Former intelligence officer Bryan Stern describes the tradecraft he used on Russian intelligence and military services to rescue an American imprisoned in Russian-occupied Ukraine. If you liked this episode check out these links to more hostage rescue stories: SpyCast - James Foley: Journalist, ISIS Hostage, Son – with His Mother Diane Foley Operación Jaque - The Daring Rescue Mission That Freed 15 Hostages Spy Chat with Chris Costa | Guest: Ambassador Roger D. Carstens Subscribe to Sasha's Subs...
Jan 14, 2025•28 min•Ep. 665
Introducing the new host of SpyCast, Sasha Ingber! In this week’s episode, Sasha joined Erin in a conversation about her career and the future of the International Spy Museum’s flagship podcast. Now entering it’s 19th year, SpyCast will relaunch on January 14th with brand new episodes, featuring exciting spy stories and the latest intelligence from the shadowy world of espionage. Tune in to learn more about Sasha, our very first female host and the first host with a background in journalism. As ...
Dec 31, 2024•20 min•Ep. 664
Summary 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. Gates is the ...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 557
Summary Hugh Wilford joins Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn ) to discuss his new book. Hugh is a professor, author, and leading CIA historian. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Imperial influences on American intelligence Key figures in CIA history “Wild” Bill Donovan & British influence Groton School’s impact on CIA leaders Reflections Inherited history Challenging established narratives And much, much more … Resources SURFACE SKIM *Spotlight Resource* The CIA: An Imperial History , Hugh Wilford (Basic B...
Dec 10, 2024•55 min•Ep. 663
Summary Robert Shaw joins Andrew to discuss his experience working as an accredited Battlefield tour guide. Bob’s career in the British Army spanned over 25 years. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Becoming a battlefield tour guide IEDD and Intelligence Work in Northern Ireland Hypothetical WWIII scenarios Special Forces, TECHINT, & the Bin Laden Raid Reflections Learning from history Interpretation and understanding And much, much more … Quotes of the Week “One of the things about being an IED...
Dec 03, 2024•50 min•Ep. 662
Summary Anna Slafer ( LinkedIn , Website ) joins Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn) to discuss the history of the International Spy Museum. Anna was one of SPY’s first employees when the museum opened in 2002. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Building the International Spy Museum Milton Maltz: the visionary behind SPY The role of historians and curators Creating exhibits on espionage Reflections Institutional memory and evolution The challenges and joys of storytelling And much, much more … Quotes of the Week...
Nov 26, 2024•53 min•Ep. 661
Summary Lieutenant General Anthony Crutchfield (Ret.) ( LinkedIn , Wikipedia ) joins Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn ) to discuss his time as the Deputy Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command. PACOM covers 52% of the globe. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The role of intelligence in military operations Ethical dilemmas in command decisions Reflections on the impact of mentorship and outreach The importance of remaining aware in today's pervasive world Reflections The challenges of leadership Hard ...
Nov 19, 2024•57 min•Ep. 660
Summary Jonathan B. Smith ( X ; LinkedIn ) joins Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn) to discuss the application of intelligence to entrepreneurship. Jonathan is an entrepreneur, author, and business strategist. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Building high-performance teams Case officers vs. entrepreneurs Networking and overcoming operational challenges Curiosity as a key trait for success Reflections The will to succeed The power of listening and empathy And much, much more … Quotes of the Week “I often swit...
Nov 12, 2024•53 min•Ep. 659
Summary Ean Forsythe joins Andrew to discuss the history of Cuban intelligence. Ean is the Counterintelligence and Security Center Chair at the National Intelligence University. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The history and evolution of Cuban intelligence Case studies, including Ana Montes, Kendall Meyers, and the Cuban Five Counterintelligence strategies and challenges The role of Cuban intelligence during the Cold War Reflections Ideology and the power of ideas Offensive vs. defensive play An...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 658
Summary Eliot Higgins ( X ; Wikipedia ) joins Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn) to discuss the work of Bellingcat. Eliot founded the open-source investigative website in 2014. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Bellingcat’s approach to “investigative journalism” The rise of OSINT as a tool of journalism Bellingcat’s relationship with intelligence agencies Case studies from Bellingcat’s past, including the Skripal Case and the MH17 flight investigation Reflections Leading by example Accessibility and accountabi...
