The CI-Press Podcast

Join hosts Dave Turner and Jeremy Clark for a conversation with Vince Smith, a retired counterintelligence professional whose 42-year career spans the Nebraska National Guard, U.S. Army counterintelligence, and the Department of Homeland Security. Vince shares firsthand stories from the Gulf War, the evolution of Tactical HUMINT Teams, and the challenges of building insider threat and counterintelligence programs at DHS. He also discusses advising state and local fusion centers on emerging threats, including election security and rare earth mineral espionage. From mentorship and leadership to bureaucracy and personal sacrifice, this episode offers a candid look inside the realities of a life spent protecting national security.

CI Press, the counterintelligence podcast by IXN Solutions.  Where security, compliance, and counterintelligence converge. In this episode, Dave Turner and Ryan Rambo sit down with soon-to-be retired SGM TJ Trent to unpack a post-9/11 Army career shaped by multiple deployments and a transition from IT to cybersecurity. TJ brings a grounded perspective on the human side of cyber defense - why relationships with counterintelligence matter, how realistic training builds resilience, and what accountability actually looks like in high-pressure environments. The conversation also dives into managing mental health and operational stress, along with TJ’s next chapter advising on human performance.

On this episode of CI Press, hosts Jeremy Clark and Joseph Sheridan sit down with retired counterintelligence officer Kathy Gonzalez to break down the 2026 threat landscape - insider threat trends, evolving adversary tactics, and the enduring challenge of Russian “illegals.” Drawing on more than two decades with the FBI, NSA, and CIA, Kathy brings a practitioner’s perspective to the human side of cyber operations - where trust, access, and behavior matter more than tools alone. She makes the case for standardized counterintelligence training, stronger interagency coordination, and a more unified approach to protecting emerging technologies and U.S. national interests.

Jeremy Clark is joined by Mike Parrott to unpack new intelligence assessments revealing how China and Russia conduct continuous, all-domain irregular warfare. From technology theft and academic exploitation to cognitive operations and proxy sabotage, this episode explores how these efforts aim to erode Western cohesion from within. The discussion exposes key blind spots in Western counterintelligence and introduces “Counterintelligence Mindset 2.0”—a proposed framework built on anticipation, rapid adaptation, and proactive disruption, while remaining grounded in democratic values. Drawing from Mike’s extensive archive of research papers and data, this AI-generated episode offers a forward-looking look at how intelligence strategies must evolve to meet modern threats.

Hosts Ryan Rambo and Jeremy Clark sit down with Bruce Bailey to unpack his early-2000s push to build and source electric motors in China—and the escalating challenges that came with it. Bailey describes navigating unreliable manufacturing standards, repeated quality control breakdowns, and growing concerns about forced labor within supply chains. He also recounts unsettling experiences with hotel surveillance, pressure to engage in bribery to keep operations moving, and a business partner with ties to the CCP that raised serious ethical and security red flags—factors that ultimately led him to abandon the venture. Bailey then explains how those firsthand experiences exposed him to the realities of human exploitation and reshaped his life’s direction. He shares the origins of his anti-human trafficking efforts, including founding Safe in the Panhandle and Ruth Lake Farm, where he helps operate a rescue safe house for survivors. The conversation closes with his perspective on prevention, community awareness, and practical ways the public can recognize and respond to signs of trafficking.

Hosts Scott Sparks and Jeremy Clark sit down with veteran counterintelligence officer Larry Knight, exploring the arc of his career across multiple eras of national security. The discussion highlights key cases he worked on and examines how the counterintelligence mission has evolved—from the Cold War, through the focus on counterterrorism, and now back to competition with near-peer adversaries. Throughout the episode, Knight shares practical insights drawn from his experience, offering listeners a clearer understanding of the profession and its demands. He also provides advice for those interested in pursuing a career in counterintelligence, emphasizing adaptability, critical thinking, and a strong foundation in the fundamentals of the field. The conversation underscores the importance of learning from past operations while remaining prepared for emerging threats. By reflecting on lessons learned and discussing current challenges, the episode offers valuable perspective on how counterintelligence professionals can stay effective in a rapidly changing global environment.

Hosts Joseph Sheridan and Jeremy Clark open the episode with a focused discussion on Florida’s proposed counterintelligence bill, unpacking what it aims to do and why strong oversight mechanisms are critical. They explore the balance between security and civil liberties, highlighting how policy decisions in this space can have far-reaching consequences for public trust and government accountability. The conversation then shifts to an in-depth interview with Robert Gummer, whose career spans Army intelligence, the FBI, and leadership of intelligence operations for the NFL before his current role as Deputy Chief at LA Metro. Gummer walks through his professional journey, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how intelligence work evolves across military, federal, and private-sector environments. Drawing on that experience, Gummer shares practical insights on making sound decisions with incomplete information and building effective analytical teams. He details how he developed the NFL’s global security operations center and explains how transparency, community engagement, and thoughtful data policies play a central role in securing massive events like the World Cup, Super Bowl, and Olympics, as well as complex transit systems.

