PODCAST · government
Security Clearance Insecurity
by Federal News Network | Hubbard Radio
Millions of jobs require a U.S. government security clearance. Getting or keeping one is an anxiety-inducing process shrouded in mystery, and sometimes, urban legend. From drug use and bankruptcy to cryptocurrencies and motorcycle gangs, we unpack all of your top (or most unexpected) security clearance questions. We also talk with some of the leading experts and government officials charged with overseeing the security clearance process and establishing security policies. Security Clearance Insecurity demystifies security clearances, delivers expert insight, and answers the questions you’d never ask at work. Hosted by ClearanceJobs.com's Lindy Kyzer and Sean Bigley, security clearance legal correspondent and regular ClearanceJobs contributor.
Episodes
-
Veterans in Congress, Clearance Reform, and Your Deleted Social Media
Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs talks with Scott Cooper, who leads policy at With Honor, about how veterans in Congress are working across party lines. Scott describes the For Country Caucus, a bipartisan group of more than 50 House and Senate members he calls "radical moderates." He talks about the...
-
From Co-Op to Cleared: Northeastern's Talent Pipeline, Plus Foreign Travel Reporting Pitfalls
How do we grow the pool of cleared talent instead of competing over the same people? Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs talks with Jamie Jones Miller of Northeastern University, a member of the ClearanceJobs Policy Advisory Board. Jamie got her first clearance at 19 as an intern at the Defense...
-
The Cipher Brief's Brad Christian Previews the Threat Conference's 10th Year
Lindy Kyzer sits down with The Cipher Brief's COO Brad Christian to preview the 10th annual Threat Conference in Sea Island, Georgia — covering AI's growing role in warfare, the widening public-private innovation gap, and the "gray warfare" tactics adversaries are using inside the U.S. homeland....
-
Modernizing SCI Nominations — and When Foreign Ties Come Under Scrutiny
This episode of Security Clearance Insecurity covers two timely issues facing the cleared workforce. First, Lindy Kyzer talks with Mike Flanders, founder of SudoTouch, about the technology gap slowing SCI nomination processing and how automation can help security offices keep pace with Trusted...
-
FOCI Just Got a Lot Bigger — Plus, What Summer Fun Can Cost Your Clearance
This episode tackles two very different but equally timely clearance issues. First, host Lindy Kyzer sits down with Andrew Lotwin, Senior Vice President of Federal at ISI and a former senior leader at DCSA, to unpack the Department of War's proposed expansion of Foreign Ownership, Control, or...
-
Could Veterans Soon Keep Their Security Clearance Eligibility Longer? Plus, Handling False Clearance Reports
Could security clearance holders soon have more time to return to government service after leaving the workforce? In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, Lindy Kyzer is joined by ClearanceJobs Content Director Jill Hamilton to discuss the proposal to extend the security clearance...
-
Trusted Workforce 2.0: Closing the Continuous Vetting Gap with AI, Automation & Workforce Risk
Trusted Workforce 2.0 has transformed personnel vetting, but implementation is still catching up. In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, ClearanceJobs' Lindy Kyzer sits down with Aarti Smith, CEO of Chainbridge Solutions, to explore how continuous vetting is changing workforce risk...
-
The New Rules of Suitability: What OPM's Vetting Changes Mean for Your Career
The federal personnel vetting landscape is evolving—and understanding the changes has never been more important. In this episode of Security Clearance in Security, host Lindy Kyzer is joined by former OPM suitability expert Bill Pedersen to unpack the biggest updates to federal suitability...
-
Building Your Brand in the Intelligence Community with Shana Cosgrove
Success in government contracting isn't built overnight—it's earned through consistency, credibility, and continuous growth. In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity on Federal News Network, Lindy Kyzer sits down with Shana Cosgrove, founder and CEO of Nyla Technology Solutions, to…
more -
Secret Squirrel Files: Where True Crime Meets National Security
What happens when a former true crime reporter, a national security storyteller, and a clearance industry expert sit down to talk espionage, insider threats, terrorism, and the cases that changed history? In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, host Lindy Kyzer welcomes Secret Squirrel...
-
Why Facility Security Officers Are Being Asked to Do More Than Ever
Facility Security Officers (FSOs) are at the center of some of the biggest changes happening across the national security workforce—and many are feeling the strain. In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs sits down with Ike Rivers, NISPAC representative and...
