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SpyCast

SpyCast

300 episodes

SpyCast, the official podcast of the International Spy Museum, is a journey into the shadows of international espionage. Each week, host Sasha Ingber brings you the latest insights and intriguing tales from spies, secret agents, and covert communicators, with a focus on how this secret world reaches us all in our everyday lives. Tune in to discover the critical role intelligence has played throughout history and today. Brought to you by N2K Networks, Podville Media, and the International Spy Museum.

More about the show

The Spy Museum does not endorse, approve, or support the opinions stated by guest speakers. Statements made by speakers do not represent the position or opinion of the International Spy Museum.

Episodes page 5 of 6

  1. “Spying and Start-Ups” – with former Assistant Director of the CIA John Mullen

    · 1 h 00 min · Episode 568

    Summary John Mullen (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his life and career. He was awarded the Distinguished Intelligence Medal. What You’ll Learn Intelligence • How John was recruited • Life as…

  2. “Honey Trapped: Sex, Betrayal & Love” – with Henry Schlesinger

    · 1 h 01 min · Episode 567

    Summary Henry Schlesinger (Rare Bird Books) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss two of the most mysterious and alluring forces in human history: sex and spying. He is a journalist and author proudly based out…

  3. “The FBI & Cyber” – with Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran (Part 2 of 2)

    · 38 min · Episode 566

    Summary Bryan Vorndran (Website, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss how the FBI has adapted to the digital age. As Bryan says, “We are not your grandparents FBI.” What You’ll Learn Intelligence •…

  4. “The FBI & Cyber” – with Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran (Part 1 of 2)

    · 49 min · S1 E565

    Summary Brian Vorndran (Website, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss how the FBI has adapted to the digital age. As Brian says, “We are not your grandparents FBI.” What You’ll Learn Intelligence •…

  5. "Trafficking Data: The Digital Struggle – with China" with Aynne Kokas

    · 1 h 04 min · S1 E564

    Summary Aynne Kokas (LinkedIn; Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss her book "Trafficking Data: How China is Winning the Battle for Digital Sovereignty."

  6. “Nazis on the Potomac” – with former National Park Service Chief Historian Bob Sutton

    · 1 h 09 min · S1 E563

    Summary Bob Sutton (LinkedIn; Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the mysterious intelligence site P.O. Box 1142. High-value Nazis were interrogated here during WWII. What You’ll Learn Intelligence…

  7. “Baseball & Espionage” –with World Series Champion Ryan Zimmerman & Marc Polymeropoulos (Part 2 of 2)

    · 1 h 09 min · S1 E562

    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 •…

  8. “Baseball & Espionage” –with World Series Champion Ryan Zimmerman & Marc Polymeropoulos (Part 1 of 2)

    · 1 h 01 min · S1 E561

    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 •…

  9. From the Vault: “On the Streets, Location Unknown” - CIA Operator Karen Schaefer (Part I)

    · 59 min · S1 E490

    Andrew Hammond shares an encore episode From the Vault. From counternarcotics to counterterrorism, from Latin America to the Middle East, and from the back streets of a warzone to the center of events in Washington DC…

  10. “Sure, I Can Hack Your Organization” – with Eric Escobar (Part 2 of 2)

    · 46 min · S1 E560

    Summary Eric Escobar (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss compromising networks and information security. He has a coveted DEFCON Black Badge. What You’ll Learn • Intelligence • What keeps…

  11. “Sure, I Can Hack Your Organization” – with Eric Escobar (Part 1 of 2)

    · 57 min · Episode 559

    Summary Eric Escobar (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss compromising networks and information security. He has a coveted DEFCON Black Badge. What You’ll Learn • Intelligence • What keeps…

  12. “The Past 75 Years” – with Historian of the CIA Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 558

    Summary Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones (Website; Wikipedia) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his book. He has studied American intelligence for 50 years. What You’ll Learn Intelligence • The CIA and the American…

