Intel at the Edge

Latest Episodes:

Emergency Update on the Iran Crisis with Jonathan Panikoff Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

In this emergency episode of Intelligence at the Edge, host Chip Usher is joined by Jonathan Panikoff, Director of the Near East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council and former Deputy National Intelligence Officer for the Near East. They provide a critical update on the widespread protests and severe regime crackdown that have seized Iran since late December 2025.

Panikoff analyzes how this movement differs from previous uprisings, noting that while the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests were driven by social frustrations, the current unrest is fueled by a collapsing economy, soaring food prices, and a dire potable water crisis, all while the regime imposes internet blackouts to repress connectivity. The discussion explores the regime's ruthless use of force—resulting in casualties far exceeding those of 2022—and the potential for an inflection point similar to the 1979 revolution.

Intel at the Edge Podcast is a product of the Special Competitive Studies Project.

Congressional Perspectives on Technology and Intelligence with Representative Pat Fallon of Texas Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Intel at the Edge, host Chip Usher is joined by U.S. Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04) to discuss the evolving landscape of national security and his first year on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Congressman Fallon emphasizes the urgent need for the Intelligence Community to embrace AI and emerging technologies to keep pace with global adversaries like China and Russia. As a leader on the Subcommittee on Open Source Intelligence, he highlights the critical value of unclassified, publicly available data and the necessity of using AI to sift through vast amounts of information to find "the needle in the Pacific.

Intel at the Edge Podcast is a product of the Special Competitive Studies Project.

Rethinking Intelligence with Dr. Shay Hershkovitz Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Chip is joined by Dr. Shay Hershkovitz, professor at Georgetown University and a senior analyst at the RAND Corporation. They discuss the current intelligence landscape, key topics from Dr. Hershkovitz’s book, “The Future of National Intelligence”, intelligence in a democratic society, and advice to young professionals trying to enter national security.

Intel at the Edge Podcast is a product of the Special Competitive Studies Project.

An Update on America's Cyberdefenses with Former FBI Cyber Director Cynthia Kaiser Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

Joining Intel at the Edge is Cynthia Kaiser, a veteran at the Federal Bureau of Investigation for twenty years, most recently as Deputy Assistant Director at the FBI’s Cyber Division. Throughout her career, Kaiser specialized in cyber intelligence and cyber policy, also serving as a President's Daily Briefing intelligence briefer in two administrations. She is currently anti-ransomware company Halcyon's Senior Vice President of the Ransomware Research Center, which is a one-of-its-kind program that develops information sharing programs and new research into threat actor methodology and ransomware trends across the public and private sectors.

Intel at the Edge Podcast is a product of the Special Competitive Studies Project.

Implementing Digital Transformation in US Intelligence with Former Director of NGA, Robert Cardillo Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Intel at the Edge, host Chip Usher is joined by Robert Cardillo, the former Director of the NGA. They discuss the increasing role commercial companies play in imagery intelligence, how NGA is incorporating AI technologies, and the future of the US commercial space launch industry.

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Intel at the Edge Podcast is a product of the Special Competitive Studies Project.

Understanding the Cyber Threat Environment with Rob Joyce & Leah Siskind Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Intel at the Edge, taped during SCSP's AI Unlocked event, Chip is joined by Rob Joyce and Leah Siskind to explore how the PRC, Russia, and Iran are taking advantage of America's open society and economy to steal data and IP and conduct espionage.

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Intel at the Edge Podcast is a product of the Special Competitive Studies Project.

Can AIs Be Good Spies?: A Conversation with Adam Leslie and Aaron Brown Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Intel at the Edge, Chip sits down with Adam Leslie, former Australian Army and intelligence community veteran, and Aaron Brown, former U.S. Army Ranger and CIA case officer, to discuss their recent report, "The Digital Case Officer, Reimagining Espionage with Artificial Intelligence". Together, they examine the opportunities and vulnerabilities with AI shaping the future of spy craft.

Intel at the Edge Podcast is a product of the Special Competitive Studies Project.

Government at the Speed of Silicon Valley: Implementing AI Transformation Across the USIC with Garrett Berntsen Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Chip is joined by Garrett Berntsen, the Defense & Intelligence Data and AI Lead at Accenture Federal Services (AFS). Prior to this role, Garrett was the Deputy Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer for Scaled Capabilities at the Department of Defense’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO), preceding positions at the State Department and the National Security Council. He has a distinguished record as a public servant and expertise in hands-on AI implementation. Chip and Garrett discuss the realities of implementing advanced technologies, such as AI, in the federal government, AI’s evolving role in defense and intelligence, strategic competition, and the federal workforce. Intel at the Edge Podcast is a product of the Special Competitive Studies Project.

The Fourth Intelligence Revolution: AI, National Security, and the Future of Intelligence Work with Anthony Vinci Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Intel at the Edge, Chip is joined by Anthony Vinci, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). Anthony is a former Chief Technology Officer and Associate Director for Capabilities at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and author of the upcoming book “The Fourth Intelligence Revolution: The Future of Espionage and the Battle to Save America”. Anthony and Chip talk about how AI, autonomous systems, and other technologies are driving change in the business of intelligence and what the future of intelligence might look like.

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Intel at the Edge Podcast is a product of the Special Competitive Studies Project.

Inside Intelligence: A Conversation with Former DDCIA David Cohen Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

In the inaugural episode of our new podcast, "Intel at the Edge", host William "Chip" Usher is joined by David Cohen, former Deputy Director of the CIA and former Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center of a New American Security (CNAS).

In this episode, we will discuss his leadership in the CIA, the efficacy of sanctions, and the modern intelligence landscape in an era of emerging technologies.

Intel at the Edge Podcast is a product of the Special Competitive Studies Project.