SpyTalk

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

Garrett Graff, a historian and journalist known for his expertise in national security, delves into Kash Patel's potential nomination as FBI director. He raises alarms about Patel's lack of qualifications and his MAGA loyalty, suggesting his leadership could politicize the agency. Graff discusses the historical context of political pressures on the FBI and the risks of compromising its integrity. The conversation also touches on the implications of preemptive pardons and the growing concerns over the erosion of political norms.

SpyTalk's Michael Isikoff talks to Chris Costa, former chief of counter-terrorism at the NSC and now executive director of the International Spy Museum, about the mounting threat of Russian hybrid warfare-- including acts of sabotage, arson, assassination and cyber intrusions-- and whether it is time to designate Putin's Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. Costa also weighs in on President-elect Trump's pick of Tulsi Gabbard to be DNI and Sebastian Gorka as the new counter-terror chief at the NSC. More from our guest, Chris Costahttps://www.defenseone.com/voices/christopher-p-costa/14609/Follow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/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

Tim Weiner, the Pulitzer-winning author of groundbreaking histories of the CIA, FBI and more, discusses Trump’s troubling nominees for top national security jobs with SpyTalk host Jeff Stein. Tim Weinerhttps://bsky.app/profile/tim-weiner.bsky.social 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

National Security lawyer Mark Zaid discusses Trump's stunning selection as Florida congressman Matt Gaetz to be Attorney General and what it might mean for his plans to target "corrupt actors" in U.S. intelligence and national security agencies who crossed him in the Russia probe.Mark Zaidhttps://twitter.com/MarkSZaidEsq 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