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19/12/2023

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

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 more … Quotes of the Week “In the last couple of years, we've seen really a securitization of how China views intelligence and national security in general. And just this July, we saw China pass a revised counter espionage law. So with the whole host of laws of China's past since 2014 … it basically has made collection of intelligence and protecting Chinese national security the responsibility of every Chinese citizen.” - Bonny Lin. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* -The Eye of Horus: Egyptian Intelligence with Dina Rezk (2023) -China’s Corporate Spy War with CNBC’s Eamon Javers (2023)  -The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023) -Trafficking Data: The Digital Struggle with China with Aynne Kokas (2022) *Beginner Resources* -China-Taiwan crisis explained: What is behind the tensions?, ITV News, YouTube (2022) [3 min. video] -8 things you need to know about China’s economy, World Economic Forum (2016) [Short article] -Xi Jinping, Forbes (n.d) [Brief profile] DEEPER DIVE Books -Spies and Lies: How China's Greatest Covert Operations Fooled the World, A. Joske (Hardie Grant, 2022)  -The Chinese Invasion Threat: Taiwan’s Defense and American Strategy in Asia, I. Easton (Eastbridge Books, 2019) -The Hundred-Year Marathon: China's Secret Strategy to Replace America as the Global Superpower, M. Pillsbury (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2016)  Primary Sources  -National Intelligence Estimate – China-Taiwan: Prospects or Cross-Strait Relations (1999)  -Forecasting the Sino-Vietnamese Split (1986) -China-Vietnam: A Status Report (1983) -Establishment of a China Task Force (1966)  -Communist Chinese Intervention in the Vietnam War (1966) -Controls on Trade with Communist China (1955) *Wildcard Resource* -Need a good cookie recipe for the holidays? Try this recipe adapted from the 1300-year old cookies found during the 1915 excavation of the Astana Cemetery in Xinjiang, China.  -The petrified cookies are currently part of the collection of the British Museum, and still look quite tasty!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 6m
12/12/2023

“My Life in American Intelligence” – with Barry Zulauf

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 the people  And much, much more … Quotes of the Week “[Fentanyl] is an enormous, enormous problem and no single organization, even as big as the Defense Intelligence enterprise, can deal with it alone. So, it's going to be a lot of diplomacy and a lot of building bridges, convincing people to do the right thing.”  – Barry Zulauf. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* First of Many…America’s First Female Intelligence Agency Chief with former NGA Director Letitia “Tish” Long (2023) Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan (2023) Irregular Warfare & Intelligence with IWC Director Dennis Walters (2023) El Chapo, the Sinaloa Cartel & Intelligence with Trial Reporter Noah Hurowitz (2022) *Beginner Resources* America's intelligence community, explained, The Washington Post, YouTube (2014) [2 min. video] Members of the IC, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (n.d.) [Brief summaries of the 18 agencies]  Who We Are, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (n.d) [Short article] DEEPER DIVE Primary Sources  The WMD Commission Report (2005) The 9/11 Commission Report (2004)  The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (2004) The Clark Report (1955) The Doolittle Report (1955) National Security Act (1947) CIA Review of the World Situation (1947)  *Wildcard Resource* Barry mentioned early in the episode that he actually rowed into town the morning we recorded this episode – Barry shares this hobby with Teddy Roosevelt, an avid rower and the president that was instrumental in the creation of the FBI. Check out this Letter from Charles J. Bonaparte to Theodore Roosevelt that catapulted the FBI into existence.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 8m
05/12/2023

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

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 ownership and belonging And much, much more … Quotes of the Week “The motivation for writing the book was to get the word out how important cultural heritage is. It really is important to make the public realize that this is an important program that should be supported by law enforcement both local and federal.” – Robert Wittman. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *Featured Resource* Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures, R. Wittman (Crown Publishing, 2011) *SpyCasts* The Gambling Capital of the World: Intelligence, Las Vegas Style! with James Lockhart and Keith Michaels (2023) Venice’s Secret Service with Ioanna Iordanou (2023) 70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special with Alexis Albion on 007 (2023) How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Spy Game with Mike Susong (2023) *Beginner Resources* Why art gets stolen time and again, R. Pryor, The Art Newspaper (2020) [Short article]  FBI Art Theft Program, FBI, YouTube (2013) [6 min. video] What is cultural property?, Information and Heritage Inspectorate (n.d.) [Short article]  DEEPER DIVE Primary Sources  Crystal Sphere, Collection of the University of Pennsylvania Museum Mask of the Man with the Broken Nose, Collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art  Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, Collection of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum The Concert, Collection of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum The Rosenberg Diary, Collection of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum  Museums and the theft of works of art (1973)  *Wildcard Resource* Can you identify famous pieces and artists like an art detective? Take this Google Arts & Culture quiz to see if you’re cut out for the job!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 11m
28/11/2023

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

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 much, much more … Quotes of the Week “I think that's one of the ways in which the Egyptian Intelligence Service sort of conceives of its primary responsibility. It's about maintaining internal security, and particularly at the moment you know, since 2014, I would say sort of eliminating any sort of political opposition, any possibility of political opposition.” – Dina Rezk. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* The Intelligence Legacy of the Yom Kippur War with Uri Bar-Joseph (2023)  Former Senior Indian Intelligence Officer with R&AW Special Secretary Vappala Balachandran (2023) Kenya, East Africa, and America with African Intelligence Chief Wilson Boinett (2023) Israeli Military Intelligence with IDF Brig. General (Res.) Yossi Kuperwasser (2023) *Beginner Resources* Egypt Profile, BBC News (2019) [Timeline] Abdul Fattah al-Sisi - in 60 seconds, BBC News, YouTube (2014) [1 min. video] Why Was The Suez Crisis So Important?, Imperial War Museum (n.d.) [Short article] *Featured Resource* The Arab World and Western Intelligence: Analysing the Middle East, 1956-1981 (Intelligence, Surveillance and Secret Warfare), D. Rezk (Edinburgh University Press, 2018)  DEEPER DIVE Books Making the Arab World: Nasser, Qutb, and the Clash That Shaped the Middle East, F. A. Gerges (Princeton University Press, 2018)  Egypt on the Brink: From Nasser to Mubarak, T. Osman (Yale University Press, 2011) Nasser: The Last Arab, S. K. Aburish (Thomas Dunne Books, 2004) Orientalism, E. W. Said (Vintage Publishing, 1979)  Primary Sources  Mining of the Red Sea (1984)  CBS Broadcast “The Assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat” (1981) ‘The Most Dangerous Game’ In Mideast (1980)  Special Assessments on the Middle East Situation (1967)  “Cairo Hails Nasser as Situation Sends Dulles to England” Newsreel (1956)  Meeting at the White House to Discuss Suez Crisis (1956) *Wildcard Resource* “Intelligence” in Egypt goes back as far as the ancient times of pyramids and pharaohs. One of the earliest accounts of the impact of spies and propaganda in Ancient Egypt is the Battle of Kadesh, a major conflict against the Hittite Empire around 1275 BC.  Check out this relief seen inside the Great Temple of Ramses II depicting an ancient view of interrogation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 2m
21/11/2023

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

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  Sacrificing personal privacy for national security And much, much more … Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East vs. West with Calder Walton (2023) Ukraine & the Alliance with NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence David Cattler (2023)  Ukraine & Intelligence: One Year On with Shane Harris (2023) *Beginner Resources* What Is The Five Eyes Alliance?, K. Haan, Forbes (2023) [Short article] Russian invasion of Ukraine: A visual timeline of the war, ABC News, YouTube (2023) [6 min. video] What is a defence attaché?, Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (2007) [Backgrounder] DEEPER DIVE Books The Secret History of the Five Eyes: The untold story of the shadowy international spy network, R. Kerbaj (Blink Publishing, 2022) The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine, S. Plokhy (Basic Books, 2017) Defense of the West, S. Sloan (Manchester University Press, 2016) Primary Sources  UK defence policy and the role of the armed forces (2023) Integrated Review Refresh 2023: Responding to a more contested and volatile world (2023) Defence Command Paper 2023: Defence’s response to a more contested and volatile world (2023) Statement on the Salisbury & Amesbury Investigation by Neil Basu (2018)  Strategic Defence and Security Review: First Annual Report (2010) Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine (1991)  *Wildcard Resource* Midway (1976)  A (dramatic) retelling of the 1942 Battle of Midway, one of the most critical naval battles of the Second World War – A battle that perfectly exhibits the importance of intelligence in a time of war.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 5m
14/11/2023

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

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 And much, much more … Quotes of the Week “When they got into the service they were told, ‘Now you're going to use your language to develop a code.’ They said, ‘But, back at home they told us not to speak Navajo, and now they want us to develop a code in Navajo?’ So, they were not only astounded, they were puzzled why they would be asked to do this when they were in a school where their identity was being erased.” – Laura Tohe. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* The 18-Year-Old Soviet Spy on the Manhattan Project: Ted Hall with Director Steve James (2023) ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL: “The D-Day Deception” with National WWII Museum Curator Corey Graff (2023) St. Ermin’s Hotel, London – The History of a Legendary Spy Site with Stephen Duffy (2023) Hitler’s Trojan Horse – Nazi Intelligence with Nigel West (2023)  *Beginner Resources* 1942: Navajo Code Talkers, Intel.gov (n.d.) [short article] Basic Navajo Introduction, YouTube (2012) [3 min. video] American Indian Code Talkers, WWII Museum (n.d.) [short article] *Featured Resource* Code Talker Stories, Laura Tohe (Rio Nuevo, 2012) DEEPER DIVE Primary Sources  Navajo Code Talkers: Oral History Interviews (various) Proclamation 4954 -- National Navaho Code Talkers Day (1982) Memorandum from Commander General Vogel to the Marine Corps Regarding Enlistment of "Navaho" Indians (1942) *Wildcard Resource* Diné Bahaneʼ: The Navajo Creation Story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 3m
07/11/2023

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

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 of the man” And much, much more … Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023) Code Name Blue Wren: Cuban Spy Ana Montes with Jim Popkin (2023) SPY@20 – “The Spy of the Century” with Curators Alexis and Andrew on Kim Philby (2022) America's Most Damaging Russian Spy, FBI Agent Robert Hanssen with Lis Wiehl (2022) *Beginner Resources* Here's the damage notorious Russian spy Robert Hanssen caused the US in over 20 years, YouTube (2023) [5 min. video] How Robert Hanssen Spied for the Soviets, History (2017) [Short article] How is a mole different from a spy?, The Times of India (2006) [Short article] DEEPER DIVE Books Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East and West, C. Walton (Simon & Schuster, 2023) A Spy in Plain Sight: The Inside Story of the FBI and Robert Hanssen―America's Most Damaging Russian Spy, L. Wiehl (Pegasus Books, 2022)  Spy: The Inside Story of How the FBI's Robert Hanssen Betrayed America, D. Wise (Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2003) Primary Sources  A Review of the FBI’s Progress in Responding to the Recommendations in the Office of the Inspector General Report on Robert Hanssen (2007) The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Voted Today to Begin a Formal Investigation of the Robert Philip Hanssen Espionage Case (2001) George W. Bush Remarks on the Robert Hanssen Espionage Case (2001) Affidavit in Robert Hanssen Spy Case (2001) Veteran FBI Agent Arrested and Charged with Espionage (2001) Statement of FBI Director Louis J. Freeh On the Arrest of FBI Special Agent Robert Philip Hanssen (2001) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
58m
31/10/2023

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

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 more … Episode Notes This week on SpyCast, we bring you a Double Bill featuring Shlomo Mofaz and Zohar Palti. Shlomo Mofaz is the former Head of Counter-terrorism Analysis for the Israeli Defense forces, and currently serves as the director of the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center. Among positions within the IDF and the Ministry of Defense, Zohar Palti formerly served as the Head of Intelligence for the Mossad.  This episode is the final installment of SpyCast’s month-long special series on Israeli intelligence. This series has coincided with the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. We hope that through these episodes we’ve provided listeners with a bit of clarity and background on the conflict and its major players.  Quotes of the Week “When you're dealing with intelligence, mistakes are very problematic … People make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, but you need to choose the best people that you can work with and you can count on to bring the information or the service that you need in real time.“ -Shlomo Mofaz. “They can't be the best over here in the Middle East right now that we can deal with any threat in a radius of 2000 kilometers without being, in a way, superpowering intelligence. We are not superpowering other issues. In intelligence, we are really, really good. And this is, first of all, to protect our family. And secondly, surviving over here in the region. We have to be the best.” -Zohar Palti. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Former Senior Indian Intelligence Officer with R&AW Special Secretary Vappala Balachandran (2023) Irish Garda Intelligence Chief with Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn (2023) Israeli Military Intelligence with IDF Brig. General (Res.) Yossi Kuperwasser (2023) The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023)  *Beginner Resources* A Timeline of the Israel-Palestinian Conflict, E. Bubola, The New York Times (2023) [Timeline]  The Middle East's cold war, explained, YouTube (2017) [10 min. video] What is an intifada?, A.V., The Economist (2017) DEEPER DIVE Books Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel's Targeted Assassinations, R. Bergman (Random House, 2018)  Gideon's Spies: The Secret History of the Mossad, G. Thomas (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2015) 34 Days: Israel, Hezbollah, and the War in Lebanon, A. Harel & A. Issacharoff (St. Martin’s Press, 2008)  Video The Green Prince (2014)  Primary Sources  A Strategic Assessment of the Hizballah War: Defeating the Iranian-Syrian Axis in Lebanon (2006)  The PLO Weapons Ship from Iran (2002) Israeli Perspectives on the Gulf Crisis (1990) The Intifada in Judea and Samaria: A View From the Field (1990) Judea and Samaria: Behind the Uprising (1988)  Hamas Covenant (1988) Israel’s “Peace for the Galilee” Operation in Lebanon – Some Initial Perspectives (1982)  Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United States and the Government of Israel on Strategic Cooperation (1981)  *Wildcard Resource* Indiana “Dietrick” Jones?! Ever wanted to go on an architectural dig, intrigued by the prospect of finding an ancient artifact – or even treasure…grab your hat and bullwhip and book your dig for a day in Israel here!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 49m
24/10/2023

