Podcasts about Tradecraft

The West's naivete towards Putin in the 2000s cost us dearly. Now Russia's tyrant – a creature of the KGB/FSB who has returned his country to its roots as a repressive intelligence state – is attacking us with unprecedented ferocity and deviousness. Sean Wiswesser, ex-CIA station chief in the former Soviet Union, says the “reckless” activity of FSB and GRU agents has reached new heights. But can they be stopped – and can we win the intelligence war? He tells Andrew Harrison how intelligence and dirty tricks are inextricable from Putin's power; how the old skills of “tradecraft” persist alongside new digital tactics; and what really makes Russian intelligence tick.  • Buy Sean's book Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin's Secret War from our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too. • Back us on Patreon – www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Producer: James Liddell. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick K. O'Donnell introduces Captain John Charles Carpenter and the Jesse Scouts, a Union special forces group named after Jesse Frémont. Emerging from the Missouri insurgency, these scouts utilized 21st-century tradecraft such as disguises and infiltration to gather intelligence behind enemy lines. Simultaneously, the Confederacy enacted the Partisan Ranger Act to organize irregular fighters like John Singleton Mosby. Operating in "Mosby's Confederacy," these rangers conducted asymmetrical warfare that tied down thousands of Union troops. Both sides grappled with the lack of discipline in these units, yet recognized their strategic brilliance in modern irregular combat. (1)1863

James and Jimmy sit down with one of the owners and founder of Tradecraft Cigars, Rob Blumenthal. Rob talks about his family's five generation in the tobacco business, something that started during the Civil War era with his family selling tobacco and cigars. The trio discuss what Rob has learned from owning a cigar company, how he approaches events, choosing to grow organically, and much more. Rob's family also owns the Tinder Box, which gives Rob a unique perspective on the cigar industry. We found the conversation fascinating, and we hope you do too!

True Spies producer Morgan Childs joins ex-CIA officer and Russia expert Sean Wiswesser to go deep on the strategy, ideology and political goals of the Russian intelligence community. From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Morgan Childs. Sean Wiswesser is the author of Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin's Secret War. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sean Wiswesser, author of the new book, “Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin's Secret War,” and a former senior operations officer with the CIA, joins Lawfare's Justin Sherman to discuss the major Russian security organs and their training, characteristics of Russian “sticks-and-bricks” surveillance and counter-surveillance tradecraft, and the Russians' use of coercion, kompromat, and sex (often dubbed “sexpionage”) to recruit and pressure people. They also discuss corruption in the Russian intelligence services, illegals and assassination programs, brazenness and sloppiness in Russian operations, and the future of the Russian intelligence threat to the United States and the West.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jiunn, Seth and John discuss their blind review experience with the Tradecraft Vitruvian Toro https://developingpalates.com/reviews/cigar-reviews/team-cigar-review-tradecraft-vitruvian-toro/

This episode examines how invasion sports such as soccer, basketball, and hockey function as advanced cognitive simulators for the fluid decision-making required in espionage, special operations, and high-stakes environments. We explore practical methods for analytically watching these sports to build situational awareness, cognitive flexibility, and predictive intelligence, while reviewing research on how such mental engagement may help reduce dementia risk. A clinically grounded analysis tailored for intelligence professionals, special operators, and anyone seeking elite mental performance.

On Prime Time Episode 374, we welcome Tradecraft Cigars to our show with our guests Rob Blumenthal and Wiber Ventura as our guests. The Blumenthal and Ventura families have a long history in the cigar industry, and now the two have come together for Tradecraft Cigars. We will dive into their story and brand. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

On Prime Time Episode 374, we welcome Tradecraft Cigars to our show with our guests Rob Blumenthal and Wiber Ventura as our guests. The Blumenthal and Ventura families have a long history in the cigar industry, and now the two have come together for Tradecraft Cigars. We will dive into their story and brand. Plus, we will have our FSG Beef Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

Travelcraft: Practical Family Travel Safety Tips with Boris Milinkovich   Host Andy Murphy welcomes returning guest Boris Milinkovich, founder of True North Tradecraft. Together they discuss how families can be safe and still have fun while traveling. They also discuss Boris' new bookTravelcraft: The Art of Safe and Secure Travel.   For more from Boris and True North Tradecraft: http://truenorthtradecraft.ca/   Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD.   Connect

Unmask the shadowy world of Russian espionage in this lecture with Sean M. Wiswesser, a national security professional whose career spans nearly three decades across intelligence, foreign service, and defense institutions. Drawing on his experience as a senior operations officer with the Central Intelligence Agency—including multiple overseas tours, war-zone deployments, and service as a chief of station—Wiswesser offers a rare, insider perspective on the evolving landscape of global intelligence. Centering on the Russian Intelligence Services (RIS), this talk explores the doctrine of Maskirovka—the art of denial, deception, and manipulation that underpins Russian strategy. Through historical case studies and firsthand insights, Wiswesser examines the structure and operations of Russia's principal intelligence agencies: the SVR, GRU, and FSB. Topics include the use of double agents, surveillance and “street work,” honey traps, sabotage, active measures, assassinations, and the role of intelligence services in the Russo-Ukraine War. A Morehead Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wiswesser holds a bachelor's degree in history and Russian & Slavic linguistics. He earned a Master of Strategic Studies from the Air War College in 2023, where he received the Russia Integrated Deterrence Award. Subscribe for more expert lectures and conversations at the forefront of global policy, strategy, and leadership. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

