SpyTalk

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.

Larry Pfeiffer, a former senior CIA official and director of the White House Situation Room, joins to discuss the inner workings of this critical space. He contrasts its real environment with Hollywood depictions, sharing insights from the Osama bin Laden mission. Pfeiffer highlights the importance of apolitical conduct among staff, detailing strict vetting processes. He also touches on the implications of political purges and the need for experienced personnel to ensure national security during turbulent times.

Timothy Heaphy, former chief counsel for the Jan. 6 committee and federal prosecutor, dives into the shifting narratives surrounding the Capitol riot and its connection to social media's role in radicalization. He discusses the risks posed by misinformation online and emphasizes the need for law enforcement to adapt their approaches to monitor threats without infringing on civil liberties. He also critiques narratives surrounding free speech and highlights the importance of enhancing media literacy in our increasingly polarized digital landscape.

Lauren Anderson, a former FBI counterspy executive and NYC Terrorism Task Force leader, shares her insights on potential changes within national security under a possible second Trump administration. She discusses the alarming rise of domestic extremism and critiques the Department of Homeland Security's response. The conversation also touches on the importance of oversight within the FBI, the role of the FBI Agents Association, and the need for improved inter-agency cooperation to tackle threats like Chinese espionage.

Anti-Assad activist Mouaz Moustafa in Damascus tells Michael Isikoff how he got advance word about the rebel offensive that would topple the Assad regime—including the hidden hand that foreign intelligence agencies may have played in laying the groundwork—and how the regime’s secret files may shed new light on the relationship that DNI-designate Tulsi Gabbard had with the Assad regime. Mouaz Moustafahttps://twitter.com/SoccerMouazSyrian Emergency Task Forcehttps://setf.ngo/https://twitter.com/SyrianETF 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