SpyCast

Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb discusses intelligence in outer space, the Galileo Project, government positions on extraterrestrial life, and the enormity of the universe. He advocates for evidence-based inquiry, shifting priorities to bigger aspirations, and reflections on encountering advanced technological civilizations.

SummaryAngie Gad (LinkedIn, Website) joined Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss her career in intelligence analysis. Angie is a first-generation Egyptian-American. What You’ll LearnIntelligence The role of state fusion centers to national intelligence How counterterrorism analysis evolved after 9/11 The connections between ISIS and Far Right Extremists The mental health implications of counterterrorism  Reflections The importance of diversity of thought and experience Personal identity in professional life And much, much more …Quotes of the Week“I think that's what drives me as an analyst. I love to understand why extremists do what they do, what leads them, what are the motivators and the driving force behind their actions and their thoughts and their radicalization.” – Angie Gad.Resources SURFACE SKIM*SpyCasts* Telling Americans About China (and Intelligence) with Sara Castro (2024) The Eye of Horus: Egyptian Intelligence with Dina Rezk (2023) Leader, Lecturer, Analyzer, Nerd with Jorhena Thomas (2023) The Counterterrorism and Counter WMD Strategist with Dexter Ingram (2022) *Beginner Resources* What Is Counterterrorism? National Museum of American Diplomacy, YouTube (2023) [5 min. video] What is Intelligence Analysis and Why is It So Important? National American University (2020) [Short article] Role of Fusion Centers, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (n.d.) [Short brief]  DEEPER DIVEBooks Compassionate Counterterrorism: The Power of Inclusion In Fighting Fundamentalism, L. Al Olaimy (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2019)  Black Flags: Rise of ISIS, J. Warrick (Doubleday, 2015) Reducing Uncertainty: Intelligence Analysis & National Security, T. Fingar (SUP, 2011) Primary Sources  United States of America v. Ammon BUNDY, Jon RITZHEIMER, Joseph O'SHAUGHNESSY, Ryan PAYNE, Ryan BUNDY, Brian CAVALIER, Shawna COX, Peter SANTILLI (2016) National Criminal Intelligence Sharing Plan (2013)  Progress Made and Work Remaining in Implementing Homeland Security Missions 10 Years after 9/11 (2011) Empowering Local Partners to Prevent Violent Extremism in the United States (2011)  9/11 Commission Report (2004)  Targets of Suspicion: The Impact of Post-9/11 Policies on Muslims, Arabs and South Asians in the United States (2004) American Psyche Reeling From Terror Attacks (2001) *Wildcard Resource* The Rosetta Stone was originally found in the Nile Delta of Egypt in 1799. The priceless piece of human linguistic history has been on display at the British Museum since 1802.  The question of the potential repatriation of the Rosetta Stone back to Egypt is one of the most highly discussed topics in the museum field today. Read more about the Egyptian campaign to reclaim their ancient artifacts here.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Stout, former intelligence analyst and SPY Historian, discusses the foundations of American intelligence in WWI. Topics include early American intelligence agencies, codebreaking, the American Protective League, and WWI's impact on culture and politics. They challenge historical narratives and reflect on the significance of studying 'forgotten wars'.

SummaryAndrew Hampton joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence in New Zealand. Andrew is the Director General of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service. What You’ll LearnIntelligence The New Zealand Intelligence Community How geography effects national security The lasting impact of the Christchurch Mosque attacks New Zealand’s relationship with China Reflections The power of community organization The nuanced nature of global politics And much, much more …Quotes of the Week“I think for a long time there was a view that our geographical isolation protected us from a range of national security threats. But unfortunately, in the current world, geostrategic competition is playing out in our region. Going back to my old role, you’re only one click away from a cyber-attack … This and misinformation and violent extremism are permeating the whole world. ” – Andrew Hampton.Resources SURFACE SKIM*SpyCasts* CIA Director, Defense Secretary, Gentleman with Leon Panetta (2024) Australian National Day Special: Intelligence Down Under with John Blaxland (2024)  SPY CHIEFS: Director-General of Security Mike Burgess - ASIO, Australia & America (2022) Keeping Secrets/Disclosing Secrets with Spy Chief turned DG of Australia’s National Archives David Fricker (2022) *Beginner Resources* What Is The Five Eyes Alliance? K. Haan, Forbes [Short Article] A Brief History of New Zealand, Live and Work New Zealand (2022) [Short article] Why Isn't New Zealand a Part of Australia? History Matters, YouTube (2020) [3 min. video] DEEPER DIVEBooks Voyagers: The Settlement of the Pacific, Nicholas Thomas (Basic Books, 2021)  Pacific Century: The Emergence of Modern Pacific Asia, Mark Borthwick (Routledge, 2013) The Penguin History of New Zealand, Michael King (Penguin Books, 2003)  Primary Sources  He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni – the Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand (1835) Te Tiriti o Waitangi — the Treaty of Waitangi (1840)  New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Act (1969)  Intelligence and Security Committee Act (1996)  Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act (1996) Government Communications Security Bureau Act (2003)  Intelligence and Security Act (2017) *Wildcard Resource* The Women’s Suffrage Petition - Te Petihana Whakamana Pōti Wahine In 1893, this document gave all women in New Zealand the right to vote in general elections – Making New Zealand the first country in the world to enact universal women’s suffrage! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SummaryDavid Oranchak (X, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss his work helping to solve the 340 Zodiac cipher. Dave is a software developer and avid puzzle solver. What You’ll LearnIntelligence The difference between codes and ciphers The cryptological methods used by the Zodiac killer  The history of cryptography and its importance to intelligence How Dave and his team cracked the 340 Cipher Reflections Persistence and dedication Average citizens as avid participants  And much, much more …Quotes of the Week“It felt like we had gotten a brand new letter from the Zodiac Killer. You know, the case had been dormant for so long … We started to see the message coming through, it was like he was back to life so to speak, he was talking to us again after so many years of not saying anything. So that was kind of eerie to kind of hear the voice of a serial killer.” – David Oranchak.Resources SURFACE SKIM*SpyCasts* My Father the Navajo Code-Talker with Laura Tohe (2023)  Venice’s Secret Service with Ioanna Iordanou (2023)  El Chapo, the Sinaloa Cartel & Intelligence with Trial Reporter Noah Hurowitz (2022)  CYBER AUGUST: “So, You Want to Be a Codebreaker?” with Elonka Dunin and Klaus Schmeh (2021)  *Beginner Resources* A brief history of cryptography: Sending secret messages throughout time, J. Schneider, IBM (2024) [Short article] What is the Difference Between a Code and a Cipher? Mysterious Writings (2018) [Short Article] Infamous Killers: The Zodiac Killer, A&E, YouTube (2017) [5 min. video] DEEPER DIVEBooks Zodiac: The Shocking True Story of the Hunt for the Nation's Most Elusive Serial Killer, R. Graysmith (Berkley, 2007)  The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography, S. Singh (Anchor, 2000) The Codebreakers: The Comprehensive History of Secret Communication from Ancient Times to the Internet, D. Kahn (Scribner, 1996)  Primary Sources  The Zodiac Killer FBI Case File (1969)  San Francisco Zodiac Letter (1969)  San Francisco Suspect Sketches (1969) Zodiac’s 408 Cipher (1969)  Zodiac’s 340 Cipher (1969)  The Beale Papers (1885) The Dorabella Cipher (1897) Voynich Manuscript (ca. 1401-1599)  *Wildcard Resource*If you’re an amateur codebreaker and you feel inspired by this episode, try your hand at cryptanalysis with this FBI-created dot code. Erin tried, but could not begin to crack it – She’ll stick to podcasting.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Edlitz, an author and pop culture expert, discusses the evolution of James Bond in literature after Ian Fleming's death. Topics include the original Fleming novels, intellectual property rights, the relationship between the Bond books and movies, and the malleability of iconic characters like Bond.

SummaryMark Zaid (X, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss American intelligence and the law. You’ve heard of a “lawyer to the stars,” Mark is the “lawyer to the spies”What You’ll LearnIntelligence The quirks of being a lawyer in this space How the Espionage Act works in practice  The trial of the Rosenbergs The origins of FOIA and its purpose The Legal foundations underpinning espionage and intelligence Reflections Challenging authority  The delicate balance of secrecy And much, much more …Quotes of the Week“I still love working every day, 30 years later, because there's still something new. As much as I fight for declassification and transparency, I will at times also see information and learn of events where I go, “Oh, I get it. Yeah, that stuff cannot be known. That's incredible what we did. That's pretty wild.” – Mark Zaid.Resources SURFACE SKIM*SpyCasts* Agent of Betrayal, FBI Spy Robert Hanssen with CBS’ Major Garrett and Friends (2023) David Petraeus on Ukraine & Intelligence with the former CIA Director & 4* General (2023) Havana Syndrome – A Panel featuring Nicky Woolf, Marc Polymeropoulos, and Mark Zaid (2023)  How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Spy Game with Mike Susong (2023)  *Beginner Resources* What Is a Whistleblower? Protections, Law, Importance, and Example, W. Kenton, Investopedia (2022) [Short article] What is a Lawyer? American Bar Association (2019) [Short article] Legal System Basics, CrashCourse, YouTube (2015) [8 min. video] DEEPER DIVEBooks State of Silence: The Espionage Act and the Rise of America's Secrecy Regime, S. Lebovic (Basic Books, 2023) Ethel Rosenberg, A. Sebba (Griffin, 2022) Spies on Trial: True Tales of Espionage in the Courtroom, C. C. Kuhne (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2019) Primary Sources  A Letter from Aldrich Ames on Polygraph Testing (2000) Whistle Blower Protection Act (1989)   DoD Polygraph Program (1984) National Security Decision Directive 84 (1983) Inspector General Act (1978) Freedom of Information Act (1966)  Administrative Procedure Act (1946)  Espionage Act (1917) *Wildcard Resource* John Adams, a 2008 HBO Mini-Series chronicling the Founding Father’s role in early America John Adams, much like Mark, was a lawyer dedicated to the right to representation. Adams, ever