SpyCast
652 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★ - 1.3K ratingsTOP SECRET
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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
“Havana Syndrome” – A Panel featuring Nicky Woolf, Marc Polymeropoulos, and Mark Zaid
April 11, 2023 11:00 - 56 minutesSummary This week’s episode is the result of a collaboration with The Sound, a recent limited series podcast exploring the so-called Havana Syndrome. The guests are host and investigative journalist Nicky Woolf (Twitter), former senior CIA operations officer and sufferer Marc Polymeropoulos (Twitter), and attorney and advocate Mark Zaid (Twitter). What You’ll Learn Intelligence What Havana Syndrome is Who it is affecting Theories to explain it The role of intelligence organizations Refle...
“Indian Intelligence & Cyber” – A Conversation with Sameer Patil, ORF Mumbai
April 04, 2023 11:00 - 1 hourSummary Sameer Patil (Twitter; Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence and cybersecurity in the world’s most populous nation. He formerly worked in the NSC Secretariat in the Prime Minister’s Office in New Delhi. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Cybersecurity in the world’s largest democracy The breakdown of India’s intelligence agencies Cybersecurity among the world’s second largest internet user base India’s relationships with China and Pakistan Reflections I...
“Secrets Revealed” – Curators Alexis and Andrew on SPY’s Pop-Up Exhibit
March 28, 2023 11:00 - 1 hourSummary Dr. Alexis Albion (LinkedIn, Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss amazing artifacts with amazing stories from SPY’s newest pop-up exhibit: “Secrets Revealed: Highlights from the Grant Verstandig Collection.” What You’ll Learn Intelligence Casablanca’s spy connection Lasting effects of the Rosenberg trial Women in Intelligence WWII covert operations Reflections What makes a story timeless? The human dimension of history And much, much more … Quote of the Week ...
"Israeli Military Intelligence" – with IDF Brig. General (Res.) Yossi Kuperwasser
March 21, 2023 11:00 - 1 hourSummary Yossi Kuperwasser (Twitter; Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the Israeli intelligence community. Yossi is the former head of the Research Division of IDF Military Intelligence. *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* What You’ll Learn Intelligence The layout of Israeli intelligence The First and Second Intifadas Israel’s complicated position in the Middle East Relationship between Israeli and American ICs Reflections Intelligence as a learning process The ...
"Hitler’s Trojan Horse” – Nazi Intelligence with Nigel West
March 14, 2023 11:00 - 1 hourSummary Nigel West (Wikipedia) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss Germany’s military intelligence service during WWII, the Abwehr. Nigel is known as the expert’s expert on spy history. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The rise and fall of the Abwehr The 20th of July plot to kill Hitler & Operation Valkyrie How effective German intelligence was during WWII How “Nazi” the Abwehr was Reflections The search for truth across generations The power of historical documents EXTENDED...
“Espionage and the Metaverse” – with Cathy Hackl
March 07, 2023 12:00 - 1 hourSummary Cathy Hackl (Twitter, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the potential implications of the metaverse on intelligence. Cathy has been called the “Godmother of the Metaverse.” What You’ll Learn Intelligence What the metaverse is Security and counterintelligence in a virtual world Futurism within intelligence agencies Potential risks and consequences of the metaverse Reflections How virtual spaces can affect our physical world The necessity to evolve alongside...
Ukraine & Intelligence: One Year on – with Shane Harris
February 28, 2023 12:00 - 1 hourSummary 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...
“The Espionage News Cycle” – A Conversation with SPY’s Aliza Bran
February 21, 2023 12:00 - 1 hourSummary Aliza Bran (LinkedIn, Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss her role as Media Relations Manager at the International Spy Museum. Aliza is a D.C. native and graduate of Washington University in St. Louis. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The media and intelligence International Spy Museum Artifacts Espionage fact vs. fiction The history of The International Spy Museum Reflections Creativity & Ingenuity Growing up in the DMV And much, much more … Episode Notes ...
