CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast

This episode explores Semper AI. This large language model was developed to help augment marine operational thinking, without stripping away their experience, judgement or tacit knowledge. Guest Biography Simrun Sharma is an AI & Cybersecurity Solutions Analyst at CNA, working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and national security. She served as Technical Project Lead for Team Semper AI. She holds a Master of Interdisciplinary Data Science from Duke University. Further Reading CNA Talks: Morse Code Success Stories CNA: Center of AI and Autonomy

This episode covers recent CNA research on the impact of Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs on law enforcement operations. Guest Biographies Thomas Christoff is an expert on criminology, law, and justice. Christoff has extensive experiencing working with local and state law enforcement agencies, providing technical assistance in all facets of police operations. Heleana Melendez is an expert in criminal justice research and policing. Her research areas include social network analysis, violent crime investigations, cryptomarkets and police reform. Further Reading Previous CNA Talks Episode: Drone As First Responder Programs CNA's Center for Justice Research and Innovation

This episode covers past and potential military cooperation between the People's Republic of China and Russia. Guest Biographies Elizabeth Wishnick is an expert on Sino-Russian relations, People's Republic of China and Russian security policy, Asian security, polar strategy, and resource security. Dmitry Gorenburg is an expert on security issues in the former Soviet Union, the Russian military, Russian foreign policy, and ethnic politics and identity. Further Reading CNA's Russia Studies Program CNA's China Studies Program Wishnick in China Leadership Monitor

This episode explores how Russia uses shadow fleet tactics to avoid Western sanctions, and the complexities of countering these tactics under maritime law. Guest Biographies Cornell Overfield is a specialist in the relationship between maritime law and foreign policy. At CNA, he has worked on projects covering Arctic security and economic activity, improved engagement with allies and partners, and data analytics. Further Reading CNA InDepth: The Shadow Fleet's New Flags Challenge Order at Sea

The directors of the National Mass Violence Center join the show to discuss their work helping communities prepare for and recover from mass violence incidents. Guest Biographies Dr. Alyssa A Rheingold, Director of Response, Recovery, and Resilience at the National Mass Violence Center. Dr. Angela Moreland Director of the Improving Community Preparedness Division at the National Mass Violence Center. Lindsey Clancey, Research Scientist with CNA's Center for Justice Research and Innovation and an expert in crime, justice and victimology. Further Reading National Mass Violence Center Center for Justice Research and Innovation

This episode covers Oregon's wildfire season and how a CNA tool provides a new resource for state emergency managers. Guest Biographies John Kearse III is a senior research specialist in CNA's Center for Emergency Management Operations. He has supported more than 10 critical incident analyzes, ranging from wildfires and floods to active shooters. Shaun Williams is an expert in geographic information systems (GIS) and data science, specializing in geospatial artificial intelligence, accessibility modeling, crime analysis, and environmental analytics. Further Reading CNA InDepth: Carey Whitehair-Conde on Using AI to Pinpoint Transportation Wildfire Risk CNA InDepth: Unique Challenges of Wildfire Cleanups Confront Los Angeles CNA Release: CNA Secures Second Place in Global Spatial AI Challenge for Wildfire Threat Detection CNA Report: Best Practices in Social Media Crisis Communications for State and Local Emergency Management Agencies CNA Talks: How Can Emergency Managers Best Utilize Social Media?  

This episode explores how Ukraine is using unmanned systems to disrupt Russian logistics on the Crimean Peninsula, and how this campaign is impacting the Russia-Ukraine war.  Guest Biographies Dmitry Gorenburg is an expert on security issues in the former Soviet Union, the Russian military, Russian foreign policy, and ethnic politics and identity. Samuel Bendett's research focuses on Russian defense and technology developments; uncrewed, robotic and autonomous military systems; artificial intelligence; and Russian military capabilities. Further Reading CNA's Russia Studies Program

Joshua Tallis joins the show to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, his time as CNA's Scientific Analyst to the Chief of Naval Operations, and CNA's new Ally and Partner Security Affairs Program. Guest Biographies Joshua Tallis is the director of CNA's Ally and Partner Security Affairs program, where he oversees research on foreign government strategies, operations, and capabilities to support US national security objectives. Further Reading CNA's Ally and Partner Security Affairs Program

This episode examines how emergency managers can reap the benefits of AI tools while avoiding some of their pitfalls, like hallucinations. Guest Biographies Jamie Biglow is a Project Manager with CNA's Center for Emergency Management Operations. She'll be speaking at the 2026 National Homeland Security Conference. Gregor Goodman is CNA's chief AI officer, acting as the end-to-end technology interlock between study sponsors and CNA on the largest high-impact projects. He works together with business and research leaders to build a technology partnership, ensuring that offered technical solutions deliver exceptional results for clients.

Over the past decade, China sought to deepen its ties with the Pacific Islands. This includes an effort to expand its footprint in the region's media landscape. Guest Biographies Heidi Holz is a Senior Research Scientist in CNA's China Studies Program. Her research focuses on People's Republic of China (PRC) strategic communications, propaganda, disinformation, and other global influence efforts. Genevieve Collins is a Senior Research Specialist in CNA's China Studies Program. Further Reading CNA Report: Understanding China's Footprint in the Pacific Islands' Media Landscape