Hosts Joseph Sheridan and David Turner sit down with veteran counterintelligence professional Robert Ansbach to unpack decades of intelligence tradecraft, Cold War operations, and modern espionage trends in Europe. The conversation covers a survey of 70 convicted spies, ten modern spy archetypes, notable cases like General Dozier’s kidnapping and the betrayals of Clyde Conrad and James Hall, plus practical lessons, mentorship, and advice for today’s counterintelligence practitioners. They also explore how evolving technologies, shifting geopolitical alliances, and the rise of hybrid warfare have reshaped the intelligence landscape, forcing agencies to adapt faster than ever before. Ansbach reflects on the enduring human factors behind espionage (motivation, ego, ideology, and vulnerability) while emphasizing the importance of analytical rigor and ethical grounding in counterintelligence work. The episode ultimately bridges past and present, offering listeners a deeper understanding of how historical patterns continue to inform modern threats and the professionals tasked with countering them.

Hosts Joe Sheridan and Jeremy Clark sit down with Karna McGarry, a former Central Intelligence Agency analyst and Office of the Director of National Intelligence attorney who now serves as Senior Vice President, Managed Services at Red5 Security. She shares her journey from government intelligence into the private sector and explains how corporations are increasingly building their own intelligence capabilities to navigate global risk. The conversation explores the growing importance of Open-Source Intelligence, insider threat detection, and the evolution of corporate risk programs. Karna highlights how companies can move from reactive security to proactive intelligence, while balancing legal, privacy, and ethical considerations that differ from government work. Karna also offers practical guidance on building a strong security culture, including employee training, travel risk planning, and cross-functional collaboration. The episode provides actionable insights for organizations looking to strengthen their security posture, and listeners can connect with her via LinkedIn or learn more through red5security.com.

In this episode of CI Press, hosts Shawn Michaud and Jeremy Clark sit down with MG(R) Peter B. Andrysiak Jr. to examine today’s counterintelligence (CI) challenges and how military leaders can stay ahead of them. The conversation explores emerging threats such as adversarial property acquisitions near military installations and the persistent risk of insider attacks, drawing on lessons from Fort Hood and operational deployments. MG(R) Andrysiak highlights the critical role of trust between commanders and CI professionals in identifying warning signs early and creating a culture where concerns are reported. The episode also looks at how CI is integrated into combatant command operations, the shift toward proactive protection strategies, and the growing importance of data integration in giving leaders clearer insight and faster decision-making advantage. This episode offers valuable insight for military leaders, intelligence professionals, policymakers, and anyone focused on the future of Army modernization.

In this episode of CI Press, hosts Dave Turner and Ryan sit down with Anthony James, Senior Industrial Security Consultant at FSO Pros, to explore the real-world challenges Facility Security Officers face every day. Anthony shares his journey from artillery and military intelligence into the world of industrial security, where he now helps cleared companies navigate the complexities of the National Industrial Security Program. The conversation dives into the DD-254 process, background investigations, common DCSA findings, and the administrative burden FSOs face managing clearances, foreign travel, incident reporting, and compliance across multiple government systems. Anthony also highlights the biggest FSO pain points and time killers, explaining why many companies turn to fractional FSO services like FSO Pros for support. The discussion wraps with a look at how the 351X platform helps streamline security workflows, consolidate reporting, and give FSOs the visibility they need to protect their companies while saving time and effort.

In this episode of CI Press, we sit down with Nick Vidulich, a Marine Corps counterintelligence veteran with more than two decades of service, to discuss the experiences that shaped his career and his approach to counterintelligence today. Nick reflects on his 22-year journey in the Marine Corps, including deployments, post-blast analysis work, and his transition from SIGINT into the counterintelligence field. Along the way, he shares candid insights about the personal and professional challenges that many intelligence professionals face throughout a long career in national security. The conversation also explores how those experiences translate into the private sector, where Nick now focuses on applying defensive counterintelligence principles inside organizations. He explains why building trust with engineers and technical teams, educating employees about threats, and turning the workforce into a network of human sensors are critical components of modern insider threat and technology protection programs. We also discuss how tools like 351X can help organizations operationalize these concepts - moving beyond compliance to create a culture where security awareness and counterintelligence thinking are embedded across the enterprise. This episode offers valuable perspective for security professionals, FSOs, engineers, and leaders responsible for protecting sensitive technologies in today’s increasingly contested environment.