“The Counterintelligence Chief” – with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler
February 14, 2023 12:00 - 1 hourSummary 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...
"How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Spy Game" – with Mike Susong
February 07, 2023 12:00 - 1 hourSummary Mike Susong joins Andrew to discuss the impact and potential of AI on the intelligence field. Mike is a former CIA case officer who now oversees global intelligence for a risk management company. ***FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE HERE!*** What You’ll Learn Intelligence What AI is and why it matters How the Intelligence Community is using AI The pros and cons of AI for case officers in the field Ukraine - intersections between AI and OSINT AI in Alan Turing’s Imitation Game Reflect...
"The Lion and the Fox – Civil War Spy vs. Spy" – with Alexander Rose
January 31, 2023 12:00 - 1 hourSummary Alexander Rose (Website; Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss a gripping spy-vs-spy true story from the U.S. Civil War. He wrote the book that was the inspiration behind the hit TV-series TURN. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The secret plot to build a Confederate Navy Why Liverpool was so important to both the North and the South How Civil War espionage played out in Great Britain The high-level spy the South had in the British Foreign Office Reflections The ...
“Code Name Blue Wren: Cuban Spy Ana Montes” - with Jim Popkin
January 24, 2023 12:00 - 1 hourSummary Jim Popkin (Twitter, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss America’s most damaging female spy, Ana Montes. Jim is a four-time recipient of the national Emmy Award for outstanding journalism. What You’ll Learn Intelligence How Ana Montes was recruited Her espionage at the heart of the Department of Defense Cuban intelligence tactics The molehunt to capture Montes Reflections The “City of Spies” Washington D.C. Betrayal and familial loss And much, much more … ...
From the Vault: “The Birth of American Propaganda” – A Conversation on Manipulating the Masses with John Hamilton
January 17, 2023 12:00 - 1 hourSummary John Hamilton (LinkedIn, Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss Woodrow Wilson and the birth of American propaganda during WWI. He is a Professor of Journalism at Louisiana State University. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Propaganda as a form of covert action The history of the Committee on Public Information Woodrow Wilson & Intelligence Deception and mental manipulation Reflections There is nothing new under the sun...or is there? Life chapters in very diff...
From the Vault: "The IRA, The Troubles & Intelligence" – with Eleanor Williams and Thomas Leahy
January 10, 2023 12:00 - 1 hourSummary Thomas Leahy (Website; LinkedIn) and Eleanor Williams (Website; Twitter) join Andrew to discuss the intelligence war during “the Troubles.” Thomas lives in Cardiff and Eleanor lives in Belfast. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The Troubles through the lens of intelligence Some key intelligence players in the Northern Ireland conflict How the IRA and the British Army adapted organizationally The role intelligence played in the end of the conflict Reflections The fluid nature of m...
From the Vault: "Black Ops: The Life of a Legendary CIA Shadow Warrior" - with Ric Prado
January 03, 2023 12:00 - 1 hourSummary Enrique “Ric” Prado (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his new memoir “Black Ops.” One of the most renowned CIA officers of his generation tells his story. Book You can buy Ric’s book, Black Ops, and support the International Spy Museum’s mission here. What You’ll Learn Intelligence His time as CIA Counterterrorist Chief of Operations which included 9/11 His career battling communist insurgents and Islamic terrorists on multiple continents His experience livin...
“The Third Option” – US Covert Action with Loch Johnson (Part 2 of 2)
December 27, 2022 12:00 - 50 minutesSummary Loch Johnson (Website, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss covert action aka “The Third Option.” He is the author of over 30 books on intelligence. What You’ll Learn Intelligence What is covert action Four types of covert action Foreign policy options: “War Power,” “Treaty Power,” and “Spy Power.” Examples of CA: Guatemala (1954), Indochina (1965), Afghanistan (2001), Iran (2020) Reflections Accountability The value of learning from past mistakes And much,...
