Answering the Call: Conversations with Practitioners

The Ready Room
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Join members of The Ready Room at the Bush School of Government and Public Service as they interview leaders who chose to answer the call to public service. Our distinguished guests reflect on their lives and careers and discuss emerging national security and intelligence topics. We will explore why these men and women dedicated their livelihoods to serving their country, and why the next generation should follow in their footsteps. *The thoughts and ideas expressed in this podcast are not representative of Texas A&M, the Bush School, or the Intelligence Studies Program.

Episodes

  1. MAY 7

    Of Seas and Soccer: Ambassador John Hennessey-Niland

    Join De Shannon as he interviews Amb. John Hennessey-Niland about his career from the end of the Cold War to the rise of China, with stops in Paris, Taiwan, Palau and more!! Listen as he describes his many careers--Ambassador to Palau, Deputy Chief of Mission in Ireland and Australia, NCAA Division III soccer champion, and FIFA-registered coach. This season finale is one you don't want to miss!!

    51 min

  2. MAR 9

    Grounded in the Skies: A Career in GEOINT with Liz Sherman

    Intrigued by the world of geospatial intelligence? Join us as we sit down with Elizabeth Sherman, a leading expert in the field and a Visiting Professor of the Practice at Texas A&M University's Bush School of Government and Public Service. With a career spanning over two decades at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Elizabeth offers a firsthand look into the captivating world of GEOINT. From analyzing satellite imagery to uncovering hidden truths, she reveals the pivotal role GEOINT plays in national security, disaster relief, and even the takedown of Osama Bin Laden. In this episode, you'll discover: The evolution of GEOINT: From light tables to cutting-edge technology, Elizabeth explores the dramatic changes in the field and the growing importance of AI. Real-world applications: Elizabeth shares captivating stories of how GEOINT has been used in current events, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and humanitarian crises. Ethical considerations: The conversation delves into the critical balance between utilizing GEOINT's capabilities and safeguarding privacy and security. Career insights: Elizabeth provides valuable advice for aspiring GEOINT professionals, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and a thirst for knowledge. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply curious about the world around us, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the power and potential of geospatial intelligence. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of this dynamic field and its impact on our world.

    40 min

  3. 03/28/2024

    Former CIA Analyst Gina Bennett: Women in Intelligence Special

    In this episode of the Ready Room, we are honored to host Ms. Gina Bennett, a seasoned CIA counterterrorism specialist with 34 years of experience in the Intelligence Community (IC). Ms. Bennett discusses her remarkable career, offering insights into her experience crafting early classified papers on al Qaeda and navigating the IC's transformation post-September 11th. Join us as we explore the dynamic landscape of intelligence through the lens of a true industry veteran.

    34 min

  4. 03/21/2024

    CIA Museum Director Emeritus Toni Hiley: Women in Intelligence Special

    Hear the story of the former Director of the CIA Museum for 20 years and speaker at the 2024 Women in Intelligence Conference, Mrs.Toni Hiley. Mrs. Hiley joins the podcast to talk about her background from her education at the University of Maryland, training at the Smithsonian Institute, and insights gained in her extensive career in the Agency.

    17 min

  5. 01/17/2024

    DEA SAC Daniel Comeaux

    From Police Officer to Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Houston Division, listen to the story of the Louisiana native's career in Law enforcement and his continued service to protect his country. Daniel Comeaux has served across the country for the DEA and started his career in the Oakland office in California. Since then, Mr. Comeaux has had stints in D.C, and Mississippi, and now he returns to Texas to lead the Houston division, which is responsible for 118,000 Square miles- including 645 miles of the U.S.- Mexico border. Furthermore, Mr. Comeaux sets the priorities for the field offices and focuses on targeting transnational criminal organizations, violent gangs, drug trafficking, and more. In this episode we discuss his career, the ongoing fentanyl crisis, and the DEA's plans to combat drug distribution in the future. Join us for an excellent conversation with SAC Comeaux

    16 min

  6. 12/11/2023

    Mike Youngson

    Meet a man who after a long career in the United States Air Force (USAF), continues to serve our country in the Intelligence Community (IC).    Mr. Mike Youngson has served in multiple directorates within the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and primarily works with the Directorate of Operations and is very active in recruiting future DIA officers. Mr. Youngson discusses his career in the Air Force and moving over to the IC and what he’s learned from his multiple roles in the DIA and the USAF. As well as his advice to future public servants and his love for Texas A&M University and the Bush School.

    42 min

  7. 11/01/2023

    CSM(R) Heather Wells

    Meet a woman who served in the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) for nearly 15 years.  Command Sergeant Major (ret.) Heather Wells has lived a fascinating career centered around intelligence: from serving as an all-source analyst in the 94th Combat Engineer Battalion and 2nd Battalion 6th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, to aiding U.S. Special Operations missions via several key positions, she has paid the rent for our nation. Josh and Sydney sit down with CSM(R) Wells to discuss her time in the Army, plans for the future, and life advice for future public servants. They are also joined by COL(R) Matt Gill, who considers CSM(R) Wells one of his finest Army mentors.

    49 min

  8. 04/26/2023

    COL Steve Erickson

    Hear from the Chief of Logistics and Sustainment Operations Plans (J43) at NORAD and USNORTHCOM. The Chinese balloon scandal has vaulted NORAD into the center of national security conversations. COL Steve Erickson joins The Ready Room and describes what it’s like to be in the building during such a high-tempo operation. Hear COL Erickson talk about how the nature of logistics is changing as the U.S. moves away from two decades in the War on Terror and into an era of strategic competition. He also shares personal advice honed from years of leadership experience in the U.S. Army. (Episode recorded March 22, 2023)

    38 min

  9. 03/10/2023

    Ambassador Sichan Siv

    Hear one man's incredible journey from escaping Cambodia's killing fields, to serving in the upper echelons of the U.S. government.  Ambassador Sichan Siv joins The Ready Room to tell his fascinating story. A self-described “bookworm, armchair traveler, and political spectator” during his youth in Cambodia, Sichan Siv's world was turned on its head in 1975 when Pol Pot's reign of terror began. Captured and forced to perform slave labor, Siv feared that he’d be worked to death or killed. He fled to Thailand at the behest of his mother, always remembering her advice to “never give up hope!”  Beginning his new life in the United States, Siv worked his way into the White House as President George H.W. Bush's deputy assistant. From 2001 to 2006, he served as the US Ambassador to the United Nations Economic & Social Council. Sydney talks with Ambassador Siv to hear how he conquered seemingly insurmountable odds, to having such a prolific public service career. Recorded March 2, 2023.

    43 min

  10. 02/27/2023

    Captain(R) Ray Ivie

    National Defense from the cockpit to the corporate boardroom. Captain(R) Ray Ivie joins the Ready Room to discuss his college years at Texas A&M, his impressive service in the U.S. Navy as an aviator, and his extensive private sector career providing cybersecurity expertise to the DOD, Intelligence, and Homeland Defense communities. We hear Captain Ivie's thoughts on the Chinese spy balloon, how artificial intelligence and data collection is changing the nature of competition, and what motivated him to pursue public service.  Recorded on February 16, 2023.

    41 min
  11. Former Congressman Will Hurd

    11/17/2022

    Former Congressman Will Hurd

    Former Congressman Will Hurd joins the Ready Room to discuss his time as Texas A&M Student Body President, his fast-paced career as a CIA clandestine officer, and his three terms in Congress serving Texas's 23rd District. We also hear Congressman Hurd's thoughts on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the U.S.'s "new Cold War" with China, and cybersecurity.  Recorded on November 3, 2022.

    36 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Join members of The Ready Room at the Bush School of Government and Public Service as they interview leaders who chose to answer the call to public service. Our distinguished guests reflect on their lives and careers and discuss emerging national security and intelligence topics. We will explore why these men and women dedicated their livelihoods to serving their country, and why the next generation should follow in their footsteps. *The thoughts and ideas expressed in this podcast are not representative of Texas A&M, the Bush School, or the Intelligence Studies Program.

Information

  • Creator
    The Ready Room
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Ready Room