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

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 This week on SpyCast, Andrew was joined by Aviram Halevi, former Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Sayeret Matkal, Israel’s top-secret elite commando unit. Aviram served over two decades in various branches of Israeli intelligence, and recently co-wrote the book Sayeret Matkal: The Greatest Operations of Israel's Elite Commandos. Andrew and Aviram discuss the origins and history of the unit, including the stories of some of Sayeret Matkal’s most notable operations.  And…  Sayeret Matkal’s motto is “Who Dares Wins” – A motto first used by Britain’s Special Air Service during World War II. Since then, 11 other elite special forces units have also adopted the saying. Quotes of the Week “What makes [Sayeret Matkal] so unique? The fact is that these people, and you mentioned that before, we are not rambos and there is no ramboism in the unit in Sayeret Matkal. On the contrary, the basic building block of the Sayeret is the team. The team is what you're kind of imprinted with once you get drafted. And this will be your designation forever. I'm team Raz. Raz was my commander, and my soldiers are team Aviram for the rest of their lives.” – Aviram Halevi. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* The Intelligence Legacy of the Yom Kippur War with Uri Bar-Joseph (2023) Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy with Michael Vickers (2023) Israeli Military Intelligence with IDF Brig. General (Res.) Yossi Kuperwasser (2022) Black Ops: The Life of a Legendary CIA Shadow Warrior with Ric Prado (2022) *Beginner Resources* Massacre at the 1972 Olympic Games, National Park Service (2023) [Short article] What Is Sayeret Matkal, Israel's Special Forces Unit Set For Hostage Rescue Operation In Gaza?v, YouTube (2023) [7 min. video] Entebbe Raid, Encyclopedia Brittanica (n.d.) [Short encyclopedia entry] DEEPER DIVE Books Sayeret Matkal: The Greatest Operations of Israel's Elite Commandos, A. Shur & A. Halevi (Skyhorse, 2023) No Mission Is Impossible: The Death-Defying Missions of the Israeli Special Forces, M. Bar-Zohar & N. Mishal (Ecco, 2016)  Operation Thunderbolt: Flight 139 and the Raid on Entebbe Airport, the Most Audacious Hostage Rescue Mission in History, S. David (Little, Brown and Company, 2015) Vengeance: The True Story of an Israeli Counter-Terrorist Team, G. Jonas (Simon & Schuster, 2005)  Video Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story (2012) One Day in September (1999)  Primary Sources  Entebbe Protocols (1976) [Rabin, Allon, Peres, etc.] Ambassador Dinitz and Secretary Kissinger (June 30, 1976) Ambassador Dinitz and Secretary Kissinger (July 5, 1976) Uganda, Kenya Dispute (1976) Amin Says Uganda Retains Right to Reply to the Raid (1976) Speech by Ugandan Prime Minister on the 40th Anniversary of Entebbe (2016) *Wildcard Resource* Elite commando units like Sayeret Matkal, while not as focused on intelligence, go back as far as military history. To read about the special forces of antiquity, check out Persia’s The Immortals, Byzantine’s Tagma, and Rome’s Extraordinarii Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 12m
20/10/2023

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

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 a journey of nuclear spying, technology theft, and double agents, with intelligence that might still help Moscow in a nuclear exchange today. Tune in to all six episodes of Spy Valley NOW to learn more!  This live panel features moderator Sharon Weinberger, the national security and foreign policy editor at The Wall Street Journal, featuring Zach Dorfman, investigative journalist and host of Spy Valley; John Gibbons, who headed the United States Attorney's prosecution team in the case against James Harper; Dr. Raymond J. Batvins, Former Supervisory Special Agent and Counterintelligence Course Instructor at the Institute of World Politics; and Dr. Vince Houghton, Director of the National Cryptologic Museum and former historian at SPY. They’ll explore how the tech capital of the world became a hotbed for Soviet Bloc spies and what James Harper’s betrayal of his country has meant for modern day warfare. Thank you to our friends and collaborators at Goat Rodeo, Project Brazen, and PRX for their support of this program.  Listen to the series here or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 32m
17/10/2023

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

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 And much, much more … Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Israeli Military Intelligence with IDF Brig. General (Res.) Yossi Kuperwasser (2023)  POW’s, Vietnam and Intelligence with Pritzker Curator James Brundage (2022) The CIA and the 9/11 Commission Report – A Conversation with Alexis Albion (2021) Pearl Harbor at 75: An Interview with Steve Twomey (2016) *Beginner Resources* Yom Kippur, Encyclopedia Brittanica (2023) [Short Article]  Intelligence Failure: What, When, Why and How, A. Clark, Grey Dynamics (2023) [Article] Yom Kippur War, Pritzker Military Museum and Library, YouTube (2022) [3 min. video]  DEEPER DIVE Books Eighteen Days in October: The Yom Kippur War and How It Created the Modern Middle East, U. Kaufman (St. Martin Press, 2023) THE ANGEL: The Egyptian Spy Who Saved Israel, U. Bar-Joseph (Harper Publishing, 2017) The Watchmen Fell Asleep: The Surprise of Yom Kippur and Its Sources, U. Bar-Joseph (State University of New York Press, 2005)  The Yom Kippur War: The Epic Encounter That Transformed the Middle East, A. Rabinovich (Shocken, 2004) Primary Sources  Agranat Commission of Inquiry Interim Report, Center for Israeli Education (1974)  Israel-Egypt Separation of Forces Agreement, Center for Israeli Education (1974) Intelligence Memorandum: The Israeli Primary Elections (1973) United Nations Resolution 338 (1973) Response to U.S. Appeal for a Ceasefire (1973) Transcript of Secret Talks between Egyptian National Security Adviser Hafez Ismail and US National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger, Center for Israeli Education, Center for Israeli Education (1973) Commemoration of IDF Casualties and Congratulations on Victory in Battle (1967) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 13m
10/10/2023

“Former Israeli National Security Advisor” – with Uzi Arad

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 influence And much, much more … Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Irregular Warfare & Intelligence with IWC Director Dennis Walters (2023) Israeli Military Intelligence with IDF Brig. General (Res.) Yossi Kuperwasser (2023) Keeping Secrets/Disclosing Secrets with Spy Chief turned DG of Australia’s National Archives David Fricker (2022) Intelligence & the World’s Largest Democracy with Former Indian Intelligence Director Vikram Sood (2021) *Beginner Resources* National Security Definition and Examples, R. Longley, ThoughtCo (2021) [Short article] What Was the Iran-Contra Affair?, HISTORY, YouTube (2018) [5 min. video] A 60-Second Guide To The Arab Spring, G. Wyler, Insider (2011) [Short article] DEEPER DIVE Books Eighteen Days in October: The Yom Kippur War and How It Created the Modern Middle East, U. Kaufman (St. Martin’s Press, 2023)  Bibi: The Turbulent Life and Times of Benjamin Netanyahu, A. Pfeffer (Basic Books, 2018) Gideon's Spies: The Secret History of the Mossad, G. Thomas (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2015)  Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East, M. B. Oren (Presidio Press, 2006) Primary Sources  Trilateral Statement on the Middle East Summit at David Peace, The Avalon Project (2000)  The Wye River Memorandum (1998)  The Washington Declaration, Jewish Virtual Library (1994) Report of the Congressional Committees Investigating the Iran-Contra Affair, CIA FOIA (1987)  Israel’s “Peace for the Galilee” Operation in Lebanon – Some Initial Perspectives, Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs (1982) Sitting 145 of the Ninth Knesset (1978) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 22m
03/10/2023

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

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 influence on Israeli intelligence Reflections The challenge of survival Conflict and compromise, or lack thereof And much, much more … *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Episode Notes This week on SpyCast, Andrew was joined by Erez David Maisel to discuss an overview of the history of intelligence and espionage in Israel. This episode is the first in our 5-part series on Israeli Intelligence. In this month-long series, SpyCast takes a deep dive into the ins and outs of intelligence and espionage in Israel – its intricate history, agencies, major successes and failures, and current state. In this first episode, Erez helps us to lay out a broad roadmap of the history of Israeli intelligence, providing an excellent foundation of knowledge to build upon in the coming weeks. Stay tuned! And…  Erez is an alumni of the University of Haifa, which sits atop the northeastern slope of Israel’s Mount Caramel mountain rage. On the western side of the range, you can find the The Nahal Me’arot / Wadi el-Mughara Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that documents over 500,000 years of the history human evolution.  Quotes of the Week “I would say that from 1909 until probably the early eighties of the 20th century, the biggest threat is survival. You know, this fear that somebody … would come and do something. And we have to protect ourselves from that.” – Erez David Maisel. *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Kenya, East Africa, and America with African Intelligence Chief Wilson Boinett (2023) Irish Garda Intelligence Chief with Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn (2023)  Israeli Military Intelligence with IDF Brig. General (Res.) Yossi Kuperwasser (2023) Hitler’s Trojan Horse – Nazi Intelligence with Nigel West (2023) *Beginner Resources* Israel Profile: Timeline, BBC (2019) [Timeline of important events] The Israel-Palestine conflict: a brief, simple history, Vox, YouTube (2016) [10 min. video] Zionism, Encyclopedia Britannica (2023) [Short background article] *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* DEEPER DIVE Books A State at Any Cost: The Life of David Ben-Gurion, T. Segev (Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2019) A History of the First Arab-Israeli War, B. Morris (Yale University Press, 2009) The Sword And The Olive: A Critical History Of The Israeli Defense Force, M. Van Creveld (PublicAffairs, 2002) One Palestine, Complete: Jews and Arabs Under the British Mandate, T. Segev (Picador, 2001) Primary Sources  The Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel (1948) Israel Requests Recognition From the United States, Jewish Virtual Library (1948) Presentation of the Jewish case by representatives of the Jewish Agency, Jewish Virtual Library (1947) The Balfour Declaration, Center for Israel Education (1917) The Sykes-Picot Agreement (1916) The Jewish Question and the Plan for the Jewish State, Center for Israel Education (1896) *Wildcard Resource* While this episode focuses mainly intelligence over the past 100 years, the history of espionage in Israel goes back much further.  Check out the Story of the 12 Spies from a portion of the Torah to learn more about biblical spies!  *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 29m
26/09/2023

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

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 the last And much, much more … Quotes of the Week “Make sure that you are taking care of yourself, that you're getting that balance, you know, work life balance. And when I say that, I mean many different things because everybody is different. Whether it's family, friends, spiritual, physical, or working out, you’ve got to take care of all aspects of yourself so you're ready to give 110%. Because that's what the intelligence community takes.” – Tish Long. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy with Michael Vickers (2023) Leader, Lecturer, Analyzer, Nerd with Jorhena Thomas (2023) SPY CHIEFS: “From Navy Analyst to State Dept. Intelligence Chief” with Ellen McCarthy (Part 1 of 2) SPY CHIEFS: “From Navy Analyst to State Dept. Intelligence Chief” with Ellen McCarthy (Part 2 of 2) *Beginner Resources* What is Geospatial Intelligence or GEOINT?, Geospatial World, YouTube (2023) [2 min. video] Spy Satellite Expert Explains How to Analyze Satellite Imagery, Wired, YouTube (2021) [5 min. video] NGA History, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (n.d) [Short article] DEEPER DIVE Books Geospatial Intelligence: Origins and Evolution, R. M. Clark (Georgetown University Press, 2020) Facts and Fears: Hard Truths from a Life in Intelligence, J. Clapper (Penguin Books, 2018) Manhunt: The Ten-Year Search for Bin Laden from 9/11 to Abbottabad, P. L. Bergen (Crown, 2012) Primary Sources  The Advent of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Office of the NGA Historian (2011) Geospatial Intelligence Basic Doctrine, NGA (2006)  Memorandum to the Director of NIMA on Expanded Use of US Commercial Space Imagery, CIA (2002) A Century of CORONA, CIA (1968) NGA Reference Chronology, Office of the NGA Historian (n.d.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 2m
19/09/2023

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

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 Transitioning from leader to student And much, much more … Quotes of the Week “There was a lot of pressure. There was a lot of pressure, especially, for example: Certain incidents happening – What would be the repercussions in India? Now, anything that happens in Pakistan, it will have some repercussions in India. And, same thing in Afghanistan, and then all the neighboring countries, we are to watch them.” – Vappala Balachandran. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Irish Garda Intelligence Chief with Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn (2023) Venice’s Secret Service with Ioanna Iordanou (2023) Indian Intelligence & Cyber, A Conversation with Sameer Patil, ORF Mumbai (2023) Intelligence & the World’s Largest Democracy with Former Indian Intelligence Director Vikram Sood (2021) *Beginner Resources* The Entire History of India in Under 10 Minutes, Made in History, YouTube (2022) [10 min. Video] RAW: A History of India’s Covert Operations, Y. Yadav, New Indian Express (2020) [Short article] Timeline: India-Pakistan Relations, A. Hashim, Al Jazeera (2019) [Historical timeline] DEEPER DIVE Primary Sources  Agreement on a ceasefire between Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (2022) Pradhan Inquiry Commission Report, 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks (2009) Lessons from the Mumbai Terrorist Attacks, US Senate Hearing (2009) Kautilya’s Arthashastra (1915 translation) Thiruvalluvar’s Tirukkuṟaḷ (1886 translation)  The Police Act (1861) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 4m
12/09/2023

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

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 world And much, much more … Quote of the Week “I think people should in general take comfort from the work that is done by intelligence services and the exceptional collaboration that there is with these services to keep people safe. And that is not just at home, that's abroad – Where we come into possession of a piece of intelligence that we feel will be a value elsewhere, we'll share that elsewhere.” – Michael McElgunn. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Kenya, East Africa, and America with African Intelligence Chief Wilson Boinett (2023)  St. Ermin’s Hotel, London – The History of a Legendary Spy Site with Stephen Duffy (2023) Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan (2023)  The IRA, The Troubles & Intelligence with Eleanor Williams and Thomas Leahy (2022) *Beginner Resources* A Brief History of Ireland, T. Lambert, Local Histories, n.d. [Short article]  Our History, An Garda Síochána, n.d. [Web page] The Troubles, J. Wallenfeldt, Encyclopedia Britannica [Encyclopedia entry] DEEPER DIVE Books We Don't Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland, F. O’Toole (Liveright, 2023) Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland, P. R. Keefe (Anchor, 2020)  Policing Twentieth Century Ireland: A History of An Garda Síochána, V. Conway (Routledge, 2013) The Guarding of Ireland – The Garda Síochána and the Irish State 1960–2014: A History of the Irish Police Force, C. Brady (Gill Books, 2014) Primary Sources  Gárda Síochána (Temporary Provisions) Act (1923) Royal Irish Constabulary Office Preliminary Arrangements for Disbandment, Garda Archives (1922)  Orders for the Guidance of the Troops, Garda Archives (1919) National Union of Police and Prison Officers, National Museum of Ireland (1919)  The Police and the Nation, Garda Archives (1916)  1916 Proclamation, National Museum of Ireland (1916)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 1m
05/09/2023

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

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 enact change *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Episode Notes This week on SpyCast, we are thrilled to be joined by our first ever African intelligence chief. Brigadier General (Ret.) Wilson Boinett is the individual credited with transforming Kenya’s National Intelligence Service into the world-class agency it is today. Following a decades long career in the Kenyan Army, Wilson became the first Director of the newly created intelligence agency in 1999. He believed in the possibly of change and the potential for collaboration amongst East African countries and set out to do just that. Tune in to this week’s episode to learn more about his extraordinary career and lessons in leadership.  This episode is the second in our Spy Chiefs Special series that will run throughout September. Stay tuned in the weeks to come to hear perspectives from Ireland, India, and the first woman to direct an American intelligence organization.  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Quotes of the Week I was coming in at the time when all those things were happening and the Cold War was over, and the western intelligence did not care very much what Kenya was going to do. So, I had an opportunity to look at this monster called change …. I went to the president, and I said, “I think it is time to change.” And he said, “Go change it.”  Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* David Petraeus on Ukraine & Intelligence with the former CIA Director & 4* General (2023) Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East vs. West with Calder Walton (2023)  Irregular Warfare & Intelligence with IWC Director Dennis Walters (2023) The 75th Anniversary of the CIA with former Director Robert Gates (2022) *Beginner Resources* A Brief History of Kenya, A. Boddy-Evans, ThoughtCo (2020) [Short Article] The Late British Empire, History Matters, YouTube (2017) [Ten-minute video] What Was the Mau Mau Uprising? Imperial War Museum (n.d.) [Short article] *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* DEEPER DIVE Books History of Resistance in Kenya, M. wa Kĩnyattĩ (Mau Mau Research Center, 2019) Kenya After 50: Reconfiguring Historical, Political, and Policy Milestones, M. M. Kithinji et al. (Palgrave Macmillan, 2016)  Population, Tradition, and Environmental Control in Colonial Kenya, M. S. Shanguhyia (University of Rochester Press, 2015) Kenya: A History Since Independence, C. Hornsby (I.B. Tauris, 2013) Primary Sources  Report of the Accountability Review Boards: Bombings of the US Embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, US Department of Justice (1999) 5 Fugitives Indicted in Embassy Bombings, J. Mintz, The Washington Post (1998) The National Security Intelligence Service Act (1998)  Lancaster House Agreement, United Nations Peacemaker (1979) Kenya Independence Act (1963) Kenyan Independence Memorandum by the Secretary of State for Commonwealth, UK National Archives (1963) Mau Mau Violence – Control Measures, CIA (1953)  The Situation in Kenya (Mau Mau Uprising), CIA (1952)  General Act of the Berlin Conference on West Africa, San Diego State University (1885)  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* *Wildcard Resource* Take a trip to Nairobi from your couch and explore the National Museums of Kenya through Google Arts & Culture.  Explore Kenya’s 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Take a Tour of the Nairobi Gallery, or Learn a Bit of Swahili, one of Kenya’s two official languages! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 8m
29/08/2023

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

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 TRANSCRIPT HERE* Episode Notes David Petraeus was CIA Director between September 2011 and November 2012, and prior to that had a 37-year career in the U.S. Army, rising to its highest rank of 4 star General. Are you curious to hear an in-depth strategic analysis of the Ukraine War from one of the most talented American officers of his generation? Would you like to know more about his time as CIA Director? Listen in to find out. Quotes of the Week "This is the first war with smartphones, internet connectivity, and social media, such as we see here. It was not present before. even really in the Iraq and Afghanistan war, certainly not to this scale. so that is a dramatic change…It also gives a degree of transparency to this war that I don't think has ever existed before." – David Petraeus. *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy with Michael Vickers (2023)  Ukraine & the Alliance with NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence David Cattler (2023)  Irregular Warfare & Intelligence with IWC Director Dennis Walters (2023) Ukraine & Intelligence: One Year On with Shane Harris (2023) The 75th Anniversary of the CIA with Former Director Robert Gates (2022) *Beginner Resources* 5 Things You Should Know About the War in Ukraine, UN Refugee Agency (2023) [Short article] What Caused the Ukraine War?, J. S. Nye, Harvard Belfer Center (2022) [short article] A History of Ukraine in 5 Minutes, Sky News (2014) [5 min video] Putin’s War on Ukraine, Explained, Vox (2022) [8:48 min video] *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* DEEPER DIVE Books Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine, D. Petraeus & A. Roberts (Harper, 2023)  The New Makers of Modern Strategy, H. Brands et al. (Princeton University Press, 2023)  The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine, S. Plokhy (Basic Books, 2017) Primary Sources  Petraeus Testimony on U.S. Middle East Policy, Senate.gov (2015) Petraeus Confirmation Hearings to be Director, CIA, Senate.gov (2011) Petraeus Military Retirement Speech, American Rhetoric, YouTube (2011) Petraeus Confirmation Hearing, ISAF and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, C-SPAN (2010) The American Military and the Lessons of Vietnam, David Petraeus, DocumentCloud (1987) [Petraeus’ Ph.D. dissertation] *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* *Wildcard Resource* General Petraeus was known for the counterinsurgency approach he implemented in Afghanistan and Iraq – sometimes called The Petraeus Doctrine. You can implement your own counterinsurgency by playing a board game developed by former CIA analyst Volko Ruhnke - A Distant Plain: Insurgency in Afghanistan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 22m
22/08/2023

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

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 learning *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Episode Notes This week on SpyCast, Andrew was joined in the studio by Bill Britton, Vice President of Information Technology, Chief Information Officer at Cal Poly, and the Director of the California Cybersecurity Institute. Bill joins us to discuss the work Cal Poly is doing to train, accelerate, and empower the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. And…  In 2011, Oprah Winfrey declared San Luis Obispo “America’s Happiest City,” and it’s no wonder why – the quiet city is nestled within a beautiful landscape surrounded by historic architecture, interesting landmarks, and over 250 vineyards. Erin and Andrew are rethinking their East coast lifestyles…  Quotes of the Week “We're trying to establish a way that people think differently about what cyber really is and does for them, and how it can be an expediter of their abilities to have a job and do great things for not just themselves, but the nation at large.” – Bill Britton *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Indian Intelligence & Cyber with Sameer Patil of ORF Mumbai (2023)  Espionage and the Metaverse with Cathy Hackl (2023) Trafficking Data: The Digital Struggle with Aynne Kokas (2022)  Sure, I Can Hack Your Organization with Eric Escobar, Part 1 (2022)  Sure, I Can Hack Your Organization with Eric Escobar, Part 2 (2022)  *Beginner Resources* CyberWire Word Notes, CyberWire (2023) [Audio glossary] What is Cybersecurity?, CISA (2021) [Short article] Cybersecurity in 7 minutes, Simplilearn (2020) [7 min video]  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* DEEPER DIVE Books The Cyberweapons Arms Race, N. Perloth (Bloomsbury, 2021)  Cult of the Dead Cow: How the Original Hacking Supergroup Might Just Save the World, J. Menn (Public Affairs, 2019) The Art of Invisibility, K. Mitnick (Little, Brown, and Company, 2017) Ghost In The Wires: My Adventures as the World's Most Wanted Hacker, K. Mitnick & W. L. Simon (Little, Brown, and Company, 2011) Primary Sources  Cybersecurity Case Library, Vol. 1, California Cybersecurity Institute (2021) NASA’s Cybersecurity Readiness, NASA (2021) Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, US Congress (1986)  *Wildcard Resource* Defend the Crown (2021) A computer game for all ages that teaches the basics of cybersecurity, through the defense of your virtual castle from cyber ninjas!  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 1m
15/08/2023

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

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?  Playing your cards right And much, much more … ***FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE HERE*** Episode Notes This week on SpyCast, Andrew is joined by Keith Michaels and James Lockhart on a journey into the secret underbelly of the “Gambling Capital of the World,” Las Vegas. How do casinos conduct surveillance, and what prompted them to adopt formal surveillance operations? Tune in to find out. Quotes of the Week “Casino operations are venues for intelligence activity, not just for the low-level criminal or the higher-level criminal, but also nation states … You know, we're only catching about 35% of what's going on. There's a lot of cash moving around very fast. A lot of people coming in and out in a casino. So, the possibilities are kind of endless.” – James Lockhart. ***FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE HERE*** Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* 70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special with Alexis Albion on 007, Part 1 (2023) 70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special with Alexis Albion on 007, Part 2 (2023) How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Spy Game with Mike Susong (2023) Baseball and Espionage with Ryan Zimmerman and Marc Polymeropoulos (2022) Dealing with Russia: A Conversation with Counterintelligence Legend Jim Olson (2022) *Beginner Resources* A Brief History of Las Vegas, T. Lambert, Local Histories (2021) [Short Article]  A Brief History of Gambling, R. Cormack, Medium (2018] [Short Article] How to Play Baccarat, WikiHow (2020) [Short Video] ***FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE HERE*** DEEPER DIVE Books Casino: The Rise and Fall of the Mob in Las Vegas, N. Pileggi (Ebury Press, 2015) Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling, D. G. Schwartz (Winchester Books, 2013)  Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions, B. Mezrich (Free Press, 2002) Casino Royale, I. Fleming (Jonathan Cape, 1953) Primary Sources  Federal Special Agent Pleads Guilty To Gambling With Government Funds, United States Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada (2022) Surveillance Standards for Nonrestricted Licensees, Nevada Gaming (2005) Gaming probers sue CIA, CIA (1979)  How U.S. Made Unholy Alliance with the Mafia, CIA (1975)  Bugsy Siegel Collection, FBI (n.d.) *Wildcard Resource* In 1983, William Casey, then Director of the CIA, was invited to the Recording Industry Cultural Award Dinner. Luckily for him, Kenny Rogers was the featured performer of the night. He probably played “The Gambler,” a song that Erin thinks is a spot-on analogy for the Intelligence Cycle. You’ve got to know when hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em … Know when to walk to away, and know when to run.  ***FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE HERE*** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 3m
08/08/2023

