I Spied

Latest Episodes:

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly May 07, 2023

Show notes

Three different stories from three different parts of the world allow a very candid look at the modern intelligence world and how it operates. First the execution of an Iranian hardliner accused of being an agent of the UK; then the seemingly oafish drone attack on the Kremlin; and finally ASIO's legal hot water over luring an ex-US Marine pilot back to Australia for arms dealing. It all gives us a glimpse at the machinations of the intelligence community, the global politics it serves, and the good, the bad and the downright ugly aspects of the never-ending shadow war that is boiling just out of sight.

Produced by DM Podcasts

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Art of Self Defence Apr 30, 2023

Show notes

The Defence Strategic Review is the biggest examination of Australia's capability to wage war in nearly 30 years, and the findings have had chins wagging. So what is the state of Australia's Defence Force? Who are the big winners and losers, and what changes can our fighting men and women expect to see? And what has David's fascination with pocket knives got to do with it? Lock and load for this weeks ep!

Produced by DM Podcasts

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Double Trouble Apr 23, 2023

Show notes

Just as we were taking a well-earned and all-too-brief break, the intelligence community was rocked by two spy dramas: First, a US Airman dumped a trove of Top Secret documents on Discord; while in Australia a businessman was arrested and charged under our Foreign Interference laws for cooperating with suspected Chinese spies. So who are these guys? What would posses a 21 year old intelligence clerk to dump classified documents into an online chatroom (and why would he have access to that sort of material anyway)? Why would the Chinese MSS be interested in a seemingly innocuous Australian businessman? What sort of future do both of these men face? And what does Minecraft have to do with all of this?!
Be on the look out for creepers this week!

Produced by DM Podcasts

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial Untelligence Apr 16, 2023

Show notes

Is artificial intelligence having an effect on... intelligence? With the power to reshape how information is gathered and analysed, is this the end of the classic Cold War spy and the rise of a Computer Overlord? Are we facing an all-conquering Cybercrat like Skynet? Or a compu-nerd that reads to much and wants to be a creative writer like ChatGPT? And will our HUMINT assets let it happen? What ever the answer, one place there is no intelligence - artificial, informational or otherwise - is right here in the Blanket Fort. Change your password after listening!

Produced by DM Podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olympic Effort Apr 09, 2023

Show notes

Michelle and David are taking a sneaky break over the Easter weekend so this week we invite you to enjoy once again friend of the pod Neil Fergus as he regales us with tales of working on the Olympics. With the Commonwealth Games due to start in rural Victoria in 2026 and Brisbekistan hosting the big show in 2032, now might be just the time to remind ourselves what is involved in running a global sports carnival.

Produced by DM Podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vulgaris ex Machina Apr 02, 2023

Show notes

While James Bond and his fictional spy ilk are often armed with a plethora of astounding gadgets, it seems the modern spy has to make do with more mundane devices. The internet is increasingly the battle space with the computer and mobile phone the weapons of choice, but everything from apps to appliances to cargo cranes are evolving into the tools of the spy trade. And can you really trust your router? The device you're using to listen to this ep is probably betraying you right now!

Produced by DM Podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We All Live in a Yellow (Cake) Submarine Mar 26, 2023

Show notes

With the turbulent waters of the AUKUS announcement settling, we take a look at what some are saying is a glowing future. Has Australia breached the nuclear non-proliferation treaty? Can we expect the neighbours to get some nuclear equipment of their own? And what are we going to do with all that radioactive waste these boats generate? Probably not the last look at a national security issue with an as yet indeterminant half-life.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who's Afraid of Virginia (Sea) Wolf? Mar 19, 2023

Show notes

With a $368 billion price tag, a delivery timeline that stretches across decades and an ex-PM going feral about it, everyone is talking about Albo's AUKUS announcement. So what are we getting for the price tag? Do we really need it? And what exactly is a Shelby Cobra? An issue so big that this is just the first part!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Secret Women’s Business Mar 12, 2023

Show notes

Throughout history women have played an enormous part in the intelligence world, and yet this contribution has been repeatedly overlooked and women’s advancement as spies systemically quashed. Why has this happened? Do women make effective spies? What was the problem with David’s love life in his 20s? And how white can Michelle’s knuckles turn? Be prepared to embrace the sisterhood this ep!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Vladiversary Mar 05, 2023

Show notes

Valdimir Putin’s “Special Military Operation” in Ukraine was only meant to last for a couple of days, two weeks tops… and yet, one year on, it still rages. And so, to look at how Putin got it so wrong and Zelenskyy got it so right, we are joined by Fulbright scholar, security expert and friend of the podcast Misha Zelinsky (no relation). How has the situation changed? What can we expect next? And just how long does Putin have before taking a long step out a tall window? Keep your food taster close this week!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.