Covert Contact Podcast
Insightful analysis on intelligence, counterterrorism, technology, and global security challenges through expert conversations that reveal the forces shaping international affairs.
Covert Contact was a podcast that delved into the intricate world of international affairs, intelligence, security, and technology. Running from 2014 to 2020, my mission was to explore complex global issues from diverse perspectives, bringing together voices from diplomacy, journalism, technology, intelligence, and beyond.
I aimed to challenge assumptions and spark meaningful dialogue. Through conversations with experts and practitioners, I examined the nuanced realities of our interconnected world.
Though the podcast is currently on hiatus, I hope to return to this project someday.
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Episode 118 | Oct 1, 2020
Shortwave Numbers Stations
Scot Terban joined me to discuss the use of shortwave numbers stations, recently declassified KGB investigative techniques for identifying recipients of those broadcasts, how shortwave has changed with the introduction of the internet, and technologies such as software defined radio (SDR) that make capturing mysterious signals affordable (sometimes free) and easier than ever.
Episode 117 | Sep 26, 2020
Chinese Spies in US Law Enforcement - And Everywhere Else
The regular counterintelligence chat with William Tucker is a day late but full of new Chinese espionage activity in the NYPD, the EU, and beyond.
Episode 116 | Sep 18, 2020
The Threat of Fake Spies
William Tucker returns to discuss the incredible case of Garrison Courtney and Alpha-214.
Episode 115 | Sep 11, 2020
Election Threats and Disrupting Chinese Espionage
William Tucker joins me for our weekly counterintelligence chat.
Episode 114 | Sep 4, 2020
French Officer Busted Spying on NATO for GRU & Other Espionage Cases
William Tucker joins me to discuss two high profile cases this week, sloppy Chinese tradecraft, and why it always pays to visit the FBI before the FBI visits you.
Episode 113 | Sep 2, 2020
Russians Targeted Tesla Gigafactory in Ransomware Plot
Russian hackers launched a targeted ransomware attack against Tesla's Gigafactory.
Episode 112 | Aug 28, 2020
Texas A&M, NASA, and Chinese Espionage
A discussion of Chinese espionage efforts targeting academic and scientific institutions in the United States.
Episode 111 | Aug 23, 2020
Careers in Intelligence: Beyond the Three Letter Agencies
An exploration of intelligence career opportunities beyond traditional government agencies.
Episode 110 | Aug 22, 2020
Spying for Russia: The Peter Debbins Case
Insights into the Peter Debbins espionage case and his activities as a spy for Russia.
Episode 109 | Aug 21, 2020
Counterintelligence Chat: Alexei Navalny & Alexander Ma
A counterintelligence discussion focusing on Alexei Navalny and Alexander Ma.
Episode 108 | Aug 16, 2020
Preparing for A Career in Intelligence: Thoughts on Personal Security and Behavior
Guidance on preparing for an intelligence career, emphasizing personal security and professional behavior.
Episode 107 | Aug 15, 2020
Understanding the Israel-UAE Deal
An analysis of the diplomatic agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
Episode 106 | Aug 14, 2020
A Pardon for Edward Snowden?
Exploring the potential pardon of Edward Snowden and its implications.
Episode 105 | Aug 14, 2020
Washington Takes Aim at the Confucius Institute
Discussion of Washington's actions against the Confucius Institute.
Episode 104 | Aug 12, 2020
Israel and The United States: Past, Present, and Future with Alon Pinkas
An in-depth conversation about the relationship between Israel and the United States with expert Alon Pinkas.
Episode 103 | Aug 8, 2020
Australia's Cyber Security Strategy
An examination of Australia's approach to cybersecurity and national digital defense.
Episode 102 | Aug 7, 2020
Chinese Spies and Russian Honey Traps
Exploring espionage tactics involving Chinese spies and Russian honey traps.
Episode 101 | Aug 4, 2020
Quick Take: An Explosion in Beirut
A brief analysis of the devastating explosion that occurred in Beirut.
