SpyCast

SpyCast

TOP SECRET Personal Attention, SpyCast Listeners Known to be the podcast real spies listen to -(STOP)- eavesdrop on conversations with high level sources from around the world -(STOP)- spychiefs molehunters defectors covert operators analysts cyberwarriors and researchers debriefed by SPY Historian Hammond -(STOP) stories secrets tradecraft and technology discussed -(STOP)- HUMINT SIGINT OSINT IMINT GEOINT and more -(STOP)- rumored to be professional education internal communication and public information -(STOP)- entire back catalog available online for free -(STOP)- please investigate this claim with all possible haste -(STOP)- SPY Historian Hammond said to have a Scottish accent -(STOP)- is this a countermeasure or a hearts-and-minds campaign? (END TELEGRAM) read less

“First of Many…America’s First Female Intelligence Agency Chief” – with former NGA Director Letitia “Tish” Long
3d ago
“First of Many…America’s First Female Intelligence Agency Chief” – with former NGA Director Letitia “Tish” Long
Summary Letitia “Tish” Long (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss her time as the Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Tish was the first woman to be appointed director of an American intelligence agency.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence GEOINT & its importance Tish’s recollection of the Bin Laden raid The differences between NGO and NGA Information sharing between spy chiefs Reflections The value of mentorship  Being the first, but certainly not the last And much, much more … Quotes of the Week “Make sure that you are taking care of yourself, that you're getting that balance, you know, work life balance. And when I say that, I mean many different things because everybody is different. Whether it's family, friends, spiritual, physical, or working out, you’ve got to take care of all aspects of yourself so you're ready to give 110%. Because that's what the intelligence community takes.” – Tish Long. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy with Michael Vickers (2023) Leader, Lecturer, Analyzer, Nerd with Jorhena Thomas (2023) SPY CHIEFS: “From Navy Analyst to State Dept. Intelligence Chief” with Ellen McCarthy (Part 1 of 2) SPY CHIEFS: “From Navy Analyst to State Dept. Intelligence Chief” with Ellen McCarthy (Part 2 of 2) *Beginner Resources* What is Geospatial Intelligence or GEOINT?, Geospatial World, YouTube (2023) [2 min. video] Spy Satellite Expert Explains How to Analyze Satellite Imagery, Wired, YouTube (2021) [5 min. video] NGA History, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (n.d) [Short article] DEEPER DIVE Books Geospatial Intelligence: Origins and Evolution, R. M. Clark (Georgetown University Press, 2020) Facts and Fears: Hard Truths from a Life in Intelligence, J. Clapper (Penguin Books, 2018) Manhunt: The Ten-Year Search for Bin Laden from 9/11 to Abbottabad, P. L. Bergen (Crown, 2012) Primary Sources  The Advent of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Office of the NGA Historian (2011) Geospatial Intelligence Basic Doctrine, NGA (2006)  Memorandum to the Director of NIMA on Expanded Use of US Commercial Space Imagery, CIA (2002) A Century of CORONA, CIA (1968) NGA Reference Chronology, Office of the NGA Historian (n.d.)
“Former Senior Indian Intelligence Officer” – R&AW Special Secretary Vappala Balachandran
Sep 19 2023
“Former Senior Indian Intelligence Officer” – R&AW Special Secretary Vappala Balachandran
Summary Vappala Balachandran (Wikipedia) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his career and the ancient roots of espionage in India. Bala formerly served as Special Secretary for India’s Cabinet Secretariat.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence India’s Research and Analysis Wing The Tamil Tigers’ threat to Indian national security Intelligence considerations within India-Pakistan relations Lessons in intelligence from Ancient India Reflections Intelligence, the 2nd oldest profession Transitioning from leader to student And much, much more … Quotes of the Week “There was a lot of pressure. There was a lot of pressure, especially, for example: Certain incidents happening – What would be the repercussions in India? Now, anything that happens in Pakistan, it will have some repercussions in India. And, same thing in Afghanistan, and then all the neighboring countries, we are to watch them.” – Vappala Balachandran. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Irish Garda Intelligence Chief with Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn (2023) Venice’s Secret Service with Ioanna Iordanou (2023) Indian Intelligence & Cyber, A Conversation with Sameer Patil, ORF Mumbai (2023) Intelligence & the World’s Largest Democracy with Former Indian Intelligence Director Vikram Sood (2021) *Beginner Resources* The Entire History of India in Under 10 Minutes, Made in History, YouTube (2022) [10 min. Video] RAW: A History of India’s Covert Operations, Y. Yadav, New Indian Express (2020) [Short article] Timeline: India-Pakistan Relations, A. Hashim, Al Jazeera (2019) [Historical timeline] DEEPER DIVE Primary Sources  Agreement on a ceasefire between Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (2022) Pradhan Inquiry Commission Report, 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks (2009) Lessons from the Mumbai Terrorist Attacks, US Senate Hearing (2009) Kautilya’s Arthashastra (1915 translation) Thiruvalluvar’s Tirukkuṟaḷ (1886 translation)  The Police Act (1861)
“Irish Garda Intelligence Chief” – with Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn
Sep 12 2023
“Irish Garda Intelligence Chief” – with Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn
Summary Michael McElgunn (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence in the Republic of Ireland. Michael is the Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána’s Crime and Security Intelligence Service.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence The history of An Garda Síochána The intelligence components of the Garda The present state of Northern Ireland relations Current threats to Irish national security Reflections The value of collaboration Evolving alongside a changing world And much, much more … Quote of the Week “I think people should in general take comfort from the work that is done by intelligence services and the exceptional collaboration that there is with these services to keep people safe. And that is not just at home, that's abroad – Where we come into possession of a piece of intelligence that we feel will be a value elsewhere, we'll share that elsewhere.” – Michael McElgunn. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Kenya, East Africa, and America with African Intelligence Chief Wilson Boinett (2023)  St. Ermin’s Hotel, London – The History of a Legendary Spy Site with Stephen Duffy (2023) Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan (2023)  The IRA, The Troubles & Intelligence with Eleanor Williams and Thomas Leahy (2022) *Beginner Resources* A Brief History of Ireland, T. Lambert, Local Histories, n.d. [Short article]  Our History, An Garda Síochána, n.d. [Web page] The Troubles, J. Wallenfeldt, Encyclopedia Britannica [Encyclopedia entry] DEEPER DIVE Books We Don't Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland, F. O’Toole (Liveright, 2023) Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland, P. R. Keefe (Anchor, 2020)  Policing Twentieth Century Ireland: A History of An Garda Síochána, V. Conway (Routledge, 2013) The Guarding of Ireland – The Garda Síochána and the Irish State 1960–2014: A History of the Irish Police Force, C. Brady (Gill Books, 2014) Primary Sources  Gárda Síochána (Temporary Provisions) Act (1923) Royal Irish Constabulary Office Preliminary Arrangements for Disbandment, Garda Archives (1922)  Orders for the Guidance of the Troops, Garda Archives (1919) National Union of Police and Prison Officers, National Museum of Ireland (1919)  The Police and the Nation, Garda Archives (1916)  1916 Proclamation, National Museum of Ireland (1916)
