Podcast
The Live Drop
Hosted by Mark Valley · EN
The Live Drop is a HUMINT experiment — long-form conversations with intelligence professionals, diplomats, historians, authors, and analysts from around the world who think seriously about information collection, espionage, geopolitics, and national security. Hosted by former Army officer and actor Mark Valley.
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18episodes
Episodes
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Jack Beaumont on Memory and the French DGSE
3w ago00:48:24Tap to summarizeJack Beaumont, a former DGSE (French external intelligence) operative, focusing on Beaumont's experiences, his writing process, and the themes of his espionage novels. Beaumont explains that his writing began as a therapeutic exercise to cope with PTSD from his intelligence work, initially not intended for publication. He emphasizes the importance of memory and meticulous detail in his novels, a habit developed from years of writing exhaustive mission reports for the DGSE, which required both objective intelligence and subjective, sensory-rich accounts. This attention to detail, including smells and sounds, shapes the immersive quality of his books.Beaumont discusses the psychological toll of intelligence work, particularly the challenge of maintaining multiple identities and the difficulty of returning to normal family life after missions. He describes how operatives often develop a 'dark side' to manipulate and recruit sources, sometimes leading to moral injury and high rates of divorce and suicide among operatives. He notes that PTSD in intelligence work is not just about trauma from danger, but also from ethical dilemmas and the manipulation or destruction of innocent lives for the sake of national security.The conversation explores the differences between the DGSE and agencies like the CIA and MI6. Beaumont highlights the French focus on human intelligence (HUMINT), rooted in the legacy of the French Resistance, as opposed to the American emphasis on technical intelligence (SIGINT, COMINT) due to larger budgets and resources. He explains the 'MICE' framework (Money, Ideology, Coercion, Ego) for recruiting sources, and the ethical complexities involved, especially when coercion or blackmail is used as a last resort. France's DGSI data sharing and reliance on Palantir software is a continuing point of debate over information sovereignty. Beaumont also touches on the use of AI in writing and intelligence. He expresses skepticism about AI's ability to replicate the nuance and authenticity of human memory and creativity, noting that AI-generated translations and narratives often lack the depth and accuracy required for his work. He uses AI only sparingly, mainly for translation assistance, and finds it inadequate for creative writing.Throughout the interview, Beaumont shares anecdotes about real-life inspirations for his characters, the challenges of translation, and the camaraderie and personal stories of his colleagues. He reflects on the enduring appeal of the Templar Knights among operatives, symbolizing a code of honor and sacrifice. The discussion provides a rare, candid insight into the realities of modern espionage, the personal costs of intelligence work, and the evolving threats and ethical questions facing those in the field today.The Frenchman, Jack BeaumontDark Arena, Jack BeaumontBelmondo's Le Professionelmarkvalley.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Shawnna Morris and the Glamorous Cambridge Five
Nov 1200:57:20Tap to summarizeIn this interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with a Cold War expert--Shawnna Morris--about her fascinating book on the Cambridge Five spy ring. We talked about how her book has been received both in the UK and the US, and she shared some insights into the cultural attitudes around this famous espionage group. Shauna guided me through the recruitment storyline, explaining how Philby, McLean, Burgess, Blunt, and Cairncross became Soviet spies, and the social dynamics that let them operate undetected for so long. We explored the complicated personalities of each member—especially Philby’s evolution from idealist to, uhm, sociopath, and the betrayals that marked their personal lives. We also discussed how the legacy of the Cambridge Five continues to influence not just intelligence services, but also the way the story is told in books, films, and archives over time. Shauna reflected on the moral ambiguity at the heart of their actions and how new information continues to shift the narrative. Finally, she shared her excitement about her next project: a book focusing on extraordinary women in Cold War history. Websites:https://coldwarhistoryblog.com/https://coldwarbookreviews.wordpress.com/https://shawnnamorris.com/Here are her socials:https://www.facebook.com/CambridgeSpyRing/https://www.facebook.com/coldwarhistoryblog/https://www.facebook.com/ShawnnaMorrisAuthor/https://www.instagram.com/thecambridgespyring/https://www.instagram.com/coldwarhistoryblog/https://www.instagram.com/shawnnamorrisauthor/https://x.com/CambridgeSpiesThe book is available at Pen and Sword https://www.penandswordbooks.com/9781036108687/the-cambridge-spy-ring/and all major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.References:Films about the Cambridge Five across the decades...Philby, Burgess, and MacLean (1977)Blunt (1983) An Englishman Abroad (1987)A Spy Among Friends (2022) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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James Stejskal: Author, Soldier, Snake-eater, Spy
