SpyTalk
SpyTalk, Jeff Stein
SpyTalk lives at the intersection of intelligence operations, foreign policy, homeland security, and military strategy. Hosted by veteran national security journalists Jeff Stein, Michael Isikoff and Karen J. Greenberg, 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/
For more SpyTalk go to: https://www.spytalk.co/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 3, 2022 • 44min
Options for Fighting Russians in Ukraine
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.
Feb 24, 2022 • 38min
Russian Spy Chiefs, Ukraine Hit Squads
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
Feb 17, 2022 • 44min
Inside Putin’s Brain—and the Soul of an Intel Warrior
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.
Feb 10, 2022 • 44min
A Spy’s Soul and a Pipe Bomb Mystery
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.
Feb 3, 2022 • 42min
Spy Wars Over Ukraine
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.
Jan 27, 2022 • 53min
Disconcerting Developments
Jason Paladino, a reporter, discusses the FBI's explanations for its Jan. 6 failures. Jeanne Meserve dives deep into the creepy Metaverse with terrorism researchers. The podcast explores the impact of the Metaverse on extremist activities, the FBI's response to the January 6 riots, and the potential risks and threats of virtual reality technology.
Jan 20, 2022 • 52min
There Will Be Blood
Retired Green Beret Col. David Maxwell discusses paramilitary options against Russian invaders in Ukraine, while former US-Iran nuclear deal negotiator Ernest Moniz offers perspective on new talks with hardliners. Topics include the role of the Green Berets in Ukraine, the mindset of Special Forces soldiers, the potential of a Russian invasion, the European response to the conflict in Ukraine, Iran's nuclear capability, challenges in Iran's nuclear program, and Israel's involvement in assassinations and sabotage in Iran.
Jan 13, 2022 • 49min
How Foreign Spies Infiltrate US Police—and more
Former top FBI counterspy Frank Figliuzzi and RAND Corp expert Scott Harold discuss foreign agents infiltrating US police, tracking China's Uighur genocide, and the need for awareness and education among officers. They highlight specific cases, methods of recruitment, and the role of the FBI. The podcast also explores the research on concentration camps in Xinjiang, China's treatment of the Uighurs, surveillance efforts, and the importance of preserving Uighur history.
Jan 6, 2022 • 54min
Shape Changes: Right-Wing Extremists and the US-Russia Cold War
Jared Holt and Joe Weisberg discuss right-wing extremism, evolving threats to American democracy, and Weisberg's journey from Cold Warrior to advocate for ending conflict with Russia. They also explore the complexity of US-Russia relations and the situation in Ukraine.
Dec 30, 2021 • 47min
Possible Incursions and Future Insurrections
Jonathan Broder and Major General (ret) Paul Eaton discuss Russia, Ukraine, NATO, and the US military's belief in the Big Lie. Topics include potential coup after the next election, Russian troops in Ukraine, Russia's concerns about Germany's reunification and NATO, war weariness in the US, the possibility of an independent European army, implications of Russian invasion in Ukraine, freedom of speech in the US military, and the importance of loyalty in the military.
