Above Average Intelligence

On this week's episode - the final episode of Above Average Intelligence - former Danish Defense Intelligence Service senior officer Jacob Kaarsbo (@jkaarsbo.bsky.social) (@JKaarsbo) joins @mpolymer to discuss “Why Greenland?”, plus how Europe must focus now on a security regime without US leadership. Always great to hear from allied intel pros, given the huge global challenges in 2025. Tune in here. Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s DSR Above Average Intelligence show, Marc (@mpolymer) is joined by Beth Sanner, former PDB briefer to President Trump and long time intelligence community senior executive.  From battling imposter syndrome, the importance of building trust with principals, what CIA gets right and wrong, and the need for humility, Marc and Beth share their unique stories of time in the IC-and now in the media. Can’t miss episode! Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the midst of an unsure America on the world stage, can and will Europe step up on Ukraine? Which countries and leaders should we hope to lead? Will there be European military forces on the ground in any peace deal? A wide ranging discussion on today’s Above Average Intelligence pod with former Portuguese Special Operations Forces NCO @Felix_Nuno. (Most importantly, he’s heavy metal and Slipknot fan, like Marc!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As President Biden prepares to leave office, one of the most consequential foreign policy challenges of his administration remains unresolved: the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Professor of Strategic Studies and historian Dr. Philips O’Brien joins Marc Polymeropoulos to discuss the successes and failures of Biden’s policy in Ukraine, the challenges that remain, and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s AAI podcast, Marc is joined by I.S. Berry (@isberryauthor) of The Peacock and the Sparrow fame. They discus the current Syria crisis, life as a case officer witnessing the Arab spring, and Berry’s jump into literary super stardom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marc sits down with former Green Beret Jack Murphy, author of the brand-new book, "We Defy: The Lost Chapters of Special Forces History," to talk about the book and why telling these stories not only honors the greats who served our nation, but also allows the American people to have transparency on how our tax dollars are very wisely spent. Plus, a chat on the evolution of Jack’s “Teamhouse” podcast, his time at Columbia University and his subsequent writing career, and his pending deep on Havana Syndrome.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Atlantic’s Shane Harris (X @ shaneharris , Bluesky @shaneharris.bsky.social) joins Marc to discuss Trump’s national security picks, the view from our European intelligence partners of America at a crossroads, and Shane’s top moments over his esteemed two decade career covering national security and intelligence. Plus, Marc reveals his four commandments (hint: stop doom scrolling) of making it through this unique time period in US history! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s podcast, CIA veteran Ed Bogan joins @mpolymer to ponder the US intelligence community in a Trump 2.0. How do we separate signal vs noise on the national security cabinet picks, and a potential bloodletting in the US IC? Will GOP national security-minded Senators drill down on DNI nominee Tulsi Gabbard’s controversial past? Will the Senate insist on FBI background checks? Will the CIA have trouble if Gabbard is confirmed to run both unilateral and liaison operations against tough targets like Russia and Syria? Does the IC need reform? Lots of questions, no answers just yet, but a plea from Ed to keep calm and carry as we see how the chips fall. A must-listen to episode with a true hero in the US intelligence community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corporate security consultant Jeremy Hurewitz (@Selllikeaspy) joins Marc Polymeropoulos (@mpolymer) to discuss his new book "Sell Like a Spy: the Art of Persuasion from the World of Espionage.” Jeremy discusses the power of relationships, his journey in writing the book, how active listening is a key skill - plus some very important predictions on where Juan Soto ends up (his beloved Yankees or Marc’s Red Sox?). A wonderful and positive chat that listeners will enjoy.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the eve of the most consequential election of our lifetime, renowned investigative journalist Michael Weiss (@Michaelweiss) joins Marc (@mpolymer) to discuss the national security arena from Ukraine to the Middle East. What are the effects on Ukraine of a Harris or Trump victory? What is Biden’s overall legacy on Ukraine? Is Biden the most pro-Israel president in US history? Plus Michael’s new pup Humphrey makes his first on air appearance. Can’t miss episode as the world watches.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Veteran national security journalist Nancy Youseff (@nancyayouseff) joins Marc to discuss Israel’s strike on Iran, what Iran may do next, the plight of the hostages, and how covering decades of wars in the Middle East shapes one’s views on the current conflict. Plus a discussion of the Arab street, and how the region is changing. With amazing bonus content on Nancy’s journey as an Arab-American female journalist, and her covering the Arab spring. A can’t miss episode with one of the leading national security experts of our time.