dedicated to the honor of his profession, was the only attorney who agreed to defend the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre. You can read the whole trial here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SummaryDr. Sara Castro (LinkedIn, Bio) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the history of US-China diplomacy. Sara is an Associate Professor of History at the United States Air Force Academy. What You’ll LearnIntelligence The Dixie Mission  The history of US-China relations dating back to the Opium Wars China’s involvement with the OSS during WWII How Mao Zedong & Chiang Kai-shek built modern China Reflections Understanding and empathy Knowledge is power  And much, much more …Resources SURFACE SKIM*Spotlight Resource* Mission to Mao: US Intelligence in China during World War II, Sara B. Castro, (Georgetown University Press, 2024) *SpyCasts* Making Sense of China, Taiwan, & America Pacific Intelligence with Bonny Lin (2023) China’s Corporate Spy War with CNBC’s Eamon Javers (2023) Trafficking Data: The Digital Struggle with China with Aynne Kokas (2022) *Beginner Resources* Beyond the Balloon: The Complicated History Behind US-China Relations, Voice of America, YouTube (2023) [8 min. video] China’s Overlooked Role in World War II, C. Klein, The History Channel (2022) [Short article] Secret Agents, Secret Armies: The Short Happy Life of the OSS, The National World War II Museum (2020) [Short article] DEEPER DIVEBooks Spies and Lies: How China's Greatest Covert Operations Fooled the World, A. Joske (Hardie Grant, 2022)  The Hundred-Year Marathon: China's Secret Strategy to Replace America as the Global Superpower, M. Pillsbury (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2016)  Forgotten Ally: China's World War II, 1937–1945, R. Mitter (Mariner Books, 2013) Primary Sources  Dixie Mission Remembered in Beijing (2004) U.S.-PRC Political Negotiations, 1967-1984 (1985) CIA Intelligence Report: Mao’s “Cultural Revolution” (1967) War Report: Office of Strategic Services: Operations in the Field (1949)  Madame Chiang Kai-Shek Address to the U.S. House of Representatives (1943) Treaty Of Tianjin (1858) Treaty Of Wangxia (1844)  *Wildcard Resource* After the signing of the SACO Treaty in 1942, Chinese spymaster Dai Li took command of the US-China intelligence cooperation during World War II.  Six decades later in 2005, Nickelodeon premiered the now immensely popular American anime series Avatar: The Last Airbender. In the series, the elite secret police agency of fictional capital city Ba Sing Se are appropriately named, The Dai Li.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SummaryMike VanBlaricum (X; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss his journey as a James Bond fanatic and collector. Mike is the President of the Ian Fleming Foundation.What You’ll LearnIntelligence How Mike became an obsessive James Bond collector with 10,000 artifacts Mike’s favorite Bond cars, movies, and books How From Russia with Love was one of John F Kennedy’s favorite books Mike’s tips on the best place to start if you want to read the Bond novels Reflections The passion of a collector Pop culture influencing the “real” world And much, much more …Quotes of the Week“I've always been fascinated about the study of creativity. And so, between wanting to understand spy craft and that whole human side as well as creativity, creativity like Fleming – How one person can change popular culture, you know, ultimately, something that came out of his mind can change popular culture is just fascinating to me.” – Mike VanBlaricumResourcesSURFACE SKIM*SpyCasts* 70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special with Alexis Albion on 007, Part 1 of 2 (2023) 70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special with Alexis Albion on 007, Part 2 of 2 (2023) CIA Officers Turned Authors with David McCloskey and James Stejskal (2022) My Life Looking at Spies and the Media with Paul Lashmar (2022) *Beginner Resources* How to Watch All the James Bond 007 Movies in Order, P. Saperstein, Variety (2023) [Short article] Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum! International Spy Museum (2024) [2 min. video] Ian Fleming Life Timeline, Ian Fleming Publications (n.d.) [Timeline] DEEPER DIVEBooks For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming + James Bond, B. Macintyre (Bloomsbury USA, 2008) Licence to Thrill: A Cultural History of the James Bond Films, J. Chapman (I.B. Tauris, 2008) Ian Fleming, A. Lycett (St. Martin’s Press, 1995) Primary Sources  FBI Targeted a Fictional Spy (1980) E. Germany Brands 007 As ‘Fascist’ (1965) Memorandum For the Record from Marshall S. Carter (1964) Our Spy-Boss Who Loved Bond by Allen Dulles (1964) A Spy’s Spy, a Knight vs. Dragon – That Was the Image of James Bond (1964) *Wildcard Resource*Who’s The Deadliest Bond? Pierce Brosnan – And by a high margin! Brosnan’s 007 had an average of 27 kills per movie. His runner-up, Roger Moore, clocked in an average of 16.6. o Read the stats by movie here. License to Kill indeed... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how psychology intersects with intelligence as Dr. Ursula Wilder shares insights on leadership, personality assessments during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the use of psychoanalytic theory in espionage. Explore historical examples of leadership analysis, reflections on human nature throughout history, and the fascinating relationship dynamics between world leaders like Charles De Gaulle and Winston Churchill.