Episodes
Summary
Lieutenant General Anthony Crutchfield (Ret.) (LinkedIn, Wikipedia) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss his time as the Deputy Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command. PACOM covers 52% of the globe.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
The role of intelligence in military operations
Ethical dilemmas in command decisions
Reflections on the impact of mentorship and outreach
The importance of remaining aware in today's pervasive world
Reflections
The challenges of...
Published 11/19/24
Summary
Jonathan B. Smith (X; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the application of intelligence to entrepreneurship. Jonathan is an entrepreneur, author, and business strategist.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
Building high-performance teams
Case officers vs. entrepreneurs
Networking and overcoming operational challenges
Curiosity as a key trait for success
Reflections
The will to succeed
The power of listening and empathy
And much, much more …
Quotes of the Week
“I...
Published 11/12/24
Summary
Ean Forsythe joins Andrew to discuss the history of Cuban intelligence. Ean is the Counterintelligence and Security Center Chair at the National Intelligence University.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
The history and evolution of Cuban intelligence
Case studies, including Ana Montes, Kendall Meyers, and the Cuban Five
Counterintelligence strategies and challenges
The role of Cuban intelligence during the Cold War
Reflections
Ideology and the power of ideas
Offensive vs....
Published 11/05/24
Summary
Eliot Higgins (X; Wikipedia) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the work of Bellingcat. Eliot founded the open-source investigative website in 2014.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
Bellingcat’s approach to “investigative journalism”
The rise of OSINT as a tool of journalism
Bellingcat’s relationship with intelligence agencies
Case studies from Bellingcat’s past, including the Skripal Case and the MH17 flight investigation
Reflections
Leading by example
Accessibility...
Published 10/29/24
Summary
Cameron Malin (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss cyber and behavioral profiling. Cameron was the creator and founder of the FBI’s Cyber Behavioral Analysis Center.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
The historical origins of behavioral profiling
Applying behavioral profiling to counterintelligence and cyber threats
Nature vs. Nurture in criminal behavior
The future of deception and cyberwarfare
Reflections
The complexity of the human mind
Threat evolution
And...
Published 10/22/24
Summary
Chris Voss (X; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the art of negotiation. Chris formerly served as the FBI lead international hostage negotiator.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
The very basics of negotiation, including the phrase “Never split the difference”
The art of Tactical Empathy
Case studies from Chris’ career, including the Dos Palmas kidnappings
Techniques in ethical interrogation
Reflections
Pressure makes diamonds
Human nature & understanding...
Published 10/15/24
Summary
Jim Himes (Website; X) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the U.S. House Intelligence Committee. Jim has served as the U.S. representative for Connecticut’s 4th congressional district since 2009.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Its role and operations
The importance of bipartisan collaboration
Transparency and accountability in intelligence
Congressman Himes' personal experiences during 9/11, its impact on his career in...
Published 10/08/24
Summary
Jennifer Ewbank (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the integration of technology within intelligence. Jennifer recently retired from her role as Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
The qualities and skills of great digital leadership
Risk management in intelligence
The roles, responsibilities, and emotional toll of the Chief of Station
The integration of technology across CIA operations
Reflections
Humility and lifelong...
Published 10/01/24
Summary
Pete Langman and Nadine Akkerman join Andrew to discuss espionage in Elizabethan England. Pete and Nadine are authors of the new book Spycraft: Tricks and Tools of the Dangerous Trade from Elizabeth I to the Restoration.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
Spymasters of the Elizabethan era
Techniques in forgeries, invisible inks, and seal-making
The impact of spies on important historical events like the Spanish Armada
The connections between espionage and religious...
Published 09/24/24
Introducing Education in the Age of AI from Smart Talks with IBM.
Follow the show: Smart Talks with IBM
The role of AI in the classroom is evolving rapidly. When students and teachers embrace this technology, it has the ability to democratize access to education through programs like IBM SkillsBuild. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Dr. Laurie Santos, host of Pushkin’s The Happiness Lab podcast, spoke with two innovators in the space. Justina Nixon-Saintil is Vice President and Chief...
Published 09/24/24
Summary
Jason Barrett (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the integration of open-source intelligence into the American Intelligence Community. Jason is the first-ever OSINT Executive.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
Historical examples of OSINT
The evolution of Open Source Intelligence
The challenges and unique opportunities OSINT presents
The future of OSINT within the Intelligence Community
Reflections
Trust and transparency
Efficiency in intelligence gathering
And...
Published 09/17/24
Introducing Education in the Age of AI from Smart Talks with IBM.
Follow the show: Smart Talks with IBM
The role of AI in the classroom is evolving rapidly. When students and teachers embrace this technology, it has the ability to democratize access to education through programs like IBM SkillsBuild. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Dr. Laurie Santos, host of Pushkin’s The Happiness Lab podcast, spoke with two innovators in the space. Justina Nixon-Saintil is Vice President and Chief...
