Best HUMINT Podcasts (2025)

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What is Cyber HUMINT? 46:59

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23d ago46:59

46:59

In this episode, Michael DeBolt joins Robert Vamosi and AJ Nash to dive into the world of Cyber HUMINT — the application of traditional human intelligence (HUMINT) tradecraft in cyberspace. They discuss how investigators use digital personas (sometimes called “sock puppets”) to infiltrate online threat actor communities, collect intelligence, and e…

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The Berlin Airlift - Victories, Myths, and the Berlin Blockade (432) 1:08:35

8d ago1:08:35

1:08:35

The Berlin Blockade was one of the first major international crises of the Cold War when the Soviet Union blocked the Western Allies' railway, road, and canal access to the sectors of Berlin under Western control. I speak with Joseph Pearson, the author of “The Airlift Victories, Myths, and the Berlin Blockade. This is not your standard military hi…

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The Rise of Citizen OSINT, and What to Do About It 42:43

9d ago42:43

42:43

In this episode, hosts Robert Vamosi and AJ Nash engage with Neil Ysart, a seasoned expert in cyber investigations and open source intelligence (OSINT). They discuss the Coalition of Cyber Investigators, its role in promoting OSINT, and the importance of establishing standards in the field. The conversation delves into the challenges and risks asso…

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Surrounded and outnumbered 8-1 : A forgotten story of the Korean War (431) 59:43

13d ago59:43

59:43

This is the largely untold story of Task Force Faith, the U.S. Army soldiers who although outnumbered 8-1 by Chinese troops fought valiantly during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War. Author Steve Fogel has written a new book called A Task Force Called Faith - The Untold Story of the U.S. Army Soldiers Who Fought for Survival at Chosi…

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Shaking Hands with China’s Second Most Powerful Man (430) 54:25

20d ago54:25

54:25

Bill Hodes was an American school child in 1950s Revolutionary China and this is the second part of his story. Among many stories we hear how he had the unique opportunity to meet one of China's most revered leaders, Zhou Enlai, the first Premier of the People's Republic of China and how he played softball with US and British POWs from the Korea Wa…

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Shawnna Morris and the Glamorous Cambridge Five 57:20

23d ago57:20

57:20

In this interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with a Cold War expert--Shawnna Morris--about her fascinating book on the Cambridge Five spy ring. We talked about how her book has been received both in the UK and the US, and she shared some insights into the cultural attitudes around this famous espionage group. Shauna guided me through the recru…

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An American Childhood in 1950s Revolutionary China (429) 57:21

27d ago57:21

57:21

Bill Hodes was a red diaper baby, a baby born to Communist parents. Bill shares stories about his parents, Bob and Jane Hodes, both convinced communists who were active in civil rights movements during the McCarthy period. He recounts their life in New Orleans, his father's groundbreaking research in neurophysiology, and the family's eventual move …

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The German Democratic Republic The Rise and Fall of a Cold War State (428) 1:11:47

1M ago1:11:47

1:11:47

Ned Richardson- Little has written a new book titled The German Democratic Republic: The Rise and Fall of a Cold War State. It offers a differentiated picture of the communist state with a sophisticated analysis of life under dictatorship which candidly confronts the abuses of the East German Communist Party and the Stasi. The GDR was also entangle…

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Dealing with AI Slop in OSINT Investigations 57:44

1M ago57:44

57:44

In this episode, AJ Nash and Robert Vamosi discuss the challenges posed by misinformation and the rise of AI-generated content. They explore the evolution of journalism, the impact of social media on information consumption, and the importance of critical thinking and media literacy. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in content creati…

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Trust but Verify: When the Soviets Came to South Dakota (427) 1:03:12

1M ago1:03:12

1:03:12

I continue chatting with Dennis Greene about his incredible journey from a challenging childhood in segregated Savannah, Georgia to a distinguished military career. Dennis is made Senior Flight Commander responsible for 50 Minuteman nuclear missiles. Dennis shares his firsthand experiences of the intense pressure, the psychological toll of nuclear …

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Help Cold War Conversations win an award 1:01

1M ago1:01

1:01

I am trying to win an award for Cold War Conversations inthe Discover Pods Awards for best history podcast 2025 and I need your nomination to get me into the finals. All I need you to do is to nominate Cold War Conversations inthe history category using this link. https://discoverpods.com/2025-podcast-awards/ Podcast Name: Cold War Conversations Po…

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From Racially Segregated Savannah to Nuclear Missile Crew Commander (426) 56:53

