Chatter: Spy Disguises in Fact and Fiction with Jonna Mendez
Mar 7, 2024
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A former Chief of Disguise at the CIA, Jonna Mendez, discusses her career challenges and achievements, including interactions with Tony Mendez, intelligence briefings with President Bush, and the declassified Canadian Caper. They also touch on semi-animated mask technology, the International Spy Museum, and the movie Argo. The conversation delves into espionage, disguise techniques, and career progression for women in the intelligence field.
The evolution of disguise technology in espionage from basic wigs to advanced semi-animated masks influenced by Hollywood and magician techniques.
Addressing historical challenges and gender disparities faced by women in the CIA through specialized training classes and ongoing discussions.
Personal reflections on leadership transitions in the CIA, balancing operational roles with managerial responsibilities, and navigating uncertainties in retirement.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Disguise Technology
The podcast episode delves into the evolution of disguise technology used in espionage, highlighting the transition from basic wigs and glasses to sophisticated semi-animated masks. The half masks allowed for partial facial transformations with mouth movement, while the ultimate goal was developing full-faced animated masks for realistic disguises. Influenced by Hollywood and magician techniques, the CIA's advanced disguise capabilities became crucial tools in navigating dangerous operational environments.
Women's Role in CIA and CIA Initiatives
The podcast discusses the historical challenges faced by women in the CIA and the efforts to address gender disparities. It sheds light on the reality and perception class designed to help women thrive in male-dominated environments. This class included marching exercises, reality checks from male leaders, and insights into career challenges for female CIA officers. Despite the course's limitations, it spurred critical conversations and highlighted ongoing gender equality issues within the agency.
Personal Insights and Leadership Dilemmas
The episode delves into personal reflections on leadership and career choices, particularly focusing on the speaker's transition from hands-on operational roles to leadership positions. It explores the internal conflict of balancing managerial responsibilities with the desire for direct involvement in operational tasks. The decision to retire is portrayed as a pivotal moment where the speaker grapples with stepping away from frontline activities to embrace leadership challenges and uncertainties.
Unique Experiences at the White House
The podcast recounts fascinating experiences at the White House, including interactions with former President George H.W. Bush and showcasing sophisticated disguises. A memorable visit to the Oval Office involved demonstrating realistic masks and receiving curious reactions from high-profile officials. The narrative chronicles a blend of intrigue, humor, and impactful moments during clandestine operations and interactions with prominent political figures.
Tony Mendez's Retirement and Marriage with Jonna
Tony Mendez retired from the CIA under an early retirement program, leading Jonna to retire as well. Subsequently, Tony and Jonna got married after his retirement. Despite Jonna planning to continue working, they both found themselves retired unexpectedly, adjusting to this new chapter in their lives.
Involvement in the International Spy Museum and Argo Story
Tony and Jonna became involved in the International Spy Museum project, where they played significant roles as founding board members. The museum served as both an educational and entertaining platform, shedding light on espionage beyond pop culture representations. Additionally, the declassification of the Argo story, orchestrated by George Senet, led to its portrayal in a Wired Magazine article and later adapted into a successful movie, revealing Tony's covert mission prowess.
Jonna Mendez advanced in her Central Intelligence Agency career to become Chief of Disguise despite the many institutional challenges to women's promotions. And now she has written a memoir, In True Face, about it all.
David Priess spoke with Jonna about career options for women at CIA in the early Cold War, her own start there in the 1960s, how photography classes set her on a path that ultimately led to service as Chief of Disguise, her interactions over the decades with Tony Mendez, the tandem-couple problem for intelligence professionals, semi-animated mask technology and other CIA disguises, her experience briefing President George H. W. Bush in the Oval Office, how the story behind the Canadian Caper became declassified and eventually the movie Argo, the International Spy Museum, and more.
Chatter is a production of Lawfare and Goat Rodeo. This episode was produced and edited by Cara Shillenn of Goat Rodeo. Podcast theme by David Priess, featuring music created using Groovepad.