Analyze the enduring mechanics of classic espionage techniques—dead drops, brush passes, and related tradecraft—still employed by intelligence services despite pervasive digital surveillance.
This episode breaks down operational principles, psychological advantages, and real-world applications, revealing how anonymity, misdirection, and human psychology enable secure communication when electronic methods carry unacceptable risk.
Essential listening for intelligence professionals, students of security studies, psychologists of deception, business leaders concerned with operational security, and anyone navigating trust and privacy in an era of constant monitoring.

➡️ Watch the full interview ad-free, join a community of geopolitics enthusiasts and gain access to exclusive content on PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingGeopolitics➡️ Sign up to my free geopolitics newsletter: https://stationzero.substack.com/➡️ Buy your own Geopolitics of the Western Pacific Map Print: https://decoding-geopolitics-shop.fourthwall.com/➡️ Get Sean's book: Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin's Secret WarThis is a conversation with Sean Wiswesser, a veteran CIA operations officer who spent almost three decades working for the agency deployed in various places around the world. And a majority of his career was working on and in - Russia - and in particular on Russian intelligence services - basically he was a spy, recruiting other spies. He recently wrote a book detailing what he has learned about how Russian intelligence actually works, including everything from the Russian illegals and assassinations program, their preparations for invasion of Ukraine, their many failures and what almost everyone fails to understand about them - or what does someone with decades of experience of working on Russia think about the stability of the regime and where the country is going.

we examine “The Macau Ghost” — a high-stakes espionage case involving asset recruitment, operational compromise, and counterintelligence tactics in Macau's shadowy financial and intelligence landscape. This forensic intelligence analysis details the tradecraft, psychological operations, and security failures that led to the asset's exposure and the network's collapse. Essential listening for understanding modern espionage dynamics, handler-asset relationships, and the real-world challenges of running covert operations in high-risk environments.

This episode provides a forensic intelligence breakdown of the complete lifecycle of a spy network — from asset recruitment and handler operations to detection, compromise, and eventual collapse. Drawing on historical and modern case studies, we examine the tradecraft, psychological dynamics, operational security failures, and counterintelligence tactics that determine success or failure in espionage. Essential listening for understanding how intelligence networks are built, sustained, and dismantled in the real world of covert operations.

In this episode, Sean M. Wiswesser, former CIA Operations Officer, discusses his latest book, "Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin's Secret War". The book explores the covert world of Russian espionage and how the Russian Intelligence Services (RIS) - the SVR, GRU, and FSB, including their use of double agents, surveillance, and “street work,” honeytraps, sabotage, active measures, assassinations - operate across the globe including the tactics, tradecraft, and mindset of the RIS. And the RIS roles in the Russo-Ukraine War. Interview date Wednesday, 25 March 2026. Interviewers Paul Hollingsworth PhD, former Senior CIA Officer and Analyst, President, AFIO, and Co-Host James Hughes, President Emeritus, AFIO.

In the world of covert ops, "Leaving No Trace" is the ultimate goal—but the environment is a persistent snitch. This episode explores the tradecraft of Palynology (the study of pollen) as a tool for tracking movement across international borders. We discuss how a specific microscopic spore on a shoe can reveal exactly where an operative has been, even if they've burned their passport. From the "Yellow Rain" mysteries of the Cold War to modern-day geolocation via plant DNA, we reveal why the "Greenery" is the ultimate counter-surveillance tool.

Jiunn, Seth and John discuss their blind review experience with the Tradecraft The Azorian Robusto https://developingpalates.com/reviews/cigar-reviews/team-cigar-review-tradecraft-the-azorian-robusto/

What makes the GEOINT Symposium 2026 a must-attend event for national security professionals? Lindy sits down with Jim McCool to break it down.From his experience at organizations like the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, and the U.S. Air Force, McCool shares why GEOINT remains at the center of modern intelligence—and how it's evolving fast.They dive into the role of tradecraft in an AI-driven world, the growing importance of data and critical thinking skills, and how professionals at every stage can get the most out of the symposium. Whether you're navigating the clearance process, exploring career opportunities, or trying to understand how emerging tech is reshaping intelligence work, this conversation offers practical insights and forward-looking perspective.Plus: tips for first-time attendees, what skills are in demand, and why networking at GEOINT can shape your career long after the event ends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Milinkovich is the President and Chief of Training for True North Tradecraft, a boutique security company that offers very unique and highly effective training. Boris' background is in Canadian Law Enforcement, local and federal as well as the Canadian Military. He is the author of 4 books now with his latest, TravelCraft, The Art of Safe and Secure Travel. You can find all Boris and True North Tradecraft has to offer here https://truenorthtradecraft.ca You can find Global Rescue here https://www.globalrescue.com And you can find Covert Instruments here https://covertinstruments.com You can find Delta2Alpha here https://delta2alpha.com You can find RallyPointISRSolutions here https://www.rallypointisrsolutions.com You can find Absolute Security and Lock here http://absolutesecurityandlock.com You can find Greenville Combatives Academy here https://greenvillecombatives.com You can find this shows website including links to the show, my blog, merch, and more here https://www.thedistinguishedsavage.com The views, information, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guest speakers and do not necessarily represent those of any associated organizations, employers, or sponsors. The opinions and views shared do not reflect the positions of our sponsors or their affiliated companies. This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice in any field including but not limited to legal, medical, financial, or technical matters. All content is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We make reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy but cannot guarantee that all information presented is correct, complete, or up-to-date. Listeners should verify any critical information independently. Guest opinions belong to them alone. Our interviews with various individuals do not constitute endorsement of their views, products, or services. By listening to this podcast, you agree that we are not responsible for any decisions you make based on the information provided. Please consult with qualified professionals before making important decisions related to your health, finances, or legal matters. This podcast may contain explicit language or mature themes. Listener discretion is advised. © 2025 The Distinguished Savage, Savage Concepts LLC

