I Spied

Fresh from Senate Estimates ASIO Chief Mike Burgess doubled down last week with the ASIO Annual Threat Assessment. Terrorism is waning, espionage is rising, a "hive" of spies was uncovered and Australia's spooks working harder than ever before. We take a little study tour of what ASIO is up to, along with an brief look at Sleepy Joe's train ride to Ukraine and the unhinged rhetoric coming from Vladimir Putin's pep rallies. This podcast is so busy it's feels like a hand-to-hand combat!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASIO Chief Mike Burgess made a flying visit to Senate Estimates last week but despite the brevity, he had a lot to say. This week we unpack it, from the increase in religious extremism, to the placement of Chinese cameras in government buildings and a possible Chinese police station in Sydney strong-arming the local diaspora. Oh and yeah, there’s more balloons floating around, but curiously not here. Never a dull moment when dealing with spooks!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world was confused, bemused and downright confounded when a giant balloon was spotted soaring over the continental US on a path that took it across the country (and over a number of military installations) before it was brought down with a sidewinder missile. Turns out this isn't new as balloons have had a proud history of use by military and intelligence organisations around the world. So was it a weather balloon as the Chinese claim, or an intelligence platform as the US believe? What advantages do balloons have in reconnaissance? And just how important is Helium to national security? Lots to ponder when decorating your child's next birthday party after this weeks ep! For partnership enquiries please contact [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last ep we looked at the right wing "SovCit" phenomenon in Australia. This ep we conclude our interview with the Oz's Jack the Insider and look at what we can do about it. Are our security and police organisations up to the challenge? How did the anti-vax movement become embroiled in the rise of right wing radicalisation? And what can we do to help turn down the heat? Be prepared to apologise to that crazy relative who keeps posting articles by Pete Evans! For partnership enquiries please contact [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back for 2023, bigger and better than ever.With 2022 ending with the tragic shooting at Wieambilla, what better topic to delve into than the growing rise of right wing radicalism and the SovCit movement in Australia? With a topic this big we've decided to bring in an expert: Oz journalist and charming gadabout Jack the Insider.So why is right wing radicalisation on the rise? Who or what is turning up the heat on Australia's cookers? And what can we and our intelligence services do about it?Keep your copy of the Magna Carta handy this week! For partnership enquiries please contact [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this last summer bite-size we have a look at what we might be talking about this year. Ukraine (definitely), Indonesia (very likely), Taiwan (for sure), North Korea (what would we joke about without Kim Jong Un?), the US (Trump is still hanging around like a fart in a lift), the rise of the right wing here at home (sadly, this isn’t going away either) but did you have China V. India on your bingo card? Yep, it looks like we’ll have lots to talk about!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout history, cities across the globe have been the nexus of intelligence activity - Berlin, London, Moscow, Beirut: each with their unique rules and idiosyncrasies. And now there is a new hub for international skulduggery: Dubai. Yes, the plucky little emirate is fast becoming the place where dark deals and deeds are done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just when you thought things were calming down this Xmas, Germany and Peru became hotbeds of intrigue when coups to overthrow the government were exposed, both for very different reasons. Who were the plotters? What did they hope to achieve? And is this a taste of what’s to come in 2023?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to 2023! Before we get back into the nitty gritty of the global intelligence community, it’s time for everyone to feast their eyes on the cornucopia of spy fiction available on any number of streaming platforms. From Prime Video’s 3rd season of Jack Ryan, to Britbox’s treatment of the Philby affair in Spy Among Friends to the rollicking star-studded comedy of Burn After Reading on Netflix, there’s plenty of action to be savoured. And if anyone asks, tell them you’re doing homework. Enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we move into the Christmas season, we've got some bite-size eps to tide you over until next year. This week we have a quick look at the controversial prisoner exchange between the US and Russia where WNBA star Britney Griner was swapped for notorious arms dealer, the "Lord of War" himself, Viktor Bout. How did it all come about, why are so many Republicans up in arms about it, and does this mean we can expect more strategic arrests in the future? Lights out in 10, inmates!