Episode 100 | Aug 3, 2020
Online Security: Avoiding a Personal October Surprise
Strategies for maintaining online security and protecting personal information.
Episode 99 | Jul 31, 2020
Chinese Espionage in the United States
An in-depth look at Chinese espionage activities within the United States.
Episode 98 | Jul 26, 2020
Shaping Intelligence Products for Maximum Impact
Discussing techniques for creating and presenting intelligence products effectively.
Episode 97 | Jul 23, 2020
When You Can't Obey
Exploring ethical dilemmas and situations where following orders becomes problematic.
Episode 96 | Aug 3, 2020
What's Happening at the Chinese Consulate in Houston?
An analysis of the events surrounding the Chinese Consulate in Houston.
Episode 95 | Jul 18, 2020
Covert Contact is Back
An episode marking the return of the Covert Contact podcast.
Episode 94 | Mar 22, 2018
The Poisoning of Sergei Skripal
Examining the details of the Sergei Skripal poisoning incident.
Episode 93 | Feb 5, 2018
Team Leadership & Ethics
A discussion on leadership principles and ethical considerations in team environments.
Episode 92 | Jan 23, 2018
The Jerry Chun Shing Lee Case
An exploration of the Jerry Chun Shing Lee espionage case.
Episode 91 | Jan 10, 2018
North Korean Cryptocurrency Ops
Investigating North Korea's activities in cryptocurrency operations.
Episode 90 | Jan 2, 2018
Combatting Misinformation
Strategies and approaches for identifying and countering misinformation.
Episode 89 | Dec 19, 2017
Evaluating the North Korean Threat
A comprehensive assessment of the North Korean threat landscape.
Episode 88 | Dec 12, 2017
Protecting the British Royal Family
Security measures and strategies for protecting the British Royal Family.
Episode 87 | Dec 4, 2017
Beyond Bitcoin: Cryptocurrency Investing
An exploration of cryptocurrency investing beyond Bitcoin.
Episode 86 | Nov 29, 2017
Bullets of Palestine
A discussion about the conflict and dynamics in Palestine.
Episode 85 | Nov 21, 2017
Terrorists and Technology
Examining the relationship between terrorists and technological advancements.
Episode 84 | Nov 14, 2017
Economic Espionage: No One Is Immune
An in-depth look at economic espionage and its widespread impact.
Episode 83 | Nov 6, 2017
Iraq's Consolidation and the Kurds
Analysis of Iraq's political situation and the Kurdish question.
Episode 82 | Oct 30, 2017
The Crypto Wars: Update from the Australian Front
An update on the ongoing cryptocurrency and encryption debates in Australia.
Episode 81 | Oct 23, 2017
From CIA Case Officer to Rookie Cop
A personal journey from CIA case officer to becoming a rookie police officer.
Episode 80 | Oct 18, 2017
The Kurdish Problem
An in-depth exploration of the complex Kurdish geopolitical situation.
Episode 79 | Oct 16, 2017
Propaganda, Influence, and Disruption
Analyzing methods of propaganda, influence operations, and societal disruption.
Episode 78 | Oct 9, 2017
Australian Cyber Policy
A detailed look at Australia's approach to cybersecurity policy.
Episode 77 | Oct 2, 2017
Australian Approaches to Counterterrorism
Exploring Australia's strategies and methods in counterterrorism.
Episode 76 | Sep 25, 2017
Australian Special Operations Forces
An examination of Australian Special Operations Forces and their capabilities.
Episode 75 | Sep 18, 2017
Understanding and Developing Resilience To Information Warfare
Strategies for building resilience against information warfare tactics.
Episode 74 | Sep 11, 2017
Deep State Conspiracies
An analysis of deep state conspiracy theories and their implications.
Episode 73 | Sep 5, 2017
Data, AI, and Ethics
A discussion on the ethical considerations surrounding data and artificial intelligence.
Episode 72 | Aug 28, 2017
Beyond Russia: Overlooked Counterintelligence Threats
Exploring counterintelligence threats beyond the well-known Russian activities.
Episode 71 | Aug 21, 2017
System Failure: It Only Gets More Difficult from Here
An examination of systemic challenges and increasing complexity in intelligence and security.
Episode 70 | Jun 18, 2017
Iran in the Age of Trump
An analysis of Iran's geopolitical situation during the Trump administration.
Episode 69 | Jun 8, 2017
Securing Data, Communications, and Identity with Keybase
Exploring methods of securing personal data, communications, and digital identity using Keybase.
Episode 68 | Oct 23, 2017
Egyptian, Muslim, American
A personal exploration of identity, culture, and national belonging.
Episode 67 | May 30, 2017
The Manchester Attack
An in-depth discussion of the terrorist attack in Manchester and its broader implications.
Episode 66 | Mar 10, 2017
Intelligence Analysis: Feedback, Bias, and Other Challenges
Examining the complexities of intelligence analysis, including cognitive biases and feedback mechanisms.
Episode 65 | Feb 25, 2017
Counterintelligence in the Trump Era
An exploration of counterintelligence challenges and dynamics during the early Trump presidency.
Episode 64 | Feb 17, 2017
Exploring Divergent Options
Discussing alternative approaches and strategic thinking in intelligence and national security.
Episode 63 | Feb 6, 2017
Understanding the Pace and Scope of Technology Driven Change
An analysis of technological innovation and its rapid impact on society and national security.
Episode 62 | Oct 10, 2016
Russia, Trump, and Hillary
Examining the complex relationships and influences surrounding Russia, Trump, and Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election.
Episode 61 | Sep 27, 2016
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump – The First Debate
A detailed breakdown and analysis of the first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Episode 60 | Sep 20, 2016
Putin's Struggle for Relevancy and Power
An examination of Vladimir Putin's strategic efforts to maintain political relevance and power.
Episode 59 | Sep 11, 2016
Citizen Soldiers: Service and Sacrifice with Wendy R. Anderson
A discussion about military service, sacrifice, and the experiences of citizen soldiers.
Episode 58 | Aug 19, 2016
Inside the President's Daily Brief with David Priess
An insider's look at the President's Daily Brief and its role in national security.
Episode 57 | Aug 12, 2016
Fragmented Realities – AV and VR Update
Exploring the latest developments in augmented and virtual reality technologies.
Episode 56 | Aug 1, 2016
Russia, Donald Trump, and the 2016 Election
An in-depth analysis of Russia's potential influence on the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Episode 55 | Jul 29, 2016
Journalism and Conflict in East Africa
Examining the challenges of journalism in conflict zones, specifically in East Africa.
Episode 54 | Jul 17, 2016
The Nice, France Attack: How Can Counterterrorism Evolve with the Threat
A critical look at counterterrorism strategies in response to the Nice terrorist attack.
Episode 53 | Jul 5, 2016
Building an Intel Shop from the Ground Up
Insights into establishing and developing an intelligence organization from scratch.
Episode 52 | Jun 21, 2016
Russian Hackers Run Wild on the DNC
An analysis of Russian hacking activities targeting the Democratic National Committee.
Episode 51 | Jun 14, 2016
The Orlando Shooting and Our Struggle to Make Sense of the Senseless
A thoughtful examination of the Orlando shooting and its broader societal implications.
Episode 50 | Jun 13, 2016
Victor in The Rubble: Tackling Intelligence Community Bureaucracy Through Satire
Using satire to critique and explore challenges within the intelligence community.
Episode 49 | Jun 11, 2016
Developing and Leveraging Strategic Foresight
Strategies for developing strategic foresight and anticipatory intelligence.
Episode 48 | Jun 6, 2016
Intelligence at the State and Local Level
An exploration of intelligence gathering and analysis at state and local government levels.
Episode 47 | Jun 2, 2016
Lockpicking 101 (And Why Your Locks Are Useless)
A technical discussion about lockpicking and physical security vulnerabilities.