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

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 week on SpyCast, Andrew is joined by CNBC’s Senior Washington Correspondent Eamon Javers to discuss his new documentary, China’s Corporate Spy War.  Quotes of the Week “I don't think people in corporate America knew that, fully understood the scale of the threat. They thought this was kind of an annoyance like shoplifting is, and that you kind of just build in some procedures and there's some sunk costs associated with that, and you move on. What these intelligence guys were describing was an entirely different threat. This was the elimination of major American brands from the global marketplace.” - Eamon Javers. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East vs. West with Calder Walton (2023)  The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023) Trafficking Data: The Digital Struggle with China with Aynne Kokas (2023) The FBI & Cyber with Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran, Part 1 (2022) The FBI & Cyber with Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran, Part 2 (2022) Dealing with Russia – A Conversation with Counterintelligence Legend Jim Olson (2022)  *Beginner Resources* What is Corporate Espionage?, A. T. Tunggal, UpGuard (2023) [Article] Timeline: U.S.-China Relations, Council on Foreign Relations (n.d.) [Timeline] A Tale of High Stakes Corporate Espionage, Bloomberg (2023) [7:44 video] ***FULL SHOWNOTES AVAILABLE HERE*** DEEPER DIVE Books SPIES: The Epic Intelligence War Between East and West, C. Walton (Simon & Schuster, 2023) The Scientist and the Spy: A True Story of China, the FBI, and Industrial Espionage, M. Hvistendahl (Riverhead Books, 2020)  To Catch a Spy: The Art of Counterintelligence, J. Olson (GUP, 2019) Broker, Trader, Lawyer, Spy: The Secret World of Corporate Espionage, E. Javers (HarperCollins, 2010)  Primary Sources  A Survey of Reported Chinese Espionage, 2000 to the Present, CSIS (2023)  Justice Department Announces Five Cases as Part of Recently Launched Disruptive Technology Strike Force, U.S. Department of Justice (2023)  Chinese Government Intelligence Officer Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Espionage Crimes, Attempting to Steal Trade Secrets From Cincinnati Company, U.S. Department of Justice (2022)  Executive Summary - China: The Risk to Corporate America, FBI (2019)  Economic Espionage Act (1996)  *Wildcard Resource* The Second Letter from Père d’Entrecolles to Father Orry (1722)  The art of porcelain making and selling was mastered under the Qing Dynasty. The West got curious and knew the form of pottery could be profitable to produce on their own. Because of the secrets shared by this Jesuit priest, China’s monopoly on porcelain production quickly toppled and the practice was spread across Europe. ***FULL SHOWNOTES AVAILABLE HERE*** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 9m
01/08/2023

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

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. personal conscience And much, much more  And… Steve James has been nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Documentary Feature in 2018 for Abacus: Small Enough to Jail, and Best Film Editing in 1995 for Hoop Dreams. Steve is the first Oscar nominee to join us on SpyCast since Robert de Niro sat down with our first host Peter Earnest in 2009!  Quotes of the Week “Ted was young and naive in some ways, but his reasons for what he did were not grounded in fantasy … Whether you support what he did or not, I don't know that the U. S. having the bomb all to itself would have been a great thing, given that we are the only nation to have actually dropped the bomb on anyone, period.” – Steve James. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *Headline Resource*  A Compassionate Spy, Steve James, Magnolia Pictures (2022) Available in select theaters and streaming on August 4th *SpyCasts* Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East vs. West with Calder Walton (2023) St. Ermin’s Hotel, London – The History of a Legendary Spy Site with Stephen Duffy (2023) Becoming a Russian Intelligence Officer with Janosh Neumann (2022) The Nuclear Doomsday Machine with Sean Maloney on Cold War Emergency Plans (2022) *Beginner Resources* What Was the Manhattan Project?, T. Metcalfe, Scientific American (2023) [Article] U.S.-Russia Nuclear Arms Control (1949-2021), Council on Foreign Relations (n.d.) [Timeline] Theodore Hall: American-born physicist and spy, Encyclopaedia Britannica (n.d.) [Encyclopedia entry] DEEPER DIVE Books Sleeper Agent: The Atomic Spy in America Who Got Away, A. Hagedorn (Simon & Schuster, 2021) The Manhattan Project: The Birth of the Atomic Bomb in the Words of Its Creators, Eyewitnesses, and Historians, C. C. Kelly (Black Dog & Leventhal, 2020)  Atomic Spy: The Dark Lives of Klaus Fuchs, N. T. Greenspan (Penguin Books, 2020) Bombshell: The Secret Story of America’s Unknown Atomic Spy Conspiracy, J. Albright & M. Kunstel (Times Books, 1997)  Video Modern Marvels: The Manhattan Project, The History Channel, YouTube (2020)  Science Behind the Atom Bomb, Nuclear Museum, Atomic Heritage Foundation (2013) Primary Sources  Report by the Ad Hoc Committee to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “Evaluation of Effect on Soviet War Effort Resulting from the Strategic Air Offensive,” National Security Archive (1949) The Evaluation of the Atomic Bomb as a Military Weapon, Harry Truman Presidential Library (1947) A Petition to the President of the United States from Los Alamos Scientists, Harry Truman Presidential Library (1945)  Albert Einstein to Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman Presidential Library (1945) Decision to Maintain Contact with Theodore Hall, National Security Agency (1944) *Wildcard Resource* The development of nuclear weapons not only had a massive impact on history and science – It also inspired new architectural designs and art. Read this Architectural Digest article on the Atomic Age Design and why our brains still register it as “futuristic” 75 years later!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
59m
25/07/2023

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

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 the various chapters of your life  Serving a country vs. serving a political party  And much, much more … Episode Notes Michael Vickers has been on a heck of a ride. He started out as a U.S. Army private with no degree and went on to oversee hundreds of thousands of people as the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence while holding a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins. Michael is the author of By All Means Available: Memoirs of a Life in Intelligence, Special Operation & Strategy.  Quotes of the Week "That weapon was called the Special Atomic Demolition Munition [i.e., “Nuclear Backpack] ...it was a sporty, uh, you know, it seemed like a good idea when I was 23 years old. So, there you have it." – Michael Vickers. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* “The Nuclear Doomsday Machine” – with Sean Maloney (2022_ “The Spies Who Came in From the Cold” - Chris Costa and John Quattrocki (2022) “The Spymaster’s Prism” – CIA Legend Jack Devine (2021) “Lessons from a Life in the CIA’s Clandestine Service” – Hank Crumpton (2012) “The CIA and the End of the Cold War” – Milt Bearden (2011) *Beginner Resources* Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, Homeschool History (2022) [2:25 min video] Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, Encyclopedia Britannica (2023) [3-minute read] The Operation That Took Out Osama Bin Laden, Military.com (2023) [3-minute read] The Plan to Get Osama, ABC News (2012) [6:44 min video] DEEPER DIVE Video The End of a Superpower - The Collapse of the Soviet Union, DW Documentaries (2022) Manhunt: The Search for Osma bin Laden, HBO (2013) Afghanistan 1979, the War that Changed the World, Gulya Mirzoeva, Icarus Films (2015) Red Star Over Khyber, PBS Frontline (1984) Primary Sources  Commander, 500th MI Group, Subj: Guerilla Use of Stinger Missiles and Their Effect on Soviet Tactics in AF, circa 1987. Memorandum of Conversation between Vice President Bush and Pakistani President Zia, December 8, 1982 Conversation between M.S. Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan on Afghanistan (Excerpt), December 8, 1982 Message to Soviet Ambassadors on the Invasion of Afghanistan, Attachment to CPSU Politburo Decree #177, December 27, 1979 *Wildcard Resource* A Distant Plain: Counter-insurgency Afghanistan: Government, Coalition, Taliban and Warlords compete (2013) Play this board game developed by former guest and former World Board Game Champion, Volko Ruhnke,  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 13m
18/07/2023

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

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, mentor, and analysis extraordinaire. It was a pleasure to have Jorhena in the studio to discuss to her career, which began at the Federal Bureau of Investigation where she served as an intelligence analyst for 8 years. She moved on to work at the Washington D.C. Fusion Center, the District of Columbia Deputy Mayor’s Office, and in private consulting. She currently lectures at both American University and Georgetown University, and serves as the Director of Mentorship and Professional Advancement at Girl Security. And…  Women make up 59% (more than half!) of the FBI’s Intelligence Analysis workforce. This has come along way since the first female FBI special agents, Joanna Pierce Misko and Susan Roley Malone, were hired in 1972. However, the work is not done. SpyCast is proud to highlight Jorhena’s work with Girl Security, supporting, mentoring, and training the next generations of women in intelligence.  Quotes of the Week “All my time with the FBI really gave me an appreciation for partnerships, and understanding everyone has a role to play. And if you respect what they do and they respect what you do, then you can really get some good work done. And I think sometimes people look down on others who don't do what they do. And my attitude is, if they did what you do, then you don't need to be here” – Jorhena Thomas Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023) SPY CHIEFS: From Navy Analyst to State Dept. Intelligence Chief – Ellen McCarthy’s Journey (Part 1 of 2) (2022)  SPY CHIEFS: From Navy Analyst to State Dept. Intelligence Chief – Ellen McCarthy’s Journey (Part 2 of 2) (2022) My Global Career as a Female FBI Agent with Kathy Stearman (2021) Special Operations, FBI, NSC, et al – Serial Collaborator Karen Schaefer (2021) *Beginner Resources* What is Intelligence Analysis and Why is It So Important?, National American University (2020) [Short article] FBI Field Intelligence Groups and Fusion Centers, Department of Homeland Security (n.d.) [Fact sheet]  What is The Intelligence Cycle?, SOCRadar (2022) [Short article] DEEPER DIVE Books How Spies Think: Ten Lessons in Intelligence, D. Omand (Penguin, 2020)  Psychology of Intelligence Analysis, R. J. Heuer (Echo Point, 2017)  Reducing Uncertainty: Intelligence Analysis & National Security, T. Fingar (SUP, 2011) The FBI: A History, R. Jefferys-Jones (Yale, 2007) Articles How to Think Like an Intelligence Analyst, Z. T. Brown, Medium (2021) 9/11 and the Reinvention of the Us Intelligence Community, E. Kamarck, The Brooking Institution (2021)  No body, no burial, no peace for Iran hostage Bob Levinson's family, J. G. Meek & C. Finnegan, ABC News (2021) Getting from Awareness to Action on Disinformation, J. Thomas, The Cipher Brief (2020) Tabletop Exercises to Combat Disinformation, J. Thomas, Medium (2020) How the FBI Reinvented Itself After 9/11, C. Nobel, Harvard Business School (2016)  Video Adding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to National and Homeland Security, Education, Intelligence, and Fusion Centers (2023)  Women FBI Agents: In Their Own Words, FBI (2012) Primary Sources  FBI Washington Field Office Statement on the 16th Anniversary of the Abduction of Robert A. Levinson, FBI Washington (2023) The Internal Effects of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Reprioritization, Office of the Inspector General (2004) United States Patriot Act (2001) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 13m
11/07/2023

“The Kneeling Man” – with Leta McCollough Seletsky

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 power and the counterintelligence program (or, COINTELPRO) The conspiracies surrounding Dr. King’s assassination Reflections Coming to terms with the past … and present Small but important steps of progress And much, much more … *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Resources  SURFACE SKIM *Headline Resource* The Kneeling Man: My Father's Life as a Black Spy Who Witnessed the Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., Leta McCollough Seletsky (Counterpoint, 2023)  *SpyCasts* The Counterintelligence Chief with Alan Kohler (2023)  The Third Option – US Covert Action with Loch Johnson, Part 1 (2022)  The Third Option – US Covert Action with Loch Johnson, Part 2 (2022)  The Birth of American Propaganda with John Hamilton (2021)  Juneteenth Special: African-American Spies (2021)  *Beginner Resources* “I Am A Man” Dr. King and The Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike, M. Gailani, Tennessee State Museum (2020) [Short brief]  Martin Luther King Jr., The Nobel Prize (n.d.) [Biography]  COINTELPRO: United States Government Program, N. Frederique, Encyclopaedia Britannica (n.d.) [Short article]  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* DEEPER DIVE Books The Sword and the Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcom X and Martin Luther King Jr., P. E. Joseph (Basic Books, 2021) An Unseen Light: Black Struggles for Freedom in Memphis, Tennessee, A. Goudsouzian, C. W. McKinney, et al. (The University Press of Kentucky, 2018)  The Heavens Might Crack: The Death and Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., J. Sokol (Basic Books, 2018)  The COINTELPRO Papers: Documents from the FBI's Secret Wars Against Dissent in the United States, W. Churchill & J. V. Wall (South End Press, 2001)  Primary Sources  The King v. Jowers Trial Findings, U.S. Department of Justice (1999)  Final Report of the Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities, United States Senate (1976)  Report from Vietnam, Walter Cronkite (1968)  “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” Speech, Martin Luther King Jr., AFSCME (1968)  "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence" Speech, Martin Luther King Jr., American Rhetoric (1967)  COINTELPRO Records Collection, FBI Records: The Vault (n.d) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 13m
04/07/2023

