The CI-Press Podcast

CI Press, Episode 51: From 13F to CI: Bryce Peterson’s Unfiltered CI Journey

Hosts Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo sit down with Bryce Peterson, the newest member of the IXN Solutions Team, to trace his path from a challenging upbringing and enlistment as a 13F, through multiple Iraq deployments, to advanced CI training and leadership roles at Fort Leavenworth and beyond. They discuss field stories, key assignments, and transitions between military, contractor, and civilian counterintelligence work.
Bryce shares practical lessons like "ask questions", "set your ego aside", "build rapport with partners", and "let intelligence drive operations" along with candid career advice and memorable moments from deployments and the classroom.

CI Press, Episode 50: IXN Fireside Chat - Your Questions, Answered

CI Press, the counterintelligence podcast hosted by Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo, marks its 50th episode with a special fireside chat featuring the team from IXN Solutions. In this milestone episode, our team of CI leaders and seasoned veterans answers listener-submitted questions and dives into the evolving landscape of counterintelligence across both government and industry.
The discussion covers critical topics such as CI training, offensive operations, privacy challenges, and the ever-present issue of knowledge transfer. Through personal stories and hard-won insights, the IXN team shares best practices for building effective CI programs, emphasizing the importance of tailored training, mentorship, and a proactive approach to protecting people, intellectual property, and national security.

CI Press, Episode 49: Laatsch Case Review: DIA Analyst Attempts to Sell Classified Secrets

Hosts Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo break down the espionage case of Nathan Vilas LAATSCH, a DIA Insider Threat specialist who tried to pass top-secret intelligence to a foreign country because of ideological opposition to the administration. The episode follows the FBI sting, the insider’s methods (handwritten notes, thumb drive, dead drop), and the arrest.
The hosts highlight implications for insider threat detection, security clearance oversight, and lessons for counterintelligence professionals and coworkers to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior.

CI Press, Episode 48: Counterintelligence Considerations for Onboarding and Offboarding Employees

In this episode of CI Press, cohosts Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo explore the pivotal role that effective employee onboarding and offboarding processes play in safeguarding organizational security from a counterintelligence perspective. We discuss why these processes are critical to mitigating insider threats, protecting sensitive information, and maintaining operational integrity.
Effective onboarding and offboarding are not just HR functions.  They are critical counterintelligence tools.
 
By prioritizing security at every stage of the employee lifecycle, organizations can reduce vulnerabilities, deter insider threats, and protect their most valuable assets.
 
Listeners are encouraged to review their organization’s processes and integrate counterintelligence principles to stay one step ahead of potential adversaries.

CI Press, Episode 47: Unveiling the Counterintelligence Evolution, From 9/11 to the Iraq Invasion

In this episode, co-hosts Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo take listeners on a deep dive through history, discussing the dramatic evolution of counterintelligence from the events leading up to 9/11 to the subsequent 2003 Iraq invasion. They dissect the failures in intelligence sharing, the significant legislative changes following the attacks, and the rise of the Department of Homeland Security. With personal anecdotes and expert insights, they explore the transformation of intelligence operations and the enduring impact of 9/11 on American security.
Jeremy and Ryan also reflect on their military experiences, sharing riveting stories from the front lines and highlighting the heroic efforts of those who served in the Global War on Terror. This episode not only revisits the challenges and decisions made during those pivotal years but also honors the bravery and resolve that defined a nation. Tune in for a powerful recounting of history and a look at how these events continue to influence counterintelligence strategies today.

