Intel Focus: The Intelligence Spotlight Series

Intel Focus

The Intelligence Spotlight Series is your gateway into the OSINT, geopolitics and intelligence world . In each episode, we bring you conversations with leading investigators, journalists, academics, and experts who share their latest work, the use of OSINT tools and techniques, simplifying complex topics and knowledge sharing. Whether you're a professional in the field or just curious about how digital investigations unfold, this series gives you a front-row seat to the challenges and innovations in intelligence, media verification, and fact-checking.

  1. Why are many fact-checkers less optimistic today | Alba Tobella

    23 FEB

    Why are many fact-checkers less optimistic today | Alba Tobella

    In this episode of the Intelligent Spotlight organisation series, Viktoria Waldvogel hosts Alba Tobella, a seasoned journalist and co-founder of Verificat, Catalonia's first independent fact-checking organization. They explore how disinformation impacts democracies, the evolution of fact-checking, and the role of AI and social media in the fight against fake news.

    26 min
  2. States can know the truth, but can't show it | Kate Millar

    8 FEB

    States can know the truth, but can't show it | Kate Millar

    In this episode of Intelligence Spotlight, Qais Alamdar speaks with Kate Millar, an intelligence and communications specialist, about how modern conflict is increasingly shaped in the grey zone, where states and non-state actors pursue strategic aims while staying below the clearest legal thresholds. They unpack why attribution has become the central battleground for accountability, and why OSINT has grown from a niche practice into a public-facing tool used to close the gap between what is suspected and what can be proven. The conversation looks at the limits of international law in hybrid warfare, the difference between evidence and usable proof, and why context matters as much as verification in open-source investigations. Millar argues for a purpose-driven approach to OSINT: not just collecting material, but building narratives and evidentiary chains that can survive scrutiny and lead to consequences. She also reflects on the grassroots energy that pushed OSINT forward, particularly as trust in traditional institutions has frayed, and closes with thoughts on where the field is heading and what keeps practitioners committed to difficult work. Note: Intel Focus is run entirely by volunteers. If you’d like to support our work, contact us at info@intelfocus.org

    43 min
  3. I wanted to be brave in 2026, and going freelance was part of that. | Gergana Krasteva

    1 FEB

    I wanted to be brave in 2026, and going freelance was part of that. | Gergana Krasteva

    In this episode of Intelligence Spotlight, host Qais Alamdar speaks with Gergana Krasteva, a freelance foreign correspondent, about the evolving landscape of journalism, the challenges freelancers face, and the importance of ethics in reporting. They explore the economics of journalism, the art of storytelling, and the mental challenges reporters encounter. Gergana shares her insights on the future of journalism and the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing media environment.00:00 The Evolving Landscape of Journalism01:18 Personal Journeys in Journalism03:26 Challenges in Modern Journalism06:43 Understanding Freelance Journalism10:42 The Why Behind Journalism12:45 The Stories That Go Untold14:47 Safety and Access in Reporting17:30 Funding and Its Influence on Journalism20:52 The Art of Pitching Stories23:11 The Art of Storytelling in Journalism27:25 Adapting to New Information31:29 Navigating Ethical Challenges in Reporting34:20 The Unseen Risks of Journalism38:08 The Future of Journalism: Ethics and Adaptabilityemail: info@intelfocus.orgwebsite: www.intelfocus.org

    42 min
  4. Most People Doing OSINT Do Not Understand Intelligence | Baptiste Robert

    11 JAN

    Most People Doing OSINT Do Not Understand Intelligence | Baptiste Robert

    In this episode of the Intelligence Spotlight, Baptiste Robert, an ethical hacker and founder of Predictor Lab, discusses the nuances of hacking, the importance of ethical frameworks, and the role of open-source intelligence (OSINT) in modern investigations. He shares his journey from a grey hat hacker to an entrepreneur, emphasising the responsibilities that come with hacking skills. The discussion also covers the ethical considerations in developing investigative tools, the personal impact of working in OSINT, and the future of cybersecurity, highlighting the need for collaboration between the private and public sectors to foster innovation and skill development. Note: Intel Focus is run fully independently, voluntarily and has no revenue streams. Consider supporting us, our email: info@intelfocus.org Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Hacking: Beyond Malice 01:28 The Role of Ethical Hacking 02:00 Baptiste Robert: Journey from Hacker to Entrepreneur 09:58 The Birth of Predictor Lab 14:08 The Importance of OSINT in Investigations 17:51 Building Tools for Ethical Use 20:55 Ethical Considerations in Tool Development 30:07 The Personal Impact of OSINT Work 35:00 Mistakes Beginners Make in OSINT and Ethical Hacking 38:53 The Future of Cybersecurity and OSINT

    40 min
  5. When journalism loses funding, authoritarianism gains ground with Gemma Terés Arilla

    4 JAN

    When journalism loses funding, authoritarianism gains ground with Gemma Terés Arilla

    In this conversation, Gemma Terés Arilla discusses the challenges and lessons learned in independent journalism, particularly in the context of leadership, networking, and the impact of censorship. She emphasises the importance of local journalism in rebuilding trust and the need to break away from clichéd narratives in reporting on global issues. The discussion also touches on the role of emergency fellowships in supporting journalists at risk and the interconnectedness of global stories. You can also apply for the fully-funded Rest & Resilience Fellowship announced by Taz Panter Foundation, the deadline is January 15, 2026: https://taz.de/taz-panter-stiftung/rest-resilience-fellowship/!v=2c0b2d3c-7081-46a5-9256-f9fb6ebf81f2/ Note: Intel Focus is run fully independently, voluntarily and has no revenue streams. Consider supporting us, our email: info@intelfocus.org

    37 min
  6. How Fact Checkers Fight Back with Alice Echtermann

    02/12/2025

    How Fact Checkers Fight Back with Alice Echtermann

    In this episode, Qais Alamdar and Alice Echtermann explore the pressing issue of disinformation, particularly in the context of Germany. They discuss the evolving landscape of misinformation, the challenges faced by fact-checkers, and the role of technology, especially AI, in exacerbating these issues. Alice shares insights from her work in investigating scams related to humanitarian crises, emphasizing the need for media literacy and the shared responsibility of platforms, journalists, and the public in combating disinformation. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of fact-checking and the importance of critical thinking in the digital age. 00:00 The Impact of Disinformation 03:16 Awareness vs. Capability in Spotting Disinformation 06:00 Emerging Threats in the Age of AI 10:15 Challenges in Fact-Checking Today 11:24 Shared Responsibility in Information Dissemination 14:15 Strengthening Media Literacy and Journalism 16:31 Investigating the Gaza Donation Scam 20:23 The Complexity of Humanitarian Scams 25:03 Identifying Red Flags in Donations 28:12 Balancing Empathy with Verification 32:37 Teaching Media Literacy to Younger Audiences

    35 min
  7. This Is The Invisible War We Are All Losing, Daniel Iriarte Explains

    14/10/2025

    This Is The Invisible War We Are All Losing, Daniel Iriarte Explains

    In this episode of the Intelligence Spotlight, host Qais Alamdar and guest Daniel Iriarte discuss the complexities of modern warfare, focusing on cognitive warfare and the manipulation of information. They discuss how the battlefield has shifted from physical confrontations to the realm of perception and belief, emphasizing the role of disinformation and propaganda in shaping public opinion. The discussion highlights the emotional impact of misinformation, the rise of AI in creating deepfakes, and the importance of education and awareness in combating these challenges. They also explore the responsibilities of newsrooms in crisis situations and the philosophical implications of truth in the age of disinformation. 00:00 The Evolution of Warfare: From Steel to Signals 02:43 Cognitive Warfare: The New Battlefield 05:15 Understanding Cognitive Walls and Their Impact 07:42 The Shift from Propaganda to Cognitive Warfare 10:28 The Role of Emotion in Information Warfare 13:17 Perception vs. Reality: The Power of Belief 15:44 The Psychological Toll of Analyzing Disinformation 18:39 The Future of Disinformation: AI and Deepfakes 22:41 The Impact of Disinformation in Politics 24:47 Artificial Intelligence and Micro-Targeting 27:16 Public Awareness and Adaptation to Disinformation 29:49 The Speed of Information and Misinformation 34:25 Educational Approaches to Combat Disinformation 37:04 Navigating Deep Fakes in Journalism 42:48 The Nature of Truth and Conspiracy Theories Note: We operate fully independently and voluntarily. Support us: info@intelfocus.org

    47 min
  8. The Biggest Lie You’ve Been Told About the Dark Web, Shay Maman Explains

    15/09/2025

    The Biggest Lie You’ve Been Told About the Dark Web, Shay Maman Explains

    In this episode, host Qais Alamdar talks with Shay Maman, a senior intelligence researcher, about the hidden parts of the internet, including the deep web and dark web. Shay shares his journey into cybersecurity, the unexpected faces behind cybercrime, and the tactics used for online radicalization. The discussion also covers the resilience of illicit online markets and the importance of open-source intelligence (OSINT) and human intelligence in combating these threats. Shay emphasizes the need for internet safety and awareness, especially among vulnerable populations like teenagers.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Intelligence and Cybersecurity02:57 Shai Mammon's Journey into Cyber Intelligence05:26 Understanding Penetration Testing07:58 Exploring the Deep Web and Dark Web10:28 The Nature of Hidden Online Spaces13:03 Profiles of Individuals in the Dark Web15:07 The Reality of Online Criminals17:39 Online Recruitment and Radicalization19:29 The Role of Social Media in Extremism19:48 The Influence of Propaganda on Youth22:21 Understanding Radicalization and Lone Wolf Attacks24:22 The Role of Algorithms in Radicalization26:29 The Resilience of Illicit Markets29:49 The Intersection of OSINT and Human Intelligence32:53 Case Studies in Cybercrime and Mistakes of Perpetrators36:28 Navigating the Internet Safely

    39 min
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About

The Intelligence Spotlight Series is your gateway into the OSINT, geopolitics and intelligence world . In each episode, we bring you conversations with leading investigators, journalists, academics, and experts who share their latest work, the use of OSINT tools and techniques, simplifying complex topics and knowledge sharing. Whether you're a professional in the field or just curious about how digital investigations unfold, this series gives you a front-row seat to the challenges and innovations in intelligence, media verification, and fact-checking.

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