

SpyTalk
SpyTalk, Jeff Stein
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/
For more SpyTalk go to: https://www.spytalk.co/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 31, 2024 • 51min
Former US Envoy to Russia on Ukraine’s Bleak Future
John Sullivan, the former U.S. ambassador to Moscow under Presidents Trump and Biden, worries that the Ukraine war could go on for "decades" and offers some candid views on his dealings with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
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

4 snips
Aug 23, 2024 • 48min
Kabul Calamity Consequences
Washington Post investigative reporter Craig Whitlock, author of “The Afghanistan Papers,” is Jeff Stein’s guest on the sad anniversary of the chaotic retreat. Craig WitlockCraig Whitlock - The Washington Post
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

Aug 16, 2024 • 33min
Another 9/11-Style Attack in the Works?
Join investigative journalist Michael Isikoff and Colin P. Clarke, a senior research fellow at The Soufan Group, as they delve into the alarming resurgence of ISIS-K and evolving terror threats post-Afghanistan withdrawal. They discuss the implications of weakened U.S. intelligence and border security challenges while highlighting the complex leadership dynamics within ISIS-K. With rising fears linked to emerging ideologies, they urge a critical reevaluation of national security strategies to safeguard against potential threats reminiscent of 9/11.

Aug 9, 2024 • 39min
SPY FAMILY SHOCKERS
This week, we’re going to take a look at the shock and disorientation the children of spies face when they learn that one, or both, of their parents are not who they say they are.Jeff’s guest, Johanna McCloy, didn’t know she was the daughter of an American spy until she was 15 years old.Johanna McCloyhttps://johannamccloy.substack.com/
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

Aug 2, 2024 • 33min
9/11 Families Feel Betrayed by Gitmo Deal
The Pentagon’s stunning plea deal with 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants was negotiated and announced without briefings for the families of victims of the terrorist attack–an apparent failure that drew a furious reaction Thursday from a leading 9/11 victims’ group.Brett Eagleson https://www.911justice.org/Follow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoffFind Me the Votes: A Hard-Charging Georgia Prosecutor, a Rogue President, and the Plot to Steal an American Election
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

Jul 26, 2024 • 44min
HOW TO SPY
Veteran CIA ops officer Jim Lawler talks about the tricks of the trade with host Jeff Stein.Jim Lawlerhttps://www.spyex.com/expert/james-lawlerhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09FMVF622
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

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