GRP 194-Ignorance is Bold and Knowledge Reserved: A Discussion with CIA Analyst Sarah Adams

Music provided by Caspian:

GRP 193-The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled: A Discussion with former KGB Officer Jack Barsky

August 9, 2023

You can access the full episode on Apple Podcast (Apple users), or Spotify (Android users). Be sure to like, share, subscribe, and download the episodes. Thank you.

For this week's podcast, our guest is a former KGB Officer. Jack Barsky reveals his gripping story from the Cold War era. This episode takes you on a thrilling journey through the clandestine operations of the KGB, exposing the deception, sacrifice, and personal dilemmas faced by those caught in the web of espionage. From Mitrokhin's defection and role as the guardian of KGB's top-secret archives to Barsky's struggle between two worlds, this podcast offers unprecedented insights into the complexities of loyalty and the human toll of espionage. Jack gives his insights on the Ukraine conflict as well.

Main Takeaways

Life in East Germany
Recruited by the KGB
Spying inside the United States
Deceiving the KGB
Caught by the FBI
The war in Ukraine

Visit Jack Barksy's website:

www.jackbarsky.com

This episode is sponsored by 4 Patriots, a survival food company. You can visit ⁠⁠www.4patriots.com⁠⁠ and use the code RECON for 10% off your first purchase.

Connect With John Hendricks

Music provided by Caspian:

https://twitter.com/BrigadeNormande

GRP 192-Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by Striking: A discussion with Hrulf, the founder of the Norman Brigade

August 2, 2023

You can access the full episode on Apple Podcast (Apple users), or Spotify (Android users). Be sure to like, share, subscribe, and download the episodes. Thank you.

Host John Hendricks engages in a captivating conversation with Hrulf, a frontline source with firsthand experiences in the Ukrainian conflict. From the peaceful coexistence in Eastern Ukraine to the deliberate spread of misinformation, the podcast uncovers the complexities of the crisis. The involvement of international soldiers and the role of the Norman Brigade provide a compelling narrative of unity against Russian aggression. This thought-provoking discussion offers listeners a unique and insightful perspective on the Ukrainian conflict, challenging their understanding of the situation and inspiring support for the fight against injustice.

Main Takeaways

Living in Ukraine
Transforming the Norman Brigade into a combat unit
Dynamics of the Russian population
Fighting since the start of the war
International Volunteers

Follow the Norman Brigade on Twitter:

This episode is sponsored by 4 Patriots, a survival food company. You can visit ⁠⁠www.4patriots.com⁠⁠ and use the code RECON for 10% off your first purchase.

Connect With John Hendricks

Music provided by Caspian:

https://www.understandingwar.org/

GRP 188-An Inside Look At The Institute For The Study of War with Jennifer Cafarella

June 28, 2023

You can access the full episode on Apple Podcast (Apple users), or Spotify(Android users). Be sure to like, share, subscribe, and download the episodes. Thank you.

In this podcast episode, Jennifer Cafarella, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), discusses her expertise in Syria and counter-ISIS work. The ISW focused on Syria. Over time they expanded their Russia program, recognizing Putin's intervention in Syria as part of his global strategy. ISW provides support to educate civilian leaders on military force usage. They also train and advise senior military commanders while fostering young national security talent.

The podcast highlights the attempted coup by Progozhin, leader of the Wagner Group, and the group's uncertain future. The brutality associated with Wagner, such as disturbing videos from Syria and Ukraine, is discussed. Speculation arises on potential Russian defense and leadership changes due to the coup attempt. The ISW provides daily briefs and updates on the fighting in eastern Ukraine, which I think is the best publicly available information on the war.

Main Takeaways

Analyzing the War in Syria
Building ISW's Russia program
Open Source Intelligence Collection
Geospatial Intelligence Collection
Wagner Group

Visit the Institute for the Study of War's website:

Follow Jennifer Cafarella on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JennyCafarella

This episode is sponsored by 4 Patriots, a survival food company. You can visit ⁠⁠www.4patriots.com⁠⁠ and use the code RECON for 10% off your first purchase.

Connect With John Hendricks

Music provided by Caspian:

⁠⁠www.instagram.com/igrecon ⁠⁠

GRP 176-It is better to be on the move than being still: A Conversation with Sandra Eira A Sami Native At War In Ukraine

March 29, 2023

You can access the full episode on Apple Podcast (Apple users), or Spotify, and Anchor (Android users). Be sure to like, share, subscribe, and download the episodes. Thank you.

Sandra Eira, a Norweigan Sami native and volunteer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, is my guest for this week's podcast. She worked as a fisherman in the Barents Sea for ten years which is among the most dangerous professions in the world, before serving on the Sami Parliament in northern Norway. During her four years in the Parliament, she studied for a career as a health professional.

After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she immediately traveled to Kyiv to join the fight. Upon arrival, her team was sent to Moshun to halt the Russian advance toward Kyiv. In the ensuing chaos, she was separated from her unit and believed them to be killed during the heavy fighting. This resulted in her being the only medic in a mass casualty situation. After successfully repelling the Russian advance, she reunited with her unit, and they traveled to the southern front. Her team consists of former American Special Operators giving them a wide range of skills and allowing them to rotate in and out of different battles. We discussed their roles, including time spent in Bakhmut, the difficulty of pausing your life to go to war, and much more. Tune in.

Main Takeaways

Sami Tribe
Working as a fisherman for ten years in the Barents Sea
Serving in the Sami Parliament for four years
Fighting in the battle of Moshun
Serving in the southern front
Serving in Bakhmut

Follow Sandra on all social platforms

@dirtydozeneira

This episode is sponsored by 4 Patriots, a survival food company. You can visit ⁠⁠www.4patriots.com⁠⁠ and use the code RECON for 10% off

Connect With John Hendricks

⁠⁠www.globalrecon.net⁠⁠

Music provided by Caspian:

⁠⁠www.caspian.band