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Everyday is a three legged stool of fear, joy and self-loathing:” our favorite espionage author David McCloskey (Twitter: @mccloskeybooks) joins Marc to discuss his new book “The Seventh Floor” and the painful yet rewarding process of writing a best selling novel. Plus, CIA pranks, friendships forged in training, tradecraft that is (almost) real, and more on our favorite case officer, Artemis Proctor. And finally, woe to David’s Cleveland Indians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former CIA paramilitary officer, station chief, and senior DoD official Mick Mulroy joins Marc to discuss the demise of Hamas leader Yayah Sinwar. Responsible for the death of 46 Americans, Sinwar’s death will be celebrated by the US counterterrorism community. Will this energize the now stalled hostage negotiations? And bonus content on a string of US intelligence community analytic failures, and what to do to rectify both shortfalls in analysis and collection. Must listen to episode on this dramatic day.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former USG Intel analyst and current Washington Institute for Near East Policy senior official Matthew Levitt (@Levitt_Matt) joins Marc to discuss an extraordinary several weeks in the region. From Israel conducting “open heart surgery” on Hizballah, a Gaza with a significantly reduced Hamas but no “day after" plan, to what to do about the burgeoning Iranian nuclear program, Matt’s views are essential to assessing the CT landscape in the Middle East and ultimately unpacking the policy challenges for both the US and Israel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

National security correspondent and HUMINT Substack author Sasha Ingber @SashaIngber joins Marc to cover today’s foreign policy challenges from the Middle East to Europe. Additionally, Sasha discusses her entry into journalism and pivot towards the national security beat, as well as her experiences and pressures as a reporter covering conflict zones. Members will also get to hear an after action report from Sasha’s trip to Ukraine as well as a deeply moving story of veteran suicide after the fall of Kabul. Must listen to episode with a rising star in the national security beat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of Above Average Intelligence, Marc is joined by longtime friend, award-winning national security journalist, and current justice and intelligence correspondent for NBC News Ken Dilanian. Ken offers insight into both his former roles on the intelligence beat as well as his current experiences covering the DOJ, in addition to his analysis of navigating the fine lines between the media, the government, and foreign interference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of Above Average Intelligence, David Gioe @GioeINT, former CIA officer and current British Academy Global Professor of Intelligence and International Security at King’s College London, joins Marc to discuss the field of intelligence studies and the importance of passing the torch to the next generation. Additionally, David and Marc dive into the growing Russian spy hub in Mexico, the behind-the-scenes of the Anglo-American special intelligence relationship, and how to heal the growing and unfortunate US public distrust of the intelligence community. Listen to all this, and more, here: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Israel conducts one of the most impressive kinetic intelligence operations of our time, former DoD official Alex Plitsas joins Marc to discuss the technical aspects of the operation, and what may come next as Israel “escalate to de-escalate." Also, Alex and Marc review a recent CT conference that discussed the threat landscape, both from external and internal groups. And great bonus content on Alex and his team's incredible story of a saving an American life in Gaza. Listen here: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Counterintelligence czar Bill Evanina joins Marc to discuss our nation’s greatest CI challenges, to include the staggering threat from an aggressive Chinese communist party, what motivates Americans to betray their country and how to defend against traitors in our midst, and his leadership growth, from SWAT team member, the JTTF post 9/11, a unique rotation to CIA, and then leading the USG’s entire CI efforts. Listen here:  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Macintyre, bestselling author of non-fiction intelligence classics such as Rogue Heroes and The Spy and The Traitor, joins Marc to discuss his new book The Siege: A Six-Day Hostage Crisis and the Daring Special-Forces Operation That Shocked the World. Ben discusses his experiences researching the work, the timeline of the 1980 London Hostage Crisis, why it mattered in geopolitics, and the often remarkable personal stories of bravery and heroism among the participants. Plus bonus content why the intelligence business still matters, particularly in Ukraine. Listen to all this and more here: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

National security journalist @michaeldweiss joins Marc to discuss how Kamala Harris found her inner Reagan, the Ukrainian raid that turned out to be an invasion, and the blob starts the parlor game of who staffs a future Harris White House. Plus, the folly of the Ukrainian doomers never ceases to amaze, even when Ukraine is, dare say…succeeding?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Washington Examiner’s Tom Rogan joins Marc to discuss the lightening Ukrainian offensive in Russia, the Israel/Gaza impasse, the inability of many US administrations to get Iran right, plus Europe taking a more aggressive stance on the world stage... plus a bonus special speed dating segment on leading personalities in the foreign policy arena! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and terrorism expert Samuel Katz joins Marc to discuss the latest events in the Middle East, to include the potential for Iran and/or Hizballah to badly miscalculate and invite a devastating Israeli response, the threat to US interests particularly within the US, and the extraordinary legacy of legendary spy master Meir Dagan.