Intelligence Matters: The Relaunch

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Former CIA Acting Director Michael Morell and former CIA Chief Operating Officer Andy Makridis interview top national security leaders -- intelligence officers, military leaders, and policymakers -- on the most critical security challenges of our time. Their interviews offer insights into the world's most pressing problems as well as the effectiveness of the U.S. policy response. They also delve into the biographies and careers of the individuals who have devoted their lives to protecting our nation.

Beacon Global Strategies LLC


    • May 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 44m AVG DURATION
    • 84 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The relaunch of The Intelligence Matters podcast is certainly a cause for celebration among its dedicated listeners. After a sudden hiatus earlier this year, fans were eagerly awaiting its return, and now they can once again enjoy the great conversations and insights from host Michael Morell and his guests. This podcast has proven to be a catalyst for exploring new career fields for some individuals, and its absence was sorely missed.

    One of the best aspects of The Intelligence Matters podcast is its ability to provide important perspectives on complex relationships and situations through decoding them incredibly well. The discussions on this show are of high quality, featuring insightful guests who offer unique angles from an intelligence perspective. Listeners appreciate the clear focus of the show on helping them understand various topics without any manufactured drama that is often prevalent in discussions these days.

    Michael Morell deserves praise for his phenomenal hosting and interviewing skills. With decades of knowledge and expertise under his belt, it comes as no surprise that he poses intelligent questions and directs the conversation expertly. His understated interview style allows the guest and topic at hand to take center stage, making for a more enriching listening experience.

    While it's unfortunate that the current conflict in Gaza became their return episode, it also feels fitting given the show's history of providing insight during active conflicts or crises. However, this may be seen as one of the worst aspects of the podcast by those seeking a break from heavy geopolitical discussions. It would be beneficial to have a balance between such weighty topics and episodes covering other areas of interest.

    In conclusion, The Intelligence Matters: The Relaunch is a highly anticipated return that has not disappointed fans. Its ability to provide valuable insights from an intelligence perspective sets it apart from other podcasts covering US foreign policy and geopolitics. With Michael Morell at the helm, listeners can expect thought-provoking conversations that delve deep into important topics while maintaining a clear focus on understanding them without unnecessary drama. Welcome back, Michael and team - we look forward to more great work from you.



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    Latest episodes from Intelligence Matters: The Relaunch

    The Long War: Glenn Corn

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 55:19


    Michael Allen talks with former CIA executive and US foreign policy expert Glenn Corn, a regular guest of NatSec Matters. Glenn shares insights from his recent trip to Ukraine and the outlook for US support in its fight against Russia. He also highlights smart moves by President Trump in countering the Kremlin and offers reasons for optimism for Ukrainian fighters.

    Palaces & Policy Shifts: Jeffrey Feltman

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 56:20


    Michael Allen talks with former senior State Department official Jeffrey Feltman about President Trump's "new approach" to the Middle East following his recent trip to the Gulf. Jeffrey analyzes the President's focus on major investment deals, the evolving US positioning on Iran's nuclear program, the surprising U-turn on Syria, and how Mr. Trump's transactional style is reshaping relationships in the volatile region.

    Beijing's Long Game: Mike Studeman

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 46:57


    Michael Allen talks with retired rear admiral and China expert Mike Studeman about the geopolitical implications of President Trump's trade negotiations with China and US policy to counter Chinese influence and threats. Mike, former Commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence, discusses how China might exploit an "America First" orientation, the critical importance of Taiwan for US economic and national security, and the strategic calculations behind Xi Jinping's timeline for potential military action.

    The Biotech Frontline: Dawn Meyerriecks

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 43:33


    Jeremy Bash explores the biotech battleground with former CIA science and technology chief Dawn Meyerriecks. Dawn, a key voice on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, discusses the urgent need for US leadership to address critical vulnerabilities in the country's bio-industrial base. Dawn also makes a case for why powerful government-private sector alliances are essential to securing America's strategic edge in this vital domain.