-
Cleared & Compensated: What the 2026 Data Reveals
Average compensation for cleared professionals has hit a record high of $126,125 — but what's driving that number, and what does it mean for you? ClearanceJobs Content Director Jill Hamilton breaks down the 2026 Compensation Report, covering why pay jumped 6% year over year, which clearance…
more -
Storytelling, Service, and Trust: Capturing the Human Side of National Security
In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, host Lindy Kyzer sits down with Jacob Centeno, founder of Poor Bear Stories, to explore the power of storytelling within the national security community. From his personal journey as a Gold Star family member to building a mission-driven media...
-
GEOINT 2026: Tradecraft, AI, and the Future of Intelligence
What makes the GEOINT Symposium 2026 a must-attend event for national security professionals? In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, host Lindy Kyzer sits down with Jim McCool to break it down. From his experience at organizations like the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency…
more -
Certainty in Uncertain Times: CIA Leadership Lessons That Actually Work
What makes a great boss—and why do so many get it wrong? In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, Lindy Kyzer sits down with former CIA Chief of HR Mike Mears to unpack the real driver behind employee engagement, retention, and performance: certainty at the local level. Drawing on…
more -
When the Mission Ends: Rebuilding Identity After Service
What happens when the uniform comes off—or your federal service ends—and the identity that once defined you suddenly shifts? In this episode, host Lindy Kyzer sits down with Lisa Parmeter, Executive Director of Merging Vets & Players (MVP), to explore the often-overlooked challenges of transition...
-
Innovation, AI, and the Future of the Security Industry
The security industry is evolving far beyond its traditional image of guards, guns, and gates. Today, it sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, federal policy, and critical infrastructure protection. In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, Lindy Kyzer speaks...
-
Diving Into Federal Career Pivots & Side Hustles
Career disruption and side hustles are increasingly common — but how do they impact your security clearance? In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs sits down with federal career coach and FedUpward host Love Rutledge to discuss navigating unexpected federal...
-
Who’s Accountable When AI Shapes National Security Decisions?
The federal government can no longer treat artificial intelligence as optional—but what does true AI readiness actually look like? On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, host Lindy Kyzer sits down with Jennifer Ewbank, former Deputy Director of the CIA for Digital Innovation, to unpack...
-
A New Era of Security Clearance Insecurity: New Legal Voices, Real-World Guidance for 2026
The Security Clearance Insecurity podcast welcomes new legal contributors Elisabeth Baker-Pham of Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch, P.C. and John Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC to the mic. In this episode, the panel breaks down how security clearance decisions intersect with employment law, why...
-
Why Workplace Flexibility Matters for the National Security Workforce
What does flexibility really mean for the national security workforce—and why does it matter now? In this episode, ClearanceJobs’ Lindy Kyzer is joined by workforce strategist and former federal executive Mika Cross for a timely conversation on the future of federal and cleared work. Drawing from...
-
Shutdown Stress: How Financial Fallout Can Threaten Your Security Clearance
On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, Lindy Kyzer sits down with Elisabeth Baker Pham, attorney and federal employment expert, to unpack how government shutdowns trigger far more than political drama, they create real financial strain that can jeopardize a cleared worker’s livelihood...
-
Modernizing Personnel Vetting and Mapping the Future with Trusted Workforce 2.0
In this episode of the ClearanceJobs Podcast, host Lindy Kyzer sits down with Leslie Reid, Vice President of Defense Programs at iWorks and former senior leader at the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), for a deep-dive conversation into the reality and the future of Trusted...
-
What the Government Shutdown Could Mean for Your Security Clearance
How does a government shutdown really impact security clearance holders and applicants? In this timely episode, Lindy Kyzer sits down with security clearance and employment law expert John Berry to break down the real-world consequences beyond the headlines. From delayed investigations and paused...
-
Federal Hiring Myths, Trends, and What’s Next with Armand Curet
Federal hiring is never simple. And right now, it’s changing faster than ever. From new incentives for law enforcement and the growing demand for IT talent, to changes like the two-page USAJobs resume rule, the landscape can feel overwhelming. On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity on...
-
Inside Scoop on ClearanceJobs Connect
On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity join Vice President of Marketing at ClearanceJobs Eric Pecinovsky as we take you inside ClearanceJobs Connect. This event brings together recruiters, government leaders, and industry experts to talk about the most pressing issues facing the cleared...