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Scott Morrison’s lawyers attempting to have Cabinet documents declassified prior to his appearance at the RoboDebt Royal Commission, we take a good hard look at what Cabinet documents really are and why they’re so protected. Why is it so controversial that Scomo is calling for their release? How often do they find their way into the public domain? And how did one of the biggest Cabinet breaches in Australian history give David’s comedy career a boost? The Chatham House Rule applies to everything you hear in this weeks episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Wagner Group, the paramilitary outfit run by "Putin's Chef", making headlines over its role in the Ukraine conflict, this week we take a look at the world of mercenaries. The commodification of war is a growth industry and it turns out hiring armies is more the historical norm. What does this mean for national militaries moving forward? Who are the big players and where can they be found? And why didn't David ever get recruited into the world of corporate espionage? Make sure you're locked and loaded for this one!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are joined by the AFR's Ukraine correspondent Misha Zelinsky (no relation) to talk about his time in Ukraine. What is the mood on the ground? Where does the incredible resolve of the Ukrainian people stem from? And what can you expect to happen when you walk into the home town of your presidential namesake and ask in Australian-accented Russian "Can anyone tell me about Volodimir Zelensky?" A fascinating interview with someone who has truly been there and done that in the hottest spot on the planet. Not to be missed!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the announcement that the recent hack of Medibank's database was most likely Russian cyber criminals, we take a look at Russia's cyber capability. How interlinked are Russian cyber intelligence assets and the criminal fraternity? Just how good is the Russian cyber warfare machine? And what is Australia doing to counter this growing threat? Make sure your firewall is fully up to date for this weeks ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The typical spy is non-descript, discrete and stays out of the limelight, so it’s surprising how many celebrities spent their time in the shadows working in the seedy world of espionage. International chefs, sports stars, criminals, crooners and more than a few actors played a part in many an intelligence operation that changed the course of history, and some very nearly paid with their lives. Who knew Hollywood could really be so bad ass?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So where did the coronavirus come from? With Vanity Fair and Pro Publica publishing the clinching proof that Covid likely came from a lab, only to have the article debunked within minutes of publication, we thought it's time to truly discuss it. Was it a badly run lab or an unhygienic wet market that spawned Covid? Is there any chance that we will ever know the truth? And just how difficult is it to remain completely impartial when your podcast co-host believes you to be a radical bolshevik with ideological blinkers blinding you from anything but what you want to see? This ep is going to get messier than a butcher breaking down a racoon dog carcass!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the 20th National Congress of the China Communist Party over and Xi Jin Ping now locked in (possibly for life) as President, we take a deep dive into a dark and threatening Xi. In a life that started as a feted prince of Mao’s revolution, to the harsh punishment he had to bear after his father’s fall from favour, to his dogged rise through the CCP ranks, Xi’s life seems to follow a single-minded path of service to the party and a ruthless rise to the top. What does it mean for the world? How does the criticism of Xi and China play into Xi’s plans? And just what do swallows have to do with everything?Welcome to the (communist) party that never ends in this ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the days of pirate ships “false flags”have been used to justify military operations, coups and suppression of the citizenry, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the current conflagration in Ukraine. With gas pipelines bursting and bridges burning, and everyone pointing fingers at everyone else, we take a look at what constitutes a false flag, how they have been used throughout history, and just which flags are doing what in Eastern Europe. Be prepared to hoist your colours this weekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a population with nearly 40% of its population under the age of 25, we should probably now more about Islamic Republic of Iran than we do, so this week, we're heading off the Middle East to see what we can learn. How did Iran wind up where it is? What is fuelling the growing protests in its urban centres? And what is the future for its authoritarian Islamic government?Keep your head covered for this ep.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 2 of our interview with CIA veteran Marc Polymeropoulos, where we dive into his life living with Havana Syndrome, the mysterious illness/injury that US spies and diplomats have been suffering. Is it an attack or just a coincidence? Marc gives us his theory and we also have chat about Ukraine, Putin and where that whole sorry mess might end. Be sure to stand well back if you're microwaving popcorn this week!