Oct 700:41:56Tap to summarizeThis episode of The Live Drop, I talk with James Stejskal — a former U.S. Army Special Forces operator from Detachment “A” in Cold War Berlin who later worked in intelligence before turning to history and fiction. He’s the author of Special Forces Berlin and the Snake Eater Chronicles, and his latest books — The Ratcatcher and The Berlin Spy Guide — bring that same mix of lived experience and deep research. We dig into The Ratcatcher, a Berlin spy novel that fuses counterintelligence, crime, and military thriller — following the murder of a CI officer and the hunt for a U.S. traitor--the premise of which comes from a real case buried deep in the Stasi files. James talks about class and culture inside Cold War espionage — Ivy League analysts versus scrappy gumshoe operators — and what it really took to recruit sources behind the Wall. We also get into his research adventures in the archives, Berlin’s Cold War landmarks including a McDonalds, and how today’s Russia mirrors old Soviet tactics through imperial nostalgia and opportunism abroad.James StejskalBerlin Spy GuideRatcatcher of Berlin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Thomas Maier Reveals the Invisible Spy
Apr 8, 202500:36:24Tap to summarize Episode 73 – The Invisible Spy: Ernest Cuneo and the Secret Machinations of American PowerThis episode visits the untold life of Ernest Cuneo—a professional football player turned journalist, turned presidential fixer, turned invisible architect of wartime espionage. Before the CIA existed, Cuneo was already moving between the White House, British intelligence at Rockefeller Center, and the most powerful media outlets in the country. He leaked, spun, and buried stories. He brokered quiet alliances. He coordinated sabotage, propaganda, and double agents—then slipped back into obscurity.Thomas Maier returns to The Live Drop to talk about his riveting new biography, The Invisible Spy, and the life of the man who helped shape the American intelligence apparatus from the shadows. We follow Cuneo from gridiron glory to Roosevelt’s secret inner circle, through the propaganda wars of WWII and into the paranoia of the Cold War. Along the way, we explore the cost of silence, the lure of anonymity, and how one man’s life reflected—and manipulated—the American century.Wall Street Journal Review, Edward Kosnerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAtLXsh4sEghttp://www.thomasmaierbooks.com/The Invisible Spy: Churchill's Rockefeller Center Spy Ring and America’s First Secret Agent of World War II My Substack: Propaganda Lessons from WWII, Mark Valley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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John Lechner Unveils The Wagner Group
Apr 1, 202500:58:40Tap to summarizeAuthor John Lechner talks about his powerful new book, Death Is Our Business, a definitive investigation into Russia’s notorious private military company, the Wagner Group. With firsthand accounts, OSINT research, and a historian’s depth, Lechner traces Wagner’s evolution from covert operators in Ukraine to global players in Syria, Africa, and beyond.The book opens with “Soldiers,” detailing Wagner’s early operations in Eastern Ukraine. The group’s early adoption of hybrid warfare tactics positioned Wagner as a deniable but essential extension of Russian force projection. Lechner highlights Wagner recruits—ex-soldiers, nationalists, and opportunists drawn to war by a mix of belief, desperation, and the promise of belonging.In “Oil Men,” Lechner shifts focus to Wagner’s economic logic. From Syrian gas fields to African gold mines, Wagner leveraged military victories into lucrative contracts. The group effectively bankrolled itself through resource extraction deals, revealing how war and profit became indistinguishable in modern mercenary operations.“Diplomats” explores Wagner’s expansion into the political sphere, particularly in fragile African states. Wagner’s combination of intimidation, diplomacy, and military threat reveals a new kind of state actor: both official and deniable.In “Mercenaries,”The chapter compares Wagner to other modern paramilitary forces and underscores the absence of clear international frameworks for accountability. Wagner’s involvement in human rights abuses and alleged war crimes raise urgent legal and ethical questions about the future of privatized warfare.