“Kenya, East Africa, and America” – with African Intelligence Chief Wilson Boinett
Sep 5 2023
“Kenya, East Africa, and America” – with African Intelligence Chief Wilson Boinett
Summary Brigadier General (Ret.) Wilson Boinett joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss Kenyan intelligence. Wilson is the former Director of Kenya’s National Intelligence Service.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence The effect of colonialism on intelligence The organization of Kenya’s National Intelligence Service Wilson’s role in adapting and reforming Kenyan intelligence  The Nairobi bombings and effects on East Africa Reflections Institutional insurgency The courage to push for and enact change *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Episode Notes This week on SpyCast, we are thrilled to be joined by our first ever African intelligence chief. Brigadier General (Ret.) Wilson Boinett is the individual credited with transforming Kenya’s National Intelligence Service into the world-class agency it is today. Following a decades long career in the Kenyan Army, Wilson became the first Director of the newly created intelligence agency in 1999. He believed in the possibly of change and the potential for collaboration amongst East African countries and set out to do just that. Tune in to this week’s episode to learn more about his extraordinary career and lessons in leadership.  This episode is the second in our Spy Chiefs Special series that will run throughout September. Stay tuned in the weeks to come to hear perspectives from Ireland, India, and the first woman to direct an American intelligence organization.  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Quotes of the Week I was coming in at the time when all those things were happening and the Cold War was over, and the western intelligence did not care very much what Kenya was going to do. So, I had an opportunity to look at this monster called change …. I went to the president, and I said, “I think it is time to change.” And he said, “Go change it.”  Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* David Petraeus on Ukraine & Intelligence with the former CIA Director & 4* General (2023) Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East vs. West with Calder Walton (2023)  Irregular Warfare & Intelligence with IWC Director Dennis Walters (2023) The 75th Anniversary of the CIA with former Director Robert Gates (2022) *Beginner Resources* A Brief History of Kenya, A. Boddy-Evans, ThoughtCo (2020) [Short Article] The Late British Empire, History Matters, YouTube (2017) [Ten-minute video] What Was the Mau Mau Uprising? Imperial War Museum (n.d.) [Short article] *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* DEEPER DIVE Books History of Resistance in Kenya, M. wa Kĩnyattĩ (Mau Mau Research Center, 2019) Kenya After 50: Reconfiguring Historical, Political, and Policy Milestones, M. M. Kithinji et al. (Palgrave Macmillan, 2016)  Population, Tradition, and Environmental Control in Colonial Kenya, M. S. Shanguhyia (University of Rochester Press, 2015) Kenya: A History Since Independence, C. Hornsby (I.B. Tauris, 2013) Primary Sources  Report of the Accountability Review Boards: Bombings of the US Embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, US Department of Justice (1999) 5 Fugitives Indicted in Embassy Bombings, J. Mintz, The Washington Post (1998) The National Security Intelligence Service Act (1998)  Lancaster House Agreement, United Nations Peacemaker (1979) Kenya Independence Act (1963) Kenyan Independence Memorandum by the Secretary of State for Commonwealth, UK National Archives (1963) Mau Mau Violence – Control Measures, CIA (1953)  The Situation in Kenya (Mau Mau Uprising), CIA (1952)  General Act of the Berlin Conference on West Africa, San Diego State University (1885)  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* *Wildcard Resource* Take a trip to Nairobi from your couch and explore the National Museums of Kenya through Google Arts & Culture.  Explore Kenya’s 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Take a Tour of the Nairobi Gallery, or Learn a Bit of Swahili, one of Kenya’s two official languages!
“David Petraeus on Ukraine & Intelligence” – with the former CIA Director & 4* General 
Aug 29 2023
“David Petraeus on Ukraine & Intelligence” – with the former CIA Director & 4* General
Summary David Petraeus (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter, LinkedIn) to discuss his strategic analysis of the war in Ukraine. General Petraeus is a former Director of the CIA. What You’ll Learn Intelligence General Petraeus’ appraisal of the situation in Ukraine What victory would look like for each side What role intelligence is playing in the War General Petraeus’ time as Director of the CIA  Reflections The power of narrative Organizational culture *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Episode Notes David Petraeus was CIA Director between September 2011 and November 2012, and prior to that had a 37-year career in the U.S. Army, rising to its highest rank of 4 star General. Are you curious to hear an in-depth strategic analysis of the Ukraine War from one of the most talented American officers of his generation? Would you like to know more about his time as CIA Director? Listen in to find out. Quotes of the Week "This is the first war with smartphones, internet connectivity, and social media, such as we see here. It was not present before. even really in the Iraq and Afghanistan war, certainly not to this scale. so that is a dramatic change…It also gives a degree of transparency to this war that I don't think has ever existed before." – David Petraeus. *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy with Michael Vickers (2023)  Ukraine & the Alliance with NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence David Cattler (2023)  Irregular Warfare & Intelligence with IWC Director Dennis Walters (2023) Ukraine & Intelligence: One Year On with Shane Harris (2023) The 75th Anniversary of the CIA with Former Director Robert Gates (2022) *Beginner Resources* 5 Things You Should Know About the War in Ukraine, UN Refugee Agency (2023) [Short article] What Caused the Ukraine War?, J. S. Nye, Harvard Belfer Center (2022) [short article] A History of Ukraine in 5 Minutes, Sky News (2014) [5 min video] Putin’s War on Ukraine, Explained, Vox (2022) [8:48 min video] *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* DEEPER DIVE Books Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine, D. Petraeus & A. Roberts (Harper, 2023)  The New Makers of Modern Strategy, H. Brands et al. (Princeton University Press, 2023)  The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine, S. Plokhy (Basic Books, 2017) Primary Sources  Petraeus Testimony on U.S. Middle East Policy, Senate.gov (2015) Petraeus Confirmation Hearings to be Director, CIA, Senate.gov (2011) Petraeus Military Retirement Speech, American Rhetoric, YouTube (2011) Petraeus Confirmation Hearing, ISAF and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, C-SPAN (2010) The American Military and the Lessons of Vietnam, David Petraeus, DocumentCloud (1987) [Petraeus’ Ph.D. dissertation] *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* *Wildcard Resource* General Petraeus was known for the counterinsurgency approach he implemented in Afghanistan and Iraq – sometimes called The Petraeus Doctrine. You can implement your own counterinsurgency by playing a board game developed by former CIA analyst Volko Ruhnke - A Distant Plain: Insurgency in Afghanistan.
