In this special FVEY episode, we’re joined by Lucy Ferguson, Minister Counsellor for Foreign, Security and Development Policy at the British Embassy in Washington, DC. With a career spanning pivotal global roles—including working directly with the British Foreign Secretary and representing the UK at the G20 (yes, she was the UK’s “yak”)—Lucy brings a unique and candid perspective on diplomacy behind the scenes. Lucy opens up about her educational journey, including her unexpected path to studyin...
Jul 01, 2025•59 min•Season 8Ep. 7
Today’s episode features the remarkable Yolanda, an Associate Partner in Cybersecurity whose career spans everything from scaling antenna towers to exploring the quantum computing horizon. Yolanda takes us through her one-of-a-kind journey—beginning as a high school intern at the NSA, rising through the ranks to become a full-time intelligence professional, and now leading organizations through the complexities of emerging tech threats. We delve into her early days collecting RF signals (yes, co...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 8Ep. 6
In this episode, we sit down with Rupal Patel, Founder and CEO of The Global Leadership Lab, who’s on a mission to redefine what leadership means in today’s complex, fast-changing world. Her journey to the C-suite is anything but conventional—and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. From starting her career as a young hustler in PR at an indie hip-hop label to unexpectedly serving as a CIA analyst, Rupal has moved through vastly different spaces with the same signature blend of curiosity, cour...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 8Ep. 5
In this very exciting episode—our first-ever Five Eyes (FVEY) feature—we're thrilled to welcome a true changemaker in the world of cybersecurity. Our guest is none other than Michelle Mosey, Founder of Valkyrie Cyber, whose impressive career spans military service, high-level intelligence liaison roles, and impactful leadership in the tech sector. She details her time in the Australian Navy and how she transitioned into the intelligence sector and ultimately worked alongside former USDI James Cl...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 8Ep. 4
Season 8, Episode 3 | In this episode, we’re joined by the remarkable Suzanne Spaulding, a Senior Advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where she founded the Defending Democratic Institutions Project. With a career that spans critical roles across the intelligence and national security landscape—including Legal Advisor at the CIA’s Nonproliferation Center, Chief Counsel to both the Senate and House Intelligence Committees, Executive Director of major Congressional...
May 06, 2025•48 min•Season 8Ep. 3
We’re back with part two of our conversation with Elizabeth Grimm, and trust us—you’re going to want to lean in for this one. After an already epic career in national security, Liz somehow “accidentally” became a professor (are we sensing a theme here?). She shares how teaching became her calling, even as she tried to resist it, and how she sees it as helping students navigate what to believe in an increasingly chaotic world. We also zoom out to tackle the big stuff: how to hold onto hope in 202...
Apr 22, 2025•46 min•Season 8Ep. 2
Hold onto your hats because episode two is one wild ride! We’re joined by Elizabeth Grimm, a powerhouse in both national security and academia. Currently a Professor of Teaching in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, Elizabeth’s career path can best be described as “unexpectedly epic.” In part one of this episode, we dive into how Elizabeth accidentally became a lawyer in France (yes, you read that right), and how her first job out of college had he...
Apr 08, 2025•51 min•Season 8Ep. 2
Iron Butterfly Podcast is back for part two of our season premiere with Katrina Mulligan! Part two is just as fun as the first with Katrina diving back into her extraordinary career. Currently the National Security Lead at Open AI, Katrina shares her experiences as Barack Obama's paralegal before he even ran for the Senate, working on GTMO policy at the ODNI, and being Chief of Staff to the first female Secretary of the Army. Along the way, she shares some unforgettable moments and reflections. ...
Mar 25, 2025•45 min•Season 8Ep. 1
The Iron Butterfly Podcast is back for Season 8 and we kick things off with an episode so packed with insights, we had to split it into two! Megan and Cadie sit down with Katrina Mulligan, currently the National Security Lead at Open AI. Katrina has had an extraordinary career, including serving as Barack Obama's paralegal before he even ran for the Senate, working on GTMO policy at the ODNI, and being Chief of Staff to the first female Secretary of the Army. Along the way, she shares some unfor...
