Nation States: Why America’s Political Parties Matter

Fentanyl is more than a drug crisis. It is a family crisis, a public policy challenge, and, in Steve Yates' view, a national security issue. Drawing from the loss of his daughter after a fentanyl overdose, Steve shares hard-earned lessons about addiction, treatment, emergency decisions, grief, and the conversations families should have before a crisis arrives. He also examines border security, cartel networks, Chinese chemical precursors, law enforcement burdens, and addiction treatment policy. Listen and share this episode with someone who may benefit from these lessons learned through tragedy. Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at [email protected] and follow on X @NSWithYates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A personal account of the fentanyl crisis through the eyes of a father who lived it. Steve Yates shares the 12-day journey that began with an overdose call about his daughter Christina and ended with difficult decisions, hospice care, and heartbreak. Along the way, he reflects on addiction, counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, the toll on families, and why this epidemic reaches far beyond headlines and statistics. Listen now and prepare for Part 2, where Steve examines the family lessons and public policy questions that emerged from this devastating experience. Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at [email protected] and follow on X @NSWithYates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America's fentanyl crisis is more than a national emergency—it's a devastating tragedy affecting families across the country. In this deeply personal edition of Nation States with Yates, host Steve Yates shares the heartbreaking story of losing his daughter in 2023 and the 12 devastating days that forever changed his family.

In this edition of Nation States with Yates, Steve Yates examines the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the political and economic consequences of energy prices during a contentious election season, and growing concerns over regional security and global oil markets. He also revisits two major speeches exploring Western civilization, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio's address in Athens, Greece, and Taiwan's president's National Day remarks.

Taiwan’s National Day address was about far more than cross-strait relations. Speaking in Taipei, President William Lai framed Taiwan as a free society rooted in self-government, faith, responsibility, and democratic values. Steve Yates explains why that message matters for Americans, how it contrasts with the Chinese Communist Party’s vision, and why Taiwan’s future is tied to larger questions about freedom, deterrence, history, and the future of the Indo-Pacific. Listen now and consider how Taiwan’s story fits into America’s broader strategic interests and relationships with democratic partners around the world. Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at [email protected] and follow on X @NSWithYates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.