Answering the Call: Conversations with Practitioners

Of Seas and Soccer: Ambassador John Hennessey-Niland

Join De Shannon as he interviews Amb. John Hennessey-Niland about his career from the end of the Cold War to the rise of China, with stops in Paris, Taiwan, Palau and more!! Listen as he describes his many careers--Ambassador to Palau, Deputy Chief of Mission in Ireland and Australia, NCAA Division III soccer champion, and FIFA-registered coach. This season finale is one you don't want to miss!!

Grounded in the Skies: A Career in GEOINT with Liz Sherman

Intrigued by the world of geospatial intelligence? Join us as we sit down with Elizabeth Sherman, a leading expert in the field and a Visiting Professor of the Practice at Texas A&M University's Bush School of Government and Public Service. With a career spanning over two decades at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Elizabeth offers a firsthand look into the captivating world of GEOINT. From analyzing satellite imagery to uncovering hidden truths, she reveals the pivotal role GEOINT plays in national security, disaster relief, and even the takedown of Osama Bin Laden. In this episode, you'll discover: * The evolution of GEOINT: From light tables to cutting-edge technology, Elizabeth explores the dramatic changes in the field and the growing importance of AI.  * Real-world applications: Elizabeth shares captivating stories of how GEOINT has been used in current events, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and humanitarian crises.  * Ethical considerations: The conversation delves into the critical balance between utilizing GEOINT's capabilities and safeguarding privacy and security.  * Career insights: Elizabeth provides valuable advice for aspiring GEOINT professionals, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and a thirst for knowledge.  Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply curious about the world around us, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the power and potential of geospatial intelligence. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of this dynamic field and its impact on our world.

Former CIA Analyst Gina Bennett: Women in Intelligence Special

In this episode of the Ready Room, we are honored to host Ms. Gina Bennett, a seasoned CIA counterterrorism specialist with 34 years of experience in the Intelligence Community (IC). Ms. Bennett discusses her remarkable career, offering insights into her experience crafting early classified papers on al Qaeda and navigating the IC's transformation post-September 11th. Join us as we explore the dynamic landscape of intelligence through the lens of a true industry veteran.

CIA Museum Director Emeritus Toni Hiley: Women in Intelligence Special

Hear the story of the former Director of the CIA Museum for 20 years and speaker at the 2024 Women in Intelligence Conference, Mrs.Toni Hiley. Mrs. Hiley joins the podcast to talk about her background from her education at the University of Maryland, training at the Smithsonian Institute, and insights gained in her extensive career in the Agency.

DEA SAC Daniel Comeaux

From Police Officer to Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Houston Division, listen to the story of the Louisiana native's career in Law enforcement and his continued service to protect his country. Daniel Comeaux has served across the country for the DEA and started his career in the Oakland office in California. Since then, Mr. Comeaux has had stints in D.C, and Mississippi, and now he returns to Texas to lead the Houston division, which is responsible for 118,000 Square miles- including 645 miles of the U.S.- Mexico border. Furthermore, Mr. Comeaux sets the priorities for the field offices and focuses on targeting transnational criminal organizations, violent gangs, drug trafficking, and more. In this episode we discuss his career, the ongoing fentanyl crisis, and the DEA's plans to combat drug distribution in the future. Join us for an excellent conversation with SAC Comeaux