  13. “The 75th Anniversary of the CIA” – with former Director Robert Gates

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 557

    Summary Robert Gates (Website; Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to reflect on the 75th Anniversary of the CIA. He served 8 U.S. presidents. What You’ll Learn Intelligence • His reflections on the CIA at 75…

  14. "CIA Reports Officer, Russian Yacht Watcher, Satirist” – with Alex Finley

    · 1 h 04 min · Episode 556

    Summary Alex Finley (Twitter; Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss life as a CIA Reports Officer turned author. She lives in Barcelona. What You’ll Learn Intelligence • Her take on CIA analysts vs.…

  15. "The Counterterrorism and Counter WMD Strategist" – with Dexter Ingram.

    · 56 min · Episode 555

    Summary Dexter Ingram (LinkedIn; Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his varied career. He has a very cool private collection of spy gadgets. What You’ll Learn Intelligence • What spy gadget he…

  16. “POW’s, Vietnam and Intelligence” – with Pritzker Curator James Brundage

    · 1 h 01 min · Episode 554

    Summary James Brundage (LinkedIn; Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss prisoners-of-war and intelligence. He is the Curator at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago. What You’ll Learn…

  17. “The Beverly Hills Spy” – with The Hollywood Reporter’s Seth Abramovitch

    · 53 min · Episode 553

    Summary Seth Abramovitch (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the British war-hero who spied on behalf of the Japanese during Hollywood’s Golden Age. This is a story-and-a-half, by jingo!…

  18. “The Information Battlespace” – Foreign Denial and Deception with Bill Parquette

    · 54 min · Episode 552

    Summary Bill Parquette (LinkedIn; Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss Denial and Deception. They discuss examples such as D-Day, the Yom Kippur War, and the Persian Gulf War. What You’ll Learn…

  19. “CIA Officers Turned Authors” – with David McCloskey & James Stejskal

    · 1 h 04 min · Episode 551

    Summary David McCloskey (Twitter; Website) and James Stejskal (Twitter; LinkedIn) join Andrew to discuss writing about espionage. They are both former intelligence officers. What You’ll Learn Intelligence • What it…

  20. “Becoming a Russian Intelligence Officer” – with Janosh Neumann

    · 1 h 06 min · Episode 550

    Summary Janosh Neumann (LinkedIn; Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss life in the FSB. He was born in the Soviet Union to parents in the “business.” What You’ll Learn Intelligence • Why Jan defected…

  21. “The Spies Who Came in From the Cold” – with Chris Costa and John Quattrocki at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago

    · 1 h 05 min · Episode 549

    Summary Chris Costa (LinkedIn; Website) and John Quattrocki (LinkedIn; Website) join Andrew to discuss coming in from the Cold War. They both had long illustrious careers in intelligence. What You’ll Learn…

  22. SPY@20 – “The Spy of the Century” – Curators Alexis and Andrew on Kim Philby

    · 1 h 14 min · Episode 548

    Summary Alexis Albion (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss Kim Philby using some of his personal belongings as prompts. This episode on the Soviet mole inside MI6 coincides with SPY’s 20th…

  23. “Dealing with Russia” – A Conversation with Counterintelligence Legend Jim Olson

    · 1 h 07 min · Episode 547

    Summary Jim Olson (Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss Putin and Russia. He had a 31-year career with the CIA including a tour in Moscow. What You’ll Learn Intelligence • His views on Russia and its…

  24. 4th of July Special: “The Wall of Spies Experience” – Espionage, Sabotage and Betrayal in America with John Gise

    · 1 h 06 min · Episode 546

    Summary John Gise joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the Wall of Spies Experience. It features over 200 stories of espionage and sabotage in America since 1776. What You’ll Learn Intelligence • America’s…

  25. “Intelligence & the World’s Largest Democracy” – Former Indian Intelligence Director Vikram Sood [from the vault]