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the killing of Hamas’ political leader in Tehran last week, the Middle East has been bracing itself for possible escalation between Israel and Iran (plus Hezbollah) as well as the potential ramifications on the conflict in Gaza. On today’s episode, former Israeli intelligence officer Nadav Pollack joins Marc to discuss these events in the Middle East and offer an Israeli perspective on the widening conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former CIA case officer and operational manager Ed Bogan returns to the show to discuss the 20-year Global War on Terrorism, including the camaraderie and dedication of CTC personnel, the painful withdrawal from Afghanistan, what keeps him up at night regarding today’s terrorist threats, and the power of working with liaison.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Original air date: April 22, 2024 With conflicts raging in Ukraine, Gaza, and beyond, the job of covering conflict and national security is more important than ever. But how do journalists provide accurate and reliable coverage? CNN national security correspondent Kylie Atwood joins Marc Polymeropoulos to discuss the unique challenges our current national security climate and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the intense focus on Gaza, other critical issues in Israel have slipped into the background. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Mark Mazzetti joins Marc Polymeropoulos to discuss the lack of coverage on settler violence in the West Bank and the significant challenges posed by Israel's rightward shift, both domestically and internationally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

European governments watched the US presidential debate with shock and resignation, as fears skyrocket over Trump’s return to power. Meanwhile, Russia employs hybrid warfare, sowing mayhem across the continent. Michael Weiss joins Marc to discuss his recent trip, and how Russian intel follows the ISIS playbook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former CIA senior intelligence service officer Daniel Hoffman joins Marc Polymeropoulos to reveal the intersection of an amazing spy story, a heartwarming love story, a family’s resilience in overcoming tragedy, and what ultimately matters most in life. Don’t miss this special episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The relationship between the Israeli and US intelligence services is longstanding. Yet the October 7th Hamas attack and subsequent Israeli invasion of Gaza has presented unique challenges and opportunities on both sides. National Security reporter Shane Harris, just back from Israel, joins Marc to discuss why the US remains Israel’s key intelligence partner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Russian warships are arriving in Cuba. Another US senior official sentenced for spying for the Cubans. Sound familiar? Retired FBI counterintelligence expert Pete Lapp joins Marc to shed light on Cuba’s tense history with the US and why this persistent thorn in the side of US national security has been underestimated for too long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does someone become a child solider? More importantly, how do they escape? Anthony Opoka joins the podcast with Mick Mulroy and Eric Oehlerich to share his journey from unwilling soldier in Kony’s LRA to crusader for the freedom of child soldiers. Don’t miss his incredible story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award-winning journalist and author, Liza Mundy, discusses her latest book 'The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA' and delves into the experiences of women at the CIA, their challenges, and their contributions to the agency. The conversation also explores the complexities of the CIA as an institution and the unique experiences of women within it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emerging from the shadows after a 24 year career at CIA, former senior case officer Ed Bogan joins Marc to share his insights on serving everywhere from South Asia to Ukraine, including the critical importance of people at CIA, the need to form enduring liaison partnerships and building a resilient workforce. A lively tour d’horizon of an amazing agency life, that includes Ed’s journey from skateboarder in New Jersey, law school in Philadelphia, and then the back alleys of Afghanistan.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been 7 months since the devastating Hamas attack in Israel. Doug London joins Marc to assess the region after 10/7, including the ferocious Israeli reaction, how Hamas can be "strategically defeated,” the importance of the US as an ally to provide wise counsel, and the prospects of Israel-Saudi normalization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we think of intelligence, we most often think of state organizations like the CIA. Yet the private sector has a robust intelligence community that keeps on growing. Lewis Sage-Passant joins Marc to shine a light on the overlooked world of private intelligence, and why it has become more critical than ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The House Intelligence Committee recently released a report on the investigation into reports of sexual harassment at the CIA. The findings were not pretty. So what does the agency need to do to protect women at the agency, and why has this problem persisted for so long? Christina Hillsberg joins Marc Polymeropoulos to discuss this critical issue and why the intelligence community can and must do better.