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NeedleStack

Authentic8
Cybersecurity
Open Source Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence
Ransomware
Open-Source Intelligence
OSINT
Counterintelligence
Cyber HUMINT
China
Intelligence Community
Dark Web
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Insider Threats
Insider Threat
Solarwinds
Five-Year Plan
Cyber Threat Intelligence
Corporate Security
Data Privacy
Intel 471

NeedleStack co-hosts interview professional open-source researchers who discuss tips, tricks and insights into the practice of digital investigative research. Whether you’re an open-source expert or aficionado, tune in to learn how to hone your skills, improve your craft and protect yourself as you search the surface, deep and dark web. From Authentic8, creators of Silo for Research. Visit authent... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes105Founded5 years ago
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Latest Episodes

Can intelligence work be serious, mission-critical—and still be fun?

In this episode of NeedleStack, hosts AJ Nash and Kacper Piwowar sit down with Cat Self, Senior Director of Adversary Research at Tidal Cyber, to explore how play, creativity, gami... more

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In this episode of NeedleStack, host AJ Nash welcomes new co-host Kacper Piwowar to tackle the growing threat of deepfakes and synthetic media. They explore how AI has made impersonation cheap and easy, with more than 100 million fake profiles on Met... more

YouTube

In this (very timely) episode of NeedleStack, host AJ Nash and guest Kevin Uniacke from Seerist discuss securing the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

They explore how intelligence professionals break down massive security chall... more

YouTube

Integrating security into our daily lives can feel overwhelming. From password management to encryption, it’s easy to feel frustrated. Robert Vamosi and AJ Nash share our experiences navigating security in our personal and professional lives. They di... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Kevin Uniacke
Director of Intelligence Programs
Seerist
Episode: Securing the 2026 FIFA World Cup: An Intel Playbook for the Biggest Event in Sports History
AJ Nash
Long-time Intel veteran, security researcher and guest on NeedleStack
Independent security professional
Episode: Alligator in the Boat
John DiMaggio
Intel expert, cyber security expert, author
Independent / formerly NSA
Episode: Navigating the Ransomware Negotiation
Matt Ashburn
Chief Customer Officer at Authentic8
Authentic8
Episode: Best Practices For Open-Source Investigations
Roman Sannikov
A world-renowned expert in cyber threat intelligence with over 30 years of experience, including undercover work for law enforcement.
Constellation Cyber LLC
Episode: Exploring the Dark Web: Myths and Realities
John K. Costello
Director of Strategic Affairs at Wirescreen, focusing on national security and public policy efforts, former Chief of Staff at the White House Office of the National Cyber Director
Wirescreen
Episode: Navigating China's Strategic Landscape
Brian Kime
Security and intelligence expert with decades of experience
Episode: Is Mass Surveillance Helping or Hindering Intelligence?
Neil Ysart
Over 40 years of operational investigative compliance experience, including 16 years in law enforcement.
Coalition of Cyber Investigators
Episode: The Rise of Citizen OSINT, and What to Do About It
Mike DeBolt
Chief Intelligence Officer at Intel 471 with over 20 years of experience in military and law enforcement.
Intel 471
Episode: What is Cyber HUMINT?

Hosts

Robert Vamosi
Co-host and host with a focus on digital investigative insights and OSINT context; draws on cybersecurity and privacy expertise.
AJ Nash
Co-host and principal presenter; specializes in security research, OSINT best practices, and practical investigations.
Matt Ashburn
Original co-host and OSINT advocate focusing on OSINT community insights and safe research practices.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 21 ratings
  • Great Info from experts

    This is an amazing resource of information for those involved in investigations and moving from the analog space to the digital space. After a career of using more traditional investigative techniques, I am new to the digital investigative environment. This is a great source of different ideas and techniques for online research. Lots of tips and great links in the official podcast notes.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Phone user 36754
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Valuable, expert-led take on digital investigations and OSINT.
Clear practical tips for investigators transitioning to digital spaces.
Positive reception of candid discussions on ethics and safety in online research.
Engaging conversations with a mix of technical depth and real-world anecdotes.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#94
Spain/Technology

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Best Practices For Open-Source Investigations
Q: Can you talk a bit about some of the key principles and best practices within the OSINT space?
Many investigations are burned by small, normalized habits that quietly link you to an investigation, and there are five big mistakes to avoid while performing OSINT.
Navigating China's Strategic Landscape
Q: What are your thoughts on the risk of Chinese students coming to the United States, learning here, and then bringing that knowledge back to their country?
While there is a risk, it is more beneficial for the U.S. to attract these talents and encourage them to start businesses here rather than limiting their access.
Navigating China's Strategic Landscape
Q: How important is it to have an Intel team and do some research in advance to find out what your risks are when doing business with Chinese organizations?
It's crucial for companies to conduct due diligence on Chinese organizations, including understanding ownership and connections to state security, to mitigate risks associated with potential espionage.
Navigating China's Strategic Landscape
Q: What are some of the unique challenges Intel investigators face when looking at China?
China has a very closed ecosystem and a controlled media environment, making open-source intelligence gathering difficult due to the Great Firewall and limited access to information.
What is GEOINT in OSINT?
Q: Can you talk a little bit about some of the use cases there?
There are many positive uses for GeoInt, including environmental monitoring and public sector applications.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About NeedleStack

What is NeedleStack about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on practical digital investigative research, with an emphasis on open-source intelligence, OSINT best practices, and the evolving landscape of online anonymity, surveillance, and cyber threats. Episodes frequently feature security researchers, intelligence professionals, and practitioners who share real-world tactics for OSINT, digital forensics, and risk management, along with thoughtful discussions on ethical considerations, policy implications, and the human element in investigations. A standout pattern is the blend of hands-on guidance (from handling digital footprints to analyzing risk) with big-picture context on geopolitics, AI's impact on intelligence, and the evolving dark web ecosystem. This mix makes it valuable ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to NeedleStack?

These podcasts share a similar audience with NeedleStack:

1. Cybersecurity Today
2. Cybersecurity Headlines
3. The Intelligence from The Economist
4. Darknet Diaries
5. SANS Internet Stormcenter Daily Cyber Security Podcast (Stormcast)

How many episodes of NeedleStack are there?

NeedleStack launched 5 years ago and published 105 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on NeedleStack?

Recent guests on NeedleStack include:

1. Kevin Uniacke
2. AJ Nash
3. John DiMaggio
4. Matt Ashburn
5. Roman Sannikov
6. John K. Costello
7. Brian Kime
8. Neil Ysart

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