“America 3.0” – with Bill Britton of the California Cybersecurity Institute (CCI)
Aug 22 2023
“America 3.0” – with Bill Britton of the California Cybersecurity Institute (CCI)
Summary Bill Britton (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) in a discussion about cybersecurity and cyber awareness. Bill is the Director of the California Cybersecurity Institute and CIO at Cal Poly.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence How to better protect your online information Why cybersecurity is more important now than ever How Cal Poly is addressing cybersecurity challenges The state of cyber in California and America Reflections Confronting our learned habits  Lifelong learning *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Episode Notes This week on SpyCast, Andrew was joined in the studio by Bill Britton, Vice President of Information Technology, Chief Information Officer at Cal Poly, and the Director of the California Cybersecurity Institute. Bill joins us to discuss the work Cal Poly is doing to train, accelerate, and empower the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. And…  In 2011, Oprah Winfrey declared San Luis Obispo “America’s Happiest City,” and it’s no wonder why – the quiet city is nestled within a beautiful landscape surrounded by historic architecture, interesting landmarks, and over 250 vineyards. Erin and Andrew are rethinking their East coast lifestyles…  Quotes of the Week “We're trying to establish a way that people think differently about what cyber really is and does for them, and how it can be an expediter of their abilities to have a job and do great things for not just themselves, but the nation at large.” – Bill Britton *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Indian Intelligence & Cyber with Sameer Patil of ORF Mumbai (2023)  Espionage and the Metaverse with Cathy Hackl (2023) Trafficking Data: The Digital Struggle with Aynne Kokas (2022)  Sure, I Can Hack Your Organization with Eric Escobar, Part 1 (2022)  Sure, I Can Hack Your Organization with Eric Escobar, Part 2 (2022)  *Beginner Resources* CyberWire Word Notes, CyberWire (2023) [Audio glossary] What is Cybersecurity?, CISA (2021) [Short article] Cybersecurity in 7 minutes, Simplilearn (2020) [7 min video]  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* DEEPER DIVE Books The Cyberweapons Arms Race, N. Perloth (Bloomsbury, 2021)  Cult of the Dead Cow: How the Original Hacking Supergroup Might Just Save the World, J. Menn (Public Affairs, 2019) The Art of Invisibility, K. Mitnick (Little, Brown, and Company, 2017) Ghost In The Wires: My Adventures as the World's Most Wanted Hacker, K. Mitnick & W. L. Simon (Little, Brown, and Company, 2011) Primary Sources  Cybersecurity Case Library, Vol. 1, California Cybersecurity Institute (2021) NASA’s Cybersecurity Readiness, NASA (2021) Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, US Congress (1986)  *Wildcard Resource* Defend the Crown (2021) A computer game for all ages that teaches the basics of cybersecurity, through the defense of your virtual castle from cyber ninjas!  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE*
"The Gambling Capital of the World: Intelligence, Las Vegas Style!" – with James Lockhart and Keith Michaels
Aug 15 2023
"The Gambling Capital of the World: Intelligence, Las Vegas Style!" – with James Lockhart and Keith Michaels
Summary Keith Michaels (LinkedIn) and James Lockhart (LinkedIn) join Andrew to discuss intelligence in an unlikely place: Casinos! James and Keith have collectively over 30 years of experience within Las Vegas gaming surveillance.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence How casinos conduct surveillance Collaboration between casinos and intelligence organizations  The mob origins of Las Vegas Nation-state intelligence threats in casinos  Reflections It’s just the luck of the draw…or is it?  Playing your cards right And much, much more … ***FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE HERE*** Episode Notes This week on SpyCast, Andrew is joined by Keith Michaels and James Lockhart on a journey into the secret underbelly of the “Gambling Capital of the World,” Las Vegas. How do casinos conduct surveillance, and what prompted them to adopt formal surveillance operations? Tune in to find out. Quotes of the Week “Casino operations are venues for intelligence activity, not just for the low-level criminal or the higher-level criminal, but also nation states … You know, we're only catching about 35% of what's going on. There's a lot of cash moving around very fast. A lot of people coming in and out in a casino. So, the possibilities are kind of endless.” – James Lockhart. ***FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE HERE*** Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* 70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special with Alexis Albion on 007, Part 1 (2023) 70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special with Alexis Albion on 007, Part 2 (2023) How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Spy Game with Mike Susong (2023) Baseball and Espionage with Ryan Zimmerman and Marc Polymeropoulos (2022) Dealing with Russia: A Conversation with Counterintelligence Legend Jim Olson (2022) *Beginner Resources* A Brief History of Las Vegas, T. Lambert, Local Histories (2021) [Short Article]  A Brief History of Gambling, R. Cormack, Medium (2018] [Short Article] How to Play Baccarat, WikiHow (2020) [Short Video] ***FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE HERE*** DEEPER DIVE Books Casino: The Rise and Fall of the Mob in Las Vegas, N. Pileggi (Ebury Press, 2015) Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling, D. G. Schwartz (Winchester Books, 2013)  Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions, B. Mezrich (Free Press, 2002) Casino Royale, I. Fleming (Jonathan Cape, 1953) Primary Sources  Federal Special Agent Pleads Guilty To Gambling With Government Funds, United States Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada (2022) Surveillance Standards for Nonrestricted Licensees, Nevada Gaming (2005) Gaming probers sue CIA, CIA (1979)  How U.S. Made Unholy Alliance with the Mafia, CIA (1975)  Bugsy Siegel Collection, FBI (n.d.) *Wildcard Resource* In 1983, William Casey, then Director of the CIA, was invited to the Recording Industry Cultural Award Dinner. Luckily for him, Kenny Rogers was the featured performer of the night. He probably played “The Gambler,” a song that Erin thinks is a spot-on analogy for the Intelligence Cycle. You’ve got to know when hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em … Know when to walk to away, and know when to run.  ***FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE HERE***
“China’s Corporate Spy War” – with CNBC’s Eamon Javers 
Aug 8 2023
“China’s Corporate Spy War” – with CNBC’s Eamon Javers
Summary Eamon Javers (Twitter, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter, LinkedIn) to discuss China’s Corporate Spy War. Eamon is the Senior Washington correspondent at CNBC.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence Why go after corporate secrets?  What’s at stake for the United States  The case of Yanjun Xu and GE Aviation Military implications of economic espionage Reflections The innovation nation Simple twists of fate And much, much more … ***FULL SHOWNOTES AVAILABLE HERE*** Episode Notes This week on SpyCast, Andrew is joined by CNBC’s Senior Washington Correspondent Eamon Javers to discuss his new documentary, China’s Corporate Spy War.  Quotes of the Week “I don't think people in corporate America knew that, fully understood the scale of the threat. They thought this was kind of an annoyance like shoplifting is, and that you kind of just build in some procedures and there's some sunk costs associated with that, and you move on. What these intelligence guys were describing was an entirely different threat. This was the elimination of major American brands from the global marketplace.” - Eamon Javers. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East vs. West with Calder Walton (2023)  The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023) Trafficking Data: The Digital Struggle with China with Aynne Kokas (2023) The FBI & Cyber with Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran, Part 1 (2022) The FBI & Cyber with Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran, Part 2 (2022) Dealing with Russia – A Conversation with Counterintelligence Legend Jim Olson (2022)  *Beginner Resources* What is Corporate Espionage?, A. T. Tunggal, UpGuard (2023) [Article] Timeline: U.S.