Justin's guest for today is Sean Wiswesser. Sean is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in History and Russian and Slavic Linguistics. He also has a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the Air War College. Sean is a former senior operations officer and former Chief of Station with the Central Intelligence Agency and has served multiple overseas tours, including in war zones during his career. He's here to discuss his career with CIA, working inside and against the Russian Intelligence Services, which he has written about in his new book. In it,  he details lessons learned from more than 30 years in the intelligence community, working up close with Russian spies, dissidents, and defectors. Connect with Sean: LinkedIn: Sean Wiswesser Check out the book, Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin's Secret War, here. https://a.co/d/0ckwvi9m Connect with Spycraft 101: Get Justin's latest book, Murder, Intrigue, and Conspiracy: Stories from the Cold War and Beyond, here. spycraft101.com IG: @spycraft101 Shop: shop.spycraft101.com Patreon: Spycraft 101 Find Justin's first book, Spyshots: Volume One, here. Check out Justin's second book, Covert Arms, here. Download the free eBook, The Clandestine Operative's Sidearm of Choice, here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Day 1,510.Today, as new evidence emerges that Russia is increasing sign-on bonuses to recruit more soldiers for its war in Ukraine, we report on efforts to ramp up defences around Vladimir Putin's palace. We also examine dramatic political developments in Hungary, where the new prime minister has vowed to expose alleged Russian links – amid reports of document shredding by allies of former leader Viktor Orbán. And later, we speak to a former CIA operative about Russian disinformation tactics, the failures of Kremlin intelligence services, and what they have learned – and not learned – from the war.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to former CIA operative Sean M. Wiswesser.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Sean M. Wiswesser's book, ‘Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin's Secret War':https://a.co/d/04TANzGg Putin has lost his best friend inside the EU. Who can he rely on now Orban has gone? (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/04/14/putin-loses-best-friend-orban/ Ukraine ‘forces Russians to surrender using only robots' (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/14/ukraine-forces-russians-to-surrender-using-only-robots/ Putin's house now protected by 27 air defence systems (Antonia Langford in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/13/putins-house-now-protected-27-air-defence-systems-drones/ Zelensky's Ukraine's Defense Industry Worker Day Address (President's Office):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Br_kdXR-sk&t=56sStarmer accused of ‘corrosive complacency' over defence (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/04/14/starmer-accused-complacency-former-nato-chief-defence/ EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3. THE RISE OF THE CASE OFFICER AND MALTA 1985 Guest Mundy: Guest  Liza Mundy follows Heidi August's career as she broke into the prestigious ranks of CIA"case officers",. Mastering tradecraft under mentor David Whipple, August proved women could uniquely recruit assets by identifying vulnerabilities in other female clerks. She eventually overcame the derogatory "retread" label to become a Mediterranean station chief. In 1985, she managed the tragic Egyptian Air hijacking in Malta, coordinating with various entities and informing a victim's family of their loss. This event catalyzed August's pivot from Cold War Soviet operations to the emerging field of counterterrorism,. (4)1956 HUNGARY