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are joined by former CIA clandestine ops head and one of the most decorated officers in US intelligence, Marc Polymeropoulos. In this first ep we look at Marc's career from analyst to field officer in Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond, the state of US intelligence and this die-hard Red Sox fan's inability to understand cricket. Batter up! This is a cracker of an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the passing of Elizabeth II, we take a bite-size look at the relationship between Her Maj and British intelligence, as well as that of her namesake 400 years ago. How close were both Elizabeths to the world of espionage, how was the Royal art collection an intelligence nightmare, and was Elizabeth II the only regent to have a James Bond working for her? A right royal episode indeed!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Ukrainian counter-offensive bloodying the Russian nose and Putin losing serious face into the bargain, everyone's favourite former KGB officer responded with a chilling ultimatum - back off or The Bombs drop. Mobilising 300K Russian reservists, holding referenda in the occupied regions of Ukraine and threatening to go nuclear, it appears Putin is going all-in in a desperate ploy to maintain his authority at home. So should we be reinforcing our blanket forts and stockpiling water? Or is this yet another empty threat from a strongman whose days are numbered? And how is the world, both friend and foe, going to respond? Keep the 1000+ sunscreen handy for this weeks ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inspired by a listener’s question into why governments are so keen to show off their latest weapons (considering those things are meant to be secrets), this week we blow the ballast and plunge into the depths of military spending. How much are we spending, what are we spending it on, and why are these billion dollar purchases often such bad deals? And just what does Tom Cruise have against Canada? If you’re asking how much this weeks ep cost, you can’t afford it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not since the Cold War has the Russian intelligence community been so clandestinely active abroad, and the sudden uptick in activity from Russian sleepers or illegals has the governments of Europe scrambling to find Reds under any number of beds. So, how does this most arcane of tradecrafts work? What goes into creating a sleeper? And how come the West is finding it so easy to find them? Check your passport number and lock up your meta data for this ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a spate of suicides, murder-suicides and just plain murders, it appears that some of Russia's biggest companies are radically downsizing their executive cohorts with some terminal and involuntary redundancy packages. Who would have thought that then position of oligarch was suddenly the most dangerous job in the world? Does this signify a sudden rapid increase in executive depression? Or is Vladimir Putin enacting a ruthless restructuring of his corporate cronies? Don't stand to close to any windows of opportunity when listening this week!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the eviction of the Russian government from the site of their new embassy in Canberra, and the ACT government putting the land up for diplomatic tender, we thought this week would be the perfect time to look at the frontline of Cold War combat - Embassies. To what lengths have governments gone to compromise foreign missions in their countries, what steps do diplomats and spies take to protect themselves, and what is David‘s opinion on the architectural worthiness of the Chinese embassy to Australia?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's not every day an ex-president gets raided, or an ex-PM gets caught giving himself jobs on the sly, but as the Chinese curse goes "May you live in interesting times". This week we have a look at the intelligence implications of Don's cache of classified documents and Scotty's secret cabinet of one. What were these two reprobates' plans? What does it mean for the US and Oz ICs? And what might happen next? This episode has been declassified.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know how difficult senior citizens can make life, but no-one would have dreamed that a visit by an octogenarian could cause so much trouble. But that's what happened when Nancy Pelosi dropped in on Taiwan. The furious action in the South China sea over the last few weeks is of concern, but it also poses an interesting intelligence opportunity. With everyone moving pieces on the board, this is the perfect time to take a step back and have a good hard look at just what everyone is doing, how they are doing it and what they're doing it with. Sure, we're all is watching the Straits of Taiwan but not half as closely as our spies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As promised in our Assassination ep, this bite-size looks at the "Study in Assassination", the 1953 CIA file on the who, why, where, and how of extralegal killing centred on the CIA operations to overthrow the Guatemalan government. We also take a peek at the growing relationship between the CIA and JSOC - the US special operations group - and how that is causing headaches for the US Congress. And what is the personnel cost of the US drone strike program? All this in a tiny strike package!