SpyTalk

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SpyTalk lives at the intersection of intelligence operations, foreign policy, homeland security and military strategy. Co-hosted by veteran national security journalist Jeff Stein and former star CNN homeland security correspondent Jeanne Meserve, the podcast will feature exclusives by SpyTalk’s roster of longtime reporters, news and profiles of US and foreign spymasters and interviews with policymakers and expert authors. There’s nothing quite like it—a place for experts and lay persons alike, who enjoy national security scoops and insights by SpyTalk's subject matter experts.  For more SpyTalk go to: https://www.spytalk.co/

SpyTalk


    • Jun 20, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 43m AVG DURATION
    • 163 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The SpyTalk podcast is an absolute gem for anyone interested in intelligence, national security, and geopolitical issues. From the moment I stumbled upon this podcast, I was hooked and now eagerly anticipate each new episode. The interviews conducted by the hosts are incredibly engaging, asking all the questions one would want to ask and diving deep into the topics at hand. What sets this podcast apart is the knowledge and background context that the interviewer brings to the table, allowing for subtle references and connections to be made throughout. As a lifelong curious person, I have found this podcast to be both interesting and educational.

    One of the best aspects of The SpyTalk podcast is the in-depth nature of the interviews. The hosts leave no stone unturned when it comes to exploring a topic or issue, ensuring that listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, Jeff's previous case officer experience adds a unique perspective to these discussions, resulting in thought-provoking conversations with experts in their fields. The co-hosts' ability to ask hard-hitting questions further adds depth and intrigue to each episode. Furthermore, the topics covered on this podcast are top-notch and highly relevant for viewers interested in national security.

    While it is difficult to find any faults with The SpyTalk podcast, there are some minor aspects that could be improved upon. Occasionally, there may be certain interview segments or episodes where personal preferences or prior knowledge may affect one's level of interest. However, these instances are few and far between within such a high-quality podcast.

    In conclusion, The SpyTalk podcast provides a wonderful insight into subjects that have long intrigued me. With facts and opinions from informed knowledgeable individuals who truly understand these complex issues, this podcast offers valuable perspectives on intelligence, geopolitics, and more. The engaging interviews conducted by Jeff and Jeanne create thought-provoking conversations that deserve thoughtful consideration from listeners. Overall, The SpyTalk podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in national security and intelligence.



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    Latest episodes from SpyTalk

    On the Brink

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 38:49


    Former Obama adviser Ned Price discusses Trump‘s options on Iran with SpyTalk hosts Jeff Stein & Michael Isikoff.  Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    CIA AT RISK

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 41:53


    Trump-MAGA infestation of spy agency poses national security threat, senior CIA ops veteran Luis Rueda tells SpyTalk host Jeff Stein.Luis RuedaHow to Take Greenland Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Buckley and the CIA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 58:00


    Sam Tanenhaus, author of new biography of William F. Buckley, Jr., joins Michael Isikoff to discuss the conservative columnist's early role as a CIA spy and his longtime relationship with his one time agency boss, Watergate burglar Howard Hunt. Buy the bookBuckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    The Intel Mess

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 29:40


    Gabbard's meddling with intel disqualifies her, Sen. Mark Warner says on SpyTalk podcast with Michael Isikoff       Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    China Spy Worries + Russia

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 31:18


    Former top CIA exec Sue Miller talks all things espionage with Jeff Stein & Michael Isikoff.Susan Miller https://www.thecipherbrief.com/experts/susan-miller Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Spy World Politicos

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 54:35


    “It's not good” that ex-spooks are going public, former CIA officer Steve Cash tells the SpyTalk podcast, but “we're terrified” by Trump. Steven A. Cashhttps://bsky.app/profile/cashsteven.bsky.socialhttps://thesteadystate.org/ Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Trump's Plane Won't Fly with Rep. Jim Himes

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 38:56


    Rep. Jim Himes, top Dem on the House Intel Committee, talks with Jeff & Mike about the Qatar grift and more bad things going on under Tulsi Gabbard. Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Air Fright

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 37:48


    Russia's airliner sabotage ops are examined by science writer Jeff Wise and SpyTalk host Jeff Stein.Jeff Wisehttps://x.com/ManvBrainhttps://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/inside-new-security-threats-in-the-skies?https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/aviation-flights-white-house-tcas-drones.html Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Letting Russia Off the Hook