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

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 in the world compare to sitting back, putting your feet up, and cracking open a cold one while watching the World Series.  For the 2021 World Series Marc joined us for a fantastic discussion on the links between baseball and espionage. How do we top that? A baseball fanatic ex-CIA officer?  Why, how about getting a first-round draft pick, World Series Champion with over 6500 at-bats? Done! Enter Ryan Zimmerman, Mr. National!  Ever wondered about signs-stealing, how to run a baseball counterintelligence operation, or what some of the many, many links are between baseball and espionage? You’ve come to the right place for a discussion that goes to the bottom of the ninth inning over a two-episode conversation. Ryan played for the Nationals from 2005, when he was a first-round draft pick, through to 2021, when his #11 jersey was retired. He is an ex- All-Star, Silver Slugger, Gold Glove winner, and 2019 World Series Champion.  Marc is a highly decorated former CIA operations officer who specialized in counterterrorism, the Middle East, and South Asia. Prior to his retirement, he served at CIA headquarters in charge of clandestine operations in Europe and Eurasia. He is the author of the 2021 book, “Clarity in Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the CIA.” And… “Big Data” is upending many fields, not least baseball and espionage. Gaining a competitive edge is central to both activities, the big argument is about how much “soul” is lost along the way. The Houston Astros have been a lighting-rod team, whose “smart and modern” or “cold and cynical” approach has been discussed at Penn's Wharton School of Business and in the pages of the Harvard Business Review.  Quotes of the Week "I think “Dare to Fail” is enormous. I would want you to put me up at the bases load in the bottom of the ninth. I'll take it every single time. Even if I feel like I have zero chance, I want to be there." - Ryan Zimmerman "You know, you have to have that mentality in these professions." - Marc Polymeropoulos Resources *Andrew’s Recommendation* Moneyball, M. Lewis (W.W. Norton, 2004) Love it or hate it, this is the first port of call for any reckoning of baseball and analytics.  *SpyCasts* “Baseball & Espionage” – with Marc Polymeropoulos (2021) *Beginner Resources* Spy Agencies Struggling in Age of Big Data, A. Zegart, Wired (2022) [article] Baseball Analytics for the Casual Fan, Simple Sabermetrics (2020) [7 min video] Beginners Guide to Baseball Analytics, N. Allen, Fansided (2018) [article] Best Baseball Analytics Resources, Simple Sabermetrics (2022) Books Spies, Lies and Algorithms, A. Zegart (PUP, 2022) The Catcher Was a Spy: Moe Berg, N. Dawidoff (Pantheon, 1994) Articles Baseball and Cybersecurity, S. Handler, Atlantic Council (2020) Baseball’s Rude Welcome to Age of Cyberespionage, N. Paine, 538 (2015) The Man Who Remade Basketball, M. McCluskey, Wired (2014) Baseball on Exhibit: Musuems in the SABR Era, Z. Jendro, SABR (2011) Video Lessons from the CIA’s Analytic Front-Lines, B. Pease, JHU (2022) Sabermetrics 101: Baseball Analytics, A. Andres, Talks at Google (2016) CIA’s Chief Information Officer - Advanced Analytics, D. Wolfe, O’Reilly (2015) Primary Sources The PC Goes to Bat (1984) *Wildcard Resource* Get “Analytics Certification” from the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) - which is where the term “sabermetrics” comes from! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 5m
27/06/2023

"Venice’s Secret Service" – with Ioanna Iordanou

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 and fall of empires The relationship between geography and power And much, much more … *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Quotes of the Week “Considering some of the most significant challenges we face right now, such as disease, we just got over a global pandemic or migration or trade or climate change or cybersecurity, all these issues do not stop at the borders like any early modern spies, they cross borders. So even reflecting on how people dealt with these things in the past might help us make better political, social, economic decisions.” – Ioanna Iordanou. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *Headline Resource  Venice’s Secret Service: Organizing Intelligence in the Renaissance, Ioanna Iordanou (Oxford University Press, 2014)  *SpyCasts* Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan (2023)  The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023)  The Lion and the Fox – Civil War Spy vs. Spy with Alexander Rose (2023) Keeping Secrets/Disclosing Secrets with Spy Chief turned DG of Australia’s National Archives David Fricker (2022) *Beginner Resources* A Brief Overview of Renaissance History, Art in Context (2023) [Short article] Profile of a City: Venice, Renaissance Italy (2012) [Short article]  Brief History of the Renaissance in 5 Minutes, 5 Minutes (2022) [YouTube video] *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* DEEPER DIVE Books Inventing the World: Venice and the Transformation of Western Civilization, M. F. Small (Pegasus Books, 2020) City of Fortune: How Venice Ruled the Seas, R. Crowley (Random House, 2013) A World Lit Only by Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance, W. Manchester (Little, Brown and Company, 1993)  Primary Sources  The Life and Letters of Sir Henry Wotton, Internet Archive (1907)  The de’Barbari Map (View of Venice), Cartography Venice Project Center (1500)  Letter of Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini to Lord Cardinal Firmanus, Carleton College (1453)  The Shorter Annals of Venice, Carleton College (ca. 13th century)  Primary Collections  Venetian Diplomatic Agents in England, British History Online (1202-1509) *Wildcard Resource* Browse the art of Titian, an artist whose work was used as a form of payment for spies and intelligence gatherers in Venice. Not a bad paycheck!  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
59m
20/06/2023

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

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 danger State conformity vs. Personal convictions  And much, much more …    Quote of the Week  “When I envision reunification, I am envisioning reunified Korea under a liberal democratic system as opposed to say, unified Korea under a more North Korean system – That I oppose. My desire is that in a unified Korea, even North Korean populous or population living in northern parts of the Korean Peninsula will be guaranteed fundamental, standard rights as humans.” – Agent Kim, Hyun Woo. Resources   SURFACE SKIM  *SpyCasts*  Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East vs. West with Calder Walton (2023) The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023) The Counterterrorism and Counter WMD Strategist with Dexter Ingram (2022) Becoming a Russian Intelligence Officer with Janosh Neumann (2022) *Beginner Resources*  The Current Situation in North Korea, United States Institute for Peace (2022) [Fact sheet] A Brief History of North Korea in 3 Minutes, G. Willson, New York Magazine (2017) [3 min. video] *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* DEEPER DIVE  Books  Becoming Kim Jong Un: A Former CIA Officer’s Insights, J. H. Pak (Ballantine Books, 2020)  The Impossible State: North Korea, Past and Future, V. Cha (Ecco, 2018) In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom, Y. Park (Penguin Books, 2015)  Korea’s Place in the Sun: A Modern History, B. Cumings (W.W. Norton, 2005)  Primary Sources   Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un Delivers Speech at Military Parade, KCNA Watch (2020) Key Issue Paper for Secretary of State-designate Madeleine Albright, Subject: Korean Peninsula Issues, National Security Archive (1994) China: Potential Response to Korean Contingencies, DIA Special Report, National Security Archive (1994) DPRK: Slow-Motion Succession: the Secretary’s Morning Intelligence Summary, National Security Archive (1994) Protocol for the Phased Withdrawal of Troops (First Draft), Wilson Center (1954) Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Republic of Korea, US Forces Korea (1953)  Statement by President Syngman Rhee, Wilson Center (1953) Congratulatory Message [from Mao Zedong] to the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army, Wilson Center (1953) Telegram from Stalin to Mao Zedong, Wilson Center (1952) Cable Nos. 408-410, Shtykov to Vyshinsky, Wilson Center (1950)  Statement by the President, Truman on Korea, Wilson Center (1950) *Wildcard Resource*  Inspired by Dr. Kim’s love for Sherlock Holmes: His Last Bow is the last chronological short story installment of the Sherlock Holmes series. In this story, Sherlock tracks down a German spy during the First World War! *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 4m
13/06/2023

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

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, much more … Quotes of the Week My conclusion, unfortunately, Andrew, is that looking at this large sweep of history that we have, not so much a Putin problem today, but a Russia problem. And the Russia problem has been persistent over a hundred years, which is why it makes me very cautious about speculation … Unfortunately, it seems to me that the Putin and the people he surrounds himself with in the Kremlin are all cut from this very similar cloth as he is.  Resources  SURFACE SKIM *Headline Resource* SPIES: The Epic Intelligence War Between East and West, Calder Walton (Simon & Schuster, 2023) *SpyCasts* Ukraine & the Alliance with NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence David Cattler (2023) Ukraine & Intelligence: One Year On with Shane Harris (2023) Becoming a Russian Intelligence Officer with Janosh Neumann (2022) The Spies Who Came in From the Cold with Chris Costa and John Quattrocki at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago (2022) Dealing with Russia with Counterintelligence Legend Jim Olson (2022) CIA Legend Jack Devine on Countering Russian Aggression (2012) *Beginner Resources* Putin’s Revisionist History of Russia and Ukraine, I. Chotiner, New Yorker (2022) [Short article] Has Putin's war failed and what does Russia want?, P. Kirby, BBC (2023) [Short article] The Cold War Explained in 15 Minutes, YouTube (2021) [15 min. video] *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* DEEPER DIVE Books Russian Intelligence, K. Riehle (NIU, 2022) Putin’s People, C. Belton (William Collins, 2021) Between Two Fires, J. Yaffa (Duggan Books, 2020) The New Cold War, E. Lucas (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2014) Primary Sources  The Putin Files, CBS (n.d.) Memorandum of Conversations (Rise of Putin) Clinton with Putin (2000) Clinton with Putin (2000) Clinton with Yeltsin (1999) Clinton with Yeltsin (1999) Clinton with Putin (1999) Madelaine Albright with Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov (1999) Clinton with Putin (1999) Clinton with Yeltsin (1999) Oral Histories U.S. Ambassadors to Moscow John Huntsman (2017-2019) John F. Tefft (2014-2017) Michael McFaul (2012-2014) John Beryle (2008-2012) Alexander Vershbow (2001-2005) James F. Collins (1997-2001) Thomas R. Pickering (1993-1996) Jack F. Matlock (1987-1991) *Wildcard Resource* Putin Strikes: The Coming War for Eastern Europe A two-player board game where one commands the Kremlin’s forces and the other an international polyglot force. Trippy or what? *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 9m
06/06/2023

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

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 Intelligence in the World War II Museum Reflections Appearance and intention The essential unknowability of the world And much, much more … *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Quotes of the Week “During the evenings, French Resistance is taking over and blowing up train tracks and sort of funneling people this way. And that's another thing to talk about when we talk about D-Day is, intelligence was gained from French citizens beforehand. And the night of the 5th & 6th, we witnessed something like a thousand points of sabotage within the area directed at the Germans.” – Cory Graff on the French Resistance’s contribution to D-Day  Resources  SURFACE SKIM Andrew’s Recommendation The D-Day episode of the landmark documentary The World at War (“Morning: June-August 1944 (Ep. 17 of 26)”) *SpyCasts* St. Ermin’s Hotel, London – The History of a Legendary Spy Site with Stephen Duffy (2023)  Hitler’s Trojan Horse – Nazi Intelligence with Nigel West (2023) Nazis on the Potomac with former National Park Service Chief Historian Bob Sutton (2022) The Nuclear Doomsday Machine – with Sean Maloney on Cold War Emergency Plans (2022)  *Beginner Resources* Here’s what happened on D-Day, the largest amphibious invasion ever undertaken, CNN (2021) [1 min. video] When and How Did World War II End?, R. Wilde, ThoughtCo (2020 [Short article] The 10 Things You Need to Know about D-Day, Imperial War Museum (n.d.) [10 quick facts] DEEPER DIVE *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Primary Sources  General Eisenhower’s Order of the Day, National Archives (1944)  In Case of Failure Message from Gen. Eisenhower, Eisenhower Presidential Library (1944) Overlord – Anvil Papers, Eisenhower Presidential Library (1944)  Report of the 82nd Airborne Division, “Operation Neptune”, Eisenhower Presidential Library (1944)  Neptune Monograph, The D-Day Story Museum (1944)  *Wildcard Resource* The crossword panic of 1944! In the run up to D-Day important codenames such as “Omaha,” “Overlord,” “Mulberry,” and “Neptune,” appeared in the Daily Telegraph newspaper crossword puzzle. Was someone signaling the Allies plans to the Germans? We don’t think so...but one possible explanation involves loose-lipped soldiers, a WWI veteran schoolteacher, and some naughty schoolboys! *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 9m
30/05/2023

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

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 adopters vs. counter responders The changing nature of crime enabled by emerging technologies – spyware, drones, etc. And much, much more… Episode Notes Joaquín Archivaldo Guzmán Loera, aka El Chapo (shorty) because of his 5-foot 6-inch frame, was called by one of the agents chasing him, “the godfather of the drug world.” So, how did a low-level drug dealer from a provincial state rise to try and subvert the Mexican government to his will? What was the intelligence game that played out with regards to El Chapo? How did the cartels use spytech, tradecraft and cybersecurity to stay one step ahead of the law? How was he caught? To answer these questions and more, Andrew sat down with Noah Horowitz who covered the trial of El Chapo in Brooklyn for Rolling Stone magazine. Noah is also the author of the recent book El Chapo, and his work has appeared in the Village Voice, the Baffler and New York Magazine.  And… In the El Chapo trial, question No.57 asked prospective jurors, “Are you familiar with Jesus Malverde?” If you are not familiar with this angel of the poor (el ángel de los pobres) as well as the Sinaloan narcos (el narcosantón), then you can find out why this question would be relevant here, here, here and here. Quote of the Week "So, in addition to encrypted communications…he was also installing spyware on Blackberry devices that El Chapo was giving out to his lieutenants and his girlfriends and his wives. And then EL Chapo was able to use this, the spyware program to see what was on their phones. He was able to see their text messages. He was able to see their locations. He was even able to remotely activate their mic and listen to them. And he loved that…it was like a toy to him almost. He became obsessed with it." – Noah Hurowitz Resources Headline Resource El Chapo, N. Hurowitz (S&S, 2021) *SpyCasts* Drug Cartels, Sleeper Cells, the Waco Siege & the Mob - Dennis Franks (2021) Books Dope: History of the Mexican Drug Trade, B. Smith (W.W. Norton, 2021) Blood Gun Money: How America Arms Gangs & Cartels, I. Grillo (Bloomsbury, 2021) Articles Drugs, Crime and the Cartels, CFR (2021) The Tech that Took Down Pablo Escobar, Wired (2021) Mexican Cartels Cyber Surveillance, C. Schilis-Gallego, Forbidden Stories (2020)  Spy vs. Spy, El Chapo Edition, E. Groll, FP (2019) The Spyware that Brought Down El Chapo, S. Fussell, The Atlantic (2019) Websites El Paso Intelligence Project (EPIC) Centro Nacional De Intelligencia (CNI)  PBR (Projects, Briefs, Reports)  Mexico: Evolution of the Merida Initiative, C. Seelke, CRS (2021) Mexico Organized Crime and Drug Traffickers, J. Beittel, CRS (2020) Primary Sources EDNY Press Release on El Chapo Trial (2019) Memo in Support of Pre-trial Detention, USA vs. Joaquín Guzmán Loera (2017) Trial Transcripts of El Chapo Text Messages with His Mistress (2012) Official Report on Mexico’s “Dirty War” (2006) Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (1999) Primary Source Collections The Mexican Intelligence Digital Archives (MIDAS) Inside The Cartel: Key Documents (LAT) *Wildcard Resource* “The Original Indigenous People of Sinaloa” To understand Joaquín Guzmán Loera, starting at the year of his birth, 1957, might be enough; but to understand “El Chapo” it might help to go deeper still… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
59m
23/05/2023