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the recent drone strike on Al Qaeda head Ayman al Zawahiri and the very public shooting of former Japanese PM Shinzo Ade, it seems the darkest tool of the intelligence world is coming out of the shadows. Assassination is seen by many as an act of morally repugnant barbarism, but regarded by others as the ultimate precision weapon. This week we focus our cross hairs on the application of extra-judicial killing: what actually constitutes an assassination; how and why is it used; and how is its use limited?Target acquired, you are weapons free. Take the shot with this weeks episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a combination of a listener asking if we were enjoying Channel Ten's Hunted and David talking at length with a contact about the 1984 levels of public surveillance growing in China, this week we're looking at how difficult (or easy) it is to make a getaway. From the confected CCTV footage of Hunted, to the frighteningly real combination of facial recognition and AI analysis combined with experiments in social credit in the Peoples Republic, what lengths would you have to go to to avoid capture in today's modern society? Can you truly disappear in the electronic age? And how can knitting needles get you out of a jam? Trust no-one after this weeks ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sex. We all enjoy it but even today it is surprising how much trouble it can get us into. With reports of honey traps, the use of clandestine sexual encounters, on the rise in the intelligence world, we take a look at how people can still find themselves in the stickiest of situations. We also take a peep at some of the more infamous cases, including one extraordinary tale involving an opera singer, a French diplomat, and a very dark room. Prepare for a cold shower after this ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of our dive into at possibly the greatest intelligence heist in history, we look at what Edward Snowdon got and what it means for the US and its allies. What does it mean for the US intelligence community, what effects has it had on the US' enemies and what might it mean for Five Eyes members like Australia? And with Snowdon now living in Moscow has it helped or hindered Putin in his bid to recreate the glory of the Russian Empire? Who knew a thumb drive could cause so much damage?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who would have known that social occasions like dinners, soirees and cocktail parties were a prime place to find spies. But that's where so many initial contacts are made between the professional intelligence officer and potential agents. In this bite size we have a look at the process of recruiting an agent, as per the CIA Handbook of Recruitment. From lavish dinners to free tickets, if a diplomat is trying very hard to be your friend, chances are you have something they want. Be sure to check who you're drinking with when you listen to this one!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Described by a CIA co-worker as a "genius among geniuses", Edward Snowdon managed to pull off the greatest intelligence heist in history. He absconded with literally millions of classified documents, and left the US and allies still unsure of exactly what secrets he took. In this first part of a two part examination we look at how Snowdon found himself at the heart of the intelligence beast, how he managed to walk out the door with a treasure trove of intel, and how that dumb terminal you're used to working on ain't so dumb.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With European governments booting Russian diplomats and intelligence assets from their countries, the question has to be asked: Where are they all going?The answer: Switzerland.Home of chocolate, cheese and almost every large international organisation, Switzerland is a spy's paradise, and the gateway to the rest of Europe. Keep your Swiss Army knife handy as we yodel our way through the Alps in this bite-size!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent attempted hacking of an undersea communications cable off Hawaii gives us the perfect chance to look beneath the surface of telecommunications security, particularly that of ocean-spanning cables. Starting with the legendary Operation Ivy Bells, we examine the how, who and why these trunk lines are hacked, how common it is, and just what it might mean for an island like Australia. Take a deep breath, this episode is going deep.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another listener request, this week about surveillance, how to spot it and how to avoid it. In the age of CCTV, internet tracking and electronic chicanery, the old trade craft of foot, vehicle and static surveillance is still going strong (although if you think you're being followed it probably says more about you than it does about the police state). Then again, as the old saying goes: Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you.And if you're looking in a shop window and notice someone behind you in the reflection touching their ear, they're probably listening to this ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Further damning revelations from the January 6 Committee paint a picture of a United States in crisis. From the Proud Boys running the January 6 storming of the Capitol building as an incognito military assault, to the GOP gaming the US electoral system, to Trumpist Senators, Congressmen and lawyers queueing up for pardons, could we be watching the fall of an empire in real time? And what does this mean for the security community in the US and beyond? Seriously, who would have thought a dodgy reality TV host could cause so much chaos? Keep your knitting needles close!