CI Press, Episode 46: ODNI China Threat: From Economic Strategies to Espionage

Welcome to the latest episode of the CI Press Podcast, where host Ryan Rambo is joined by Bryce Peterson and Brian Velasquez to dive deep into the 2025 ODNI Threat Assessment, with a focus on China's emerging global influence. Following up on previous discussions about Russia, this episode explores China's complex history from the 1949 cultural revolution through its rapid rise to becoming the world's second-largest economy.
The hosts and guests engage in a lively discussion on China's strategic use of industrial growth, espionage, and educational programs to enhance its global positioning. As they navigate China's Belt and Road Initiative and economic expansion, questions arise about the implications of China's past and present actions on future geopolitical landscapes.
The episode further dives into the challenges of counteracting China's multifaceted approaches, ranging from leveraging academic networks to exploiting supply chains, to position itself as a near-peer competitor to the United States. Join the conversation as the team ponders the future ramifications of China's strategic plans, and what this might mean for global power dynamics moving into the future.

CI Press, Episode 45: Kelly Denton, Inside the Mind of a Cold War CI Legend

Join hosts Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo in this riveting episode of the CI Press podcast as they welcome Kelly Denton, a renowned figure in the counterintelligence community, for a deep dive into the exhilarating world of Cold War espionage.
Discover Kelly's journey from a young language enthusiast to a legendary CI agent targeting the Soviets and East Germans in Berlin. Uncover intriguing anecdotes and get insight into historical operations, as Kelly shares his experiences and the pivotal moments that shaped his impressive career.
Listen in as Ryan and Jeremy navigate through Kelly's tales of daring walks across Berlin, ingenious operations, and his take on the evolving field of counterintelligence.
Whether you're an espionage aficionado or new to the subject, this episode promises engaging stories and invaluable reflections from a true CI maestro.

CI Press, Episode 44: Russia - The 2025 ODNI Annual Threat Assessment

Join Ryan Rambo, alongside guest co-hosts Brian Velasquez and Bryce Peterson, as they dive into the depths of the ODNI's 2025 Annual Threat Assessment. This episode focuses on Russia, exploring its strategic objectives, espionage, influence operations, and cyber-enabled threats. Discover insights into how Russia navigates international relations, economic challenges, and its historical ties, all within the context of global intelligence operations.
Gain a deeper understanding of Russia's presence on the world stage, from the resurgence of national pride to its evolving cyber and human intelligence tactics. The discussion also covers the nation's economic resilience amid sanctions and the impact on its intelligence landscape. Whether you're interested in counterintelligence, international relations, or geopolitical strategies, this podcast offers a comprehensive overview of current and future challenges.

CI Press, Episode 43: The ODNI 2025 Annual Threat Assessment and the Counterintelligence Implications

Welcome to the CI Press Podcast, where counterintelligence professionals Ryan Rambo, along with guest co-hosts Brian Velasquez and Bryce Peterson, dive into the recently released ODNI 2025 Annual Threat Assessment. With regular host Jeremy Clark out due to client visits, our guests bring their expertise to the forefront, offering insights into future potentials and challenges from a counterintelligence perspective.
In this episode, the discussion revolves around the dynamics of counterintelligence in response to the identified threats that range from traditional geopolitical adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea to emerging issues like academic collaboration risks and the impact of advancements in quantum computing and AI on national security.
The conversation highlights the importance of breaking down silos between cybersecurity, physical security, and intelligence to adopt a proactive rather than reactive posture against threats. The hosts also consider the often-overlooked risks posed by non-state actors and the need for a secure academic environment to protect research and innovation.
This episode offers listeners a comprehensive overview of the counterintelligence landscape heading into 2025, highlighting the necessity for vigilance, innovation, and collaboration in an ever-evolving threat environment. Tune in for an engaging discussion designed to equip listeners with the knowledge to stay ahead of the curve.

CI Press, Episode 42: Demystifying CI Part 16, CI History 4

In this episode, Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo dive into a pivotal era of counterintelligence history (1992–2001).  We explore the fall of the Berlin Wall to the eve of 9/11.
 
This episode unpacks the infamous Aldrich Ames, Robert Hanssen, and Ana Montes espionage cases, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the rise of Bin Laden and Al Qaeda.
 
Join us for an in-depth look at these defining moments that shaped modern intelligence.