    Statecraft 2.0: Dennis Ross

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 63:18


    Andrew Shapiro talks with former US Ambassador Dennis Ross, who argues that the country's foreign policy needs a reboot. Amb. Ross explains the principles of "Statecraft 2.0" – why the US must adapt its leadership for a challenging multipolar world, navigating the global influence and interests of China and Russia. 

    The Arctic Power Play: Iris Ferguson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 43:43


    Andrew Shapiro talks with former Pentagon Arctic policy head Iris Ferguson about how melting sea ice is ushering in a new era of great power competition, ending decades of 'Arctic exceptionalism.' Iris, the DOD's first Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Arctic, discusses Russia's interests, China's pursuit of influence as a 'near-Arctic state,' and the US imperative to bolster homeland defense, domain awareness, and alliances from Greenland to Alaska. 

    The 'Tariff Trap': Craig Singleton

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 42:03


    Michael Allen talks with Craig Singleton, Senior Director for China at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about whether President Trump is locked into an inescapable trade war with China's Xi Jinping. Craig discusses the high-stakes gamble each leader is making, convinced the other will fold first. They explore whether 'strategic decoupling' is now a leading US policy objective, and what it could mean for global supply chains and the future of Taiwan.

    The Turkish Tightrope: Glenn Corn

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 50:00


    Michael Allen talks with former CIA senior executive Glenn Corn about whether Turkey is a US ally or wildcard. They discuss how Turkey is navigating the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine while managing relationships with both Washington and Moscow. Glenn also explores the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the future of the Kurds, the decline of Hezbollah, and the looming question of Iran – all through the lens of Ankara's interests.

    Trump, Ukraine, and the Ceasefire Gamble: Peter Rough

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 45:08


    What does President Trump's plan for peace in Ukraine look like, and what could it cost Kyiv? Michael Allen talks with Peter Rough, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, about the high-stakes diplomacy under way right now. Peter unpacks the determined push for a ceasefire, the potential shift to offering Russia more 'carrots' than 'sticks,' and Ukraine's precarious calculations on manpower, aid, and future security. With US support hanging in the balance and European resolve tested, Michael and Peter explore if a lasting peace is even possible.

    Economic Warfare: Eddie Fishman

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 45:28


    Michael Allen speaks with Eddie Fishman, sanctions expert and author of Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare. Eddie explains how the U.S. has wielded economic weapons against Russia, Iran, and China, and how sanctions and supply chain dominance are reshaping global power. He also explores the risks of overusing these tools, China's evolving role, and the future of economic conflict in an era of great power competition.

    Guardians of the Sky: Frank Kendall

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 40:29


    Jeremy Bash speaks with former Air Force Secretary LTC (Ret.) Frank Kendall about the future of U.S. air and space dominance amid rising threats from China and Russia. Mr. Kendall describes the Pentagon's toughest modernization decisions, from next-generation fighter jets to autonomous combat aircraft. He also discusses the evolving role of the Space Force, the challenges of missile defense, and the urgent need to counter China's rapid military advancements.

    The Estonian Watchmen: Arnold Sinisalu

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 45:42


    Michael Allen speaks with Arnold Sinisalu, former chief of Estonia's Internal Security Service, about Estonia's frontline role in countering Russian espionage and subversion. Arnold describes how Estonia tracks and disrupts Russian intelligence operations, from spy arrests to cyber defense. He also discusses Russia's evolving sabotage tactics across Europe and the ongoing battle against disinformation. 

    Transatlantic Tensions: Nico Lange

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 44:51


    Michael Allen speaks with Nico Lange, senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, about Germany's political future and the major shifts in transatlantic security. They discuss the recent German elections, Germany's evolving defense strategy, and Europe's response to a changing U.S. foreign policy under President Trump. Nico also offers his take on the future of the war in Ukraine, Russia's long-term military strategy, and the critical role of European security alliances in an increasingly unstable world.

    Russia's 'Shadow War': Bojan Pancevski

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 49:35


    Michael Allen speaks with The Wall Street Journal‘s Chief European Political Correspondent, Bojan Panchevski, about his recent article on Russia's new ‘Department of Special Tasks.' Panchevski reveals the unit's clandestine operations in Europe, its motives behind acts of sabotage, and the broader geopolitical implications. He also discusses his investigations into Russian cyber attacks, proxy warfare, and the growing threats against Western targets, including terror plots and assassination attempts.