“Liberators” looks at Wagner’s self-image. The group often justified its operations in Africa and the Middle East as counter-terrorism or anti-insurgency efforts. But beneath the liberation narrative, Lechner uncovers a darker story of extrajudicial killings, systemic abuse, and economic exploitation.In “Heroes,” we get a rare look inside Wagner’s culture. Through interviews and leaked materials, Lechner reveals the motivations behind joining Wagner: nationalism, anti-Western sentiment, pay, and the desire for camaraderie. The chapter explores Wagner’s internal mythmaking—how it crafts a heroic, loyalist identity for its fighters.“Traitors” Lechner chronicles the chaos, the confrontation with Moscow, and the fallout—including Prigozhin’s mysterious death in a plane crash. The group’s fate now remains in flux, with its remnants either disbanded or absorbed into Russia’s formal military apparatus.In the Conclusion, Lechner reflects on what Wagner means for the future. Private military companies are no longer niche actors—they are shaping the modern battlefield.Death is Our Business, John LechnerMy Substack: The Rise, Fall and Legacy of a Transactional Army Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Kit Turner & A Ragtag Group of Rebels Hit The Shores of Revolutionary Cuba
Mar 26, 202500:50:41Tap to summarize🎙️ The Live Drop – Episode 71: Kit Turner on the Cuban Revolution, Espionage, and Historical FictionIn this episode, I speak with former intelligence officer and historical fiction author Kit Turner, whose latest novel Children of Outer Darkness dives deep into the origins of the Cuban Revolution. What begins as a conversation about Kit’s book quickly turns into a gripping exploration of insurgency, propaganda, and the murky world of mid-century espionage.Kit shares how his background in counterinsurgency informed his portrayal of Cuba’s revolutionary figures, from Fidel Castro and Che Guevara to lesser-known but pivotal characters like Celia Sánchez and Vilma Espín. We discuss the revolution’s unlikely beginnings—a leaky yacht and a ragtag group of rebels—and the shadowy support from the CIA, GRU, and KGB during the Cold War chess match in the Caribbean.We also explore the blend of fact and fiction in Kit’s work, including his stylistic influences from Graham Greene, Eric Ambler, and John Buchan, and why historical fiction can sometimes reveal deeper truths than memoirs—especially when you're still under a CIA publication review.📚 Children of Outer Darkness is available via Warpath Press and anywhere books are sold. Illustrated with rare photos, it brings the revolution to life in a way that’s both vivid and unexpected.🔗 Learn more at kitturnerauthor.comCheck out my Substack piece based on this interview: What the Cuban Revolution Can Teach Democrats.More at https://markvalley.substack.com/📚 Books and Authors ReferencedOur Man in Havana by Graham GreeneA classic British spy novel set in pre-revolutionary Cuba. A strong influence on Kit Turner’s writing style and subject matter.The 39 Steps by John BuchanA foundational spy thriller featuring fast-paced action and a civilian protagonist pulled into global intrigue. Turner admired its momentum and structure.A Coffin for Dimitrios by Eric AmblerOne of the novels that helped shape the modern espionage thriller genre. Ambler’s morally ambiguous characters and realistic spycraft inspired Turner’s tone.In the Midst of Wars by Edward LansdaleA memoir by the legendary CIA operative involved in post-WWII counterinsurgency operations, especially in the Philippines and Vietnam. Turner cited this work while discussing how insurgencies are won or lost with people, not just weapons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Digesting Military History with Chris Petty
Jan 17, 202500:57:00Tap to summarizeMy guest is a West Point classmate of mine, Chris Petty, a retired Brigadier General. He created the book and online resource Battle Digest to fill the gap in military history education, offering concise lessons from historic battles. A former Rugby player, he emphasizes how studying history builds battlefield awareness and strategic thinking. Each digest follows a clear structure, covering strategic context, maneuvers, tactical actions, and lessons learned, making evident the principles of warfare. In this episode we discuss pivotal battles like Lexington and Concord, Yorktown, and the Alamo to show how intelligence, deception, and leadership shape outcomes. He points to examples like Washington’s Yorktown feint and the intelligence victory at Midway to stress the critical role of foresight. Reflecting on modern warfare, he emphasizes the importance of drones, intelligence, and learning from missteps in Iraq and Afghanistan. Petty argues that understanding history helps commanders recognize patterns and apply key principles like unity of command. I share a legendary Chris Petty anecdote, whose service and work combine his passion for military excellence with a drive to make military history current and accessible. 12 Battles Every American Should Know, Chris PettyBATTLEDIGEST.COM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Spycatcher Eric O'Neill Plies his Trade on Cybercrime