Episode 46 | May 31, 2016
Cutting Through the Hybrid Warfare Hype
Critically analyzing the concept and realities of hybrid warfare.
Episode 45 | Apr 25, 2016
How Will ISIS Evolve and How Will Our Response Evolve with Them?
Forecasting the potential future developments of ISIS and corresponding counterterrorism strategies.
Episode 44 | Apr 19, 2016
Navigating Massive Technological Change
Discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological transformation.
Episode 43 | Apr 14, 2016
Lieutenant Commander Edward Lin: Identity, Espionage, and Counterintelligence
An in-depth look at the Edward Lin espionage case and its counterintelligence implications.
Episode 42 | Apr 12, 2016
The Rise and Challenge of Transnational Crime
Examining the growing challenges posed by transnational criminal organizations.
Episode 41 | Apr 3, 2016
What Did Russia Gain in Syria?
Analyzing Russia's strategic objectives and gains from its involvement in Syria.
Episode 40 | Feb 17, 2016
Are Ungoverned Spaces Inherently Dangerous?
A critical examination of the concept of ungoverned spaces and their potential security risks.
Episode 39 | Feb 9, 2016
Russian Strengths – and Weaknesses
An analysis of Russia's geopolitical strengths and underlying vulnerabilities.
Episode 38 | Jan 26, 2016
Iran's Quest for Regional Domination
Exploring Iran's strategic efforts to expand its regional influence.
Episode 37 | Jan 12, 2016
LZ Grace: A Place for Warriors to Heal
A discussion about support and healing resources for military veterans.
Episode 36 | Jan 5, 2016
Saudi Arabia vs. Iran and The Burns Oregon Militia Standoff
An examination of the geopolitical tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, alongside a local U.S. militia incident.
Episode 35 | Jan 2, 2016
Closing Out 2015 and Looking Toward 2016 with William Tucker
A year-end review and forward-looking discussion with William Tucker.
Episode 34 | Dec 27, 2015
Art in Diplomacy and Conflict
Exploring the role of art in diplomatic relations and conflict resolution.
Episode 33 | Dec 23, 2015
Understanding and Influencing Enemy Behavior
Strategies for understanding and potentially influencing adversarial behaviors.
Episode 32 | Dec 19, 2015
Video Games, Virtual Reality, and Conflict with Robert Rath
An exploration of video games, virtual reality, and their connections to conflict.
Episode 31 | Dec 15, 2015
Understanding the Limits of Intelligence and Counterterrorism
A critical examination of the challenges and limitations in intelligence and counterterrorism efforts.
Episode 30 | Dec 8, 2015
The San Bernardino Attack, Small Scale Terrorism, and ISIS
An analysis of the San Bernardino terrorist attack and its broader implications for understanding small-scale terrorism.
Episode 29 | Nov 30, 2015
Islamism and Democracy: Finding Models for the Middle East and Preserving Our Own
Exploring the complex relationship between Islamism and democratic governance.
Episode 28 | Nov 27, 2015
Thanksgiving
A Thanksgiving-themed episode reflecting on gratitude and national themes.
Episode 27 | Nov 25, 2015
Turkey Shot Down a Russian Jet – Where Do We Go From Here?
Analyzing the geopolitical implications of Turkey shooting down a Russian jet.
Episode 26 | Nov 23, 2015
What You Are Getting Wrong About ISIS
A critical look at common misunderstandings about ISIS and its operations.
Episode 25 | Nov 20, 2015
Catching Russian Spies with Former Double Agent Naveed Jamali
An insider's perspective on catching Russian spies, shared by a former double agent.
Episode 24 | Nov 17, 2015
The Paris Attacks and Europe's Security Challenges
An in-depth analysis of the Paris terrorist attacks and European security vulnerabilities.
Episode 23 | Nov 13, 2015
War and the New Normal: Phil Walter on Life After War
A discussion about the psychological and social impacts of war and veteran experiences.
Episode 22 | Nov 9, 2015
Supporting Independent Art in Afghanistan: Francesca Recchia Updates from Kabul
Insights into artistic and cultural efforts in Afghanistan.
