises tough questions about leverage, sanctions, and whether the U.S. gave away more than it gained. From energy policy and healthcare costs to the future of the Iran deal, this episode explores what happens when political messaging collides with reality. 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
The Future of War Is Flying Overhead (with Preston Stewart)
Military analyst Preston Stewart joins American Power fresh off a trip to Ukraine to explain how drones, innovation, and battlefield adaptation are transforming modern warfare. From Russia's energy vulnerabilities to the rise of Ukraine as a drone superpower, this conversation explores what Americans misunderstand about the war, how energy infrastructure has become a battlefield, and why every military in the world is studying Ukraine's playbook. To donate to the Ukraine Organizations mentioned in this episode, check out: https://car4ukraine.com/https://dzygaspaw.com/ https://ukraineaidops.org/ 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
Can America Afford the Future?
Climate and energy strategist Patrick Robbins joins American Power to break down renewable energy, affordability, data centers, grassroots organizing, and the biggest misconceptions shaping the climate debate. Plus: why local politics may matter more than Washington when it comes to building the energy system of tomorrow. For more information about climate policies that could transform New York, check out www.springstreetclimate.org 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
The AI Boom Is Making Your Bills More Expensive
The U.S. and Iran remain locked in a dangerous stalemate while AI data centers place unprecedented demands on America's power grid. Nat Towsen, Chad Scott and Matt Randolph examine why diplomacy keeps failing, how energy markets are responding, and whether the race for technological dominance is creating new vulnerabilities at home. 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
The War Nobody Wanted, The Deal Nobody Likes
This week on American Power, host Nat Towsen, military strategist Chad Scott and energy expert Matt Randolph (Mr. Global) break down the emerging Iran deal, why Republican hawks are furious, and whether America has any real leverage left. They also dive into Israel's role in the negotiations, the future of the Strait of Hormuz, and what Democrats still don't understand about Gaza, energy prices, and the voters they lost. 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