The CI-Press Podcast

CI Press, Episode 41: CW5(R) Shawn Michaud, from Rural Maine to US Army Chief Warrant Officer 5

Join co-hosts Ryan Rambo and Jeremy Clark as they dive deep into the remarkable story of CW5(R) Shawn Michaud, whose path from the backwoods of rural Maine led him to the top tiers of US Army counterintelligence (CI). Shawn shares how he learned and mastered the CI craft, starting with surveillance fundamentals, advancing through complex operations, and ultimately supporting combatant commanders at the highest levels of military decision-making.
Throughout his career, Shawn became known not only for his operational excellence but also for his relentless commitment to mentoring those around him. His legacy is one of quiet leadership, technical precision, and an unwavering dedication to developing the next generation of counterintelligence professionals.
Today, Shawn continues to make an impact in national security through his work at 3GIMBALS, where he brings his deep expertise and mission-first mindset to solving complex challenges in the public and private sectors.
This is more than just a career story. It’s a masterclass in perseverance, professionalism, and purpose. Don’t miss this powerful conversation!

CI Press, Episode 40: Mike Houle, Behind the Scenes with a Marine CI/HUMINT Professional

Join Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo on an insightful journey with Mike Houle, a Marine Counterintelligence and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) officer, as he shares his unique experiences from his time in the military (including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan) and the corporate sector.
Discover the challenges and stories behind his transition from a technician to a counterintelligence agent in the Marine Corps. Mike's journey offers a glimpse into the world of military counterintelligence, revealing the rigorous screening process, the intense training, and the critical roles played in high-stakes environments.
This episode provides an inside look at the fascinating and often intense world of Marine Corps CI/HUMINT.

CI Press, Episode 39: Lisa Gunning, a Counterintelligence Journey from Government to Corporate

Join Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo in a captivating episode of the CI Press podcast as they dive into the world of counterintelligence with their first female guest, Lisa Gunning.
During this episode, Lisa brings clarity and expertise as she shares her journey from a counterintelligence special agent in the Department of Defense to a leader in tech companies.
Discover her strategies for navigating corporate culture, protecting critical assets, and fostering innovation in the counterintelligence landscape.
This episode promises to enlighten listeners on the nuances of proactive counterintelligence, mentorship, and adapting in a fast-paced tech environment.
Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation full of insights and inspiration!

CI Press, Episode 38: IXN Dispatch, Discord, and Celebrating America

Join co-hosts Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo in another episode of the CI Press podcast as they explore the dynamic world of counterintelligence (CI). Discover IXN Dispatch, designed to bridge theory and frontline experience for CI professionals from government, industry, and academia. This episode delves into how IXN Dispatch serves as a digital community for sharing insights, surfacing threats, and shaping the future of the CI profession.
As America celebrates its 249th birthday, the Team give shout-outs to CI professionals and discuss the benefits of joining the IXN Dispatch and Discord communities for networking, learning, and collaboration. With contributions from Bryce Peterson, Brian Velazquez, Dave Turner, Joe Sheridan, and Scott Sparks, experience a community where mentorship and collaboration thrive within the CI realm.

CI Press, Episode 37: Shane Shook, His Journey from USAF Reconnaissance to Industry Security Leader

Join co-hosts Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo in an engaging conversation with Shane Shook, an Air Force veteran with a fascinating journey through military service, aerial reconnaissance, and a successful transition to the cybersecurity field.
In this episode, Shane shares intriguing stories from his time in the Air Force, including his language training in Arabic and his technical endeavors during Desert Storm. He also discusses overcoming challenges during his career shift to the civilian sector, eventually becoming the CTO of the First Internet Bank.
The episode further explores the evolution of cybersecurity threats, the importance of active defense strategies, and the integration of counterintelligence in corporate security. Shane's unique insights offer valuable lessons for listeners interested in military transitions and cybersecurity advancements.
Tune in for a compelling narrative that blends military experience with corporate success, emphasizing the need for proactive approaches to security threats in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

CI Press, Episode 36: Demystifying CI Part 15; From Cold War to Collapse: CI History Part 3

Join hosts Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo in a journey back through a crucial period in history, exploring the collapse of the Soviet Union from a counterintelligence perspective. This episode delves into the dynamics of espionage, key historical events, and the strategic moves that shaped the late 20th century.The discussion covers pivotal moments from the Vietnam War's conclusion to Gorbachev's reforms, the pivotal 1985's 'Year of the Spy', and the dramatic dismantling of the Berlin Wall. Tune in to gain insights into the espionage activities, intelligence reforms, and power plays that defined this transformative era.

