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SpyCast

652 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★ - 1.3K ratings

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Known to be the podcast real spies listen to -(STOP)- eavesdrop on conversations with high level sources from around the world -(STOP)- spychiefs molehunters defectors covert operators analysts cyberwarriors and researchers debriefed by SPY Historian Hammond -(STOP) stories secrets tradecraft and technology discussed -(STOP)- HUMINT SIGINT OSINT IMINT GEOINT and more -(STOP)- rumored to be professional education internal communication and public information -(STOP)- entire back catalog available online for free -(STOP)- please investigate this claim with all possible haste -(STOP)- SPY Historian Hammond said to have a Scottish accent -(STOP)- is this a countermeasure or a hearts-and-minds campaign?
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Episodes

“The Skinny on American Intelligence & the Law” – with D.C. “Super Lawyer” Mark Zaid

March 19, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Mark Zaid (X, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss American intelligence and the law. You’ve heard of a “lawyer to the stars,” Mark is the “lawyer to the spies” What You’ll Learn Intelligence The quirks of being a lawyer in this space How the Espionage Act works in practice  The trial of the Rosenbergs The origins of FOIA and its purpose The Legal foundations underpinning espionage and intelligence Reflections Challenging authority  The delicate balance of secrecy...

Telling Americans About China (and Intelligence) – with Sara Castro

March 12, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Dr. Sara Castro (LinkedIn, Bio) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the history of US-China diplomacy. Sara is an Associate Professor of History at the United States Air Force Academy.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence The Dixie Mission  The history of US-China relations dating back to the Opium Wars China’s involvement with the OSS during WWII How Mao Zedong & Chiang Kai-shek built modern China Reflections Understanding and empathy Knowledge is power  And much, much more … ...

The James Bond Collector - with Mike VanBlaricum

March 05, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary Mike VanBlaricum (X; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss his journey as a James Bond fanatic and collector. Mike is the President of the Ian Fleming Foundation. What You’ll Learn Intelligence How Mike became an obsessive James Bond collector with 10,000 artifacts Mike’s favorite Bond cars, movies, and books How From Russia with Love was one of John F Kennedy’s favorite books Mike’s tips on the best place to start if you want to read the Bond novels Reflections The pa...

A CIA Psychologist on the Minds of World Leaders, Pt. 2 with Dr. Ursula Wilder

February 27, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary Dr. Ursula Wilder (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the intersections between psychology and intelligence. Ursula is a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience working at the Central Intelligence Agency.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence How psychology can be useful to national security Historical examples of leadership analysis  Leadership personality assessments & the Cuban Missile Crisis Psychoanalytic theory and espionage  Reflections Human na...

A CIA Psychologist on the Minds of World Leaders, Pt. 1 with Dr. Ursula Wilder

February 20, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary Dr. Ursula Wilder (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the intersections between psychology and intelligence. Ursula is a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience working at the Central Intelligence Agency.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence How psychology can be useful to national security Historical examples of leadership analysis  Leadership personality assessments & the Cuban Missile Crisis Psychoanalytic theory and espionage  Reflections Human na...

CIA Director, Defense Secretary, Gentleman with Leon Panetta

February 13, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary Leon Panetta (Panetta Institute) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss his lifetime of American public service. Secretary Panetta was the 2023 recipient of SPY’s William H. Webster Award.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence Directing the Central Intelligence Agency Intelligence & the Abbottabad Raid Working within the Clinton Administration  A life’s dedication to the safety of the American public Reflections The power of patience and the ability to listen Handing immense pressur...

“The British Monarchy and Secret Intelligence” with Rory Cormac and Richard Aldrich

February 06, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary Rory Cormac (X) and Richard Aldrich join Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence and the British Monarchy. The links between the royals and espionage prove the Crown to be far more than just a figurehead.   What You’ll Learn Intelligence Prince William’s internship with British Intelligence How Elizabeth II knew perhaps more secrets that anyone else in history King Charles' love of intelligence   Queen Victoria as Spymaster MI5, MI6, and the Diana conspiracies Reflections ...

From the Vault: 70th Anniversary of James Bond - with Alexis Albion

January 30, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary Curators Alexis (LinkedIn) and Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) use James Bond artifacts in SPY’s collection to discuss all things 007. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the first Ian Fleming novel, Casino Royale.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence Bond vs. Real Life Spies The birth of James Bond  Ian Fleming’s intelligence past Bond and MI6 Reflections What makes a character timeless? Pop culture mirroring real life And much, much more … *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE*...