-
Trust Me: Talking Trusted Sources and Internet Liars in the Clearance Process
Jill Hamilton Content Director, ClearanceJobs, joins Lindy Kyzer to discuss a brand new book that discusses the history and the current realities of the Clearance process. In Trust Me: A Guide to Secrets, Lindy Kyzer tackles the wonky security clearance process in one readable resource for...
-
Reform, Risk, and Results: Rethinking Federal Acquisition
Lindy Kyzer and defense innovation leader Noam Oz—former Director for Innovation Operations at NavalX—join the show today for a candid discussion on how to cut through bureaucracy and deliver solutions at the speed of relevance. From outdated procedures to entrenched cultural norms, federal...
-
How to Support High Achieving Teams Despite Government Uncertainty
On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, we sit down with Steven Gaffney, CEO of the Steven Gaffney Company, renowned leadership expert, and author of Unconditional Power. Known for helping Fortune 500 companies, U.S. government agencies, and military organizations build Consistently…
more -
Innovation in the Federal Government - with Sabra Horne
In this episode, we sit down with Sabra Horne, a passionate advocate for innovation and intrapreneurship within the federal government. Drawing from her extensive experience working across both government and industry, Sabra unpacks the complex barriers that hold back innovation inside federal...
-
How Tech is Transforming Security Clearance Compliance
Join us for an insider’s look at how Tru-Vetting is reshaping the personnel security landscape. In this episode, we explore the driving force behind Tru-Vetting’s founding, its alignment with Trusted Workforce 2.0, and how its technology eases the burden on overworked FSOs while keeping…
more -
Bringing Together the Security Professionals Who Safeguard the Nation
The annual NCMS Seminar brings together security professionals from across the nation. In this episode of the ClearanceJobs Podcast, we take you behind the scenes of the NCMS Annual Seminar—the premier event for industrial security professionals. Joining us are special guests Stevie Dahl and…
more -
How Effective is Trusted Workforce GAO Studies Program
What’s really happening with Trusted Workforce 2.0? In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, we sit down with Alyssa Czyz, Director at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), to discuss GAO’s recently released report on the federal government’s personnel vetting reform…
more -
Iron Butterfly Continues to Tell Untold Stories of Women in the IC
Iron Butterfly Podcast continues to tell the untold stories of women serving in the Intelligence Community. Cadie Hopkins and Megan Jaffer join the show to discuss their latest endeavor - a full length documentary highlighting never before told stories of women serving in the IC. Iron Butterfly...
-
Building a Resilient Cyber Workforce with the Cyber Guild
Debbie Sallis of The Cyber Guild, a nonprofit on a mission to build a resilient, inclusive cybersecurity workforce joins the show to discuss how the Guild is tackling retention, community-building, and allyship through programs. Plus, hear how the upcoming May 29th Cyber Connect event in…
more -
Career Transition Tips for Intelligence Community Professionals
A number of intelligence community professionals now find themselves looking for their next opportunity. Unfortunately, the transition out of the IC and into the private sector doesn't come with a guidebook. That's why Alison Bouwmeester wrote the book Mission: Career Transition. After spending…
more -
Tips for Navigating the Personnel Vetting Questionnaire
n this episode, we're joined by Elisabeth Baker-Pham, partner at KCNF, for an in-depth conversation on a big change coming to the federal security clearance process. Elisabeth breaks down the new Personnel Vetting Questionnaire, or PVQ — a major update aimed at simplifying and streamlining the...
-
Finding Your Haymitch Abernathy in the Federal Hunger Games: Tips for Coping with Constant Changes
Every day there seems to be new guidance going out to the federal workforce, sometimes with mandates that conflict with local agency communication. How can federal workers stay on top of the policy deluge? Kevin Shehan, owner and founder of Shehan Legal and a former civil servant joins the show…
more -
Tips for Federal Workers Dealing with Reductions and Restructuring
In the midst of massive restructuring across the federal government, federal workers may be wondering how to cope with the massive changes. Jill Hamilton, senior editor of ClearanceJobs joins the program to talk about the influx of news and changes. For federal workers in the national security...
