Explore every episode of the podcast Off Duty Diplomat

We're wrapping up the re-runs with this episode on International Agreements. Which treaties has the U.S. signed? Which haven't they? How are international agreements enforced? Listen and find out!

Hi all,

I wanted to give an update on the status of the show. Thanks for all of your support!

We're re-running this episode because it's probably my most candid conversation on my tour in Israel- including all the things I *didn't* say during the normal season. Enjoy!

Okay, I realized after releasing this episode that it prbably should have been two... This was a particularrly dense explainer episode, but global political economy is important enough to warrant it. We cover exchange rates, monetary vs. fiscal policy, and much more! Iff you didn't listen the first time, it's worth trying again this go-around!

This is a lighter-hearted epsiode, all about the experience of traveling as a diplomat! One thing I really miss about being a diplomat was the freedom and ease of traveling with a diplomatic passport. I also share a few of my own travel tips and tricks. Enjoy!

I picked this episode to re-release because I think the complexity of our living arrangments in a war zone were a core part of the experience of working in Afghanistan. I think it's worth asking if we are safe, just because we're "secure". Enjoy!

This week's re-run is from the recaps of the Netflix series "the Diplomat". I go through what they right and wrong in the series, and give additional insight from my experience as a diplomat. If you haven't listened to the series, check it out. Enjoy!

Welsome to an epsiode from season two, all about my tour at the U.S. Embassy in Israel from 2016-2018. I wanted to revisit this episode becuase I think many people are suddenly thrust into management roles with no real warning or training. That was exactly my experience as the deputy spokesperson, responsible not only for my own work, but for that of my team. It was a high-octane job, with real-life impact. Hoepfully you enjoy the episode!

I included this episode in the list because it is my favorite in the line of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict explainers. The global nuclear order is often invisible in daily life, but in this conflict it is front and center, even if no one says so. Hopefully you also enjoy it!

I really enjoyed this interview with Chuck Park, former diplomat. He and I briefly worked together at the Consulate in Ciudad Juarez, and he famously left the Foreign Service in protest of the Trump Administration and it’s policies. With the current election season raging, this seemed like a good time to revisit the episode. Enjoy!

I picked this episode to re-run because this is the first really reflective episode of the whole podcast. I go into the nexus between being a Black American and a diplomat. I also wrap up final thoughts on working through bias on the visa line. Hopefully you find this episode interesting!

Welcome to the final installment for part 1 of the "Conflicted" series! This week we are zooming in on one of the longest-standing conflicts in the modern world: India and Pakistan. This conflict ties together several concepts we have been discussing this season (and before); colonial aftermath, sectariansism, economic leverage, and nuclear balance of power. We close out with a general discussion and review of whether the conflict was preventable and what the future between the antagonists will likely include. I hope you find the episode informative and interesting!

Did you know the Angolan Civil War was one of the last Cold War proxy wars? It drew involvement from the U.S. and the USSR (as you might have expected), but did you know that China, the DRC, South Africa, and Cuba also got involved? The Angolan Civil War touched many major foreign policy movements and issues over the 25 years it lasted, and many people don't know anything about it. Hopefully, you learn something listening to this episode, I know we learned a lot making it!

Alexis and Fallon go in on the Liberian Civil War in this episode of the Conflicted series. For those who don't know, Liberia has a long history with the United States and is one of the most direct examples of how damaging ethno-nationalism can be. Besides this, many aspects of international conflict came to the public consciousness because of the Liberian Civil War, which you may not know were connected to that event. We discuss child soldiers, "blood diamonds", arms trafficking, CIA involvement in the conflict, and much more!

Welcome back for the next episode in the Conflicted series! This time we discuss the breakdown in Venezuela and how it fits into the larger global migrant crisis. Venezuela is also a clear example of how economic trouble can cause a political system to collapse. Hopefully, you find the episode educational and entertaining!

Here is the video we watch in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMPX1547Pss

Welcome to a new series from the Off Duty Diplomat Podcast! The 'Conflicted' series will cover conflicts you may have seen in the news. Alexis and Fallon offer details and context on what these conflicts mean for you as a global citizen. We start with the series of uprisings and revolutions across the Middle East and North Africa that began in 2011, commonly called “the Arab Spring”.

Alexis and Fallon dive into the "spicy" world of Sanctions! Several of the topics we discuss in the UN and global political economy epsiode make an appearance. Ever wonder what sanctions even are? Do they work? Why are they such a big deal?

Alexis and Fallon tackle THE international organization itself! What does the UN do? What are they good at? What are they NOT good at? Why do we even need an international forum for countries to work out their drama? What was it like to work there? Find out all of this and more!

This episode engineered and mastered by Sam Regan

Alexis and Fallon dive into a discussion of the concept of international intervention. This one is a pretty interactive episode, so there are plenty of opportunities for you to think through when it should and shouldn't happen. We also try to re-imagine the concept more successfully than it was originally. This is a great one!

Alexis and Fallon talk about the money! How does the global financial system work? What are its roots? How can it be twisted and manipulated by politicians? Tune in and find out!

Alexis and Fallon discuss Alexis' vacations from Afghanistan, while stationed there from 2018-2020. This episode in the appendix series is meant to give even broader context to Alexis' overall experience as a diplomat. Where would you go if you had three weeks to go anywhere and do anything?

Alexis and Fallon discuss what it's like to "travel like a diplomat". What can you do with a diplomatic passport? Are there downsides to the privileges that go with diplomatic status?

