In this episode, Sarah Valentine, PhD discusses her book “Decoding the Devil: Black Women Codebreakers and the Secret War Against Stalin’s Bomb”. The book tells the true story of two segregated codebreaking units racing to unlock Stalin’s atomic secrets in the face of a rapidly expanding Soviet nuclear threat at the dawn of the Cold War. It pays tribute to these little-known Black cryptologists’ critical contributions to national security during the civil rights era and offers a fresh perspective on the Cold War and American heroes of color.

Interview date Thursday, 30 July 2026. Interview conducted by AFIO Chairman Everette Jordan, former senior DOD, Treasury, Army Officer.

In this episode, Nicholas Reynolds, Col. USMCR (Ret.) and former CIA officer, discusses his book, co-authored with Katie S. Sanders, Ortiz’s War: The Allies’ Secret Weapon Against the Nazis in France. As the New York Times describes it, Ortiz’s War tells “the almost unbelievable—but entirely true—story of one of America’s most renowned warriors.” Deeply researched and deftly written, it is a remarkable story of courage, tenacity, and heroism.

Interview date Thursday, 02 July 2026. Interviewer James Hughes, President Emeritus, AFIO and a career of US Government service spanning 37 years.

In this episode, Brittany Butler, Former CIA Officer and Author, discusses her novel "The Patriot's Daughter". In the novel, she tells the story of a young woman’s quest to uncover the truth about her mother, a decorated intelligence officer accused of being a double agent for Russia. As past and present collide, the novel explores betrayal, legacy, and the cost of loyalty in the shadowy world of espionage.

Interview date Tuesday, 09 June 2026. Interviewer James Hughes, President Emeritus, AFIO and a career of US Government service spanning 37 years.

In this episode, Stephan Talty, NY Times bestselling author, discusses his newest book “The American School of Spies: The Archaeologists Who Fought the Nazis and Saved the Treasures of Ancient Greece”. The book shares how the OSS used a group of unlikely spies in Greece during World War II to fight the Nazis and protect their homeland. Led by Rodney Young, the “Greek Desk” used their knowledge and connections to hide valuable artifacts and trick the Nazis with fake ones. When these efforts were no longer enough, Greek American soldiers joined the fight against the Nazis. Overall, the book shows how intelligence, courage, and teamwork helped protect both Greece and its history.

Interview date Thursday, 28 May 2026. Interviewer Paul Hollingsworth PhD, former Senior CIA Officer and Analyst, President, AFIO and Co-Host James Hughes, President Emeritus, AFIO.

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.