I Spied

What started as a commission for 12 episodes about Australia's least qualified spy has morphed into over 150 eps exploring the shadowy world of espionage, terrorism and international intrigue. It has been a thrilling ride but David and Michelle are bringing the journey to a close. David has a house to repair, Michelle has a career to cultivate, and both need time to recharge their podcasting batteries. I Spied will be back in an updated form, but for now, we'd like to extend our sincerest thanks all our listeners for your comments, critiques, tips and support. You're the best! And remember: just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With ASIO on the cusp of its 75th anniversary, DG Mike Burgess used the Annual Threat Assessment to drop a bombshell on the nation: a former MP had been working as part of a foreign interference team he called the "A-Team". Who are the A-team? Who might the MP be? And what other threats is the country facing from enemies both foreign and domestic?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tay Tay stormed across Australia in a wave of friendship bracelets and sequinned bonhomie but there are some who believe we've all been had as she's a deep-fake psyop being run by the DoD to destroy Donald Trump. So what are PsyOps? How are they being used to change our minds and attitudes? And who uses them and why? Believe everything and trust nothing this ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we conclude our interview with former DGSE clandestine operative and author, Jack Beaumont. How did our cliffhanger resolve itself? What made Jack leave French intelligence, and what inspired him to create his character Alec de Payns? And how are the children of John Le Carre  involved? You'll definitely want to read the books after this!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week David meets his match when we are joined in the studio by author, former fighter pilot and ex-DGSE clandestine ops officer Jack Beaumont. What is life really like working undercover for France's most feared intelligence organisation? How does the life of a spy effect your family? And why has David been banned from ever speaking French when in France? Wet weather gear required for this ep (David goes the full gush!)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Middle East once again heating up, we take a look at one of the least talked about players: the Houthis. From Yemen they have launched missiles at Israel, brought international shipping through the Suez Canal to a virtual stand still, and all while fighting a bitter civil war. So who are the Houthis? What is Iran's role in their activities? And what options does the US have in solving this intractable problem?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back and it seems the intelligence world went crazy over our extended break! Israel and Gaza, Houthis on the high seas, the US getting mired in the Middle East again, Ukraine grinding on, China and Taiwan, even Australia Day, Woollies and Artarmon Nazis. And who had Taylor Swift and an NFL tight end being the next big political conspiracy?! Strap yourselves in. 2024 is starting at full speed!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2023 we saw the intelligence world drop the ball on more than one occasion. Before we get back into the swing in 2024, we thought you might like to know how mistakes with such consequences can be made. From groupthink to policy priorities, we have a brief look at how spies can get it so wrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you get when you combine a Norwegian spy, a Xmas tree a slap up meal at the Savoy and a bottle of Aquavit? If your answer is a long standing Xmas tradition between two nations, you'd be pretty close.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Santa just an insidious plot to turn the biggest annual retail festival into a mass intelligence sweep? And what to Czech glass decorations have to do with industrial espionage, Soviet communism and a love story involving a milk maid? And why shouldn't David drink whiskey made in Mullumbimby while writing up episode ideas? After this ep, you'll never look at your Xmas decorations the same!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the holidays and what better way to avoid the summer heat than hunkering down in front of the TV. We've got you covered with our recommendations for what the informed espio-philes are watching and what they are avoiding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023 started with the continued war in Ukraine and ended with the growing crisis in Israel, and in between we brought you all the news fit to be placed on microfilm and stashed in a dead drop. This ep we look at how 2023 unfolded and what we might expect in 2024. And stick around for some halfheartedly delivered but genuinely heartfelt thanks to our listeners. Glad you could join us in 2023!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Opposition demanding the PM reveal any conversations he had with Xi Jinping regarding the HMAS Toowoomba incident this week we look at just what Australians can expect to be told by our intelligence services. Just how secretive are our spies? How much do we need to know about what they do? And who watches our watchmen?