Bio from Sean Wiswesser's LinkedIn page:"I have spent 30 years in national security, serving with the CIA, State Department, and now in the private sector. My career has been defined by one focus: understanding foreign intelligence services and helping the U.S. and its allies stay ahead of evolving intelligence, defense, and other national security threats.As a senior operations officer with the CIA, I led human intelligence operations worldwide — including in conflict zones and denied areas — while mentoring the next generation of intelligence professionals. I earlier served as a Foreign Service Officer with the State Department and now advise Department of Defense programs as a senior technical consultant. With professional fluency in Russian, a Top Secret/SCI clearance, and decades of interagency experience, I bring both operational depth and strategic perspective. I am published author and lecturer on Russian intelligence, espionage, and the Russian military. My work has appeared in multiple volumes and articles, and I have a forthcoming book on Russian intelligence and espionage tradecraft (early 2026). I am a contributing writer for the CIPHER BRIEF in Washington, D.C., a leading provider of critical reporting and analysis for policymakers, defense and intelligence professionals.I frequently deliver guest lectures at universities and international forums, making complex intelligence topics accessible to students, professionals, and policymakers.Whether helping a defense program translate operational requirements into results or discussing Russian tradecraft with a classroom, I focus on one thing — equipping people with the knowledge to anticipate threats before they become crises.If you're seeking a speaker, writer, consultant, or advisor on issues of intelligence, espionage, or national security, I welcome the opportunity to connect"Order your copy of his book right now: https://a.co/d/03KvHepoFind Sean on X @WiswesserHost/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapAWatch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Sean Wiswesser spent three decades in the U.S. intelligence community, much of it running operations against Russia for the CIA. His new book, Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks, dissects of how the FSB, SVR, and GRU actually do their work: dead drops, signal sites, surveillance detection routes, and the street tradecraft that protected agents like Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen for years. Wiswesser explains why Russian services keep returning to Cold War–era methods, breaks down the operational differences between the SVR and GRU, and assesses elite units like Alpha, Vympel, and Spetsnaz whose mythology often outpaces their record. He also charts the sharp escalation in Russian sabotage across Europe, the mafia-like culture driving increasingly reckless operations, and Moscow's use of AI-enhanced active measures to deepen division in Western democracies.Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, global issues, and current affairs.Order Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks: https://www.usni.org/press/books/tradecraft-tactics-and-dirty-tricksConnect with Sean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-wiswesser-a86603133/Please share this episode using these linksAudio: https://pod.fo/e/3fb9a1YouTube: https://youtu.be/WI7IChkSNpsSupport Secrets and SpiesBecome a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/secretsandspiesSubscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.comConnect with us on social media Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspiesFacebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspiesSpoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesFollow Chris and Matt on Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.netSecrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD: https://filmsandpodcasts.co.uk/Music by Andrew R. BirdPhoto by Dmitry Astakhov / REXSecrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode examines the very topics that real intelligence officers and analysts consider on a daily basis through the lens of global events and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and journalists.

In this episode of State Secrets, former CIA Senior Operations Officer Sean Wiswesser examines the evolution of Russian intelligence - from Soviet-era tradecraft to modern hybrid warfare. He unpacks Moscow's strategic mindset, its transactional relationships with partners like Iran, and its enduring focus on weakening democratic systems. With insights drawn from decades in the field, Wiswesser explains what most people misunderstand about Russia - and why that matters now more than ever.

Host Bill Hamblet talks with veteran national security professional Sean M. Wiswesser about his book "Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin's Secret War"—available next month from the Naval Institute Press.

In this episode of the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast, host⁠ ⁠⁠Sherrod DeGrippo is joined by Greg Schlomer and Vlad H. to discuss new research on Jasper Sleet, a North Korean–aligned threat actor incorporating AI into active operations.  The conversation examines how AI is being integrated across the attack lifecycle — from highly tailored phishing lures and fabricated job applicant personas to accelerating malware development and refining operational workflows. Rather than treating AI as a novelty, Jasper Sleet is using it to increase speed, scale, and adaptability while reducing many of the friction points that once slowed campaigns.  They also explore what this shift means for defenders. As AI compresses iteration cycles and lowers barriers to entry, traditional attribution signals evolve, influence operations become more convincing, and defensive teams must tighten the loop between intelligence, detection, and response. This is less about experimentation and more about the operationalization of AI as part of modern tradecraft.  In this episode you'll learn:       How AI is changing the speed at which cyber operations evolve  Why jailbreaking AI models is often trivial for motivated adversaries   The strategic implications of AI leveling the playing field between threat actors  Some questions we ask:      Is there resistance among experienced malware authors to adopting AI?  Are we seeing fully AI-written malware in the wild?  What stands out about Jasper Sleet's use of AI?    Resources:   View Greg Schloemer on LinkedIn   View Sherrod DeGrippo on LinkedIn     Related Microsoft Podcasts:                    Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson  The BlueHat Podcast  Uncovering Hidden Risks      Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Get the latest threat intelligence insights and guidance at Microsoft Security Insider    The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast is produced by Microsoft, Hangar Studios and distributed as part of N2K media network.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast, host⁠ ⁠⁠Sherrod DeGrippo is joined by Greg Schlomer and Vlad Honyanyy to discuss new research on Jasper Sleet, a North Korean–aligned threat actor incorporating AI into active operations.  The conversation examines how AI is being integrated across the attack lifecycle — from highly tailored phishing lures and fabricated job applicant personas to accelerating malware development and refining operational workflows. Rather than treating AI as a novelty, Jasper Sleet is using it to increase speed, scale, and adaptability while reducing many of the friction points that once slowed campaigns.  They also explore what this shift means for defenders. As AI compresses iteration cycles and lowers barriers to entry, traditional attribution signals evolve, influence operations become more convincing, and defensive teams must tighten the loop between intelligence, detection, and response. This is less about experimentation and more about the operationalization of AI as part of modern tradecraft.  In this episode you'll learn:       How AI is changing the speed at which cyber operations evolve  Why jailbreaking AI models is often trivial for motivated adversaries   The strategic implications of AI leveling the playing field between threat actors  Some questions we ask:      Is there resistance among experienced malware authors to adopting AI?  Are we seeing fully AI-written malware in the wild?  What stands out about Jasper Sleet's use of AI?    Resources:   View Greg Schloemer on LinkedIn   View Sherrod DeGrippo on LinkedIn     Related Microsoft Podcasts:                    Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson  The BlueHat Podcast  Uncovering Hidden Risks      Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Get the latest threat intelligence insights and guidance at Microsoft Security Insider    The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast is produced by Microsoft, Hangar Studios and distributed as part of N2K media network.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast, host⁠ ⁠⁠Sherrod DeGrippo is joined by Greg Schlomer and Vlad H. to discuss new research on Jasper Sleet, a North Korean–aligned threat actor incorporating AI into active operations.  The conversation examines how AI is being integrated across the attack lifecycle — from highly tailored phishing lures and fabricated job applicant personas to accelerating malware development and refining operational workflows. Rather than treating AI as a novelty, Jasper Sleet is using it to increase speed, scale, and adaptability while reducing many of the friction points that once slowed campaigns.  They also explore what this shift means for defenders. As AI compresses iteration cycles and lowers barriers to entry, traditional attribution signals evolve, influence operations become more convincing, and defensive teams must tighten the loop between intelligence, detection, and response. This is less about experimentation and more about the operationalization of AI as part of modern tradecraft.  In this episode you'll learn:       How AI is changing the speed at which cyber operations evolve  Why jailbreaking AI models is often trivial for motivated adversaries   The strategic implications of AI leveling the playing field between threat actors  Some questions we ask:      Is there resistance among experienced malware authors to adopting AI?  Are we seeing fully AI-written malware in the wild?  What stands out about Jasper Sleet's use of AI?    Resources:   View Greg Schloemer on LinkedIn   View Sherrod DeGrippo on LinkedIn     Related Microsoft Podcasts:                    Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson  The BlueHat Podcast  Uncovering Hidden Risks      Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Get the latest threat intelligence insights and guidance at Microsoft Security Insider    The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast is produced by Microsoft, Hangar Studios and distributed as part of N2K media network. 

