Above Average Intelligence

The DSR Network

This is Above Average Intelligence, a production of the DSR Network. Each week, host Marc Polymeropoulos is joined by leading experts from the intelligence community for expert analysis on the biggest security challenges around the world.

50 episodios

A View from Northern Europe, with former DDIS senior officer Jacob Kaarsbo
4/2/2025
47:41
On this week's episode - the final episode of Above Average Intelligence - former Danish Defense Intelligence Service senior officer Jacob Kaarsbo (@jkaarsbo.bsky.social) (@JKaarsbo) joins @mpolymer to discuss “Why Greenland?”, plus how Europe must focus now on a security regime without US leadership. Always great to hear from allied intel pros, given the huge global challenges in 2025. Tune in here. Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Call It Like You See It" - A Wide-Ranging Chat with Former PDB Briefer and Senior Intelligence Officer Beth Sanner
22/1/2025
51:53
On this week’s DSR Above Average Intelligence show, Marc (@mpolymer) is joined by Beth Sanner, former PDB briefer to President Trump and long time intelligence community senior executive. From battling imposter syndrome, the importance of building trust with principals, what CIA gets right and wrong, and the need for humility, Marc and Beth share their unique stories of time in the IC-and now in the media. Can’t miss episode! Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Will Europe Step Up on Ukraine?
13/1/2025
37:07
In the midst of an unsure America on the world stage, can and will Europe step up on Ukraine? Which countries and leaders should we hope to lead? Will there be European military forces on the ground in any peace deal? A wide ranging discussion on today’s Above Average Intelligence pod with former Portuguese Special Operations Forces NCO @Felix_Nuno. (Most importantly, he’s heavy metal and Slipknot fan, like Marc!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Goldilocks Strategy: Unpacking the Biden Legacy in Ukraine
6/1/2025
37:17
As President Biden prepares to leave office, one of the most consequential foreign policy challenges of his administration remains unresolved: the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Professor of Strategic Studies and historian Dr. Philips O’Brien joins Marc Polymeropoulos to discuss the successes and failures of Biden’s policy in Ukraine, the challenges that remain, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"It's All About the Cable" - A Chat on the Arab Spring and Espionage Novels with Best-Selling Author I.S. Berry
16/12/2024
31:39
On today’s AAI podcast, Marc is joined by I.S. Berry (@isberryauthor) of The Peacock and the Sparrow fame. They discus the current Syria crisis, life as a case officer witnessing the Arab spring, and Berry’s jump into literary super stardom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"We Defy:” A Chat with Former Green Beret Jack Murphy on his New Book Honoring the Heroes of the Special Forces Community
9/12/2024
26:57
Marc sits down with former Green Beret Jack Murphy, author of the brand-new book, "We Defy: The Lost Chapters of Special Forces History," to talk about the book and why telling these stories not only honors the greats who served our nation, but also allows the American people to have transparency on how our tax dollars are very wisely spent. Plus, a chat on the evolution of Jack’s “Teamhouse” podcast, his time at Columbia University and his subsequent writing career, and his pending deep on Havana Syndrome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trump's National Security Nominees (a Mix of "Normies" and "Crazies") at Center Stage in Washington - a Chat with the Atlantic’s Shane Harris
2/12/2024
34:42
The Atlantic’s Shane Harris (X @ shaneharris , Bluesky @shaneharris.bsky.social) joins Marc to discuss Trump’s national security picks, the view from our European intelligence partners of America at a crossroads, and Shane’s top moments over his esteemed two decade career covering national security and intelligence. Plus, Marc reveals his four commandments (hint: stop doom scrolling) of making it through this unique time period in US history! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is America Still the Bright, Shining City on the Hill?
26/11/2024
50:32
On today’s podcast, CIA veteran Ed Bogan joins @mpolymer to ponder the US intelligence community in a Trump 2.0. How do we separate signal vs noise on the national security cabinet picks, and a potential bloodletting in the US IC? Will GOP national security-minded Senators drill down on DNI nominee Tulsi Gabbard’s controversial past? Will the Senate insist on FBI background checks? Will the CIA have trouble if Gabbard is confirmed to run both unilateral and liaison operations against tough targets like Russia and Syria? Does the IC need reform? Lots of questions, no answers just yet, but a plea from Ed to keep calm and carry as we see how the chips fall. A must-listen to episode with a true hero in the US intelligence community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Can the Corporate World - and the Rest of Us - Learn a Thing or Two from Spies? with Author and Consultant Jeremy Hurewitz
21/11/2024
31:49
Corporate security consultant Jeremy Hurewitz (@Selllikeaspy) joins Marc Polymeropoulos (@mpolymer) to discuss his new book "Sell Like a Spy: the Art of Persuasion from the World of Espionage.” Jeremy discusses the power of relationships, his journey in writing the book, how active listening is a key skill - plus some very important predictions on where Juan Soto ends up (his beloved Yankees or Marc’s Red Sox?). A wonderful and positive chat that listeners will enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Election Eve Special - A Discussion with Investigative Journalist Michael Weiss
4/11/2024
51:20
On the eve of the most consequential election of our lifetime, renowned investigative journalist Michael Weiss (@Michaelweiss) joins Marc (@mpolymer) to discuss the national security arena from Ukraine to the Middle East. What are the effects on Ukraine of a Harris or Trump victory? What is Biden’s overall legacy on Ukraine? Is Biden the most pro-Israel president in US history? Plus Michael’s new pup Humphrey makes his first on air appearance. Can’t miss episode as the world watches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Above Average Intelligence

The DSR Network

50 episodios

A View from Northern Europe, with former DDIS senior officer Jacob Kaarsbo

"Call It Like You See It" - A Wide-Ranging Chat with Former PDB Briefer and Senior Intelligence Officer Beth Sanner

Will Europe Step Up on Ukraine?

The Goldilocks Strategy: Unpacking the Biden Legacy in Ukraine

"It's All About the Cable" - A Chat on the Arab Spring and Espionage Novels with Best-Selling Author I.S. Berry

"We Defy:” A Chat with Former Green Beret Jack Murphy on his New Book Honoring the Heroes of the Special Forces Community

Trump's National Security Nominees (a Mix of "Normies" and "Crazies") at Center Stage in Washington - a Chat with the Atlantic’s Shane Harris

Is America Still the Bright, Shining City on the Hill?

Can the Corporate World - and the Rest of Us - Learn a Thing or Two from Spies? with Author and Consultant Jeremy Hurewitz

Election Eve Special - A Discussion with Investigative Journalist Michael Weiss