State Secrets
News & Politics
About
State Secrets is a weekly interview podcast featuring Cipher Brief experts and national security leaders.
Episodes
- The Narrative Kill Chain
Jennifer Ewbank examines the impact of algorithmic manipulation and AI on the information battlefield, including the industrialized production of misinformation and the potential for AI to identify synthetic media as a countermeasure.
- CIA in Mexico: The Hidden Risks Behind U.S. Intelligence Missions
State Secrets features an interview with former CIA station chief Ralph Goff discussing the risks and realities of intelligence operations in Mexico, the dangers officers face, and the procedures governing CIA missions.
- What the Future of Conflict Looks Like: Petraeus on Iran Endgame & Ukraine's Drone War
General David Petraeus and Suzanne Kelly discuss the potential outcomes of a conflict with Iran, including the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear risks. Petraeus also examines Ukraine's role as a test case for the future of warfare, highlighting…
- Tradecraft and Deception: Understanding Russia's Intelligence Machine
Former CIA Senior Operations Officer Sean Wiswesser discusses the evolution of Russian intelligence from Soviet tradecraft to hybrid warfare, analyzing Moscow's strategic thinking and its global influence.
- ISIS Reawakens: What the Bondi Attack Signals for Global Terror
Terrorism experts Levi West and Andrew Zammit discuss the Bondi Beach attack's significance in signaling ISIS's resurgence, highlighting the shift towards more organized operations, sophisticated propaganda, and the challenges for global s…
- David Ignatius on War with Iran, the Future of Espionage, and 50 Years of Reporting
David Ignatius reflects on his 50-year career covering intelligence and war, discussing U.S.-Iran relations, the future of espionage in the gray zone, and the importance of original reporting, particularly in regions like Ukraine.
- China's Fancy Dragons in the Sky Hold Hidden Clues for National Security
Gilman Louie, an investor focused on national security, shares insights on China
- The Former Chief of MI6 on Alliances, Adversaries, AI & Aliens
Sir Richard Moore, the former Chief of MI6, speaks with the State Secrets podcast about intelligence alliances, China, Russia, AI
- From a Bunker in Ukraine: Two Former CIA Officers Share Intel
Former CIA Chiefs of Station Ralph Goff and Glenn Corn share insights from Ukraine in this episode of the State Secrets podcast. They discuss current observations that are not widely reported.
- What We Must Get Right In Cyber
General Paul Nakasone, formerly of the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command, speaks with State Secrets about what Americans need to know regarding cyber threats.
- Mark Greaney gets gritty about what it takes to pen the perfect spy thriller
Spy novelist Mark Greaney joins Suzanne Kelly on State Secrets to discuss the gritty realities of researching and writing spy thrillers, from location scouting to tactical details, and his experiences writing with Tom Clancy.
- AI, Infrastructure, and the New Front Lines of National Security
Sandrea Hwang explains to Suzanne Kelly on State Secrets why national security threats are now immediate, emphasizing the need for society-wide cooperation to safeguard data, infrastructure, and innovation against risks like cyber vulnerab…
- What the Writer Found in the Spy Archive
Suzanne Kelly speaks with author Gordon Corera about his book detailing a spy story from the archives and his insights from covering espionage.
- Does 'Marines' Fulfill the Mission for Netflix?
State Secrets features a conversation between Suzanne Kelly and Sebastian Junger regarding the Netflix documentary 'Marines'. They discuss the film's portrayal of the modern fighting force and its suitability for current threat environment…
- Taking Clancy's Franchise and Executive Power to New Heights
Suzanne Kelly hosts Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson to discuss their latest novel in the Tom Clancy universe, Executive Power, which involves a covert team and global action.