Our guest for this episode is Nico Dekens, a veteran practitioner of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), cyber intelligence, and online investigations with 20+ years in Dutch law enforcement as an all-source intelligence analyst.  Now the owner of Dutch OSINT Guy Intelligence Services and Director of Intelligence & Collection Innovation at ShadowDragon, Dekens is widely known in the OSINT community as @Dutch_OsintGuy and as a co-founder of OSINTCurio.us.  He has trained thousands of government personnel, helped stand up OSINT units, and is recognized for blending operational experience with hands-on instruction as a SANS Instructor and Lead Author. In this interview, we focus on how OSINT is being operationalized, how analysts should think about trust and ethics in anonymous digital environments, and how emerging threats like AI-enabled manipulation are changing verification standards.  Listen as Mr. Dekens digs into collection innovation and what's actually changing at the tools-and-methods level and where Dekens thinks OSINT is headed strategically for government and security stakeholders.  

In this episode of the CISO Tradecraft podcast, PKWARE Field CTO EJ Pappas joined host G Mark Hardy and Ross Young. The group talked about many challenges and solutions for modern data security. One critical component is the shift from platform-centric to data-centric security. The experts also discussed the barriers to data visibility that CISOs face and how discovery solutions bring clarity. No conversation could be complete without AI and its role as both a defensive framework and the threats it carries. Tune into this engaging conversation with takeaways that are practical and useful.

Guest: Patrick K. O'Donnell. Richard Blazer leads the "Legion of Honor," a hunter-killer team using Jesse Scouttradecraft to fight Confederate partisans in West Virginia. Blazer employs detective work to track down the ruthless Thurman brothers, who attack Union supply lines in the rugged terrain of the Appalachians.1880 GAR MN

Episode: 00304 Released on February 2, 2026 Description: New tools often arrive faster than the discipline needed to use them well. Randy Stickley returns for another installment of Before You Leap to examine how artificial intelligence is entering analytic workflows and what analysts must consider before relying on it. The discussion explores AI hallucinations, large language models, writing and research augmentation, and the enduring role of human judgment in law enforcement analysis. Through real-world examples, cognitive illusions, and courtroom implications, this episode outlines where AI can support analysts, where it can mislead them, and why tradecraft, validation, and critical thinking must remain firmly in the driver's seat.

Join Thane Riddle for a powerful discussion with JFK researcher, Cory Hughes. Though, unlike most of Cory's interviews going over the events & happenings, Thane focuses on the extraction of valuable information, strategies, and tactics that could be utilized by self-liberators and freedom pioneers today. Please enjoy, and consider joining… The post Cloak & Dagger Correspondences #1: CIA Spycraft & Tradecraft with Cory Hughes appeared first on The Vonu Podcast.

