SpyTalk

Former FBI special agent and counterterrorism specialist, Ali Soufan, discusses the Taliban's global plans to undermine the West's Roman Empire. Topics include the impact of the Taliban's victory on global extremists, consequences of mismanaged negotiations and military asset removal, speculation on the Taliban's future actions and implications, and potential responses to the current situation.

Hans Kristensen reveals China's new ICBM silos and their impact on China's nuclear power. Robert Manning discusses challenges of spying on North Korea, including recruitment efforts and relationships with intelligence services of China, Russia, and North Korea. The chapter also explores the feasibility of North Korea giving up nuclear weapons and the possibility of a first strike.

An expert on Congressional probes and retired Marine Corps Gen. Greg Newbold discuss China's control of critical minerals and its threat to US intelligence. They also delve into the congressional investigation of US spy agencies and the challenges of developing confidential sources and relationships for the January 6 probe.

Former undercover agent discusses FBI's struggles with white violent extremists. A little known DIA medical intelligence unit is explored. The podcast covers the FBI's excessive actions and investigations, and their focus on manufacturing cases involving Muslim Americans. The importance of data collection in understanding and addressing domestic terrorism is highlighted. Analyzing open source reporting and assessing threats is discussed. The possibility of a lab leak as the origin of the virus is explored, along with reflections on COVID, disinformation, and the need for investigation.

Former CIA analyst Frank Snepp discusses the heartbreak of Saigon and the agony of Kabul. Author Barry Meier addresses the NSO-Pegasus surveillance scandal. Father-daughter TikTok series about his intelligence career becomes a viral hit. Comparison between the US evacuation of Saigon in 1975 and the current situation in Afghanistan. Concerns about conspiracy theories, trusted news sources, and disinformation. Motivations of creating videos for positive social change and reflections on the possibility of a third world war.

Former CIA counterintelligence chief James Olson emphasizes the need for increased double agent operations to penetrate enemy spy services. Former senior U.S. cybercrime official Chris Painter discusses the rash of ransomware attacks by Russia-based malefactors and the need for incentives to address computer security vulnerabilities. The podcast also explores the ongoing threat posed by China's espionage activities, assesses the competence of different intelligence services, and discusses counterintelligence in the cyber realm.

Former CIA officer Doug London talks about the future of intelligence in Afghanistan and forming alliances with warlords. Brigadier General Francis X. Taylor discusses dealing with violent extremists in the military ranks and the importance of maintaining unit cohesion and good order. The podcast also addresses the controversy over the military's discussion of extremism and critical race theory.

Nicholas Eftimiades doubts rumors of the top Chinese counterspy defecting to the US, but discusses Beijing's many moles in US intelligence. Former FBI official Jay Tabb explores challenges in dealing with home-grown American terrorists, including surveillance limitations and the role of the private sector in national security.

Jeanne Meserve interviews the real James Bond and shares humorous encounters and professional implications of having that name. Audra Wolfe discusses the role of American scientists in psychological warfare and diplomacy during the Cold War, including programs like Project Troy and the controversies surrounding the Wuhan lab leak. The podcast also explores the decline of science journalism in the US and the global issue of vaccination resistance.

Terrorism expert discusses the Biden administration's initiative on domestic extremism, Israeli spy dramas address the root causes of populist violence, Attorney General introduces new strategy to address domestic terrorism, allocation of funds and challenges in coordinating, the absence of a federal domestic terrorism law, need for enhanced legislation, prevention strategies for online extremism and disinformation, success and quality of Israeli spy and counterterrorism dramas, Sacha Baron Cohen's role and globalization of television content.