-China Relations, Council on Foreign Relations (n.d.) [Timeline] A Tale of High Stakes Corporate Espionage, Bloomberg (2023) [7:44 video] ***FULL SHOWNOTES AVAILABLE HERE*** DEEPER DIVE Books SPIES: The Epic Intelligence War Between East and West, C. Walton (Simon & Schuster, 2023) The Scientist and the Spy: A True Story of China, the FBI, and Industrial Espionage, M. Hvistendahl (Riverhead Books, 2020)  To Catch a Spy: The Art of Counterintelligence, J. Olson (GUP, 2019) Broker, Trader, Lawyer, Spy: The Secret World of Corporate Espionage, E. Javers (HarperCollins, 2010)  Primary Sources  A Survey of Reported Chinese Espionage, 2000 to the Present, CSIS (2023)  Justice Department Announces Five Cases as Part of Recently Launched Disruptive Technology Strike Force, U.S. Department of Justice (2023)  Chinese Government Intelligence Officer Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Espionage Crimes, Attempting to Steal Trade Secrets From Cincinnati Company, U.S. Department of Justice (2022)  Executive Summary - China: The Risk to Corporate America, FBI (2019)  Economic Espionage Act (1996)  *Wildcard Resource* The Second Letter from Père d’Entrecolles to Father Orry (1722)  The art of porcelain making and selling was mastered under the Qing Dynasty. The West got curious and knew the form of pottery could be profitable to produce on their own. Because of the secrets shared by this Jesuit priest, China’s monopoly on porcelain production quickly toppled and the practice was spread across Europe. ***FULL SHOWNOTES AVAILABLE HERE***
“The 18-Year-Old Soviet Spy on the Manhattan Project: Ted Hall” – with Director Steve James
Aug 1 2023
“The 18-Year-Old Soviet Spy on the Manhattan Project: Ted Hall” – with Director Steve James
Summary Steve James (IMDb) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his new film, A Compassionate Spy. 18-year-old Ted Hall was the youngest physicist working on the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence Soviet-American relations during WWII The Manhattan Project and the development of the Atomic Bomb  Motivations for atomic espionage The life and story of Theodore Hall Reflections With great power … comes great responsibility State allegiance vs. personal conscience And much, much more  And… Steve James has been nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Documentary Feature in 2018 for Abacus: Small Enough to Jail, and Best Film Editing in 1995 for Hoop Dreams. Steve is the first Oscar nominee to join us on SpyCast since Robert de Niro sat down with our first host Peter Earnest in 2009!  Quotes of the Week “Ted was young and naive in some ways, but his reasons for what he did were not grounded in fantasy … Whether you support what he did or not, I don't know that the U. S. having the bomb all to itself would have been a great thing, given that we are the only nation to have actually dropped the bomb on anyone, period.” – Steve James. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *Headline Resource*  A Compassionate Spy, Steve James, Magnolia Pictures (2022) Available in select theaters and streaming on August 4th *SpyCasts* Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East vs. West with Calder Walton (2023) St. Ermin’s Hotel, London – The History of a Legendary Spy Site with Stephen Duffy (2023) Becoming a Russian Intelligence Officer with Janosh Neumann (2022) The Nuclear Doomsday Machine with Sean Maloney on Cold War Emergency Plans (2022) *Beginner Resources* What Was the Manhattan Project?, T. Metcalfe, Scientific American (2023) [Article] U.S.-Russia Nuclear Arms Control (1949-2021), Council on Foreign Relations (n.d.) [Timeline] Theodore Hall: American-born physicist and spy, Encyclopaedia Britannica (n.d.) [Encyclopedia entry] DEEPER DIVE Books Sleeper Agent: The Atomic Spy in America Who Got Away, A. Hagedorn (Simon & Schuster, 2021) The Manhattan Project: The Birth of the Atomic Bomb in the Words of Its Creators, Eyewitnesses, and Historians, C. C. Kelly (Black Dog & Leventhal, 2020)  Atomic Spy: The Dark Lives of Klaus Fuchs, N. T. Greenspan (Penguin Books, 2020) Bombshell: The Secret Story of America’s Unknown Atomic Spy Conspiracy, J. Albright & M. Kunstel (Times Books, 1997)  Video Modern Marvels: The Manhattan Project, The History Channel, YouTube (2020)  Science Behind the Atom Bomb, Nuclear Museum, Atomic Heritage Foundation (2013) Primary Sources  Report by the Ad Hoc Committee to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “Evaluation of Effect on Soviet War Effort Resulting from the Strategic Air Offensive,” National Security Archive (1949) The Evaluation of the Atomic Bomb as a Military Weapon, Harry Truman Presidential Library (1947) A Petition to the President of the United States from Los Alamos Scientists, Harry Truman Presidential Library (1945)  Albert Einstein to Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman Presidential Library (1945) Decision to Maintain Contact with Theodore Hall, National Security Agency (1944) *Wildcard Resource* The development of nuclear weapons not only had a massive impact on history and science – It also inspired new architectural designs and art. Read this Architectural Digest article on the Atomic Age Design and why our brains still register it as “futuristic” 75 years later!
"Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy" – with Michael Vickers
Jul 25 2023
"Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy" – with Michael Vickers
Summary Michael Vickers (Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his remarkable career and memoir. He was formerly the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence His specialized training to wear a “Nuclear Backpack” (yes, literally!) Overseeing a multibillion-dollar CIA covert action program against the Soviets Planning the Osama Bin Laden raid Retooling defense intelligence for the 21st century Reflections Finding a narrative that unites the various chapters of your life  Serving a country vs. serving a political party  And much, much more … Episode Notes Michael Vickers has been on a heck of a ride. He started out as a U.S. Army private with no degree and went on to oversee hundreds of thousands of people as the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence while holding a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins. Michael is the author of By All Means Available: Memoirs of a Life in Intelligence, Special Operation & Strategy.  Quotes of the Week "That weapon was called the Special Atomic Demolition Munition [i.e., “Nuclear Backpack] ...it was a sporty, uh, you know, it seemed like a good idea when I was 23 years old. So, there you have it." – Michael Vickers. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* “The Nuclear Doomsday Machine” – with Sean Maloney (2022_ “The Spies Who Came in From the Cold” - Chris Costa and John Quattrocki (2022) “The Spymaster’s Prism” – CIA Legend Jack Devine (2021) “Lessons from a Life in the CIA’s Clandestine Service” – Hank Crumpton (2012) “The CIA and the End of the Cold War” – Milt Bearden (2011) *Beginner Resources* Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, Homeschool History (2022) [2:25 min video] Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, Encyclopedia Britannica (2023) [3-minute read] The Operation That Took Out Osama Bin Laden, Military.com (2023) [3-minute read] The Plan to Get Osama, ABC News (2012) [6:44 min video] DEEPER DIVE Video The End of a Superpower - The Collapse of the Soviet Union, DW Documentaries (2022) Manhunt: The Search for Osma bin Laden, HBO (2013) Afghanistan 1979, the War that Changed the World, Gulya Mirzoeva, Icarus Films (2015) Red Star Over Khyber, PBS Frontline (1984) Primary Sources  Commander, 500th MI Group, Subj: Guerilla Use of Stinger Missiles and Their Effect on Soviet Tactics in AF, circa 1987. Memorandum of Conversation between Vice President Bush and Pakistani President Zia, December 8, 1982 Conversation between M.S. Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan on Afghanistan (Excerpt), December 8, 1982 Message to Soviet Ambassadors on the Invasion of Afghanistan, Attachment to CPSU Politburo Decree #177, December 27, 1979 *Wildcard Resource* A Distant Plain: Counter-insurgency Afghanistan: Government, Coalition, Taliban and Warlords compete (2013) Play this board game developed by former guest and former World Board Game Champion, Volko Ruhnke,
