CI Press, Episode 126: Ted Stanich, From the EPA to Mercyhurst, Shaping the Next Generation of Intelligence Analysts

CI Press, Episode 126: Ted Stanich, From the EPA to Mercyhurst, Shaping the Next Generation of Intelligence Analysts

In this episode, Joe Sheridan and Dave Turner welcome Ted Stanich, former EPA Special Agent and current Director of Intelligence Studies at Mercyhurst University, for an in-depth conversation on the evolving role of intelligence in today's complex threat environment. Drawing on decades of experience in federal law enforcement, counterintelligence, and academia, Ted shares how intelligence capabilities can be built within organizations that have not traditionally viewed themselves as part of the intelligence community; from regulatory agencies and research institutions to private companies and critical infrastructure organizations. The discussion explores the growing importance of defensive counterintelligence, operational security for researchers and academic institutions, and the expanding role of cyber threat intelligence in protecting people, information, and innovation. Ted also explains how organizations can better identify emerging risks, develop intelligence-driven decision-making processes, and foster a culture of security without sacrificing collaboration or innovation. Beyond organizational strategy, the conversation examines how universities can prepare the next generation of intelligence professionals. Ted discusses Mercyhurst University's hands-on approach to intelligence education, emphasizing real-world analytical experience, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and partnerships that equip students for careers across government, law enforcement, the private sector, cybersecurity, and research environments. Throughout the episode, listeners will gain practical insights into recognizing potential threats, responding effectively, and knowing when and how to report concerns. Whether you're a security professional, researcher, student, or organizational leader, this episode offers actionable guidance on applying intelligence principles to modern challenges while building resilience against an increasingly diverse range of threats.

CI Press, Episode 125: The Invisible Heist, How Nations Steal American Innovation with Mike Parrott

In this episode, hosts Jeremy Clark and Mike Parrott explore the evolving world of economic espionage and the growing role nation-states play in targeting intellectual property, innovation, and strategic industries. We examine how foreign intelligence entities and state-backed actors systematically pursue trade secrets, research and development, and emerging technologies by exploiting vulnerabilities across universities, corporations, research institutions, and global supply chains. Through an analysis of high-profile espionage cases, the discussion explains the tactics used by nation-state adversaries, including cyber intrusions, insider recruitment, supply chain compromises, and academic collaboration used as a means of technology transfer. The episode also looks at historical intelligence successes such as the Farewell Dossier, illustrating how counterintelligence operations have influenced geopolitical competition and technological advantage. Beyond the history and case studies, the conversation explores the significant economic and national security consequences of state-sponsors intellectual property theft, from billions of dollars in commercial losses to the erosion of technological leadership and military competitiveness. The hosts explain how government respond through export control, foreign investment reviews conducted by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), counterintelligence investigations, and public-private partnerships designed to protect critical technologies and sensitive research. Whether you’re interested in intelligence, cybersecurity, national security, or the global competition for technological dominance, this episode provides a practical overview of how economic espionage shapes today’s strategic landscape and why protecting innovation has become a central challenge for governments and industry alike.

CI Press, Episode 124: Understanding Ubiquitous Technical Surveillance with Celia Hanley

In this episode, hosts Joseph Sheridan and Jeremy Clark sit down with retired intelligence professional Celia Hanley to explore the growing challenge of ubiquitous technical surveillance (UTS), the expanding role of biometrics, and the implications of emerging technologies for operational security. Drawing on decades of experience in the intelligence community, Celia reflects on her career and explains how today’s interconnected digital ecosystem has transformed the surveillance landscape. From commercial data aggregation and artificial intelligence to ambient RF sensing and the future impact of quantum computing, she examines how persistent digital and physical signatures can expose intelligence personnel, corporate travelers, and other high-risk individuals. The discussion also highlights practical strategies for mitigating exposure, strengthening operational security, and adapting to a world where anonymity is increasingly difficult to maintain. Celia concludes with a call for counterintelligence-driven defenses, updated training and doctrine, and a comprehensive legislative framework to address the challenges posed by UTS across both government and industry.

CI Press, Episode 123: Active Measures, How Russia Wages Modern Espionage and Information Warfare with Sean Wiswesser

In this episode, hosts Joseph Sheridan and Dave Turner sit down with former CIA operations officer Sean Wiswesser for an inside look at Russia's intelligence apparatus, including the FSB, GRU, and SVR. Drawing on decades of intelligence and counterintelligence experience, Sean breaks down how these organizations operate, where they excel, and where their failures have shaped global events. The conversation explores the evolution of active measures, cyber intrusions, and AI-enhanced information warfare, revealing how foreign adversaries are targeting governments, corporations, and democratic institutions through increasingly sophisticated influence and espionage campaigns. Beyond the geopolitical landscape, the discussion turns to practical counterintelligence challenges facing organizations today, from DCSA reporting and insider threat detection to the growing risks posed by human-enabled espionage and cognitive attacks. The discussion provides actionable insights for CEOs, security professionals, and government leaders on how to identify threats, strengthen reporting cultures, and build resilient defenses in an era of persistent foreign intelligence operations. Whether you're a security practitioner, executive leader, or simply interested in the modern intelligence battlefield, this episode delivers a timely and eye-opening examination of the threats shaping today's security environment.

CI Press, Episode 122: The Counterintelligence Referent Explained with David Stanley

Join Ryan Rambo and Jeremy Clark as they sit down with David Stanley to explore his unexpected path into the world of counterintelligence. David shares how his career developed by accident, explains the critical role of the counterintelligence referent in protecting human operations, and breaks down the key motivations that drive espionage—including money, ego, and ideology. The conversation highlights why integrity, sound judgment, and practical tradecraft remain essential skills for anyone working in the field. The discussion also examines persistent challenges in counterintelligence, including unclear ownership, training gaps, and the need for well-structured teams that combine referents, collectors, and targeters or analysts. Looking ahead, David offers insights into how artificial intelligence, evolving workplace behaviors, and modern threat environments are reshaping the future of counterintelligence and the professionals tasked with defending against insider and external threats.