🌍 As Europe navigates a rapidly shifting security landscape, nations are facing critical challenges—ranging from defense spending gaps to cyber threats, intelligence blind spots, and economic vulnerabilities. In this episode of Siren Investigates, host John Randles speaks with national security expert Andrew Borene to break down the key risks facing European countries and how they are adapting to an uncertain future.

⭐ Andrew Borene is a recognized leader in national security, intelligence, and cybersecurity, with a distinguished career spanning government, defense, and the private sector. He is the Executive Director and Global Security Leader at Flashpoint, a leading threat intelligence firm, and serves on the boards of the Special Operations Association of America and the European Marshall Center’s Partnership for Peace initiative.

⭐ Andrew has held key positions in U.S. intelligence and defense, including roles in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, as Deputy General Counsel at the Pentagon, and as a U.S. Marine Corps Military Intelligence Officer. His expertise extends to the corporate sector, where he has served in senior roles at IBM, Symantec, and LexisNexis, and was formerly the CEO of a publicly listed cybersecurity company.

⭐ A frequent commentator on global security issues, Andrew has been featured on CNN, CNBC, NBC, CBS, Fox Business, and in major publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, The New York Times, BBC, and USA Today. His deep understanding of cybersecurity, hybrid warfare, and geopolitical risk makes him a sought-after expert in the fields of defense and intelligence.

With experience in cyber threat intelligence, counterterrorism, and international security cooperation, Andrew Borene provides critical insights into the challenges shaping the future of global security.

Key Topics Covered:

🪖⚔️🛡️ Defense readiness and budget struggles – Can European nations sustain military preparedness amid constrained resources?

🥷☠️💥 Cyber and hybrid threats – The increasing risk of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure and financial systems

👩‍💻🌍👨‍✈️ Intelligence and information sharing gaps – The challenge of unifying intelligence efforts across agencies and allies

💰💼📈 Economic and energy security – The impact of shifting global policies on Europe’s financial and energy stability

⚓☠️🌍 Evolving threat landscapes – How emerging technologies and changing alliances are reshaping European security

With threats ranging from cyber warfare to intelligence fragmentation and military funding concerns, this discussion provides a deep dive into how security and defense professionals are responding. Andrew Borene shares expert insights on what’s at stake for European nations and the strategies they are deploying to protect their interests.

🎧 Don’t miss this expert analysis—Subscribe now for more insights from Siren Investigates!

Join our webinar Europe Security at a Crossroads with Andrew Borene on 9th April 2025 here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7417435821659/WN_3jbiZGmBT2OxaLFMXBnJWw

🔎 In this episode of Siren Investigates, we dive deep into online child protection and the technology that can help safeguard children from cyberbullying, grooming and harmful content. This episode of Siren Investigates focuses on online child protection and safety. Our goal is to educate and inform parents, educators, and professionals about the risks and solutions related to child exploitation online. We do not promote or condone any harmful behaviour discussed. If you or someone you know needs help, please seek professional support. 🔎 Our guest, Rena Maycock, CEO & Founder of CHIRP, shares her journey in developing AI-powered solutions to combat online child exploitation. We discuss the alarming rise of cyberbullying (40% of 12–16-year-olds encounter it), the challenges parents face, and how AI-driven intervention can protect kids in real-time. 💡 What you'll learn in this episode:

• The level of online risks: grooming, cyberbullying and self-harm content
• How CHIRP’s patented AI technology intercepts harmful messages and images
• The role of legislation in forcing Big Tech to take action
• How law enforcement can leverage real-time reporting tools to speed up investigations
• Practical tips for parents to protect their children online

🔗 More resources & links:

• Learn more about CHIRP: https://chirpfamily.com/
• Bookmark the Siren Investigates playlist: • Siren Investigates Podcast
• Cyberbullying & Child Safety Support: http://stopthebully.ie/

👍 If you found this discussion valuable, like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into investigative technology and safety. #ChildSafety #Cyberbullying #AI #SirenInvestigates #ParentalControls #OnlineSafety #childprotection

From Rugby Champion to Global Adventurer: Damian Browne with John Randles

In this episode, John Randles, CEO of Siren, sits down with Damian Browne, former professional rugby player and the first man to row across the Atlantic from New York to Galway. Browne shares his remarkable journey from team sports to extreme solo adventures, revealing how the values of trust and leadership he learned on the rugby field translated into conquering some of the world's most daunting challenges.

Damian opens up about his methodical approach to goal-setting and the power of keeping ambitions private until you're ready to pursue them. Rather than broadcasting his plans, he quietly prepared for years, saving money and researching his future adventures while still focused on his rugby career.

Listen as Damian discusses with John:

• How senior players embodied team values and created a championship culture

• His seven step guide to overcoming fear and goal setting
• Tackling the Atlantic Ocean despite minimal rowing experience and an inability to swim
• His interrupted Everest expedition during COVID-19 and plans to return
• Why he deliberately seeks out challenges that frighten him

Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or adventure enthusiast, this conversation between John and Damian offers valuable insights.