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 39:37


    Trump's shutdown of Russian war crimes investigations is the focus of former US Ambassador-at-large Stephen Rapp and SpyTalk host Michael Isikoff. Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    The Last Spy Story of the Vietnam War

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 56:39


    Former CIA officer Frank Snepp shares  a stunning spy story of the Vietnam War's chaotic end with host Jeff Stein Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    The CIA, Iran and a Conspiracy of Silence

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 52:40


    Doug Waller talks with Michael Isikoff about his new biography of CIA master spook Frank Wisner, quarterback of the 1953 Iran coup—and so much more.The Determined SpyDouglas Waller Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

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    Insanity Claws

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 34:15


    Pulitzer-winning intelligence historian Tim Weiner discusses the latest wacky—and disturbing—news from inside the Trump administration's national security team with SpyTalk host Jeff Stein Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    CIA Opened Oswald's Mail!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 43:05


    Host Michael Isikoff, JFK conspiracies-buster Fred Litwin, and national security analyst Peter Kornbluh dissect MAGA Rep. Anna Luna's wacky hearing featuring Oliver Stone and other assassination plot zealots.Peter KornbluhFred Litwin  Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

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    "There's not a day I do not think about those Americans" who died in Iraq

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 61:07


    Luis Rueda, once the director of the CIA's Iraq Operations Group, reflects with Michael on the many mistakes the U.S. government made during the war in Iraq-- and the fatal consequences. Luis Rueda Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    A Former CIA Spy Catcher Weighs Trump's Russia Turn

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 38:39


    Sue Miller not only headed CIA Counterintelligence, among other high positions during her 39-year career. She oversaw the agency's controversial assessment of Russian interference in the 2016 election. And she thinks Trump's pro-Russia moves should be an ongoing counterintelligence concern.    Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Vindman: Putin is "Toying" with Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 48:14


    The star player in Trump's first impeachment tells Michael Isikoff  there will no ceasefire in Ukraine and calls DC prosecutor a “henchman” for launching bogus probe of him and his brother.  Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    What's Ukraine Thinking?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 36:20


    Former senior CIA operations official Glenn Corn talks with Jeff Stein about his recent trip to Ukraine and its prospects in a rapidly and radically changing diplomatic landscape Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    The Ghosts of Munich

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 40:28


    Former US NATO envoy and Army General Doug Lute discusses JD Vance insults of allies, administration abandonment of Ukraine to Russia with SpyTalk podcast host Michael Isikoff. Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Trump's CIA and Russia

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 38:44


    Veteran former senior CIA operations official Bill Murray talks with Jeff Stein about the challenges of countering aggressive Russian intelligence ops, from the Cold War to Trump II's radical policy shifts toward Moscow.William D Murray - Vice-President and co-founder - Council on Intelligence Issues | LinkedIn Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Betrayal: Trump Justice Department's War on the FBI

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 54:01


    Former top FBI counterterrorism agent Chris O'Leary tells host Michael Isikoff how Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove was a diligent prosecutor of Jan. 6 rioters before he turned on his teammates at Trump's behest.  Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    How Might Trump Deploy DHS Intelligence?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 40:02


    Former Senior DHS Intelligence Counsel Spencer Reynolds talks with host Jeff Stein about the troubled past and uncertain future of the agency's Intelligence & Analysis wing under President Trump.More from Spencer Reynoldshttps://www.brennancenter.org/experts/spencer-reynolds Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    A “Bonanza" of Spyware Abuses

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 49:45


    Ronald Deibert of Citizen Lab tells host Michael Isikoff how his research firm has uncovered the shocking abuse of commercial spyware by foreign governments and spy agencies around the world, resulting in a proliferation of "Watergate-like” scandals.Follow our guest:Ron Deiberthttps://x.com/RonDeibertChasing Shadowshttps://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/Chasing-Shadows/The Citizen Labhttps://citizenlab.ca/https://x.com/citizenlab Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Is Chinese Intelligence Really Subverting TikTok?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 46:46


    The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Jim Himes, tells  host Michael Isikoff there is "zero evidence" TikTok is providing data on Americans to Beijing, plus talks about the "really, really scary" Jan. 6 pardons and more. Congressman Jim Himes Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Inside the White House Situation Room

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 36:03


    Former senior CIA official and situation room Director Larry Pfeiffer goes inside the White House situation room with SpyTalk host Jeff Stein.Follow Larry PfeifferLarry Pfeiffer (@LarryPfeifferDC) / XThe Hayden Center Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Upending Jan. 6 Reality