In this episode of CI Press, we sit down with Danny Li - software engineer, entrepreneur, and host of the growing Danny Li Podcast. Danny was kind enough to host one of the cohosts, Ryan Rambo, as a guest on his show recently, so we wanted to return the favor and bring him on CI Press to share more of his story. Danny recounts his journey from Ukraine to the United States, how faith and purpose shaped his path, and how he built a rapidly expanding podcast platform focused on leadership, military experience, and personal development. We also dive into the mechanics behind his podcast growth - leveraging LinkedIn outreach, content systems, daily short-form clips, and mentorship to build an engaged audience. Along the way, Danny shares insights on navigating post-Soviet Union culture, startup thinking, and the immigrant experience in America’s tech ecosystem. The conversation also explores topics relevant to the CI Press audience, including guest vetting, managing potential foreign influence risks in media platforms, and preparing for meaningful conversations with high-quality guests. If you're interested in podcasting, leadership, technology, or the power of disciplined content creation, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration.

CI Press, the counterintelligence podcast hosted by IXN Solutions, presents an interview with Tom O'Connor, a seasoned Army CI veteran. Tom recounts his path from being drafted during the Vietnam era to serving across Okinawa, Korea, Fort Huachuca, and high-level CI program leadership roles. Throughout the episode, Tom shares frontline anecdotes, lessons on career development, the value of broad CI experience versus specialization, and practical advice for young agents on operational tradecraft, integrity, and personnel management.

In part three of this special three-part series, hosts M. Scott Sparks and Jeremy J. Clark continue their in-depth roundtable with retired U.S. Army CW5s and senior counterintelligence (CI) professionals Glenn Jones, Shawn Michaud, Mike Dye, and Traci Goodwin. The panel tackles one of the most consequential organizational questions facing the CI enterprise today: Should counterintelligence transition to a single, unified career track, or preserve its specialized roles? Drawing on decades of operational experience and strategic leadership, they examine the advantages and risks of both models, exploring how force structure influences readiness, expertise, professional identity, and long-term mission effectiveness. The conversation breaks down the core functions of CI, including collections, operations, investigations, analysis, and functional services, and examines how each discipline contributes to detecting, assessing, and countering foreign intelligence threats. The group discusses the real-world impact of integration versus stovepiping and addresses enduring challenges in talent management, training pipelines, certification standards, and collection management. Throughout the discussion, they offer candid insights and practical recommendations for building a more agile, capable, and lethal CI force. Listeners will also hear compelling historical vignettes and candid deployment stories that bring doctrine to life, illustrating how CI professionals adapt under pressure and evolve with the threat environment. The episode concludes with direct, experience-driven advice for CI warrant officers and leaders on how to stay operationally relevant, advocate effectively for resources, develop depth without sacrificing breadth, and lead teams that are disciplined, adaptable, and ready to protect U.S. national security interests in an increasingly contested world.

In part two of this three-part series, hosts M. Scott Sparks and Jeremy J. Clark continue their round table with retired U.S. Army CW5s and senior counterintelligence (CI) professionals Glenn Jones, Shawn Michaud, Mike Dye, and Traci Goodwin. What follows is an unfiltered, practitioner-level assessment of the current state of U.S. CI. The panel tackles one of the profession’s most pressing challenges: talent retention. Drawing on decades of experience, they examine why highly trained CI professionals choose to leave, the institutional pressures that drive burnout or career transitions, and what leadership can do to build meaningful, sustainable career pathways for the next generation of professionals. The discussion also confronts gaps in CI training and education. From inconsistencies in instruction to outdated training models, the group highlights where the system falls short and why modernization is essential. They propose a more unified and standardized approach to CI education that deliberately connects foundational tradecraft, advanced specialization, and continuous professional development to better prepare the force for emerging threats. Beyond structure and policy, this episode centers on the human dimension of the profession. The panel reflects on the role of passion in sustaining long careers in a demanding field, the critical importance of mentorship, and the lessons forged through hardship, institutional friction, and innovation. Part Two continues this candid trilogy with hard-earned insights and honest dialogue about the future direction of American CI and the people responsible for carrying it forward.

In Part One of this three-part series, hosts M. Scott Sparks and Jeremy J. Clark convene a roundtable of retired U.S. Army CW5s and senior counterintelligence (CI) professionals Glenn Jones, Shawn Michaud, Mike Dye, and Traci Goodwin for an unfiltered, practitioner-level discussion on the state of U.S. counterintelligence. Drawing on decades of CI experience, the panel tackles audience questions spanning the recent rise in espionage arrests, persistent interagency friction, and the broader debate over whether the nation needs a more unified CI authority. The conversation explores the leadership tension between the NCSC and the FBI, examining statutory roles, operational equities, and the practical realities of execution versus oversight. The group also weighs in on the U.S. Army’s evolving off-base search warrant authorities, discussing what they mean for commanders, CI professionals, and joint operations. A recurring theme throughout the episode is the balance between deep technical expertise and broad institutional leadership—when specialization wins, when generalist leadership matters, and how to build both within the force. The episode closes with pragmatic “crawl, walk, run” training advice for CI practitioners and commanders alike, emphasizing disciplined fundamentals, mentorship, and operational credibility as the foundation for navigating today’s complex threat environment. This is Part One of a candid trilogy focused on hard lessons, institutional friction, and the future direction of American CI.

