
SpyTalk
SpyTalk lives at the intersection of intelligence operations, foreign policy, homeland security, and military strategy. Hosted by veteran national security journalist Jeff Stein, 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/
Latest episodes

Jul 19, 2024 • 42min
Secret Service Meltdown
John Cohen, former DHS Intel Chief, dives into the alarming security breakdown during a recent assassination attempt involving a former president. He discusses the critical responsibilities of the Secret Service, highlighting their dedication amidst failures in communication and preemptive measures. Cohen also examines the rising tide of political violence and the complex motivations behind a young shooter's actions. The need for transparency and accountability in protective measures, especially with escalating threats, is emphasized throughout the conversation.

Jul 12, 2024 • 44min
Mafia Spies
“Mafia Spies” is based on a 2019 book by the same name by veteran investigative reporter Thomas Maier, with the subtitle, “The Inside Story of the CIA, Gangsters, JFK, and Castro.” Which in turn was based largely on declassified files relating to the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The TV series includes dramatic recreations of critical moments in the plots, lively, insightful commentary with longstanding experts on Cuba, Castro and the Kennedys, as well as on-camera interviews with a few, still living relatives and associates of the key gangsters in the conspiracies, Johnny Rosselli and Sam Giancana. The series sheds new light on the grisly demise of Giancana and Rosselli before they were able to spill all the beans about the demonic—and sometimes comic failures—of the Castro assassination efforts.Thomas MaierMafia Spies - Watch on Paramount PlusFollow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/
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

Jun 28, 2024 • 35min
Can the FBI Stop Proud Boy Plots This Time?
Reuters reporter Aram Roston with Jeff Stein on the Proud Boys resurgence.Aram Rostonhttps://twitter.com/aramrostonhttps://www.reuters.com/authors/aram-roston/
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

Jun 14, 2024 • 36min
Can the FBI handle the load?
Frank Figliuzzi talks with Jeff Stein about the Bureau’s dizzying challenges.Frank Figliuzzihttps://twitter.com/frankfigliuzzi1LONG HAUL: Hunting the Highway Serial Killershttps://www.harpercollins.com/products/long-haul-frank-figliuzzi
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

May 31, 2024 • 39min
HOW THE NCIS FAILED BIG WITH FAT LEONARD
Fat Leonard was “a maritime fixer who provided harbor protection, barges, cranes, food, fresh water, sewage collection, and anything else a nuclear powered aircraft carrier might need.” It’s absolutely astonishing how easily Leonard corrupted so many ranking Navy officers by providing them with prostitutes, booze, cash and airline tickets.Craig Whitlockhttps://twitter.com/CraigMWhitlockFat LeonardHow One Man Bribed, Bilked, and Seduced the U.S. Navyhttps://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Craig-Whitlock/162473096
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

May 17, 2024 • 24min
US-ISRAELI SPY WARS
Exploring the delicate balance of cooperation and espionage in US-Israel intelligence ties. Unraveling key incidents like the Pollard affair and Snowden's revelations. Discussing Israel's electronic surveillance capabilities and intelligence dynamics on Hamas. Highlighting the friendly relationship tempered with cautious trust in espionage operations.

May 3, 2024 • 38min
The Man Who Gets the Secrets
Jason Leopold, a fearless journalist, dives deep into uncovering government secrets using the Freedom of Information Act, revealing explosive documents on Clinton's email server, Trump's mishandling of classified info, and a threatening call implicating Trump. Despite challenges, Leopold persists in his pursuit of transparency, facing legal battles and conspiracy theories to shed light on hidden truths.

Apr 19, 2024 • 38min
Tipping Off Our Enemies to Terrorist Attacks
Discussing recent terrorist attacks and US intelligence warnings to Russia and Iran, former CIA case officer Laura Thomas sheds light on the 'duty to warn' practice in American intelligence. Exploring the ethics, strategic benefits, and reciprocity in alerting adversaries about impending threats, the podcast delves into the complexities and implications of espionage operations.

Apr 5, 2024 • 36min
More Havana Syndrome Questions
Mike Isikoff critiques 60 Minutes' coverage of Havana Syndrome, highlighting CIA's findings. Discussions include the mystery weapon possibly linked to Russia, conflicting reports, skepticism, and lack of structural brain damage in affected individuals. The podcast delves into the CIA's credibility, plans for a speaking engagement, and ends with production credits.

Mar 23, 2024 • 37min
Spies and Sex: A History of Honeytraps
The podcast delves into the historical and modern use of honey traps in espionage, including how East German 'Romeo spies' targeted Western establishments. It also explores real-life cases of individuals falling victim to carefully orchestrated traps by foreign intelligence agencies and the enduring allure and dangers of honey traps in espionage.