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are joined by Harry P Russell, former intelligence and law-enforcement operative, historian and author of a series of uniquely accurate and very enjoyable Australian spy fiction. We talk about his career in intelligence, his leap to fiction writing, and the terrible sense of betrayal he felt when he discovered he had been working with a Soviet mole. And just how did Harry wind up giving David his first job outside of ASIO? Book mark this ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With revelations that the Pine Gap facility may be instrumental in Israel's operations in Gaza, we've decided to have a look at one of then most controversial military installations in Australia. What exactly does Pine Gap do? Who runs it and who has access to what it produces? Why is Australia so wedded to having it on our soil? And just what can a spy satellite see when it peeks into your backyard? Putting your phone into Privacy mode won't protect you from this week's ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent Optus crash left 10 million Australian left struggling to stay in touch, we have a look at what happened. Was it a cyber attack or an errant piece of code? What vulnerabilities did it reveal in Australia's electronic infrastructure? How vulnerable are we to this kind of disaster? And is there anything that could be even more devastating? Have your bug out bag ready by the door with this week's ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a sudden surge in activity in the intelligence world, this week we are doing a sitrep on the current state of play. How did Netanyahu get his intelligence mavens offside? What effect is the ongoing crisis in Israel going to have on terrorist and cyber threats globally? What is going on in Danish intelligence? What's happening in the Australian intelligence world? And how long before Michelle can't take any more of David's terrible accents and becomes a disgruntled employee of this podcast? Sincere apologies to any of our Scandinavian listeners for this week's ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The horrendous attack on Israel on October 7 by Hamas has seen the Levant plunge into crisis once more and the world hold its breath. Where did Israeli intelligence go wrong and how did Hamas keep such a large operation under wraps? How and why do intelligence failures occur, and why does it seem that intelligence organisations keep repeating these mistakes? And will David and Michelle managed to get through this episode without offending one side or the other? Hard times require hard conversations and this is one of those times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our sincere apologies but due to a family crisis we are not able to bring you a new episode this week. So, why not go back to the ep where it all began... Twitter: @ISpiedpodcastA DM Podcast www.diamantina.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we conclude our interview with author, lawyer, soldier and whistleblower David McBride. What does he see as being the true crisis in the Australian Defence Department? What outcomes can he expect from his pending appointment with the courts? And does he have regrets for the action he took to expose systemic problems he saw with out military? Don't miss this ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we're joined by whistle-blower David McBride to talk the release of his new book "The Nature of Honour", his upcoming court appearance on espionage charges, and the state of the Department of Defence. From Afghanistan and war crimes, to the Brereton Report and the nature of the modern Australian military, this is so good we need two episodes to unwrap it. And is David as good a spy as he thinks? Take a deep breath and blow...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Canada and India at arms over an alleged hit on a Sikh dissident and it literally raining generals in Russia, this week we take a look at assassinations, in particular the more idiotic and ineffective ones. From axe-wielding bears to poisoned umbrellas, there is no end to the inventive ways people have tried to off each other. Make sure your powder is dry and that pistol your packing is primed for this ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With world leaders currently gathering in New York for the UN General Assembly, we are joined this week by renowned journalist and host of the podcast "Take Me to Your Leader" Hamish MacDonald, for a good hard look at who is running the world these days. What is it that drives someone to lead a nation? With authoritarianism on the rise, what's next for democracy? What's the deal with the spat between India and Canada? And Kings in crops tops!? Make sure your abs are tight for this ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With ASIO in the headlines for a botched attempt to recruit a Chinese academic to spy for Australia, we take a look at the ins and outs of agent handling. How is it done? How has recruiting agents changed? What is better: MICE or RASCLS? And where did ASIO and the AFP get it so wrong in a Brisbane cafe? Get your alphabets ready as all the acronyms are coming out in this weeks ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a well-earned rest David and Michelle are back, somewhat injured, but ready to take a look at what happened while we were away. What's the story behind the death of Wagner chief Prigozhin? Who is the 21 year old terrorist double agent who managed to escape the nick in the UK? Why are Chinese tourists booking holidays on US military bases? And why is it that every time we go on holidays, the intelligence world goes into overdrive?! Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sweden's terrorist threat level has soared to unprecedented levels and Australia's travel advice is to exercise a high degree of caution. So what's going on in the land of vikings and Volvo? What do books and bacon have to do with it? And is this a signal that Islamic extremism is on the rise, or is it the handy work of one very disturbed individual?And David & Michelle are taking a well-earned holiday so there's a thank you to all those listeners that have kept this show on the road. See youse in a fortnight!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Ukrainian counter-offensive grinding on, it seems the real battle is taking place in the intelligence sphere. From foiled assassination attempts to drone strikes on shipping to seemingly impossible explosions in Russian factories and a cyber battlefield that is roiling, both sides of this conflict are claiming victories. This week we look at how, even when war goes kinetic, you can never underestimate the importance of an effective intelligence service. Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the news that Australia's DIO will soon have US intelligence officers embedded within its ranks, we have a look at the relationship between Australia and the US. Are we the trusted and much loved spouse that America can't do without? Or are we just a country of convenience, one of many mistresses the US strings along? And what about all the stuff the US is storing at our place? Make sure your pre-nup is up to date for this ep! Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With authoritarian governments on the rise, it seems they are being emboldened in exporting their tyranny. Transnational Repression is growing, with despotic governments harassing, abducting and even killing critiques, dissidents and migrant communities far beyond their own borders. How bad is the problem? Who are the main players? Is Australia immune from such sinister attacks? And what is David's problem with the Canadian accent? Expect to be "oot in a boot" this week! Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know just how bad a spy David was but he pales in comparison with some of these guys. From German spies in WWI treating espionage missions to the US as fully paid vacations, to the British virtually insisting the US let a Russian spy work on the Manhattan Project, this episode features some of the dumbest moments in intelligence. There's even the story of a swinging Czechoslovakian comedian who led the CIA by the nose.Suddenly, David doesn't look so bad. Produced by DM Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A country's intelligence service is there to seek out information and protect us from our adversaries, but what about spying on allies? Do our friends spy on us, and if so why? What is Australia's record when it comes to betraying the trust of an ally? And what is going on with ASIO's email?Take a good, long look at the people close to you this week! Produced by DM Podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we look at how someone becomes a spy. While recruitment into a modern intelligence organisation is fairly mundane these days, there used to be some very unique ways of going about it. And being recruited to act as an agent is even more complicated and extreme. So what is the difference between an agent and an intelligence officer? How is a potential agent approached? Why are academics and students such attractive targets? And what is the last thing you would think could be used as invisible ink?Keep the tissues handy this week! Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a moment there the world thought Russia was plunging into civil war and Putin's long reign was coming to a close. And just 24 hours later Prigozhin, the mutineer and owner/leader of the brutal Wagner Group, had called off the coup and absconded to Belarus.This week, to help us pull apart what happened and what it means for Putin, Russia and Ukraine, we are joined by Walkley Award winning journalist and former ABC Moscow correspondent Monica Attard. Is Putin on the ropes or is he stronger? Has Russia been weakened in its war with Ukraine? And is Prigozhin a man on the edge just waiting to be pushed? Stay away from open windows this week! Produced by DM Podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has long been believed that the KGB had a mole in ASIO and that suspicion was confirmed last week when the ABC's 4Corners revealed the identity of the spy. Who was the mole and how did he avoid detection for so long? What does it say about Australia's premier espionage hunters? What does it mean for the people who worked along side a traitor, not knowing their every move was being orchestrated to fail? And how did David take the news? Join us for a very personal episode this week. Produced by DM Podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US is through the looking glass with former president Trump indicted and arraigned on multiple federal felony counts of espionage, conspiracy and obstruction. So what did Trump actually do? How likely is a conviction? And did Mar-a-Lago have the most confidential selection of bathroom reading ever? Make sure you have an extra roll of loo paper this week! Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the recent destruction of the Nova Kharkovka Dam in Ukraine we take a look at the latest situation in the ongoing conflict. Who was the likely culprit? What more can we expect from the burgeoning Ukrainian ounter-offensive? And when and why did it become a war crime to bomb a dam? Expect it to get wet underfoot this weel! Produced by DM Podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we take a peek at one lonely spying whale on the hunt for some friendship and a Mossad birthday party gone horribly wrong, before diving deep into the current situation with the astounding leaks throughout the intelligence community. When is it a leak and when is it a whistle being blown? What measures can we take to stem the flow? And what is Michelle's problem with dolphins? Careful who you swim with this week! Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we conclude our interview with former Australian diplomat Jeremy Dicker with a good hard look at the state of Australia's foreign affairs. Where do we rate as a diplomatic power? What were the findings of the latest review into DFAT and what needs to change? And how has the rise of the internet made diplomatic relations more complicated? Put on your fishnets and dance like there's no tomorrow with this ep! Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle is on the mend so this week we're bringing in a guest. Former Australian diplomat Jeremy Dicker joins us to give us a view of what life is like as a player on the international stage. What is expected of an Australian diplomat? What is it like to find yourself rubbing shoulders with the world's most powerful political players? And why would you go to a Trump rally in Vegas? And we unpack Joe Biden rainchecking his four-way date with Albo and the QUAD in Sydney. In diplomacy, true love rarely runs smooth! Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our apologies but Michelle has a nasty head cold and David's irrational fear of nasal blockage meant he wouldn't stay in the studio after a particularly explosive sneeze. So we have to rerun an old ep, and what could be better than the tale of of an out-of-luck ASIO tech getting stuck in a roof? Enjoy and we'll be back to normal service next week. Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three different stories from three different parts of the world allow a very candid look at the modern intelligence world and how it operates. First the execution of an Iranian hardliner accused of being an agent of the UK; then the seemingly oafish drone attack on the Kremlin; and finally ASIO's legal hot water over luring an ex-US Marine pilot back to Australia for arms dealing. It all gives us a glimpse at the machinations of the intelligence community, the global politics it serves, and the good, the bad and the downright ugly aspects of the never-ending shadow war that is boiling just out of sight. Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Defence Strategic Review is the biggest examination of Australia's capability to wage war in nearly 30 years, and the findings have had chins wagging. So what is the state of Australia's Defence Force? Who are the big winners and losers, and what changes can our fighting men and women expect to see? And what has David's fascination with pocket knives got to do with it? Lock and load for this weeks ep! Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just as we were taking a well-earned and all-too-brief break, the intelligence community was rocked by two spy dramas: First, a US Airman dumped a trove of Top Secret documents on Discord; while in Australia a businessman was arrested and charged under our Foreign Interference laws for cooperating with suspected Chinese spies. So who are these guys? What would posses a 21 year old intelligence clerk to dump classified documents into an online chatroom (and why would he have access to that sort of material anyway)? Why would the Chinese MSS be interested in a seemingly innocuous Australian businessman? What sort of future do both of these men face? And what does Minecraft have to do with all of this?!Be on the look out for creepers this week! Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is artificial intelligence having an effect on... intelligence? With the power to reshape how information is gathered and analysed, is this the end of the classic Cold War spy and the rise of a Computer Overlord? Are we facing an all-conquering Cybercrat like Skynet? Or a compu-nerd that reads to much and wants to be a creative writer like ChatGPT? And will our HUMINT assets let it happen? What ever the answer, one place there is no intelligence - artificial, informational or otherwise - is right here in the Blanket Fort. Change your password after listening! Produced by DM Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle and David are taking a sneaky break over the Easter weekend so this week we invite you to enjoy once again friend of the pod Neil Fergus as he regales us with tales of working on the Olympics. With the Commonwealth Games due to start in rural Victoria in 2026 and Brisbekistan hosting the big show in 2032, now might be just the time to remind ourselves what is involved in running a global sports carnival. Produced by DM Podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While James Bond and his fictional spy ilk are often armed with a plethora of astounding gadgets, it seems the modern spy has to make do with more mundane devices. The internet is increasingly the battle space with the computer and mobile phone the weapons of choice, but everything from apps to appliances to cargo cranes are evolving into the tools of the spy trade. And can you really trust your router? The device you're using to listen to this ep is probably betraying you right now! Produced by DM Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the turbulent waters of the AUKUS announcement settling, we take a look at what some are saying is a glowing future. Has Australia breached the nuclear non-proliferation treaty? Can we expect the neighbours to get some nuclear equipment of their own? And what are we going to do with all that radioactive waste these boats generate? Probably not the last look at a national security issue with an as yet indeterminant half-life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a $368 billion price tag, a delivery timeline that stretches across decades and an ex-PM going feral about it, everyone is talking about Albo's  AUKUS announcement. So what are we getting for the price tag? Do we really need it? And what exactly is a Shelby Cobra? An issue so big that this is just the first part!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout history women have played an enormous part in the intelligence world, and yet this contribution has been repeatedly overlooked and women's advancement as spies systemically quashed. Why has this happened? Do women make effective spies? What was the problem with David's love life in his 20s? And how white can Michelle's knuckles turn? Be prepared to embrace the sisterhood this ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Valdimir Putin's “Special Military Operation” in Ukraine was only meant to last for a couple of days, two weeks tops… and yet, one year on, it still rages. And so, to look at how Putin got it so wrong and Zelenskyy got it so right, we are joined by Fulbright scholar, security expert and friend of the podcast Misha Zelinsky (no relation). How has the situation changed? What can we expect next? And just how long does Putin have before taking a long step out a tall window? Keep your food taster close this week!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh from Senate Estimates ASIO Chief Mike Burgess doubled down last week with the ASIO Annual Threat Assessment. Terrorism is waning, espionage is rising, a "hive" of spies was uncovered and Australia's spooks working harder than ever before. We take a little study tour of what ASIO is up to, along with an brief look at Sleepy Joe's train ride to Ukraine and the unhinged rhetoric coming from Vladimir Putin's pep rallies. This podcast is so busy it's feels like a hand-to-hand combat!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.