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 47:24


    Former Jan. 6 committee chief counsel and federal prosecutor Timothy Heaphy talks with SpyTalk podcast co-host Michael Isikoff about the president-elect's false claims about the Capitol riot and the major role  social media played in that and the 2017 Charlottesville rally by white supremacists. He also recommends the FBI loosen its rules that restrict its ability to investigate social media posts. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/773012/harbingers-by-timothy-j-heaphy/ Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    What's Up for Trump's FBI?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 46:36


    Top former FBI counterspy executive and NYC Terrorism Task Force honcho Lauren Anderson addresses the looming uncertainty over “Day One,” January 20, with SpyTalk host Jeff Stein Lauren C. Andersonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laurencandersonintl Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    How the Syrian Rebels Beat Assad

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 37:45


    Anti-Assad activist Mouaz Moustafa in Damascus tells Michael Isikoff how he got advance word about the rebel offensive that would topple the Assad regime—including the hidden hand that foreign intelligence agencies may have played in laying the groundwork—and how the regime's secret files may shed new light on the relationship that DNI-designate Tulsi Gabbard had with the Assad regime. Mouaz Moustafahttps://twitter.com/SoccerMouazSyrian Emergency Task Forcehttps://setf.ngo/https://twitter.com/SyrianETF Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Why Kash Patel is the Most Dangerous Trump Nominee Yet

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 48:57


    Garret Graff, historian and journalist, explains why Trump's intention to install the fierce MAGA loyalist in charge of the U.S. government's premier law enforcement agency charged with thwarting terror attacks and protecting the nation's secrets endangers the bureau's mission for years to come. Garret GraffGarrett M. Graffhttps://twitter.com/vermontgmg Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Is Putin's Russia a Terrorist State?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 41:17


    SpyTalk's Michael Isikoff talks to Chris Costa, former chief of counter-terrorism at the NSC and now executive director of the International Spy Museum, about the mounting threat of Russian hybrid warfare-- including acts of sabotage, arson, assassination and cyber intrusions-- and whether it is time to designate Putin's Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. Costa also weighs in on President-elect Trump's pick of Tulsi Gabbard to be DNI and Sebastian Gorka as the new counter-terror chief at the NSC. More from our guest, Chris Costahttps://www.defenseone.com/voices/christopher-p-costa/14609/Follow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Clear and Present Dangers

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 38:14


    Tim Weiner, the Pulitzer-winning author of groundbreaking histories of the CIA, FBI and more, discusses Trump's troubling nominees for top national security jobs with SpyTalk host Jeff Stein. Tim Weinerhttps://bsky.app/profile/tim-weiner.bsky.social Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Matt Gaetz and Trump's Deep State Revenge

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 52:41


    National Security lawyer Mark Zaid discusses Trump's stunning selection as Florida congressman Matt Gaetz to be Attorney General and what it might mean for his plans to target "corrupt actors" in U.S. intelligence and national security agencies who crossed him in the Russia probe.Mark Zaidhttps://twitter.com/MarkSZaidEsq Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE CIVIL WAR PREPPERS?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 28:24


    New Yorker staff writer Charles Bethea joins Jeff Stein to discuss his startling reportage on thousands of Americans preparing for a civil war or other countrywide disasters. Charles Betheahttps://www.newyorker.com/contributors/charles-bethea  Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Jared Kushner's Saudi Gravy Train (with Rep. Jamie Raskin)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 37:58


    Rep, Jamie Raskin tells SpyTalk why he wants DOJ to investigate whether Trump's son in law is serving as an unregistered agent of the Saudi government  due to the $2 billion he's gotten from the Saudi wealth fund, as well as another newly discovered $87 million in "management fees."  The feisty Maryland progressive also discusses his thoughts on the election and whether Trump is even eligible to serve as president under the 14th amendment. Jamie Raskin | TwitterOctober 24, 2024 The Honorable Merrick Garland Attorney General of the United States U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Can Trump Election Violence Be Thwarted?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 38:59


    Extremism tracker Clara Broekaert joins Jeff to talk about dealing with the angry young white men and groups fueling threats against election workers and Democrats.Clara BroekaertClara Anna-Christine (@ClaraBroekaert) / XClara Broekaert - The Soufan GroupUS Crisis Monitor - ACLEDhttps://acleddata.com/us-crisis-monitor/#map Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Would Trump Revive "Fire and Fury" for North Korea?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 47:02