    International Headwinds: Mark Montgomery

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 55:18


    Michael Allen speaks with retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, Senior Director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He shares insights on the Ukraine war, examining Russia's tactical advantage, the challenges Ukraine faces amid inconsistent aid, and the vital role of international alliances. He also explores geopolitical tensions in the Pacific and strategies for sustaining U.S. influence on the global stage.

    Geopolitics in Transition: Jon Finer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 53:33


    Jeremy Bash speaks with Jon Finer, former Principal Deputy National Security Advisor to President Biden. Jon offers candid insights on addressing Iran's destabilization, Russia's war in Ukraine, and China's ambitions over Taiwan. He also previews the challenges facing the new administration.

    Inside Israeli Military Intel: Tamir Hayman

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 53:02


    Michael Allen speaks with Maj. Gen. Tamir Hayman, former head of Israeli army intelligence, about the current threat landscape to Israeli national security. Tamir discusses Israel's evolving strategic response since the October 7, 2024, attacks. He also explains the complex approach to negotiating hostage releases and the daunting challenge of gathering intelligence on their whereabouts. Additionally, Tamir shares insights on Iran's nuclear program and reveals details about Israel's sophisticated pager and walkie-talkie operation targeting Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

    Strategic Frontlines: Gen. Frank McKenzie

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 41:10


    Michael Allen speaks with General (Ret.) Kenneth 'Frank' McKenzie, Jr., former commander of U.S. Central Command, about the evolving security challenges in the Middle East. They discuss Iran's vulnerabilities, the impact of Israel's recent military actions, and the strategic fallout from the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. General McKenzie also explores the rising threat of ISIS, the limitations of over-the-horizon operations in Afghanistan, and the critical role of U.S. partnerships in deterring global adversaries. 

    'Flip the Script'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 58:18


    Michael and Andy join Beacon Global Strategies Managing Director Michael Allen to share a major announcement about the future of Intelligence Matters. They also discuss their geopolitical forecasts for 2025, examining potential developments in the Middle East, Russia, Ukraine, and China.

    Inside the President's Daily Brief

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 41:32


    Michael revisits his conversation with Andy about their unique experiences as CIA briefers for President George W. Bush. They share behind-the-scenes stories of preparing the President's Daily Brief, navigating high-stakes national security discussions, and managing the delicate balance of delivering tough truths. 

    Umasking the CIA: Jonna Mendez

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2024 46:32


    Michael revisits his interview with former CIA officer Jonna Mendez about her memoir, In True Face: A Woman's Life in the CIA, Unmasked. Jonna reflects on her unconventional path into the CIA, her groundbreaking work in disguise and clandestine photography, and the challenges of navigating a male-dominated field. She also discusses her work evaluating tampered packages and recounts the unique moment she demonstrated a disguise mask to President George H. W. Bush in the Oval Office.

    The Trump-China Dilemma: Chris Johnson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 40:09


    Michael talks with Chris Johnson, head of China Strategies Group, about Beijing's vulnerabilities and its uneasy anticipation of Donald Trump's return to the White House. They explore the high-stakes rivalry between the U.S. and China, including economic tensions, Xi Jinping's grip on power, and the geopolitical flashpoints that could redefine the global order. 

    Inside a Dangerous Alliance: Sarah Harmouch

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 41:56


    Michael speaks with terrorism expert and H9 Defense Founder and CEO Sara Harmouch who explores the surprising alliance between Iran and Al Qaeda, tracing their decades-long relationship and warning about the growing security threats posed by their current cooperation.

    The Antarctic 'Chessboard': Bill Muntean

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 37:00


    Andy speaks with former State Department senior advisor Bill Muntean about how the vast, frozen continent of Antarctica has become an unexpected theater in great power competition. Bill discusses the delicate balance maintained by the 1959 Antarctic Treaty and how surprise inspections - which he personally leads - help verify Russian and Chinese compliance. As climate change and resource scarcity reshape geopolitics, they explore whether Antarctica's longstanding peace can endure amid rising tensions between global powers.