“Leader, Lecturer, Analyzer, Nerd” – with Jorhena Thomas
Jul 18 2023
“Leader, Lecturer, Analyzer, Nerd” – with Jorhena Thomas
Summary Jorhena Thomas (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss her career as an analyst and passion for intelligence education. Jorhena spent 8 years in the FBI as an Intelligence Analyst.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence What makes a great analyst Her thoughts on the “Intelligence Cycle” The Robert Levinson case  How the FBI adapted after 9/11 Reflections Teamwork and collaboration  The importance of education Episode Notes Andrew is joined by Jorhena Thomas: educator, mentor, and analysis extraordinaire. It was a pleasure to have Jorhena in the studio to discuss to her career, which began at the Federal Bureau of Investigation where she served as an intelligence analyst for 8 years. She moved on to work at the Washington D.C. Fusion Center, the District of Columbia Deputy Mayor’s Office, and in private consulting. She currently lectures at both American University and Georgetown University, and serves as the Director of Mentorship and Professional Advancement at Girl Security. And…  Women make up 59% (more than half!) of the FBI’s Intelligence Analysis workforce. This has come along way since the first female FBI special agents, Joanna Pierce Misko and Susan Roley Malone, were hired in 1972. However, the work is not done. SpyCast is proud to highlight Jorhena’s work with Girl Security, supporting, mentoring, and training the next generations of women in intelligence.  Quotes of the Week “All my time with the FBI really gave me an appreciation for partnerships, and understanding everyone has a role to play. And if you respect what they do and they respect what you do, then you can really get some good work done. And I think sometimes people look down on others who don't do what they do. And my attitude is, if they did what you do, then you don't need to be here” – Jorhena Thomas Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023) SPY CHIEFS: From Navy Analyst to State Dept. Intelligence Chief – Ellen McCarthy’s Journey (Part 1 of 2) (2022)  SPY CHIEFS: From Navy Analyst to State Dept. Intelligence Chief – Ellen McCarthy’s Journey (Part 2 of 2) (2022) My Global Career as a Female FBI Agent with Kathy Stearman (2021) Special Operations, FBI, NSC, et al – Serial Collaborator Karen Schaefer (2021) *Beginner Resources* What is Intelligence Analysis and Why is It So Important?, National American University (2020) [Short article] FBI Field Intelligence Groups and Fusion Centers, Department of Homeland Security (n.d.) [Fact sheet]  What is The Intelligence Cycle?, SOCRadar (2022) [Short article] DEEPER DIVE Books How Spies Think: Ten Lessons in Intelligence, D. Omand (Penguin, 2020)  Psychology of Intelligence Analysis, R. J. Heuer (Echo Point, 2017)  Reducing Uncertainty: Intelligence Analysis & National Security, T. Fingar (SUP, 2011) The FBI: A History, R. Jefferys-Jones (Yale, 2007) Articles How to Think Like an Intelligence Analyst, Z. T. Brown, Medium (2021) 9/11 and the Reinvention of the Us Intelligence Community, E. Kamarck, The Brooking Institution (2021)  No body, no burial, no peace for Iran hostage Bob Levinson's family, J. G. Meek & C. Finnegan, ABC News (2021) Getting from Awareness to Action on Disinformation, J. Thomas, The Cipher Brief (2020) Tabletop Exercises to Combat Disinformation, J. Thomas, Medium (2020) How the FBI Reinvented Itself After 9/11, C. Nobel, Harvard Business School (2016)  Video Adding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to National and Homeland Security, Education, Intelligence, and Fusion Centers (2023)  Women FBI Agents: In Their Own Words, FBI (2012) Primary Sources  FBI Washington Field Office Statement on the 16th Anniversary of the Abduction of Robert A. Levinson, FBI Washington (2023) The Internal Effects of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Reprioritization, Office of the Inspector General (2004) United States Patriot Act (2001)
“The Kneeling Man” – with Leta McCollough Seletsky
Jul 11 2023
“The Kneeling Man” – with Leta McCollough Seletsky
Summary Leta McCollough Seletsky (Website; Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to share the story of her father, the famous “Kneeling Man” – The man knelt next to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at his assassination at the Lorraine Motel in 1968. Leta is a litigator turned essayist and memoirist.  *Nominate SpyCast for a People’s Choice Podcast Award HERE!* What You’ll Learn Intelligence The life and times of Marrell “Mac” McCollough  The CIA connection between father and daughter Black power and the counterintelligence program (or, COINTELPRO) The conspiracies surrounding Dr. King’s assassination Reflections Coming to terms with the past … and present Small but important steps of progress And much, much more … *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Resources  SURFACE SKIM *Headline Resource* The Kneeling Man: My Father's Life as a Black Spy Who Witnessed the Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., Leta McCollough Seletsky (Counterpoint, 2023)  *SpyCasts* The Counterintelligence Chief with Alan Kohler (2023)  The Third Option – US Covert Action with Loch Johnson, Part 1 (2022)  The Third Option – US Covert Action with Loch Johnson, Part 2 (2022)  The Birth of American Propaganda with John Hamilton (2021)  Juneteenth Special: African-American Spies (2021)  *Beginner Resources* “I Am A Man” Dr. King and The Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike, M. Gailani, Tennessee State Museum (2020) [Short brief]  Martin Luther King Jr., The Nobel Prize (n.d.) [Biography]  COINTELPRO: United States Government Program, N. Frederique, Encyclopaedia Britannica (n.d.) [Short article]  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* DEEPER DIVE Books The Sword and the Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcom X and Martin Luther King Jr., P. E. Joseph (Basic Books, 2021) An Unseen Light: Black Struggles for Freedom in Memphis, Tennessee, A. Goudsouzian, C. W. McKinney, et al. (The University Press of Kentucky, 2018)  The Heavens Might Crack: The Death and Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., J. Sokol (Basic Books, 2018)  The COINTELPRO Papers: Documents from the FBI's Secret Wars Against Dissent in the United States, W. Churchill & J. V. Wall (South End Press, 2001)  Primary Sources  The King v. Jowers Trial Findings, U.S. Department of Justice (1999)  Final Report of the Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities, United States Senate (1976)  Report from Vietnam, Walter Cronkite (1968)  “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” Speech, Martin Luther King Jr., AFSCME (1968)  "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence" Speech, Martin Luther King Jr., American Rhetoric (1967)  COINTELPRO Records Collection, FBI Records: The Vault (n.d)
From the Vault: “Baseball & Espionage” –with World Series Champion Ryan Zimmerman & Marc Polymeropoulos (Part 1 of 2)
Jul 4 2023
From the Vault: “Baseball & Espionage” –with World Series Champion Ryan Zimmerman & Marc Polymeropoulos (Part 1 of 2)