Australian National Day Special: “Intelligence Down Under with John Blaxland”

January 23, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary John Blaxland (Twitter, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence in Australia and Oceania. John is a widely recognized as a leading expert in this area.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence -Australia’s Intelligence Community  -SIGINT in Australia during WWII  -Australia’s relationship with South Asia -The Pine Gap facility  Reflections -The implications of geography -The power of collaboration And much, much more … Quotes of the Week “The shift from the analog ...

Rise of Devils: The Origins of Modern Terrorism with James Crossland

January 16, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary James Crossland (Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the origins of modern terrorism. James is an expert on terrorism, intelligence, and propaganda. What You’ll Learn Intelligence -The origins of modern terrorism  -19th century spymasters  -Covert action and assassinations -Intelligence as a weapon Reflections -Philosophy and ideology’s effect on history -The power of fear And much, much more … Quotes of the Week “These waves of repression that feed into discontent...

From the Vault: The Professional Hacker with Eric Escobar (Pt 1.)

January 09, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary   Eric Escobar (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss compromising networks and information security. He has a coveted DEFCON Black Badge.    What You’ll Learn  Intelligence  -What keeps Eric up at night   -Thinking like an ethical hacker (aka a “penetration tester)  -Protecting your information (i.e., “Hardening the attack surface”)  -Plain English explanations of key cyber concepts like “Kill Chains” and “Zero Days”  Reflections  -Having a cool job  -The inf...

From the Vault: “The Counterintelligence Chief” – with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler

January 02, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary Alan Kohler joins Andrew to discuss the FBI’s counterintelligence division. He is a recipient of the FBI Director’s Award for Outstanding Counterintelligence Investigation.  ***FULL SHOWNOTES AVAILABLE HERE*** What You’ll Learn Intelligence -Counterintelligence vs. Counterespionage -How the FBI recruit’s foreign agents  -Ideological motivations behind spying -Effect of technology on counterintelligence Reflections -Staying grounded under pressure  -The value of creativity Notes Ala...

From the Vault: Ukraine & Intelligence: One Year on – with Shane Harris

December 26, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary Shane Harris (Twitter, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the role of intelligence in the Ukraine conflict one year after it began. Shane reports on intelligence for the Washington Post and is the author of two books. What You’ll Learn Intelligence  -Where we are with the war in Ukraine -The role intelligence agencies are playing in the conflict -The leadership of Zelensky and Putin -What it’s like to report on spies -Dealing with sources inside the intelligence a...

“Making Sense of China, Taiwan, & America” – Pacific Intelligence with Bonny Lin

December 19, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary Bonny Lin (Biography) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the current state of China and intelligence. Bonny is the Director of the ChinaPower Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence -China’s economic power and status  -The current landscape of Chinese intelligence  -China’s relationship with Taiwan -The ChinaPower Project Reflections -Power and prominence  -The global community as a complicated ecosystem  And much, much...

“My Life in American Intelligence” – with Barry Zulauf

December 12, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary Barry Zulauf (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his extensive experience working across the American intelligence community. Barry is the President of the International Association for Intelligence Education.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence What is the “Intelligence Community?” The organizational structure of American intelligence The establishment of the ODNI The intelligence components of the DEA  Reflections A life of service Passion to serve th...

“The Most Famous Art Detective in the World” – with ex-FBI Legend Robert Wittman

December 05, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary Robert Wittman (Website; Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his career and the FBI’s Art Crime Team. Bob recovered over $300 million worth of stolen art and cultural property over the course of his career.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence How the FBI’s Art Crime Team (ACT) was formed The intelligence angle when investigating provenance Living and working undercover abroad Museums & Intelligence Reflections The importance of cultural property Questions of owner...

“The Eye of Horus: Egyptian Intelligence” – with Dina Rezk

November 28, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary Dina Rezk (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss Egyptian intelligence. Dina is an Associate Professor of Modern Middle Eastern History at the University of Reading.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence Egyptian leadership & intelligence The intelligence landscape of Egypt Egypt’s relationship with neighboring countries Ashraf Marwan’s story from the Egyptian perspective Reflections Leadership, power, and opposition International perspectives and changing views And...