    National Security's AI Wunderkind: Alex Wang

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 40:38


    Andy talks with Alex Wang, the founder and CEO of Scale AI, to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its implications for national security. Forbes says Alex, at age 25, is the world's youngest self-made billionaire. He describes the three foundational pillars of AI—data, compute, and algorithms—and how advancements in each have driven recent progress. Alex discusses how AI advancement could enable adversaries to pose new threats to US national security, and the guardrails the technology may need. 

    Inside the Digital Battlefield: Dmitri Alperovitch

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 44:11


    Andy talks with Dmitri Alperovitch, one of the brilliant minds behind CrowdStrike and a leading voice in cybersecurity. He's also author of the new book, World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century. In this episode, Dmitri explores the digital threats reshaping national security - from sophisticated state-sponsored hacks to the U.S.-China tech rivalry. Dmitri shares candid insights on America's cyber readiness, why Taiwan matters more than ever, and how AI is transforming the battlefield. 

    'Chip War': Chris Miller

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 40:22


    Andy revisits his conversation with Tufts University economic historian Chris Miller, author of the bestselling book Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology. Chris discusses the high-stakes race for global dominance in semiconductor development and manufacturing. He reveals the fragile and complex nature of the semiconductor supply chain, highlighting the geopolitical vulnerabilities involved in their production and explaining why they are essential to U.S. national security.

    'The Axis of Upheaval': Beth Sanner

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 57:14


    Michael and Andy speak with Beth Sanner, former CIA analyst and Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration, about the national security challenges facing the next U.S. president. They explore the complex relationships between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, rising tensions in the South China Sea, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They also examine how these geopolitical dynamics impact global stability and discuss the fine line between geopolitical and cyber threats.

    Securing Critical Mineral Supplies: Christine Michienzi

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 49:27


    Andy talks with Dr. Christine Michienzi, who served as the Senior Technology Advisor for the Pentagon's Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment and as the Chief Technology Officer for the Industrial Base Policy office. Dr. Michienzi explains the national security vulnerabilities in U.S. supply chains for essential minerals and materials used in key defense hardware like electronics, satellites, weapons systems and ammunition. She discusses China's dominance in these critical supply chains and shares strategies to bolster domestic production and strengthen international partnerships.

    Lessons from a Career in Intelligence: Christy Abizaid

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 47:00


    Michael talks with former National Counterterrorism Center Director Christy Abizaid, who shares her extensive experiences in the intelligence community. She discusses the evolution of her career from intelligence analyst to policymaker and leader in counterterrorism, emphasizing the importance of integrity, objectivity, and the need for intelligence officials to accurately inform policy. Abizaid also highlights the challenges of navigating crises, the significance of being present in decision-making rooms, and the lessons learned from her unique perspective on both sides of the intelligence and policy divide.

    MasterClass: The Art of Intelligence

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 41:46


    Michael talks with former CIA Deputy Chief of Staff Nick Shapiro, former Deputy Director of CIA for Science and Technology Dawn Meyerriecks, and former Director of the agency's elite Special Activities Center Brian Carbaugh about their new class on MasterClass: The Art of Intelligence. Nick helped organize the class on MasterClass with Michael, Dawn, and Brian who were given authorization to share their real-life experiences and the lessons they learned about leadership, critical thinking, and risk management. The class on MasterClass is humorous, engaging, and enlightening. And in this episode of Intelligence Matters, the four discuss their experiences arranging and taking part in the class on MasterClass.

    Biosecurity: Matt McKnight

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 46:54


    Andy talks with Matt McKnight, General Manager for Biosecurity at Ginkgo Bioworks, about the new frontier of global threats posed by weaponized cell engineering. Matt discusses the need for a comprehensive global monitoring and early detection system, enhanced international cooperation, and a unified defense approach to mitigate the potentially catastrophic impacts of biological events, whether accidental or malicious.

    Israel-Lebanon Conflict: Eyal Hulata

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 46:02


    Michael speaks with former Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata, now a senior international fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about recent military strikes against Hezbollah, the strategic implications for Iran, and the need for a comprehensive agreement to secure long-term stability in Lebanon. Eyal also warns of the risk of Iran pursuing nuclear weapons and highlights the importance of international support for the Iranian people. Their conversation took place just before Israel's ground offensive in southern Lebanon, and Tuesday's Iranian missile barrage. 