Aug 14, 202400:50:17Tap to summarizeEric O'Neill is a leading cybersecurity expert, former FBI operative, attorney, and founder of The Georgetown Group and NeXasure AI — which works with organizations to protect themselves against cybercriminals—whose activity on the dark web constitutes the world’s third largest economy. Eric began his career in the FBI as a “ghost” — an undercover field operative tasked to surveil foreign and domestic spies and terrorists. In 2001, he brought down the nation’s first cyberspy: Robert Hanssen, a 25-year veteran of the FBI and a notorious Russian mole. This story is featured in the critically-acclaimed movie, Breach, and Eric’s book, Gray Day…In this conversation we talk about how "there are no hackers, only spies" and how the crisis of cybercrime has been influenced by the best espionage attacks. We discuss some things you can do right not to protect yourself from cyber threats, some of what's happening on the dark web and how companies like Crowdstrike and Zscaler deploy defenses against cyberattacks. And lastly how cyber mirrors analog operations using trusted insiders and even deploys a familiar sounding tactic called 'honeytraps."Currently, Eric is currently working on his new book, The Invisible Threat: Secrets from a Spyhunter in an AI World (HarperCollins, 2025) coming out next year. Resources and Links: Gray Day, Eric O'NeillThe Invisible Threat, Eric O'Neill (advanced information)EricOneill.netThe Georgetown Grouphttps://x.com/eoneillLive Drop 69 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mafia Spies from Page to Screen with Thomas Maier
Aug 1, 202400:51:07Tap to summarizeFrom bestselling author and the producer of the hit cable series Masters of Sex, Thomas Maier, comes a true story of espionage and mobsters, based on the never-before-released JFK Files.In this episode Mark talks with author and journalist Thomas Maier about his book Mafia Spies--A fact based look at a sensational event in intelligence history when the CIA approached the mafia to assist in the assassination attempts on Cuba's dictator Fidel Castro. In the early 1960s, two top gangsters, Johnny Roselli and Sam Giancana, were hired by the CIA to kill Cuba's Communist leader, Fidel Castro, only to wind up murdered themselves amidst Congressional hearings and a national debate about the JFK assassination.Mafia Spies revolves around the outlaw friendship of these two mob buddies and their fascinating world of CIA spies, fellow Mafioso in Chicago, Cuban exile commandos in Miami, beautiful Hollywood women, famous entertainers like Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack in Las Vegas, Castro's own spies in Havana and his double agents hidden in Florida, J. Edgar Hoover's FBI snooping, and the Kennedy administration's "Get Castro" obsession in Washington.Thomas Maier is among the first to take full advantage of the National Archives' 2017-18 release of the long-withheld JFK files, many of which deal with the CIA's top secret anti-Castro operation in Florida and Cuba.Also we talk about Maier's first foray into fiction, with his new crime novel, Montauk to Manhattan, Thomas MaierFind more of Thomas Maier's work here ==> http://www.thomasmaierbooks.com/Mafia Spies - BookMafia Spies Official Trailer ==> AIRS JULY 16TH, 2024 ON PARAMOUNT PLUSSummary paraphrased from promotional materials. Live Drop 68 Thomas Maier Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Fenian Raids and a Friendly Border Threat Analysis with Phil Gurski
Jul 18, 202401:05:44Tap to summarizePhil Gurski, an author and renowned Canadian intelligence professional. Phil worked as an analyst at the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), Canada's equivalent of the NSA, and as a senior strategic analyst at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). He contributes to the Ottawa Citizen and has published six books on counter-terrorism, including his recent work, The Peaceable Kingdom: A History of Terrorism in Canada from Confederation to the Present.I interviewed Phil in an actual face to face Live Drop in the town of Russell, Ontario, where he talked about his forthcoming book on the Fenian Raids of the mid-19th century. The first terrorism threat Canada faced came from across the border from disgruntled Irish Nationalists after the American Civil War. In this wide-ranging discussion, we delve into a primer on the ramshackle but spirited Fenian Raids and explore the history of Canada, immigration along the border, Five Eyes intelligence sharing, modern terrorism threats, and the challenges facing the Canadian intelligence community at large. Turns out Canada doesn't have a CIA equivalent, nor a foreign intelligence collection mandate... only for direct threats to their national security.Phil Gurski is the CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting. You can find him on X at @borealissaves, and on his blog and website borealisthreatandrisk.comLive Drop Episode 67 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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