“British Defence Attaché, U.S.A.” – with Rear Admiral Tim Woods

November 21, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary Rear Admiral Tim Woods (Biography) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his role as Britain’s Defence Attaché to the United States. Tim previously served as the British Defence Attaché in Kyiv, Ukraine.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence What does a Defense Attaché do How intelligence impacts military strategy Admiral Woods’ experience of the 2021 Russian invasion of Ukraine What it’s like to constantly be surveilled Reflections The power of relationships and connections  ...

“My Father the Navajo Code-Talker” – with Laura Tohe

November 14, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour

Summary Laura Tohe (Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the stories of the WWII Navajo Code Talkers. Laura is a Diné author and the Poet Laureate of the Navajo Nation.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence How the Code Talking units were formed How the Navajo people used their language as a weapon Laura’s father, Benson Tohe’s story Did the Japanese ever break the code?  Reflections The relationship between language and the state Storytelling and the power of oral history ...

“Agent of Betrayal, FBI Spy Robert Hanssen” – with CBS’ Major Garrett and Friends

November 07, 2023 12:00 - 58 minutes

Summary Andrew leads a SPY Museum panel discussion between four experts on the most damaging mole in FBI history, Robert Hanssen. This program was in collaboration with CBS/Paramount on their new podcast “Agent of Betrayal" What You’ll Learn Intelligence The story of Robert Hanssen How his colleagues reacted to his betrayal A psychological analysis of Hanssen  How the Hanssen case has impacted the FBI and U.S. intelligence Reflections Disillusionment and betrayal “The child is father ...

Double Bill: “Former Head of Counter-terrorism Analysis, IDF” – with Shlomo Mofaz; and “Former Head of Intelligence, Mossad” – with Zohar Palti

October 31, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Col. (Ret.) Shlomo Mofaz (LinkedIn) and Col (Ret.) Zohar Palti (Wikipedia) join Andrew to discuss their respective careers in the Israeli Defense Forces and the Mossad.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence Israel’s relationships with neighboring countries  The role of intelligence within the Intifadas  Israel and the Lebanon War Hezbollah, Hamas, and other groups that pose threats to Israeli security  Reflections Pressure and power Dealing with constant threats And much, much mor...

“Sayeret Matkal: Israel’s Top-Secret Elite Commando Unit” – with Aviram Halevi

October 24, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Lt. Col. (ret.) Aviram Halevi (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss Israel’s top secret commando unit, Sayeret Matkal. Aviram formerly served as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Sayeret Matkal.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence The origins of Sayeret Matkal Collaboration across Israeli intelligence  Operation Spring of Youth & the Entebbe Raid Intelligence & hostage retrieval Reflections The value of teamwork No room for fear  And much, much more … Episode Notes T...

BONUS Episode: Spy Valley – An Engineer’s Nuclear Betrayal: Panel Discussion

October 20, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Welcome to a very special bonus episode of SpyCast, coming to you directly from the stage of the International Spy Museum. Last month, we hosted a live panel discussion in collaboration with our friends at Goat Rodeo who produced the new podcast, Spy Valley: An Engineer’s Nuclear Betrayal, a series by Project Brazen and PRX.  The riveting series tells the true story of James Harper, a Silicon Valley engineer turned spy who sold nuclear secrets to the Soviet Bloc. The series takes listeners on...

“The Intelligence Legacy of the Yom Kippur War” – with Uri Bar-Joseph

October 17, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Uri Bar-Joseph (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the intelligence failure of the Yom Kippur War. Uri is an author and professor emeritus at Haifa University.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence How Israel failed to predict the Yom Kippur War Egyptian spy Ashraf Marwan’s role in the War How Israeli intelligence evolved post-War Israeli leadership’s accountability for the failure Reflections Learning and adapting from mistakes Catastrophe and national trauma An...

“Former Israeli National Security Advisor” – with Uzi Arad

October 10, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Uzi Arad (Wikipedia) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence and policy at the highest level. Uzi was also a former foreign policy advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Director of Intelligence for the Mossad.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence National security in Israel Israel’s position within the Middle East  State leaders as consumers of intelligence Uzi’s relationship with PM Netanyahu Reflections Handling intense pressure  Power, proximity, and ...