2M ago56:53

56:53

Dennis Greene, is a former Air Force officer, who shares his incredible journey from a challenging childhood in segregated Savannah, Georgia to a distinguished military career. He reflects on his early inspirations, the realities of growing up in a segregated South, and the lessons learned throughout his US military service. Dennis discusses the si…

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What is GEOINT in OSINT? 48:44

2M ago48:44

48:44

In this episode of NeedleStack, hosts AJ Nash and Robert Vamosi engage with James Villenueve, a geospatial intelligence expert, to explore the world of GEOINT and its intersection with open source intelligence (OSINT). They discuss the importance of understanding geospatial data, the ethical implications of its use, and the challenges of protecting…

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The KGB defector who saved MI5 and changed the Cold War (425) 1:03:15

2M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Oleg Lyalin, was a KGB officer whose actions would provide British intelligence with pivotal information during the Cold War. I speak with Richard Kerbaj, the author of a new book, 'The Defector,' which chronicles Lyalin's story. Lyalin was trained with The KGB’s Department V, which was their sabotage and assassinations department. He was …

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James Stejskal: Author, Soldier, Snake-eater, Spy 41:56

2M ago41:56

41:56

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Cold War Kids: The Unique Life of US Military BRATs (424) 1:07:13

2M ago1:07:13

1:07:13

Author Tom Hapgood is a US military BRAT aka the child of a parent or parents serving full-time in the United States Armed Forces. He talks about his 5 years in West Germany during the Cold War. He shares the challenges of moving every few years, adapting to new cultures, and the rich tapestry of friendships formed along the way. The term "BRAT" of…

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Ransomware’s Collateral Damage 26:38

2M ago26:38

26:38

Jason Baker from the Guidepoint Research & Intelligence Team (GRIT) shares his background and provides insights into ransomware attribution, the challenges of defending against ransomware, and the implications of AI in ransomware operations.

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The Cambridge Five Cold War Spy Ring: Philby, Burgess, Maclean, Blunt & Cairncross (423) 1:06:53

2M ago1:06:53

1:06:53

The incredible story of the five most damaging spies inBritish history, from their recruitment at Cambridge University to theirinfiltration of the government and the security services, all whilesuccessfully eluding prosecution. I speak with Shawnna Morris the author of a new book TheCambridge Spy Ring: The Treachery of the Five Who Got Away. We exp…

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Cold War Britain: Fifty years in the shadow of the bomb (422) 59:57

3M ago59:57

59:57

Fraser McCallum is the author of a new book Cold War Britain: Fifty years in the shadow of the bomb which gives a fascinating insight into a period that shaped the fabric of British society. The Cold War defined the history of Britain in the second half of the twentieth century as much as it did that of the US and the Soviet Union. Cold War Britain…

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Identifying fraud in financial services 41:43

3M ago41:43

41:43

How can Intelligence benefit financial sectors? It can address challenges like sanctions, data privacy, and cryptocurrency. Teresa Walsh highlights the importance of collaboration, the role of AI in intelligence, and the necessity to professionalize intelligence roles in the private sector. The conversation also delves into building mature and unif…

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D.B. Cooper: The Unsolved Cold War Aircraft Hijack (421) 1:02:24

3M ago1:02:24

1:02:24

On November 24, 1971, a man using the alias Dan Cooper hijacked a Northwest Airlines flight, demanding a ransom of $200,000 and four parachutes. What followed was a daring escape that has left investigators and enthusiasts puzzled for over five decades. I sit down with Pat Boland, a true crime aficionado and expert on the D.B. Cooper case. Boland s…

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A Royal Scots Dragoon Guard in Cold War Berlin (420) 1:12:20

3M ago1:12:20

1:12:20

I delve into the remarkable life of Peter Stewart, a former Royal Scots Dragoon Guard Chieftain tank driver whose experiences during the Cold War offer a unique perspective on military life. Peter's stories are filled with humour and nostalgia, particularly when he recalls his time in Berlin. His anecdotes are both entertaining and thought-provokin…

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Adding Agentic AI to Analysis 57:31

3M ago57:31

57:31

Ultimately, GenAI has the potential to create jobs in areas like data science and cybersecurity, but only if it is integrated responsibly. However, the consensus today is that AI should remain a just tool for analysts, not a direct decision-maker, until reliability and trust in its outputs significantly improve. About Brian Fuller Brian A. Fuller i…

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The 2nd Most Famous Voice In Cold War Romania (419) 56:05

3M ago56:05

56:05

Irina Nistor worked as a translator of TV programs in Romania under the Communist regime, and is known for secretly voicing over thousands of banned movie titles on VHS tapes smuggled in from the West in the four years between 1985 and the revolution. She was reckeoned to be the 2nd most famous voice in Romania after the Communist leader Nicolae Ce…

