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
Jan 13, 2024 • 30min
Green Berets and Covert Ops
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.
Dec 29, 2023 • 42min
The CIA in 2024
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.
Dec 15, 2023 • 33min
Chinese Military Hackers in Our Pipes
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.
Dec 1, 2023 • 33min
The Week in Spy Plots & Murder
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.
Nov 17, 2023 • 34min
A Thriller in Ukraine
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.
Oct 27, 2023 • 33min
Target Moscow
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.
Oct 13, 2023 • 41min
THE CIA’S EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN
Liza Mundy, author of 'The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA,' discusses breaking barriers, gender dynamics, harassment, and the challenges faced by women in the CIA. Stories of exceptional women like Liza Harper and Heidi provide a closer look at their remarkable careers and overcoming obstacles. Overall, the podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of the experiences of women and men at the CIA, highlighting progress and future challenges.
Oct 6, 2023 • 36min
A Life in the Wilderness of Mirrors | CBS News’ David Martin reflects on 40 years covering national security
Award-winning journalist David Martin discusses his 40-year career covering national security. He reflects on recognition and finding interesting stories, shares his military service experiences, and talks about creating his book. The importance of code-breaking and intelligence gathering is highlighted, along with reflections on the astonishing ground war in Europe.
Sep 22, 2023 • 33min
Can Anyone Stop Cyber Terrorism?
Former CIA director of Technical Services Office and current Chief Information Security Officer at Rubrik, Michael Mestrovich, discusses the rise of cyber intrusions, recent attacks, Chinese infiltration of OMB files, weight loss solutions, foreign influence campaigns on social media, and the importance of cybersecurity education.
Sep 14, 2023 • 31min
A CIA EPITAPH ON 9/11
Retired former CIA Al Qaeda expert Cindy Storer discusses the challenges faced by CIA officers in counter-terrorism, dealing with trauma, teaching intelligence issues, border protection, and recognizing the efforts of women in preventing 9/11 attacks.
