Espionage and Coffee: The Day the FBI Came Knocking S2, E23

This podcast can be found on Yergz Radio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. In this gripping episode, Yergz and Jane Stahl delve into the intense world of undercover operations and counter-espionage. Yergz recounts a nerve-wracking experience where he was unexpectedly summoned by his superiors due to an FBI investigation. The story unfolds with suspense as Yergz learns that his personal and work phone numbers were linked to a person under FBI scrutiny. The episode explores the complexities of intelligence work, including interactions with foreign agents and the delicate balance of maintaining professional relationships. Yergz also shares insights into his career trajectory, the challenges of working in the Secret Service, and his eventual decision to retire. This episode offers a fascinating peek into the high-stakes environment of national security and the personal sacrifices involved. 0:01 Introduction and Setup0:50 The Call to the ASAC's Office2:58 FBI Investigation Revelation3:47 Meeting with the Special Agent in Charge5:07 Understanding the Intelligence Community6:35 The Chief of Station7:01 Further Interactions and Transfer9:00 Retirement and Personal Life11:21 Career Reflections and Leadership13:19 Administrative Role and COVID-1916:30 Retirement Decision16:57 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode Introduction- Yergz and Jane Stahl dive into an intriguing story from Yergz's career.- Yergz recounts a surprising call to the ASAIC's office and the ensuing events.The Unexpected Call- Yergz describes being summoned to the ASAIC's office by a new supervisor.- Explanation of SAIC (Special Agent in Charge) and ASAIC (Assistant Special Agent in Charge) roles.The FBI Investigation- Yergz learns that the FBI is investigating someone he had dinner with.- The FBI's interest in Yergz's work and personal phone numbers.- Instructions from his bosses on how to handle potential FBI contact.Meeting with the FBI- The formal meeting setup with the FBI and the female Special Agent in Charge.- Clarification of Yergz's role and the reason for his phone numbers being flagged.Intelligence Community Insights- Discussion on the roles of intelligence officers and their affiliations with embassies.- The revelation that the person under investigation was a chief of station for a foreign country's intelligence.Navigating Diplomatic Relations- Yergz's continued interactions with the foreign intelligence officer.- The delicate balance of maintaining professional relationships while under scrutiny.Personal Reflections and Career Moves- Yergz's transfer to LA and the personal reasons behind it.- Challenges faced in the gay community and the impact on personal relationships.- Career transitions and the decision to move to LA despite personal setbacks.Leadership and Mentorship- Yergz's approach to leadership without needing a formal title.- The importance of on-the-job training and mentorship in his career.- Efforts to mentor and support new agents in LA.Administrative Roles and COVID-19 Management- Yergz's role in managing COVID-19 supplies and equipment in the office.- Reflections on the administrative responsibilities and their impact on his career satisfaction.Retirement Decision- The factors leading to Yergz's decision to retire in November 2021.- The benefits and considerations of early retirement from the Secret Service. Key Words undercover assignment, special agent in charge, assistant special agent in charge, FBI investigation, counter espionage, intelligence community, embassy employee, chief of station, secret service, foreign affairs and trade, intelligence officers, government owned vehicles, General Services Administration, Covid supplies management, sanitation stations, secret service retirement, secret service investigations, leadership, secret service field office Yergz.com Flowsend Yergz Radio Studio B Aroma By Peter Limit Break Digital