Retired CIA Operative Instructor Jason Hanson | Mike Ritland Podcast Episode 158
Oct 15, 2023
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Former CIA officer and escape and evasion instructor Jason Hanson shares insights on becoming a CIA operative, the agency's current activities in a digital world, and discussing issues with Boy Scouts. He also talks about his canine success, orientation and training at the CIA, the decline of the US dollar, living conditions at the farm, constant paranoia, safety tips for Americans traveling abroad, and his experience on Shark Tank.
The podcast reveals the intense training and mental challenges faced by CIA operatives, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and mental resilience.
Jason Hanson shares insights into surveillance techniques used by CIA operatives, including running surveillance detection routes and blending in with the environment.
The episode explores the concept of safe houses used by intelligence agencies, highlighting the need for inconspicuous locations that provide secure refuge.
Listeners learn about evasion and deception techniques employed by spies, including the use of disguise and subterfuge to mislead potential threats.
Deep dives
Overview of Podcast Episode
The podcast episode features an interview with Jason Hanson, a former CIA officer. He discusses his training at the agency's 'farm' and the various aspects of the training, including physical fitness, surveillance, protection work, and counter-surveillance. Jason talks about the importance of blending in and being able to convince people to trust you. He shares some personal experiences, including instances where he believed he was being followed and how he used surveillance detection routes to ensure his safety. He also touches on the compartmentalized nature of the agency and the need for redundancy when dealing with sources.
Day-to-Day Life at the Farm
During his time at the CIA's 'farm,' Jason describes the intense training he underwent and the mental challenges he faced. He highlights the emphasis on mental resilience and the ability to adapt to different situations. Jason mentions the physical training, firearms instruction, evasive driving, and self-defense techniques he learned. He shares details about running surveillance detection routes and the importance of being inconspicuous and blending in with the environment. Jason also discusses the importance of building relationships and maintaining cover identities.
Roles and Responsibilities
After completing his training, Jason's assignments primarily focused on surveillance, counter-surveillance, and protection work. He mentions the excitement of working undercover and the knowledge that the information he gathered had an impact on current events. Jason discusses the importance of parallel truth and blending in with the local culture to avoid suspicion. He emphasizes the need for routine and establishing familiarity with local surroundings. Jason also touches on the compartmentalization of the agency and the various directorates and departments within it.
Leaving the Agency
Jason shares his decision to leave the agency after seven years. Although he had a top-secret security clearance and the opportunity to work part-time, he decided to pursue his own ventures. He recalls the supportive mentors he had within the agency and the positive experiences he had while working there. Jason expresses gratitude for the training and experiences he gained, but ultimately felt it was time to move on to new challenges.
The Spies' Guide to Safety and Self-Defense
In this podcast episode, the speaker shares insights and tips on how to stay safe and protect oneself in various situations. The information covers topics such as surveillance detection, self-defense techniques, escaping duct tape rope, lock picking, and more. The episode also includes personal anecdotes and stories from the speaker's experiences in the field. Listeners can expect practical advice and strategies for enhancing personal security.
The Reality of Agency Safe Houses
This podcast episode delves into the concept of safe houses used by intelligence agencies. The speaker explains that safe houses can be any location, such as a suburban house or a hotel room, that appears ordinary and inconspicuous. The episode emphasizes that safe houses are meant to blend in and provide a secure place for operatives when needed. Additionally, the speaker highlights that agency safe houses can even be rented properties like Airbnb or owned houses without the tenants being aware of their true purpose.
Dangers and Precautions When Traveling Overseas
The podcast discusses the potential risks and safety measures to consider when traveling overseas. The speaker advises listeners to be cautious of their surroundings and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to themselves. They stress the importance of assimilating into local culture, blending in, and avoiding suspicious behaviors. The episode also touches on potential surveillance and security threats in certain countries, highlighting the need for vigilance and being prepared for challenging situations.
Spy Techniques for Evasion and Subterfuge
This podcast episode reveals some spy techniques used for evasion and deception. The speaker discusses tactics such as using disguise, creating diversions, and employing subterfuge techniques to mislead and elude potential threats. The episode also shares stories and anecdotes from the speaker's personal experiences, which serve as examples of how spies operate in the field. Listeners can gain insights into the mindset and strategies employed by covert operatives to protect themselves and accomplish their missions.
Jason Hanson knows how to keep a secret. It's part of his job, actually - he's a former officer of the CIA, or 'The Agency' as insiders call it - along with an instructor in escape and evasion via his his tactical spy school, a frequent media guest on television programs around the world, and even a New York Times bestselling author with his book 'Spy Secrets That Can Save Your Life.' And with a resumé ranging from surveillance to Shark Tank, safe to say Jason's got more than a few good stories worth sharing from the world of intelligence espionage.
So how does somebody become a CIA Operative? What kind of work was Jason doing when he worked at the Agency? And just what exactly is the CIA up to nowadays, in a digital world that's constantly connected? Let's meet Jason.
Enroll in Jason's Tactical Spy Course: https://www.tacticalspyschool.com
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