“A Crash Course in Israeli Intelligence” – with Erez David Maisel

October 03, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Brig. Gen. (res.) Erez David Maisel (Twitter, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to provide a crash-course in Israeli Intelligence history. Erez is a researcher and former head of the IDF’s International Cooperation Division.  *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* What You’ll Learn Intelligence Early history of intelligence in Israel The origins of Israeli intelligence organizations Preparing for a Nazi invasion of British Palestine The shift from British to American in...

“First of Many…America’s First Female Intelligence Agency Chief” – with former NGA Director Letitia “Tish” Long

September 26, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Letitia “Tish” Long (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss her time as the Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Tish was the first woman to be appointed director of an American intelligence agency.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence GEOINT & its importance Tish’s recollection of the Bin Laden raid The differences between NGO and NGA Information sharing between spy chiefs Reflections The value of mentorship  Being the first, but certainly not th...

“Former Senior Indian Intelligence Officer” – R&AW Special Secretary Vappala Balachandran

September 19, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Vappala Balachandran (Wikipedia) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his career and the ancient roots of espionage in India. Bala formerly served as Special Secretary for India’s Cabinet Secretariat.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence India’s Research and Analysis Wing The Tamil Tigers’ threat to Indian national security Intelligence considerations within India-Pakistan relations Lessons in intelligence from Ancient India Reflections Intelligence, the 2nd oldest profession...

“Irish Garda Intelligence Chief” – with Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn

September 12, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Michael McElgunn (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence in the Republic of Ireland. Michael is the Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána’s Crime and Security Intelligence Service.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence The history of An Garda Síochána The intelligence components of the Garda The present state of Northern Ireland relations Current threats to Irish national security Reflections The value of collaboration Evolving alongside a changing ...

“Kenya, East Africa, and America” – with African Intelligence Chief Wilson Boinett

September 05, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Brigadier General (Ret.) Wilson Boinett joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss Kenyan intelligence. Wilson is the former Director of Kenya’s National Intelligence Service.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence The effect of colonialism on intelligence The organization of Kenya’s National Intelligence Service Wilson’s role in adapting and reforming Kenyan intelligence  The Nairobi bombings and effects on East Africa Reflections Institutional insurgency The courage to push for and...

“David Petraeus on Ukraine & Intelligence” – with the former CIA Director & 4* General 

August 29, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary David Petraeus (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter, LinkedIn) to discuss his strategic analysis of the war in Ukraine. General Petraeus is a former Director of the CIA. What You’ll Learn Intelligence General Petraeus’ appraisal of the situation in Ukraine What victory would look like for each side What role intelligence is playing in the War General Petraeus’ time as Director of the CIA  Reflections The power of narrative Organizational culture *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSC...

“America 3.0” – with Bill Britton of the California Cybersecurity Institute (CCI)

August 22, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Bill Britton (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) in a discussion about cybersecurity and cyber awareness. Bill is the Director of the California Cybersecurity Institute and CIO at Cal Poly.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence How to better protect your online information Why cybersecurity is more important now than ever How Cal Poly is addressing cybersecurity challenges The state of cyber in California and America Reflections Confronting our learned habits  Lifelong learn...

"The Gambling Capital of the World: Intelligence, Las Vegas Style!" – with James Lockhart and Keith Michaels

August 15, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Keith Michaels (LinkedIn) and James Lockhart (LinkedIn) join Andrew to discuss intelligence in an unlikely place: Casinos! James and Keith have collectively over 30 years of experience within Las Vegas gaming surveillance.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence How casinos conduct surveillance Collaboration between casinos and intelligence organizations  The mob origins of Las Vegas Nation-state intelligence threats in casinos  Reflections It’s just the luck of the draw…or is it?  Pl...

“China’s Corporate Spy War” – with CNBC’s Eamon Javers 

August 08, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Eamon Javers (Twitter, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter, LinkedIn) to discuss China’s Corporate Spy War. Eamon is the Senior Washington correspondent at CNBC.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence Why go after corporate secrets?  What’s at stake for the United States  The case of Yanjun Xu and GE Aviation Military implications of economic espionage Reflections The innovation nation Simple twists of fate And much, much more … ***FULL SHOWNOTES AVAILABLE HERE*** Episode Notes This w...

“The 18-Year-Old Soviet Spy on the Manhattan Project: Ted Hall” – with Director Steve James

August 01, 2023 11:00 - 59 minutes

Summary Steve James (IMDb) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his new film, A Compassionate Spy. 18-year-old Ted Hall was the youngest physicist working on the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence Soviet-American relations during WWII The Manhattan Project and the development of the Atomic Bomb  Motivations for atomic espionage The life and story of Theodore Hall Reflections With great power … comes great responsibility State allegiance vs. persona...

"Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy" – with Michael Vickers

July 25, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Michael Vickers (Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his remarkable career and memoir. He was formerly the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence His specialized training to wear a “Nuclear Backpack” (yes, literally!) Overseeing a multibillion-dollar CIA covert action program against the Soviets Planning the Osama Bin Laden raid Retooling defense intelligence for the 21st century Reflections Finding a narrative that unites t...

“Leader, Lecturer, Analyzer, Nerd” – with Jorhena Thomas

July 18, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Jorhena Thomas (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss her career as an analyst and passion for intelligence education. Jorhena spent 8 years in the FBI as an Intelligence Analyst.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence What makes a great analyst Her thoughts on the “Intelligence Cycle” The Robert Levinson case  How the FBI adapted after 9/11 Reflections Teamwork and collaboration  The importance of education Episode Notes Andrew is joined by Jorhena Thomas: educator,...

“The Kneeling Man” – with Leta McCollough Seletsky

July 11, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Leta McCollough Seletsky (Website; Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to share the story of her father, the famous “Kneeling Man” – The man knelt next to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at his assassination at the Lorraine Motel in 1968. Leta is a litigator turned essayist and memoirist.  *Nominate SpyCast for a People’s Choice Podcast Award HERE!* What You’ll Learn Intelligence The life and times of Marrell “Mac” McCollough  The CIA connection between father and daughter Black...

From the Vault: “Baseball & Espionage” –with World Series Champion Ryan Zimmerman & Marc Polymeropoulos (Part 1 of 2)

July 04, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Ryan Zimmerman (MLB Stats; Wikipedia) and Marc Polymeropoulos (Twitter; LinkedIn) join Andrew to discuss intelligence and America’s pastime. From the SpyCast Field of Dreams. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Sign-stealing and codebreaking Glue guys and teamwork Ethics in baseball and espionage Clutch and pinch hitters in espionage and baseball Reflections Daring to fail Stepping up to the plate of life And much, much more… Episode Notes Buy me some peanuts and crackerjack. Few...

"Venice’s Secret Service" – with Ioanna Iordanou

June 27, 2023 11:00 - 59 minutes

Summary Ioanna Iordanou (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss Venice’s Secret Service. Her research on “centralized intelligence” during the Italian Renaissance has secured her two entries in Guiness World Records! What You’ll Learn Intelligence The origins of centralized intelligence  “The Council of Ten” - Venice’s spy chiefs “The Inquisitors of the State” - Venice’s counterintelligence body Venetian power in the Eastern Mediterranean  Reflections The rise a...

"The North Korean Defector" – with Former DPRK Agent Kim, Hyun Woo

June 20, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary  This week on SpyCast, Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) is joined by former DPRK Agent Kim, Hyun Woo. This is the first time Dr. Kim has stepped out from the shadows to speak.  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* What You’ll Learn  Intelligence  The organizational structure of North Korean intelligence The journey of a defector  The training and skills needed to be a DPRK agent North Korean intelligence priorities in the East Reflections  Bravery and courage in the face of...

“Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East vs. West” – with Calder Walton

June 13, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Calder Walton (Website, Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the 100-year intelligence war between the United States and Russia. Calder is the author of the new book, SPIES.  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* What You’ll Learn Intelligence The epic clash of intelligence systems Russia’s assassination program then and now The roots of Putinism  China as “the Soviet Union on steroids” Reflections Cold War 2.0 Could it have been otherwise? And much, mu...

ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL: “The D-Day Deception” – with National WWII Museum Curator Corey Graff

June 06, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Cory Graff (Website, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter, LinkedIn) to discuss the D-Day deception operation to mask the landings at Normandy. Cory is a Curator at The National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence Deception tactics used by the Allies  The core deception operations BODYGUARD and FORTITUDE  The German secret agents who became British “double agents”  The “Ghost Army” and General Patton’s fictitious First U.S. Army Group Intell...