CI Press celebrates its 100th episode with IXN Solutions, introducing the term "Enterprise Risk Intelligence" as a clearer way to describe corporate counterintelligence. The hosts reflect on the podcast journey and explain how ERI protects enterprise value across critical infrastructure, technology, and academia. The episode covers real-world examples of insider threats and IP theft, discusses proactive vs. reactive defenses, and emphasizes training, cross-functional programs, and human-domain monitoring to anticipate risk and protect advantage.

In this episode, hosts Joe Sheridan and Jeremy Clark sit down with Dr. Trei McMullen, combat veteran, counterintelligence professional, entrepreneur, and conservative candidate for Florida State House District 2, for a discussion on the evolving role of counterintelligence at the state level. The conversation explores Florida House Bill 945 and the broader movement toward state-led counterintelligence initiatives. Drawing on his military background and private-sector experience, Dr. McMullen provides a practitioner’s perspective on how states are positioning themselves to better detect, deter, and mitigate foreign intelligence threats within their own jurisdictions. The episode also addresses national security issues with local impact, including school safety vulnerabilities, the rapid proliferation of drone technology, border-related security concerns, and the increasing necessity for synchronized counterintelligence tradecraft across federal and state partners. Throughout the discussion, the hosts examine both the promise and the complexity of decentralizing certain counterintelligence responsibilities while preserving coordination and unity of effort. This episode offers a grounded, operationally informed look at how counterintelligence is moving beyond the federal sphere and into state policy conversations, and what that shift could mean for the future of domestic security in the United States.

In this episode of CI Press, hosts Joe Sheridan and Jeremy Clark sit down with Jess Hennessey, Deputy J2 for NORAD and USNORTHCOM, for a wide-ranging conversation on today’s evolving intelligence threat environment. Hennessey traces her path from enlisted intelligence analyst to senior defense intelligence leader, offering a candid look at how adversaries are adapting, shifting from traditional cyber operations to increasingly sophisticated human-focused espionage and influence activities. The discussion explores border intelligence challenges, the complexity of integrating military services with civilian agencies, and the growing risks to U.S. critical infrastructure. The episode also highlights gaps in training, the demand for persistent ISR, and what intelligence professionals must rethink to stay ahead of adversaries operating in plain sight.

Hosts Dave Turner and Jeremy Clark sit down for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on the evolving landscape of modern counterintelligence. The discussion opens with a real-world case study, the Security Service of Ukraine’s disruption of a GRU drone attack, using it as a lens to examine how emerging technologies are reshaping intelligence threats and operational realities. The episode also traces Ken Keppler’s three-decade career across Army Military Intelligence, the FBI, ODNI/NCSC, the private banking sector, and congressional oversight, drawing out hard-earned lessons on tradecraft, leadership, and institutional change. Together, the hosts explore why drones increasingly resemble the IEDs of past conflicts, the renewed importance of offensive counterintelligence operations and human intelligence in an era of technical collection, and the persistent gaps in U.S. counterintelligence strategy. The conversation makes the case for a coherent, Intelligence Community–led national counterintelligence strategy, including discussion of the SECURE Act and its implications for reform, coordination, and accountability. The episode closes with practical, candid advice for aspiring counterintelligence professionals navigating career paths in government and beyond, what skills matter, what experience counts, and how to prepare for the next era of the CI fight

CI Press hosts Joe Sheridan and Jeremy Clark sit down with COL Dave Acosta to unpack the evolving counterintelligence fight inside today’s information battlefield. Drawing on a career spanning information operations, deception, and counterintelligence, Dave discusses the rising tempo of adversary influence activity, recent disruptions, and why countering these threats demands a true whole of government approach. The conversation explores modern challenges including AI enabled influence, deepfakes, and algorithm driven manipulation, and what they mean for defenders. The episode closes with practical takeaways for today’s CI professionals, including integrating information operations with counterintelligence, preparing for cognitive warfare, mentoring the next generation, and staying technologically fluent to detect and deter adversary campaigns. This episode offers valuable insight for intelligence professionals, defense leaders, policymakers, and anyone focused on strengthening counterintelligence, preparing for cognitive warfare, and navigating the future of the information environment.

In this episode of CI Press, Joe Sheridan and Ryan Rambo sit down with Damon Mathews, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Counterintelligence and HUMINT professional, for a candid discussion on operational tradecraft, leadership, and emerging national security risks. Damon shares his journey from enlistment to becoming a CI/HUMINT leader, recounting deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting sensitive operations across CENTCOM, and confronting insider threats, contractor infiltration, and adversary targeting within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Damon also outlines future priorities for counterintelligence professionals navigating an increasingly complex threat landscape.