“The Third Option” – US Covert Action with Loch Johnson (Part 1 of 2)
December 20, 2022 12:00 - 51 minutesSummary Loch Johnson (Website, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss covert action aka “The Third Option.” He is the author of over 30 books on intelligence. What You’ll Learn Intelligence What is covert action Four types of covert action Foreign policy options: “War Power,” “Treaty Power,” and “Spy Power.” Examples of CA: Guatemala (1954), Indochina (1965), Afghanistan (2001), Iran (2020) Reflections Accountability The value of learning from past mistakes And much,...
“Spying and Start-Ups” – with former Assistant Director of the CIA John Mullen
December 13, 2022 12:00 - 1 hourSummary John Mullen (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his life and career. He was awarded the Distinguished Intelligence Medal. What You’ll Learn Intelligence How John was recruited Life as an adrenaline addict in the CIA Case officers vs. entrepreneurs How China spies on corporate America Reflections Atlantic vs. Pacific outlook Quantum And much, much more… Episode Notes The Pacific Theater of WWII was imprinted on John Mullen as a young boy. He grew up in ...
“Honey Trapped: Sex, Betrayal & Love” – with Henry Schlesinger
December 06, 2022 12:00 - 1 hourSummary Henry Schlesinger (Rare Bird Books) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss two of the most mysterious and alluring forces in human history: sex and spying. He is a journalist and author proudly based out of NYC. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The impact of sexpionage on history Debunking common “honey trap” myths Examples of weaponized seduction and leveraged love Cyber honey traps and digital sexpionage Reflections Psychological implications of love and lies The relat...
“The FBI & Cyber” – with Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran (Part 2 of 2)
November 29, 2022 12:00 - 40 minutesSummary Bryan Vorndran (Website, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss how the FBI has adapted to the digital age. As Bryan says, “We are not your grandparents FBI.” What You’ll Learn Intelligence The evolution of the FBI and cyber Weakening cyber adversaries Motivations behind creating and distributing malware How to keep your information safe from cyber attacks Reflections Adapting to change within the intelligence field The value of a passionate and committed team...
“The FBI & Cyber” – with Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran (Part 1 of 2)
November 22, 2022 12:00 - 50 minutesSummary Brian Vorndran (Website, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss how the FBI has adapted to the digital age. As Brian says, “We are not your grandparents FBI.” What You’ll Learn Intelligence The evolution of the FBI and cyber Weakening cyber adversaries Motivations behind creating and distributing malware How to keep your information safe from cyber attacks Reflections Adapting to change within the intelligence field The value of a passionate and committed team...
"Trafficking Data: The Digital Struggle – with China" with Aynne Kokas
November 15, 2022 12:00 - 1 hourSummary Aynne Kokas (LinkedIn; Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss her book "Trafficking Data: How China is Winning the Battle for Digital Sovereignty." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Nazis on the Potomac” – with former National Park Service Chief Historian Bob Sutton
November 08, 2022 12:00 - 1 hourSummary Bob Sutton (LinkedIn; Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the mysterious intelligence site P.O. Box 1142. High-value Nazis were interrogated here during WWII. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The interrogation of top Nazis for intelligence The analysis of literally tons of captured German documents Refining ways to escape and evade Nazis in German occupied Europe The importance of intelligence on the German Army’s Order of Battle Reflections The National Park ...
“Baseball & Espionage” –with World Series Champion Ryan Zimmerman & Marc Polymeropoulos (Part 2 of 2)
November 01, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourSummary 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...
“Baseball & Espionage” –with World Series Champion Ryan Zimmerman & Marc Polymeropoulos (Part 1 of 2)
October 25, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourSummary 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...