    As president, Trump was known for his "bromance" with North Korean dictator Kim Jung Un, holding two summits in Singapore and Hanoi and engaging in a "love letter" correspondence with him that he took with him to Mar-A-Lago after he left office. But before that, journalist Zach Dorfman reminds us, Trump came perilously close to unleashing a nuclear strike on the country--an attack that, then Secretary of Defense feared, would "incinerate a couple of million people." In a SpyTalk podcast, Dorfman also talks about how, under Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign on the country, the Pentagon and CIA updated ambitious-- and somewhat quixotic-- plans for regime change. Which Trump will guide U.S. policy should he return to the Oval Office: The peacenik who tried to engage Kim in diplomacy or the MAGA warrior who once threatened North Korea "with fire and fury" unlike the world has ever seen? As Dorfman points out, it's a pressing question given that, with North Korea's accelerated missile tests and a growing alliance with Vladimir Putin's Russia, including sending equipment and troops to Ukraine, some scholars believe the threat of a conflict on the Korean Peninsula is greater than it has been in years.  Zach Dorfmanhttps://twitter.com/zachsdorfmanInside the Trump Admin's Secret Battle Plans for North Koreahttps://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-north-korea-secret-battle-plans-nuclear-war-1235132893/  Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    WAR GAME's Chilling Scenario for the Next Jan 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 32:41


    The filmed game's organizer Janessa Goldbeck joins host Jeff Stein to discuss the jarring results of the all-too-real exercise .Janessa Goldbeckhttps://twitter.com/jgoldbeckVetVoice Foundationhttps://vvfnd.org/War Gamehttps://wargamefilm.com/ Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    How Will Israel Strike Back?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 37:52


    Former FBI analyst and Hezbollah expert Matt Levitt says an attack on Iranian intelligence facilities - rather than nuclear sites- may be coming.Matthew Levitthttps://x.com/levitt_mattHezbollah: The Global Footprint of Lebanon's Party of Godhttps://a.co/d/9Ln5srY  Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    A Spy's Life in Congress

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 26:59


    Can a good spy become a good politician? I mean, not as an undercover agent—spy agencies are pretty good at that—but in an overt way, in, say, the messy US Congress.Or, put another way, can the skills that a CIA officer employs in clandestine operations—gregariousness, empathy and, let's face it, a learned talent for manipulating people, be put to good use in a place like a deeply polarized Congress?This week I'm putting those questions to Abigail Spanberger, a former member of the CIA's clandestine service, who in 2018 won a seat in Congress from Virginia as a Democrat, breaking, by the way, a nearly 40-year long Republican chokehold on a sprawling district in the near and far suburbs Washington, DC.  Since then Spanberger has developed a strong reputation for working across the aisle with Republicans on bills that help constituents. And now she's running for governor of Virginia with no primary opposition.  Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Israel's ‘Brilliant' Terror

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 46:21


    Top cyberwar expert and former Trump White House Homeland Security Advisor Thomas Bossert tells host Michel Isikoff that Israel's deadly exploding pagers op was a “brilliant” tactic that Hezbollah's terrorists deserved.Tom Bosserthttps://twitter.com/tombossertTrinity Cyberhttps://www.trinitycyber.com/  Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Inside Assad's Torture Chamber

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 33:16


    Sam Goodwin tells us about his harrowing ordeal as a prisoner in one of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's torture chambers. It is an extraordinary story of a young American from St. Louis who embarked on a personal adventure to visit every country in the planet only to be ensnared when he made it into Syria by Assad's security forces, who threw him into one of their most notorious prisons as a suspected CIA spy. His account, told in his new book called Saving Sam, the true story of an American's disappearance in Syria and his family's extraordinary fight to bring him home, is a reminder of the still ongoing atrocities in Syria's 13 year long civil war.More from Sam Goodwin:https://www.samrgoodwin.com/https://www.samrgoodwin.com/book/ Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Another China Spying Shocker

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 35:46


    Over a period of roughly 14 years, according to the feds, Linda Sun rose through the ranks to become deputy chief of staff to Governor Hochul, before she was fired for unspecified reasons and became a target of federal investigators. But according to the DoJ, the 41-year-old was secretly using her position to advance Chinese political and business interests and steal relevant documents. In return, the feds say, Beijing's spy service showered the couple with millions of dollars that afforded them lavish homes, a Ferrari Roma sports car, and—people had fun with this—special salted duck dishes prepared by a Chinese Embassy chef. In court on Tuesday the couple entered not guilty pleas to charges of acting as unregistered foreign agents.One person who is absolutely not surprised by all this is Nicholas Eftimiades who became a leading expert on Chinese espionage over his 34-year government career, which included work for the CIA, the State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and as a Senior Intelligence Officer in the Defense Intelligence Agency. Today he teaches at Penn State and is a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. He is also the author of “Chinese Intelligence Operations,” which will soon be reissued with an update. China's MSS spy agency, of course, couldn't care less about which party, or level of US government, it infiltrates. Its goal is to weaken the United States by any means necessary.Nick Eftimiadeshttps://twitter.com/neftimiadeshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/eftimiades/ Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Former US Envoy to Russia on Ukraine's Bleak Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2024 51:10


    John Sullivan, the former U.S. ambassador to Moscow under Presidents Trump and Biden, worries that the Ukraine war could go on for "decades" and offers some candid views on his dealings with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Kabul Calamity Consequences

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 47:31


    Washington Post investigative reporter Craig Whitlock, author of “The Afghanistan Papers,” is Jeff Stein's guest on the sad anniversary of the chaotic retreat. Craig WitlockCraig Whitlock - The Washington Post Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Another 9/11-Style Attack in the Works?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 33:17


    SOMEWHERE IN THE REMOTE MOUNTAINS of Pakistan's southwest province of Balochistan, a shadowy, 29-year-old veteran of the Afghan Army is believed to be holed up, keenly conscious that the U.S. government has placed a $10 million bounty on his head.Read Michael Isikoff's piece for the SpyTalk Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/p/another-911-style-attack-in-the-works?Colin P. Clarke - The Soufan Grouphttps://x.com/colinpclarkeFollow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    SPY FAMILY SHOCKERS

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 39:03


    This week, we're going to take a look at the shock and disorientation the children of spies face when they learn that one, or both, of their parents are not who they say they are.Jeff's guest, Johann McCloy, didn't know she was the daughter of an American spy until she was 15 years old.Johanna McCloyhttps://johannamccloy.substack.com/  Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    9/11 Families Feel Betrayed by Gitmo Deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 33:12


    The Pentagon's stunning plea deal with 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants was negotiated and announced without briefings for the families of victims of the terrorist attack–an apparent failure that drew a furious reaction Thursday from a leading 9/11 victims' group.Brett Eagleson https://www.911justice.org/Follow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoffFind Me the Votes: A Hard-Charging Georgia Prosecutor, a Rogue President, and the Plot to Steal an American Election Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    HOW TO SPY

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 44:08


    Veteran CIA ops officer Jim Lawler talks about the tricks of the trade with host Jeff Stein.Jim Lawlerhttps://www.spyex.com/expert/james-lawlerhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09FMVF622 Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Secret Service Meltdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 42:28


    Former DHS Intel Chief John Cohen on the Butler, Pa. fiasco with guest host MichaelIsikoff.Michael Isikoff on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/Isikoff Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Mafia Spies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 43:39


    “Mafia Spies” is based on a 2019 book by the same name by veteran investigative reporter Thomas Maier, with the subtitle, “The Inside Story of the CIA, Gangsters, JFK, and Castro.” Which in turn was based largely on declassified files relating to the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The TV series includes dramatic recreations of critical moments in the plots, lively, insightful commentary with longstanding experts on Cuba, Castro and the Kennedys, as well as on-camera interviews with a few, still living relatives and associates of the key gangsters in the conspiracies, Johnny Rosselli and Sam Giancana. The series sheds new light on the grisly demise of Giancana and Rosselli before they were able to spill all the beans about the demonic—and sometimes comic failures—of the Castro assassination efforts.Thomas MaierMafia Spies - Watch on Paramount PlusFollow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/ Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Can the FBI Stop Proud Boy Plots This Time?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 35:23


    Reuters reporter Aram Roston with Jeff Stein on the Proud Boys resurgence.Aram Rostonhttps://twitter.com/aramrostonhttps://www.reuters.com/authors/aram-roston/ Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

    Can the FBI handle the load?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 35:38


    Frank Figliuzzi talks with Jeff Stein about the Bureau's dizzying challenges.Frank Figliuzzihttps://twitter.com/frankfigliuzzi1LONG HAUL: Hunting the Highway Serial Killershttps://www.harpercollins.com/products/long-haul-frank-figliuzzi Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substackhttps://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short

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