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bite-size episode to answer a question from a listener: Are spies criminally liable? We explore the legal and not-so legal aspects of an intelligence officer's life on the edge of the law, find out just what, why and how a spy can get away with dastardly deeds, and exactly which legislation they'll need to know to get out of trouble. Better bring a lawyer, Bond. Better bring a real good one!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just in time for the 50th anniversary of the Watergate hearings, the US Congress has started their prime time hearings into the January 6 insurrection. What are the parallels between this hearing and the one into Nixon's White House? What does it mean for the future of US politics and the GOP? And will the Don and his cronies ever face any real consequences? Keep your lawyer on speed dial for this weeks ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just last week, everything seemed to be on the up-and-up with China, until it was revealed that some sky-hi-jinks between an RAAF surveillance flight and a PLAAF fighter nearly brought the whole thing undone. So what really  happened? What is China up to? And just why was an Australian Air Force plane flying around the Sth China Sea anyway? And just when is an island not an island? Make sure your tray table is secured for this one!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the new Australian government out of the blocks with a flying start, we look at what an Albanese administration means for our intelligence community. What changes have already taken place? Who are the new ministers responsible for national security? When, if ever, will Penny Wong see her family again? And just what was going on with the Chinese spy ship off WA during the election that got Peter Dutton so hot under the collar? And remember: the more things change...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the US reeling from yet another school shooting, this week we look at the relationship between the Australian intelligence community and firearms. Which of our spies are armed, when can they carry a gun and what are the regulations around going locked and loaded into the field? And how does American gun culture affect the US intelligence experience? Keep your pistol in your pocket and leave your safety on, people!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now the election is over, it's time to get back to the real world of intelligence, and what better way than to dive into the greatest black op/conspiracy nursery in intelligence history. Operation Gladio started as an idea to fight off a possible Soviet invasion of Europe, but became a sinister web of intrigue that spanned the globe and decades, involving the CIA, the drug trade, the Mafia, the Masons, the Vatican and at least one dead Pope. When we say the intelligence game isn't anything like the movies, Operation Gladio is the exception that defies the rule. Have your secret hand shake ready!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the election drawing to a close, China is rearing its substantial head yet again and just in time for us to look at both sides of the Sino-intelligence coin. From a possible PRC parliamentary plant in the LNP's Gladys Liu, to the potential growth in Australia's Chinese informants in Beijing, we look at how Australia is playing the spy game both in and outside the country. And just what does ASIS spy chief Paul Symon enjoy with his schnitty at lunch?Don't forget to tip your wait staff!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the war in Ukraine dragging and the world still trying to grasp how it all went so wrong for Vladimir Putin, we have a look at how the very structure of the Russian military may be the problem. From the doctrine of no limits adopted from the Russian Mafia, to a conscripted army with no NCOs to guide them, to brutal hazing straight out of the gulags, could it be that the Russian bear isn't the rampaging beast we were lead to believe? And talking of beasts, are militaries around the world seriously weaponising sea life?Join us for a truly deep dive!(The producers of I Spied want assure the listener that no cetaceans were harmed in the making of this podcast)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back! And what a time to return, with the federal election being thrown into chaos with a genuine national security crisis!What is really happening in the Solomons? How did the government drop the ball and are our intelligence services to blame? What does this growing Chinese influence in Australia's back yard mean for us? And just what game is Xi playing now?This little trip to the Pacific ain't gonna be no island holiday!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Vladimir Putin placing members of his intelligence service under house arrest, we look at the critical and often misunderstood relationship between governments and the intelligence community that advises them. How much control does a government need to have over its spies? Is too much control a bad thing? And should you start worrying if Putin sends you a hot tub to install in your third floor bathroom. Join us as we try to thin several thickening plots.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.