Published 09/17/24
Summary
Tim Tate (Website) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the Spycatcher Affair. Tim is a best-selling author and award-winning filmmaker.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
Peter Wright: His background and motives
The contents of Spycatcher including the exposure of alleged soviet moles
The UK’s efforts to keep their secrets secret
The lasting effects of the Spycatcher Affair
Reflections
Personal secrecy vs. public security
Censorship and free speech
And much, much more...
Published 09/10/24
Summary
Rachel Noble joins Andrew to discuss her role as Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate. Rachel is the first woman to hold this position.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
The Australian Signals Directorate: Its purpose and mission
The true story of the Pine Gap spy facility
Leadership in Intelligence
The SIGINT origins of the Five Eyes alliance
Reflections
The value of team
The importance of work-life balance
And much, much more …
Quotes of the Week
“Women...
Published 09/03/24
Summary
Neil Bradbury (Website, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the deadly history of poison and espionage. Neil is an author and biochemist.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
How different poisons affect the human body
The usage of poisons as a covert assassination method
The deaths of defectors Alexander Litvinenko and Georgi Markov
The Soviet Union’s Lab X and the production and research of poisons on the state level
Reflections
The double edge of creativity
The...
Published 08/27/24
Summary
Jefferson Morley and Mark Zaid join Andrew in a debate over the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Mark and Jeff are longtime friends and colleagues with very different viewpoints of what truly happened on November 22nd, 1963.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
The lasting questions surrounding the Kennedy assassination
Lee Harvey Oswald’s intelligence connections
The Warren Commission and the JFK Assassination Records
The strangest theories Mark and Jeff have heard, and...
Published 08/20/24
Summary
Jefferson Morley and Mark Zaid join Andrew in a debate over the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Mark and Jeff are longtime friends and colleagues with very different viewpoints of what truly happened on November 22nd, 1963.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
The lasting questions surrounding the Kennedy assassination
Lee Harvey Oswald’s intelligence connections
The Warren Commission and the JFK Assassination Records
The strangest theories Mark and Jeff have heard, and...
Published 08/13/24
Summary
Henry Hemming (X, Website) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the case of Frank Hegarty, a British spy operating within the IRA. Henry is a bestselling espionage author.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
Espionage and the role of MI5 within the Troubles
The story of Frank Hegarty, a British spy working in Derry
Freddie Scappaticci, or Stakeknife, and Operation Kenova
The moral implications of spying
Reflections
Sacrifice, risk, and trust
The nuances of conflict
And much,...
Published 08/06/24
Summary
Brett Forrest and Warren Strobel join Andrew to discuss reporting intelligence. Brett and Warren are national security reporters for The Wall Street Journal.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
The intelligence learning curve
Stories from the front lines of modern conflicts and critical moments
The unique challenges that come with reporting on intelligence, and ...
The risks, including being a target of espionage
Reflections
Privacy and protection
The power, and danger, of...
Published 07/30/24
Summary
General Frank McKenzie (Biography, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss his new book, The Melting Point. General McKenzie was the 14th commander of the United States Central Command.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
Combatant commands and their purpose
Leading CENTCOM, Central Command
The role of intelligence in military leadership
The US withdrawal from Afghanistan
Reflections
Learning from the lessons of history
The importance and impact of leadership
And...
Published 07/23/24
Introducing AI & The Productivity Paradox from Smart Talks with IBM.
Follow the show: Smart Talks with IBM
In a rapidly evolving world, we need to balance the fear surrounding AI and its role in the workplace with its potential to drive productivity growth. In this special live episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell is joined onstage during NY Tech Week by Rob Thomas, Senior Vice President of Software and Chief Commercial Officer at IBM. They discuss “the productivity paradox”,...
Published 07/23/24
Summary
An expert panel of world leaders gathered at the International Spy Museum to discuss the importance of NATO today and in the future. Panelists included former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, among others.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
Threats facing Baltic countries, including Russia
The importance of NATO support for Ukraine
Maintaining stability during political turmoil
NATO’s growth and where it still needs to evolve in the 21st...
Published 07/16/24
Summary
Camille Stewart Gloster (X, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss her career in cyber. Camille was the first Deputy National Cyber Director for Technology & Ecosystem for the White House.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
The intersections between technology and law
The origins of the cyber threat
The importance of cyber education
Building a diverse cyber workforce
Reflections
Challenging narratives and norms
Strategic education
And much, much more …
Quotes of...
Published 07/09/24
Summary
Michael Collins joins Andrew to discuss the National Intelligence Council. Michael is the NIC’s current acting chair.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
The role of the National Intelligence Council
National Intelligence Officers and their work around the world
The products of the NIC, including the Annual Threat Assessment
The importance of Intelligence Diplomacy and objective analysis
Reflections
The power of collaboration
Staying grounded and optimistic
And much, much more...
Published 07/02/24