Retired FBI Special Agent Brigg Barker joins CI Press to share frontline counterterrorism experience spanning the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombings, post-9/11 investigations, and years of operational work targeting extremist networks. In this episode, Brig breaks down his structured interviewing methodology (RQRD), explains how to identify stages of radicalization, and outlines the tactical roles individuals play inside terrorist cells. The discussion examines modern counterterrorism challenges, including online recruitment, lone-actor attacks, Salafi-inspired recruitment tactics, returning foreign fighters, and the national security risks tied to unvetted migration flows. Brig also provides strategic insight into why portions of Africa are emerging as potential extremist strongholds, and what intelligence professionals, security practitioners, and informed citizens can do to mitigate risk. This conversation offers practical, experience-driven insight into counterterrorism investigations, radicalization indicators, and national security threat prevention. Listeners are encouraged to read Barker’s book, The Dark Trajectory of Jihad, follow him on LinkedIn for continued analysis, and remain vigilant in reporting suspicious activity through proper authorities.

In this episode of CI Press, hosts Joe Sheridan and Jeremy Clark sit down with LTG Anthony R. Hale for an in-depth conversation on the evolution of Army intelligence and counterintelligence (CI) in an era of great power competition. Drawing on nearly four decades of service, LTG Hale provides a candid and strategic perspective on where Army CI has been, where it is headed, and what must change to remain effective against sophisticated adversaries. The discussion explores CI transformation and modernization across the Army, including early pilot programs that demonstrated the operational value of centralized CI authorities and the importance of unity of effort. LTG Hale also breaks down the significance of incorporating Title 10, Section 7377 authorities into the National Defense Authorization Act, and what this means for the future of Army CI authorities, resourcing, and operational agility. Beyond policy and structure, LTG Hale shares leadership lessons from his nearly 38-year career, insights into the integration of Army Counterintelligence Command and human intelligence, and his assessment of near-term strategic risks facing the force. He closes with practical advice for intelligence professionals on training, professional development, mentorship, and building the next generation of leaders. This episode offers valuable insight for intelligence professionals, defense leaders, policymakers, and anyone focused on the future of Army modernization and CI reform.

In this episode of CI Press, Mr. Andrew Evans, a former U.S. Army fixed-wing aviator and Director of the Army’s ISR Task Force, now the Directorate for Strategy and Transformation, joins the show to discuss his unconventional path to Pentagon leadership and his work within DAMI-ST. Evans provides a candid look at how the Army is reshaping its acquisition culture, embracing calculated risk, and institutionalizing rapid modernization to deliver real operational capability to soldiers faster and at scale. He explains why incremental change is no longer sufficient and why dismantling legacy processes is essential to maintaining overmatch. The conversation explores: • Counterintelligence and security risks associated with accelerated innovation • The transition to digital ISR, artificial intelligence at the edge, and data-driven warfare • The role of small businesses, OTAs, and non-traditional partners in Army modernization • The need to break stovepipes so the joint force can outpace near-peer and strategic adversaries Throughout the episode, Evans reinforces a soldier-first mindset and offers practical guidance for industry, technologists, and defense leaders navigating today’s rapidly evolving threat environment.

In this episode, cohosts Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo clearly differentiate counterintelligence (CI) and human intelligence (HUMINT): definitions, core purposes (CI defends inside the wire; HUMINT collects outside), tradecraft, placement vs access, and indicators of espionage like undue affluence, foreign contact, and behavioral changes. They cover practical corporate implications, insider-threat prevention, and the R3 approach — Recognize, React, Report — inviting listener feedback.   This is a replay of Episode 17, released in 2025.  

In this episode of CI Press, cohosts Ryan Rambo and Dave Turner sit down with Marine Counterintelligence veteran Dan Williams, who shares his unconventional journey from high-school dropout to a highly skilled CI, HUMINT, and technical operator supporting Marine Expeditionary Units, SEAL teams, and MARSOC. Dan recounts frontline experiences from Kabul and Mosul, breaks down how Marine CI enables special operations and interagency missions, and offers hard-earned guidance for transitioning into the commercial sector—highlighting the importance of mentorship, relationship-building, and delivering real value to employers.

In this episode of CI Press, co-hosts Ryan Rambo and Scott Sparks sit down with retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent James “Jim” Gaylord to unpack his book Chasing Chi and the landmark espionage investigation of Chi Mak. Jim walks listeners through the painstaking realities of counterintelligence work from opening an Unknown Subject (UNSUB) case and conducting trash pulls and covert entries, to securing FISA warrants and navigating complex courtroom strategy. The conversation highlights how years of disciplined tradecraft, combined with close interagency cooperation across NCIS, ICE, DOJ, and others, ultimately led to multiple espionage-related convictions. Beyond the case itself, Jim reflects on how the Chi Mak investigation changed the way Chinese espionage cases are pursued, the evolution of CI tools and charging strategies, why prosecution matters as a deterrent, and where counterintelligence efforts must focus in the years ahead.

