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.

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.

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.

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.

Former US NATO envoy and Army General Doug Lute discusses JD Vance insults of allies, administration abandonment of Ukraine to Russia with SpyTalk podcast 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

Veteran former senior CIA operations official Bill Murray talks with Jeff Stein about the challenges of countering aggressive Russian intelligence ops, from the Cold War to Trump II’s radical policy shifts toward Moscow.William D Murray - Vice-President and co-founder - Council on Intelligence Issues | LinkedIn 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

Former top FBI counterterrorism agent Chris O’Leary tells host Michael Isikoff how Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove was a diligent prosecutor of Jan. 6 rioters before he turned on his teammates at Trump's behest.  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

Former Senior DHS Intelligence Counsel Spencer Reynolds talks with host Jeff Stein about the troubled past and uncertain future of the agency’s Intelligence & Analysis wing under President Trump.More from Spencer Reynoldshttps://www.brennancenter.org/experts/spencer-reynolds 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

Ron Deibert, Director of Citizen Lab and author of "Chasing Shadows," dives into the disturbing world of spyware abuse by governments and spy agencies. He highlights the alarming rise in unregulated surveillance practices, particularly against journalists and dissidents. Deibert reveals how technologies, originally developed through military expertise, have become commercialized tools for oppression. He discusses the chilling implications of spyware in crises like the Khashoggi case and ongoing scandals in Europe, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory protections.

In a captivating discussion, Jim Himes, the Ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, shares his insights on the TikTok controversy, asserting there's "zero evidence" of data misuse by Beijing. He also confronts the alarming realities of January 6 pardons and their potential impact on national security. Himes delves into the complexities of U.S.-China relations, critiques government actions on TikTok as a free speech issue, and highlights the divides within intelligence regarding COVID-19 origins, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.