Mar 11, 2025•37 min•Season 8Ep. 1
On our season 7 finale, we sit down with Shari Garcia Rozen, Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO) at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), who takes us through a fascinating career journey, from her first job as a Sales Associate at the GAP to her current pivotal role in shaping data and AI strategy for the U.S. government. Shari shares her unique career path, which includes stints as a Private Sector Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton working in the financi...
Dec 17, 2024•54 min
Iron Butterfly is currently producing the first documentary feature film about women in the intelligence community. On this special episode of Iron Butterfly Podcast, Megan and Cadie share their documentary production journey, where they are today, and how you can support. Iron Butterfly Foundation is self-funding this feature film to ensure the truth of these stories are told, and we need your help. To support the completion of this film, give a tax deductible end of year gift to Iron Butterfly...
Dec 16, 2024•16 min
In this episode, we sit down with Marisa Lightfoot, a Senior Director at EY-Parthenon’s Strategy Practice, where she leads strategy initiatives focused on emerging technologies. With a diverse and dynamic career that spans the U.S. Army, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and even launching and selling her own tea company, Marisa shares her unique journey of growth, resilience, and innovation. From "growing a spine" in the Army to "growing up" in the world of program management, ...
Dec 10, 2024•56 min
In this episode, we sit down with Diana Burley, the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation at American University, to explore their journey in academia and research. From her time as a professor at Syracuse University to leading programs at the National Science Foundation and engaging with the Intelligence Community, Diana shares her experiences in fostering academic growth and innovation. We discuss the challenges and rewards of her current role, balancing leadership with creativity, and the ...
Nov 12, 2024•44 min
On this episode, Megan and Iron Butterfly's producer Amanda sit down with Girl Security Founder Lauren Buitta and member Kyla Guru to discuss election security and how young women and professionals are tackling this problem set. Lauren Buitta is a seasoned National Security professional and Iron Buttefly alum, who started Girl Security in 2016, the only organization dedicated to advancing girls, women, and gender minorities in national security through supportive pathways. Kyla Guru is a technol...
Oct 29, 2024•48 min
In this special live episode of the Iron Butterfly Podcast, hosted in partnership with the National Security Institute (NSI) at George Mason University, we delve into the pivotal role of women in the tech and intelligence sectors. This dynamic discussion, titled “The Future is Female,” features two esteemed guests: Rachel H. Grunspan, Deputy Chief for Strategy & Policy for the CIA, and Chandra Osann, Deputy Executive at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Together, th...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 14 min
On this episode Megan and Cadie sit down with Jennifer Ewbank, a senior national security executive who served as Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency for Digital Innovation from 2019-early 2024. Jennifer started her career as a Case Officer and went on to serve four tours as Chief of Station and the Chief of the former National Resources Division. Tune in to hear what it's really like to be a Case Officer. To support The Iron Butterfly Podcast, visit out Patreon: https://www.patre...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Megan and Cadie travel for the first time outside the DC area to bring Iron Butterfly Podcast to Colorado Springs, hosted by University of Colorado Colorado Springs. In this ‘Beyond the Beltway” episode, Sandra Auchter (Director of National Geospatial Intelligence Agency - Denver), Jenna Seidel (Director of National Security Agency/Central Security Service - Colorado), and Rachel Leahy (Director of Special Programs at General Atomics) share their stories, experiences, and reflections on a career...
Sep 17, 2024•58 min
Iron Butterfly Podcast is back for Season 7, and better than ever! :butterfly: On this Season 7 teaser, Megan and Cadie give a sneak peak at what’s to come this fall, along with other exciting Iron Butterfly updates and the launch of Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 03, 2024•21 min
This week, Intelligence and National Security Alliance invites Cadie Hopkins to record a live Iron Butterfly Podcast episode at 'The New IC' Conference with Eman Blair. Eman describes her journey from being a ‘triple minority’ in the Middle East — a refugee, a Palestinian, and a woman — to being the Chief Digital Officer at Central Intelligence Agency. Eman's story is special, and a true testament to the resilience, service, and hope held within the journeys of intelligence community women. Host...
Aug 06, 2024•37 min
On our Season 6 finale, we are joined by the incredible Sandra Auchter, Director of NGA Denver. A self described foreign policy wonk, she's known to listen to alternate between NPR and Wall Street Journal podcasts and Beyonce's latest music. From discussing the foundational INT to what Sandra's 'walk-out' song would be, tune in for a truly fun episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 11, 2024•1 hr 11 min
On this episode we are joined by Caitlin Marsh, an engineer by training but a true social engineer at heart. She is currently VP of Product at SpiderOak and has served in multiple roles across the IC. Empathetic, kind and a little bit spicy, Caitlin is an incredible mentor who isn't afraid to jump at new opportunities or try something new. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 28, 2024•1 hr 1 min
On this episode we are joined by the amazing Maureen "Marty" Fromuth. Marty currently serves in the Air Force Reserves as the Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs at United States Cyber Command. Her career spans nearly 17 years in and out of government and the tech industry. Tune in to hear Marty dive into topics like Housewives, the importance of vulnerability and learning from failure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 14, 2024•1 hr 2 min
In this special panel episode titled See Her Be Her, hosted by Marymount University and the Marymount Intelligence Club, Megan and Cadie sit down with butterflies Carmen Medina (Rebel at Work), Arlene Gaylord (Corazón), and Stephanie La Rue (Mija). They dive into the concept if you can see her, you can be her and how they were each other’s “her.” A truly special episode full of great moments exploring the importance of diversity in the workplace, the power of authenticity, and what they would te...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 6 min
On this episode we are joined by the amazing Debora Plunkett, former Director of Information Assurance at the National Security Agency (NSA). Tune in to hear Debora discuss her illustrious career within the NSA, her time serving on the National Security Council, and what it was like working as CSI before CSI was cool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 16, 2024•51 min
On this episode we are joined by Linda Weissgold, former Deputy Director of Analysis at CIA. Our most requested guest to date, tune in to hear her realistic and candid descriptions of her time in the Intelligence Community. From briefing George W. Bush to her time as an analyst covering the Middle East, there are so many moments you won't want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 02, 2024•53 min
On this episode we are joined by Uyen Dinh. Uyen is currently the VP for Government Relations and Strategy at Black Sky and served several years as a Hill Staffer in roles at the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Uyen describes herself as energetic, fun, and positive; we have no doubt you'll agree. This episode as it is full of laughs and great stories, be sure to tune in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Mar 19, 2024•50 min
Welcome to the Season 6 premiere of the Iron Butterfly Podcast. Megan and Cadie sit down with Kristi Scott, a lawyer with over two decades of experience in the intelligence community and national security, specializing in privacy and civil liberties law. This episode is full of laughs, and conversations ranging from reality TV to the whether or not the intelligence community is listening in to your calls. An episode you don't want to miss! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat...
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 8 min
The Iron Butterfly Podcast is back and fiercer than ever! Join Megan and Cadie as they share exciting updates about the team, plans for 2024, and the new Iron Butterfly Studio. Season 6 will premiere on March 3, 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 20, 2024•24 min
On our Season Finale we are joined by the extraordinary Arlene Gaylord. Arlene has spent 32+ years at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and is the Executive Assistant Director (EAD) of the Information and Technology Branch (ITB). She discusses a range of topics from creating effective and lasting change by using your seat at the table to similarities between the FBI and Broadway. It is no wonder that Arlene has smashed glass ceilings but even more encouraging to know that she will ensure...
Dec 19, 2023•51 min
Episode Summary: This week we are joined by Vinita Fordham, a technology leader working at the cutting edge. Vinita is Chief Innovation Officer for Bridge Core, LLC and previously served as an AI specialist leader at Deloitte focused on delivering and advocating for mission ready AI strategies and solutions. She also served as a senior executive in the United States Intelligence Community. Tune in to hear how her older brother's love for engineering encouraged and inspired her career path and ho...
Dec 05, 2023•37 min
