AFIO Podcast

In this episode, Jeffrey Rogg, PhD, Senior Fellow at the National Security Institute at the University of Florida- discuss his book The Spy & the State - The History of American Intelligence. A novel and comprehensive narrative based on original research and a new interpretation of US history, this masterful book offers a complete history of American intelligence from the Revolutionary War to the present day. We read about it in the news, wonder who is spying on us through our phones or computers, and want to know what is happening in the shadows.

 

Interview date Wednesday, 03 June 2026. Interviewer James Hughes, President Emeritus, AFIO.

In this episode, Farid Moussa, Former SES NSA Officer and VP for Business Development, Babel Street, joins us to discuss the influence of the American University of Beirut [AUB] on its role on shaping Lebanon, the region, and the political movements of the region. The Lebanese Civil War in 1975 which involved some kidnappings of official from AUB principals. It included the killing of the AUB President. Moussa recalls his teenage years in Beirut.

Interview date Friday, 29 May 2026. Interviewer James Hughes, President Emeritus, AFIO.

 

In this episode, Josh Dean—journalist, author, and podcaster—joins us to discuss his book, The Impossible Factory: The Remarkable True Story of Kelly Johnson and the Lockheed Skunk Works, America's Innovation Machine. Discover the fascinating story behind the radical innovation hub that designed some of the greatest aircraft of the 20th century and the visionary leader who made it all possible.

Interview date Thursday, 20 May 2026. Interviewer James Hughes, President Emeritus, AFIO.

In this episode, James Wolff, former British Intelligence officer, discusses his book, “Spies and Other Gods”. In this cat-and-mouse spy thriller, an anonymous whistleblower sends British Intelligence into a frenzy, threatening to reveal secrets that could bring the establishment to its knees.

 

Interview date Thursday, 30 April 2026. Interviewer James Hughes, President Emeritus, AFIO.

In this episode, Lorraine Cosgrove, former CIA Officer, discusses her book, "Still Living It Up!: Housemothers, Spies, and Soulmates". The book explores Lorraine's life at the Agency as one of the earliest women employees from the time she arrived there and her many outside - and inside - adventures throughout her life. Hiding liquor in the car under her seat at the German checkpoint…five polygraphs…traveling the world…marrying the love of her life…and so much more….

Interview date Wednesday, 24 April 2026. Interviewer James Hughes, President Emeritus, AFIO.

In this episode, Sean M. Wiswesser, former CIA Operations Officer, discusses his latest book, "Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin's Secret War". The book explores the covert world of Russian espionage and how the Russian Intelligence Services (RIS) - the SVR, GRU, and FSB, including their use of double agents, surveillance, and “street work,” honeytraps, sabotage, active measures, assassinations - operate across the globe including the tactics, tradecraft, and mindset of the RIS. And the RIS roles in the Russo-Ukraine War.

Interview date Wednesday, 25 March 2026. Interviewers Paul Hollingsworth PhD, former Senior CIA Officer and Analyst, President, AFIO, and Co-Host James Hughes, President Emeritus, AFIO.

In this episode, Leon Carroll Jr, former NCIS Special Agent discusses the "Ghosts of Sicily", set for release today April 14, 2026. The book uncovers the true story of the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) forming an alliance with the Mafia, including Charles "Lucky" Luciano, during WWII to protect U.S. waterfronts from Nazi spies and U-boats. It follows ONI agents on missions in America and Italy, involving secret meetings with criminals and undercover operations, and is the third in their Ghosts of... series.

Interview date Wednesday, 18 March 2026. Interviewer and Host AFIO President Emeritus James Hughes.

In this episode, retired CIA Clandestine Service officer and former Marine Barry Broman discusses his 2026 novel The Spy from Golden Valley. This latest historical novel continues the story from Broman’s first two novels, The Spy from Place Saint-Sulpice and The Spy from Sukhumvit Road. Protagonist CIA Case Officer and ace recruiter Richard "Rick" Blayne is back and this time as a chief of station in Rangoon, Burma. Blayne's activities mirror the life of Barry Broman who spent time in Asia as an AP photographer, later as a Marine, and then with the CIA.

Interview date Friday, 20 Feb 2026. Interviewer and Host AFIO President Emeritus James Hughes.

Part 2 of the Kim Brothers Interview. In this second episode the author, Robert Kim, and two members of the Kim Brothers family, Art and Richard Kim, talk with AFIO's James Hughes about "Victory in Shanghai: A Korean American Family’s Journey to the CIA and the Army Special Forces" This 2-part interview provides vignettes of US, Korean, Chinese history through eyes of five pre-WWII “undocumented” immigrant brothers who went on to bravely serve in US military and intelligence community. Shining light on decades of struggle, scant recognition, withheld awards, and long road to citizenship.

Interview #2 on Sunday, 02 November 2025. Host and Interviewed by James Hughes. 

 Part one of the AFIO Now interview with author Robert Kim on the Five Kim Brothers. In this episode the author, Robert Kim, and two members of the Kim Brothers family, Art and Richard Kim, talk with AFIO's James Hughes about "Victory in Shanghai: A Korean American Family’s Journey to the CIA and the Army Special Forces" This 2-part interview provides vignettes of US, Korean, Chinese history through eyes of five pre-WWII “undocumented” immigrant brothers who went on to bravely serve in US military and intelligence community. Shining light on decades of struggle, scant recognition, withheld awards, and long road to citizenship. Timely and inspiring.

Interview of Sunday, 2 November 2025. Hosted by James Hughes.