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

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* Episode Notes This week on SpyCast, curators Andrew and Alexis join forces to put the past 70 years of Bond into historical perspective. To help frame their conversation, our collections team brought out a fantastic selection of Bond artifacts for Andrew and Alexis to interact with during the recording of this episode.  Quotes of the Week “I think in general the spy genre always has to have one foot, often two, in the real world. It's part of what makes that genre appealing and not science fiction. It takes place in the real world. And whether that is, you know, some of the technology or real-world threats, it has to be relatable and recognizable in that sense.” – Alexis Albion. *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCast’s* Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan (2023) Secrets Revealed with Curators Alexis and Andrew on SPY’s Pop-Up Exhibit (2023) CIA Officers Turned Authors with David McCloskey and James Stejskal (2022) The Spy of the Century with Curators Alexis and Andrew on Kim Philby (2022) My Life Looking at Spies and the Media with Paul Lashmar (2022) *Beginner Resources* MI6 History & Facts, Encyclopedia Britannica (2022) [Brief history of MI6] The Evolution of James Bond, Fandom Entertainment, YouTube (2021) [15 min. video] Ian Fleming, Famous Authors (n.d.) [Short biography] *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Primary Sources  Primos Bionic Eye, Collection of the International Spy Museum (2021) James Bond’s Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Watch, Collection of the International Spy Museum (2021)  007 Fragrance Commercial, YouTube (1965) James Bond Action Pak Toy Commercial, American Character, YouTube (1964) Aston Martin DB5, Collection of the International Spy Museum (1964) The Zimmermann Telegram, National Archives (1917)  *Wildcard Resource* Everyone has a favorite James Bond theme song. If you just can’t choose just one, check out The Ultimate James Bond Medley – A production from Alchemistic Records featuring all 25 Bond songs.   *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
47m
16/05/2023

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

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* Episode Notes This week on SpyCast, curators Andrew and Alexis join forces to put the past 70 years of Bond into historical perspective. To help frame their conversation, our collections team brought out a fantastic selection of Bond artifacts for Andrew and Alexis to interact with during the recording of this episode.  Quotes of the Week “I think in general the spy genre always has to have one foot, often two, in the real world. It's part of what makes that genre appealing and not science fiction. It takes place in the real world. And whether that is, you know, some of the technology or real-world threats, it has to be relatable and recognizable in that sense.” – Alexis Albion. *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCast’s* Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan (2023) Secrets Revealed with Curators Alexis and Andrew on SPY’s Pop-Up Exhibit (2023) CIA Officers Turned Authors with David McCloskey and James Stejskal (2022) The Spy of the Century with Curators Alexis and Andrew on Kim Philby (2022) My Life Looking at Spies and the Media with Paul Lashmar (2022) *Beginner Resources* MI6 History & Facts, Encyclopedia Britannica (2022) [Brief history of MI6] The Evolution of James Bond, Fandom Entertainment, YouTube (2021) [15 min. video] Ian Fleming, Famous Authors (n.d.) [Short biography] *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Primary Sources  Primos Bionic Eye, Collection of the International Spy Museum (2021) James Bond’s Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Watch, Collection of the International Spy Museum (2021)  007 Fragrance Commercial, YouTube (1965) James Bond Action Pak Toy Commercial, American Character, YouTube (1964) Aston Martin DB5, Collection of the International Spy Museum (1964) The Zimmermann Telegram, National Archives (1917)  *Wildcard Resource* Everyone has a favorite James Bond theme song. If you just can’t choose just one, check out The Ultimate James Bond Medley – A production from Alchemistic Records featuring all 25 Bond songs.   *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
53m
09/05/2023

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

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, much more … *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Episode Notes During World War II, the hotel was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill’s Special Operations Executive – a crucial element in his initiative to “set Europe ablaze.” Notorious spies Kim Philby and Donald Maclean were known to enjoy a drink at the hotel bar while sharing secrets with their Soviet handlers. And that’s not all – to learn the rest, you’ll have to listen to the episode.  Quotes of the Week “That’s where Burgess, MacLean, and Philby at different times met their Russian handlers in plain sight and sat there and spoke normally. Didn't talk out the side of their mouths, didn't have red carnations and copies of the Financial Times under their arm. They just passed over their information, their paperwork or whatever, in plain sight to everybody.” – Stephen Duffy. *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Hitler’s Trojan Horse – Nazi Intelligence with Nigel West (2023) Nazis on the Potomac – with former National Park Service Chief Historian Bob Sutton (2022) SPY@20: The Spy of the Century – Curators Alexis and Andrew on Kim Philby (2022) The Beverly Hills Spy – with The Hollywood Reporter’s Seth Abramovitch (2022) *Beginner Resources* MI6 History & Facts, Encyclopedia Britannica (2022) [Brief history of MI6] World War 2 Chronology, B. Johnson, Historic UK (n.d.) [Timeline of Britain in WWII] How Churchill Led Britain to Victory in the Second World War, J. Taylor, Imperial War Museum (n.d.) [Short article] The St. Ermin’s Autobiography, St. Ermin’s Hotel (n.d.) [Pamphlet] *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Primary Sources  File Release: Cold War Cambridge spies Burgess and Maclean, UK National Archives (2015) Alexander Simitch Stevens Oral History, Imperial War Museum (1992) Basil Davison Oral History, Imperial War Museum (1988) My Silent War, K. Philby (1967) SOE Training Advice on Disguise, UK National Archives (n.d.) *Wildcard Resource* The cocktail menu at St. Ermin’s Caxton Bar features a number of spy-related references, including Bond’s signature drink. To learn more about this “shaken, not stirred” beverage, check out this article for a brief history of the Vesper Martini.  *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
54m
02/05/2023

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

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 … Episode Notes Last February, SpyCast brought you an episode featuring David Cattler, focused on his role as NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security. Only a few weeks after that episode was published, Russia invaded the Ukraine on February 24th, 2022, catalyzing the first war on European soil since World War II. Only three weeks ago, NATO gained their newest member of the alliance, Finland, with the hopes of ratifying Sweden’s membership soon.  This week, we bring David back on to discuss how his position has evolved and changed alongside the war in Ukraine, and how NATO is responding to the ongoing crisis. What impact does the inclusion of Finland (and hopefully Sweden) make on the European continent? Tune in to find out more.  And…  With Finland’s recent membership, NATO is currently comprised of 31 independent nations. Out of these 30, only one member state doesn’t have a standing army – Can you guess which? Hint: It’s Iceland!  Quotes of the Week "It's not just about Ukraine. It really is about what kind of world we all want to live in. There are rules and the rules really do establish that nations of people have rights to be free. To make decisions for themselves, to be sovereign, to be safe within their own borders. To be free from harm and certainly free from being threatened in the way that we've seen here." – David Cattler. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Ukraine & Intelligence: One Year On with Shane Harris (2023) How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Spy Game with Mike Susong (2023)  Dealing with Russia with Counterintelligence Legend Jim Olson (2022) NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security with David Cattler (2022) *Beginner Resources* What is NATO and why is Finland joining?, BBC News (2023) [Short article] Russia-Ukraine Relations in 60 Seconds, CBC News (2022) [1 min. video] The Formation of NATO and the Warsaw Pact | History, YouTube (2017) [3 min. video] *FULL SHOW NOTES HERE* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 12m
25/04/2023

Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan

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, much more … *FULL SHOW NOTES HERE* Episode Notes Elizabeth I, daughter of Henry VIII and his second wife Anne Boleyn, survived no less than 9 elaborate plots against her life. In an era of religious conflict and constant power struggles, it was perhaps more important than ever to run an effective intelligence service.  Guest Bio R. Kent Tiernan previously served as an intelligence officer in the United States Air Force, and an assistant professor of history at the United States Air Force Academy. Kent also served as the Vice Chairman and Staff Director of the Foreign Denial and Deception Committee before retiring in 2014 at the rank of Senior National Intelligence Service officer. Quotes of the Week Our analysts do a wonderful job, but it's very difficult for them because they're looking for continuity or congruity in the information, uh, in order to come up with an answer or a best evaluation of truth. Our job was looking for incongruities in the information. Uh, things that didn't make sense the other evidence was leaning one way, but then we'd get a bit of evidence, and it just didn't make sense to what we were seeing, uh, normally. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *Featured Resource* The Walsingham Gambit: Deception, Entrapment, and Execution of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, R. Kent Tiernan (Lexington Books, 2022) *SpyCasts* The Denial and Deception Committee – with Bill Parquette The IRA, The Troubles & Intelligence - with Eleanor Williams and Thomas Leahy (2022) So, You Want to Be a Codebreaker? - with Elonka Dunin and Klaus Schmeh (2021) The Spymaster’s Prism - with CIA Legend Jack Devine (2021) *Beginner Resources* A beginner’s guide to the Babington Plot, M. Mayhew, The History Press (n.d.) [article] Biography of Mary Queen of Scots, E. Castelow, Historic UK (n.d.) [article] Queen Elizabeth I, B. Johnson, Historic UK (n.d.) [article] Elizabeth I’s Problem with Religion, YouTube (2021) [5 min. video] *FULL SHOW NOTES HERE* Primary Sources  Drawing of Mary, Queen of Scots’ Execution by Robert Beale, British Library (1587) Page of Ciphers Used by Mary Queen of Scots, UK National Archives (1586) Letter from Mary, Queen of Scots in Sheffield Castle to Elizabeth I, British Library (1582) Mary, Queen of Scots to Sir William Cecil, UK National Archives (1570) Letter from Elizabeth I to Mary, Queen of Scots, British Library (1568) Elizabeth I to Mary, Queen of Scots, UK National Archives (1567) *Wildcard Resource* Elizabeth I famously had a sweet tooth – A habit that would eventually cause her teeth to go black in an era of subpar dentistry. One of her favorite sugary treats was candied violets – A less popular snack nowadays, but just as tasty!  *FULL SHOW NOTES HERE* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
51m
18/04/2023

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

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 strategic tool Creative problem solving And much, much more … Episode Notes This week on SpyCast, the IWC’s Acting Director Dr. Dennis Walters joins Andrew in a conversation about all thing's irregular warfare. What is irregular warfare, and how does it differ from conventional warfare? What is the mission of the IW Center, and what tools and tactics do they employ to accomplish this? Tune in to find out.  And…  Want to keep your enemies at bay, try an irregular approach – throw a “Scorpion Bomb” at them: yes, it is literally a glass jar filled with scorpions. The tactic was resurrected by ISIS.  Guest Bio  Dr. Dennis Walters is the acting Director of the Irregular Warfare Center. He served in the United States Army for 26 years, with time spent in the Army Intelligence Corps and in command of a Special Forces Operations Detachment in the Balkans. Upon his retirement from the Army, Dennis worked to build a network of irregular warfare experts that would culminate in the Department of Defense Regional Defense Fellowship Program. He has also instructed college courses on irregular warfare at the National Defense University and Regent University. He speaks fluent Russian. Quotes of the Week "It varies based on region, based on country, based on culture. And that's the part that we have not done well on the U.S. side, really factoring in all of those social implications of how you structure programs to make a country more stable, more resilient, more leaning towards the ideals that support a global community. That's the part that I think that we were missing in some cases." – Dr. Dennis Walters. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Ukraine & Intelligence: One Year On with Shane Harris (2023) “The Third Option” – US Covert Action with Loch Johnson, Part 1 (2022) “The Third Option” – US Covert Action with Loch Johnson, Part 2 (2022) Al Qaeda, DOD & the 9/11 Commission with Bonnie Jenkins and Alexis Albion (2022) Afghanistan, the Mujahedeen, Al Qaeda – My Time at CIA and State with Diana Bolsinger (2021) *Beginner Resources* Lessons from the Ukraine Conflict on Conventional War, ABC News (2022) [4:24 video] What is Hybrid Warfare? GeoVane (2019) [3:57 video] Maximizing the Potential of American Irregular War, C. Cleveland et al.,The Hill (2023) [op-ed] Irregular Warfare, D.Safire, New York Times (2008) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 9m
11/04/2023

“Havana Syndrome” – A Panel featuring Nicky Woolf, Marc Polymeropoulos, and Mark Zaid