Oct 29, 2024•58 min•Ep. 657
Summary Cameron Malin ( LinkedIn ) joins Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn) to discuss cyber and behavioral profiling. Cameron was the creator and founder of the FBI’s Cyber Behavioral Analysis Center. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The historical origins of behavioral profiling Applying behavioral profiling to counterintelligence and cyber threats Nature vs. Nurture in criminal behavior The future of deception and cyberwarfare Reflections The complexity of the human mind Threat evolution And much, much mor...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 656
Summary Chris Voss ( X ; LinkedIn ) joins Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn) to discuss the art of negotiation. Chris formerly served as the FBI lead international hostage negotiator. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The very basics of negotiation, including the phrase “Never split the difference” The art of Tactical Empathy Case studies from Chris’ career, including the Dos Palmas kidnappings Techniques in ethical interrogation Reflections Pressure makes diamonds Human nature & understanding “the other s...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 655
Summary Jim Himes ( Website ; X ) joins Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn) to discuss the U.S. House Intelligence Committee. Jim has served as the U.S. representative for Connecticut’s 4th congressional district since 2009. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Its role and operations The importance of bipartisan collaboration Transparency and accountability in intelligence Congressman Himes' personal experiences during 9/11, its impact on his career in intelli...
Oct 08, 2024•49 min•Ep. 654
Summary Jennifer Ewbank ( LinkedIn ) joins Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn) to discuss the integration of technology within intelligence. Jennifer recently retired from her role as Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The qualities and skills of great digital leadership Risk management in intelligence The roles, responsibilities, and emotional toll of the Chief of Station The integration of technology across CIA operations Reflections Humility and lifelong learning...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 653
Summary Pete Langman and Nadine Akkerman join Andrew to discuss espionage in Elizabethan England. Pete and Nadine are authors of the new book Spycraft: Tricks and Tools of the Dangerous Trade from Elizabeth I to the Restoration . What You’ll Learn Intelligence Spymasters of the Elizabethan era Techniques in forgeries, invisible inks, and seal-making The impact of spies on important historical events like the Spanish Armada The connections between espionage and religious tension Reflections Creat...
Sep 24, 2024•59 min•Ep. 652
Summary Jason Barrett ( LinkedIn ) joins Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn) to discuss the integration of open-source intelligence into the American Intelligence Community. Jason is the first-ever OSINT Executive. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Historical examples of OSINT The evolution of Open Source Intelligence The challenges and unique opportunities OSINT presents The future of OSINT within the Intelligence Community Reflections Trust and transparency Efficiency in intelligence gathering And much, much ...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 651
Summary Tim Tate ( Website ) joins Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn ) to discuss the Spycatcher Affair. Tim is a best-selling author and award-winning filmmaker. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Peter Wright: His background and motives The contents of Spycatcher including the exposure of alleged soviet moles The UK’s efforts to keep their secrets secret The lasting effects of the Spycatcher Affair Reflections Personal secrecy vs. public security Censorship and free speech And much, much more … Quotes of the ...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 650
Summary Rachel Noble joins Andrew to discuss her role as Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate. Rachel is the first woman to hold this position. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The Australian Signals Directorate: Its purpose and mission The true story of the Pine Gap spy facility Leadership in Intelligence The SIGINT origins of the Five Eyes alliance Reflections The value of team The importance of work-life balance And much, much more … Quotes of the Week “Women lead differently....
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 649
Summary Neil Bradbury ( Website , LinkedIn ) joins Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn) to discuss the deadly history of poison and espionage. Neil is an author and biochemist. What You’ll Learn Intelligence How different poisons affect the human body The usage of poisons as a covert assassination method The deaths of defectors Alexander Litvinenko and Georgi Markov The Soviet Union’s Lab X and the production and research of poisons on the state level Reflections The double edge of creativity The necessity fo...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 648
Summary Jefferson Morley and Mark Zaid join Andrew in a debate over the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Mark and Jeff are longtime friends and colleagues with very different viewpoints of what truly happened on November 22nd, 1963. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The lasting questions surrounding the Kennedy assassination Lee Harvey Oswald’s intelligence connections The Warren Commission and the JFK Assassination Records The strangest theories Mark and Jeff have heard, and the most pl...
Aug 20, 2024•53 min•Ep. 647
Summary Jefferson Morley and Mark Zaid join Andrew in a debate over the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Mark and Jeff are longtime friends and colleagues with very different viewpoints of what truly happened on November 22nd, 1963. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The lasting questions surrounding the Kennedy assassination Lee Harvey Oswald’s intelligence connections The Warren Commission and the JFK Assassination Records The strangest theories Mark and Jeff have heard, and the most pl...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 646
Summary Henry Hemming ( X , Website ) joins Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn) to discuss the case of Frank Hegarty, a British spy operating within the IRA. Henry is a bestselling espionage author. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Espionage and the role of MI5 within the Troubles The story of Frank Hegarty, a British spy working in Derry Freddie Scappaticci, or Stakeknife, and Operation Kenova The moral implications of spying Reflections Sacrifice, risk, and trust The nuances of conflict And much, much more …...
Aug 06, 2024•59 min•Ep. 645
Summary Brett Forrest and Warren Strobel join Andrew to discuss reporting intelligence. Brett and Warren are national security reporters for The Wall Street Journal. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The intelligence learning curve Stories from the front lines of modern conflicts and critical moments The unique challenges that come with reporting on intelligence, and ... The risks, including being a target of espionage Reflections Privacy and protection The power, and danger, of sharing information...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 644
Summary General Frank McKenzie ( Biography , LinkedIn ) joins Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn) to discuss his new book, The Melting Point . General McKenzie was the 14th commander of the United States Central Command. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Combatant commands and their purpose Leading CENTCOM, Central Command The role of intelligence in military leadership The US withdrawal from Afghanistan Reflections Learning from the lessons of history The importance and impact of leadership And much, much more...
Jul 23, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 643
Summary An expert panel of world leaders gathered at the International Spy Museum to discuss the importance of NATO today and in the future. Panelists included former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, among others. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Threats facing Baltic countries, including Russia The importance of NATO support for Ukraine Maintaining stability during political turmoil NATO’s growth and where it still needs to evolve in the 21st century Reflecti...
Jul 16, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 642
Summary Camille Stewart Gloster ( X , LinkedIn ) joins Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn) to discuss her career in cyber. Camille was the first Deputy National Cyber Director for Technology & Ecosystem for the White House. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The intersections between technology and law The origins of the cyber threat The importance of cyber education Building a diverse cyber workforce Reflections Challenging narratives and norms Strategic education And much, much more … Quotes of the Week “A...
Jul 09, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 641
Summary Michael Collins joins Andrew to discuss the National Intelligence Council. Michael is the NIC’s current acting chair. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The role of the National Intelligence Council National Intelligence Officers and their work around the world The products of the NIC, including the Annual Threat Assessment The importance of Intelligence Diplomacy and objective analysis Reflections The power of collaboration Staying grounded and optimistic And much, much more … Quotes of the...
Jul 02, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 640
Summary Jason Barlow ( X ; Biography ) joins Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn) to discuss the iconic James Bond vehicles. Jason is the longstanding editor-at-large at Top Gear. What You’ll Learn Intelligence How the “Bond car” phenomenon came to be Ian Fleming’s love for cars The different “nationalities” of Bond cars What it’s like to be behind the wheel of some of these iconic cars Reflections The making of pop culture The “personality” of cars And much, much more … Quotes of the Week “Something strange ...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 639
Summary Laura Hicken ( LinkedIn ) and Lauren vonBechmann ( LinkedIn ) join Andrew ( X ; LinkedIn) to discuss the collection of the International Spy Museum. SPY’s collection consists of 10,000 espionage-related artifacts. What You’ll Learn Intelligence The ins and outs of getting into the museum field Why Museums? SPYs largest, smallest, and coolest artifacts The challenges of being a “spy” museum Reflections Following your passions A dedication to lifelong learning and teaching And much, much m...
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Jun 17, 2024•1 min