-
Bringing Better Technology Into Government and How Your Job Search is Like Online Dating
Virtualization and big data aren't new - but the government's use of these technologies in different ways largely is. Jared Shepard, President and CEO of Hypori comes on the show to discuss how the U.S. government and industry are both working together to make their security posture stronger…
more -
Former CIA Operative Talks About Getting 'Off the X' and Out of Your Comfort Zone
Author and former CIA operative Michele Rigby Assad joins the show to discuss her book 'Get Off the X'. It's Assad's second book, and shares stories from the CIA that can help you face your hurdles, find your purpose and live authentically. In the second half of the show, Sean Bigley and Lindy...
-
New National Security Data and Policy Institute Helps the IC Engage Outside Experts on Data
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence recently announced the new National Security Data and Policy Institute, a first of its kind partnership enabled by the support of congress and now housed at the University of Virginia. Charles Luftig, Deputy Director of National Intelligence for...
-
Security Clearance Reform 20 Years in the Making
Happy 20th anniversary of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) to all who celebrate! Despite being signed into law 20 years ago, many of the key provisions related to the security clearance process are still issues today, including: Slow security clearance processing times...
-
Job Transitions for Political Appointees
A change in presidential administrations doesn't just mean new policies and priorities in government - it also means new political appointees coming in and others moving out. Grant Haver, a former political appointee in the Department of Homeland Security, knows first-hand the experience of...
-
How the Trump Administration Could Affect Clearance Policy
The Trump Administration is announcing cabinet and senior staff appointments, and setting the tone for a new Administration. But what impact, if any, could the new president have on security clearance policy and personnel vetting reform efforts. Sean Bigley and Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs…
more -
Personnel Vetting 2.0: National Security and the Future of Vetting with the Honorable Sue Gordon
The Honorable Susan M. Gordon, former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence in a special episode highlighting a recent live conversation on Personnel Vetting 2.0. Joined by President of CANDA Solutions and security expert Andrew Razumovsky and hosted by ClearanceJobs’ Lindy Kyzer…
more -
Data-Driven Talent Management with COL Kris Saling
Building better teams is a key goal across every organization. But all too many fail to put better data and insights into that team building process. A new book by COL Kris Saling, Data-Driven Talent Management, helps give people managers better tools to add to their team building toolkit,...
-
Improving the Federal Hiring Process and Candidate Experience
The federal hiring process is an ongoing topic of conversation. Over the past several years the executive branch has taken several steps to help spotlight the need to transform the federal hiring process. As the nation's largest employer, the federal government processes more than 22 million...
-
The Policies and Processes to Build the Future of the National Security Workforce
We're looking ahead to the future of the national security workforce and the policies and processes necessary to grow the workforce of the future. In this special episode, join us for an interview with Kimberly King, Career Service Manager for Analysis, Office of Human Resources, Directorate for...
-
How to Get Fired as a Fed, and Foreign Travel Considerations
It's an easy to toss about myth that if you work for the federal government, your career is virtually indestructible. And while it's true that federal service offers some protections and provisions at-will employment doesn't, it's false to say that you can't be fired. Whether its losing your job…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Millions of jobs require a U.S. government security clearance. Getting or keeping one is an anxiety-inducing process shrouded in mystery, and sometimes, urban legend. From drug use and bankruptcy to cryptocurrencies and motorcycle gangs, we unpack all of your top (or most unexpected) security clearance questions. We also talk with some of the leading experts and government officials charged with overseeing the security clearance process and establishing security policies. Security Clearance Insecurity demystifies security clearances, delivers expert insight, and answers the questions you’d never ask at work. Hosted by ClearanceJobs.com's Lindy Kyzer and Sean Bigley, security clearance legal correspondent and regular ClearanceJobs contributor.
HOSTED BY
Federal News Network | Hubbard Radio
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Security Clearance Insecurity have?
Security Clearance Insecurity currently has 124 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Security Clearance Insecurity about?
Millions of jobs require a U.S. government security clearance. Getting or keeping one is an anxiety-inducing process shrouded in mystery, and sometimes, urban legend. From drug use and bankruptcy to cryptocurrencies and motorcycle gangs, we unpack all of your top (or most unexpected) security...
How often does Security Clearance Insecurity release new episodes?
Security Clearance Insecurity publishes regularly with 124 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Security Clearance Insecurity?
You can listen to Security Clearance Insecurity on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Security Clearance Insecurity?
Security Clearance Insecurity is created and hosted by Federal News Network | Hubbard Radio.
URL copied to clipboard!