From the Vault: “El Chapo, the War on Drugs & Intelligence” – with Trial Reporter Noah Hurowitz

May 30, 2023 11:00 - 59 minutes

Summary Noah Hurowitz (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss infamous drug kingpin El Chapo. A weak link in his cybersecurity set-up would help bring him down.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence El Chapo’s internal surveillance operation The cartel’s use of cryptography to keep communications covert How cybersecurity enabled then brought down El Chapo The role of the infamous DFS – a corrupt and now disbanded intelligence agency Reflections Technology – early adop...

“70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special” - with Alexis Albion on 007 (Part 2 of 2)

May 23, 2023 11:00 - 47 minutes

Summary Curators Alexis (LinkedIn) and Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) use James Bond artifacts in SPY’s collection to discuss all things 007. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the first Ian Fleming novel, Casino Royale.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence Bond vs. Real Life Spies The birth of James Bond  Ian Fleming’s intelligence past Bond and MI6 Reflections What makes a character timeless? Pop culture mirroring real life And much, much more … *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE*...

“70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special” - with Alexis Albion on 007 (Part 1 of 2)

May 16, 2023 11:00 - 53 minutes

Summary Curators Alexis (LinkedIn) and Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) use James Bond artifacts in SPY’s collection to discuss all things 007. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the first Ian Fleming novel, Casino Royale.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence Bond vs. Real Life Spies The birth of James Bond  Ian Fleming’s intelligence past Bond and MI6 Reflections What makes a character timeless? Pop culture mirroring real life And much, much more … *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE*...

“St. Ermin’s Hotel, London” – The History of a Legendary Spy Site, with Stephen Duffy

May 09, 2023 11:00 - 54 minutes

Summary Stephen Duffy (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the spy stories of St. Ermin’s Hotel in London. It includes links to SOE, MI6, Ian Fleming, and the Cambridge 5.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence The origins of the SOE MI6 and the SOE in the hotel during WWII (bad neighbors!) Incredible female spies of WWII  St. Ermin’s Cambridge Five connection The history of the hotel Reflections The stories a hotel could tell if it could talk Proximity to power And much,...

Ukraine & the Alliance with NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence David Cattler

May 02, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary David Cattler (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss NATO’s intelligence response to the ongoing war in Ukraine. David currently serves as NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence Intelligence & NATO NATO’s response to the war in Ukraine How NATO is adapting to evolving technologies NATO’s purpose and mission Reflections Support and trust between nations  Global collaboration And much, much more...

Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan

April 25, 2023 11:00 - 51 minutes

Summary R. Kent Tiernan joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the seven-year covert operation to execute Mary Queen of Scots. Kent is the author of The Walsingham Gambit.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence The spy plot to trap Mary, Queen of Scots  Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth’s spymaster  16th century intelligence tactics  The importance of recruiting agents from your opponent’s camp The Denial and Deception Committee Reflections Religious conflict Temperament and statecraft...

“Irregular Warfare & Intelligence” - with IWC Director Dennis Walters

April 18, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

Summary Dr. Dennis Walters (LinkedIn; Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the Irregular Warfare Center and its ties to intelligence. Dennis is the current Acting Director of the IWC.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence The need for an Irregular Warfare Center The Irregular Warfare Center’s mission  What role intelligence plays in irregular war Creating unique solutions for unique situations  How do intelligence and Special Operations blend together?  Reflections Education...

Guests

Howard Blum
2 Episodes
Malcolm Nance
2 Episodes
Brad Meltzer
1 Episode
James Gordon
1 Episode
Jon Ronson
1 Episode
Mark Lippert
1 Episode
Matthew Sweet
1 Episode
Nathan Englander
1 Episode
Stanley McChrystal
1 Episode
Ted Bell
1 Episode
Tom Nichols
1 Episode

Books

The Secret History
3 Episodes
The Other Woman
1 Episode

Twitter Mentions

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@davidcattler 2 Episodes
@noahhurowitz 2 Episodes
@leahelea 2 Episodes
@engmchannah 2 Episodes
@erezmaisel 1 Episode
@nickywoolf 1 Episode
@sameerp_ind 1 Episode
@drjcrossland 1 Episode
@mccloskeybooks 1 Episode
@vikram_sood 1 Episode
@alexzfinley 1 Episode
@mikepburgess 1 Episode
@jnu_official_50 1 Episode
@yossikup 1 Episode