Alexis describes her diplomatic security training. She and Fallon go through the long list of safety information Foreign Service officers need to know in the modern era. We discuss kidnapping, first aid, explosives training, and more!

Welcome to the Appendices! In this series, Fallon and I will go back and dive into some of the details of diplomatic life and work that we missed in the main seasons.

In this episode, we revisit the basics of the U.S. Foreign Service history, and its evolution through time.

Alexis and Fallon reflect on season 3 and dive into the details we missed during the main season. We also tease a bit of our upcoming seasons and episodes!

In the final episode of season three, Alexis and Fallon go deep into what the experience of working at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul meant and the legacy of the work.

In this episode, we explore the two great calamities that occured during and after my tour at the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan- COVID and the Taliban returning. We also say goodbye to Reda and Muzhgan.

Living in a war zone- how do you know when you're safe? In this epsiode we discuss the micro and the macro of secruity living at the former U.S. Embassy in Kabul Afghanistan.

Alexis delves into the lifestyles of the American diplomats behind the walls of the fortress-Embassy in Kabul. What does it mean to be in a place without really engaging with that place? How would it look to give up almost everything in your life to do your job?

Ever wondered what US diplomats did in Afghanistan before the pull-out? Alexis walks you through her job as assistant cultural affairs officer, which mostly centered on managing grants (aka giving away money).

In this episode Alexis explains how she moved to Afghanistan in 2018 and the process of starting work at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.

Season 3 of the podcast starts with a Q+A between Fallon and Alexis all about Afghanistan! Learn something new, while Alexis sets the stage for her final overseas tour as a diplomat.

Welcome to the most candid episode of the podcast to date! Alexis looks back on her time in Israel and tells the stories that didn't make the main feed...Be warned, there's plenty of "colorful" language in this one.

TW: Suicide

Alexis and Fallon check-in on recent events in the Palestinian and Israeli conflict. This is an extremely frank and emotional discussion of these difficult events. Please take care of yourselves.

Hello all!! It's been a minute, but Alexis and Fallon are back with another in the explainer series on international agreements! We have an informative Q+A exposing the role that treaties and agreements play in keeping and creating global order. Enjoy!

Alexis and Fallon finish up our recap of Netflix's "the Diplomat" with our usual blend of frustration, humor, and reflection. 

Alexis and Fallon dive into episode 7 of Netflix's "The Diplomat". The discussion covers communication in high-stakes environments and touches on Alexis' own experience in Afghanistan. 

Alexis and Fallon dive back in to season one of Netflix's "The Diplomat"! Who is actually responsible for the attack on the British Navy? What is the actual chain of command for a VIP visit? How do private military organizations fit into the global security aparatus? Join us for another fun and informative convo!

Alexis and Fallon recap and dive (deep) on episodes 3 and 4. 

President Rayburn's plans in the Gulf have everyone more on edge than normal (if that’s possible). They spend the first chunk of the episode babysitting/negotiating what the President and PM should or shouldn’t say re: who bombed the boat. Hal has to out himself as the problem (shocker) to support the fact that Kate, and all the reasonable folks are adamant that Iran didn’t do it. After an epic throwdown, actual knock down drag out fight with Hal, Kate tries to resign after convincing the president not to send ships to the Persian gulf.

The Brits, mostly Trowbridge are super convinced it’s Iran and doing the things a country does before it goes to war. The UK/Iran meeting is set up and Kate back channels her way in. But not before Stuart reassures Eidra that their relationship is good. All seems to be well in the meeting with the Iranian ambassador…until he drops dead in the office.

Alexis and Fallon review episodes 1 & 2 of the Netflix series "The Diplomat". In these episodes, after a hostile attack on a British vessel in the Persian Gulf that killed 41 soldiers, seasoned diplomat Kate Wyler reluctantly assumes a new role in the UK, putting her “governing” skills and marriage to Hal, a former US ambassador, to the test. the episode ends with Hal being mysteriously kidnapped while Kate is doing a British Vogue cover shoot to announce her new role.

Alexis and Fallon go deep on the Netflix series "the Diplomat". What did they get right? What did they get wrong? What are the benefits and drawbacks of being a tandem diplomatic couple? How does Alexis feel about political appointee Ambassadors? Enjoy!

Another installment in the Israel explainer series, Alexis and Fallon imagine a possible peace process in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and get into all of the details.

In this episode, Fallon and Alexis reflect on season one of the podcast and give a few final thoughts and reflections.

Alexis and Fallon close out season 2 with a discussion of the main takeaways from Alexis’ tour.

Alexis, Nitzan, and Lisa wrap up their reminiscences of working at the Embassy in Israel. Plus, Alexis looks ahead at the next step in her career: Afghanistan.

Ever wondered what it was like to work with the Trump White House? Alexis tells you ALL about it…

What happens at an Embassy when a Secretary of State visits? When the President visits? Alexis gives you a behind-the scenes look at what it takes for working-level diplmats to support a VIP visit.

What does an embassy press officer do? Alexis explains the work of a deputy spokesperson, and the unique complexities of being a first time manager in a totally new country and culture.

Alexis explains the process of moving overseas for her second diplomatic assignment at the Embassy in Israel. She also describes the process of learning Hebrew, and introduces you to two of her former colleagues from that time, Lisa and Nitzan.

Alexis and Fallon are back for season two of the podcast! In this epsiode we do a Q&A about Israel to help set the stage and give some context for the rest of the season. Play along and see how many you get right!