CI Press examines the growing intersection of illicit massage businesses, human trafficking, and national security near U.S. military facilities. Experts detail how coercion, organized crime, and money laundering create vulnerabilities that jeopardize force protection and operational readiness. Listeners will learn common indicators of illicit establishments, geographic hotspots, and why awareness and reporting by service members and leaders are critical to protect victims and mitigate counterintelligence risks.

In this episode, hosts Dave Turner and Jeremy Clark sit down with CW5(R) Mike Maroney, a counterintelligence (CI) professional whose career spans five decades. Mike reflects on his journey from the Cold War era through post-9/11 operations, sharing firsthand experiences from Germany, Afghanistan, and the Gulf, along with his pivotal role in shaping CI training, doctrine, and professional standards. The conversation explores operational milestones such as recruiting sources inside Afghanistan, the impact of the Maroney Report on compromised operations, building Defensive Source Operations training, advising senior leaders, and the enduring principles of tradecraft, mentorship, and professional character that define effective CI professionals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in counterintelligence, leadership, and the lessons that only decades of service can provide.

IXN’s 2025 wrap-up examines why this year came to be known as “the year of counterintelligence,” amid growing recognition that traditional, case-by-case approaches are no longer sufficient on their own. The conversation explores the rising prominence of insider threats, persistent fragmentation across counterintelligence (CI) authorities, and the implications of legislative efforts for both government and industry. Featuring Ryan Rambo, Jeremy Clark, Scott Sparks, Joe Sheridan, and Dave Turner, the episode unpacks enduring structural challenges facing the CI enterprise, including the absence of a clearly designated CI owner, inconsistent standards across agencies, and gaps between policy intent and operational execution. The discussion also highlights emerging tools such as behavior analytics, the need for scalable training and workforce pipelines, and practical, near-term steps organizations can take to strengthen CI posture across the public and private sectors.

CI Press Podcast — Gwinn Series (Part 3 | Final) In the final episode of the Gwinn series, Mike and Leslie Gwinn come together to finish the story.  This time side by side. After hearing their individual perspectives in Parts 1 and 2, this conversation brings those narratives together, complete with good-natured debate, laughter, and differing recollections of the same moments. They poke fun at each other’s memories, compare notes on pivotal decisions, and reflect on how time, distance, and experience reshaped their understanding of events they once lived separately. Beyond the humor, Mike and Leslie speak candidly about the role of faith during the most challenging periods of their journey - when careers were uncertain, futures unclear, and resilience was tested at both the professional and personal level. They share insights on trust, perseverance, forgiveness, and what it means to rebuild, not just a career, but a life together. This final episode ties together the human and professional dimensions of counterintelligence introduced throughout the series, offering a rare look at how CI careers impact marriages, families, and identity over time. As a trilogy, the Gwinn series was intentionally different for CI Press. It’s a reminder that behind every mission, deployment, and clearance decision are people navigating sacrifice, purpose, and commitment often in ways never captured in official histories. Sometimes the most valuable lessons in counterintelligence aren’t found in doctrine or case studies, but in the lived experiences of those who carried the mission home with them.

CI Press Podcast — Gwinn Series (Part 2) Following yesterday’s episode from Leslie Gwinn’s perspective, Part 2 of the CI Press Gwinn series turns to the other side of the story. In this episode, Mike Gwinn shares his journey through military intelligence and counterintelligence covering early career development, deployments to Kosovo and Iraq, a significant career setback that led to discharge, and his determined return to service through the National Guard and U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). Where Part 1 explored the family impact of the counterintelligence life, Part Two examines the professional pressures behind it: leadership under stress, identity after failure, resilience in the face of career disruption, and the long road of rebuilding trust and purpose. Mike also reflects on how counterintelligence work evolved over two decades, and what those changes meant for those doing the job on the ground both in uniform and beyond it. Together, Parts 1 and 2 set the stage for the final episode, where Leslie and Mike come together to compare perspectives, lessons learned, and the realities of navigating a CI career as a team.

CI Press Podcast — Special 3-Part Series (Part 1) This episode marks the beginning of a special three-part CI Press series - one that steps slightly outside our usual analytic lane to tell a story that’s just as central to the counterintelligence profession. In Part 1, Leslie Gwinn shares her personal CI journey at Fort Huachuca and Korea to life as the spouse of an Army counterintelligence agent. She offers a candid look at the realities behind the mission - training pipelines, deployments, constant transitions, and the quiet sacrifices made far from briefing rooms and secure facilities. Leslie’s story isn’t about tradecraft or threat actors. It’s about the human dimension of counterintelligence: family decisions, resilience, missed moments, and the hard choices that shape both careers and marriages in this line of work. This episode is intentionally different. As we head into Christmas, we wanted to pause and reflect on the people who stand beside CI professionals - the partners and families whose support makes the mission possible, even when the cost is high. Part 2 will feature Mike Gwinn’s perspective, followed by Part 3, where Leslie and Mike come together to compare notes, experiences, and lessons learned from both sides of the CI life. Sometimes the most important stories aren’t classified, but they are rarely told.