Summary Ryan Zimmerman (MLB Stats; Wikipedia) and Marc Polymeropoulos (Twitter; LinkedIn) join Andrew to discuss intelligence and America’s pastime. From the SpyCast Field of Dreams. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Sign-stealing and codebreaking Glue guys and teamwork Ethics in baseball and espionage Clutch and pinch hitters in espionage and baseball Reflections Daring to fail Stepping up to the plate of life And much, much more… Episode Notes Buy me some peanuts and crackerjack. Few things in the world compare to sitting back, putting your feet up, and cracking open a cold one while watching the World Series.  For the 2021 World Series Marc joined us for a fantastic discussion on the links between baseball and espionage. How do we top that? A baseball fanatic ex-CIA officer?  Why, how about getting a first-round draft pick, World Series Champion with over 6500 at-bats? Done! Enter Ryan Zimmerman, Mr. National!  Ever wondered about signs-stealing, how to run a baseball counterintelligence operation, or what some of the many, many links are between baseball and espionage? You’ve come to the right place for a discussion that goes to the bottom of the ninth inning over a two-episode conversation. Ryan played for the Nationals from 2005, when he was a first-round draft pick, through to 2021, when his #11 jersey was retired. He is an ex- All-Star, Silver Slugger, Gold Glove winner, and 2019 World Series Champion.  Marc is a highly decorated former CIA operations officer who specialized in counterterrorism, the Middle East, and South Asia. Prior to his retirement, he served at CIA headquarters in charge of clandestine operations in Europe and Eurasia. He is the author of the 2021 book, “Clarity in Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the CIA.” And… “Big Data” is upending many fields, not least baseball and espionage. Gaining a competitive edge is central to both activities, the big argument is about how much “soul” is lost along the way. The Houston Astros have been a lighting-rod team, whose “smart and modern” or “cold and cynical” approach has been discussed at Penn's Wharton School of Business and in the pages of the Harvard Business Review.  Quotes of the Week "I think “Dare to Fail” is enormous. I would want you to put me up at the bases load in the bottom of the ninth. I'll take it every single time. Even if I feel like I have zero chance, I want to be there." - Ryan Zimmerman "You know, you have to have that mentality in these professions." - Marc Polymeropoulos Resources *Andrew’s Recommendation* Moneyball, M. Lewis (W.W. Norton, 2004) Love it or hate it, this is the first port of call for any reckoning of baseball and analytics.  *SpyCasts* “Baseball & Espionage” – with Marc Polymeropoulos (2021) *Beginner Resources* Spy Agencies Struggling in Age of Big Data, A. Zegart, Wired (2022) [article] Baseball Analytics for the Casual Fan, Simple Sabermetrics (2020) [7 min video] Beginners Guide to Baseball Analytics, N. Allen, Fansided (2018) [article] Best Baseball Analytics Resources, Simple Sabermetrics (2022) Books Spies, Lies and Algorithms, A. Zegart (PUP, 2022) The Catcher Was a Spy: Moe Berg, N. Dawidoff (Pantheon, 1994) Articles Baseball and Cybersecurity, S. Handler, Atlantic Council (2020) Baseball’s Rude Welcome to Age of Cyberespionage, N. Paine, 538 (2015) The Man Who Remade Basketball, M. McCluskey, Wired (2014) Baseball on Exhibit: Musuems in the SABR Era, Z. Jendro, SABR (2011) Video Lessons from the CIA’s Analytic Front-Lines, B. Pease, JHU (2022) Sabermetrics 101: Baseball Analytics, A. Andres, Talks at Google (2016) CIA’s Chief Information Officer - Advanced Analytics, D. Wolfe, O’Reilly (2015) Primary Sources The PC Goes to Bat (1984) *Wildcard Resource* Get “Analytics Certification” from the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) - which is where the term “sabermetrics” comes from!
"Venice’s Secret Service" – with Ioanna Iordanou
Jun 27 2023
"Venice’s Secret Service" – with Ioanna Iordanou
Summary Ioanna Iordanou (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss Venice’s Secret Service. Her research on “centralized intelligence” during the Italian Renaissance has secured her two entries in Guiness World Records! What You’ll Learn Intelligence The origins of centralized intelligence  “The Council of Ten” - Venice’s spy chiefs “The Inquisitors of the State” - Venice’s counterintelligence body Venetian power in the Eastern Mediterranean  Reflections The rise and fall of empires The relationship between geography and power And much, much more … *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Quotes of the Week “Considering some of the most significant challenges we face right now, such as disease, we just got over a global pandemic or migration or trade or climate change or cybersecurity, all these issues do not stop at the borders like any early modern spies, they cross borders. So even reflecting on how people dealt with these things in the past might help us make better political, social, economic decisions.” – Ioanna Iordanou. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *Headline Resource  Venice’s Secret Service: Organizing Intelligence in the Renaissance, Ioanna Iordanou (Oxford University Press, 2014)  *SpyCasts* Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan (2023)  The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023)  The Lion and the Fox – Civil War Spy vs. Spy with Alexander Rose (2023) Keeping Secrets/Disclosing Secrets with Spy Chief turned DG of Australia’s National Archives David Fricker (2022) *Beginner Resources* A Brief Overview of Renaissance History, Art in Context (2023) [Short article] Profile of a City: Venice, Renaissance Italy (2012) [Short article]  Brief History of the Renaissance in 5 Minutes, 5 Minutes (2022) [YouTube video] *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* DEEPER DIVE Books Inventing the World: Venice and the Transformation of Western Civilization, M. F. Small (Pegasus Books, 2020) City of Fortune: How Venice Ruled the Seas, R. Crowley (Random House, 2013) A World Lit Only by Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance, W. Manchester (Little, Brown and Company, 1993)  Primary Sources  The Life and Letters of Sir Henry Wotton, Internet Archive (1907)  The de’Barbari Map (View of Venice), Cartography Venice Project Center (1500)  Letter of Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini to Lord Cardinal Firmanus, Carleton College (1453)  The Shorter Annals of Venice, Carleton College (ca. 13th century)  Primary Collections  Venetian Diplomatic Agents in England, British History Online (1202-1509) *Wildcard Resource* Browse the art of Titian, an artist whose work was used as a form of payment for spies and intelligence gatherers in Venice. Not a bad paycheck!  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE*
"The North Korean Defector" – with Former DPRK Agent Kim, Hyun Woo
Jun 20 2023
"The North Korean Defector" – with Former DPRK Agent Kim, Hyun Woo
Summary  This week on SpyCast, Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) is joined by former DPRK Agent Kim, Hyun Woo. This is the first time Dr. Kim has stepped out from the shadows to speak.  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* What You’ll Learn  Intelligence  The organizational structure of North Korean intelligence The journey of a defector  The training and skills needed to be a DPRK agent North Korean intelligence priorities in the East Reflections  Bravery and courage in the face of danger State conformity vs. Personal convictions  And much, much more …    Quote of the Week  “When I envision reunification, I am envisioning reunified Korea under a liberal democratic system as opposed to say, unified Korea under a more North Korean system – That I oppose. My desire is that in a unified Korea, even North Korean populous or population living in northern parts of the Korean Peninsula will be guaranteed fundamental, standard rights as humans.” – Agent Kim, Hyun Woo. Resources   SURFACE SKIM  *SpyCasts*  Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East vs. West with Calder Walton (2023) The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023) The Counterterrorism and Counter WMD Strategist with Dexter Ingram (2022) Becoming a Russian Intelligence Officer with Janosh Neumann (2022) *Beginner Resources*  The Current Situation in North Korea, United States Institute for Peace (2022) [Fact sheet] A Brief History of North Korea in 3 Minutes, G. Willson, New York Magazine (2017) [3 min. video] *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* DEEPER DIVE  Books  Becoming Kim Jong Un: A Former CIA Officer’s Insights, J. H. Pak (Ballantine Books, 2020)  The Impossible State: North Korea, Past and Future, V. Cha (Ecco, 2018) In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom, Y. Park (Penguin Books, 2015)  Korea’s Place in the Sun: A Modern History, B. Cumings (W.W. Norton, 2005)  Primary Sources   Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un Delivers Speech at Military Parade, KCNA Watch (2020) Key Issue Paper for Secretary of State-designate Madeleine Albright, Subject: Korean Peninsula Issues, National Security Archive (1994) China: Potential Response to Korean Contingencies, DIA Special Report, National Security Archive (1994) DPRK: Slow-Motion Succession: the Secretary’s Morning Intelligence Summary, National Security Archive (1994) Protocol for the Phased Withdrawal of Troops (First Draft), Wilson Center (1954) Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Republic of Korea, US Forces Korea (1953)  Statement by President Syngman Rhee, Wilson Center (1953) Congratulatory Message [from Mao Zedong] to the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army, Wilson Center (1953) Telegram from Stalin to Mao Zedong, Wilson Center (1952) Cable Nos. 408-410, Shtykov to Vyshinsky, Wilson Center (1950)  Statement by the President, Truman on Korea, Wilson Center (1950) *Wildcard Resource*  Inspired by Dr. Kim’s love for Sherlock Holmes: His Last Bow is the last chronological short story installment of the Sherlock Holmes series. In this story, Sherlock tracks down a German spy during the First World War! *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE*
“Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East vs. West” – with Calder Walton
Jun 13 2023
“Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East vs. West” – with Calder Walton
Summary Calder Walton (Website, Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the 100-year intelligence war between the United States and Russia. Calder is the author of the new book, SPIES.  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* What You’ll Learn Intelligence The epic clash of intelligence systems Russia’s assassination program then and now The roots of Putinism  China as “the Soviet Union on steroids” Reflections Cold War 2.0 Could it have been otherwise? And much, much more … Quotes of the Week My conclusion, unfortunately, Andrew, is that looking at this large sweep of history that we have, not so much a Putin problem today, but a Russia problem. And the Russia problem has been persistent over a hundred years, which is why it makes me very cautious about speculation … Unfortunately, it seems to me that the Putin and the people he surrounds himself with in the Kremlin are all cut from this very similar cloth as he is.  Resources  SURFACE SKIM *Headline Resource* SPIES: The Epic Intelligence War Between East and West, Calder Walton (Simon & Schuster, 2023) *SpyCasts* Ukraine & the Alliance with NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence David Cattler (2023) Ukraine & Intelligence: One Year On with Shane Harris (2023) Becoming a Russian Intelligence Officer with Janosh Neumann (2022) The Spies Who Came in From the Cold with Chris Costa and John Quattrocki at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago (2022) Dealing with Russia with Counterintelligence Legend Jim Olson (2022) CIA Legend Jack Devine on Countering Russian Aggression (2012) *Beginner Resources* Putin’s Revisionist History of Russia and Ukraine, I. Chotiner, New Yorker (2022) [Short article] Has Putin's war failed and what does Russia want?, P. Kirby, BBC (2023) [Short article] The Cold War Explained in 15 Minutes, YouTube (2021) [15 min. video] *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* DEEPER DIVE Books Russian Intelligence, K. Riehle (NIU, 2022) Putin’s People, C. Belton (William Collins, 2021) Between Two Fires, J. Yaffa (Duggan Books, 2020) The New Cold War, E. Lucas (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2014) Primary Sources  The Putin Files, CBS (n.d.) Memorandum of Conversations (Rise of Putin) Clinton with Putin (2000) Clinton with Putin (2000) Clinton with Yeltsin (1999) Clinton with Yeltsin (1999) Clinton with Putin (1999) Madelaine Albright with Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov (1999) Clinton with Putin (1999) Clinton with Yeltsin (1999) Oral Histories U.S. Ambassadors to Moscow John Huntsman (2017-2019) John F. Tefft (2014-2017) Michael McFaul (2012-2014) John Beryle (2008-2012) Alexander Vershbow (2001-2005) James F. Collins (1997-2001) Thomas R. Pickering (1993-1996) Jack F. Matlock (1987-1991) *Wildcard Resource* Putin Strikes: The Coming War for Eastern Europe A two-player board game where one commands the Kremlin’s forces and the other an international polyglot force. Trippy or what? *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE*
ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL:  “The D-Day Deception” – with National WWII Museum Curator Corey Graff
Jun 6 2023
ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL: “The D-Day Deception” – with National WWII Museum Curator Corey Graff
Summary Cory Graff (Website, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter, LinkedIn) to discuss the D-Day deception operation to mask the landings at Normandy. Cory is a Curator at The National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence Deception tactics used by the Allies  The core deception operations BODYGUARD and FORTITUDE  The German secret agents who became British “double agents”  The “Ghost Army” and General Patton’s fictitious First U.S. Army Group Intelligence in the World War II Museum Reflections Appearance and intention The essential unknowability of the world And much, much more … *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Quotes of the Week “During the evenings, French Resistance is taking over and blowing up train tracks and sort of funneling people this way. And that's another thing to talk about when we talk about D-Day is, intelligence was gained from French citizens beforehand. And the night of the 5th & 6th, we witnessed something like a thousand points of sabotage within the area directed at the Germans.” – Cory Graff on the French Resistance’s contribution to D-Day  Resources  SURFACE SKIM Andrew’s Recommendation The D-Day episode of the landmark documentary The World at War (“Morning: June-August 1944 (Ep. 17 of 26)”) *SpyCasts* St. Ermin’s Hotel, London – The History of a Legendary Spy Site with Stephen Duffy (2023)  Hitler’s Trojan Horse – Nazi Intelligence with Nigel West (2023) Nazis on the Potomac with former National Park Service Chief Historian Bob Sutton (2022) The Nuclear Doomsday Machine – with Sean Maloney on Cold War Emergency Plans (2022)  *Beginner Resources* Here’s what happened on D-Day, the largest amphibious invasion ever undertaken, CNN (2021) [1 min. video] When and How Did World War II End?, R. Wilde, ThoughtCo (2020 [Short article] The 10 Things You Need to Know about D-Day, Imperial War Museum (n.d.) [10 quick facts] DEEPER DIVE *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Primary Sources  General Eisenhower’s Order of the Day, National Archives (1944)  In Case of Failure Message from Gen. Eisenhower, Eisenhower Presidential Library (1944) Overlord – Anvil Papers, Eisenhower Presidential Library (1944)  Report of the 82nd Airborne Division, “Operation Neptune”, Eisenhower Presidential Library (1944)  Neptune Monograph, The D-Day Story Museum (1944)  *Wildcard Resource* The crossword panic of 1944! In the run up to D-Day important codenames such as “Omaha,” “Overlord,” “Mulberry,” and “Neptune,” appeared in the Daily Telegraph newspaper crossword puzzle. Was someone signaling the Allies plans to the Germans? We don’t think so...but one possible explanation involves loose-lipped soldiers, a WWI veteran schoolteacher, and some naughty schoolboys! *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE*
From the Vault: “El Chapo, the War on Drugs & Intelligence” – with Trial Reporter Noah Hurowitz
May 30 2023
From the Vault: “El Chapo, the War on Drugs & Intelligence” – with Trial Reporter Noah Hurowitz