The tools in a spy's arsenal are more varied than you might think. But they all come under one name: Tradecraft. In our eleventh round of insights from the world of espionage, Rhiannon Neads looks back on Medieval spymasters, high-octane extractions, and the undercover heroes of WW2. From SPYSCAPE, the HQ of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Alex Burnard. Music by Nick Ryan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is episode 807. Read the complete transcription on the Sales Game Changers Podcast website. Watch the video of this podcast on YouTube here. The Sales Game Changers Podcast was recognized by YesWare as the top sales podcast. Read the announcement here. FeedSpot named the Sales Game Changers Podcast at a top 20 Sales Podcast and top 8 Sales Leadership Podcast! Subscribe to the Sales Game Changers Podcast now on Apple Podcasts! Purchase Fred Diamond's best-sellers Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know and Insights for Sales Game Changers now! On today's show, Fred interviewed Trellix SVP of Sales Craig Bowman about his new book "CRAFT: CIA Tradecraft Meets AI: The New Rules of Elite Selling. Craig shares how lessons learned from his years at the CIA should be applied by selling professionals. It was a remarkable interview.  CRAFT stands for: ✔️ Conduct Research – Identify where real change, urgency, and opportunity exist ✔️ Refine & Target – Map the true sphere of influence inside complex organizations ✔️ Activate – Engage partners and stakeholders as allies, not tools ✔️ Find the Value & Pain – Uncover what truly motivates your buyer beyond the surface ✔️ Tailor & Validate – Prove success using mutually agreed-upon metrics that reduce risk Find Craig on LinkedIn. CRAIG'S TIP: "To create trust, you reduce risk. If you don't show how you've reduced the risk of failure, the deal will stall at the last five yards."

The tools in a spy's arsenal are more varied than you might think. But they all come under one name: Tradecraft. In our tenth round of insights from the world of espionage, Rhiannon Neads looks back on gadget masters, Cold War tunnel-digging and the art of the Mobile Debrief. From SPYSCAPE, the HQ of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Alex Burnard. Music by Nick Ryan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Criminologist Federico Varese joins Chris to talk John le Carré—David Cornwell—and what his fiction got right about power, corruption, and the criminal underside of the modern Russian state. Varese, a co-curator of Oxford's Tradecraft exhibition at the Bodleian, shares how he first met Cornwell in the early 1990s and later advised him on Our Game and Our Kind of Traitor, drawing directly on his research into Russian organized crime. From there, Varese unpacks the post-Soviet trajectory he traces in Russia in Four Criminals—how “free markets” without a strong rule-of-law state produced predation, oligarchic capture, and ultimately what he calls a “mafia state,” where independent organized crime is squeezed out by a system that fuses political and economic power. The conversation also gets into how Russian security services use criminals for deniable operations abroad and how cybercrime functions as a tolerated ecosystem—until the state needs it—turning hackers into a ready-made tool of hybrid warfare. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, global issues, and current affairs. Learn more about Federico and his work: https://federicovarese.com Order Russia in Four Criminals: https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=russia-in-four-criminals--9781509563609 Visit the Bodleian Libaries' John le Carré: Tradecraft exhibition: https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/lecarre Please share this episode using these links Audio: https://pod.fo/e/36c963 YouTube: https://youtu.be/VfxAE8trReA Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996 Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/secretsandspies Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com Connect with us on social media Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies Follow Chris and Matt on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.net Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD. Music by Andrew R. Bird Photo by Bodleian Libraries & Federico Varese Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode examines the very topics that real intelligence officers and analysts consider on a daily basis through the lens of global events and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and journalists.

Aliia Roza is a former secret agent turned women's empowerment coach, public speaker, and influencer with over 1 million followers on Instagram who specialized in seduction and psychological manipulation to dismantle human and drug trafficking networks for the Russian government. Born in Karaganda, Kazakh SSR, in the former USSR to a distinguished Kazakh-Tatar military family, father Colonel Timerbulat Roza of the KGB 1st Chief Directorate (retired FSB general-lieutenant), mother Gulnara Roza daughter of Red Army Colonel Khasan Timerbulatov (Order of the Red Banner, Berlin 1945); she was rigorously trained under a state program for officers' children in martial arts and psychological conditioning, later graduating from Russia's Military Academy of Internal Affairs and earning a master's in fashion from London's Istituto Marangoni plus certification in human sexuality from Kinsey University. Selected for elite KGB-style training, Roza infiltrated criminal rings to rescue underage girls from sex trafficking; during one mission she was abducted and beaten by gang members but rescued by a target who had fallen in love with her, prompting her final operation, witness-protection status, defection from Russia, identity change, and relocation to Europe. Since 2018 an ambassador for London's Best Beginnings Charity (endorsed by the British Royal Family and personally introduced to Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III), Roza founded the Roza Club, organizing 30+ humanitarian events backed by Cartier, Rolls Royce, Damiani, Roberto Cavalli, and House of Garrard to aid underprivileged women and children in London and Paris. A 2017 Miss Asia International Beauty crowned by Sushmita Sen, she earned Forbes Woman Empowerment recognition at Cannes and Venice Film Festivals (2019, 2022) and speaks at the United Nations and World Changers Summit in Vatican City. She co-hosts the podcast To Die For with Neil Strauss, has signed with Topic Studios for a life documentary, and is writing a book exposing KGB spy techniques to help readers spot manipulation in relationships and daily life; her column “How to Dress Like a Spy” translates espionage confidence into practical fashion and self-empowerment advice for women. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Get $10 Off @BRUNT with code SRS at https://bruntworkwear.com/SRS #BRUNTpod Head to https://lumen.me/SRS for 15% off your purchase. Ready to upgrade your eyewear? Check them out at https://roka.com and use code SRS for 20% off sitewide. Go to https://helixsleep.com/srs for 20% Off Sitewide Aliia Roza Links: Book Preorder - https://www.rozaclub.com/spybook IG - https://www.instagram.com/aliiaroza YT - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOlgX-RrnrBsbWpNhkGtd9w LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliia-roza-17710a39 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Jesse Scouts and the Origins of Civil War Irregular Warfare Patrick K. O'Donnell The Civil War saw the rise of irregular forces like Jesse Scouts, named after John Fremont's wife, who used 21st-century tradecraft like infiltration and Confederate disguises, led by John C. Carpenter. The Confederacy countered with the Partisan Ranger Act to control guerrillas like John Singleton Mosby. Confederate leaders were ambivalent toward partisans, viewing them as both useful and potentially destabilizing to command structure.

