Planning a trip this summer? Before you grab your passport, listen to this episode of Common Ground where Logan, Shane, and Amandalynne break down what national security professionals know (that you probably don’t) about traveling smart in the digital age. From VPNs and travel routers to the safest way to use your credit card abroad, we’ll show you how to protect your data, devices, and digital footprint—without packing like a secret agent. Think of this as your travel security pre-flight checklist, with a few laughs and a lot of practical advice.Check out our recommended travel routers at gl-inet (note: this is not sponsored content - we just like this brand)Logan’s Travel KitShane’s Travel Kit This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sentineljournal.substack.com
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31:29
Like, Share, Subvert
In today’s digital world, your scroll isn’t just entertainment—it’s a battlefield.In this episode of Common Ground, we examine how China and Russia are leveraging social media and digital technology to manipulate perception, amplify division, and undermine American national security from the inside out.From coordinated disinformation campaigns and deepfakes to hijacked narratives and weaponized algorithms, foreign adversaries have learned that you don’t need bombs to destabilize a country—you just need control of the conversation.We break down:🔍 The difference between misinformation and disinformation🕵️♂️ Real-world case studies of foreign influence operations📱 How adversaries are using your feed to shape your beliefs🧠 The psychological impact of digital propaganda💡 What individuals, institutions, and the U.S. government can do to push backWith insight and humor, Shane, Amandalynne, and Logan explore how Americans—left, right, and center—are being played by hostile regimes online, and what it means for the future of our democracy.📲 Listen to Like, Share, Subvert now and make sure you’re not just a user—you’re an informed one.#CommonGroundPodcast #DigitalWarfare #NarrativeControl #Disinformation #CyberThreats #NationalSecurity #China #Russia #MediaLiteracy #LikeShareSubvert This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sentineljournal.substack.com
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29:45
The Great Brain Robbery
In this episode of Common Ground, we’re diving into a serious national security concern: the theft of American intellectual property and research by foreign adversaries. From advanced technology to cutting-edge academic discoveries, the Chinese Communist Party has been actively targeting U.S. universities and research labs to steal valuable intellectual property.Shane, Amandalynne, and Logan break down the Thousand Talents Program, a Chinese initiative that recruits top U.S. researchers and professors to funnel sensitive information to China, often without them even realizing it. We explore real-world examples of intellectual property theft and discuss how foreign espionage is not just an issue for the government, but a threat to the entire American innovation ecosystem.In a world where universities and businesses share ideas openly, this episode highlights the growing vulnerability of the U.S. to foreign exploitation and why securing our research and technology is more important than ever.🔁 Share this episode to spread awareness on how foreign adversaries are targeting U.S. innovation.#NationalSecurity #IntellectualProperty #ThousandTalentsProgram #Espionage #CommonGroundPodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sentineljournal.substack.com
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43:38
Special Episode: "Pink Slips and Loose Lips"
In this special episode of Common Ground, Shane, Amandalynne, and Logan dive into the counterintelligence concerns surrounding the massive federal layoffs mandated by the current administration. With thousands of federal employees being let go across agencies, including the IRS, VA, and NASA, the hosts explore how these layoffs are creating a vulnerable pool of former employees—many of whom have access to sensitive information or classified programs.These layoffs don’t just impact the individuals losing their jobs; they create a potential national security crisis as adversaries like China and Russia watch, ready to exploit the fear, uncertainty, and financial distress these former employees are experiencing. The hosts break down how these employees, already targets for foreign recruitment, may now be even more susceptible to espionage efforts.To provide insight into the psychological toll of this situation, the hosts welcome Dr. Sarah Berger, a licensed counselor and expert in occupational stress, to discuss coping strategies for laid-off federal employees and how they can maintain their mental well-being during this period of uncertainty.This episode sheds light on the intersection of economic stress, national security risks, and psychological resilience, showing why this is not just a workplace issue—it’s a matter of national importance.🎧 Subscribe & follow for more timely and critical discussions on the national security threats affecting us all. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sentineljournal.substack.com
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33:46
TikTok... And We Won't Stop!
TikTok isn’t just another social media app—it’s a national security threat, a psychological manipulation tool, and a digital addiction machine wrapped in one highly curated, highly addictive package. In this episode of Common Ground, Shane, Amandalynne, and Logan break down why both the left and the right should be able to agree that TikTok is a serious problem, even if they see the risks from different angles.From China’s National Security Law forcing ByteDance to hand over data, to TikTok’s AI-driven algorithm rewiring our brains for short-term gratification, the hosts expose how this platform is far more than just viral dances and funny cat videos. And to dig deeper into the psychological impact, they bring in Dr. Sarah Berger, a licensed professional counselor and expert in digital addiction, to explain exactly what TikTok is doing to our attention spans, impulse control, and mental health.It’s not about banning apps—it’s about understanding how foreign adversaries, big tech, and AI-driven social engineering are shaping the way we think, act, and perceive the world. Tune in, and let’s find some Common Ground. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sentineljournal.substack.com
Common Ground is a podcast by the Sentinel Research Society, a student-led group at the Institute of World Politics in Washington, DC. This podcast explores how diverse political and social ideologies in the U.S. can unite to safeguard national security and protect the American idea from foreign threats. Join us as we delve into insightful discussions and expert analyses, fostering a collaborative approach to countering challenges and ensuring a secure future for all Americans. sentineljournal.substack.com
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