    · 58 min · Episode 545

    Summary Vikram Sood (Twitter, Blog) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence in the world’s largest democracy. He was the chief of India’s Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW). What You’ll Learn…

  26. SPY CHIEFS: “From Navy Analyst to State Dept. Intelligence Chief” – Ellen McCarthy’s Journey (Part 2 of 2)

    · 34 min · Episode 544

    Summary Ellen McCarthy (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss her career and time as head of the State Department’s intelligence agency. INR is one of the 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. What…

  27. SPY CHIEFS: “From Navy Analyst to State Dept. Intelligence Chief” – Ellen McCarthy’s Journey (Part 1 of 2)

    · 54 min · Episode 543

    Summary Ellen McCarthy (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss her career and time as head of the State Department’s intelligence agency. INR is one of the 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. What…

  28. SPY CHIEFS: Director-General of Security Mike Burgess - ASIO, Australia & America

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 542

    Summary Mike Burgess (Website; Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his agency and the enduring strength of Australia’s alliances. ASIO is the second intelligence agency he has directed. What You’ll…

  29. “My Life Looking at Spies & the Media” – with Paul Lashmar

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 541

    Summary Paul Lashmar (Twitter, Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss investigative journalism and intelligence. He is a former UK Reporter of the Year. What You’ll Learn Intelligence • The…

  30. “Amazon to Darien, Atlantic to Pacific” – Intelligence in Colombia with former Head of its Navy Admiral Hernando Wills

    · 1 h 07 min · Episode 540

    Summary Admiral Hernando Wills Velez (Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence in Colombia. He is the former professional head of the Colombian Navy. What You’ll Learn Intelligence • What it…

  31. “Peter Earnest Memorial: Spook, CIA Spokesman, Spy Museum Director – [from the vault]

    · 53 min · Episode 539

    Summary Peter Earnest spent 35 years in the CIA as a case officer and retired as its chief spokesman. He was the founding Executive Director of the International Spy Museum. What You’ll Learn Intelligence • Losing a…

  32. “America's Most Damaging Russian Spy, FBI Agent Robert Hanssen" – with Lis Wiehl

    · 54 min · Episode 538

    Summary Lis Wiehl (Twitter, Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the FBI Agent Robert Hanssen. His espionage for the Russians was described as the “worst intelligence disaster in U.S. history.” What…

  33. “CIA Case Officer, Cyber Entrepreneur, Burning Man Volunteer” – with Mike Susong (Part 2 of 2)

    · 39 min · Episode 537

    Summary Mike Susong (Website; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss CIA, cyber and corporate intelligence. He won the Intelligence Star for Heroism in the Field. What You’ll Learn Intelligence •…

  34. “CIA Case Officer, Cyber Entrepreneur, Burning Man Volunteer” – with Mike Susong (Part 1 of 2)

    · 48 min · Episode 536

    Summary Mike Susong (Website; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss CIA, cyber and corporate intelligence. He won the Intelligence Star for Heroism in the Field. What You’ll Learn Intelligence • The…

  35. “El Chapo, the Sinaloa Cartel & Intelligence” – with Trial Reporter Noah Hurowitz

    · 58 min · Episode 535

    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…

  36. "ISIS Leader al-Mawla: Caliph. Scholar. Canary. Snitch." – with Daniel Milton, West Point CTC Director (Part 2 of 2)

    · 39 min · Episode 534

    Summary Daniel Milton (Website; Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the former Caliph of the Islamic State. Al Mawla was killed in a U.S. raid in February 2022. What You’ll Learn Intelligence • The…

  37. "ISIS Leader al-Mawla: Caliph. Scholar. Canary. Snitch." – with Daniel Milton, West Point CTC Director (Part 1 of 2)

    · 48 min · Episode 533

    Summary Daniel Milton (Website; Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss Tactical Interrogation Reports of the former Caliph of the Islamic State. Al-Mawla was killed in a U.S. raid in February 2022. What…