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Codename Sunbeam - The story of MI6’s greatest Cold War spy (418) 54:49

3M ago54:49

54:49

He was a KGB colonel. A double agent. And the most valuable spy Britain ever had. Born into a world of secrets & silence in Moscow Oleg Gordievsky’s journey takes us from the waning days of Stalin to his disillusionment with the Soviet system and his defection to MI6. He lived a secret life at the heart of Soviet intelligence — all while feeding cl…

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Hacker Summer Camp 2025 34:08

4M ago34:08

34:08

Robert and AJ went to Hacker Summer Camp. What’s that? It’s a week of conferences such as Black Hat USA, BSidesLV, the Dianna Initiative, Squadcom, and of course DEF CON. Find out what’s relevant for the intelligence community during this first week in August annual event.

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A 98 Year Old USAF Veteran Remembers the Berlin AIrlift (417) 49:13

4M ago49:13

49:13

The Berlin Airlift stands as one of the most significant events in Cold War history, a testament to the resilience and determination of the Allies in the face of Soviet adversity. I speak with 98 year old veteran Ralph Dionne, who played a crucial role in this monumental operation. Ralph details the story of the Berlin Airlift and shares his journe…

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The Atomic Bombing of Japan - The First Shots of the Cold War? (416) 1:05:57

4M ago1:05:57

1:05:57

Today is 80 years since the atomic bombing of the Japanese city of Nagasaki. I talk with Stephen Walker who is the author of Shockwave: Countdown to Hiroshima. He has spent years researching the atomic bombings and highlights how they impacted Soviet/US relations in the early Cold War as well as US relations with their Allies. We reflect on the dec…

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Intelligence tradecraft in the digital age 40:57

4M ago40:57

40:57

From street cop to OSINT expert, Nico Dekens aka “the Dutch OSINT Guy” shares his incredible journey and insights. Discover the evolution of OSINT and the challenges of integrating AI in intelligence collection and analysis.By Authentic8

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Berlin: A Spy’s Guide to its Cold War History (415) 58:05

4M ago58:05

58:05

In the heart of Europe, Berlin stood as a city divided not only by walls but by ideologies. I dive into the world of espionage that thrived in this divided city with Special Forces and CIA veteran James Stejskal who has written a new book Berlin: A Spy’s Guide to its Cold War History in Story & Image. We explore in some detail the intricate web of …

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With the US 1st Armored Division in Cold War West Germany (414) 1:16:53

4M ago1:16:53

1:16:53

Doug and Mike served in CS Company, 1st Battalion, 37th Armor in the US 1st Armored Division in West Germany. They provide vivid accounts of their basic training experiences, where they faced the rigors of military life for the first time. Doug recalls the challenges of adapting to the strict regimen and the camaraderie that formed among the recrui…

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OSINT AI Tech Predicts Global Threats and Powers Risk Strategies - SEERIST's John Goolgasian 1:14:55

4M ago1:14:55

1:14:55

Open Source Intelligence powered by Artificial Intelligence to track global security threats, empower military intelligence operations, mitigate environmental disasters, and predict operational risks. John Goolgasian, President of SEERIST federal shares his journey from the intelligence community with Geospark Analytics and leading innovation at Se…

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Using OSINT to protect celebrities and athletes 34:23

4M ago34:23

34:23

Sometimes, when a Hollywood actor stars in a blockbuster film or a hit TV show, or when an athlete wins the Super Bowl, their personal problems begin with scandalous photos, property theft, even death threats. That’s where OSINT can help them stay one step ahead. About Chad Brockway Chad Brockway, President of the Intelligence Operations Division a…

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Cold War Short Stories Ep 1 (413) 16:20

5M ago16:20

16:20

Welcome to a new type of episode I'm calling Cold War Short Stories — a collection of stories from our listeners and social media followers. These are fascinating Cold War tales that may not fill a full episode, but are far too good to leave untold. So keep them coming! Your Cold War memories, or those of a loved one, are part of history. Share the…

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Korea: War Without End (412) 1:11:44

5M ago1:11:44

1:11:44

The Korean War is often called "the forgotten war"—a brutal, complex conflict that claimed millions of lives but has largely faded from public memory, particularly in the West. Yet its consequences are still very much with us today, shaping the geopolitical fault lines on the Korean peninsula and beyond. In their latest book, Korea : War Without En…

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The Night a Nuclear Missile Exploded: A Firsthand Account of Survival (411) 1:16:59