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 Reflections The unending search for truth  Humanity in the intelligence field  Quotes of the Week "There’s a betrayal I felt when the CIA didn't give me the medical attention that I needed. You know, if you're not feeling well and an employee comes to you, send 'em to the doctor. And they weren't able to do that. And to me, that's just a leadership fail for the ages." – Marc Polymeropoulos. Resources  *SpyCasts* The Past 75 Years: A History of the CIA with Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones (2022) Dealing with Russia with Jim Olson (2022) One of the CIA’s Most Decorated Field Officers with Marc Polymeropoulos (2021) NatSec and the Law with Mark Zaid (2018) *Beginner Resources* Havana Syndrome: What We Know, B. Tau and W. P. Strobel, The Wall Street Journal (2023) [Short article] What is the “Havana Syndrome?”, Brut America, YouTube (2022) [3 min. video] What is Havana Syndrome?, B. Cuffari, News Medical (2022)  Video Who or What is Behind Havana Syndrome?, Al Jazeera, YouTube (2022) Early Victims of ‘Havana Syndrome’ Speak Out About Ongoing Health Struggles, NBC News, YouTube (2021) Primary Sources  Updated Assessment of Anomalous Health Incidents, National Intelligence Council (2023) Anomalous health Incidents: Analysis of Potential Causal Mechanisms, IC Experts Panel (2022) Senate Hearing on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, U.S. Senate (1978) Kissinger Telephone Conversation with Ambassador Dobrynin, National Security Archive (1975) Samuel Koslov Memorandum to the State Department, “Biomedical Phenomena,” National Security Archive (1965) *Wildcard Resource* Havana Syndrome is an example of a toponymic term in the medical field – A name that comes from a geographic place. For more on medical etymology, check out this article that shares the backstory of the name of 7 well-known conditions.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
56m
04/04/2023

“Indian Intelligence & Cyber” – A Conversation with Sameer Patil, ORF Mumbai

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 Imperial legacies Borders of the mind Guest Bio Sameer Patil is a senior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, where he is an expert on the intersection between cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and national security. Previously, he served as the Assistant Director of the National Security Council Secretariat at the Prime Minister’s Office in New Delhi. He has a PhD in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, and is the author of the 2022 book Securing India in the Cyber Era. Quote of the Week "So, it's a very unique relationship because if you see both the countries, uh, in a sense emerged as modern nation states at around the same time. India attended independence in 1947 the Chinese Communist party emerged victory years from a protracted civil war. In 1949 and. Initial periods of both the countries, as modern nation states were very cordial relationship, very friendly relationship in fact, we had a very populous slogan at that time, which is known as “Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai,” which means India, China, Brothers - Indians and Chinese are brothers together. But by the late 1950s, many of the issues started to unravel." – Sameer Patil. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* “Intelligence & the World’s Largest Democracy” - Indian Spy Chief Vikram Sood (2021) “Afghanistan, the Mujahedeen, Al Qaeda” – My Time at CIA & State with Diana Bolsinger (2021) Beginner Resources Cyber War: How Prepared is India? WION (2022) [Video] India’s Rise in Cybersecurity Incidents, The Print (2022) [Video] The Entire History of India in Under 10 Minutes, Made in History (2022) [Video] Cybersecurity in 7 Minutes, Simplilearn (2021) [Video]  India Profile: Timeline, BBC (2019) [Article] The Indus Valley Civilization, J. Green, PBS (n.d.) [Video] DEEPER DIVE *Featured Resource* Securing India in the Cyber Era, S. Patil (Routledge, 2022) *Wildcard Resource(s)* “The James Bond of India” Real-life spy Ajit Doval who spent years undercover in Pakistan He is currently the National Security Advisor of India!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 2m
28/03/2023

“Secrets Revealed” – Curators Alexis and Andrew on SPY’s Pop-Up Exhibit

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, that might be the Rosenbergs – These sort of incredible historic figures from the Cold War Intelligence. But to Mike Meeropol, it's his mom and dad. So, I think it's a really human story as well. This letter makes recommendations about their sentencing, about life and death, and again, for me it evokes that really human dimension about whether or not this mother might have lived.” – Dr. Alexis Albion. Resources  *SpyCasts* Hitler’s Trojan Horse – Nazi Intelligence with Nigel West (2023) Honey Trapped: Sex, Betrayal & Love – with Henry Schlesinger (2022) Amazon to Darien, Atlantic to Pacific – Intelligence in Colombia with former Head of its Navy Admiral Hernando Wills (2022) My Life Looking at Spies &the Media with Paul Lashmar (2021) *Beginner Resources* Soviet Spy Scandal: Who Were the Rosenbergs?, L. Davidson, HistoryHit (2022) [Article] Casablanca in 2 Minutes, YouTube (2019) [Video] Who was the real Mata Hari?, N. Barber, BBC Culture (2017) [Article] How D-Day Was Fought From The Sea, Imperial War Museum (n.d.) [Article] *Artifacts Discussed* Mata Hari Pencil Sketch (ca. 1905) German Bombing Map, WWII (1941) Victor Lazlos Prop Passport (ca. 1942) The Neptune Monograph (ca. 1944) J. Edgar Hoover Letter, FBI (1951) *Primary Resources* Letter from Sophie Rosenberg to Mamie Eisenhower, Eisenhower Presidential Library (1953) Letter from Clyde Miller to Dwight Eisenhower Urging Clemency for the Rosenbergs, Eisenhower Presidential Library (1953) Response from Dwight Eisenhower to Clyde Miller, Eisenhower Presidential Library (1953) The Clydebank Blitz, National Records of Scotland (1941) *Wildcard Resource(s)* The classic quote from Casablanca, “Here’s looking at you, kid” is ranked #4 on the American Film Institute’s Top 100 Movie Quotes. In fact, four quotes from the movie made it onto the list – Can you guess what the others are? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 5m
21/03/2023

"Israeli Military Intelligence" – with IDF Brig. General (Res.) Yossi Kuperwasser

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 importance and difficulty of trust  And much, much more … *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Quote of the Week “That's the problem of intelligence - It's an ongoing learning process. And if you don't learn all the time to enable you to adjust to the developing situation, you are going to fail.” – Yossi Kuperwasser. Resources  *SpyCasts* The Counterterrorism and Counter WMD Strategist with Dexter Ingram (2022) Son of Hamas, Spy for Israel with Mosab Hassan Yousef and Gonen Ben Yitzhak (2010) Israeli Intelligence and the Jonathan Pollard Spy Case with Ron Olive (2007) *Beginner Resources* History of Israel, Encyclopedia Britannica [encyclopedia entry] What you need to know about the 1987 Intifada, PBS (2019) [article] The Oslo Accords, 25 Years Later, Washington Post (2018) [video] 1967 War: Six Days that Changed the Middle East, J. Bowen, BBC (2017) [article] The Israel-Palestine Conflict: Brief, Simple History, Vox (2016) [video] *Wildcard Resource(s)* The Little Drummer Girl – A fictional novel about a double agent working for the Israelis, written by famed spy author John le Carré in 1983.  *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 7m
14/03/2023

"Hitler’s Trojan Horse” – Nazi Intelligence with Nigel West

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 NOTES HERE! Quote of the Week “The Germans were ruthless. They had really good intelligence on all the bridges. They knew exactly what had to be captured in advance. The bridges would then be held, so as to allow the tanks over, and the tanks wouldn't wait to attack strong points. They would just go directly ahead in order to achieve their objectives.” – Nigel West. Glossary Abwehr: Germany’s military intelligence service from 1920-1945, serving both the Riechswehr and Wehrmacht. Translates to “defense.” Reichswehr: The name for German armed forces from 1919-1935, under the Weimar Republic and first two years of the Third Reich. Per the Treaty of Versailles, the Reichswehr was very limited in arms and personnel. Translates to “Reich Defence.”  Wehrmacht: The name for German Armed Forces from 1935-1945 under Nazi Germany. The heavily militarized and manned Wehrmacht illustrated Hitler’s intentions to expand Germany. Translates to “Defense Force.”  Sicherheitsdienst: The intelligence agency of the Schutzstaffel, or SS. Translates to “Security Service.” Gestapo: Nazi Germany’s political police force. Notorious for their brutality and representation of Nazi authoritarianism. Full name Geheime Staatspolizei, translating to “Secret State Police.” EXTENDED SHOW NOTES HERE! Resources  SURFACE SKIM Featured Resource(s) Hitler’s Nest of Vipers: The Rise of the Abwehr, N. West (Frontline, 2022) Hitler's Trojan Horse: The Fall of the Abwehr, N. West (Frontline, 2023) *SpyCasts* Nazis on the Potomac – with former National Park Service Chief Historian Bob Sutton (2022) A Jewish Spy in Nazi Germany – 101-Year-Old Marthe Cohn’s Incredible True Story (2021) *Beginner Resources* July Plot, Britannica (2023) [encyclopedia entry) From War to War in Europe: 1919-1939, National WW11 Museum (2018) [Background on Interwar Period] The Treaty of Versailles, What Did the Big Three Want?, YouTube (2016) [3 min. video] German Chief Spy Admiral Canaris, P. Kross, Warfare History Network (2014) Abwehr, A. Lerner, Encyclopedia.com (n.d.) EXTENDED SHOW NOTES HERE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 10m
07/03/2023

“Espionage and the Metaverse” – with Cathy Hackl

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 technology And much, much more … Episode Notes The web will continue to evolve and change with time, but what’s coming next? And how will this evolution affect the ways that intelligence organizations around the world conduct their operations? This week on SpyCast, Cathy Hackl joins Andrew to explain what the metaverse is, what we can expect from living in this new virtual world, and how intelligence agencies can begin planning for the Web 3 future. Cathy Hackl has been dubbed the “Godmother of the Metaverse”  Resources Featured Resource Into the Metaverse: The Essential Guide to the Business Opportunities of the Web3 Era, Cathy Hackl (Bloomsbury, 2023)  Metaverse Marketing [Cathy’s podcast] *Beginner Resources* What Is the Metaverse, Exactly?, Wired (2022) [Article] Web 3.0 Explained In 5 Minutes, YouTube (2022) [5 min. Video] 12 new tech terms you need to understand the future, R. Gray, BBC (2018) *SpyCasts* How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Spy Game – with Mike Susong (2022) Trafficking Data: The Digital Struggle with China -- with Aynne Kokas (2022) The FBI & Cyber – with Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran (Part 1 of 2) The FBI & Cyber – with Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran (Part 2 of 2)  *Wildcard Resource* Watch the world’s first metaverse music video, Snoop Dogg’s “House I Built,” here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 1m
28/02/2023

Ukraine & Intelligence: One Year on – with Shane Harris

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 agencies Reflections The tenacity of the Ukrainian people and army History as both repetitive and unpredictable  Episode Notes This week on SpyCast, Shane Harris of The Washington Post joins Andrew to reflect on the previous year and discuss the role of intelligence within the war in Ukraine. He has been writing about these issues for more than two decades, including a period with the Wall Street Journal. He is the author of two books, The Watchers, on the rise of surveillance in the US, and @War, on the rise of the military-internet complex. He was part of a team that won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 2021. Quote of the Week “At the outset, [I] believed that what we were looking at was probably a pretty swift Russian victory … They would come in, they would decapitate the central government in Kiev in the first 72 hours, and it would be bloody, and it would be violent, but that Russia would prevail because they were deemed to have the superior military in terms of technology experience numbers. Turns out, all those things were spectacularly wrong.” – Shane Harris. Resources  *SpyCasts* How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Spy Game with Mike Susong (2023) Dealing with Russia A Conversation with Counterintelligence Legend Jim Olson (2022) Becoming a Russian Intelligence Officer with Janosh Neumann (2022) The Information Battlespace: Foreign Denial and Deception with Bill Parquette (2022) *Beginner Resources* Has Putin's war failed and what does Russia want?, P. Kirby, BBC (2023) A Brief History of Modern Ukraine, BBC (2022) [YouTube video] Russia-Ukraine Relations in 60 Seconds, CBC News (2022) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 6m
21/02/2023

“The Espionage News Cycle” – A Conversation with SPY’s Aliza Bran

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 Bran’s passion and excitement for the world of SPY is contagious. Around the office of the International Spy Museum, Aliza is known for her cheerful demeanor, quick wit, and intensely creative mind. She’s been working at SPY for six years now, four of those years as our Media Relations Manager.  How does Aliza navigate the ever-changing media landscape and represent the International Spy Museum on this worldwide stage? What are Aliza’s favorite memories, artifacts, and exhibits from SPY? What makes her love this work so much, and what skills do you need to build a career in media relations? Tune in to find out.  And…  Aliza has been particularly busy these past few weeks covering the news surrounding the Chinese Spy Balloon. For a taste of Aliza’s work, find articles and video on the subject that she orchestrated here, here, here, and here.  Quote of the Week “Part of it for me is knowing that we live in a very polarized world right now and I want to have a sense of our full audience, which is everyone. So I'm going to look at stories, places that aren't natural fits for where I tend to go. Because if people go there to read the news, I want to know what they're reading, I want to know what interests them. I want to know what people are excited about, worried about, looking at.” – Aliza Bran. Resources  *SpyCasts* My Life Looking at Spies & the Media with Paul Lashmar (2021) *Beginner Resources* What is Media Relations?, Nancy Shenker, ClearVoice (2021) [Blog Post] Paid vs. Owned vs. Earned Media: What's the Difference?, Indeed (2021) [Article] Books The Good Assassin, S. Talty (Mariner, 2020) The Alice Network, K. Quinn (William Morrow, 2017) Articles Deadly Women, Dirty Laundry, and a Shootout With The IRA, Reaper Feed (2020) Video Former CIA Operative Explains How Spies Use Disguises, WIRED (2019) Meet a Former CIA Chief of Disguise, Atlas Obscura (2020) Alias, ABC (2001-2006) Artifacts from SPY’s Collection  Scrotum Concealment Aston Martin DB5 Iron Concealment Device *Wildcard Resource* Check out the Refinery29 article that features Aliza’s SPY expertise applied to the collection and analysis of Taylor Swift-related intelligence.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 4m
14/02/2023

“The Counterintelligence Chief” – with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler

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 (LinkedIn, Website) has been the FBI Assistant Director for Counterintelligence since 2020. Alan and Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) talk all things counterintelligence. ***FULL RESOURCES AVAILABLE HERE*** *SpyCasts* The FBI & Cyber with Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran, Part 1 (2022) The FBI & Cyber with Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran, Part 2 (2022) My Global Career as a Female FBI Agent with Kathy Stearman (2021) The FBI Way with Counterintelligence Spy Chief Frank Figliuzzi (2021) ***FULL RESOURCES AVAILABLE HERE*** *Beginner Resources* What We Investigate, FBI (n.d.) [webpage] FAQ’S, FBI (n.d.) [webpage] US Opens Counterintelligence Investigation into China Every 12 Hours (Dir. Wray), MSNBC (2022) [video] What We Know About China’s Spy Agency, Bloomberg Originals (2019) [video] Hollow Nickel/Rudolf Abel, FBI (n.d.) [Article] NCSC Mission, Vision, and Goals, ODNI (n.d.) [Website] Glossary:  Counterintelligence: Information gathered, and activities conducted to identify, deceive, exploit, disrupt, or protect against espionage or other intelligence activities FBI Attaché: a special agent assigned to a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas to liaise with local law enforcement and intelligence agencies. They pursue terrorist, intelligence, and criminal threats with international dimensions.  Occam’s Razor: a rule of thumb theory that states when you are faced with competing explanations for the same phenomenon, the simplest one is probably the correct one. Attributed to William of Ockham, a 14th century English theologian.  ***FULL RESOURCES AVAILABLE HERE*** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 11m
07/02/2023

"How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Spy Game" – with Mike Susong

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 Replicants, machines and robots Will humans become obsolete? Notes Mike Susong (Website, LinkedIn) is an expert in the growing field of artificial intelligence. He joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss. ***FULL RESOURCES AVAILABLE HERE!*** *SpyCasts* From the CIA to Strategic Cyber -- with Hans Holmer (2022) So, I Design Board Games for the CIA... - with Volko Ruhnke (2022) CIA Case Officer, Cyber Entrepreneur, Burning Man Volunteer – with Mike Susong (Part 1 of 2, 2022) CIA Case Officer, Cyber Entrepreneur, Burning Man Volunteer – with Mike Susong (Part 2 of 2, 2002) The Cyber Zeitgeist – with Cyberwire Host Dave Bittner (2021) ***FULL RESOURCES AVAILABLE HERE!*** *Beginner Resources* Machine Leaning: Explain it to me Like I’m 5 Years Old, Bob Deprizio, Medium (2020) What is AI (Artificial Intelligence)?, Youtube (2019) [2 min. video] Singularity: Explain it to me Like I’m 5 Years Old, Roey Tzezana, Futurism (2017) [Article] Alan Turing: The experiment that shaped artificial intelligence, N. Sharkey, BBC (2012) [Article]  Glossary:  AGI: Artificial General Intelligence. The unrestricted ability of software to learn, understand, & respond to any intellectual task that a human being is capable of.  ANI: Artificial Narrow Intelligence. The restricted ability of software to perform a limited subset of intellectual tasks.  Deep Learning: a machine learning technique that teaches computers to learn by example, something that comes naturally for human beings. Machine Learning: The field of study interested in building computational systems that can improve their own performance of some task. Natural Language Processing: A field of study that aims to analyze and understand human language communications both spoken and textual.  Uncanny Divide: Where people feel a sense of unease or revulsion in response to humanoid robots that are highly realistic. ***FULL RESOURCES AVAILABLE HERE!*** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 3m
31/01/2023

"The Lion and the Fox – Civil War Spy vs. Spy" – with Alexander Rose

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 of the Atlantic World The malleability of public opinion And much, much more … Episode Notes Liverpool. The city of the Beatles. The home of Liverpool F.C., winner of six European Cups. Did you know that there – thousands of miles away from the bloody battlefields of Fredericksburg, Shiloh, and Gettysburg – the U.S. Civil War played out?  In fact, it was a key part of the strategies of both the North and the South since at that time it produced more ships than every other dockyard in the world combined. The North wanted to choke off the South, with the help of spies; but the South wanted to build a navy, with the help of spies. Who would prevail? This is the story of spy-vs-spy, North vs South, and Thomas Dudley vs James Bulloch. And…  If this spy story makes you hungry for more, check out Alex’s historical espionage newsletter, Spionage.  Quotes of the Week “If Dudley hadn't stopped Bulloch, or if Dudley hadn't existed and Bulloch created this massive fleet of blockade runners and had built more commerce raiders … You would've had a many more sinkings of American merchant vessels. You would've had larger inflows of arms and weapons into the South. The biggest change of all would've been that having the sea lanes open like that would've allowed the South to fight on much longer than it actually did.” Resources  SURFACE SKIM Andrew’s Recommendation You must watch Ken Burns landmark documentary The Civil War; but, you must also read more recent commentary and critique – there’s even a whole book related to it.  Headline Resource The Lion and the Fox: Two Rival Spies and the Secret Plot to Build a Confederate Navy, A. Rose (Mariner, 2022) *Beginner Resources* Civil War: Evolution of Espionage in America, INTEL.gov (n.d.) [digital exhibition] The History of Liverpool, Historic UK (2018) [webpage] Liverpool and the American Civil War, National Museums Liverpool (n.d.) [short article] British Support During the U.S. Civil War, LDHI (n.d.) [digital exhibit] DEEP DIVE *SpyCasts* George Sharpe and the BMI – Peter Tsouras (2019)  Intelligence in the Early Republic – Ken Diagler (2015) The Beginnings of U.S. Overhead Reconnaissance – Jim Green (2014) Intelligence and Espionage in the U.S. Civil War - William Feis (2012)  Books The Civil War Abroad, J. Priestley (McFarland, 2022) Cotton, Liverpool and the American Civil War, J. Powell, (LUP, 2020) Lincoln’s Spies, D. Waller (S&S, 2019) Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy, K. Abbott (Harper, 2015) The Union and Confederate Navies, J. McPherson (University of North Carolina, 2012) The Civil War at Sea, C. Symonds (Oxford, 2012) Articles Liverpool, site of last surrender in US Civil War, S. Abdelaziz, CNN (2020) CSS Alabama: Lost and Found, Naval History & Heritage Command (2020) Primary Sources  The Secret Service of the Confederate States in Europe, J.D. Bulloch (1882) Letter from J.D. Bulloch to General McRae et al (1865) Dudley Introduces Lincoln to a Liverpudlian Union Sympathizer (1863) Dudley’s Concerns About Southern Secession (1860) *Wildcard Resource(s)* You know Liverpool as the city of the Beatles. Did you know that The Beatles’ first single “Love Me Do” and James Bond’s debut movie “Dr. No” were released within a month of each other in 1962? And while none of the Beatles went on to become spies themselves, Ringo married Bond girl Barbara Bach in 1980 and Paul was behind the first rock Bond theme song, “Live and Let Die,” in 1973.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 5m
24/01/2023

“Code Name Blue Wren: Cuban Spy Ana Montes” - with Jim Popkin

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 Notes She’s “the most famous spy no one’s ever heard of” – Why? Clouded by the tragedy of 9/11, Ana Montes was arrested on suspicion of espionage on September 21, 2001, as the Twin Towers smoldered. She had been spying for Cuba for almost two decades, sending secrets from the heart of American intelligence to Fidel Castro’s regime.  This week, author and investigative journalist Jim Popkin joins Andrew to discuss Ana Montes’ story framed by his new book, Code Name Blue Wren: The True Story of America's Most Dangerous Female Spy—and the Sister She Betrayed. Jim debriefs us on how Ana was recruited, how she gathered and sent secrets, and how she ultimately the net closed in on her.  And…  The timing couldn’t be better to discuss Ana Montes’ story. Ana was released from prison two weeks ago on January 6th after serving 21 of her 25-year prison sentence. Why has Ana been released while fellow spies who caused tremendous damage, Robert Hanssen and Aldrich Ames, remain incarcerated? Tune into this week’s episode to find out! Quotes of the Week “There's a haunting message that the FBI found on her laptop from the Cubans that said, ‘Thank you so much for revealing [Redacted.] We are waiting for him here with open arms.’ So, she revealed the real name of someone who was headed to Cuba, the Cubans were aware of it, and, and they were, ‘waiting for him with open arms.’” – Jim Popkin. Resources  Headline Resource Code Name Blue Wren: The True Story of America's Most Dangerous Female Spy—and the Sister She Betrayed, J. Popkin (Hanover, 2023) *SpyCasts* “SPY@20: Spy of the Century Kim Philby” - With Curators Alexis and Andrew (2022) America's Most Damaging Russian Spy: FBI Agent Robert Hanssen – with Lis Wiehl (2022) Leningrad, Molehunts, and Life After the CIA – with Christopher Burgess (2021) FBI Special Agent Pete Lapp (2019) *Beginner Resources* Ana Montes: Cuban Spy, FBI History (n.d.) [Short Article] A Timeline of US-Cuba Relations, I. Roman, HISTORY (2021) [Timeline] The Evolving Motives of American Spies, N. Hunt, Washingtonian (2013) [Article] Books Castro’s Nemesis: True Stories of a Master Spy-Catcher, C. Simmons (Independently Published, 2022) American Spies, M. Sulick (GUP, 2013) True Believer: Inside the Investigation and Capture of Ana Montes, S. Carmichael (Naval Institute, 2009) United States-Cuban Relations: A Critical History, E. M. Dominguez (Lexington, 2008) Articles ”Ana Montes released from prison” C. Yilek, CBS News (2023) “A DC Resident Spied for Cuba for Years. How Did She Get Away With It?” S. McNamara, Washingtonian (2023) “Ana Montes: How Cuban spy used incredible memory to betray US” C. Bailey, BBC (2023) “How Spy Agencies Use American Universities to Secretly Recruit Students” D. Golden, Town & Country (2017) Video Traitors Within - Spies Who Sold Out America, YouTube (2018) The Two Faces of Ana: Model Employee/Cuban Spy, YouTube (2017) Primary Sources  The Ana Montes Press Reports (various)  Prisoner of Conscience: Ana Belen Montes is free! (2023) Scholars or Spies? House of Representatives Hearing (2018) Inspector General Review of Ana Montes Investigation (2005) Ana Montes Statement During Trial (2001) FBI Arrests DIA Employee (2001) *Wildcard Resource* “Lasso of Truth!” Wonder Woman’s secret power has a connection to the polygraph... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 19m
17/01/2023

From the Vault: “The Birth of American Propaganda” – A Conversation on Manipulating the Masses with John Hamilton

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 settings And much, much more … Episode Notes When the Committee on Public Information was created in April of 1917, the United States was but one week into the first World War. In fact, the Selective Service Act would not come about for another month after the organization of the CPI. Why was Woodrow Wilson so quick to establish a system of control over public opinion, and how successful was this endeavor? To answer these questions and more, author John Hamilton joins Andrew in a conversation about how propaganda and manipulation were used as a covert tactic during WWI and beyond. As John notes, “everything that’s done today can be traced to the CPI.” And…  While the CPI formally existed for only a year, its impact and imagery has endured for over 100 years. For proof, look no further than the story of the iconic “I Want You!” poster of Uncle Sam.  Quotes of the Week “You may not like the enemy, but the enemy and you are doing the same thing to manipulate people’s attitudes. And while you may think you have a just cause, your means are quite often the same – Right down to lying, and manipulation and coercion.” – John Hamilton. Resources  Surface Skim Headline Resource Manipulating the Masses: Woodrow Wilson and the Birth of American Propaganda, J. Hamilton (LSU, 2020) *SpyCasts* The Third Option: US Covert Action with Loch Johnson, Part 1 (2022) The Third Option: US Covert Action with Loch Johnson, Part 2 (2022) Crossfire Hurricane: Trump, Russia & the FBI with Josh Campbell (2021) Intelligence and the Presidency with John Hedley (2008) *Beginner Resources* How Does Propaganda Work? A. Cuncic, VeryWell Mind (2022) [Article] Selling the War, The National WWI Museum and Memorial (2020) [6 min. Video] Committee on Public Information, R. McNamara, ThoughtCo (2019) [Article] Deeper Dive Books The Imposter’s War, M. Arsenault (Pegasus, 2022) This Is Not Propaganda: Adventures in the War Against Reality, P. Pomerantsev (PublicAffairs, 2020) The Fake News Panic of a Century Ago, L. Huebner (Cognella, 2020) Articles Ukraine’s Garwa Media Fights for Truth in Kharkiv, B. Dooley, Human Rights First (2023) The Espionage Act’s consitutional legacy, S. Bomboy, National Constitution Center (2022) Modern Political Propaganda Posters & the Principles of Art, B. Krudwig, ArtsHelp (2020) Video World War I: Its History and Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art (2017) Crackdown on Dissent, PBS Learning Media (n.d.) Primary Sources  World War I Posters (1914-1920) The Sedition Act (1918) The Espionage Act (1917) To the Four Minute Men, George Creel (1917) Letter From Creel to President Wilson (1917) *Wildcard Resource* Check out the Mussolini funded movie Scipione L’Africano (1937) - an attempt to use the story of a legendary Roman general to justify the fascist regime and its ambitions in North Africa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1h 3m