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With conflicts raging in Ukraine, Gaza, and beyond, the job of covering conflict and national security is more important than ever. But how do journalists provide accurate and reliable coverage? CNN national security correspondent Kylie Atwood joins Marc Polymeropoulos to discuss the unique challenges our current national security climate and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly every news station is describing Iran’s attack on Israel ‘unprecedented’. But why? More importantly, what comes next? Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Mick Mulroy joins Marc to give a run-down on the implications of Iran’s attack, why it represents a huge escalation in the region, and what might be coming next in the embattled region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investigative journalism is difficult enough, but studying Russia and the intelligence community is on another level. Michael Weiss is one of the journalists up to the task. Michael joins Marc Polymeropoulos to break down his latest reporting on Havana Syndrome and takes us on a tour of his investigation and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some elements of US intelligence and special operations are so secretive, we don’t even know their names. Adam Gamal lived that life and his new book “The Unit” pulls back the curtain on America’s most secret military unit. Adam joins Marc Polymeropoulos to discuss what is a true American Dream story from Alexandria, Egypt to the pinnacle of the special operations world, and why diversity is a necessary component in defense and intelligence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Believe it or not, international intelligence is a lot harder to predict than March Madness. From the attack in Moscow to the issue of emerging technologies, challenges both old and new will play a significant role in the coming years. Intelligence and security expert Amy Zegart joins Marc to break down the recently released Annual Threat Assessment and the challenges on the horizon for US intelligence.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marc’s guest this week is Patrick Weninger, a retired CIA Senior Intelligence Service Case Officer with over 28 years of experience in the Central Intelligence Agency and U.S. Air Force. He served executive-level headquarters assignments overseeing clandestine operations, tradecraft, and technical operations and served as a Senior Executive Operations Officer and Manager, with senior field assignments in the Near East, South Asia, and Europe, including multiple Chief of Station and war zone assignments. He led and oversaw the CIA’s global program for Russia. Marc and Patrick discuss Ukraine, election meddling and generative AI. Don’t miss this fascinating and wide-ranging conversation with one of the agency’s top former officers, in his national security podcast debut.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With such a heavy focus on the situations in Gaza and Ukraine, other foreign policy priorities have taken a back seat. Syria is one priority that is likely to get worse before it gets better. Director of the Middle East Institute’s Syria program Charles Lister joins Marc Polymeropoulos to outline the need for a coherent strategy to deal with Syria, and how the country is primed to explode.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Times award winning journalist Adam Entous joins Marc Polymeropoulos to discuss Adam’s latest NY Times article chronicling the extraordinary evolution between 2014 until today of the partnership between US and Ukrainian intelligence. From initial efforts by the US to “put in the plumbing,” building personal ties and basic intelligence exchanges, to the CIA remaining on the ground during the Russian invasion and an admission from Ukrainian intelligence that without CIA’s targeting help, Kyiv would have fallen, it is an intelligence success story for the ages.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexander Smirnov has showed us that Russian ‘active measures’ are even more active than we thought. An FBI informant working with Russian intelligence is no small feat, but the extent of the Kremlin’s efforts is even greater. Former CIA officer Alex Finley joins Marc Polymeropoulos to break down how the Russian security threat at home and abroad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexei Navalny’s influence cannot be overstated, and the impact of his death has sent shockwaves across Russia, and around the world. As Putin’s regime grows bolder by the day, we turn to journalist Julia Ioffe at the Munich Security Conference for her insight into Putin’s Russia, and how the country has continued to transform for the worse.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump will throw Europe to the wolves, and he’s said so himself. The former president has said that he would not defend NATO countries in case of a Russian invasion, shocking our European allies. Yet the story has been little more than a footnote in the US news cycle. Journalist Michael Weiss joins Marc Polymeropoulos and David Rothkopf to discuss the profound damage of Trump’s statements and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Israel-Hamas conflict has wreaked havoc on civilians in Gaza, but the worst may be yet to come. As international watchdogs warn of potential famine and disease outbreaks, what can the US do to prevent disaster? Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Mick Mulroy joins Marc Polymeropoulos and David Rothkopf to share insight from his recent trip to Israel and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spy movies have been a staple of Hollywood for decades, but how many of them actually get it right? Spycraft Entertainment’s John Sipher joins Marc Polymeropoulos to talk about what makes for a good spy story, and why more accurate depictions of the intelligence community make for great entertainment. John and Marc also discuss the generational divide between the old guard and Gen Z at the CIA and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices