AFIO Podcast

AFIO Now Presents: Stephen Mercado

In this episode retired CIA Officer and author, Stephen Mercado, shares insights from his book Japanese Spy Gear and Special Weapons: How Noborito's Scientists and Technicians Served in the Second World War and the Cold War. After World War I, Japan created the Noborito Research Institute-a secretive hub of scientists and technicians tasked with advancing both overt and covert warfare. Interview date Monday, 03 November 2025. Interviewer and Host AFIO President James Hughes.

AFIO Now Presents: Alexander Rose PhD

In this episode Alexander Rose, PhD, renowned author and historian, shares insights from his book Phantom Fleet: The Hunt for Nazi Submarine U-505 and World War II’s Most Daring Heist. The book draws on long-classified encrypted documents and intercepted German transmissions to reveal how an owlish egghead and a glory-seeking buccaneer teamed up to score the richest prize on the high seas during WWII. Interview date Tuesday, 14 October 2025. Interviewer and Host AFIO President James Hughes.

AFIO Now Presents: Bruce Henderson

Author and journalist Bruce Henderson discusses his book Midnight Flyboys: The American Bomber Crews and Allied Secret Agents Who Aided the French Resistance in World War II. The untold story of a top-secret operation in the run-up to D-Day in which American flyers and Allied spies carried out some of the most daring cloak-and-dagger operations of World War II.  Interview of Thursday, 2 October 2025. Host and Interviewer: AFIO President, James Hughes.

AFIO Now Presents: Barry Broman

Author, producer, and photographer Barry Broman on his new novel: The Spy from Sukhumvit Road. The former Marine, CIA Clandestine Service Officer, Station Chief, and Diplomat, discusses this captivating historical novel with AFIO President James Hughes. His latest historical novel continues the story from Broman’s first novel, "The Spy from Place Saint-Sulpice." Protagonist CIA Case Officer Richard “Rick” Blayne returns to Thailand to help support an anti-communist insurgency in Cambodia. Interview of Tuesday, 5 August 2025. Host and Interviewer: James Hughes, AFIO President.

AFIO Now Presents: Mark Lowenthal

Mark M. Lowenthal PhD, Former Dep Asst SecState for Intelligence, discusses his new book, "Vigilance Is Not Enough: A History of United States Intelligence" [Yale Univ Press, May 2025] with AFIO President James Hughes. The interview runs 23 minutes and includes several Q&As. Interview of Tuesday, 15 July 2025. Hosted by AFIO President James Hughes.