From the Vault: “On the Streets, Location Unknown” - CIA Operator Karen Schaefer (Part I)
October 18, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourAndrew Hammond shares an encore episode From the Vault. From counternarcotics to counterterrorism, from Latin America to the Middle East, and from the back streets of a warzone to the center of events in Washington DC – Karen Schaefer has had, how should we say, an “eventful” career as an intelligence officer. Charming, smart, thoughtful, and you haven’t even met Karen yet…but seriously, it was a pleasure to talk to this week’s guest who had all of those qualities, and more; so enjoyable it w...
“Sure, I Can Hack Your Organization” – with Eric Escobar (Part 2 of 2)
October 11, 2022 11:00 - 47 minutesSummary 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 i...
“Sure, I Can Hack Your Organization” – with Eric Escobar (Part 1 of 2)
October 05, 2022 11:00 - 58 minutesSummary 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 i...
“The Past 75 Years” – with Historian of the CIA Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones
September 27, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourSummary Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones (Website; Wikipedia) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his book. He has studied American intelligence for 50 years. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The CIA and the American presidents they served The founding of the CIA just as America became a global superpower Pearl Harbor, the USSR and covert action under Eisenhower Assassinations, controversy, the Church Committee, and 9/11 Reflections How much of the future can we predict Intention in his...
“The 75th Anniversary of the CIA” – with former Director Robert Gates
September 20, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourSummary Robert Gates (Website; Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to reflect on the 75th Anniversary of the CIA. He served 8 U.S. presidents. What You’ll Learn Intelligence His reflections on the CIA at 75 How the CIA’s story intersected with his own His take on the organization’s strengths and weaknesses The complex intl. environment the CIA must now help America navigate Reflections Twists of fate Identity and institutions And much, much more… Episode Notes Robert M. G...
"CIA Reports Officer, Russian Yacht Watcher, Satirist” – with Alex Finley
September 13, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourSummary Alex Finley (Twitter; Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss life as a CIA Reports Officer turned author. She lives in Barcelona. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Her take on CIA analysts vs. case officers Information and disinformation in fact and fiction Ukraine, the 2016 election and the Russian historical playbook The regularity even mundanity of much of daily intelligence life Reflections Being an American in Barcelona Viewing your own country from outsid...
"The Counterterrorism and Counter WMD Strategist" – with Dexter Ingram.
September 06, 2022 11:00 - 58 minutesSummary Dexter Ingram (LinkedIn; Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his varied career. He has a very cool private collection of spy gadgets. What You’ll Learn Intelligence What spy gadget he would save if his house were on fire How the hunt for a spy artifact “gets his blood pumping” Using intelligence to achieve concrete policy objectives His preference for Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) while working with international partners Reflections Vulnerability and trust ...
“POW’s, Vietnam and Intelligence” – with Pritzker Curator James Brundage
August 30, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourSummary James Brundage (LinkedIn; Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss prisoners-of-war and intelligence. He is the Curator at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The intelligence dynamics of “prisoners-of-war” Tap codes and other ways to covertly communicate Using POWs for propaganda Debriefing POWs after their release Reflections Comparing across time (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, etc.) Comparing within time (German/Japanese/A...
“The Beverly Hills Spy” – with The Hollywood Reporter’s Seth Abramovitch
August 23, 2022 11:00 - 54 minutesSummary Seth Abramovitch (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the British war-hero who spied on behalf of the Japanese during Hollywood’s Golden Age. This is a story-and-a-half, by jingo! What You’ll Learn Intelligence How a British war-hero became a spy for the other side Japanese espionage in Tinseltown How the story involves Boris Karloff, Charlie Chaplin and Yoko Ono’s father The spy ring’s activities before and after Pearl Harbor Reflections Playing...
“The Information Battlespace” – Foreign Denial and Deception with Bill Parquette
August 16, 2022 11:00 - 56 minutesSummary Bill Parquette (LinkedIn; Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss Denial and Deception. They discuss examples such as D-Day, the Yom Kippur War, and the Persian Gulf War. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Denial and deception – what it is and why it matters Key examples of denial and deception Detecting denial and deception operations How to avoid seeing monsters everywhere Reflections How to counter denial and deception in everyday life (children, salespeople, etc.) ...
