NatSec Matters - Beacon Global Strategies LLC

Latest Episodes:

Gender & Disguise at the CIA: Jonna Mendez Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

Michael talks with Jonna Mendez, who authored the new memoir: "In True Face: A Woman's Life in the CIA, Unmasked". Jonna served nearly 30 years undercover with the CIA, retiring as its Chief of Disguise. She discusses working as a woman at the intelligence agency dominated by men, and her career that took her around the world and into the Oval Office.

Tech at the CIA: Nand Mulchandani Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

Andy talks with the CIA's first-ever Chief Technology Officer, Nand Mulchandani, who was named to the job by Director William Burns in April 2022. With Nand's roots in Silicon Valley, Andy discusses what he brings to the job and new opportunities for growth and investment.

'Live' at Yale Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

Michael and Andy speak to International Security Studies students and community members at Yale, in New Haven, Connecticut, for a special episode. Moderated by the Jackson School of Global Affairs's Ted Wittenstein, they discuss the challenges facing US intelligence agencies today including China, Russia, and the Israel-Gaza war. They also talk about what it takes to be a superior intelligence officer and analyst, and how to make national security decisions in the 21st century.

The Art of Strategy: Hal Brands Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

Michael talks with Hal Brands, who edited the new book "The New Makers of Modern Strategy: From the Ancient World to the Digital Age." It focuses on how the theory and practice of war and statecraft have been shaped throughout the centuries. Hal is the Henry A. Kissinger Distinguished Professor of Global Affairs at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

'Live' at Texas A&M Bush School in Washington Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

Michael and Andy visit the Washington, D.C., campus of the Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service where they record a 'live' episode of the podcast with students and others. They discuss current national security threats, how the government handles classified documents, careers in the intelligence community, and artificial intelligence.

The 'Russian Mindset': Rolf Mowatt-Larssen Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

Michael talks about the 'Russian mindset' with former CIA Moscow chief Rolf Mowatt-Larssen. He explains how his experience in the former Soviet Union could offer a glimpse into how Russia views its war on Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats, and the adversity Russians have faced over the decades.

American Dynamism & Tech Innovation: Marc Andreessen Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

Andy talks with Silicon Valley venture capitalist and software engineer Marc Andreessen about how the American tech sector can innovate for the national interest and how new technologies like AI can improve warfare and defense.

Send us your feedback at intelligencematterspod@gmail.com.

Chinese Cognitive Warfare: Josh Baughman Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

Andy talks about the complexities and goals of China's cognitive warfare program with Josh Baughman, an analyst at the China Aerospace Studies Institute at Air University.

Targeting a Nuclear Smuggler: Jim Lawler Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

Andy talks with former Chief of the CIA's Counterproliferation Division's Special Activities Unit Jim Lawler about the agency's efforts targeting the 'Father of Pakistan's Nuclear Program' the late Abdul Qadeer Khan. Andy also talks with Jim about his espionage novels including 'Living Lies', 'In the Twinkling of an Eye' and 'The Traitor's Tale'.

Send us your feedback at intelligencematterspod@gmail.com.

Taiwan: Bonnie Glaser Jan 09, 2024

Show notes

Michael talks with Taiwan expert Bonnie Glaser, who is managing director of the German Marshall Fund's Indo-Pacific Program, ahead of Taiwan's elections January 13.

Also, Michael and Andy want to hear from you. Send us your feedback at intelligencematterspod@gmail.com. We'll also read some of your reviews of the podcast from Apple onair.