Former CIA Spies: "The CIA Tried To Ban This Story!" We're Leaving The US by 2030!
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
In this riveting episode, former CIA operatives Andrew and Jihee Bustamante break their silence to reveal one of the most explosive intelligence operations in modern history. They detail how they were deployed to an adversarial country as part of a groundbreaking "Shadow Cell" operation to unmask a dangerous mole within the CIA's ranks (15:00). Using revolutionary tactics borrowed from terrorist cells, they built an entirely new espionage network while serving as bait to force the mole into making career-ending mistakes (39:45). Andrew shares the terrifying moment he was discovered under surveillance in an arcade (54:48), leading to a high-stakes escape sequence that reads like a thriller but represents the brutal reality of modern espionage—complete with actionable intelligence tradecraft that reveals how deeply surveillance penetrates our daily lives.
Speakers
Andrew Bustamante
Former CIA intelligence officer and nuclear missile officer (Air Force Academy), co-author of Shadow Cell. Specialized in covert operations and served as case officer before founding successful intelligence consulting business with his wife.
Jihee Bustamante
Former CIA targeter specializing in capture/kill operations during War on Terror, social work graduate who worked with torture survivors and refugees. Co-author of Shadow Cell and expert in intelligence analysis and targeting methodologies.
Steven Bartlett (Host)
Entrepreneur and host of The Diary of a CEO podcast (top business podcast globally). Former CEO and co-founder of Social Chain, investor, and bestselling author focused on high-performance insights.
Key Takeaways
Master Surveillance Detection Routes to Stay Ahead
Run predetermined routes through multiple locations when sensing a threat—look for the same person/vehicle at different locations over time. (53:27) Andrew used this CIA technique to identify multiple surveillance teams tracking him, turning potential exposure into intelligence gathering. Apply this principle in business: create systematic ways to detect market threats before they become critical.
Use Counter-Elicitation to Control Information Flow
Answer questions directly, then sit in silence—don't fill conversational gaps that others create to extract more information. (100:28) This technique works in negotiations, hostile employee situations, and any scenario where someone is probing for information you shouldn't share. Let them break the silence first.
Build Operations Using "Sticks and Bricks" Fundamentals
Strip away technology and fancy tools—return to foundational methods that actually work. (126:36) The Shadow Cell succeeded by using basic espionage principles while the US spent $8 trillion on high-tech warfare that failed. In business, don't let shiny new tools distract from proven fundamentals that drive results.
Mirror Your Counterpart to Build Unconscious Trust
Match their body language, energy level, and communication style—if they lean forward, you lean forward; if they use hand gestures, you use hand gestures. This creates subconscious alignment and makes interrogators or negotiators see you as similar to themselves rather than adversarial.
Never Delegate What You're Most Passionate About
Andrew's $730,000 mistake came from hiring an expensive executive to handle what he cared most about—his company's growth and mission. (152:06) Within three months of taking back control, the company returned to profitability. Your deepest expertise and passion can't be outsourced, especially in early-stage ventures.
Statistics & Facts
- 24% of people that listen to this podcast regularly follow us on this app. (03:48)
- During the War on Terror, the US spent $8,000,000,000,000 (8 trillion dollars) only to evacuate Afghanistan and hand it back to the same terrorist group they went in to fight. (127:00)
- According to intelligence community beliefs, in any given moment there are two penetrations of every intelligence service, meaning active moles inside CIA and other agencies. (88:58)
