SpyTalk

Former top CIA, Pentagon, and State Department intelligence official Carl Ford discusses the flaws and failures of the intelligence community, highlighting the neglect of specialized offices. The podcast also explores the limitations of current reporting and emphasizes the need for comprehensive research in the intelligence community. In addition, domestic extremism expert Jon Lewis delves into the rise of white supremacist violence, discussing the interconnectedness of extremist movements and their influence on mainstream Republican thinking.

Former CIA medical officer Leslie Pyenson assesses signs of Putin’s failing health. Author Jefferson Morley discusses his new book, Scorpions’ Dance: The President, the Spymaster, and Watergate. They explore Putin's health indicators, decision-making of former KGB operatives, consequences of lack of knowledge in politics, and Nixon's relationship with CIA Director Richard Helms during the Watergate scandal. They also discuss the relevance of Watergate in today's political climate and the parallels between attacks on democracy in the Nixon and Trump eras.

Former President of the FBI Agents Association, Tom O'Connor, discusses the need for a domestic terrorism law in the United States. Political scientist at Rand, Andrew Radin, talks about options for future relations with Afghanistan, addressing the challenges faced by the country and the policy options for the United States.

Former CIA officer talks about the search for a Russian mole within the CIA, while a diplomatic historian discusses Russia's blockade of Ukrainian wheat exports and its impact on food shortages. The podcast also explores espionage activities, the controversy surrounding a book about a suspected mole, and the need for rethinking food security policies.

Cult expert Steven Hassan and ex-CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos discuss deprogramming racist murderers and a new mobile app to reduce suicides among counterterrorism veterans. Topics include online radicalization, personal involvement in a moon cult, impact of technology on young people, breaking free from cults and conspiracy theories, belief in replacement theory, oversight of CIA medical services, and mental health and reporting on news.

Former FBI agent joins reporter Haley Britzky to discuss the newly declassified FBI and UK documents on Saudi involvement in the 9/11 attacks. They also delve into the exposé of brutal harassment at the Marine Corps Intelligence School, raising questions about accountability and cultural change within the military.

A leading authority on submarine espionage and the author of a book on the subject, Christopher Drew, engages in a discussion with Jeff Stein. They cover various intriguing topics like hair-raising espionage missions, challenges in tracking submarines, revealing Russian moles, the role of submarines in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, rebuilding the Russian Navy's nuclear submarine arsenal, and uncovering Bin Laden's plans and myths through the Bin Laden papers.

Former Head of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Robert Cardillo, discusses anti-satellite warfare and Oval Office briefings. Mollie Saltskog analyzes China's stealth move into the Solomon Islands. They explore the potential threat to nearby countries and China's increasing influence in the Pacific. They also discuss ways to disable satellite capabilities and the changing culture in the intelligence community regarding the sharing of satellite imagery.

Robert Cardillo, former head of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, discusses the role of spy satellites in Ukraine and how images can be spoofed, while investigative reporter and author Scott Anderson dissects the differences between the old Cold War with Russia and the emerging new one.

Retired Army Gen. Kevin Ryan discusses the Russian military's chaos in Ukraine. Journalist Janet Reitman dissects the FBI's mishaps in the Michigan Wolverine Watchmen trial. The podcast also explores issues within the Russian military, the case of plotting to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer, law enforcement bias, assessing the potential return of extremist groups, and monitoring the FBI's actions.