A DIA employee assigned to the Insider Threat Division was just arrested for… espionage. You read that right. In this episode, we dig into how a cleared intelligence officer became a traitor, what it says about our national security posture, and why ideological drift and psychological burnout may be creating a perfect storm for more insider threats. We revisit the lessons from our “Pink Slips and Loose Lips” episode with Dr. Sarah Berger and ask the uncomfortable question: are we doing enough to protect national security professionals from becoming disillusioned and compromised?💣 Featuring sharp takes, harsh truths, and a very candid discussion about Snowden, thumb drives, and why we catch the dumb ones. 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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Clear as Static
Hosts: Shane McNeil, Amandalynne Davis, LoganTopic: The Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency (FACT) ActKey Points:- What the FACT Act actually does—and why it matters.- The growing role of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea in U.S. communications infrastructure.- Real-world cases of foreign propaganda being consumed unknowingly by U.S. personnel.- Psychological insight on generational desensitization to foreign threats (Gen Z vs. Gen X/Millennials).- The public’s low perception of risk when it comes to infrastructure and espionage.- Why a 10% threat could impact millions of Americans in an emergency—and why that should matter.- The need to separate foreign citizens from state actors in conversations about China. 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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Trust Issues
Trust in American media is collapsing. In this episode of Common Ground, Shane, Amandalynne, and Logan unpack why only 31% of Americans trust the media—and why that number drops to just 8% among Republicans. But this isn’t just about partisan media bias or bad headlines. It’s about how the 24-hour news cycle turned information into entertainment, how foreign adversaries like Russia exploit our fractured media landscape, and why Americans are left unsure of who—or what—to believe.We dive into the emotional and psychological reasons people believe certain narratives over others, the rise of deepfakes and AI-generated propaganda, and how disinformation campaigns now operate across generations, not just election cycles. Most importantly, we offer listeners a path forward: how to recognize your own biases, how to assess information critically, and how to protect yourself from narrative manipulation—without giving up on the truth entirely.Topics Covered:* Gallup stats on trust in media by party and age* The profit model of 24/7 news and the shift from reporting to entertainment* First-hand stories of how media bias plays out in real time* Russian disinformation campaigns, including AI-crafted propaganda* The emotional appeal of echo chambers and “news that feels good”* How to recognize and check your personal bias* Why trust must be earned—and how to build it againWhether you're a die-hard news junkie or completely checked out, this episode will challenge how you consume information—and who’s benefiting from your trust (or lack of it).Photo by Connor Danylenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-reading-newspaper-inside-room-2538121/ 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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Catch Flights, Not Malware
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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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
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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