Episode 21 | Nov 3, 2015
The Damascus Cover and the Psychology of Spies with Howard Kaplan
An exploration of spy psychology through the lens of literary discussion.
Episode 20 | Oct 28, 2015
Government Email Problems, Wikileaks, Russia, Drone Leaks, NASA Security and Other Counterintelligence Nightmares
A comprehensive look at various national security and counterintelligence challenges.
Episode 19 | Mar 28, 2015
Encryption as the New Norm: Discussing A Changing Internet with ProtonMail Co-Founder Andy Yen
A discussion about the evolving landscape of internet encryption and privacy.
Episode 18 | Mar 23, 2015
The Battle Between Encryption and Mass Surveillance with Former FBI Agent David Gomez
An examination of the ongoing tensions between encryption technologies and surveillance efforts.
Episode 17 | Mar 18, 2015
Life, and Art, in Afghanistan with Francesca Recchia
Exploring life, culture, and artistic expression in Afghanistan.
Episode 16 | Mar 16, 2015
Why Terrorism Fails: A Discussion with Max Abrahms
An academic analysis of why terrorist strategies often fail to achieve their intended goals.
Episode 15 | Mar 11, 2015
Hillary Clinton's Email Server: Dissecting the Risks with William Tucker
A detailed examination of the security risks surrounding Hillary Clinton's email server.
Episode 14 | Mar 9, 2015
Andy Priest on the Importance of Developing New International Crisis Policing Models
Discussing innovative approaches to international crisis management and policing.
Episode 13 | Mar 5, 2015
Scriven King on Balancing Security, Values, and Public Perception in Modern Policing
An exploration of the challenges in maintaining public safety while preserving social values.
Episode 12 | Jan 31, 2015
Counterintelligence: William J. Tucker Breaks Down the Challenges
A comprehensive breakdown of counterintelligence challenges and strategies.
Episode 11 | Jan 31, 2015
Counterterrorism Challenges – Pondering Seemingly Unsolvable Problems with Phillip Smyth
Exploring the complex and seemingly intractable challenges in counterterrorism.
Episode 10 | Dec 10, 2014
The Senate Torture Report
An in-depth analysis of the controversial Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA detention and interrogation practices.
Episode 9 | Nov 29, 2014
Art in Afghanistan: Francesca Recchia Updates from Kabul
Insights into artistic and cultural life in Afghanistan from Francesca Recchia.
Episode 8 | Nov 14, 2014
The Navy SEAL Who Killed Osama bin Laden and the Heroes You'll Never Know
A tribute to military personnel, focusing on the mission against Osama bin Laden and unsung heroes.
Episode 7 | Nov 5, 2014
Why Daesh's Social Media Campaign is a Massive Failure
A critical analysis of ISIS's social media strategies and their ineffectiveness.
Episode 6 | Oct 30, 2014
Robots and the Future of Warfare: The Advantage Might Not Lie with the Inventors
Exploring the implications of robotics and autonomous technologies in modern warfare.
Episode 5 | Oct 25, 2014
Lone Wolf Terrorism and the Importance of Perspective
An examination of lone wolf terrorism and the need for nuanced understanding.
Episode 4 | Oct 23, 2014
What the Attack in Ottawa Teaches Us About Terrorists – And Ourselves
Analyzing the Ottawa terrorist attack and its broader societal implications.
Episode 3 | Oct 21, 2014
Crypto Wars: Winners, Losers, and the Case for Compromise
A discussion on encryption, privacy, and finding middle ground in the ongoing crypto debates.
Episode 2 | Oct 15, 2014
The State of Twitter, the Struggle to Understand, and The Perils of Technology for Terrorists
Exploring the role of social media, particularly Twitter, in terrorism and information warfare.
Episode 1 | Oct 6, 2014
Intelligence Failures, Agent Storm, and eDiplomacy Trolling
An inaugural episode discussing intelligence failures, espionage, and digital diplomacy challenges.