RichardRichard Blazer and the Manhunt for the Thurman Rangers — Patrick K. O'Donnell — Richard Blazer, a skilled manhunter, commanded the Blazer Scouts, utilizing Jesse Scouts tradecraft. Operating in rugged West Virginia, they functioned as the first modern hunter-killer team, pursuing the ruthless bushwhackers, the Thurman brothers. Blazer's unit specialized in detective work and lightning raids, eventually operating under General Averell for strategic reconnaissance missions.

In this episode of the Identity at the Center podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim broadcast from InfoSec World 2025, sharing lively discussions on identity management, AI security, and identity's evolving role in information security. They are joined by Ross Young and G Mark Hardy, co-hosts of the CISO Tradecraft podcast, who share their journeys into cybersecurity, illuminating how identity intersects with cybersecurity topics like deep fakes, AI implications, and non-human identities. The conversation also covers practical advice for securing budget approvals for identity projects and speculations on the role of AI in cybersecurity's future. The episode wraps up with each guest sharing personal ideas for potential new podcast ventures.The CISO Tradecraft podcast: CISOTradecraft.comConnect with Ross: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrrossyoung/Connect with G Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmarkhardy/Connect with us on LinkedIn:Jim McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcdonaldpmp/Jeff Steadman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsteadman/Visit the show on the web at http://idacpodcast.comChapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:16 Live from InfoSec World 202500:52 Shoutouts and Day Jobs01:37 Meeting Ross and G Mark from the CISO Tradecraft podcast02:22 Ross's Journey into Cybersecurity04:24 G Mark's Cybersecurity Career Path07:44 Top Concerns for CISOs Today09:53 The Role of Identity in Cybersecurity16:18 Challenges and Trends in Identity Management24:33 Pitching Identity Projects to CISOs32:21 The Role of AI in Automating SOC Operations33:23 AI's Impact on Developer Efficiency35:48 The Future of AI-Assisted Coding37:42 Challenges and Opportunities in AI and Cybersecurity39:46 The Importance of Human Expertise in AI Development48:17 The Role of Identity in Information Security49:44 Introduction to CISO Tradecraft Podcast55:24 Podcasting Tips and Personal Interests01:00:48 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsKeywords:Identity at the Center, IDAC, CISO Tradecraft, InfoSec World 2025, cybersecurity leadership, identity security, IAM, AI security, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald, Ross Young, G. Mark Hardy, InfoSec, CISOs, cyber career development, non-human identity, deepfakes, security automation

Former CIA field operative Andrew Bustamante pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to recruit spies, run intelligence operations, and navigate a life built on secrecy, loyalty, and manipulation. In this riveting and wide-ranging conversation, Bustamante shares stories from his military training at the Air Force Academy, his time at “The Farm” — the CIA's elite training facility — and his years of fieldwork turning foreign agents into assets.He explains how spycraft isn't about glamour or violence — it's about reading people, controlling trust, and gaining influence through empathy and psychological leverage. Bustamante also discusses how operatives are recruited based on “moral flexibility,” why loneliness is built into the job, and how living in the shadows impacts everything from family to friendships.From breaking down the difference between motivation and manipulation to revealing how the CIA targets new recruits, this episode offers a rare, unfiltered look at the human side of espionage — and the psychological toll it takes on those who live it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After spending years tracking Al Qaeda, former analyst Gina Bennett talks to  SpyTalk about her storied career, her new spy novel and the rising threat of "politicized misogyny." Gina BennettIf Two of Them Are Dead Follow Jeff Stein on Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpyTalkerFollow Karen Greenberg on Twitterhttps://x.com/KarenGreenberg3Follow Michael Isikoff on Twitter:https://twitter.com/isikoff Follow SpyTalk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/talk_spySubscribe to SpyTalk on Substack https://www.spytalk.co/Take our listener survey where you can give us feedback.http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=short Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

3. Learning Tradecraft on the Job: Heidi August's Rise from Clerk to Operative Liza Mundy Book: The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA Heidi August proved her competence in Africa, learning tradecraft such as making dead drops. While working in Europe for David Whipple—an eccentric and anti-feminist mentor—she continued to develop her logistical skills, often running operations and handling people being exfiltrated from Soviet-occupied countries. Although Whipple preached against "women's lib," he recognized Heidi's capabilities. Unlike male case officers (the "fighter pilots of the CIA") who received prestigious training at "the farm," Heidi, hired as a clerk, learned her skills on the job. She eventually demonstrated the skills of a recruiter when she initiated a recruitment against Whipple's initial rejection, targeting a woman clerk from another country. She used elicitation skills to identify the target's vulnerability—a desire for revenge against her bosses—and successfully obtained critical communications technology, cementing her reputation as a capable officer.

