EP 139 | Sean Wiswesser, Ret. CIA Officer, Author - Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks. Russian Intelligence and Putin's Secret War

Bio from Sean Wiswesser's LinkedIn page:"I have spent 30 years in national security, serving with the CIA, State Department, and now in the private sector. My career has been defined by one focus: understanding foreign intelligence services and helping the U.S. and its allies stay ahead of evolving intelligence, defense, and other national security threats.

As a senior operations officer with the CIA, I led human intelligence operations worldwide — including in conflict zones and denied areas — while mentoring the next generation of intelligence professionals. I earlier served as a Foreign Service Officer with the State Department and now advise Department of Defense programs as a senior technical consultant. With professional fluency in Russian, a Top Secret/SCI clearance, and decades of interagency experience, I bring both operational depth and strategic perspective. I am published author and lecturer on Russian intelligence, espionage, and the Russian military.

My work has appeared in multiple volumes and articles, and I have a forthcoming book on Russian intelligence and espionage tradecraft (early 2026). I am a contributing writer for the CIPHER BRIEF in Washington, D.C., a leading provider of critical reporting and analysis for policymakers, defense and intelligence professionals.I frequently deliver guest lectures at universities and international forums, making complex intelligence topics accessible to students, professionals, and policymakers.

Whether helping a defense program translate operational requirements into results or discussing Russian tradecraft with a classroom, I focus on one thing — equipping people with the knowledge to anticipate threats before they become crises.If you’re seeking a speaker, writer, consultant, or advisor on issues of intelligence, espionage, or national security, I welcome the opportunity to connect"

Order your copy of his book right now: https://a.co/d/03KvHepo

Find Sean on X @Wiswesser

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

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