CI Press, Episode 35: Demystifying Counterintelligence Part 14, Security vs. Counterintelligence

Join your hosts Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo in this gripping episode of CI Press, where they dive into the critical differences between security and counterintelligence. They navigate through listener Dave's suggestion to demystify how these two essential fields intersect, complement, and differ, ensuring everyone involved understands their distinct roles and responsibilities. Through vivid discussions and real-world insights, Jeremy and Ryan break down the essentials of operational security, counterintelligence, and their consequential impacts across both government and corporate sectors.
Whether safeguarding sensitive information or identifying activity from adversaries, this episode arms listeners with the knowledge to recognize threats and act decisively. Discover how foundational measures in each discipline can secure the operations of an organization, and learn why close collaboration is key to bridging intelligence gaps. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises to enhance your understanding of security's proactive stance and counterintelligence's reactive strategies.

CI Press, Episode 34: The Brian Velazquez Story; from Military Policeman to CI Legend

Join us for an inspiring episode as we dive into the remarkable career of CW4 (USA, retired) Brian Velazquez, who rose from Military Policeman to Counterintelligence Chief Warrant Officer 4. Coming from a proud family with a deep lineage of military service, his path was shaped by duty and dedication.
 
We’ll explore his gripping experiences across multiple investigative assignments, from uncovering threats to national security to leading a high-stakes counterespionage team.
 
Tune in to hear stories of resilience, leadership, and the unseen world of counterintelligence, as this soldier shares how his family’s legacy and unwavering commitment fueled his extraordinary journey.

CI Press, Episode 33: Demystifying CI Part 13; 2025, The Year of Counterintelligence

Welcome to the CI Press Podcast, where hosts Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo unpack why 2025 (marking the 40th anniversary of the Year of the Spy) is poised to be the Year of Counterintelligence. This episode explores the seismic shift of counterintelligence, once a government stronghold, now a critical strategy for businesses navigating today’s threat landscape.
 
Join Jeremy and Ryan as they break down recent espionage cases, underscoring the pressing need for robust counterintelligence programs in corporate, academic, and other sectors. They’ll dive into emerging trends in corporate espionage and reveal how integrating counterintelligence principles can fortify your organization against sophisticated threats.
 
With geopolitical tensions and technological advancements reshaping the security landscape, the hosts highlight why counterintelligence is more vital than ever for national and corporate security. Plus, as they gear up for the NCMS conference in Florida, Jeremy and Ryan invite you to stop by their booth to discover how IXN Solutions is pioneering cutting-edge tools to safeguard your assets.
Tune in for a compelling discussion that reframes counterintelligence as the cornerstone of security in 2025!

CI Press, Episode 32: From Army Dreams to Corporate CI Leader, Ryan Rambo's Unexpected Journeys

In this riveting episode of CI Press, co-hosts Jeremy Clark and Ryan Rambo find themselves on opposite sides of the mic—thanks to a clever twist. What started as a routine recording took an unexpected turn when Jeremy slyly tricked Ryan into becoming the guest. The result? An unfiltered, deeply personal conversation you won’t want to miss.
Ryan shares his journey from childhood dreams of becoming an Army Ranger, inspired by military helicopters flying over his Louisiana hometown, to the harsh realities of military life and combat deployments. He then takes us through his transformation into a leader in corporate counterintelligence, where he's driving innovation and redefining security practices.
This episode is packed with unexpected insights, moments of vulnerability, and lessons forged through resilience and dedication. Tune in as we uncover the path that shaped Ryan—and the wisdom he's passing on to the next generation of security professionals.