Chris speaks with historian Dr. Jessica Douthwaite, co-curator of John le Carré: Tradecraft at Oxford's Bodleian Library. They explore how le Carré—born David Cornwell—approached his extensive research, the selection process for the exhibition, and the political evolution reflected in his works. Jessica emphasizes le Carré's identity as a writer who was also a spy, the collaborative nature of his writing process with his wife, and the contemporary relevance of his themes. They also discuss his novels' impact on literature and society, and how le Carré's creative legacy has reshaped modern spy fiction. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, global issues, and current affairs. Find more about John le Carré: Tradecraft: https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/lecarre Buy the exhibition book, Tradecraft: Writers on John le Carré: https://bodleianshop.co.uk/products/tradecraft-writers-on-john-le-carre Please share this episode using these links Audio: https://pod.fo/e/33f804 YouTube: https://youtu.be/7bfYwun2aGo Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996 Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com Connect with us on social media Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies Follow Chris and Matt on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.net Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD. Music by Andrew R. Bird Photo courtesy of Ralph Crane/Time-Life & Bodleian Library Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode examines the very topics that real intelligence officers and analysts consider on a daily basis through the lens of global events and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and journalists.

Learn more about the John le Carré Tradecraft exhibition in Oxford revealing John le Carré's meticulous research, unseen manuscripts, and the personal life behind the spy fiction. In Spybrary Ep. 275, we speak with the curators about what they uncovered and what it tells us about the master of espionage fiction. In this episode of Spybrary , Shane Whaley hosts a conversation into Tradecraft, the new exhibition at Oxford's Bodleian Library focusing on John le Carré (David Cornwell). His guests are Professor Federico Varese and Dr Jessica Douthwaite, who co‑curated the exhibition. They explore how the exhibit reveals le Carré's working methods, personal life, and research habits. From manuscript drafts and scribbles on hotel stationery to his mother's abandoned suitcase, the conversation explores how le Carré meticulously researched his books, how he conceives characters like George Smiley, and what the curators hope visitors take away. They also discuss key artifact highlights, the challenge of selecting what to display from over 1,200 archive boxes, and deeper questions: why did he write in fiction rather than non‑fiction, and what question would the curators ask le Carré if they could meet him? Spybrary host Shane Whaley also asked the curators which John le Carré novels they recommend for those new to his work as well as how they selected the nine le Carré books on which the John le Carré exhibition is based. Key Topics / Themes The intersection of fiction, fact and research in le Carré's method Le Carré's meticulous research process (notes, drafts, corrections) The role of Jane Cornwell (his wife) as collaborator and editor The curatorial challenge of selecting from the vast John le Carré archives Personal artifacts as gateways into the life behind the author How le Carré anticipated geopolitical trends (pharma, corruption, security) The emotional impact the Tradecraft exhibition had on the author's family. The question of why he chose fiction rather than non-fiction as his medium And why did he David Cornwell choose the pen name John le Carré. Shane also thanked the curators for making the Tradecraft exhibition accessible to both le Carré scholars and to those who may never have read any John le Carré novels. Join the Spybrary Community Today

Katie Thornton loves radio. Her series The Divided Dial has delved into conservative talk radio and shortwave. It won a 2023 Peabody Award. And her piece for Rolling Stone, "Jesus Take The Dial" goes in depth on CCM radio giant K-LOVE's operations. We talk with Thornton about how K-LOVE's parent company has used its non-profit status to build a broadcasting behemoth and the downstream effects that has on American culture. We also discuss the Christian music she actually enjoys, her contrarian take on Bob Dylan and how K-LOVE compares to Salem Media Group, her main subject in season one of The Divided Dial. ---Register for Theology Beer Camp with our promo code RTDR for $75 off.Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Want to respond to this episode? Leave us a message at (629) 777-6336.If Rock That Doesn't Roll is important to you, support us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/rtdr (join via the website, not the iOS app for a 30% discount)Or make a one-time donation: https://coff.ee/rtdrIf you can't afford a donation, please tell five friends about the show.You can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing RTDRpod@gmail.comSign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments.Buy RTDR merch here.

NEW from True Spies: Brief Histories. From Egyptian codebreaking, to USB sticks with the power to cripple nuclear facilities, this week hear the long evolution of tradecraft. In Brief Histories, the new monthly special from True Spies, series producer Joe Foley is your guide to the evolution of this secret world - alongside a treasure-trove of expert knowledge from our archive. From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets and skills. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices