Above Average Intelligence

The DSR Network

This is Above Average Intelligence, a production of the DSR Network. Each week, host Marc Polymeropoulos is joined by leading experts from the intelligence community for expert analysis on the biggest security challenges around the world.

  1. FEB 4

    A View from Northern Europe, with former DDIS senior officer Jacob Kaarsbo

    On this week's episode - the final episode of Above Average Intelligence - former Danish Defense Intelligence Service senior officer Jacob Kaarsbo (@jkaarsbo.bsky.social) (@JKaarsbo) joins @mpolymer to discuss “Why Greenland?”, plus how Europe must focus now on a security regime without US leadership. Always great to hear from allied intel pros, given the huge global challenges in 2025. Tune in here. Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min

  2. JAN 22

    "Call It Like You See It" - A Wide-Ranging Chat with Former PDB Briefer and Senior Intelligence Officer Beth Sanner

    On this week’s DSR Above Average Intelligence show, Marc (@mpolymer) is joined by Beth Sanner, former PDB briefer to President Trump and long time intelligence community senior executive.  From battling imposter syndrome, the importance of building trust with principals, what CIA gets right and wrong, and the need for humility, Marc and Beth share their unique stories of time in the IC-and now in the media. Can’t miss episode! Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min

  3. JAN 13

    Will Europe Step Up on Ukraine?

    In the midst of an unsure America on the world stage, can and will Europe step up on Ukraine? Which countries and leaders should we hope to lead? Will there be European military forces on the ground in any peace deal? A wide ranging discussion on today’s Above Average Intelligence pod with former Portuguese Special Operations Forces NCO @Felix_Nuno. (Most importantly, he’s heavy metal and Slipknot fan, like Marc!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min

  4. JAN 6

    The Goldilocks Strategy: Unpacking the Biden Legacy in Ukraine

    As President Biden prepares to leave office, one of the most consequential foreign policy challenges of his administration remains unresolved: the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Professor of Strategic Studies and historian Dr. Philips O’Brien joins Marc Polymeropoulos to discuss the successes and failures of Biden’s policy in Ukraine, the challenges that remain, and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min

  5. 12/16/2024

    "It's All About the Cable" - A Chat on the Arab Spring and Espionage Novels with Best-Selling Author I.S. Berry

    On today’s AAI podcast, Marc is joined by I.S. Berry (@isberryauthor) of The Peacock and the Sparrow fame. They discus the current Syria crisis, life as a case officer witnessing the Arab spring, and Berry’s jump into literary super stardom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min

  6. 12/09/2024

    "We Defy:” A Chat with Former Green Beret Jack Murphy on his New Book Honoring the Heroes of the Special Forces Community

    Marc sits down with former Green Beret Jack Murphy, author of the brand-new book, "We Defy: The Lost Chapters of Special Forces History," to talk about the book and why telling these stories not only honors the greats who served our nation, but also allows the American people to have transparency on how our tax dollars are very wisely spent. Plus, a chat on the evolution of Jack’s “Teamhouse” podcast, his time at Columbia University and his subsequent writing career, and his pending deep on Havana Syndrome.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min

  7. 12/02/2024

    Trump's National Security Nominees at Center Stage in Washington - a Chat with the Atlantic’s Shane Harris

    The Atlantic’s Shane Harris (X @ shaneharris , Bluesky @shaneharris.bsky.social) joins Marc to discuss Trump’s national security picks, the view from our European intelligence partners of America at a crossroads, and Shane’s top moments over his esteemed two decade career covering national security and intelligence. Plus, Marc reveals his four commandments (hint: stop doom scrolling) of making it through this unique time period in US history! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min

  8. 11/26/2024

    Is America Still the Bright, Shining City on the Hill?

    On today’s podcast, CIA veteran Ed Bogan joins @mpolymer to ponder the US intelligence community in a Trump 2.0. How do we separate signal vs noise on the national security cabinet picks, and a potential bloodletting in the US IC? Will GOP national security-minded Senators drill down on DNI nominee Tulsi Gabbard’s controversial past? Will the Senate insist on FBI background checks? Will the CIA have trouble if Gabbard is confirmed to run both unilateral and liaison operations against tough targets like Russia and Syria? Does the IC need reform? Lots of questions, no answers just yet, but a plea from Ed to keep calm and carry as we see how the chips fall. A must-listen to episode with a true hero in the US intelligence community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
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4.2
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

This is Above Average Intelligence, a production of the DSR Network. Each week, host Marc Polymeropoulos is joined by leading experts from the intelligence community for expert analysis on the biggest security challenges around the world.

Information

  • Creator
    The DSR Network
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    383660 © 2021, The DSR Network
  • Show Website
    Above Average Intelligence