Hosts Dave Turner and Jeremy Clark sit down with Nick Eftimiadis, a former CIA, DSS, and DIA intelligence professional and current Penn State professor, for an in-depth conversation on the strategic depth and persistence of Chinese intelligence operations. Drawing on decades of operational and academic experience, Eftimiadis breaks down how the Chinese Communist Party leverages espionage, influence operations, and talent acquisition to advance long-term national objectives. The episode explores the growing counterintelligence risks within U.S. academia and industry, the vulnerabilities surrounding emerging and critical technologies, and why the United States needs a cohesive, whole-of-government counterintelligence strategy to compete effectively. The discussion also examines China’s use of the Belt and Road Initiative as a tool of geopolitical influence, escalating cross-strait tensions with Taiwan, and the implications for U.S. national security. Listeners will gain practical, actionable insights tailored for counterintelligence, security, and insider-threat professionals, including how to shift from reactive defenses to proactive and offensive CI postures in an era of strategic competition.

In this episode, Ryan Rambo and Jeremy Clark sit down with Mike Parrott to discuss his 24-plus year military career and transition into counterintelligence. Mike shares firsthand experiences from multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, where he helped build, lead, and mature counterintelligence teams operating in complex and high-threat environments. The conversation explores real-world approaches to identifying and mitigating insider threats, developing proactive CI operations, and translating operational lessons into effective training programs. Mike also discusses his work creating counterintelligence education for special operations forces and academic audiences, emphasizing the value of sound tradecraft, adaptability, and interagency collaboration. Throughout the episode, Mike offers practical insights on career management, leadership, and professional development, along with lessons learned from decades of operational and instructional experience. This episode provides valuable perspective for intelligence professionals, SOF operators, and anyone interested in the evolving role of counterintelligence in modern conflict.

Hosts Joe Sheridan and Jeremy Clark sit down with Kirstin Purcell of Handshake & Heels to help transitioning service members and veterans navigate resume rewrites, LinkedIn optimization, and smart networking. Kirstin breaks down how to transform lengthy military CVs into focused two-page resumes, leverage keywords and AI effectively, and ensure your online presence aligns with your applications while safeguarding sensitive information. Key takeaways include: Tailor every resume to the specific role. Keep your LinkedIn profile aligned with your resume. Emphasize KPIs, quantifiable impact, and tenure. Manage social media and clearance details thoughtfully. Stay proactive with networking and recruiter outreach.

Join hosts Dave A. Turner and Jeremy J. Clark as they sit down with recently retired LTC(R) R. Lee Dale to explore his 26-year Army career and his transition into academic employee relations. Lee traces his evolution from cavalry officer to specialized counterintelligence (CI) professional with assignments across Army, NATO, DIA, and SOUTHCOM, offering candid reflections on leading CI teams and advising senior leaders. The conversation delivers practical insights on translating CI for commanders, strengthening interagency and allied partnerships, and updating theater-level plans for an era of great-power competition. Lee also weighs in on national CI reform, the need for consistent tradecraft, and the importance of clear and precise risk communication. Finally, Lee highlights how CI competencies carry into the private and academic sectors, spanning HR, compliance, insider risk, IT, and security. He also shares advice for early-career practitioners on cultivating curiosity, collaborating across disciplines, and safeguarding their credibility.

In this episode of CI Press, hosts Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo sit down with Bethany J. Redmond, a former Army intelligence officer turned counterintelligence specialist at Los Alamos National Laboratory and now a leader in corporate protective intelligence.   Bethany pulls back the curtain on her career journey and reveals how something as simple as a résumé, publication history, or travel pattern can expose insider threats and foreign influence risks. The trio dives into real-world continuous vetting, embedding security into company culture, and battle-tested hiring and interview techniques that help organizations spot vulnerabilities before they become breaches.   A must-listen for anyone in counterintelligence, security, or protective intelligence.

On this episode of CI Press, hosts Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo interview Dave Hyams of Longship Legal about aligning legal strategy with business goals to protect intellectual property - patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets - and increase company valuation. They cover practical steps for companies: auditing confidential assets, writing and enforcing policies, employee training, operational controls, incident response playbooks, and the challenges of multinational teams, NDAs, and non-competes. Dave shares his journey from big law to strategic legal advisory and offers guidance for scaling companies and founders on fractional legal support and proactive protection of what matters most.

In this episode, Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo episode introduce FSO Pros founders Thomas P. Hoshko and Danielle McKenna, exploring their journey into industrial security, the role of facility security officers, and common challenges faced by cleared contractors. The hosts and guests discuss the new partnership formed by IXN Solutions and FSO Pros, the 351X platform, the importance of integrating counterintelligence with security compliance, and plans for a future FSO/CI series to tackle insider threats and program management.

