
SpyTalk
SpyTalk lives at the intersection of intelligence operations, foreign policy, homeland security, and military strategy. Hosted by veteran national security journalist Jeff Stein, the podcast features exclusives by SpyTalk’s roster of longtime reporters, news and profiles of US and foreign spymasters, and interviews with policymakers and expert authors. There’s nothing quite like it—a place for experts and laypersons alike, who enjoy national security scoops and insights by SpyTalk's subject matter experts.
For more SpyTalk go to: https://www.spytalk.co/
Latest episodes

May 9, 2025 • 38min
Air Fright
Russia’s airliner sabotage ops are examined by science writer Jeff Wise and SpyTalk host Jeff Stein.Jeff Wisehttps://x.com/ManvBrainhttps://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/inside-new-security-threats-in-the-skies?https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/aviation-flights-white-house-tcas-drones.html
Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

Apr 29, 2025 • 40min
Letting Russia Off the Hook
Trump’s shutdown of Russian war crimes investigations is the focus of former US Ambassador-at-large Stephen Rapp and SpyTalk host Michael Isikoff.
Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

Apr 25, 2025 • 57min
The Last Spy Story of the Vietnam War
Former CIA officer Frank Snepp shares a stunning spy story of the Vietnam War’s chaotic end with host Jeff Stein
Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

Apr 18, 2025 • 53min
The CIA, Iran and a Conspiracy of Silence
Doug Waller talks with Michael Isikoff about his new biography of CIA master spook Frank Wisner, quarterback of the 1953 Iran coup—and so much more.The Determined SpyDouglas Waller
Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

Apr 11, 2025 • 34min
Insanity Claws
Tim Weiner, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and expert on U.S. intelligence, delves into the chaotic landscape of national security under the Trump administration. He highlights alarming scandals, including 'Signalgate', revealing how political agendas are reshaping intelligence operations. The conversation also critiques the politicization of the CIA, emphasizing the risks to national security amid evolving leadership dynamics. Weiner discusses the ethical dilemmas faced by CIA officials and teases insights from his forthcoming book, which promises to shed light on pivotal historical events.

Apr 3, 2025 • 43min
CIA Opened Oswald’s Mail!
Fred Litwin, an author known for debunking JFK assassination conspiracy theories, joins Peter Kornbluh, a national security analyst at the National Security Archive. They discuss a recent congressional hearing featuring Oliver Stone and examine how misconceptions persist about Lee Harvey Oswald's CIA ties. The conversation navigates newly declassified documents revealing CIA surveillance of Oswald and critiques Stone's role in perpetuating conspiracy myths. They also address how the JFK assassination continues to be manipulated in modern political discourse.

Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 1min
"There's not a day I do not think about those Americans" who died in Iraq
Luis Rueda, former director of the CIA's Iraq Operations Group, shares chilling insights about the Iraq War's missteps and their severe repercussions. He reflects on the intelligence blunders that led to critical failures post-invasion, including misinformation about weapons of mass destruction. Rueda discusses the emotional toll of his experiences and emphasizes the responsibility of intelligence in safeguarding national security. His engaging anecdotes shed light on the ethical dilemmas faced by operatives in the complex world of covert operations.

8 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 39min
A Former CIA Spy Catcher Weighs Trump’s Russia Turn
Sue Miller, a former head of CIA Counterintelligence with a remarkable 39-year career, discusses the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations, particularly focusing on Russian interference in the 2016 election. She emphasizes that Trump's pro-Russia stance should raise ongoing counterintelligence concerns. Miller shares insights on the intricate dynamics of espionage today, critiques leadership challenges within the CIA, and highlights the evolving nature of surveillance technology and its implications for national security.

28 snips
Mar 15, 2025 • 48min
Vindman: Putin is "Toying" with Trump
Alexander Vindman, a former White House National Security Council official and author of "The Folly of Realism," shares insights on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He challenges the notion of a ceasefire, labeling recent legal probes as politically motivated. Vindman discusses the historical mistakes of U.S. administrations concerning Russia, emphasizing the dangers of appeasement. He critiques the Trump-Putin dynamic and its implications on U.S. foreign policy, ultimately advocating for stronger support for Ukraine amidst rising geopolitical threats.

24 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 36min
What's Ukraine Thinking?
Glenn Corn, a former senior CIA operations official with deep insights into international relations, shares his recent experiences in Ukraine. He discusses the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of ongoing conflict, emphasizing their optimism and need for international support. Corn delves into the crucial role of U.S. investment in tackling corruption and improving governance. He also examines the implications of cyber warfare and modern military strategies in Ukraine's defense against Russia, advocating for critical thinking in today's media landscape.