Analyst Talk - Brandy Schiber - Seeing What Others Overlooked

Episode: 00318 Released on May 11, 2026 Description:  What happens when an analyst trusts the data even when no one else does? This week on Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, host Jason Elder sits down with Brandy Schiber to discuss her unique journey into law enforcement analysis, from studying psychology and criminal behavior to becoming a respected intelligence analyst and instructor. Brandy shares how professors helped shape her path away from clinical psychology and into intelligence analysis, where her passion for understanding behavior and identifying patterns found a home. Brandy dives into several career defining cases, including a multi state serial robbery investigation where predictive analysis identified the exact gas station the offender would target next. She also opens up about difficult lessons involving office politics, integrity, and the emotional toll of cases where analysts are not heard quickly enough. The conversation explores intelligence led policing, geographic profiling, the importance of internships, returning to the profession after time away, and how analysts can continue learning throughout their careers. Brandy also discusses her work with International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts and her efforts to strengthen outreach and support for analysts entering the field. From predictive analysis to professional integrity, this episode is a powerful reminder that analysts must stay curious, stay ethical, and always let the data tell the story. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.] Name Drops: Steve Young (00:05:18), Patrick Lewis (00:06:59), Jason Warren (00:21:08), Kim Rossmo (00:28:42), Betty Pitel/Sylvia Gomez (00:55:22) Ben Marconi (01:06:32), Phil Powell/Olivia Moore/Kelly Kimsey (01:18:00), Jerry Ratcliffe (01:29:31) Public Service Announcements: Robert Aboumitri (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-robert-aboumitri-the-triple-v-analyst/) Megan Cruz (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-megan-cruz-from-burnout-to-leadership/) Dr. Greg Thomas (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-dr-greg-thomas-%e2%80%93-from-organized-crime-to-geoint/) Related Links: www.ialeia.org Geographic Profiling - https://www.ecricanada.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807014273 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17899948-rebecca https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Keys-Freemasonry-Also-Fraternity/dp/B002X7QPQ6 Association(s) Mentioned: IALEIA Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-thomas-ms/  Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/jakkkppiksp7zupj/BrandySchiber_transcript.pdf  Podcast Writer: Podcast Researcher: Theme Song: Written and Recorded by The Rough & Tumble. Find more of their music at www.theroughandtumble.com. Logo: Designed by Kyle McMullen. Please visit www.moderntype.com for any printable business forms and planners. Podcast Email: [email protected]  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts 00:00:17 – Introducing Brandy 00:09:13 – Eidetic memory and dyslexia discussion 00:13:42 – Why graduate school became necessary 00:19:11 – Graduate internship with Texas OIG 00:22:53 – Moving to South Carolina and CompStat work 00:27:24 – Break: Aboumitri, Cruz, & Thomas 00:28:42 – Predicting a serial robbery suspect’s next target 00:40:30 – Serial offender investigations in San Antonio 00:45:27 – Office politics and analyst integrity 00:50:39 – The serial rapist investigation 01:05:19 – Break: Aboumitri, Cruz, & Thomas 01:06:16 – Leaving analysis to become an instructor 01:08:53 – Returning to the profession after five years away 01:16:05 – Building IALEIA strategic outreach 01:25:29 – Brandy’s passion for reading and psychology 01:29:31 – Words to the World: Be a lifelong learner