Join hosts Joe Sheridan and Jeremy Clark as they sit down with recently retired CW5(R) Traci Goodwin to explore her remarkable 38-year Army career, beginning with language school and early interrogation work and continuing through tactical deployments and senior strategic positions at the Pentagon. In this episode, Traci reflects on the evolution of counterintelligence training and tradecraft, the critical importance of full exploitation and effective collection management, and the ongoing challenges of integrating HUMINT and CI across the force. She also shares insights on mentorship, professional development, and lifelong learning, offering valuable guidance for both current and future intelligence professionals. Don't miss this opportunity to gain unique perspectives from a subject matter expert who has significantly impacted the counterintelligence community, as she reflects on her illustrious career and shares wisdom for the next generation of intelligence professionals.

CI Press explores Kevin Bryant's book "Spies on the Sidelines," revealing how espionage, tradecraft, and modern technology have shaped football from college fields to the NFL. The episode covers historical sting operations, drone surveillance, player incentives for leaking playbooks, and counterintelligence lessons teams can use to protect their game plans. Cohosts, Ryan Rambo and Scott Sparks, discuss parallels between sports espionage and corporate/government counterintelligence, offering practical takeaways about paranoia, technology awareness, and protecting critical information.

Replay:  On Part 4 of CI Press Demystifying CI Series, co‑hosts Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo explain the key difference between counterintelligence and HUMINT, then take listeners on a brisk historical tour of CI from ancient Egypt and Babylon through Troy, Greece, Rome, the Renaissance, and the Revolutionary and World Wars up to the start of the Cold War. The episode highlights recurring CI themes - deception, double agents, surveillance, sabotage prevention - and covers the rise of formal services (MI5/MI6, Pinkertons, OSS/CIA, FBI), practical tradecraft, and why protecting information remains vital today.

Join hosts Dave Turner and Jeremy Clark as they sit down with Scott Goff to explore his journey from military service to becoming a leading Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) specialist. In this episode, Scott breaks down what TSCM is, why it’s critical for both government and corporate security, and how proactive analysis combined with technical expertise can detect, neutralize, and even exploit espionage threats.  Scott shares career highlights, lessons learned across assignments with the Pentagon, NATO, SOCOM, and DOE, and practical advice for those considering a career in TSCM. Tune in for an inside look at the intersection of technology, tradecraft, and counterintelligence, and hear how Scott’s story illustrates the evolving landscape of modern security operations.

Replay.  In this episode, Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo explain the five core functions:  investigations, operations, collections, analysis & production, and technical/functional services.  They also discuss how leads are generated, the importance of least-intrusive methods, and the roles of standing investigative authority, analysts, and supporting specialists like TSCM and psychologists. Jeremy and Ryan also discuss expanding the model to include dedicated cybersecurity and S&T functions, historical examples of operational tradecraft, and practical advice for corporate and government CI programs. Learn how CI protects people, technology, and critical infrastructure, and how professionals should build full-spectrum programs that integrate all functions to identify and neutralize threats.

In this episode, newly retired Mark Dupont joins hosts Joe Sheridan and Jeremy Clark for a conversation tracing his journey from field artillery and JAG service to his role as Senior Intelligence Oversight Official. They explore the evolution of intelligence oversight in historical context, from the Pike and Church investigations to Executive Order 12333. Mark introduces his three-question oversight framework, Can I, May I, Should I, and examines key challenges in counterintelligence reform, including metrics, prioritization, and multi-discipline integration. He also underscores the growing need to balance proactive defense with the protection of civil liberties as intelligence capabilities become increasingly pervasive. In addition, Mark shares leadership insights through the SCARF model for understanding human dynamics, outlines his new leadership development initiatives, and encourages practitioners to build trust, report concerns, and pursue holistic oversight across government and industry.

Jeremy Clark, CEO and founder of IXN Solutions, shares his unexpected journey from northeast Pennsylvania to the U.S. Army and a distinguished career in counterintelligence. In this candid episode, Jeremy discusses his early life, service in the 82nd Airborne, deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, time at the Foreign Counterintelligence Activity and JCITA, and the decision to found IXN Solutions after leaving the Army. The conversation highlights key lessons in leadership, resilience, training, and the need for proactive counterintelligence in both government and corporate sectors.

CI Press, the counterintelligence podcast with your co-hosts, Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo. In this replay of Episode 4, Jeremy and Ryan break down the Leon Ding case, a Google engineer accused of exfiltrating sensitive AI-related data, tracing the timeline, tradecraft, and contact with Chinese entities. The episode highlights failures and fixes around foreign-travel reporting, H‑1B Visa dynamics, DLP and SOC processes, badge-access misuse, and practical measures companies can take to protect intellectual property. Clear, actionable lessons for security professionals, tech leaders, and anyone interested in insider threat and corporate counterintelligence.