Katie Phang
Aug 5, 2026 · 1h 7m
Summary
Katie Fang interviews retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling about the US war in Iran, discussing depleted missile stockpiles and the strategic risks of Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz. They critique the administration’s lack of clear strategy and its manipulation of casualty statistics. The episode concludes with Fang analyzing the Senate Judiciary Committee’s vote on Todd Blanche’s nomination and exposing legal flaws in the proposed anti-weaponization fund.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Resorts World New York City
Introduction and welcome to Sidebar
Context: The illegal war against Iran
Guest introduction: Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling
Depletion of Tomahawk and Precision Strike missiles
Global demand for long-range missile systems
Impact on other contingency plans and Pentagon concerns
Cost disparity between drones and Patriot/THAAD systems
Military industrial complex and missile production
Shift to traditional methods and soldier casualties
Sponsor: Alzheimer's disease awareness
Sponsor: Resorts World New York City
Dispute over casualty counting and reporting
The box of soldier names on the General's desk
Military email requesting new war strategies
Analysis of failing trust and lack of end state
Strategic resources: Carriers and endurance limits
Trump's comments on decapitation strikes
Iran's leverage via the Strait of Hormuz
Comparison to WWII and nuclear options
Iranian missile strikes on US bases
Sponsor: Alzheimer's disease awareness
Sponsor: Resorts World New York City
Strategic implications of Iran-Oman negotiations
Control of global oil shipping lanes
US Navy size reduction and escort missions
Closing remarks on the military interview
Transition to political topics
Iran's lead negotiator and 60-day deadline
Outlook for nuclear accord and midterms
Reflection on the General's emotional moment
Blanche nomination and Senate Judiciary vote
Critique of Cornyn and Tillis votes
Sponsor: Alzheimer's disease awareness
Sponsor: Resorts World New York City
The Trump slush fund and judgment fund
Trump suing himself and tax immunity issues
Legal analysis of the tax immunity provision
Epstein files and the Tillis exchange
Behind-the-scenes at the Senate office
Epstein survivors meeting with Senator Tillis
Emails requesting a meeting with Tillis
Criticism of the 'Kabuki dance' by senators
Davy Hearn indictment and motion to dismiss
Hearn's legal options and recourse
Grand jury process and Janine Piro's role
Out of control US attorneys under Blanche
Sponsor: OneSkin anti-aging product
Sponsor: OneSkin clinical studies
Sponsor: Lean weight loss supplement
Sponsor: Alzheimer's disease awareness
Sponsor: Resorts World New York City
Sponsor acknowledgments
Trump's disappointment with Janine Piro
Analysis of the 'folded like an umbrella' quote
Katie Fang's background in family law
Introduction to the Max Miller case
Senator Marshall and Rick Scott on Miller
Bernie Moreno's call for Miller's removal
Sponsor: Alzheimer's disease awareness
Moreno's statement on family fear
Allegations of domestic violence by Miller
Comparison to Anthony Fauci's handling
Miller's refusal to resign and video announcement
Miller's Dropbox release of documents
Katie Fang's legal opinion on document release
House Ethics Committee investigation
Comparison to Corey Mills situation
Bernie Moreno's email address prank
Moreno's past support for LGBTQ issues
Closing remarks and episode promotion
Sponsor: Food in Italy
Sponsor: Resorts World New York City
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