    Punishing Putin: Stephanie Baker

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2024 37:39


    Michael talks with Bloomberg senior writer Stephanie Baker about her new book, Punishing Putin: Inside the Global Economic War to Bring Down Russia, which examines the unprecedented economic statecraft waged by the U.S. and its European allies in response to Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The book evaluates the effectiveness of sanctions, how Russia is enduring them, and what may happen next.

    Michael & Andy: World Roundup

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 46:50


    Michael and Andy discuss their recent travels and the bleak prospects for resolving conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, Taiwan's preparedness for a potential Chinese attack, and the unfolding crisis in Venezuela. Michael also shares his son's podcast, "3rd & 33", which focuses on college football.

    Decoding the Minds of World Leaders: Jennifer Welch

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 38:50


    Michael explores the world of leadership analysis with former CIA analyst Jennifer Welch. Now the Chief Geoeconomics Analyst for Bloomberg Economics, Jennifer discusses the art and science of crafting detailed profiles of world leaders—from understanding their personal histories to deciphering their strategic mindsets. She reveals how leadership analysis illuminates the human element in global affairs and can make or break diplomatic negotiations.

    Israel's Intelligence Failures: Uri Bar-Jospeh

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024 41:10


    Michael talks with Israeli intelligence expert Uri Bar-Joseph, who dissects the stunning failure of Israeli intelligence ahead of the October 7th Hamas attack—a “perfect failure” that shook the foundations of Israel's vaunted security apparatus. Tracing the roots of this debacle back decades, Bar-Joseph discusses the fatal flaw in Israel's national security strategy: prioritizing military might over diplomatic engagement. It's part of Uri's new book in Hebrew, 'Beyond the Iron Wall.'

    A Window on Russia: Rolf Mowatt-Larssen

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 39:16


    Michael reintroduces this episode featuring his conversation with former CIA officer Rolf Mowatt-Larssen, who shares unique anecdotes that reveal the Russian mindset, from a puppet show to a symbolic Bolshoi performance. His firsthand experiences in the country explore how history, culture, and psychology shape Russia's worldview—and foreshadow its actions in geopolitics today.

    Dismantling the Khan Nuclear Network: Jim Lawler

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 38:41


    Michael reintroduces this episode featuring Andy's conversation with former CIA operative Jim Lawler, who reveals how he and his team unraveled the world's most extensive nuclear proliferation network, led by the 'father of the Islamic bomb,' A.Q. Khan.

    Keeping AI in Check: Mary Ellen Callahan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 39:12


    Andy speaks with Mary Ellen Callahan, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security's Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Office. They discuss a recent DHS report on reducing the risks of AI accelerating chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. Mary Ellen explains the government's efforts to build consensus among agencies, engage with the private sector, and develop safety standards to combat these emerging AI-driven threats. 

    Venezuela's Presidential Election: Pedro Burelli

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 46:38


    Michael speaks with Latin America and Venezuela expert Pedro Borelli, the Founder and Managing Director of B&V Holdings, a financial advisory firm. Pedro discusses the disputed results of Venezuela's July 28 presidential election, in which President Nicolas Maduro claimed victory despite opposition tallies indicating that their candidate, Edmundo González, won. Pedro provides historical context on Venezuela's transition from a stable democracy to a “mafia state” under the Chávez and Maduro regimes. He also offers his insight into why stability and security in Venezuela matter to U.S. interests and the world.

    How China Views a Possible Harris Administration & Unpacking July's CCP Meeting: Chris Johnson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2024 41:40


    Michael talks with former CIA senior China analyst Chris Johnson, who breaks down the recent Chinese Communist Party's so-called third plenum, revealing President Xi Jinping's focus on state-led tech advances over market reforms. Chris, a CSIS Senior Fellow, shares his views on China's leading issues amidst a slowing economy. He also offers insights into Beijing's views on the chaotic U.S. political scene and how a possible President Kamala Harris could engage China.

