Leon Panetta Joins Hit Global Affairs Podcast with Ex-MI6 Chief
At a time of escalating global tensions and amid a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, it was announced that former Secretary of Defense and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Leon Panetta will begin co-hosting the top international affairs podcast One Decision. This is the first time Secretary Panetta has ever worked as a contributor for a news organization. He joins Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of MI6 and together they will speak with world leaders on the top stories of the day.
“Secretary Panetta has spent decades at the forefront of the most important national security decisions,” said Situation Room Studios Director Christine Baratta. “With Secretary Panetta and Sir Richard Dearlove, listeners will hear directly from two of history’s preeminent spymasters, as they pull back the curtain on how and why decisions are being made in the complex world of intelligence, diplomacy and defense.”
One Decision, produced by Situation Room Studios, has become the leading global affairs show, topping charts across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Panetta’s addition will expand the program’s appeal to American audiences, which has already featured guests from former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to current Senator Mark Warner. It has consistently churned out news making headlines that have been covered by every major news organization in the world.
As the Director of the CIA, Panetta led the operation to find terrorist leader Osama bin Laden, putting an end to the Al Qaeda leader’s nearly decade-long run following 9/11. Mr. Panetta also played a key role in the examination of torture used by the CIA under the Bush Administration. During his tenure as Secretary of Defense, Secretary Panetta oversaw nuclear talks with Iran and was known for his approach to countering China, North Korea and Iran with a blend of engagement, strategic pressure, and deterrence. He has spent nearly 60 years of his career in public service.
“We’re living in a pivotal moment where the decisions of a single nation can have profound and far-reaching impacts beyond its own borders,” Secretary Panetta said. “Podcasts offer a unique opportunity to dive deeper into topics, providing listeners with fuller context and a more thorough analysis of complex issues. I look forward to being able to dive deep for the smart nuanced conversation that’s needed in today’s challenging environment.”
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About Leon Panetta
The son of Italian immigrants, Leon Panetta has spent much of his life in public service. Before serving as the 23rd Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Panetta was also President Clinton’s Chief of Staff and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget prior to this role. He represented California’s 16th Congressional District (now 17th District) for over 10 years and also received an Army Commendation Medal for his time as an Army intelligence officer. Alongside his wife, Sylvia, Panetta founded the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, a nonpartisan center focused on preparing students for public service where he serves as chairman.
About Situation Room Studios
Situation Room Studios produces award-winning, chart-topping podcasts in every major market around the world by leveraging unrivaled access and a high-powered network of leading journalists, academics, government officials, and celebrities. Our comprehensive production services include developing world class programs and organizing high-profile live engagements and podcast recordings. Our lineup includes One Decision, a leading global affairs podcast that analyzes the biggest decisions with a global impact featuring insights from history’s top spymasters. Press Advance bridges the divide in America by bringing together diverse political views hosted by former Obama administration senior official Johanna Maska. The Media Mix features industry power players and newsmakers from the world of global media, tech, and marketing hosted by veteran international journalist Claire Atkinson. For more information go to www.sitroomstudios.com. Situation Room Studios is a division of Global Situation Room® (GSR), Inc., a firm specializing in Complex Communications® challenges.