“CIA Officers Turned Authors” – with David McCloskey & James Stejskal
August 09, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourSummary David McCloskey (Twitter; Website) and James Stejskal (Twitter; LinkedIn) join Andrew to discuss writing about espionage. They are both former intelligence officers. What You’ll Learn Intelligence What it is like writing spy fiction as a former practitioner How fact informs fiction Writing as a former analyst compared to as a former operator (James) Reactions by the intelligence community to practitioners-turned-authors Reflections The heaven and hell of being an author Th...
“Becoming a Russian Intelligence Officer” – with Janosh Neumann
August 02, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourSummary Janosh Neumann (LinkedIn; Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss life in the FSB. He was born in the Soviet Union to parents in the “business.” What You’ll Learn Intelligence Why Jan defected to the United States How you get recruited and trained as a Russian intelligence officer What it is like to recruit and run agents in Moscow His take on what he did for the Russian state Reflections Learn to connect with anybody Making a life-changing and potentially life-e...
“The Spies Who Came in From the Cold” – with Chris Costa and John Quattrocki at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago
July 26, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourSummary Chris Costa (LinkedIn; Website) and John Quattrocki (LinkedIn; Website) join Andrew to discuss coming in from the Cold War. They both had long illustrious careers in intelligence. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Two Cold War intelligence experiences Two perspectives on the U.S. intel. community in the 80’s & early 90’s Two reflections on the art and science of counterintelligence Two perspectives on serving on the National Security Council Reflections Career bookends “Inadequa...
SPY@20 – “The Spy of the Century” – Curators Alexis and Andrew on Kim Philby
July 19, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourSummary Alexis Albion (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss Kim Philby using some of his personal belongings as prompts. This episode on the Soviet mole inside MI6 coincides with SPY’s 20th Anniversary. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Why Philby has been called “The Spy of the Century” Philby the man, the ideologue, the spy, and the traitor Philby’s corrosive effect on Cold War British and American intelligence The cultural blind spot that allowed him to hide in plain sig...
“Dealing with Russia” – A Conversation with Counterintelligence Legend Jim Olson
July 12, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourSummary Jim Olson (Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss Putin and Russia. He had a 31-year career with the CIA including a tour in Moscow. What You’ll Learn Intelligence His views on Russia and its trajectory since the Cold War’s end His frank assessment of Putin and admiration for the Russian people His time in Moscow with 3 rotating KGB teams surveilling him His time as Chief of Station in the city of spies Vienna Reflections A “beautiful marriage” with American techn...
4th of July Special: “The Wall of Spies Experience” – Espionage, Sabotage and Betrayal in America with John Gise
July 05, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourSummary John Gise joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the Wall of Spies Experience. It features over 200 stories of espionage and sabotage in America since 1776. What You’ll Learn Intelligence America’s first Spymaster The Founding Father of American Counterintelligence The New Yorker who adopted a Southern accent so she could spy on the Confederacy The escaped enslaved man who was described as a “walking order of battle chart” Reflections Educating a workforce on its past ...
“Intelligence & the World’s Largest Democracy” – Former Indian Intelligence Director Vikram Sood [from the vault]
June 28, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourSummary Vikram Sood (Twitter, Blog) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence in the world’s largest democracy. He was the chief of India’s Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW). What You’ll Learn Intelligence The intelligence landscape in India China, Pakistan, and the intelligence challenges in the region The founding and evolution of the Research and Analysis Wing The pressure involved in the top job and being responsible to the Prime Minister Reflections The power of na...
SPY CHIEFS: “From Navy Analyst to State Dept. Intelligence Chief” – Ellen McCarthy’s Journey (Part 2 of 2)
June 21, 2022 11:00 - 34 minutesSummary Ellen McCarthy (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss her career and time as head of the State Department’s intelligence agency. INR is one of the 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Her start as a Soviet submarine analyst in the Office of Naval Intelligence Bringing the U.S. Coast Guard intel. program into the Intelligence Community (IC) Working for DoD and Geospatial-Intelligence Why she admires the Bureau of Intelligence and...