    Update on Ukraine War: Andrea Kendall-Taylor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 43:25


    Managing Director and Partner at Beacon Global Strategies, Michael Allen, sits in for Michael Morell and Andy Makridis this week and checks in with the Center for a New American Security's Andrea Kendall-Taylor about the current state of Russia's war on Ukraine and how a possible President Kamala Harris could spearhead U.S. support for Ukraine. Andrea, a former CIA senior analyst and now Senior Fellow and Director of the Transatlantic Security Program at CNAS, discusses the current status of NATO support for Ukrainian membership and what the future could hold for the war.

    China's 'Princeling' & the CCP: Chun Han Wong

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 50:35


    Andy talks with Wall Street Journal Reporter Chun Han Wong, who covers Chinese politics. He has written extensively about the country's human rights record, its Communist Party, and President Xi Jinping. Chun discusses the current issues facing China and its relations with the US, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. He also offers analysis on China's political system and Xi's efforts to centralize power, along with the threats China poses to Taiwan.

    North Korea: Sydney Seiler

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 41:34


    Michael speaks with Sydney Seiler, one of the country's top experts on North Korea and Korea Chair at CSIS. Sydney served as the U.S. Special Envoy for Six Party Talks, where he led negotiations with North Korea. He also held key positions at the National Intelligence Council, ODNI, CIA, and NSA. Sydney discusses North Korea's recent treaty with Russia and its growing provocations on the Korean Peninsula.

    Signals Intelligence & Cybersecurity: George Barnes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 43:47


    Andy talks with the former Deputy Director of the National Security Agency George Barnes about the NSA's missions focused on signals intelligence and cybersecurity, as it also adapts to emerging strategic challenges like competition from China and Russia. George also shares his take on quantum computing and AI, and discusses how the NSA tries to recruit and retain some of the world's most skilled workers.    

    'Chilling' Pre-911 video & the threat lanscape: Michael & Andy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 34:49


    Andy talks with Michael about his June Foreign Affairs article, “The Terrorism Warning Lights Are Blinking Red Again: Echoes of the Run-Up to 9/11,” co-written with Graham Allison. Michael discusses the pre-9/11 threat and national security parallels with today's environment. He also shares his assessment of a newly unsealed 1999 video from Saudi intelligence officer Omar al-Bayoumi, which Michael says appears to be ‘casing' footage of the US Capitol. Additionally, Michael talks with Andy about the security vulnerabilities at the US-Mexico border.  

    Briefing the President: Michael & Andy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2024 41:49


    Michael and Andy discuss their roles as daily intelligence briefers for former President George W. Bush. They share their experiences inside the Oval Office, the unique challenges of the job, and how they dealt with constant pressure and performance expectations. Note: This episode contains an expletive. 

    Chip Security: Chris Miller

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 40:41


    Andy talks with Chris Miller, author of "Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology" and Associate Professor of International History at Tufts University, about semiconductor chips. Chris discusses the global supply chain of critical chip manufacturers, why the U.S. must focus on advancing semiconductor innovation, and the competition with adversaries like China in chip development. He also explains why Taiwan is a world leader in chip manufacturing and how crucial the sector is for Taiwan's political and economic security.

    National Security Venture Capitalism: Steve Bowsher

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 45:16


    Andy talks with Steve Bowsher, Chief Executive Officer at In-Q-Tel, an intelligence and national security community venture capital non-profit. IQT says it is a strategic investor that accelerates the development and delivery of cutting-edge technologies to US government agencies. Steve discusses investing in startups, recognizing success, and doing business with the federal government, as well as with other countries, including Australia and the UK. Steve also discusses AI, biosecurity, and innovation.  

    National Security in Space: Ret. General John W. 'Jay' Raymond

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024 44:53


    Andy talks with retired General John W. 'Jay' Raymond, the first Chief of Space Operations of the U.S. Space Force. Gen. Raymond discusses leading space operations and commands, and the growing threats posed by China and Russia's counterspace weapons. Gen. Raymond also focuses on collaborating with commercial companies and partners to maintain space superiority, and how the Space Force has evolved into what it is today.

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