Policy Chats

About Policy Chats

Join us for chats with various voices in the public policy world about today's most pressing societal issues. This podcast is a production of the School of Public Policy at the University of California, Riverside.

Publisher

UCR School of Public Policy

Category

news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Mar 2020

Latest episode

4 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

119 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Aug 2026

   Inside the MQ-9A: The Role of Remotely Piloted Aircraft & the Future of Technology in the 163d Attack Wing

   In this episode of Policy Chats, Colonel David M. Gunty joins hosts Dori Pham and Ari Chung to discuss the intersection of U.S. foreign policy, military operations, and emerging technology. The discussion introduces the mission of one of the nation's few Air Reserve Bases, examines how the 163rd Attack Wing supports both domestic readiness and overseas operations, and highlights the growing importance of remotely piloted aircraft in modern national security strategy. The conversation examines the mission of the 163rd Attack Wing and its role in supporting U.S. foreign policy through intelligence, surveillance, and global operations. It also explores how evolving national security priorities influence training and readiness, the challenges of maintaining and modernizing unmanned aircraft systems, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the future of military aviation and drone operations. The episode concludes with reflections on how innovation, strategic planning, and adaptable leadership are shaping the future of U.S. airpower Topics Covered The responsibilities of March Air Reserve Base and the operational role of the 163d Attack Wing in supporting reserve training and global missions. How the 163d Attack Wing contributes to U.S. foreign policy through intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and support for operations such as Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The strategic growth of drone operations and the logistical, maintenance, and policy challenges involved in sustaining global surveillance capabilities in an evolving international environment. The influence of current U.S. foreign policy priorities, including competition with China, instability in the Middle East, and alliance-building, on training, readiness, and day-to-day missions within the Wing. The Air Force's planned transition from the MQ-9A Reaper to future unmanned aircraft, including its implications for maintenance organizations, workforce development, and training policies. The expanding role of artificial intelligence in unmanned aviation, the future integration of AI into military operations, and how advancing technology may reshape the relationship between autonomous systems and human operators. 📍 This episode is produced by the UC Riverside School of Public Policy and reflects our mission of creating solutions for the region solutions for the world. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside. 🎧 Guest Speaker: Colonel David M. Gunty 🎙️ Interviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats & Ari Chung 🎵 Music by: Vir Sinha 🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp 👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

2. 

   22 Jun 2026

   A Strong, Prosperous, and Independent Vietnam: Diplomacy with Ambassador Ted Osius

   In this episode of Policy Chats, Former U.S. Ambassador Ted Osius joins host Dori Pham to discuss the evolution of U.S.–Vietnam relations, the enduring process of reconciliation, and the opportunities and challenges shaping the bilateral partnership in the twenty-first century. The conversation covers how decades of reconciliation efforts have transformed former adversaries into strategic partners, examining the role of trust-building, diplomacy, security cooperation, and economic engagement in strengthening U.S.–Vietnam relations. Ambassador Osius also shares insights on Vietnam’s foreign policy strategy, the significance of key diplomatic milestones, emerging areas of cooperation in technology and innovation, and the responsibilities of public servants in navigating complex moral and policy challenges. Topics Covered The role of trust and reconciliation in strengthening U.S.–Vietnam relations decades after the war Vietnam’s “bamboo diplomacy” and its approach to balancing relations with major powers while preserving national independence The growth of U.S.–Vietnam security cooperation, including defense training, military assistance, and strategic partnerships Vietnam’s emergence as a technology, semiconductor, clean energy, and innovation hub Opportunities for deeper collaboration under the U.S.–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Advice for students and young professionals interested in diplomacy, public service, and U.S.–Vietnam relations The episode concludes with Ambassador Osius reflecting on the future of the U.S.–Vietnam partnership and the importance of principled leadership, mutual respect, and people-to-people connections in advancing international cooperation. 📍 This episode is produced by the UC Riverside School of Public Policy and reflects our mission of creating solutions for the region solutions for the world. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside. 🎧 Guest Speaker: Former US Ambassador Ted Osius 🎙️ Interviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats 🎵 Music by: Vir Sinha 🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp 👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

3. 

   5 Jun 2026

   The Art of Diplomacy: Balancing Crisis and Long-Term Partnership

   In this episode of Policy Chats, Former US Ambassador Barbara K. Bodine joins hosts Dori Pham and Ari Chung to discuss the inner workings of U.S. foreign policymaking, the value of diplomacy and local expertise, crisis management, counterterrorism, post-conflict governance, and the challenges of translating strategic goals into effective action. Through her experiences in the Middle East, she provides insight into how foreign policy decisions are made, how they unfold in practice, and why diplomacy remains a critical tool for advancing U.S. interests abroad. The conversation covers common challenges diplomats face, including uncertainty, incomplete information, cultural differences, and local resistance. Ambassador Bodine also discusses lessons learned from the USS Cole bombing and how foreign policy processes change during crises. The episode concludes reflecting on the practical realities of diplomacy and the lessons she hopes future policymakers and diplomats will carry forward. Topics Covered How foreign policy is formulated within the U.S. government and the key actors and influences involved in the decision-making process. The role of diplomats, embassy reporting, and regional expertise The importance of local political, social, and cultural knowledge when designing foreign policy. Foreign policy lessons from the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and post-conflict reconstruction in Iraq. The relationship between military operations, political planning, governance, and diplomacy. The importance of relationship-building and preventive diplomacy before crises occur. Preparing and mentoring the next generation of diplomats and foreign policy professionals. 📍 This episode is produced by the UC Riverside School of Public Policy and reflects our mission of creating solutions for the region solutions for the world. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside. 🎧 Guest Speaker: Former US Ambassador Barbara K. Bodine 🎙️ Interviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats & Ari Chung 🎵 Music by: Vir Sinha 🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp 👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

10 ratings

Spotify

4.9 / 5

16 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 61 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

89

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

82

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.