- Inside Russia's Secret War: A Conversation with Sean Wiswesser
Former CIA operations officer Sean Wiswesser discusses Russian intelligence, operations, propaganda, and the ongoing secret war led by Putin with Suzanne Kelly on the State Secrets Podcast. The episode covers challenges for the Russian peo…
- Peace Through Strength in an AI Era: Inside the Reagan National Defense Forum
David Trulio, President & CEO of the Reagan Foundation, discusses the Reagan National Defense Forum's agenda with Suzanne Kelly, focusing on the impact of AI, drones, and great-power rivalry on defense strategies and the relevance of Ronal…
- Getting Candid with Gen. Stan McChrystal (Ret.) on Character and Controversy
General Stan McChrystal (Ret.) discusses the meaning of character and the choices that define a life with Suzanne Kelly on State Secrets. McChrystal is the author of the book On Character: Choices That Define a Life.
- Information Warfare The New Frontline
Former NSA executive Mike Driscoll joins The Cipher Brief's Brad Christian to analyze information warfare, covering SIGINT, OSINT, AI's role, and gray zone tactics. They explore why democracies struggle with the narrative and discuss neces…
- Lithuania's Foreign Minister: 'Western Restraint Invites Russian Aggression
Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys warns that Western military restraint emboldens Russian aggression. He explains Lithuania's increased defense spending, NATO's need for offensive deterrence, and Belarus's role in criminal activ…
- Two Generals and a Cyber Warning for America
State Secrets features Cipher Brief CEO Suzanne Kelly in conversation with Generals Tim Haugh and Paul Nakasone, former leaders of the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command. They issue a significant warning to America regarding the cyber threat posed…
- White House Director: We Need a 'Kill Web' for Modern Warfare
Shawn Chenoweth, Director of Cognitive Advantage at the National Security Council, explains cognitive advantage and the 'Kill Web' concept, which emphasizes the links between information and cognitive processes in modern warfare. Challenge…
- Steve Blank has Mapped the Pentagon
Steve Blank, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and Stanford Professor, has created a guide to navigating the Pentagon
- China's Gray War on America
Former CIA officers Dave Pitts and Chip Usher discuss China's "Gray War" against the U.S. They cover Beijing's "Unrestricted Warfare" doctrine, the six strategic fronts of its campaign against the U.S., and potential American vulnerabiliti…
- Drones, Deterrence, and Overplaying Putin's Hand: with Gen. David Petraeus
Gen. David Petraeus discusses Russia
- The Secret U.S. Counter-Narcotics Mission
The episode discusses a U.S. counter-narcotics mission near Puerto Rico, with former Deputy Director of Intelligence Renee Novakoff. The discussion covers the limited public information about the mission and recent U.S. military actions in…
- Inside Emerging Threats: Former CIA Leader Sheetal Patel on Drones, Tech, and America's Adversaries
Former CIA senior leader Sheetal Patel discusses U.S. vulnerabilities to evolving drone threats, highlighting lessons from Ukraine's operations and challenges in domestic defense against drone swarms. She also addresses the role of the pri…
- Does the CIA Have a Trust Problem?
Former CIA Executive Mark Kelton suggests the agency faces a trust problem with policymakers and the public, identifying leakers as an existential threat to its future effectiveness. He discusses this with Cipher Brief CEO & Publisher Suza…
- Mission CIA: Mapping Beijing's Path to War
This episode of State Secrets features Susan Miller, former Assistant Director of the CIA
- A Practitioner's Guide to Cocktail Tradecraft
Former CIA Officer Rob Dannenberg, with Joseph Mullin, compiled cocktail recipes and associated stories from their careers in espionage, marking agent recruitments and successful operations.
- Hitting the Panic Button on Rare Earth Minerals
The episode discusses the critical role of rare earth minerals in U.S. national security and future security, noting their presence on the G7 agenda for joint strategy on supply chains. Tech executive John Watters has been raising concerns…
- Ground Truth on Ukraine's Tech War
This episode discusses Ukraine's use of technology and innovation in its defense against Russia's full-scale invasion, including insights on unmanned systems from Chief Warrant Officer Joey Gagnard.
- Why China's Data Centers Should Concern You
Host Suzanne Kelly discusses China's growing data center infrastructure and its use of AI with guests Chip Usher, Libby Lange, and Chris Gregg. The conversation centers on a report detailing the speed and effectiveness of China's advanceme…
- Inside CIA's Mission to Maximize Technology
Former CIA veteran Sheetal Patel, who led the agency's Transnational and Technology Mission Center, discusses its evolution and increased focus on private sector technology outreach following her 25-year career.
- How AI & Images are Impacting U.S. Intelligence
Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth, head of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, explains the role of AI and imagery in U.S. intelligence. The discussion covers collaboration with the private sector to advance technology for national sec…
- Why We're Still at War with Russia
This episode of State Secrets examines Russia's continued global Gray Zone activities and sabotage operations. It features discussions with former intelligence officials Nick Fishwick and Dave Pitts on whether these actions represent a new…
- National Security Hollywood Style
The podcast discusses Walter Parkes, co-writer of the movie War Games, and how his 1983 film about a teen hacker influenced U.S. cybersecurity policy after President Reagan inquired about its premise.
- China Keeps Breaking Barriers on Artificial Intelligence
Former Senior CIA Executive Chip Usher analyzes China's DeepSeq AI lab advancements, noting their new models rival those of US companies like OpenAI. Usher stresses the need for enhanced US techno-economic intelligence in light of US-China…
- Former DEA Official Explains the New Terrorist Designation for Cartels
Former DEA official Mike Vigil analyzes the designation of Mexican cartels as terrorists, noting its symbolic nature and minimal operational impact. He also addresses US-Mexico relations, the fentanyl crisis, and advises on drug traffickin…
- The Seismic Impact of Artificial Intelligence
Lt. Gen. Mike Groen (ret.), previously Director of the Pentagon's Joint AI Center, shares his perspective on the national security implications of Artificial Intelligence. He discusses how the military is adapting to AI and how the public…
- Target: Start Up: How Entrepreneurs in Tech are Targeted for Espionage
Michael Casey, Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, explains the foreign intelligence threats faced by private sector enterprises, particularly in tech, and their implications for U.S. national security.
- Giving Back to the Intelligence and Military Communities
David Kramer and Jeremy Morton join State Secrets to discuss their involvement with SOC-F, a non-profit focused on giving back to the intelligence and military communities.
- Former Trump Ambassador on Why Ukraine 'Must' Win
James Gilmore, former Governor and Ambassador to the OSCE under the Trump Administration, states that Ukraine must win the war. The discussion is framed by questions from former Senior CIA Officer Glenn Corn.
- The Case for Overhauling the Department of Defense
Gilman Louie, co-founder of America's Frontier Fund, shares insights from his 30-year national security career, detailing his focus on private sector investment and expressing concerns about the U.S. technological race with China.
- On a Collision Course with China
Former Deputy National Security Advisor Matt Pottinger shares concerns about China's military expansion, suggesting it indicates a potential collision course with the U.S. based on President Xi Jinping's actions and statements.
- Yes, We're in a National Security Crisis
Steve Blank, an entrepreneur and Stanford professor, speaks with State Secrets host Suzanne Kelly about the national security crisis and the challenges large organizations face with disruption.
- The Government Agency that actually is trying to get inside your head: Understanding DCSA's Mission
State Secrets host Suzanne Kelly interviews DCSA Director David Cattler about the agency's extensive role in background checks for security clearances, its national security missions, and the challenges of workforce clearance.
- Israel and the Law of International Armed Conflict
The episode discusses an Israeli airstrike on a school building in Gaza City, which resulted in numerous civilian deaths. Israel stated the facility was used by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, claims denied by Hamas. This event is considered with…
- America's Wake Up Call on National Security
General Jack Keane (Ret.) speaks with host Suzanne Kelly about current U.S. national security threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. He suggests Americans should view these events as a wake-up call, urging national unity simila…
- The Arrest of Sinaloa Kingpin Ismael Zambada and Its Impact on the Drug Trade
On the State Secrets Podcast, Mike Vigil and Brad Christian discuss the arrest of Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael Zambada. The conversation covers the cartel's background, the impact of the arrest on the drug trade, the role of fentanyl,…