SPY CHIEFS: “From Navy Analyst to State Dept. Intelligence Chief” – Ellen McCarthy’s Journey (Part 1 of 2)
June 14, 2022 11:00 - 54 minutesSummary Ellen McCarthy (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss her career and time as head of the State Department’s intelligence agency. INR is one of the 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Her start as a Soviet submarine analyst in the Office of Naval Intelligence Bringing the U.S. Coast Guard intel. program into the Intelligence Community (IC) Working for DoD and Geospatial-Intelligence Why she admires the Bureau of Intelligence and...
SPY CHIEFS: Director-General of Security Mike Burgess - ASIO, Australia & America
June 07, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourSummary Mike Burgess (Website; Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his agency and the enduring strength of Australia’s alliances. ASIO is the second intelligence agency he has directed. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The Australian idea of “mateship” in the intelligence context The Australian intelligence landscape The United States as its most important strategic alliance The enduring value and historical uniqueness of the FIVE EYES alliance Reflections How Man. Utd...
“My Life Looking at Spies & the Media” – with Paul Lashmar
May 31, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourSummary Paul Lashmar (Twitter, Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss investigative journalism and intelligence. He is a former UK Reporter of the Year. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The similarities and differences between spooks and journalists The role Watergate played for his generation of journalists Intelligence overseers as “Ostriches,” “Cheerleaders,” “Lemon-suckers,” or “Guardians” Bellingcat, Spycatcher and the “Zinoviev Letter” Reflections The long shadow o...
“Amazon to Darien, Atlantic to Pacific” – Intelligence in Colombia with former Head of its Navy Admiral Hernando Wills
May 24, 2022 11:00 - 1 hourSummary Admiral Hernando Wills Velez (Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence in Colombia. He is the former professional head of the Colombian Navy. What You’ll Learn Intelligence What it is like to be the head of an entire Navy Intelligence from the point of view of a senior military officer The unique set of challenges Colombia faces – insurgents, terrorists, paramilitaries, drug-cartels, etc. The role intelligence played in the daring Operation Jacque Refle...
“Peter Earnest Memorial: Spook, CIA Spokesman, Spy Museum Director – [from the vault]
May 17, 2022 11:00 - 54 minutesSummary Peter Earnest spent 35 years in the CIA as a case officer and retired as its chief spokesman. He was the founding Executive Director of the International Spy Museum. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Losing a friend in the line of duty vs. betrayal by a colleague Using affability to your advantage Thoughts on the shift from classic espionage to counterterrorism for the CIA The relationship between the CIA, the press and the public Reflections The origins of the International Spy...
“America's Most Damaging Russian Spy, FBI Agent Robert Hanssen" – with Lis Wiehl
May 10, 2022 11:00 - 54 minutesSummary Lis Wiehl (Twitter, Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the FBI Agent Robert Hanssen. His espionage for the Russians was described as the “worst intelligence disaster in U.S. history.” What You’ll Learn Intelligence The many contradictions of this fragmented personality The criminal sworn FBI Agent The sexual fetishist in Opus Dei The anti-communist Soviet spy Hanssen’s impact on the FBI and American Intelligence How the Hanssen case effected the FBI-CIA relat...
“CIA Case Officer, Cyber Entrepreneur, Burning Man Volunteer” – with Mike Susong (Part 2 of 2)
May 03, 2022 11:00 - 40 minutesSummary Mike Susong (Website; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss CIA, cyber and corporate intelligence. He won the Intelligence Star for Heroism in the Field. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Applying aspects of Mike’s training to the private sector using “competitive intelligence” Mike’s role co-founding a pioneering company in the field of Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) The role of technology in enabling and constraining espionage What drew Mike to an annual free-th...