  38. "The IRA, The Troubles & Intelligence" – with Eleanor Williams and Thomas Leahy

    · 1 h 04 min · Episode 532

    Summary Thomas Leahy (Website; LinkedIn) and Eleanor Williams (Website; Twitter) join Andrew to discuss the intelligence war during “the Troubles.” Thomas lives in Cardiff and Eleanor lives in Belfast. What You’ll…

  39. “The Nuclear Doomsday Machine” – with Sean Maloney on Cold War Emergency Plans

    · 1 h 00 min · Episode 531

    Summary Sean Maloney (Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the secret history of emergency war plans and the nuclear doomsday machine. He was the first Canadian civilian historian to go into combat…

  40. "So, I Design Board Games for the CIA..." - with Volko Ruhnke

    · 1 h 01 min · Episode 530

    Summary Volko Ruhnke (Website; Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his life and career in the CIA as an analyst and designer of board games. He is a former World Board Game Champion. What You’ll…

  41. "From the CIA to Strategic Cyber" - with Hans Holmer

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 529

    Summary Hans Holmer (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his time as a CIA operations officer and his transition to a cyber strategist. He served on every continent except South America and won a CIA…

  42. "Black Ops: The Life of a Legendary CIA Shadow Warrior" - with Ric Prado

    · 1 h 06 min · Episode 528

    Summary Enrique “Ric” Prado (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his new memoir “Black Ops.” One of the most renowned CIA officers of his generation tells his story. Book You can buy Ric’s book,…

  43. “The National Intelligence University” – with its President Scott Cameron

    · 1 h 09 min · Episode 527

    Summary J. Scott Cameron (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the National Intelligence University (NIU). He is the President of this unique “skiffed” institution. What You’ll Learn Intelligence o…

  44. “Keeping Secrets/Disclosing Secrets” – with Spy Chief turned DG of Australia’s National Archives David Fricker

    · 1 h 04 min · Episode 526

    Summary David Fricker (Website; LinkedIn) had the No.2 job at Australia’s security and intelligence agency ASIO. He sat down with Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the relationship between this role and his most…

  45. “Russia Upside Down” – with Creator of The Americans Joe Weisberg

    · 1 h 01 min · Episode 525

    Summary Joe Weisberg (Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his new book on Russia. Joe is the creator of award-winning TV drama The Americans and a former CIA officer. What You’ll Learn Intelligence…

  46. “NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence & Security” – with David Cattler

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 524

    Summary David Cattler (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss how intelligence functions at NATO. He is the NATO Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security. What You’ll Learn o…

  47. “The Predator Drone Program & the Robotic Revolution” – with Alec Bierbauer and Mark Cooter

    · 1 h 00 min · Episode 523

    "The Wright Brothers of the U.S. Drone Warfare Program." That is how some people have referred to this week's guests, Alec Bierbauer and Mark Cooter. Andrew sat down with them to dig into drones and their intelligence…

  48. “How Spies Think” – 10 Lessons in Intelligence with Sir David Omand [FROM THE ARCHIVE]

    · 1 h 01 min · Episode 522

    This was the most popular episode of 2020. Apparently, people are interested in the views of former GCHQ Director, Joint Intelligence Committee Chair, and first UK Security and Intelligence Coordinator on, well - how…

  49. “Al Qaeda, DOD & the 9/11 Commission” – with Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, Undersecretary for Arms Control & International Security

    · 54 min · Episode 521

    Alexis Albion – star of our 500th episode anniversary special – is a very good friend of the current Undersecretary for Arms Control & International Security, Bonnie Jenkins. Way back when, they were both on the 9/11…

  50. “Snake-Eaters, Detachment A, CIA” – A Conversation with James Stejskal

    · 51 min · Episode 520

    Spook. Warrior. Author. This week’s guest is one helluva interesting guy. He was in a clandestine Special Forces unit in Berlin during the Cold War, “stay behinds” who would sabotage, subvert and generally wreak havoc…

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