
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

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.

Mar 8, 2024 • 39min
A Life in CIA Trickery
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.'

Feb 26, 2024 • 21min
Russia, Russia, Russia
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.