5M ago1:16:59

1:16:59

In this gripping episode, we hear the harrowing account of Greg Devlin, a former US Air Force technician who barely survived a catastrophic explosion at a Titan II nuclear missile silo in 1980. He shares his journey from enlisting in the Air Force, the challenges he faced, and the fateful night that changed his life forever. Greg vividly describes …

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An OSINT investigator’s toolkit 40:11

5M ago40:11

40:11

There are OSINT tools that mirror or provide workarounds for hidden social media posts. Join us as we talk with an investigator who really knows his way around the internet, dark web, social platforms and more.By Authentic8

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The Cold War Origins of the War in Ukraine (410) 55:51

5M ago55:51

55:51

The legacy of the Cold War in Europe continues to impact present day events, most notably in Ukraine. In this episode I speak with author Stephan Kieninger about his new book Securing Peace in Europe - Strobe Talbott, NATO, and Russia After the Cold War. Talbott was a key figure in US President Clinton’s administration playing a pivotal role in sha…

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The End of East Germany: A Communist Family’s Journey Through Change (409) 1:04:41

5M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

This is the story of a Communist family in East Germany whose world was turned upside down by the implosion of the GDR. The story is told by Katja Hesse, whose father was a Vice Admiral in the Volksmarine, the East German Navy. We start the episode with Katja crossing into West Berlin on the night of 9th November 1989 and journey through the emotio…

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AI as an insider threat 41:45

5M ago41:45

41:45

AJ and Robert explore the shadowy side of AI — how some users are becoming addicted, confiding in it like a personal therapist and then gaining confidence to take risky actions in their lives and at work. They discuss what this could mean for insider threats and the broader impact on security.By Authentic8

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The Psychological Secret That Helped Me Survive Combat 53:24

5M ago53:24

53:24

Find your Spy Superpower: https://yt.everydayspy.com/3EiLRez Learn more from Gus: https://everydayspy.com/gus Retired Navy SEAL DEVGRU operator Karl 'Gus' Gustavson talks about quitting, how to find control in hard situations, and the love/hate relationship Navy SEALs develop with the ocean. Every time I sit with Gus, I am humbled and inspired, and…

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The Spy in the KGB Archive (408) 57:44

6M ago57:44

57:44

The story of how one man—a librarian for the KGB—became a traitor to the intelligence agency, stealing the most prized Soviet-era archives and smuggling them to the West. Historian and journalist Gordon Corera whose new book “The Spy in the Archive” tells the remarkable story of how Vasili Mitrokhin—an introverted archivist who loved nothing more t…

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EXCLUSIVE: Why Trump & Netanyahu Want War with Iran 1:21:51

6M ago1:21:51

1:21:51

Find your Spy Superpower: https://yt.everydayspy.com/45pkQ4h EXCLUSIVE: Why Trump & Netanyahu Want War with Iran Andrew Bustamante sits down with biotech CEO Ilan Sobel to expose the unspoken truth behind Israel's war posture, Iran's rising aggression, and the U.S.'s uncertain role in the chaos. It's not just about politics—it's about survival, sci…

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Memories of an East German Naval Officer's Family (407) 1:13:32

6M ago1:13:32

1:13:32

Katja Hesse, daughter of Vice Admiral Gustav Hesse of the East German Navy, shares her deeply personal story of growing up behind the Iron Curtain. In this fascinating conversation, Katja provides rare insights into life in the GDR as the child of a high-ranking officer— from an idyllic childhood in privileged housing to working at the Grand Hotel …

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Adventures in OSINT Red Teaming 47:17

6M ago47:17

47:17

Anna discusses her career trajectory from corporate security and financial crimes to becoming the CEO of Pine Risk Management. She shares her experiences in conducting complex risk assessments, fraud detection, and crisis communications, particularly highlighting her role at Meta where she led Silicon Valley's largest physical red team.…

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Life Lessons from a Navy Diver Turned Ocean Nomad 49:57

6M ago49:57

49:57

Find your Spy Superpower: https://yt.everydayspy.com/3HrF7fJ Learn more from Trevor: https://everydayspy.com/trevor Trevor Fortner, an accomplished Navy special warfare veteran and private military contractor, has never shied away from a challenge. Even going as far as spending 2 years on a sailboat with his wife raising 2 kids. If you are a fan of…

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Gorbachev - The Man Who Ended An Empire (406) 1:08:28

6M ago1:08:28

1:08:28

In the annals of history, few leaders have faced the monumental challenges that Mikhail Gorbachev encountered when he rose to power in the Soviet Union in 1985. His ascent came at a time when the nation was grappling with stagnation, disillusionment, and an economy on the brink of collapse. Gorbachev, the youngest General Secretary in Soviet histor…