Jonna Mendez

Jonna Mendez, a former CIA Chief of Disguise with a legendary career in espionage, shares gripping tales of her covert operations during the Cold War. Holly Herndon, an artist pushing the boundaries of machine learning, discusses the ethical complexities of AI-generated voices. Anthropologist Mary L. Gray exposes the unseen labor behind online services, while digital fashion designer Gala Marija Vrbanic explores how technology is revolutionizing identity through virtual clothing. Together, they unravel the intricate layers of disguise in our digital and physical realities.

Original broadcast date: August 26, 2022. Everything is not what it seems. We can easily disguise ourselves in both the digital and physical world. This hour, TED speakers explore the ways we go incognito... from espionage to virtual reality. Guests include former CIA Chief of Disguise Jonna Mendez, artist Holly Herndon, anthropologist Mary L. Gray and digital fashion designer Gala Marija Vrbanic. TED Radio Hour+ subscribers now get access to bonus episodes, with more ideas from TED speakers and a behind the scenes look with our producers. A Plus subscription also lets you listen to regular episodes (like this one!) without sponsors. Sign-up at: plus.npr.org/tedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Everything is not what it seems. We can easily disguise ourselves in both the digital and physical world. This hour, TED speakers explore the ways we go incognito... from espionage to virtual reality. Guests include former CIA Chief of Disguise Jonna Mendez, artist Holly Herndon, anthropologist Mary L. Gray and digital fashion designer Gala Marija Vrbanic.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Jonna Mendez, former chief of disguise at the CIA, shares thrilling insights from her Cold War experiences in Moscow. She discusses the unique challenges faced by spies under constant surveillance and the cunning tactics used to evade detection, including lifelike masks and pop-up dummies. Jonna also reflects on the CIA's innovative recruitment of artists and the evolution of disguise techniques over the decades. Through her captivating stories, she highlights the resilience of operatives navigating the high-stakes world of espionage.

In this captivating discussion, former CIA officer Jonna Mendez shares her journey from secretary to Chief of Disguise. She reveals the challenges she faced in a male-dominated field and her groundbreaking work in clandestine photography. Jonna recounts thrilling tales, including a harrowing day during a weapon depot explosion. She also reminisces about an unforgettable moment demonstrating a disguise mask to President George H. W. Bush, highlighting the incredible blend of creativity and urgency in intelligence operations.

Former CIA Chief of Disguise Jonna Mendez discusses masking technology and female CIA agents, including a story of using an animated mask to meet President George H.W. Bush. Judith Wiese from Siemens talks about sustainability, decarbonization, and climate regulations, emphasizing the business role in combating climate change.

Former CIA chief of disguises Jonna Mendez shares insights on the CIA's use of disguises in espionage operations, including transforming identities, the art of disguise, securing international mail communications, adapting intelligence services for biometric border challenges, and breaking barriers for women in the CIA. She also reflects on her career and recommends her book, 'In True Face: A Woman's Life in the CIA, Unmasked.'

Former CIA Chief of Disguise, Jonna Mendez, shares her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated agency, her unconventional journey into the CIA, and the innovative methods for secure communication used in intelligence operations.

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.

Former US spy Jonna Mendez, CIA's chief of disguise during the Cold War, discusses the qualities of a spy and the moral complexities of their work. They share the thrilling story of Argo and other intriguing CIA operations. The balance between technology-focused intelligence gathering and human intelligence is explored, highlighting the importance of both. The personal challenges and sacrifices of being a spy are also discussed.