SpyTalk

Intelligence historian Tim Weiner and Chinese espionage expert Nicholas Eftimiades discuss CIA ops against Russia, Chinese covert campaigns against US dissidents, KGB infiltration and deception, challenges in obtaining truthful information in present-day Russia, China's Operation Fox Hunt, China's global threats and repression, and Chinese harassment of dissidents in the US.

SpyTalk discusses espionage in the context of neo-Nazis in Ukraine. Lucy Kirk, a former CIA operative, provides insight into recruitment challenges during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The podcast explores the practices of 'walk-ins' and toxic espionage plots, as well as Ukraine's complex history and far-right factions. The conversation delves into the presence of far-right ideologies within militaries and the importance of strategic intelligence gathering.

Former Navy electronic warfare expert Bryan Clark and former Senior Advisor to the Director of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Adam M. Smith discuss spoofing Russian troops and separating oligarchs from their hidden stashes in this episode. They delve into techniques of electronic warfare, the challenges of cyber warfare, the need for a cybersecurity treaty, enforcing sanctions, and the complexity of revealing Russian investments.

Former CIA officer and former head of Department of Energy intelligence Rolf Mowatt-Larssen, along with retired US Army Colonel and former chief of staff to General Colin Powell, Lawrence Wilkerson, discuss the risks in Putin's takeover of Ukraine's nuclear power stations and the potential consequences of a nuclear release. They also delve into the escalating tensions with Russia, the US's involvement in Ukraine, and assess Putin's character and aspirations.

Former private mercenary Sean McFate discusses the Ukraine deployment of Russia's paramilitary Wagner Group, while ex-senior CIA ops officer Gregory Sims warns US security officials to expect the unexpected from Vladimir Putin, including big surprises like 9/11. They also discuss the lethal nature of the Wagner Group, the rise of mercenaries in modern warfare, potential risks for Zelensky in Ukraine, lack of weapons caches, threats to information infrastructure, and Russia's cyber threats and escalating tensions.

Former CIA officer Douglas London and former Cyber Command and NSA Chief Mike Rogers discuss covert possibilities against the Russians in Ukraine, including cyber warfare, support for Ukrainian resistance, launching opposition movements in neighboring countries, and strategies for disabling a Russian column. They also explore the current cyber activity in Ukraine and Russia, the risks of involving independent actors in cyber warfare, Ukraine's offensive and defensive cyber activities, and the potential impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on Americans.

Russian intelligence expert Filip Kovacevic profiles Putin’s spy bosses and Foreign Policy magazine correspondent Amy Mackinnon details Russian plans for Ukraine roundups and assassinations

Angela Stent, author of "Putin’s World," offers insights into Vladimir Putin's character and tactics. Lt. Col. Ron Capps captures the pain of war in his beautiful songs and stories. Topics discussed include Putin's aggressive actions, mental health in diplomatic circles, alternative therapies for veterans, and personal experiences in fictional poems and songs about the aftermath of war.

Colin Clarke discusses the Jan. 6 pipe bombs case while Jim Lawler explores the moral considerations of recruiting spies. They also delve into the Capitol storming investigation, the role of a CIA case officer, and the compromised soul of spies.

Former CIA operative John Sipher discusses US options for dealing with a potential invasion of Ukraine, while former top DHS intelligence official Brian Murphy deconstructs the Kremlin's disinformation campaign. Topics include Russian behavior, intelligence recruitment, cyber threats, manufactured tensions, Russian disinformation tactics, press responsibility, and changing strategies in disinformation campaigns.