SpyTalk

Former CIA chief of disguises Jonna Mendez shares insights on the CIA's use of disguises in espionage operations, including transforming identities, the art of disguise, securing international mail communications, adapting intelligence services for biometric border challenges, and breaking barriers for women in the CIA. She also reflects on her career and recommends her book, 'In True Face: A Woman's Life in the CIA, Unmasked.'

Exploring the impact of Alexei Navalny's death in a Russian prison camp, Russian defectors to the U.S., speculations on Russia's future leadership, complexities of Russian intelligence operations, and bidding farewell with instructions for engagement.

Exploring a bizarre conspiracy theory about Taylor Swift and psychological warfare. Discussing right-wing extremism, narrative strategy, and the role of right-wing media in spreading conspiracy theories. Examining the effectiveness of leaflets and reaching out to oppose extremism. Highlighting the importance of purple states in tipping the balance for democracy. Addressing the need for DHS to inform the public about domestic extremist threats and shortcomings of the National Security Committee in combating extremism.

Former CIA officials discuss the establishment and goals of a red cell project focused on analyzing the rise of China. They explore the origins and purpose of the red cell program, its benefits for strategic thinking, and the challenges faced by high-level officials in decision-making. The importance of US-China relations and the reminder of impermanence are also highlighted.

Former Special Forces and CIA case officer James Stejskal and Jeff Stein delve into Green Beret missions in Berlin, covert CIA operations, recruitment challenges in Russia, the conflict in Ukraine, and thrilling espionage fiction.

Former senior CIA officer Glenn Corn discusses the challenges the CIA faces in the Middle East, Russia, and Ukraine in 2024. Topics include intelligence failures, geopolitical issues, border security, and the secret side of diplomacy.

Ellen Nakashima from The Washington Post discusses Beijing's infiltration of US infrastructure, including cyber hacks in critical sectors like water utilities and oil pipelines. They explore the dangers in US-China conflicts, covert social media operations by the Pentagon, espionage in Chinese networks, and the challenges of enhancing cybersecurity in energy and water systems.

Former CIA ops officer Douglas London joins to discuss spooky events from Gaza to Moscow, Kyiv & beyond. Topics include CIA director's role in hostage negotiations, dealing with Hamas, espionage in Ukraine, and the nuances of espionage, disinformation, and vetted sources.

The podcast discusses Ukraine's sabotage of the Nord Stream-2 pipeline, including the involvement of Ukrainian Special Operations Forces. It explores the controversy surrounding the operation and the imprisonment of Colonel Roman Shravinsky. The chapter also highlights the Biden administration's lack of response and the oddities of the war in Ukraine.

Former top CIA Russia Hand John Sipher talks about spying and sabotage ops against Vladimir Putin, challenges faced by intelligence officers in Moscow, the significance of intelligence support in military operations, concerns about US involvement in Israel and the Middle East, Israeli politics and US support for Ukraine, and the implications of Russia's nuclear weapons.