Summary Noah Hurowitz (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss infamous drug kingpin El Chapo. A weak link in his cybersecurity set-up would help bring him down.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence El Chapo’s internal surveillance operation The cartel’s use of cryptography to keep communications covert How cybersecurity enabled then brought down El Chapo The role of the infamous DFS – a corrupt and now disbanded intelligence agency Reflections Technology – early adopters vs. counter responders The changing nature of crime enabled by emerging technologies – spyware, drones, etc. And much, much more… Episode Notes Joaquín Archivaldo Guzmán Loera, aka El Chapo (shorty) because of his 5-foot 6-inch frame, was called by one of the agents chasing him, “the godfather of the drug world.” So, how did a low-level drug dealer from a provincial state rise to try and subvert the Mexican government to his will? What was the intelligence game that played out with regards to El Chapo? How did the cartels use spytech, tradecraft and cybersecurity to stay one step ahead of the law? How was he caught? To answer these questions and more, Andrew sat down with Noah Horowitz who covered the trial of El Chapo in Brooklyn for Rolling Stone magazine. Noah is also the author of the recent book El Chapo, and his work has appeared in the Village Voice, the Baffler and New York Magazine.  And… In the El Chapo trial, question No.57 asked prospective jurors, “Are you familiar with Jesus Malverde?” If you are not familiar with this angel of the poor (el ángel de los pobres) as well as the Sinaloan narcos (el narcosantón), then you can find out why this question would be relevant here, here, here and here. Quote of the Week "So, in addition to encrypted communications…he was also installing spyware on Blackberry devices that El Chapo was giving out to his lieutenants and his girlfriends and his wives. And then EL Chapo was able to use this, the spyware program to see what was on their phones. He was able to see their text messages. He was able to see their locations. He was even able to remotely activate their mic and listen to them. And he loved that…it was like a toy to him almost. He became obsessed with it." – Noah Hurowitz Resources Headline Resource El Chapo, N. Hurowitz (S&S, 2021) *SpyCasts* Drug Cartels, Sleeper Cells, the Waco Siege & the Mob - Dennis Franks (2021) Books Dope: History of the Mexican Drug Trade, B. Smith (W.W. Norton, 2021) Blood Gun Money: How America Arms Gangs & Cartels, I. Grillo (Bloomsbury, 2021) Articles Drugs, Crime and the Cartels, CFR (2021) The Tech that Took Down Pablo Escobar, Wired (2021) Mexican Cartels Cyber Surveillance, C. Schilis-Gallego, Forbidden Stories (2020)  Spy vs. Spy, El Chapo Edition, E. Groll, FP (2019) The Spyware that Brought Down El Chapo, S. Fussell, The Atlantic (2019) Websites El Paso Intelligence Project (EPIC) Centro Nacional De Intelligencia (CNI)  PBR (Projects, Briefs, Reports)  Mexico: Evolution of the Merida Initiative, C. Seelke, CRS (2021) Mexico Organized Crime and Drug Traffickers, J. Beittel, CRS (2020) Primary Sources EDNY Press Release on El Chapo Trial (2019) Memo in Support of Pre-trial Detention, USA vs. Joaquín Guzmán Loera (2017) Trial Transcripts of El Chapo Text Messages with His Mistress (2012) Official Report on Mexico’s “Dirty War” (2006) Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (1999) Primary Source Collections The Mexican Intelligence Digital Archives (MIDAS) Inside The Cartel: Key Documents (LAT) *Wildcard Resource* “The Original Indigenous People of Sinaloa” To understand Joaquín Guzmán Loera, starting at the year of his birth, 1957, might be enough; but to understand “El Chapo” it might help to go deeper still…
“70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special” - with Alexis Albion on 007 (Part 2 of 2)
May 23 2023
“70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special” - with Alexis Albion on 007 (Part 2 of 2)
Summary Curators Alexis (LinkedIn) and Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) use James Bond artifacts in SPY’s collection to discuss all things 007. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the first Ian Fleming novel, Casino Royale.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence Bond vs. Real Life Spies The birth of James Bond  Ian Fleming’s intelligence past Bond and MI6 Reflections What makes a character timeless? Pop culture mirroring real life And much, much more … *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Episode Notes This week on SpyCast, curators Andrew and Alexis join forces to put the past 70 years of Bond into historical perspective. To help frame their conversation, our collections team brought out a fantastic selection of Bond artifacts for Andrew and Alexis to interact with during the recording of this episode.  Quotes of the Week “I think in general the spy genre always has to have one foot, often two, in the real world. It's part of what makes that genre appealing and not science fiction. It takes place in the real world. And whether that is, you know, some of the technology or real-world threats, it has to be relatable and recognizable in that sense.” – Alexis Albion. *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCast’s* Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan (2023) Secrets Revealed with Curators Alexis and Andrew on SPY’s Pop-Up Exhibit (2023) CIA Officers Turned Authors with David McCloskey and James Stejskal (2022) The Spy of the Century with Curators Alexis and Andrew on Kim Philby (2022) My Life Looking at Spies and the Media with Paul Lashmar (2022) *Beginner Resources* MI6 History & Facts, Encyclopedia Britannica (2022) [Brief history of MI6] The Evolution of James Bond, Fandom Entertainment, YouTube (2021) [15 min. video] Ian Fleming, Famous Authors (n.d.) [Short biography] *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Primary Sources  Primos Bionic Eye, Collection of the International Spy Museum (2021) James Bond’s Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Watch, Collection of the International Spy Museum (2021)  007 Fragrance Commercial, YouTube (1965) James Bond Action Pak Toy Commercial, American Character, YouTube (1964) Aston Martin DB5, Collection of the International Spy Museum (1964) The Zimmermann Telegram, National Archives (1917)  *Wildcard Resource* Everyone has a favorite James Bond theme song. If you just can’t choose just one, check out The Ultimate James Bond Medley – A production from Alchemistic Records featuring all 25 Bond songs.   *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE*
“70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special” - with Alexis Albion on 007 (Part 1 of 2)
May 16 2023
“70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special” - with Alexis Albion on 007 (Part 1 of 2)
Summary Curators Alexis (LinkedIn) and Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) use James Bond artifacts in SPY’s collection to discuss all things 007. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the first Ian Fleming novel, Casino Royale.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence Bond vs. Real Life Spies The birth of James Bond  Ian Fleming’s intelligence past Bond and MI6 Reflections What makes a character timeless? Pop culture mirroring real life And much, much more … *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Episode Notes This week on SpyCast, curators Andrew and Alexis join forces to put the past 70 years of Bond into historical perspective. To help frame their conversation, our collections team brought out a fantastic selection of Bond artifacts for Andrew and Alexis to interact with during the recording of this episode.  Quotes of the Week “I think in general the spy genre always has to have one foot, often two, in the real world. It's part of what makes that genre appealing and not science fiction. It takes place in the real world. And whether that is, you know, some of the technology or real-world threats, it has to be relatable and recognizable in that sense.” – Alexis Albion. *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCast’s* Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan (2023) Secrets Revealed with Curators Alexis and Andrew on SPY’s Pop-Up Exhibit (2023) CIA Officers Turned Authors with David McCloskey and James Stejskal (2022) The Spy of the Century with Curators Alexis and Andrew on Kim Philby (2022) My Life Looking at Spies and the Media with Paul Lashmar (2022) *Beginner Resources* MI6 History & Facts, Encyclopedia Britannica (2022) [Brief history of MI6] The Evolution of James Bond, Fandom Entertainment, YouTube (2021) [15 min. video] Ian Fleming, Famous Authors (n.d.) [Short biography] *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Primary Sources  Primos Bionic Eye, Collection of the International Spy Museum (2021) James Bond’s Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Watch, Collection of the International Spy Museum (2021)  007 Fragrance Commercial, YouTube (1965) James Bond Action Pak Toy Commercial, American Character, YouTube (1964) Aston Martin DB5, Collection of the International Spy Museum (1964) The Zimmermann Telegram, National Archives (1917)  *Wildcard Resource* Everyone has a favorite James Bond theme song. If you just can’t choose just one, check out The Ultimate James Bond Medley – A production from Alchemistic Records featuring all 25 Bond songs.   *FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE*