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 And much, muc...
Apr 25, 2023•52 min•Ep. 584
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 as a str...
Apr 18, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 583
Summary 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 Reflecti...
Apr 11, 2023•57 min•Ep. 582
Summary 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 Imperia...
Apr 04, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 581
Summary 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 “To us, t...
Mar 28, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 580
Summary 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 imp...
Mar 21, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 579
Summary 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 SHOW...
Mar 14, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 578
Summary 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 techno...
Mar 07, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 577
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 agencie...
Feb 28, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 576
Summary 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 Aliza B...
Feb 21, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 575
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 Alan Kohler ( Link...
Feb 14, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 574
Summary 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 Reflections Replica...
Feb 07, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 573
Summary 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 birth ...
Jan 31, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 572
Summary 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 … Episode N...
Jan 24, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 571
Summary 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 different ...
Jan 17, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 515
Summary 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 motiva...
Jan 10, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 532
Summary 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...
Jan 03, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 528
Summary 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, much mo...
Dec 27, 2022•48 min•Ep. 570
Summary 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, much mo...
Dec 20, 2022•50 min•Ep. 569
Summary 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 Seattle on t...
Dec 13, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 568
Summary 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 relationship b...
Dec 06, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 567
Summary 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 And mu...
Nov 29, 2022•38 min•Ep. 566
Summary 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 And mu...
Nov 22, 2022•49 min•Season 1Ep. 565
Summary Aynne Kokas ( LinkedIn ; Twitter ) joins Andrew ( Twitter ; LinkedIn ) to discuss her book "Trafficking Data: How China is Winning the Battle for Digital Sovereignty."
Nov 15, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 564
Summary 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 Service...
Nov 08, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 563
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 things...
Nov 01, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 562
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 things...
Oct 25, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 561
Andrew 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 will...
Oct 18, 2022•59 min•Season 1Ep. 490
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 information revoluti...
Oct 11, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 560
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 information revoluti...
Oct 05, 2022•57 min•Ep. 559
